Friday, December 31, 2010

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Friday, December 10, 2010

Brisk 65 degree day in az



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

USEF Training List Announcements

It's a day late, but I was named to the developing riders 'A' list. With this nomination we will take part in all of the USEF training sessions in Aiken and throughout the year. The format is a bit different this year, they've decided to just name names rather than horses which is very exciting. This will allow Tali and potentially Simon to attend! It's a great honor to be selected, and I'm certainly looking forward to the opportunity to learn from some of the best coaches in the county.

-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

Thursday, December 9, 2010

USEA Annual Meeting

This is the view from our room...enjoying the 70+ degree temps

-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Duncraven Today

Finally starting to get warm! All of the horses were very good at the show today. Tribute (now owned by Kristin Burgers and Doug) was great for his first show, especially being that it was so cold, and in the indoor. It's all a bit crazy being that everyone warms up at once, all then wait at the end of the ring for their turn. He handled everything exceptionally well.

Beau (owned by David Roby) was very good for his first outing since arriving just a few weeks back. He won the level 3 class and had just one down in the level 4's (3'6", 3'9").

PJ (owned by Jill Fischer) was also very good. He finished up in 6th in the level 1's, he just keeps getting better with each outing.

Virgil ridden by Danielle had a great show as well, they both had very smooth rounds in the level 0's.

We have video's of Beau and Tribute at the DPE Facebook Page here.

The Prodigy's first show!



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Dads white trash turkey



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

Turkey Day Thoughts...

Driving up to Rochester last weekend to teach a clinic I found myself reflecting on 2010, not that it's over yet. I'm flying down tomorrow morning to ride a few horses at Pine Top in Ga for Shanon Baker, so Sunday the eventing season will officially close for me.

While driving through some less fortunate areas of western NY, I nearly found my self feeling guilty. It really is a crazy life I'm able to lead, I was driving my little BMW up to teach a bunch of people who to ride their horses better. There are much bigger problems which need to be addressed.

Funny how things happen, but I would have never guessed I'd be in the position 5 or 10 years ago. I'm very lucky to have such a great support staff without which I wouldn't be here. From the girls, well girl and guy, at the moment (Meg and Conor) to the best farrier in the world, and occasional Bacon foster mom Sudie....the list goes on to our vets (Running S Equine), hay guys lead by Scott Clucas, all of my sponsors (click to see all of them here, we've got a few more who will be added to this list shortly) Of course last but not least is the fabulous supporters/owners who allow me the privilege of working with the best group of horses of any rider out there.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday...and don't worry about that diet tonight :)

Monday, November 8, 2010

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Round 2

Tali was good today...finished up on a very tough course with 2 down finishing in 7th. I can't wait until next year. Ebay a great experience for all of the horses. Their not going to see this kind of atmosphere again until Rolex.

-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

GP following the indoor eventing



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

Tali Intently watching



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

Autograph Signing



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

Friday, November 5, 2010

The Hotel...not to shabby...



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

Hahaha...milking on TV...didn't see where that was going...



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

...



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

Cows?



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

Trade Fair



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

The arena



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

Warm up



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

Same ring



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

From the second floor barn looking down on the practice ring



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Unloading



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

The insanity begins at the royal...



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

Monday, November 1, 2010

Virginia HT Wrap Up

As always VHT was a great event. Brian and Penny Ross put on a great show. It was a very busy weekend for us with 7 horses competing. Tali, Simon and Slick all in prelim. Reggie and Cordonelli in training. PJ and Vigil in novice. Kristin also brought Tom down for her second novice with him.

The weekend started with all the prelim boys dressage on Friday. It is seeming to be old hat, but Tali came away with the lead. It's funny, he's actually still quite green and I'm never certain exactly how well we're going to do. I was in even more doubt as I was trotting around the ring before entering. Twice he heard something behind him, or saw something and bolted. I was impressed, the further into the test we got the better and better he became.

Simon was next in, he's always impressed me with his athleticism but within the past week its all starting to fall into place. His trot has quickly become his strongest gait. Give him the winter and I think he might be giving Tali a run for his money. He didn't score as well as I had hoped, but like I said wait for next year!

Slick was the last of the Friday dressage rides. He had the unfortunate luck of being in one of the rings on the top of the hill. He tried very hard and pulled off a respectable test. Hes not setting the world on fire yet, but remember its only his 3rd prelim.

Friday night at Va is always a good time. They put on a benefit jumping competition in the massive indoor. It's a great opportunity especially for the green horses to get in the ring and get used to the atmosphere. It's also a plus that you can win some money! Slick finishes up second behind Holly in the big class. My Mom ended up winning the smaller one.

