Sweetnam and OConnor take care of business too to set up medal charge There was a very welcome lack of drama for the Underwriting Exchange Irish Show Jumping Team as they progressed comfortably from todays qualifying round to secure a place in tomorrows Olympic final at the stunning Chteau de Versailles. The scores revert to zero with the medals at stake, so todays action was all about Michael Blakes squad securing a top ten spot from the 20 competing nations. And the team of Shane Sweetnam, Daniel Coyle and Cian OConnor did that with ease, their cumulative tally of nine faults getting them through in sixth. A smooth clear round by Derryman Coyle and the Ariel Grange-owned mare Legacy was the highlight of the days for the Green Jackets. Cork-born Sweetnam was the first-line rider with his Patrick Connolly-bred and Gizmo Partners-owned Irish Sport Horse James Kann Cruz, who had []

It seems like these days we look at each others lives through the lens of a highlight reel. We get to see the incredible trips, the best jumps, and the moments that were proud enough of to put on social media. What we dont talk about is how much pressure this adds to athletes on both ends of the news feed.Riders, whether professional or not, are made to feel like they have to post something that makes them look cool and successful. Then, as we consume this content, we are stuck with the disillusioned perception that the sport is easy and that if youre not succeeding, then maybe you arent cut out for it. I would like to take this opportunity to go between the ears of some of the riders that make up our Eventing Nation and work to understand some of the real challenges this industry presents. On this edition of Between the Ears, I caught up with Kelly Beaver, who took home the blue ribbon at the American Eventing Championships in the Preliminary Amateur division last year. As a Mom with a full-time job, Kelly shares her insights into how to balance life and competition. I am proud to feature Kelly, as her journey exemplifies that with passion, dedication, and resilience, you dont need to be a full-time professional to find success in our sport. To read more Between the Ears interviews, click here.Kelly Beaver and Excel Star Pluto. USEA/Meagan DeLisle photoCan you tell me a little bit about how you got your start in eventing?I started riding when I was about six years old. I had always been obsessed with horses, and we lived outside the DC area. My mom, who had a stressful job and was a single parent, would drive me to Middleburg, VA on Sundays so I could watch the horses. Eventually, she got me riding lessons, and the rest is history. I started with hunter jumpers in Middleburg, then moved to Pennsylvania, where I joined Pony Club and began eventing around the age of 11.In high school, I was deeply involved in riding, but when I went to college, I made the tough decision to sell my horse and focus on playing softball. I thought I could always come back to riding later. After college, I met my husband Seth, and every time we passed a horse, I would start crying. He realized how important horses were to me, so we got back into it together. About 15 years ago, we bought a small horse farm in Elverson, Pennsylvania, and have been managing it together ever since. My first event horse out of college was an OTTB, and I ran into a lot of challenges with him. I wanted to ride at the upper levels, but at the time I was naive about what it took to get there. After that horse shut down at the Preliminary level, I was lucky enough to be matched with my first Advanced horse from Courtney Cooper. Photo via Kelly Beaver.How has motherhood affected your riding career?When I got pregnant I had just completed my first Advanced level on my horse, who was 18. I decided to take a year off from competing to enjoy my time with him. Unfortunately, he colicked and passed away when I was seven months pregnant. It was devastating. After my son, Benjamin, was born, I wasnt sure if Id ever ride at the upper levels again. Having a kid changes a lot- your body, your mind, your attitude, everything. I wasnt sure I was going to have the desire to compete, but I realized that when I was just working and not riding, I was miserable. Seth basically begged me to get on a horse after I gave birth! I dont enjoy leisurely riding, so it was natural that I found my way back to competition. Courtney was instrumental in matching me with my current partner, Pluto, and continues to coach and support me in achieving my goals. How do you balance a demanding job, motherhood, and eventing?Im the Vice President of Energy Marketing and Supply at UGI Energy Services. Its a demanding job, but I have an amazing team at work that supports me, allowing me to take time for my riding. We help support each other to make fun outside of the office possible so that we all work more energetically and efficiently when we need to. I started remote work during the pandemic and thats been a game changer for me. Ive been able to spend partial winters in Aiken, and have