NJ Horse Trials, Millbrook, Virtus...

DPE's summer season is in full swing. We've had a crazy few weeks. Following the cancellation of Stuart horse trials, we rerouted a bunch of them to NJ horse trials as our final prep before Millbrook. 

Most notable and best performer of the two weeks was the Ross' Crown Talisman. Tali jumped around a great, conservative round at NJ and finished off with a great 9th place effort as his first advanced. Below is a full listing of results. It's an incredible group of horses, every horse entered in at both events finished in the top 10 of their division!

The other stand out at Millbrook was Royal Tribute's 15.2. Tribute is owned by Kristen Burgers, Larry and Amelia Ross and Doug. He's still ramping up to full competitive form, but this was one excellent way to kick it off!

Tali's XC and Show Jumping from Millbrook is found below, awesome especially considering this was his first advanced!



Aside from compeition we also have some very exciting news that Virtus-DPE has, with the tremendous help of the USEF Event Owner's Taskforce, has purchased a fabulous 5 yr old gelding. Below is a video of Lisnahall Imperier known around the barn as Rex. The following video was shot yesterday at the Ridge's schooling show. We're in the process of syndicate formation and will be up and running within the next few weeks. I can't thank the task force enough for their assistance, he wouldn't be here without them.

Rex is slated to compete this coming weekend at Waredaca in the YEH-5 qualifier, so check back for more details and results. He's certainly going to grab some attention!

EN Blog Post

Check my most recent blog on Eventing Nation

The long walk home with Tom after galloping, what a perfect day!

Almost there!

New Jumps!

I've been very lucky over my career to date not to miss more than a day or two to injury so this month+ has been an experience to say the least. I've always said you have to make the most of the opportunities presented to you. I don't think my inbox has been empty for years, our jumps are now painted (with the tremendous help of Jess and Michelle) and my book which has been in the works for a bit over a year is nearing completion. Physically, I've been on the stationary bike and working out my core, in hopes of being more fit than ever for the return. I've not been this productive outside of horses in such a short period of time ever!

It's seemed like an eternity since I've last ridden, but alas it's only been 5 weeks. Lucky, in so many ways my collateral ligament which I tore out of my index finger is healing very well. It should be ready to go this coming week! I'm planning to start with the more experienced and predictable horses, then slowly reintroduce the slightly more feral ones. The risk will be there for some time, I'm doing my best not to rip an anchor out which was used to tie the ligament back in place. Fortunately, I have a brace/cast which will allow me to ride without much trouble.

Our horses have been enjoying the lighter schedule save a few who have been kept in full work by my savior Jess :). Without her, I'm not sure what I would have done! In some ways the timing couldn't have been better. Our guys have been running since Jan and were just about due for their spring break before the summer action. I'm in a very unique position, where they are all qualified for anything in the near future, and have had tremendous success this spring. (details can be found here) I couldn't be happier with their progress.

I'm taking it day by day, but tentatively it looks like the full string should return to action at Stuart in July.

Check back soon for updates...

-D

Fair Hill - Rolex, podcast and more...

Rio schooling in Aiken

We have finally arrived and settled in NJ. We just returned from a very successful weekend at Fair Hill where the Doug & the Luce's Cossino Rio finished in 3rd in training. In preliminary, Jane Dudinsky's Cellar Door finished 3rd, Nicole Carolan's Topgun finished a very close 2nd to Big Leo aka Lysander owned by Kristin Michaloski & Doug who won!

We've also got a brand new podcast online at the following link.

For all who are planning to attend Rolex, I will be leading a course walk tentatively at 4 pm on Friday.

Aiken Update #2: HITS, Training Sessions and more

Tali at the USEF Training Sessions - Photo via Kate Samuels (facebook)

Our last few weeks have been hectic...but the horses are all going great with loads coming soon. Since our last update we've had a number of competitions including Paradise Farm horse trials, High Fields jumper show, HITS Ocala and the USEA ICP Symposium. Below are a few videos from the past weeks:

(I've been having trouble today with the video embed. If they don't work, click on the description below each for the direct link.)


