Rolex FEI World Cup Final 2013

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My Week at the World Cup Finals:

I have been looking forward to going to Gothenburg for this year’s World Cup Finals for a while, but the week itself went by very quickly!  It was a great experience and a fantastic week for Team USA.

NuNu, Glory (whom I brought to compete in the CSI division held during the World Cup), Craig, Camilla, and I made the trip to Sweden this week.  After a busy week at school, I went home to New York to ride for a day and pack.  I arrived in Gothenburg on Monday.  My mom arrived on Tuesday so she could be there when the show started.  The rest of my family, including my aunt and uncle, and my friend Chloe all came later in the week to watch.

On the plane to Sweden!

On the plane to Sweden!

NuNu enjoys his in flight snack.

NuNu enjoys his in flight snack.

The action started on Tuesday with the FEI jog that morning.  The judges at the jog recognized Glory (who is a Swedish homebred horse) – he was definitely on home territory!  I then flatted NuNu and Glory, who both felt good.  That afternoon we had a team meeting with team coach Robert Ridland.  He was very optimistic about the week ahead, both for the more experienced riders and the first-timers, including Reed Kessler, Lucy Davis, Karl Cook, and me.  Lucy and I hadn’t seen each other since showing at Valkensvaard last year, so it was great to be reunited.

NuNu and I during the jog

NuNu and I during the jog

Glory happy to be on his home turf

Glory happy to be on his home turf

We started showing on Wednesday.  NuNu jumped clear in his 1.40 warm-up class, and Glory jumped well in the 1.45 power-speed class (we had 4 faults in the speed phase, my error).  Later that day, we went to a Rider’s Meeting, where the officials discussed all the rules regarding the week of competition ahead. That night, we went to a Welcome Reception, where they drew the order for the first round on the World Cup.  I was happy to go 34th.

The first round of the World Cup, the speed leg, took place on Thursday.  The course was set at 1.50.  There were a few options regarding striding, and there was an inside turn option to a Swedish oxer, followed by a double vertical one-stride, and then another inside-turn.  The course started off nicely, with an oxer off the turn and a triple bar across the diagonal, but the last line, a vertical-oxer double off a short turn, to the tall Rolex vertical, ended up being one of the trickier parts on course.  I knew we had a good plan, but I definitely had butterflies in my stomach! NuNu warmed up well, we walked down the long ramp, and as soon as I knew it we were being announced to enter the arena.  The crowds in Gothenburg were electric.  The stadium was completely sold-out, and as we entered to loud applause, I made sure to pet NuNu on the neck and take a deep breath before picking up a gallop.  NuNu jumped great, and we were prompt throughout the course.  I think we started off a little conservatively from fence 1 to 2 to 3, but after that we picked up the pace and followed the plan.  He did the inside-turn great to the Swedish oxer, slipped right inside after the double verticals, and jumped the last line great.  We galloped through the finish timers, he let out a proud, playful buck, and we had gone clear in our first round!  We ended up 9th out of the 39 starters the first day.  I was thrilled!  To top it off, the week started off with a win for USA, brought home by Beezie Madden and Simon.  McLain also had a fantastic round on Super Trooper, and though they had a late rail on course, their fast speed landed them in 10th.

The second day of the World Cup, Friday, was a Jump-Off format.  The course was a lot bigger than Thursday.  Because the order of the class was the reverse of Thursday’s placings, McLain and I went back-to-back in the order.  While warming up myself wasn’t exactly ideal, we went over our plan beforehand and I tried to stick with that.  The course started off with two careful verticals, and I didn’t establish my pace early enough so we had two early rails.  After the second line, we picked up the pace and found our rhythm better, but we ended up with 12 faults.  I was a little disappointed with how I rode that class, but I knew what mistakes I needed to correct and with my placings from both days, I was qualified for Sunday’s Final.  There were 15 clear in the class, which, given the height of the track, was a testament to the caliber of riders and horses at the competition.  McLain, Beezie, and Reed were all in the jump-off.  Steve Guerdat and his Olympic champion Nino des Buissonnets took home the win with an amazing jump-off and a ridiculous inside-turn to one vertical.

Saturday was a day-off for the World Cup horses and featured the Gothenburg Prize Grand Prix that night.  On Saturday morning, we jogged the horses heading into the final on Sunday.  NuNu jogged well, and I flatted him afterward.  To my surprise, he was the freshest he had been all week!  I was happy that he was feeling good after two big rounds and still energetic for Sunday.  I tried to see a little bit of Gothenburg, so Chloe and I decided to take a run outside.  Our plan was aborted by freezing rain that hit when we were twenty minutes away from the hotel, and we returned to the hotel soaked!

