Payne Equestrian European Tour is a Wrap

Our European trip 2018 is a wrap. Jess, Hudson and I returned home to Aiken yesterday. Courtney is heading to pick up Quantum from quarantine tomorrow and return south with both he and Flynn.

I've been lucky enough to have been given the opportunity to train and ride some incredible creatures in the past. The current batch is no exception. This was my third trip overseas and with each time, a tremendous amount is learned, which directly benefited not only the horses that came along with us but all at home. 

Flynn and Quantum's flights were scheduled for the Thursday prior to Boekelo. We actually headed north a few days earlier with the jumpers to compete at the Princeton Young Jumper Championships. We figured we might as well kill two birds with one stone! 

While Courtney, Quantum and Flynn headed across the pond, Quincy (Quintessence owned by Jane Dudinsky) pictured below, finished an incredible week winning the $35,000 7-Year-Old Young Jumper title, being the only horse to finish all three days on zero faults. Quincy was originally bought as a 4 year old to event and was very successful, finishing his last event in 3rd at the Fork Horse Trials in the preliminary before focusing on jumpers exclusively. Even more incredible is that he finished up 2017 with the win in the YJC 6 year old Jumper Finals title in Kentucky. I can't wait to see what is in store for his future. 

Quincy looking thrilled with his winnings!

Quincy making the 1.40m last fence look like a 3' oxer.

Following Quincy's class we stuck around to help Mary Guynn and Konner in the $5,000 Jr/Am Classic. They obviously didn't want to be left out of the festivities and went on to win their class as well!

Soon after, Jess, Hudson and I hopped on a plane and headed across the pond. Upon our arrival in Europe, I didn't know exactly what to expect in terms of potential results as we brought two extremely talented horses, both on track to make it to the top of the sport. The Boekelo CCIO*** Nations Cup was our first stop for Flynn (aka Getaway owned by Lisa and Bob Wall). Baby Quantum (aka Quantum Leap owned in partnership with Susan and Dave Drillock) traveled with Flynn to Boekelo. It was convenient timing that the 7-Year-Old FEI World Breeding Championships held at Mondial Du Lion were the following week. This gave Quantum time to get accustomed to the manic atmosphere that surrounds European fall championships. 

To give both of these competitions context, I’ve ridden at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, Central Park NYC, Wellington and Devon, PA, all for eventing derbies as well as every east coast CCI, Blenheim in the UK, and Saumur, France. None would come close to the stage set for these horses. To say it’s electric is an understatement. 

I've always found that the biggest limiting factor to performance is tension introduced by a charged environment. If the horses are relaxed you have a great chance to show off what they are capable of doing at home. Flynn makes a place like this a particular challenge - he would survive in the wild without a problem! He might have the most elevated flight response out of any horse we’ve had to date. He has continued to make great steps forward in being able to remain grounded in charged venues. Luckily our experience in dressage was a continuation for sure. There were a few times that he would start to worry, but did manage to settle back again quickly. This experience will help him in the coming years without a doubt. We finished on a respectable 32, with the potential to knock a significant number off in the future.

Getaway - Dressage - Libby Law Photography

The cross country at Boekelo is a combination of a college football tailgate, steeplechase and event wrapped up in one. The crowd estimates topped 60,000 for Saturday with beer tents strategically positioned at every combination of jumps. This was the first time Flynn would have ever seen anything like it. He responded like a pro, aside from the very first complex which had a bar on the fence, he could have cared less. I've been working very hard over the past couple of years to become more efficient on cross country in order to be consistently closer to the time and save my horses to have gas left in the tank. Flynn couldn't have been much better. He made easy work of a difficult course. We were up on the clock until the last minute where he over-jumped a brush into a turning combination. I had to make a quick S-turn and lost a few seconds. He finished up just a few seconds over in great form. 

To put it mildly, show jumping was challenging. I can count on one hand to date the rounds that he's been anything but double clear including his first CCI*** at Bromont. He warmed up well, but I was unable to replicate that in the arena. He jumped in great form but finished up with 5 down. Obviously this was disappointing but we did come away with a number of things learned that will be implemented in the future. 

Getaway - Show Jumping Boekelo CCIO*** by Libby Law

After finishing up at Boekelo Courtney and Quantum started their journey on to France while Flynn hitched a ride with Horseflight back to the States. Meanwhile, Lisa, Bob, Catherine, Jess, Hudson and I spent the evening in Amsterdam. We are very lucky to have such a great support system, and it was great that Lisa and Bob could join and enjoy/partake in the experience. 