more flexibility in my show schedule as well. On a day-to-day basis, Ive learned to adjust my schedule and ride early in the morning when I need to or if Ive had a tough day at work I might choose to lunge or do groundwork instead of getting in the saddle while Im still distracted. I have two amazing coaches, Courtney Cooper and Cindi Stephens that work around my schedule as well and give lessons at all hours and are always available when Im having a breakdown. Im also very fortunate to have such a strong team at home supporting me. My parents live close and will often watch my son or take him to his activities when I have riding obligations. Mom guilt still creeps in when I choose riding over anything with my son, but I do believe you need to make time for your own passions. Lastly, I absolutely would not be able to do this without my husband, Seth. Hes my groom, barn manager, exercise rider, therapist, and punching bag, oftentimes all on the same day! Did you go to AECs with the goal to win? Honestly, Im more of a realist and didnt go in expecting to win. Honestly, if that thought ever creeps in for any competition, it seems to backfire so I try not to ever think about winning. Theres so much that can go wrong in eventing, after all, there is an animal involved with his/her own mind and thoughts. I tried to have my focus be the same as at any competition, having solid performances in all three phases. Competing at the AECs was, and is, always a goal, and qualifying was an achievement in itself, especially as an amateur. I knew I had some strong competition in my class, but I wanted to focus on my own performance and personal progress rather than the end result. Kelly Beaver and Sempre Fino. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.What challenges do you face as an amateur?The biggest challenge is comparing myself and my riding to professionals who ride multiple horses daily and dedicate all their time to the sport. I often feel like Im not doing enough and that if I miss a distance or forget a dressage test, I dont belong. Id love to spend more time in the saddle, but I cant because of the other obligations that I have. Imposter syndrome is real, but Ive learned to cope by relying on my support system and focusing on personal goals. Professionals sharing their struggles helps, too. I think sometimes amateurs feel like nerves and doubt are reserved for them, but everyone in this sport experiences setbacks. Its a reminder that perfection isnt necessary for success. What advice do you have for other amateurs who want to be successful at AECs?Define what success means to you. Qualifying for a big event like the AECs is a success in itself. Enjoy the experience, and commit to finding your personal best regardless of the outcome on the scoreboard. Its a big investment in time and money for amateurs to compete at an event like the AECs and if its all about the result, you can leave devastated if you dont have the right perspective. I try to treat a big horse show like a vacation and remind myself to have fun even when I experience horse show jitters, which is quite often. Beyond that, finding your team and support system is essential. You cant do it alone, so surround yourself with people who believe in you and your goals.

AAEP's new position statement endorses ISO-compliant microchip implantation for equid identification to enhance traceability, health monitoring, and regulatory compliance.The post AAEP Issues Position Statement Supporting Equid Microchip Identification appeared first on The Horse.

There are three equestrian sports in the Olympics: eventing, dressage and jumping. Within each there are team medals and individual medals to win.Here we explain exactly what these three sports are, as well as modern pentathlon which includes an equestrian element for the final time at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and an overview of the history of equestrian at the Olympics.History of equestrian sport at the OlympicsEquestrian sport made its debut in the Olympics of Ancient Greece way back in 680 BC, when chariot racing was one of the main events.It wasnt until the 1900 Games in Paris that equestrian sport featured in the Olympics programme as we know it today. Equestrian wasnt included in the next two Olympics, but returned in 1912.Since then, equestrian sport has always been on the programme.Until 1948, only male riders could compete in the equestrian Olympics and these riders had to be officers.This restriction was lifted in 1951 and women started competing in dressage at the Olympics held in Helsinki in 1952.Women were able to take part in all equestrian events at the Olympics in 1964.Equestrian remains the only sport in which men and women compete against each other.What is jumping?Great Britains Ben Maher and Explosion W are pictured at the Tokyo Olympics; they won individual goldJumping is an equestrian discipline in which horse and rider combinations jump colourful fences inside an arena, with penalties for knock-downs, refusals, horse