Glory competed in the Grand Prix that night.  It was a sturdy track, and by far the biggest class we had done together. Unfortunately, I screwed up one line, but he was jumping out of his skin!  We finished up strongly though, and I felt like I figured out a few things with him on course.  Seven horses made the jump-off, including two chestnuts from the USA – the famous Flexible with Rich Fellers and Barron, Lucy’s new Grand Prix horse.  The jump-off itself was a riding lesson, as Rolf-Goran Bengtsson (the Swedish crowd favorite), Marcus Ehning, and Ludger Beerbaum delivered faster and faster rounds.  Ludger and Chaman won the trophy.  The class finished at midnight, and I went right back to the hotel to rest up for the big day ahead.

Sunday morning started with a 1.45 open jumper class that I did with Glory.  We went third in the order and had a fast, clear round.  We held the lead temporarily until Rolf mastered the course to the delight of the crowd, and Nayel Nassar was a touch faster to take 2nd.  We ended up third.  I was really happy with how Glory jumped and our progress throughout the week!  The prize giving was very exciting, as the sold-out crowd literally stomped their feet in excitement over the Swedish win.  Glory was very excited in the victory gallop.

Glory during the prize giving ceremony

Glory during the prize giving ceremony

Early that afternoon, the World Cup’s 1st round began.  I was expecting the courses to be big, but I was not expecting for so many riders to say it was one of the biggest courses they had ever jumped!  The first round was massive – most of the verticals were my height and the oxers were tall and wide.  I thought it was a good course for me and NuNu, as it started off with a long-approach to a triple bar, followed by a nice bend to an oxer, and I knew it would be a great place to set my pace for the rest of the round.  The course included a very tall vertical to vertical (both planks) one stride, a stout triple combination (oxer – vertical – oxer) and a short three stride (Liverpool oxer to liverpool vertical) to finish.  I went sixth in the order, so after walking the course, warmed up, ran back to the ring to watch the first horse go, and then finish up my warm-up.  NuNu felt really good, and I made sure that we were getting across the oxers well.  Entering the ring, we picked up a good gallop. He flew over the first two jumps and felt ready to go.  The second line was a vertical to oxer, either a bending six or seven strides.  We planned on staying out for the seven, and I ended getting to the oxer a little too early and had the front rail.  He jumped the double verticals great, did the middle of the course super, and flew through the triple combination.  I needed to pull it together a little more before heading to the last line, and so we just ticked the Swedish flag plank, but then held it together for the last two jumps.  We ended up with a score of 8 faults, but I was really happy with how we handled the course, by far the hardest one we have jumped.  There were no clear rounds over the course, with the best score being 4 faults.

My brother Michael walking the course

My brother Michael walking the course

The top 20 at that point in the competition make it to the final round.  17 elected to continue, and I went first in the order.  The USA was looking good, with Beezie in the lead and McLain standing in 3rd.  I promptly walked the course and kept our warm-up short, as NuNu had already jumped a lot.  We jumped the course well, and while I could have done parts a little better, I was thrilled with how NuNu handled the challenge.  He was fantastic all week.  We ended up sixteenth, and I was very excited to bring home a ribbon from my first World Cup Finals.

Back at the barn relaxing

Back at the barn relaxing

Our souvenir

Our souvenir

Anyway, after I was finished with my round, I got to nervously sit next to USA team manager Lizzy Chesson as we watched the remaining Americans.  Both Reed and Karl did a great job and ended up in 10th and 11th respectively.  Trooper was jumping unbelievably well, especially considering this was his first time competing at this level and that this is his first year competing in big Grand Prixes.  He and McLain had four faults in both of Sunday’s rounds, which landed them in fifth overall.  When Beezie went into the last round, last to go, all the Americans were holding their breath.  Her four fault score meant that she would be jumping off against Steve Guerdat and Nino for the gold medal.

When I went to the World Cup last year as an observer, I sat next to Lizzy Chesson when Nino jumped off against Flexible, and this was a little deja-vu.  Last year, Nino had been clear and fast, but Flexible was just a touch faster.  This year, it looked like Steve Guerdat wanted to leave nothing to chance, and he was lightening fast but had the last two rails down.  Beezie could have a rail and still win, but that didn’t mean we weren’t all holding our breaths.  She rode with unbelievable poise and showed why she is such a role model to aspiring riders like myself.  It was great for the USA to bring home the win for the second year in a row.

My first time at the World Cup Finals was a great experience.  I felt like NuNu, Glory, and I improved at the big courses in an indoor arena throughout the week.  I was very happy with Glory’s last round and that NuNu and I jumped a clear round in the final and brought home a ribbon from Sweden.  We still have a lot of progress to make, and I am excited to build on this in the future.  The great performances by all the US riders made the week even better.  I was proud to be part of the USA contingent!

