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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.
Feb 24, 2020
Eventing News
Twin Rivers Winter Horse Trials News
Pan Am Games team gold medalist Tamra Smith and Mai Baum and five-star pairs Andrea Baxter and Indy 500 and Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin headline a strong Advanced field when Twin Rivers begins an exciting season of eventing competition this weekend.
Feb 24, 2020
Future Event Horse
FEH and YEH Championship Judges and Qualifications Announced
The USEA Future Event Horse (FEH) and Young Event Horse (YEH) programs have around 30 qualifying competitions each, and youngsters around the country are about to begin their seasons aimed at Championships.
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Education
The 411 on Colic
As the season begins to turn, the temperature begins to drop, turnout time becomes more limited, schedules shift to accommodate the waning daylight and the possibility for a colicky horse increases. While the exact environmental causes of colic are not well understood, a commonly accepted theory is that any abrupt changes to a horse’s environment or schedule can increase the risk of colic.