or rider falls, and for going over the time allowed.There are different levels of jumping (also commonly called showjumping) as both a national and international sport, and the maximum height and width of fences varies according to the class. Generally, the higher the level, the bigger the fences and more technical the course.There is a variety of showjumping competitions to choose from, including speed events, and many will conclude with a jump-off. This is where the horse and riders jump a shorter class against the clock and the fastest clear wins.Those who jump a clear round in the first phase will qualify for the jump-off. Sometimes those on four faults will go through too. The jump-off can be compared to a penalty shoot-out in football. The result is just as unpredictable and equally as exciting!Olympic jumpingJumping team qualifierTeam scores are decided by adding the penalties and time incurred by all three team members during their individual jumping rounds.Horses and riders who do not start, withdraw, are eliminated or retire from the competition will not be given a score, and their team will be placed according to the combined scores of the remaining two team members.Teams with three members will be placed ahead of teams of two.The top 10 teams at the end of today (including any tied for 10th place) qualify for the Team Final, which is when they jump for medals.Jumping team finalThis second round is against the clock over one course of showjumps.In the event of teams finishing on equal penalties, there will then be a jump off for first place.Starting order for the team final is in reverse order of merit following the team qualifier.Disqualification of a team member will result in disqualification for that team.Jumping individual qualifierThis qualifier round is against the clock and there is no jump off. Riders are placed according to their penalties and in case of a tie they are separated by the time of their round. If still tied, they will be placed equal.Jumping individual finalThe final is one jumping round against the clock, with a jump off for first place if there is a tie on penalties. All athletes start on a zero score and the starting order is in reverse order of merit, making for a tense and exciting finale.What is eventing?Team gold medal winners Tom McEwen and JL Dublin compete in the cross-country at the Paris Olympics for BritainThe equestrian sport of eventing has been part of the Olympics since 1912. It was once known as The Military, because it was a test for cavalrymen and their horses.Eventing is the most comprehensive test of horse and rider. It combines the separate disciplines of dressage, cross-country and jumping.There are teams of three and each of these horses and riders will complete a dressage test on day one, followed by a cross-country round on day two, before the final jumping rounds on day three.Results from each phase for all three riders is added together to give a final score. It is the lowest score that wins, both for the team and individual medals.At national level, where eventing (also called horse trials) take place on one day, horses do their showjumping round after the dressage, before a cross-country round. This is commonly called a one-day event.Olympic eventingThe team and individual eventing competitions run concurrently over three consecutive days at the Olympics.There are two horse inspections: one before the dressage and one after the cross-country, usually on the morning of the final jumping phase. Horses are inspected by the ground injury and have to be passed by them in order to continue in the competition.A drawn starting order is used for the dressage and cross-country tests. For the final jumping rounds, horses and riders go in reverse order of merit.DressageIn the dressage phase, horses and riders complete a specified test in which they must perform certain movements, each one being marked out of 10. At the end, the marks will be added together and this is converted into a penalty score. The lowest penalty score is the best test.Cross-countryFor the cross-country, missing a fence (which is called a run out) or a stop (refusal) at a fence incurs 20 penalties. A horse and/or rider fall incurs 200 penalties and means elimination they cannot complete their round.An optimum time is set and for every second taken over this time a 0.4 penalty is given.JumpingThere are two jumping rounds on the final day. The first round is to decide the team medals. The top 25 after this round then go forward to the second jumping round, where the individual medals are decided.In jumping, a fence down incurs four penalties and 0.4 of a penalty is given for every second over the time allowed.Horses can be substituted for the team competition, and a horse/rider combination may be substituted by a reserve combination for medical/veterinarian reasons in any of the three tests after the start of the competition.Substitution will incur a penalty for the team of 20 points. One substitution per team is permitted.What is dressage?Carl Hester