After a week of horses galore, I flew back to Boston Sunday night.  I had lots of schoolwork to catch on up after missing all of last week – back to reality!  I am at focusing on school until I finish up with my final exams in the next few weeks, but I will be showing a little bit at Old Salem.

NuNu back at home in North Salem

NuNu back at home in North Salem

While the horses relax, I'm here in Widener Library at school (at least it's pretty!)

While the horses relax, I’m here in Widener Library at school (at least it’s pretty!)

WEF 2013: Part 3

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The morning of the World Cup Qualifier, Sandro started the day off on a good note by jumping a clear round and placing in the High A/O Classic.  Jessie Springsteen won the Classic for the second week in a row aboard Vindicat, and Sandro’s friend Suvi (Vesuvius) was second with Megan Nusz.

That night was the $125,000 World Cup Qualifier.  The course looked like the biggest one we’ve jumped so far this circuit.  NuNu and I went late in the order so I was able to watch several at the beginning.  The time allowed was tight, but the course seemed to ride smoothly.  I knew I needed to think about the time allowed at the beginning, make sure to ride the triple properly, and that the G&C oxer by the in-gate was riding quite big.  I watched Todd Minikus ride an amazing clear on Maecomba and Margie Engle go clear on Royce, who was jumping over the standards, and then I went to get myself organized.  NuNu seemed a little more relaxed than he had his first few outings here and jumped really well in the warm-up, so I knew it was just up to me to pull it together.  I was so happy to go clear in the first round and was very excited to be in the jump-off.  There were 9 horses in the jump-off, and I was able to watch part of Ben Maher’s ride on Cella from the screen in the schooling area.  Shane Sweetnam on Amaretto D’Arco went right before me in the jump-off.  The crowd erupted after Shane’s fast, clear round, and I needed to keep NuNu’s attention as we walked into the ring.  The plan was to do seven strides from fence 1-2, gallop the next oxar, have a tight roll-back to the double, and then gallop the last 3 jumps.  I went direct from fence 1 to 2 but ended up doing eight strides and then realized I needed to pick up my pace.  We galloped the next oxer, roll-backed to the double, and then heard the crowd screaming as we galloped to the last oxer. I went into the lead, but with Beezie Madden on Cortes, Nick Skelton on Big Star, and Kent Farrington on Uceko still to go, I knew I had some of the world’s fastest pairs behind me.  Beezie went right after me, and she took advantage of Cortes’ huge stride and did 6 strides from fence 1 to 2, starting off faster than I had.  She took the lead, but only by .34 seconds.  Beezie has been a long-time idol of mine, as she is to every aspiring Grand Prix rider, and sitting next to her in the press conference was a huge honor.  Thank you to Spy Coast for a great class!

NuNu is always trying to make friends. Cortes made him look like a pony!


NuNu is always trying to make friends. Cortes made him look like a pony! Photo credit: Phelps Sports

NuNu in the WC Qualifier:

After the Grand Prix, we went back to the barn and gave NuNu a bag of carrots.  He looked very happy with himself!

Ready for bed after a fun Saturday night!

Ready for bed after a fun Saturday night!

That Sunday was a nice wrap-up to the weekend.  In the morning, I watched my friend Leah Demartini win the Low A/O Classic out of 80 horses on True Love in their first outing of the year.  My last class of the weekend was the 1.50m Classic.  It was a “move up” class for me and Glory, and he jumped really well.  We had four faults, but I was pleased with our first time at 1.50!  James also jumped a good round.  McLain won the class on Bongo (Rothchild) for a nice finish to the weekend!

After a busy weekend of showing, I enjoyed catching up with friends at the Washington International Horse Show reception hosted by Juliet Reid (Chloe’s mom) and my parents.  After that, Sunday night meant back to Boston and lots of homework!

This past week Katie was the recipient of the Kate Nash Boone Style Award! Presented to the international equestrian who exemplifies best style of riding along with maintaining a sportsmanlike composure while competing in the CSIO at WEF during Nations Cup Week. Go Team Staysail! 

 

 

WEF 2013: Part 2

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At the end of January, we had a new member of the Staysail team – Glory Days!  Glory is a twelve year old gelding who represented Sweden with Daniel Zetterman in many nations cups and also won the Swedish championship this summer.  We have been keeping our eyes out for another horse to jump at Grand Prix level, and in our trial, Glory felt like a great match.  He carries his own engine but is also quite adjustable.  He is a lot of fun to ride and gives a fantastic feeling over the jumps.  Everyone at the barn was very excited for the new team member, and I think Camilla was especially excited to have someone else with whom to speak Swedish!