Wishfull-V owned by Amy Hentinaar @ HITS Ocala in the 1.40m


Cellar Door aka Little Leo owned by Jane Dudinsky at Pine Top for the first event of the year!

Aside from the showing and the ICP symposium Tali aka Crown Talisman owned by myself and Larry and Amelia Ross have been named to the USEF National Training list. This has allowed us to participate in the USEF training sessions. David O'Connor the new US coach has been incredibly helpful. I feel like in the past month we've made great strides forward, but unfortunately with the recent EHV-1 outbreak we're going to have to wait to test the improvements in the ring.

Speaking of the EHV-1 Outbreak we again were very lucky. Originally we had intended on stabling at the HITS show grounds last week, but luckily at the last minute we decided to stay at Longwood and ship in to HITS. We have been very closely motioning and segregating our horses since our departure from Florida, and the best estimations for incubation we've received from the vets treating the first case in Florida was 2-10 days. I'm thankful to say we've reached the 10th day with no signs of any trouble.

On the same theme we had planned to attend the Red Hills horse trials this coming weekend, but in light of the current state of things I've decided it's not worth the risk to our horses competing or those left at home to attend this year. Hopefully things will quiet down in the next few weeks and the remainder of our spring season will be unaffected.

I've got a bit more info on our newest podcast. Click here to listen!

Our podcast for those who haven't listened in the past offers a broad description of recent happenings along with some stories from the road. We also reintroducing a Q and A portion of the program. If you have any questions about training, compeitions, care or more feel free to respond to this blog or shoot me an email at doug@dpequestrian.com

I also want to congratulate Wendy and Fred Luce with the purchase of Cassino Rio, he is an exceptionally talented 8 yr old Westphallian gelding who I'm very excited add to our team of horses. Stay tuned for some pictures and videos.

Until next time stay warm!

-D
 

Busy week...Aiken is in full swing!

We had quite the busy week here in Aiken. I'd say we're officially in full swing. It's a great problem to have, but we had two competitions running simultaneously this week in which horses were competing.

The first of which, PSJ's High Fields jumper show, was supposed to start up for us on Thursday with the welcome stakes for Wishfull. Due to the tremendous rain the class was delayed to Friday. Unfortunately, Wishfull had to be put on hold being that Friday we were out at Pine Top in Tompson, Ga for Tali's (Crown Talisman owned by Doug and Larry and Amelia Ross) first event of the year.

With all of the horses the first outing is always a little bit touch and go at times. Tali in the intermediate and very good, actually better than he's ever been early in the year. I did have the unfortunate draw placing us in the far ring, nearest to the cross country warm up. Every time we'd head in that direction, he wanted desperately to take a peek. Regardless, he finished up very well. We were sitting in 3rd following dressage on a 32. Not a bad start to the year. He jumped great in both SJ and XC. I took my time on XC being his first run of the year. No need to risk injury!

Tali on XC - Photo via Facebook - Cynthia Lawler/horsejunkiesunited.com

Saturday brought the JV team to Pine Top all of which were at training level. TopGun aka Gunnar (owned by Nicole Carolan), Cellar Door aka Little Leo (owned by Jane Dudinsky) and Lysander aka Big Leo (owned by Kristen Michaloski and Doug). All three were a little up, as to be expect but all put in very respectable tests.


The day finished well with show jumping. I had one rail with Big Leo...completely my fault! Like I said before, have to knock the rust off some how. The rest of them jumped classy clear rounds.

 

Topgun photo by Samantha Clark/eventingnation.com

Sunday brought with it the most chaos! We had the three JV's XC rounds' start times shifted around a bit, by the one and only Gwen Urbanik, in order to finish up by just after 1pm. All the horses jumped great clears. The finished up as follows: Tali 7th, Little Leo 11th, Big Leo 5th and Gunnar 4th. Little Leo last to go got a quick cool down in order to get back to Aiken for at 2:30 start to the $10k 1.30m mini prix. For those unaware, Pine Top is just over an hour west of Aiken.