Saturday was very busy, the little guys starting up with dressage and the big guys with XC. The most notable part of sat, aside from the great jumping prelim horses was with PJ's dressage. We were nearly finished with our test, in the last canter circle. Out of no where the horse in the ring next to us decides to try to jump out of the ring. From the sounds of it, it didn't go well. Before I knew it we were bolting down the long side. PJ still finished up with a 33.5 or so but it could have been much better without a doubt! All of the horses finished very strong. Aside from Slick's 1 rail, they all finished on their dressage scores.

Sunday finished up the event. The results finished up as follows:
Prelim:
Tali 1st
Simon 5th

Training:
Cordonelli 3rd
Reggie 2nd

Novice:
PJ 4th
Virgil 3rd
Kristin also finished 7th on Tom

There was also a team competition occurring. The team of Tali, my Mom, Sister and Matt won out of the 26 total teams. My second team of Simon, Tara, Kathy and Larry finished up in 3rd...pretty damn good weekend!

This Thursday we're heading up to Toronto for the Royal Winter Fair's Indoor Eventing Competition. It's unlike anything I'd seen before. The helmet cam is coming along so check back next week for video...it'll be a hell of a trip without a doubt!

http://royalfair.org/indoor-eventing

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Bacon was very sleepy in Simon's stall



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

Friday, October 22, 2010

Working Student Needed!

Join DPEquestrian...Come ride, train, and groom for ICP cert, USEF Judge/TD, GP Show Jumper, and Adv. event rider. Opportunity to travel to all the shows both big and small as well as Aiken SC for the winter months. Looking for someone hardworking, organized, cheerful and fun. Housing or discounted board offered as well as daily lessons/coaching.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Finally free!!



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

On the way home!



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

Waiting to pick up RO at quarantine



-D

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
908.399.9112
DPEquestrian.com

Monday, October 18, 2010

Awards Pics...

Courtesy of my Dad...

Boekelo Sun Report and Recap

What a trip...

I don't think I sent in a proper SJ report. So in front of a packed house, estimates around 10k people on all sides of the stadium, we had the final phase of the 3 day, or Military as its know in Holland.

Running Order is generally quite a good show jumper. I was unsure of how well this particular round would go just due to the countless unknowns...the people, flags, banners, grandstands, bars/restaurants etc... The course was not overly technical. I was the second on course. So there wouldn't be much time to assess the typical problems which would have been clear after watching a few horses go, ie tricky combination, bogey fences or time. We figured the time would be tight, and this was the case. After walking there were a few areas of concern for me. A few of the jumps were situated in a way in which you were directly jumping into the stands. This was the case with the 2nd, the approach to 5, 8 and the final triple combination which if you drifted left you'd land within 15' of the outside wall separating the grandstands and the stadium. We made a plan to angle a few of these to take the people out of the question as much as possible, we also planned on an inside line to the triple allowing us to jump a bit left to right allowing the horse to see an out at the end. I can't tell you how happy I was that I've had the opportunity to jump so much over the past year. Anne's advice was ringing in my ear the entire time. And to my surprise I really was hardly nervous. The course looked small, I guess Courage's Grand Prix being the last course I walked puts things in perspective :). Not so say that's always the case, its all what your riding, and Skinny can jump with the best of them.

I hopped on for warmup, I've never been so excited a sunday before about a horse. Most horses would come out a little stiff and tired after 12mins of xc the day before. Not Running Order, I've always thought he'd make it big, this was confirmation. He jumped great in warmup. I went into the ring knowing the first horse had 1 or 2 rails and a few time. He jumped great throughout the course. We did have 1 down at a fence that ended up coming down all day. In hindsight I could have helped him off the ground a bit more. Such is life, we made the time without a problem. As I said before, upon finishing I knew there was a lot of room for improvement, but I was very proud of my pony!

Aside from the individual competition, we were one of 19 teams competing in the Grolsch Nations Cup competition. On the strong preformance of Sinead, Will and Tiana we finished 2nd. Which meant RO was back for the awards.

What a mad house. Between carriages of fresians and fjords, tons of authentically dressed people, notice the PC description ;), bands tractors etc...RO's eyes were popping out of his poor little head. We actually saw some woman a few ft away get run over by a tractor.

We won beautiful coolers, which I was excited about until I got a leg up...not sure how many of you have tried to ride with a cooler between you and the saddle, but without a doubt this ceremony was the closest I came to falling off during the weekend. My dad managed to assimilate into the masses of press as they entered to cover the awards ceremony, so pics should be coming soon. The victory gallop was exciting to say the least, but it was a great ending for the weekend.