Glory and I showed for the first time WEF 4.  After going clear in the 1.30, McLain said we should move up right away to the High A/Os.  That week we were clear in the High A/O Classic, and I felt like we were starting to really get to know each other.  Daniel has ridden Glory for Glory’s entire life, and he gave me some good tips and pointers.

 

Glory's first day at Staysail.

Glory’s first day at Staysail.

After WEF 4, I headed back to school for two weeks.  Second semester was officially starting, and I needed to get back in the groove of schoolwork and college living.  I had planned on skipping WEF 5, but who knows if this would have made a difference – Boston was hit pretty hard by the snowstorm Nemo and I don’t know if I would have been able to leave anyway! The blizzard was a lot of fun as Cambridge became a winter wonderland with snow ball fights and snowmen being built on Harvard Yard.  I made sure to send some pictures of the snow to my friends in Florida!

My dorm at Harvard.

My dorm in the snow.

bareback

Meanwhile, Camilla trains Couv bareback and Marta rides James.

From WEF 6 onward, I would be commuting back and forth from Boston to Florida.  This is the first year at WEF for which every weekend Grand Prix has a Thursday qualifier, which made the scheduling at school a little more difficult.  I worked it out so I could come down for most weekends, but I have a very busy Monday through Wednesday!

NuNu and Glory in FEI Stabling ready for WEF 6

NuNu and Glory in FEI Stabling ready for WEF 6

During WEF 6 all the horses went really well.  NuNu and I went early in the Thursday WEF, and he jumped a really good round.  We had 4 faults, but after not riding for ten days, I was very happy with it, and was optimistic we would qualify for Saturday night.  There were still 80 trips to go after I went, and the weather made a huge turn for the worse and the end of the WEF had to be cancelled.  All the riders were then invited to compete on Saturday night.

Friday night was the Artisan Farm Young Rider Grand Prix.  The plan was to do Glory, as we thought this would be a great time to ride in a night class and get some more experience together.  He had jumped a nice warm-up class in the 1.35 on Thursday and felt ready to go.  I am still getting to know him and wasn’t exactly sure how he would respond to the setting, but we walked in and he seemed to love it.  He jumped a great first round, and I was very happy with how he felt under the lights and jumping a bigger course, which included the open water, for the first time together.  We planned on really going for it in the jump-off, and Mclain said I should make use of his natural foot speed and that I could be really fast by being smooth and neat.  The beginning of our jump-off was on the pace, and then we made a very neat turn to the last double, which he jumped great, and then did seven strides down the last line.  The plan had been to do eight strides, but I sighted into the seven and Glory helped me out a little bit.  We took over the lead and waited for the last few entries to go.  Chloe Reid rode a fantastic jump-off and I thought she was going to catch my time, but the seven ended up being too long at the last.  She and her horse looked great together. Wilton Porter, who was also riding his horse in their second show together, finished second. My entire family was there to watch, as was Glory’s former family (he had a lot of people rooting for him!).  The Ziegler family presented the class, and it was great to receive my ribbon from Mrs. Ziegler, whom I have known for a long time.  Sandro was second in this class last year, but it was my first time winning one of the Artisan Farm Young Rider classes after doing the series for the last three years.

Glory in the Artisan Farms Young Riders GP.

Glory in the Artisan Farms Young Riders GP. Photo credit Phelps Sports.

Watch Glory Days in the jump-off here: 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxs7E3mZCps&list=UUfURNlkKSWURd3Vyw2Eifnw&index=10

 

Check back for the third installment of Katie’s blog entry tomorrow!

 

WEF 2013: Part 1

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 We are half-way through WEF, and I am just in the first few weeks of my second semester of freshman year.

After the Holiday and Horses show at the beginning of December, I took a few weeks off from riding (two weeks of final exams and a week of family vacation) and came back to Florida just in time for the New Year. The beginning of 2013 felt like I was on my gap year all over again.  I have a fantastic “J-Term” (no school all of January), and I was able to spend all day at the barn.

All Sizes at Staysail: Delilah, Julie Baker (visiting from England), Craig and NuNu, and me and James.

All Sizes at Staysail: Delilah, Julie Baker (visiting from England), Craig and NuNu, and me and James.

Our first show of 2013 was the Trump Invitational at Mar-a-lago.  Going into Palm Beach for a horse show on the intercoastal was very glamorous and exciting!  My whole family came in for the occasion, including my Grandma who has not seen me ride since I was on small ponies.  NuNu seemed to be enjoying the setting and seemed very happy to be back in the ring.  We had four faults towards the end of the course, but ended up the fastest four-faulter and rode in for the ribbon ceremony, so NuNu could meet Donald Trump while getting his ribbon.