and Fame are pictured competing in the dressage events at the Paris OlympicsDressage is about training the horse to a high level, highlighting its athleticism and the beauty of its movement and the harmony between horse and rider.There are no jumps involved. Horse and rider will follow a specified test and are marked out of 10 for each movement.Dressage tests are ridden inside an arena marked out by white boards and letters. At the Olympics, the arena is 20m wide by 60m long. At the lower levels, the arena is the same width but only 40 metres long and there are fewer letters.Olympic dressageThe Grand Prix takes place first at the Olympics. This is a qualifier for both the team (Grand Prix Special) and individual competition (Grand Prix Freestyle).The qualification ranking for the team competition will be decided by the combined results of all three team members in the Grand Prix.Grand PrixIn the Grand Prix, athletes compete in six groups, with three groups competing on each day.The composition of the groups is based on the FEI World Ranking list position of the horse on the date of definite entries.SpecialThe top 10 teams in the Grand Prix (including any team tied for 10th place) will qualify for the Special, which is the team medal decider.FreestyleThe top 18 in the Grand Prix will go through to the Freestyle. It is the top two combinations from each of the six Grand Prix groups, plus the combinations with the six next highest scores, who qualify.The Freestyleis the final for the individual medals. Horses and riders perform their own test plan to music. There are certain movements that they have to include.What is modern pentathlon?Modern pentathlon isnt strictly an equestrian sport at the Olympics, but it does include horses.The five disciplines are:FencingSwimmingEquestrian jumpingRunning (3000 metres) and shooting combinedHowever, equestrian jumping is included in the Paris 2024 Olympics for the final time. It will be replaced by obstacle jumping at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. This is due to serious concerns about horse welfare at the Tokyo Olympics.Modern Pentathlon runs over three days for each gender. Points from each of the five events are added together to give final placings.In the equestrian jumping, horses are drawn at random for athletes to ride. They then have 20 minutes to warm up and get to know the horse, before completing a course of 12 fences. The fewest mistakes in the fastest time scores the highest.Main image (top): eventing athletes Laura Collett and London 52 compete in the final jumping phase at the Paris Olympics, where they won team gold and individual bronze for Team GB. All images: FEI/Benjamin ClarkRelated contentBeginners guide to the dressage arenaScales of Training in dressage explainedShould showjumping ever return to modern pentathlon?Concerns for horse welfare sparks social media backlash following Modern Pentathlon in TokyoThe post Ultimate guide to equestrian sports at the Olympics appeared first on Your Horse.

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is pleased to announce the publication of the 2024 Irish Draught Genetic Diversity Report, prepared by HSI geneticist Dr. Jennifer Doyle. This report offers an in-depth analysis of the genetic diversity of the Irish Draught horse breed from the comprehensive data available in the studbook database. The Irish Draught horse is a designated rare breed under the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine where breed preservation and improvement towards the breeder defined breed standard is at the core of HSIs breeding program for the studbook. In 2024, HSI updated the studbook rules to enable certain mares, who have been deemed as being descendants from rare or threatened bloodlines, to automatically attain Class 1 upon presentation for linear profiling at an inspection. To attain an automatic Class 1 in 2024, the mare must have a mean kinship less than 1%, a Thoroughbred blood percentage less than []

Changes were announced to the U.S. Show Jumping Team roster for todays 2024 Paris Olympics Jumping Team Qualifier Class before the sun came up (at 3:55 a.m.). US Equestrian (USEF) issued a press release saying that, due to a slight allergic reaction, Kent Farringtons mare Greya would be replaced. They called up the U.S. teams traveling reserves, Karl Cook (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.) and Caracole de la Roque, a 2012 Selle Franais (Zandor Z x Pocahontas dAmaury) mare owned by Signe Ostby and cared for by Tessa Falanga.Cook joined team riders Laura Kraut (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) and Baloutinue, a 2010 Hanoverian (Balou du Rouet x Utika) gelding owned by St. Brides Farm and cared for by Margo Thomas, and McLain Ward (Brewster, N.Y.) and Ilex, a 2013 KWPN (Baltic VDL x Calendula) gelding owned by Bonne Chance Farm and McLain Ward and cared for by Virginie Casterman.McLain Ward (USA) and Ilex sail over the water jump before a large crowd. Photo courtesy FEI/Benjamin ClarkThe Netherlands also