On to Mondial du Lion the FEI World Breeding Championships for Eventing

We caught up with Courtney and Quantum in France on Tuesday. Our resident groupie, Catherine, continued her European trip with us and we were also joined by my parents as well as Ali and Alan, our French family, and Didi and Robert Callahan, who bred Quantum.

Quantum has been with us since we bought him as a weanling. We picked him up following the Fair Hill International 6 years ago. For a bit of background I've included a couple of videos below. We started him the end of his 3 year old year and he has continued on with the tremendous support of Susan and Dave Drillock.

He finished the USEA Young Event Horse finals in 6th place 2 years ago. This made him eligible for the Turner-Holekamp travel grant as a 7 year old. Before getting the nod, Quantum finished 2nd at his first CCI** this spring in Ocala and finished 2nd at both Millbrook and Stableview horse trials leading up to this trip. He was the highest placed 5 year old and as a 7 year old qualified and was ready to go!

Quantum could best be described as a 12-year-old boy that just finished a growth spurt. For the first time in his recent career he managed to break 30 at Millbrook. He is a very powerful and extravagant mover, that is when he can manage to remain balanced. He was able to do so at points through our test, but unfortunately not for its entirety. He finished the first phase on a 36 and I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't disappointed. That said this is certainly not a dressage show! Didi also pointed out that roughly 40 percent of the horses at WEG this past year had run at this exact show. Their future success was not correlated to their here results at all. 

Quantum could best be described as a 12 year old boy that just finished a growth spirt. For the first time in his recent career he managed to break 30 at Millbrook. He is a very powerful and extravagant mover, that is when he can manage to remain balanced. He was able to do so at point through our test, but unfortunately not for it's entirety. He finished the first phase on a 36, I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't disappointed. That said this is certainly not a dressage show! Didi also had ready that roughly 40 percent of the horses at WEG this past year had ran at this exact show. Their future success was not correlated to their results at all. 

Quantum Leap - Dressage Mondial Du Lion  PC Richard Payne

Cross country was just as it should be, a true test of horse and rider. In true French form, it is a work of art. Click over to our Facebook page for more pictures, but each jump was more beautiful than the next. 

Quantum far exceeded my expectations, he finished up with plenty left in the tank clear and under the time. He made easy work of the most challenging complexes. He is a true 4* horse in the making, and after finishing I'm confident it's not going to take too long to get there! Again we were presented with massive crowds, more of the wine and cheese family types when compared to Boekelo's college tailgate. A competition like this will make help create a strong foundation of experiences that will no double benefit him in the future. I only wish I could press fast forward! 

The hack down to the start, the photo doesn't do the hill justice!

'

Over the second element of the complex above.  PC Richard Payne

People, people and more people PC Richard Payne

Show jumping, very much like Boekelo was standing room only. Quantum handled the atmosphere very well, and without my mistake he should have finished on his dressage score. I rode into the triple a bit too aggressive and finished up with 8 faults. Impressively Quantum still managed to move up 30+ places from his dressage.

Of course I wish both competitions could have finished better on paper, but we learned a tremendous amount that will no doubt set us up better for the future. We will be back, without a doubt. Unfortunately I think this means bootcamp for the horses at home. We still have one more CCI*/** before our year finishes up and I fully intend to apply what I  learned in Europe there and beyond.

I also have to thank the USET Foundation, Jacqueline Mars, the US Eventing Association and of course the crew that came along to support us. This great photo by Libby Law was from Le Lion from left to right we have Catherine, Ali & Alan, my Dad & Mom, Did, Courtney, Hudson, Jess and Robert. Missing of course is Lisa and Bob from our crew in Holland Holland. 

From here we have one more week with the jumpers, and Cascor in the CCI* and Starr Witness in the CCI** at the Ocala Jockey Club at the end of November. 

Make sure to get your signed copy of the Riding Horse Repair Manual at the DPE Store by clicking here!

Blenheim Palace CCI*** is a wrap!

Blenheim Palace International CCI*** is a wrap, and as I sit on the plane returning to the US I figured it’s time to look back and review what was learned from the experience. I was lucky enough to receive a travel grant from the USET Foundation and Jacqueline Mars for Vandiver (aka Quinn) to compete at Blenheim. I can’t thank them enough, during every international trip a lot is learned and hopefully I can apply what was gained here to earn a US team medal in the near future! 

We were meant to depart from Miami direct to the UK on the Wednesday prior to the start of competition. At the time, I was frustrated to hear there was not enough cargo to warrant a flight which would have delayed Quinn’s departure to Friday. This would have been too close for comfort with dressage starting on Wednesday, so we opted to reroute via NYC. Horseflight, our shipping company, was a lifesaver in replanning the logistics needed on such short notice. 