Beach-side Show Jumping.

Beach-side Show Jumping.

The first weeks of WEF were on the lighter side, as we had some horses gearing back up for the year.  James stepped up to the plate and did the Grand Prix WEF 1, the 1.50m during WEF 2, and the Grand Prix on the field during WEF 3 and jumped really solid rounds.  James turned seventeen this year and this is his eleventh WEF in a row – pretty impressive!

NuNu congratulates James after a job well done after the Grand Prix.

NuNu congratulates James after a job well done after the Grand Prix.

NuNu jumped the Grand Prix WEF 2 under the lights and was great.  Even though he had jumped two weeks before at Mar-a-lago, we’ve been keeping his schedule very light in between rounds and his freshness showed!  While he was bucking more than usual in the schooling area, he settled once in the ring and jumped a really smooth clear round.  We sped around the jump-off but were just beaten by Reed and Ligist, who looked great.  Brianne Goutal was third, and it was a 1-2-3 by American girls!

NuNu competing in the WEF 2 Grand Prix: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgjgYxGhLcA 

The beginning of WEF also saw some comebacks by the Staysail group.  Vancouver started showing again in the High A/Os after a few months off, and it was so much fun to be back in the ring together.  This is our fourth WEF together, and it is wonderful to be riding my longtime, very trusted friend.  We also spent a lot of time at the schooling jumper rings, as Belle and Matilda both showed for the first time in a while.  They both felt super, and it was great to be reunited with my two mares!  Elizabeth has worked really taking care of the two girls over the past year, and we were both so happy to have them back in the ring.  I am very excited and crossing my fingers for the rest of circuit with them.

Belle.

Belle.

Matilda.

Matilda.

Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3 of Katie’s latest blog entry this week!

 

 

Indoors & Fall Semester

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The gap year is officially over, and now I’m a college freshman.  I am trying to keep up the riding and showing as much as possible, and my horses are hopefully going to put up with their college-amateur rider!  At the start of school, I spent the first weeks acclimating here, getting back into the swing of things with schoolwork, meeting people, and adjusting to life in Cambridge.

My first show back was the Kentucky National WC-Q Grand Prix.  I flew into Kentucky Friday morning for the Friday night Grand Prix, and to be honest, was a little nervous.  Luckily McLain and Craig have everything 100% under control, and NuNu was ready to go.  Once I got to Kentucky, I jumped NuNu a little for my sake rather than his, and then got ready for that night’s class.  He jumped fantastically, and we ended up 2nd.  It was so exciting and encouraging that at least the first episode of the “showing while at college” was a success.  That Sunday, NuNu and I went to the New Albany Invitational for the Jumper Classic there.  The Wexners put on an amazing event.  The stands are packed with families, the field is absolutely perfect and the jumps are beautiful. Several horses qualified for the jump-off, and we ended up double clear and 7th (I should’ve gone faster but I’m not sure I could have caught McLain and Pjotter!)

NuNu in Kentucky:

NuNu Relaxing after the New Albany Grand Prix

After that weekend, I spent the next few weeks at school, clocking in hours at the library, feeling collegiate, and spending some time with friends.  I went home for two weekends to practice before Harrisburg.  Harrisburg went by like a whirlwind, as I tried to compete while missing as little school as possible.  Luckily many of the classes at Harrisburg were at night, which made this a little easier.  I went to Harrisburg on Tuesday night to ride NuNu and James in a 1.40 class.  For NuNu it was a warm-up, but on James (who hadn’t show since Spruce Meadows) we went a little faster and ended up getting a ribbon.  There were a lot of entries in the class, and he felt great so I was really pleased with that!  After returning to school for classes all day Wednesday and Thursday, I headed back to Harrisburg for the Big Jump class with NuNu on Thursday night.  We were clear in the first round, and we came back first for the jump-off.  Our time ended up good enough for third place, and I went back to school that night very happy!  After class Friday morning, I headed back to Harrisburg (at this point, getting a little tired of this commute), for Friday’s High A/O classic.  McLain couldn’t come to Harrisburg that day, so it was just Craig, Camilla and I getting ready for the class.  Sandro was great, and we jumped clear in the first round.  Meagan Nusz on Vesuvius went before me in the jump-off and set a blazing pace.  Her horse Vesuvius and Sandro compete against each other a lot, and she always sets the bar high!  After she went, I knew we really had to go for it.  Our jump-off started very fast, but unfortunately I jumped into the last line on too much of an angle and had the “in” of the line down.  We had the time by a second, but our 4-fault score put us in 2nd.  Sandro ended up Reserve Champion.

