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Oct 28, 2019
Archie Rocks (2008-2019)
The USEA is saddened to share the news that Archie Rocks (Le Monde x Unbridled Diva), an 11-year-old Thoroughbred gelding owned by rider Felix Vogg, Jürgen Vogg, and Phoenix Eventing S.à.r.l., was euthanized on Saturday, October 26, 2019, following a fall on cross-country at fence 28B at the Les Etoiles de Pau CCI5*-L.
“It is with a great sadness that we announce that Archie Rocks, ridden by Switzerland’s Felix Vogg and owned by Phoenix Eventing S.à.r.l., was put down on Saturday, October 26, following a fall on the cross-country, while competing at the CCI5*-L of Les 5 Etoiles de Pau, France,” the event said in a statement. “The fall occurred on fence 28B. The decision to put the horse down was taken by the owner, in consultation with the show veterinarians."
“Archie Rocks suffered an irreparable shoulder fracture, considered to be severe by the veterinarians on the site,” Vogg said in the statement. “Despite all efforts to save him, we have had to take the difficult decision to put him to sleep. Archie was a very special horse in many respects. Special thoughts go to all his American fans, who have given him their support throughout his career. He was outstanding on the cross-country, a sweet horse who gave his best to his rider.”
Archie Rocks raced in the United States under the name Smittys Messiah, earning over $30,000 in 30 starts from 2010 to 2013. Maya Simmons purchased Smittys Messiah from Chris Talley and rechristened him Archie Rocks after her grandfather. Together, Archie Rocks and Simmons competed together through the CCI4*-S level before passing the reins to Buck Davidson. Davidson piloted Archie Rocks to top-10 finishes in their four starts together, including a win in the 2018 Plantation Field CIC3*. Vogg purchased Archie Rocks at the end of 2018 and during the last year earned top finishes at the Pratoni del Vivaro CCIO4*-S and the Strzegom CCI4*-L. They also represented Switzerland at the European Championships this summer.
The USEA extends our deepest condolences to all Archie Rocks’s connections and fans.
Jun 05, 2020
Competitions
Weekend Quick Links: June 6-7, 2020
This is it! The weekend we've all been waiting for is finally here - the return to competition has arrived! After nearly three months of suspended competitions in light of the COVID-19 pandemic that has swept the country and the world, riders are shining up their boots and preparing to trot down the centerline. While our "new normal" will certainly look different than things did before the pandemic, these new regulations are in place for all our safety.
Jun 05, 2020
Association News
USEA Podcast #259: Sinead Maynard's Recipe for a Successful Return to Competition
The return to competition upon us! This week on the show Nicole Brown is joined by Sinead Halpin Maynard to talk about how you can make sure you and your horse are prepared to get back to competing.
Jun 04, 2020
Eventing News
The Fair Hill Organizing Committee Postpones Inaugural Maryland Five-Star at Fair Hill Due to COVID-19
The Fair Hill Organizing Committee (FHOC), an affiliate of the Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland (The Sport Corp.), today announced the inaugural Maryland Five-Star at Fair Hill will take place October 14-17, 2021. Health and safety factors, in addition to other challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, led to a final decision to postpone the international three-day eventing competition originally scheduled for this October at the newly constructed Special Event Zone at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in Cecil County, Maryland.
Jun 04, 2020
Competitions
USEA Events A-Z: Apple Knoll Farm Horse Trials
Apple Knoll Farm in Millis, Massachusetts (Area I) was scheduled to host two one-day events in 2020 offering Training, Novice, and Beginner Novice divisions. Their May event was forced to cancel due to COVID-19, but their September event is planning to run as scheduled.
