Eventing is My Hobby
Kelly Leihy, riding Willowbend’s Two Step “Lucy”, recently took first place in the Entry Level Division at the June 21 Waredaca Starter Trials. Lucy is owned by Charlie Gwynn and Willowbend Farm of Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Kelly has been taking riding lessons for 6 years, and is trained by Laura Johnson and Emily Merkel at Willowbend Farm.
A Milestone
Author: Leslie Mintz
By Lindsay Berreth
I was recently looking through my horse Sam’s record when I noticed that it has almost 100 events on it. That seemed like a milestone to me, so I did some adding and came up with a few statistics. Since this is his USEA record, it does not include any of the unrecognized events, combined tests, or dressage shows he has done with me or his previous owner, so the number is probably well over 100.
The Amwell Valley Hounds Pony Club Horse Trials was held for 33 years in New Jersey from 1974 to 2007. In this article Pam Johnson, who organized Amwell for 15 years, chronicles the history of the event from its early start to the very last ribbon in 2007. Although, Amwell might not be well-known, the event has a lot of history. The article has been broken down into a five-part-series. A new part will be posted each week on the Eventing USA blog.
The opening date for the 2009 Bit of Britain/USEA American Eventing Championships is drawing closer, and if you are having trouble deciding whether to enter just read this blog by 2008 Beginner Novice Amateur Winner, Annie Desmond, to help give you a nudge in the right direction!
Ever wonder what it would be like to be a professional eventer? While not all of us have the means, time, or talent to reach the top of our sport – reading the blogs of top eventers is a great way to put yourself in the shoes of the talented equestrians. These blogs will give you a glimpse of the writer’s everyday life, highs and lows, and behind-the-scenes of the world’s top events.
A Blog Series by Erica Larson
Since returning from Rolex, El Dorado’s training has swung into full gear. With just over a week before his very first event, I’ve made my tentative plan for my last few works and so far, we’ve been sticking pretty close to the plan. I am getting more and more excited as every day goes by…I can’t wait for Dorado to make his competition debut!
Looking ahead, I am betting that Dressage will be the toughest phase for us next weekend…big surprise there from an OTTB! His trot has been making a TON of progress. He isn’t so rushed any more, and he’s starting to bend when we circle. Our transitions are also improving. All of them – with the exception of that darn right lead – are getting quicker and more connected every time I ride him.
I Know I’m An Eventer When…
Author: Brad
A few weeks ago while in FL at H/J Central I was coming back from the barn and stopped at the grocery store to pick up some carrots. As I was getting out of my truck an H/J type person noticed I had two saddles in the back. They asked if I was a Jumper or rode Dressage. I said, “Both, I Event? Next thing I know they ended the conversation and had to rush off to buy some radishes or something. When I told a few of my friends this story, a whole list of “I’m and Eventer because…” comments happened. I thought, why not, that should be good blog material. So with the help of my friends, 1T, Sharky and HS, here’s what we came up with. Hope you enjoy.
I Know I’m an Eventer because …
druh-sahzh or dre-sazh and Euphemisms /
As I mentioned in one of my earlier entries, dressage has always been a challenge for me. From the time I heard the “dress-something,” I wasn’t sure if it was referring to my attire, my age or even how to say it.
So while the proper pronunciation might be difficult for me, the creative ways the judges comment on my riding isn’t. As a salesman, I’m experienced more than my fair share of sugarcoating. Based on what I’ve seen on my tests, judges creative use of euphemisms must be required to pass their judging exam.
I thought I would share some of the comments judges have written regarding my riding over the past few years and provide the translation (TR) for those comments. It’s taken me a while but I think I’m getting it. So for your enjoyment …
Learning the Ropes
Author: Brad
Wow, three posts! I guess in addition to being an Eventer, I’m an official Blogger. Who would have thought? Let’s get back to Eventing.
Even with a trainer helping me learn the ropes, I found Eventing a bit confusing at first. From getting ready to compete, to packing for the competition, to arriving and warming up through each phase, it sure seemed like a lot of rules and regimen. And the clothing thing … I felt like a runway model. Being one that doesn’t like to read user manuals, I found the Rule Book to be a bit complex.
Whoa Dammit!
Author: Brad
Welcome back. Glad to see I’m still here and my horses haven’t gotten the better of me over the last week.
So how did I become an Eventer? My story is pretty straightforward. I have an 18+hh, 1800 lb. draft cross named Sudden Impact a.k.a. Whoa Dammit. He’s a little strong, a bit forward, thinks pretty highly of himself and strikes his own path in life. I bought him about six years ago to ride trails and do an occasional hunter pace. I only got into horses about 10 years ago to ride with my daughter.
About four years ago, the local pony club asked if they could use my farm for their lessons. I liked watching the kids ride so I said, “Of course.”
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