The last class at Harrisburg is the Saturday Grand Prix World Cup Qualifier.  After NuNu’s round on Thursday, I knew he was feeling good and that I just needed to keep it together.   There were quite a few in the jump-off, and I went towards the middle of the group.  Kent Farrington and Uceko were really fast and did leaving-out 5 strides in the middle line to a double (oxer to vertical) that I didn’t think would work out for NuNu and me.  We went pretty fast and clear, and ended up 2nd behind Uceko.  After winning a few red and yellow ribbons from the week, it was very exciting to win a blue sash as the Leading Lady Rider of the show and Reserve Champion in the Open Jumpers as well!

Sandro in PNHS High A/O Classic:

NuNu in PNHS GP:

NuNu in PNHS GP J/O:

We skipped the week at WIHS so I could be at school and the horses could have a little break.  The following week we went to Kentucky for the National Horse Show.  NuNu was 11th in the Grand Prix on Thursday (we were fast in the jump-off but had an unfortunate four faults), and James was great in the speed class on Friday.  Unfortunately I didn’t ride my best in the Grand Prix on Saturday so it was a class worth forgetting!  McLain and Andi (Antares) were unbelievable and took home a very exciting win.  This week’s Royal Winter Fair in Toronto was one of my favorite shows last year.  Sadly, this year school got in the way — my math mid-term exam was scheduled at the exact time of the Grand Prix!

James in Kentucky

So, for me, Indoors are over, and it’s back to class for me and back to North Salem for the horses.  As I trekked through the snow to class the other day, Camilla sent me some photos of the horses loving the snow!  The horses all have a little break now.  Our next show is Holiday and Horses in Wellington this November.

Vancouver Chilling.

 

Spring & Summer Show Wrap Up!

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I’ve been a little remiss in blogging (my last entry was WEF 12), but I’m back! So, here’s what happened this spring and summer, and my next entry will tell you all about the fall and indoors.

Spring Shows

After Florida, the horses returned to Staysail North Salem (NY), where they enjoyed wonderful spring weather and big grassy paddocks. I competed in my favorite local shows, the Old Salem Farm May shows.  Nunu also seemed to love it, as he was 1st and 2nd in the Grand Prixes. (I can’t complain when I lose to McLain, especially when he’s riding Antares!) Devon was Sandro’s turn to bring home some ribbons, as he had an amazing jump off in the High A/O Classic and finished 2nd right behind Callie Morgan Smith on Upstaire.

Summer Shows

The summer was one long road trip for my horses, Craig, Camilla and me. We continued doing the Olympic Trials at Spruce Meadows, and NuNu had two “top five” finishes in the three Grand Prix classes we did.  NuNu loved jumping the big jumps in the expansive grass fields. After Spruce, I returned to New York to drop off Delilah (my Chihuahau) who was definitely a lucky charm in Spruce, do some serious laundry, and celebrate my 19th birthday with both “horsey” and non-horsey friends.  NuNu, Sandro, Craig and Camilla headed directly to Remouchamps, Belgium where we would base out of Écurie Mathy.

I was really excited about doing the summer circuit in Europe, which included Dinard, two Global Champion Tours shows and my first Nations Cup in Gijon, Spain. It was my first time competing there during the summer and for an extended period. (I had previously been to the Gucci Masters show in 2010 and the EY Cup at the World Cup in 2011.)  Competing against a new field of riders and at different venues was a great learning experience.  I went with my family to watch the Olympics, which were a blast and an amazing showcase of the world’s best riders and horses. My mom and I also went to watch one day of Grand Prix Dressage and see the incredible Valegro and Charlotte Dujardin in their winning performance.

Sandro’s summer highlights was winning his Classic at the 3* show in Dinard, France on the 100th anniversary of the show.  Everyone was dressed in period costume for the presentation except Craig who was given a t-shirt that said 1er!  (See the photo.)  We also got my first GCT ribbon in a speed class at Chantilly, and placed 4th in the 5* Derby in Valkensvaard. It was my first real derby class, and Sandro excitedly took control going up and down the banks.  Sandro’s former owner Jenny Hyde came to watch him in Dinard and Valkensvaard so that was a lot of fun. Sandro’s enthusiastic personality seems to be memorable; we met many people in Europe that remembered him and his happy demeanor from his previous days in Europe.

Katie, Sandro and Craig looking fly in his new shirt.

Katie & NuNu in Spain.