So we were running tight! Thanks to Michelle who runs our operation and Sally who was able to give Wishfull a ride to the show we made it just in time. I was not able to walk, but was able to see the first horse in to see how the course would ride. Wishfull jumped better than he's jumped to date. He is one exceptional horse. Whoever ends up purchasing him will be one lucky rider!

Wishfull-V in the $10k 1.30m Mini Prix

Tomorrow starts the USEF training sessions. Tali is scheduled for dressage 3:15 tomorrow and 11:45 Wed, jumping 9:00 am Thursday. Reports soon to follow!

We also had another huge milestone passed this week. Amazingly Running Order's video from Rolex last year has just passed 100,000 views! Incredible, I can't wait to watch he and William Fox-Pitt in action this spring. William has him aimed at a spring 3*.

 

First Podcast for '13 is up...

We've been on a show jumping tear so far here in Aiken. The full results are listed on the bio page: www.dpequestrian.com/bio but the highlights from the past few week are as follows. Little Leo, Big Leo and Gunnar finished 1,2,3 at Highfields and Wishfull and Tali finished 2,3 in the final unrated mini prix at PSJ here in town.

Ryder and Wishfull

This past week started with a trip down to Ocala for some jumping. Wishfull again was excellent in the 1.30m classes. Jess and Trevor also came along and jumped great.



I finished up the week judging an event at Sporting Days farm here in Aiken. Joanna always puts on a great show, and with 4 rings running all day it was very well attended.

This coming week we're headed back to PSJ as well as Pine Top for our first event of the year.

Podcast #23 is now posted here...or subscribe on your podcast app www.dpequestrian.com/podcast/podcast.xml

Quick update... DPEquestrian has been nominated for the ESMA '13!!

I've just received an email from the Equestrian Social Media Awards indicating that our YouTube channel has been nominated as one of the top 10 on the web! Click Here to vote! 

I have to say I think my favorite for the year is below.

 

Check back in a bit for more details. Our season is finally under way here in Aiken.

Virtus-DPE

I always find it funny how things happen to fall into place. Just as official word hit EN, Horse and Hound and the Chronicle of the Horse detailing the sale of Running Order to World #1 William Fox-Pitt Virtus-DPE was well into its formation.

It was inconceivable to me when forming our initial syndicate for Running Order that I'd be in the position that I am today without him. While all appeared in sorted, I will never forget watching the trailer leave the farm with him and the prior years hopes, aspirations and hard work. A tremendously difficult pill to swallow, I do find comfort knowing he is in the best hands in the world. I can't wait to see him out competing next year, and I'm determined to make the best of this situation!

Out of it all rose Virtus-DPE. Why Virtus?

Wikipedia defines it as follows:  
Virtus was a specific virtue in Ancient Rome. It carries connotations of valor, manliness, excellence, courage, character, and worth, perceived as masculine strengths (from Latin vir, "man"). It was thus a frequently stated virtue of Roman emperors, and was personified as a deity.

Virtus personified by our syndicate is my goal. I'm very lucky so far to have 7 members who have decided to join me in this venture. We're still looking for 3 more, so what's in it for you?!

The syndicate wave has hit eventing, but most are geared toward one goal competition with one horse. Virtus-DPE is structured and geared to develop a string of horses capable of successfully competing and winning at the highest levels of eventing, with the ultimate goal of representing the United States in international competition. While the path to international success will certainly have its challenges, we are attacking them head on with a two pronged approach. Our initial purchases are aimed at one 7-8 year old and one 4-5 year old both with exceptional talent and the look of a champion. With horses at different stages in the game, we'll have a constant stream of exciting news and activities along the way.