Without question, I would rather have had a much different result. However, I know I speak for everyone that went along, it has been an immensely valuable experience. I certainly have never ridden in such an environment. Everything from the team experience, to the shear numbers of spectators to the stadium atmosphere for the horses, flying, packing the list goes on. I'm a frustrated, but much better rider and horseman for the experience.

As for Running Order, I really couldn't be more proud of him. The glitch we had on XC was not due to anything but inexperience, on his and my part. The only way of getting it is doing it. As much as I hate to admit that! The exciting thing was that he just continued to get better and more confident throughout the competition. He has come so far in such a short period of time. As an 8 year old he was one of the youngest in the competition, not only that but the fact that 2.5 years ago he hadn't been to a beginner novice! He is a much better horse coming out of the event than what I had going in.

I also want to thank all of the people who have made that all possible. First off, Patti, his owner. Without her support we're dead in the water. The Springsteen's have been exceptional throughout RO's short career. Then Mark Phillips, my Mom, Irma Hotz, Anne Kursinski, David O'Connor and I'm sure I'm forgetting many others. As for this trip we also can't forget Sara Ike and Mike Huber.

I also wanted to thank Larry and Amelia Ross for making the trip from Italy to watch over the weekend. They own Tali with me, and with a little luck he'll be competing at Boekelo in a few years!

This is an exciting journey, its going to have ups and downs, and I see it as long as your learning and getting better the future is looking bright. This trip cranked up the intensity of that light exponentially.

We have an off weekend coming up, we'll be heading off the Far Hills Races...then off to Va horse trials the following weekend for the rest of the horses at the barn. Running Order will be enjoying some much deserved time off in a field!

D
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A frosty last Boekelo morning

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Sunday, October 17, 2010

US Team finishes 2nd in the Grolsch Nations Cup!!

Everyone jumped very well...Will with 1 down, Sinead with 3 and Tiana clear. Its a great end to a great weekend!

D
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SJ Stadium

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Running Order's SJ

Running Order jumped a great round today. We did have 1 down, but I couldn't have asked for a better performance. He hardly minded the packed house of over 10,000 people. He never ceases to amaze me. He felt great today, nearly as if he had just gone for a short hack yesterday rather than a 11+ min XC course.

Afterwards I spoke to Mark about his plan for the future. We might spend some time in florida over the winter for dressage and some jumping. Then a CCI*** in the spring then maybe a 4* in the fall, probably Pau in France.

Ill post some updates later in the day regarding the rest of the team. Couldn't be happier with Running Order!

D
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All US horses have passed the Jog

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Sunday Jog

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Pre Jog...

We just got them out...Running Order looks as if went for a hack yesterday. Exciting!
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Saturday, October 16, 2010

RO hangin

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Trade Fair...

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More XC stuff..

I'm still in awe of the crowds here...40,000 people...I wouldn't exaggerate if I told you they are 10 deep throughout the course. Amazing...
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XC update...

At least I'm not alone, we've had a bunch of problems at that same jump into the water. In watching the horses who jump it well, its obvious that I should have had a more packaged canter as well as squaring the corner off more. I can't say enough about this experience...I'm very lucky to have such a nice horse. Without a doubt this will make the both of us better.
D
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XC crowds

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Will jumps clean

Will had a great round finishing under the time..


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XC results...

Running Order was pretty damn good, but unfortunately not perfect. He jumped the first 8 perfectly. 9 was the first water. The A element was on a left bend into it around a bunch of trees. In hindsight I should have squared the turn off a bit more, he didn't read it well. I ended up have 2 stops at it. I should have taken more time on my second attempt. The third was sticky, but finished up well. We continued on in the straight route and jumped elements b through e very well. In most cases I'd be very upset, but just got better and better through the course. I can't tell you how excited I am about our future. He finished up still only 45 seconds late. Amazing being that I just let him cruise on after fence 9. The time was well within his grasp. As Mark said at the finish, "this is a very good horse for the future." I couldn't agree more. Just has some to learn.

I've heard time and time again that experience is what you need after you need it. I've got it for next year!

Ill report back with everyone else's results.

D
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Friday, October 15, 2010

Friday update...

Today started off with a little later wake up call, we were on by 8 for
a long walk. Running Order enjoyed his hack...the facility continues to
grow. It's really unbelievable, every time I walk to the course (5 times
now) there are more tents and activity, everywhere! I can't wait until
tomorrow...more specifically when xc is finished. I'm 4th out, so
luckily I don't have to wait around long. The ground is quite moist,
bordering on wet. We had sporadic rain today and it is again forecast
for tonight into tomorrow. Running Order is great in the rain, so I'm
hoping for as much as possible.