NuNu’s highlights came in the last two shows. He jumped clear and placed in the 5* GCT Grand Prix at Valkensvaard, my first European Grand Prix. Our last week of the summer was at the 5* competition in Gijon, Spain, where I wore my red coat for the first time. We had a great team with Reed Kessler, Jessie Springsteen, Laura Kraut, and Brianne Goutal, with Katie Prudent as chef d’equipe. Showing is Spain is a new experience because spectators are allowed to bet on the classes. With everyone’s money on the line, you didn’t want to have a rail! The show prides itself on one-of-a-kind jumps, and they were amazing. Unfortunately, we didn’t have our best performance in the Nations Cup, and the team finished one spot away from qualifying in the second round. We rallied for the weekend, and NuNu was 2nd in the Final Grand Prix Qualifier behind our teammate Laura and Teirra.  NuNu ended up 5th in the Grand Prix. As the icing on the cake, I ended up with the Leading Rider Title and a nice trophy. It was a great end of the summer, and the next day I headed to school in Boston.

The Flying NuNu in Spain.

Hey You. Looking for a Challenge?

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Horse Show Account Manager

Have you ever wanted to travel to the top equine events, sell a product you love, and build great relationships?

If so, this may be the opportunity of a lifetime for you. Manage, oversee and ensure the success of EquiFit’s Horse Show Accounts at top equine events throughout North America. Work alongside our key retail partners, riders, barn managers, and four-legged friends to promote the brand and product line. These relationships are crucial, as so much of our days are spent supporting, listening to and educating our partners. We want to do this as best we can and make our partners as excited about EquiFit as we are. It is important to us that all horses and riders have the opportunity to sport the most innovative products in comfort, performance, and protection.

Are you up for it?

EquiFit Brand Ambassadors

We love to share the EquiFit love.  Being in and of the traveling (horse show) circus gives us the opportunity to interact with people and show them what EquiFit is all about. You use, support and know the brand, and you want to make sure those around you do too.  It makes us proud to see both horse and rider EquiFitted out and know that they are sporting the best protection the industry has to offer.   Knowing that business growth can come from an in-store demonstration as well as from a casual conversation ringside, you are a voice for EquiFit to grow its roots and spread some new ones. Multiple positions available.

Sound like fun?

Send your resume and cover letter to info@equifit.net.

 

 

EquiFive – Missy Clark

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It’s Indoors and Equitation Finals season…which means that Missy Clark and the North Run team are in their element. After great results at Harrisburg and Washington, Missy and the team are off to the National in KY to cap off what has been a great season.

1) How does the preparation of your horses differ during finals season? 

MC: Our preparation is certainly more intense this time of year, we probably jump more than we normally would. We amp up our lessons. It’s more intense as far as the number of days that we’re prepping prior to the event. I try not to jump every day, but if the Final is on a Saturday, like this week here in Washington, we jump quite a bit Wednesday and Friday to get ready.

2) I have a horse who we constantly have to change bits and tack on because he has a tendency to do great in one for a while then gradually starts to curl in, pull on me and avoid the bit after he’s been ridden in it for a while. Do you have any suggestions?

MC: Some horses are like that, to be honest. I have several horses whose bits we rotate, because they can get immune to one when in it too long. I’d focus on your flatwork and doing it in the least amount of bit that you can use to get the job done. I also feel that your flatwork should be done in a different bridle than your show tack. Maybe you’re using the same bit the whole time. I would use less bit for the flat (but if you need more than a snaffle, use more than a snaffle). I tend to use different practice bridles day to day. Some of mine wear the same bridle for 2-3 shows and then we have to switch it up.

3) Any words of encouragement for us working adults who struggle for motivation to put in the all-important no-stirrups work while at home alone?

MC: No pain, no gain!

4) How do you handle a horse who maintains a steady pace until the last one or two strides before the fence? Are there any gymnastics lines or other exercises that you prefer to help a green horse learn to keep a steady pace?

MC: If you have a horse that rushes or gets a little quick as the distance is closing up on the jump, a lot of gymnastics are helpful. A canter pole about 9 ft from the jump; you can maybe close that up and make it 8 or 7 feet to canter it slowly. That will be a really helpful exercise. If you can put one on the takeoff side of a vertical and also the same distance on the landing side. Once you introduce the horse to that exercise you can maybe add about 21 ft, another vertical to make a one stride. That’s gonna help to slow him down and once comfortable with that I’d add even a third vertical one stride away. I would stress if you’re starting out with a green horse that you keep it really low, or even just poles on the ground the first time. Then make them cross rails and be sure you’re taking it slowly until they understand the exercise.

3) You’ve stated how important it is for ambitious riders to start from the bottom and not be afraid to work hard in order to move up. Can you elaborate?