I've always enjoyed developing horses from the ground up. To me it appears as the only way to get top class horses under our wing without breaking the bank. Ultimately the very best horses are not for sale regardless of age or price! For those who have not seen this before, this was a video I produced detailing Running Order's progression a shining example of what is possible.



With two horses taking on the eventing world, we're bound to get there soon. If you are intrigued and would like more information please don't hesitate to contact me at doug@dpequestrian.com or 908.399.9112.

Ocala Horse Trials

I'm sitting in the airport restaurant in Orlando waiting for my flight returning to NJ following an excellent weekend at the Ocala Horse Properties Horse Trials. I was down to act as the TD for the weekend. A big thanks has to go out to both Jon Holling and Peter Grey for putting on a class competition under their company EquiVentures. I don't want to forget the countless other volunteers that helped, who without we'd have no sport at all!

This serves as the last major date on my schedule for the year. We may have a schooling show or two in the coming weeks, but this was a perfect end to an eventful year. With the cold weather arriving, we've been ironing out our schedule for 2013 as well as our winter farm plans etc.

Next week, Jess and I are heading down to Aiken for Thanksgiving with her parents. I'm going to use the opportunity to visit the farm we're renting for the winter season. I'm very excited, it's a 16 stall center isle barn with plenty of turnout as well as riding areas. It should be the perfect base to work from for years to come.

Earlier in the week, I picked up two new horses who will be joining us for the winter. One from Jane Dudinsky, who owned both Lord Baltimore as well as Getalong Maggie. Jane's horse was again started by Kip Hollaway who's done a wonderful job getting him going. Leo or Little Leo as he'll be known at our place has done a bunch of training level events and is ready to move up to prelim in the spring. The second is a coming 4 year old, named Eli, owned by Kristen Burgers, who also owns Royal Tribute. He is ready to get going in his competitive career.

We still do have room for one more horse down in Aiken. If you have any questions, or would like information about our training and competition program please don't hesitate to email or call at 908-399-9112. 

Doug, Jon Holling, Cathy Slaterback, Peter Grey

Fair Hill 2012 - Update and Podcast

We had a great weekend at Fair Hill. Tali finished up in 4th out of 74 in the CCI**. I couldn't be prouder of him. He hadn't had a run since Millbrook which makes this result even more impressive!

Leo had a great outing finishing 5th in the YEH-5 finals. He's an exceptional horse with a very bright future. Keep an eye on him, he's one to watch without a doubt!

I've got a bit more detail as well as some other stories of the weekend on this week's podcast. Listen or subscribe with your podcast player by entering the following url: http://dpequestrian.com/podcast/podcast.xml

The Fair Hill CCI** and YEH-5 has officially begun!

Jess, Tali, Big Leo and of course the dogs and I arrived yesterday to Fair Hill. Yesterday afternoon/evening was spent unpacking and attending a USEF active athletes meeting where David O'Connor gave the initial presentation of the US team of the future.  I'm very excited to have an opportuntiy to play a part. I think he's going to do a fablious job.

We had a leisurely morning this am, spent riding both horses and setting up the barns. Up next was the first riders meeting where we all meet the ground jury as well as get a number of housekeeping details ironed out.

The CCI** jog was also held today. Tali was his usually expressive self, jogged great down the strip and then as we turned he realized he was flanked by a massive tent and flags. He began levitating and spinning...as he would...settled and continued in a flamboyant passage.

Tomorrow is the start of the Young Event horse competition. Leo is up at 9:10. Tali gets another quiet day, his dressage is set for 2:27 on Friday.

Tali and Jess just following the Jogs

Morven Park Bound

We're on the way down to Virginia for our final run prior to the Fair Hill CCI** and YEH-5 Championships.

Unfortunately, Tali is not joining us this weekend. Two days ago he came in from the field with a swollen eye. Upon inspection our Vet, Dr. Staller, prescribed a course of medication which would make competing impossible. His eye was looking good this morning, so luckily we were able to fit in another gallop. Although it's not an ideal lead up to a 2* I think we'll be in great shape in 2 weeks time.