Courtney Carson our extraordinary groom left our farm in Aiken, SC with Quinn on Tuesday and headed head north. In hindsight, this was such a blessing being that had our flight actually left on time our rig would have been stuck in Miami just in time to be flooded by hurricane Irma!

Courtney and Quinn took off on Wednesday without trouble. I too hopped on a plane to meet them at Jesse Cambell’s yard on Friday. Quinn handled the trip with unexpected ease. He’s the most genuine creature you’ll meet. Along with genuine nature and willingness to please, he’s an internalizer and worrier. Usually he’s attached to whichever horses is shipping next to him. I think this time around, Courtney was his traveling security blanket. Jesse’s place was a great resting spot before our move to the show grounds on Monday. Day one I just took him for a light hack, followed by flat work on Sunday and a final gallop Monday before heading out. Check out my instagram for a blow by blow here: www.instagram.com/dpequestrian 

Moving into the show grounds was uneventful. He’s generally much better day 2 or 3 in a new place so I was very happy to hear of our Thursday dressage time. We had 85 starters in the CCI*** at one of the most beautiful venues you could imagine, pretty much walking through a Disney movie set. 

photo by Richard Payne

Quinn was as relaxed and confident in the first phase as he’s been yet. He continues to improve and with a 46.6 this was his best CCI*** or **** score to date. I would expect this improving trend to continue as he gains more strength and confidence. The first few minutes of warm up were about as good as he’s ever been. Two weeks earlier I had planned for 25 minutes in warm up at the American Eventing Championships. In the end I think it was just a bit too long, we cut that down to 20 this time around. I think this too was a hair too long, he was in perfect shape to head in as the horse before us cantered down the center line. Next time around we’re going for 15 mins. Regardless, in a venue with lots of atmosphere I couldn’t have been much happier with him. 

Now to the best part, cross country of course! The track is beautiful and the ground was about as good as you could expect with the amount of rain we’d received. The time on the course was set at 10:12 so just about a minute shorter than Rolex, but with the rolling terrain it was expected to take a fair bit out of them. The course itself was quite good, with a lot of flowing lines. There were certainly a number of very good questions, but nothing that kept me up at night. Thankfully for me, Quinn is essentially a seeing eye dog. As long as you get him roughly in the vicinity of a jump he'll try is best to make it happen. I went out with the goal of coming home double clear or as close to the time as I could manage. I was on the clock or up slightly early in the course, and based on my experience with him at Kentucky the previous couple of years I expected him to get a little tired at the end so I didn't press him in the first half. I kept expecting the other shoe to drop and the gas light to come on. Apparently he was far fitter than I knew! To my shock, I asked him to move on after the last water, maybe 2 mins from the end, and he absolutely took off! By that point was nearly 20 seconds down, he closed on the time, but just not enough course left to make it all up. I finished up clear with 5.2 time penalties. I was annoyed not to have made it, but frankly it was comforting to know he came in with more in the tank. He's an incredible horse, by far the best cross country horse I've ever ridden. I did wear my Cambox Sport helmet cam, check it out below:

photo by Richard Payne

photo by Richard Payne

Quinn recovered quickly and looked to be in great shape for Sunday. Jess, my wife, of course putting the the final touches prior to the jogs. He passed the final horse inspection with ease, on to Show Jumping. 

photo by Richard Payne

Coming off of the AEC's where Quinn was the first of only 5 double clears under the lights 2 weeks ago and the fact that he's only had 2 rails total in the past 15 advanced events I was pretty confident heading into the final phase. In walking the course it looked to suit him well. I personally love when the time allowed is tight. Quinn is agile, quick and careful. The time was tight on Sunday and rails were flying. We chose to keep the same studs as used on XC the day before. In warm up that seemed to be a good decision. He jumped very well and we headed into the main arena. We ended up having the 5th fence down. I did take an aggressive line in the turn, I'm 100% confident it would work on an artificial surface. Quinn's achilles heel is if he loses traction behind. When it happens he becomes a lot more cautions and tends to get more up and down rather than active and forward with his hind end. He did slip slightly in the turn for the first rail. I was kicking myself for not being a little more conservative and giving him a step or two more in the approach. Into the triple I saw the exact same distance I'd seen at an option the 2 weeks prior, I went to steady and he trotted behind!! Certainly doesn't give you the warm and fuzzy feeling heading into the triple. We had the A & B down, from that point on I made sure not to rush him in the turns by choosing a conservative approach. He finished the course in great form. 