made a last-minute change yesterday to their team, substituting in Kim Emmen riding Imagine for Willem Greve who was to have ridden Grandorado TN. Other riders for the Netherlands remained the same, Maikel van der Vleuten riding Beauville Z and Harrie Smolders riding Uricas vd Kattevennen.Twenty teams of three riders each started today, with representatives from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, United Arab Emirates and the USA.About the CourseThe course, which was run under FEI Table A rules, was co-designed by Santiago Varela from Spain and Grgory Bodo from France. There were 14 numbered obstacles (with one double and one triple combination and a water jump among them) with 17 jumping efforts and a time allowed of 79 seconds (400 meters/minute). It was a pretty course, with elements of French culture mixed into the design. One example was a pink-colored double with French pastries decorating the standards and a wall with artistic graffiti painted on it. Although 1.65 meters is allowed, the fences for today ranged in height between 1.53 and 1.63 meters.Class HighlightsJumping fifth in the order and first up for the Swedish team, reigning Olympic Champions Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward gave a master class on just how to jump an Olympic course, chalking up the first clear round of the day. King Edward continues to impress and today jumped in a bridle with no brow band. Hes also known for jumping barefoot. The Swedes are famous now for researching ways to keep their horses comfortable and performing well.While many found the course quite challenging, there were also a number of clear rounds. All three riders from Germany jumped double clear. There were two clear rounds each for riders from the Netherlands, Sweden and the USA. And, the Belgian, British, French, Irish and Israeli teams all had one rider jump double clear today.One rider from Brazils team, Pedro Veniss who rode Nimrod de Muze, was eliminated in the post-ride check because blood was found on the horses flank. While the FEI recognized in their statement that no actual blame was assigned to the rider for this, the rule requires elimination of the competitor. After the elimination of Veniss, Brazil rider Rodrigo Pessoa and his mount Major Tom withdrew from team competition.U.S. PerformancesFirst up for the USA was Laura Kraut riding Baloutinue, jumping in the 13th spot; they jumped clear and within the time. Kraut talked about emotions, the course designer and her horse, Well, its a relief right now. It was pretty nerve wracking before I went in. Its never a low-stress event at the Olympic Games. The course is very, very technical and big. Gregory Bodo is a brilliant course builder. Ive been jumping his courses quite a bit lately. He has a way of sneaking in things that are far more difficult than they appear to be, as hes done today. So, Im just very fortunate that I have an absolutely amazing horse [Baloutinue]. He was in the zone; he was on it. He has it all. Hes got personality in the stable. But when you get on him to ride him, he is all about the business. And hes brave, careful and scopey. Thats kind of what you need when you go to the Olympics.Laura Kraut and Baloutinue go clear. Photo courtesy US EquestrianTwenty riders later, Karl Cook and Caracole de la Roque also jumped clear (no rails down and no time faults). Cook talked about how he prepared to step up for the team today and his horse, It was very clear, obviously, that I was the alternate, but it also was very clear how late I could be called. We knew that going in and it was important to prepare everything yesterday. Im just so appreciative for the opportunity. I feel proud that I could do that for Team USA and my other team members. Shes [Caracole de la Roque] committed. She loves this. I would say shes zero percent stressed and one hundred percent excited.Karl Cook and Caracole de la Roque go clear. Photo courtesy US EquestrianThe anchor rider for the USA, McLain Ward riding Ilex in the 53rd time slot, put in a smooth round, but had an unlucky rail and two time penalties to finish on 6. Ilex is a new ride for him and the horse is only 11. Ward, a veteran of six Olympic Games, talked about his ride on Ilex after, I was thrilled. I mean, I knew going in that we had a pretty big margin of error. So, I made a plan to just be a little conservative to make sure there wasnt a big blow up. It was a very light rub [that took the rail at fence number 8], but not a big deal. I think all the team performed brilliantly. We look very good going into tomorrow.McLain Ward and Ilex finished their round with six penalties (one rail and two time faults). Photo by Cealy TetleyThe USA finished on a score of 6. They were the second best team in the rankings today, behind Germany who finished in the top spot on zero faults.Teams Moving On To The Show Jumping Team FinalIn addition to the Germany and the USA, other teams qualified are Great Britain, Belgium and the Netherlands all on 8 faults, Ireland on 9, France with 12, Sweden