Along with us to Morven is Lysander aka Big Leo who is entered in the Preliminary which will serve as his last run before the 5 yr old championships. In addition to Leo is Artie. Artie is entered in the training, he is a horse who arrived a month or so back and is being offered for sale. He's an exceptional athlete, he's competed through Prelim in Germany before arriving in the states. I've now shown him in the 1.20m jumpers. This will be his first event in the country. Pictures and videos are posted on our sale page www.dpequestrian.com/forsale

Keep in touch for this weekends results...by the looks of it, it's going to be a great weekend!

-D

AEC's, Tali's foot, Hunter Farms and more

Lysander aka Big Leo owned by myself and Kristin Michaloski won the 2012 American Eventing Championships in the Training Horse division! He was exceptionally good winning wire to wire on a 22.7!

Big Leo at the Awards Ceremony at the AEC's (Photo Hoofclix)

Dressage (Score of 22.7) (Photo Hoofclix)

XC (Photo Hoofclix)

SJ (Photo Hoofclix)

Following his success at the AEC's Leo is headed to Morven Park next week in the prelim then on to the USEA Young Event Horse 5yr old finals at the Fair Hill CCI in a month.

Leo wasn't the only one to have a great weekend. Royal Tribute aka the Prodigy owned by Kristen Burgers, Larry and Amelia Ross and myself finished the weekend up 7th in the Preliminary Horse. He was also leading after dressage, he managed to match Leo's 22.7! He was great on xc as well, especially considering the conditions we dealt.

1st Place after Dressage 22.7! (Photo Hoofclix)

The fog on XC was amazing! (Photo Hoofclix)

SJ (Photo Hoofclix)

We finished up the weekend with pair of unfortunate rails, but he doesn't owe us anything. He's had an incredible year. He earns a well deserved vacation wrapping 2012 up with 5 wins, 2 seconds (1 CCI* and 1 HT) and a 7th at the AEC's not bad for 9 prelim starts!


On other news Tali is back. Below is a current photo of his LF, we're finally back in work and preparing for Morven and the Fair Hill CCI** in a month. He somehow caught himself on XC at Millbrook, it was a nasty cut requiring stitches as well as staples. Thankfully, Tali is an excellent patient and does a remarkable job of healing! I also have to thank our friends at SpectraVet Laser's for their help. He feels great and should be ready to go for next week!

Current Photo

Roughly a week after Millbrook

On to jumping, we wrapped up today Wishfull-V showing for the week at Princeton. He's one incredible horse finishing the $2,500 1.30m class at Princeton in 3rd Place!

HITS - CWD - Working Student and More

We've just wrapped up a very good week. We're finally heading out of the black hole that has been the past month or so. Our brand new syndicate is very quickly forming, our two horses attack is taking shape.

We have a few new members joining our group which is, without a doubt, the most exciting project I've been involved with to date. If you'd like to join us your time is quickly running out. Contact me at doug@dpequestrian.com or 908.399.9112 for details.

Wednesday and Friday we made the trip up to HITS Saugraties with Wishfull-V owned by Amy Hentenaar. Wednesday we started off with the level 5 and 6's. Following strong performances in both Friday we bumped him up to the Level 6 and 7's. Below are photos and video of the 7's (1.40m/4'6") where he placed 6th. Wishfull is tentatively slated for the $35,000 grand prix at Princeton in a few weeks time.

Appropriately we got a great shot over the CWD oxer. Friday was my first show in the brand new 2G saddle. I can't say enough, this saddle is excellent!! The crazy thing is it's only going to get better as it breaks in for real.

We're also have an opening for a new working student. We're looking for someone who is fun loving, hard working and wants to learn. Ideally this person could stay with us for a year period or more. If you are interested or would like more info please contact me or Jess at jess@dpequestrian.com or 615-477-1773.