Experience is what you gain just after needing it.  Uuuuggghhh too frustrating to convey here, I should have recognized the difference and compensated. It's a tough and annoying as hell lesson, but one that will certainly stick. We dropped 2 places to finish in 14th. While I will continue to kick myself, it's comforting to know that we are now qualified for the WEG's next year. With the knowledge gained, we will undoubtedly be better off. Thinking back on it, we've not jumped on a natural dirt surface since my second event on him ever at Richland Park 2 years ago in the CCI**.

photo by Richard Payne

Blenheim was the best option for Quinn and I being the earliest CCI*** on the fall calendar he can now enjoy a very well deserved vacation before starting back up in preparation for next year without being rushed at all. 

I want to again thank USET Foundation and Jacqueline Mars for their generous grant, Joanie. Morris for all of her help managing the team, my parents Marilyn and Dick who came to support (mom's invaluable advice and my dads photos all above), Jess my wonderful and 6 months pregnant wife, Debi and Kevin Crowley (Quinn's breeders and owners), Courtney our groom & life manager as well as our crew back at home (Little Courtney, Hunter, Adrianna, Holly and of course Joan and Carl Hampf!). Can't also forget our many sponsors and partners which allow our horses to preform at their best! 

We'll back stronger in the spring and far better off for the experience gained here. 

Upon our return we'll be in Aiken for a few days then off to Kentucky for Quincy's (Quintessence owned by Jane Dudinsky) shot at the 6 year old jumper finals as well as Marshal's (Marshal M Dillon owned by Wendy and Fred Luce) shot at the $35k grand prix on Saturday morning prior to hopping on another plane for Flynn (Getaway owned by Olivia, Lisa and Bob Wall) to jump in Central Park Saturday night! 

Stay tuned...

2016 Eventing Statistics!

DPE's 2016 Statistics for Eventing. None of which would not be possible without an incredible team at the barn as well as owners and partners

Updated Sales Horses

We've just posted a number of great horses to our sale page including Willoughby below. All can be seen at www.dpequestrian.com/forsale

Quantum christened our brand new skinny wedge!

Baby Quantum christened the new skinny brush along with PJ & @jesshampf #eventing #horsesofthefuture @useventing #YEH5 video by @prairiestm

A video posted by Doug Payne (@dpequestrian) on Apr 1, 2016 at 11:32am PDT

Busiest week of the Aiken winter season is a wrap!

We just wrapped up the busiest week of our Aiken spring season. We had a 6 horses showing at March Madness I held at Highfields in Aiken on Thursday and Friday with Quinn (owned by Debi Crowley) spending some time jumping this week in the Welcome Stake on Friday as well as the 1.35m Mini Prix held on Sunday.

Vandiver on his way to 8th in the $5k Mini Prix on Sunday Afternoon - Photo by Laura Fazio

Quinn jumped well in today's $5k mini prix to finish in 7th #showjumping #eventer video thanks to @prairiestm

A video posted by Doug Payne (@dpequestrian) on Mar 6, 2016 at 12:06pm PST

Our jumpers all finished up great with a full results below. In particular I was very proud of both Quinn and Leo (owned by Kristin Michaloski) , both eventers, who more than held their own in the show ring! Both are jumping more confidently and I can't wait to see them in action in a few weeks at the Carolina International. 

Following both Thursday and Friday at Highfields we headed over to Sporting Days on Saturday with Missy (owned by Robbie Peterson), Marshal (owned by Wendy Luce), Cascor (owned by Stephen Blauner), Quincy(owned Jane Dudinsky) and Rio (owned by Jim Green). All were a bit wild for dressage, but jumped in great form to finish as follows: 

Preliminary: Missy 1st, Rio 4th and Marshal 10th

Beginner Novice: Quincy 7th and Cascor 1st

Quinn jumped well in today's $5k mini prix to finish in 7th #showjumping #eventer video thanks to @prairiestm

A video posted by Doug Payne (@dpequestrian) on Mar 6, 2016 at 12:06pm PST

Back again to Sporting Days on Sunday morning where both Quantum finished 4th and Jess & PJ finished 6th in Training. Following cross country we headed home for a quick power nap below. 

Power Nap with Bacon

Quinn finished up the weekend with just 1 down in the Mini-Prix to finish in 8th. We're heading back to Highfields this week to jump getting and getting the eventers ready for Pine Top our next outing! 

2016 Carolina International is Open!

Cellar Door - Carolina International CIC - Photo by High Time Photography

With our spring season in full swing, one my my favorite events of the year, the Carolina International CIC, if fast approaching. Being on the board of the competition has given me some incite into many of the great changes to be implemented this year.