Tiana and Sinead went today, Tiana had a very good test putting her in
6th on a 46 and Sinead had a 55 putting her around 30th. In the Grolsch
Nations Cup we're sitting in third!

I'll send a quick note after tomorrow morning, I ride at 9:16...it'll be
quite early eastern.

Back again soon,
D

--
Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
doug@dpequestrian.com
908.399.9112
____________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Sponsor Auction

This pic is of the sponsor auction or assignment? Each group of riders is assigned to a different sponsor company where we'll stop into their tents throughout the weekend.

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Will and the poster for tonight's party...

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Thursday Update

So dressage was today for Running Order. The day started early, we
were in the lobby at quarter to 7 for a first ride at 7 then back on by
8:30. RO was excellent, and not affected by the atmosphere at all. I
think this was due to last nights familiarization at 6 where he stood
staring at the two jumbo-trons for quite some time. He was very good in
the test. I did make a very stupid error, halting early at the first
halt, but really was very pleased with his test. The score, however, not
so much. My mom and Sandy Phillips both FEI judges were in shock with
how low it was scored. I did have the pleasure of following Michael
Jung, the current world champion, which didn't help the situation. I do
have to keep all of this in perspective, he's only 8 and did his first
one star 18 months ago. We finished the first day of dressage in the
middle of the pack with a 61. Give him a year or two and it'll be a
different story. His progress has been astounding over the past few
years, especially what has been accomplished in the past week. Give him
time...he'll be there!

Tomorrow will be quite relaxing...just taking RO for a walk a time or
two. I'll walk the course again tomorrow for a 4th time. It did look a
bit smaller the 2nd and 3rd times today. It's certainly not going to be
a dressage show...

Doug Payne
DPEquestrian LLC
PO Box 179
Pottersville, NJ 07979
doug@dpequestrian.com
908.399.9112
____________________________________________________________________________________

Really?!

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...More XC

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Frustrating!!!!

Running Order was quite good this morning...but came away with a 61!! Both my mom and Sandy Phillips (FEI judges both) were in disbelief of how high the score was..

Such is life, on to saturday. More determined...
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Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Jog Pics...

The jogs today went very well. We started the day off with a dressage lesson in the am with Mark. Running Order just keeps getting better and better. I don't know if we can pull it off tomorrow, but I'm certain in a few years this will not be an issue.

The team all went to the briefing where everyone is formally introduced etc. Then off to the jogs. There are a number of pics from it below. My dad took a bunch, we'll get better quality ones up tomorrow. Had to take a pic of my computer screen, no internet access in the room other than my blackberry.

We got very lucky that the nations (we jogged in order of country draw) were able to hang out in the main stadium. Jogs were uneventful, so its official...were in the game!

Dressage tomorrow at 9:06. The plan is to stretch etc at 7 then back on at 8:30, and win! Well that might be ambitious, but it should be good. Hoping to be under 50.

Off to bed...

D
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Times

I'm 4th out which I'd have to say is good luck being that was my # @ fair hill ** last fall. I ride @ 9:06 tomorrow.

D
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...

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...

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XC 2

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XC walk

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Running Order passed!

Dressage now tomorrow morning...times to come.

D
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At the Jog

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Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Party Boekelo style

Nothing all that important or exciting happened today. We all had lessons with Mark Phillips, except for Will who continued his work with Sandy Phillips. We then took them all for walks...all good...

We did find out were the 7th nation to go and I'm going to be first in the order which means I'll be going about 7th to go on thursday. Jogs tomorrow and the xc course walk at 8:30!

Reports on it to come soon...

D
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3 and 4

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Dressage stadium

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Its official

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Skinny + RO on a morning hack

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Monday, October 11, 2010

...

NJ would normally be the location, but today were straight from Holland. This is the access road behind the trade fair and stadium for dressage and xc fences 3-5. We've had a peak at a few, but were not allowed to walk the xc until Wed.

The weather here has been beautiful. Certainly cold enough in the am (mid 40s) but then mid 60s without a cloud in sight in the afternoon.

Today was spent in search of SIM cards and chargers for everyone's phones.

The horses had leasurly walk this am through what looked exactly like the enchanted forest or maybe the Smirfs backyard. They then went out this afternoon for some long and low/ light work. In barn inspections were also completed. Packets will be ready tomorrow as will most of the competitors.

Until then...

D
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