with 17, and both Israel and Mexico on 20 faults.Teams will start with a clean slate (on zero faults) in the team finals tomorrow. According to FEI rules, each team also has the right to substitute in a new rider in between todays qualifier class and up to two hours before tomorrows team finals. They have until that time to declare which three horse and rider combinations they will have in the team finals. The only catch to that rule is that whichever three riders they declare for the team finals are the three that have to move forward to the individual competition early next week.Tomorrows Olympic jumping team final runs from 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Central European Time (8:00 10:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time). For broadcast information, go to NBCOlympics.com. All equestrian coverage is streamed live and available for replays on Peacock. Full Qualifier ResultsJumping Team Final Order of GoJumping Team Final Start ListFor more coverage, visit our 2024 Paris Olympics main page.Thanks to CareCredit for our spring and summer equestrian coverage.The post 2024 Paris Olympics: Jumping Competition Begins with Jumping Team Qualifier appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

Team GB has made another equestrian championship at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the team finals of the showjumping, thanks to impressive rounds by Ben Maher, Harry Charles and Scott Brash earlier today (Thursday 1 August).The team incurred just eight faults in total, with Ben jumping clear and Harry and Scott both having once fence down, leaving them easily within the top 10 nations who have made it to tomorrows final.Harrys feat was all the more impressive given that he fractured his wrist in a fall in Aachen just a few weeks ago.Fortunately, his father Peter kept Romeo 88 ticking over while his rider recovered.When I got home, I was wearing a brace and I decided that if I could ride at Hickstead last week that I could ride the Olympics, Harry said. I got back on Romeo 10 days ago and it worked well, no pain, so I said, OK were fine, and that was that, happy days!The most influential fence on todays course was the penultimate triple combination, with eight horses lowering the vertical on the way in and 24 of the 57 starters kicking out the narrow plank on top of the middle element. It was there that Harry picked up his four faults.Scott and Jefferson also incurred four faults at the penultimate triple combination, but at the first element for them.I was maybe a smidgen too deep and he just touched it on the way up, so maybe it was my fault a bit, said Scott. I think it was quite an unlucky fault really, so you learn from that ahead of tomorrow, but I was really delighted with how he jumped everything else. He felt like he skipped around!Ben said it was a relief to get the competition started after a lot of waiting around and not knowing whats coming in the first round.Its a big enough test today and Dallas Vegas was listening and really on point for me so Im happy, he said.Normally at these events theres always some different fences and we already see that today. I dont know what the other riders are saying but things are coming quick enough today, its quite careful jumping and there are no second chances this week!Another team who has made it to the medal decider is Germany, who made it to the top of the standings without a fault on their scoresheet. USA finished second with just six faults, while Great Britain, Belgium and The Netherlands filled the next three slots with eight faults apiece. Ireland finished sixth with nine faults and the hosts, France, finished seventh when putting 12 faults on the board.All riders will start from scratch for tomorrows final, which kicks off at 1pm (GMT).Images by FEI/Benjamin ClarkUseful linksParis Olympics: showjumping format, timetable and favourites to winTimetables for Paris Olympics plus how to watch equestrian sportFurther readingJoe Stockdales exercises to stop a horse drifting between fencesHe had a great time: Charlotte Fry and Glamourdales seamless test secures team a place in Paris finalWe brought it home!: Britain wins historic fifth team eventing goldThe post Team GBs showjumpers sail through to team final appeared first on Your Horse.

Learn what behavioral signs might indicate your horse has gastric ulcers.The post Common Signs of Equine Gastric Ulcers appeared first on The Horse.

Ocala, FL The penultimate week of the 2024 Summer Series saw an impressive turnout of 38 horse-and-rider combinations for the highlight event of the day, the $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix. Sharn Wordley (NZL) continued his winning ways, securing both first place with Hagelin (Stolzenberg x Graefin Top) and third place on Conto Blanco 4 (Cellestial x Kassandra), both owned by Della Wordley.[...]Read MoreThe post Sharn Wordley Continues His Winning Ways in the $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix appeared first on World Equestrian Center.