I think if you look at the backbone of our industry, most people have had to work their way and claw their way along their paths, more than not. It doesn’t mean that people who have more financial backing then others don’t work hard, but it’s all about work ethic,  getting up in the morning, working hard and doing whatever it takes to get it done. And most importantly, not having an ego in the way where you think that maybe you should be above or beyond something. Take my life, for instance: I showed my whole life as a junior, and my mom had a little back yard business. I went to college and rode throughout; when I graduated I gave up down lessons to kids and kept on working hard and it’s now grown into this. People need to realize that things don’t happen overnight and it takes stubbornness, single-mindedness and endless dedication.

Sharon White: Fair Hill CCI**

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This just in from EquiFit rider Sharon White:

“Sharon had an awesome weekend at Fair Hill in the CCI**. She rode Wundermaske (“Patch”), and it was his first ever three day. He put in a good dressage test, had 4.8 time penalties cross country, and was clean in show jumping to finish 12th out of a field of 50+ starters. We were lucky to end up with nice weather after the rain earlier in the week!

Thank you so much to Equifit for all the support! You can see Patch’s T-Boot EXP2s in the show jumping picture, and there is another picture that is kind of dark but he is wearing the GelCompression TendonBoots. He used the GelCompression Boots the whole time he was at Fair Hill – we love them, they are so convenient! – as well as the T-Sport Wraps of course. The last big event for us this year will be the 1* at Virginia Horse Trials; hopefully I will have more good news to report then!”

Congrats to Sharon and best of luck as she heads off to the Virginia Horse Trials!

 

EquiFive with Patricia Griffith

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You asked, she answered! This month we were lucky to have Patricia Griffith, recent winner of the $500,000 Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final, answering your fan questions. Patricia has been a staple in the hunter, equitation and jumper rings, as rider and as trainer at Heritage Farm. 

Patricia aboard Sienna, with Andre Dignelli after winning the $500k Hunter Prix. Photo credit Paws & Rewind LLC

Question 1: What’s your biggest pet peeve in the Equitation division?

“My biggest pet peeve is a stiff rider with no release. I see of lot of riders that even have a reverse release! Their hands are fixed in one place in the air and they close over their hands. They have the horse in a head lock and allow no freedom of the head and neck over the fence. They often look like they are water skiing around the course. These riders must be taught the importance of the crest and automatic releases and when to use them.”

Question 2: Patricia, how do you prep for a derby?

“In the week leading up to the derby I will set up a course to school over that includes some elements from the up coming show. For example for the Hampton Classic, I schooled on grass and schooled the bank in case that was part of the course. For derby finals, I schooled over lots of split rails and hay bales. I even hung a log in cups and made a jump out of that. It made galloping to the one they had in the finals a lot easier! My horses knew it was a jump and galloped right to it .The goal is to be as prepared as you can . Depending on which horse I’m riding I may do a class or two to get in the ring and make sure my horse feels confident and relaxed.”

Question 3: Do you believe riders can be successful on the high circuits as adults without an extensive junior career?

“I definitely believe a rider can be a successful adult without an extensive junior career. I’m one of them! I rode in all the finals as a junior but I never had my own horse and never showed in Palm Beach. When I graduated high school I dove into a working student position at Heritage Farm. I learned so much just from watching and being ” under foot “. My advice is to do the same. Surround yourself with top riders, grooms, and trainers.”

Question 4: What do judges seem to look for most in an equitation class?

Patricia Griffith: I know when I judge equitation I am looking for the rider that can negotiate the course the smoothest and has beautiful style. A great rider is both effective and invisible.

Question 5: I have a very long torso and find myself leaning forward, any tips on training myself to sit taller and back?

“Think about getting your leg more stable and this will help. Most of the time when the lower leg is weak and slides back it pushes the upper body forward. A strong lower leg starts with good heel depth. Keep your stirrup in line with the girth. Then work and bringing your shoulder blades closer together and opening your chest. Think about your shoulders being over your hips and your hips being over your heels.”

Question 6: On course how do you stay calm, cool and collected? I always feel rushed and it’s hard for me to keep it smooth…

“I tell my students that feel rushed to break down the course and find places in the round to take a breath. If its a hunter course, make sure you use the turns to your advantage. If your horse tends to pick up and cut the turns this is especially important. The jumps will start to come up too fast and it will definitely look rough. At home practice doing a line and halting straight. Then go forward down the next line and halt again. When that gets good, then do a half halt after each line instead off full stop. In the show ring, take it line by line regrouping in each corner and taking a breath. Think of it as checking your speed and regrouping where you need to. You want to do this in the first part of the turn so in the second part of the turn you have your rhythm set and you are looking for the jump.”

Patricia & Wieminka B in the Pfizer Million. Photo credit Paws & Rewind LLC