The most significant change of which is that Ian Stark, one of my personal favorite designers, is now taken the reins and the course. It's going to be a big departure from years past, not only in size and construction but also utilizing a brand new water complex allowing the track length to increase along with its difficulty. With $75,000 in total prize money it's going to be a spectactular competition!

This year, not only with spectators on the grounds be able to enjoy the show, but EQSportsNet will be broadcasting a live feed with Karen O'Connor and Charlotte Skinner on the microphones.

The after party will remain an epic event, this year's theme is 'Spanning the Globe' which will be presented by Jaguar Land Rover of Cary, NC. It will feature the CIC awards, international dinner, open bar with music and dancing by 'Liquid Pleasure'.

If interested everyone is able to pre-order Carolina International merchandise on the Carolina Horse Park site.

Hope to see everyone there!

-Doug

$75,000 Wellington Eventing Showcase - Helmet Cam Video

September Update - Wins at Bruce's Field & Plantation Field CIC**

Quinn on XC in the Plantation Field CIC** - Photo by Rough Coat Photography

We've been on the road not stop it seems over the past few months with some great performances for both the jumpers and eventers. At the moment we're split just about 50/50 between the two. It's a great mix that, along with the new Tryon facility along with Bruce's Field opening up in Aiken has allowed us to alternate between the two disciplines.

Bruce's Field - Aiken, SC - The Evening Following Eli's $25,000 Grand Prix

We were lucky enough to show at Bruce's Field inaugural show in Aiken just a few weeks back. The highlight of the week was Portugal's (aka Confire La Pomme) move up to the 1.30m classes. Impressively he also managed to win in his very first class!



Following Bruce's Field we head north to Unionville, Pa for the Plantation Field CIC** with both Big Leo (Lysander owned by Kristin Michaloski in partnership with Doug) and Quinn (Vandiver owned by Debi Crowley in partnership with Doug). Quinn was slated to run in the CIC*** but I found out just before heading north that we still needed at CIC** prior to our CIC*** debut despite our 5th place finish in the Five Points Advanced Horse Trials (Raeford, NC).

Both horses were excellent but Leo stepped up to the big stage with a massive statement on dressage day with a 31.7! He was well ahead of the 70 horse field and never gave up the lead finishing with his first CIC** win!

Leo on XC at the Plantation Field CIC** - Photo by Jenni Autry/Eventing Nation

Leo on SJ winning the Plantation Field CIC** - Photo by Jenni Autry/Eventing Nation

Quinn was also quite good, he wrapped up the weekend in 9th place. On to Morven Park (Leesburg, Va) and the CIC*** this coming weekend along with 8 others from DPE. The jumpers are laying low for the next couple of weeks. They will be back in action the week following Morven.

Updates to follow...

-Doug

Introducing DPE's Latest Equine Team Member: Vandiver

It's difficult to express how excited I am to be able to announce that Vandiver owned by Debi Crowley of Elkmont, AL (Cotton Meadows Farm) will remain with DPE for the indefinite future.

Vandiver aka 'Quinn' is a 2004, 17h, Trakehner gelding by Windfall, bronze medal winner on the US eventing team at the 2004 Olympics (New Spring Farm). Quinn was bred, raised, and started under saddle at CMF. Combined with the eventing bloodlines in his dam's (Visions of Grandeur, ATA, also bred by CMF) pedigree. Following his foundation at CMF his training continued and progress successfully through CCI*** level and made an appearance at Rolex Kentucky this spring with Werner Geven.

Quinn is just about the most genuine, hard working and forgiving horse I've had the pleasure of working with. Below is a video taken at the Tryon International Equestrian Center a few weeks ago at our first class together.


We are planning for Millbrook as our first event with the ultimate goal to head to the Fair Hill International CCI*** this fall.

Updates on the farm and other horses coming soon.

Raleigh - Durham - Chapel Hill Clinic Dates

I'll be stopping in the area the Monday and Tuesday following the Jersey Fresh CIC May 10th and 11th. If you'd like to schedule a lesson please either email (doug@dpequestrian.com) or call 908.399.9112.

Quantum will remain with DPE & Eli's 5th Place $25k Aiken Grand Prix

I'm beyond exited to announce that long time friends and unbelievable supporters Susan and Dave Drillock have just purchased half of our next generation superstar Quantum Leap ensuring he'll remain with us indefinitely. Quantum has been with us for 3 years at this point and is a member of the family. He was bred by Didi Callahan of Maryland and purchased as a yearling just after the Fair Hill International CCI.

Quantum - Day 4 under saddle last fall

I've started countless horses in the past, but Quantum is by far the most easy going, agreeable baby I've had the pleasure of working with. Aside from his personality, he has the talent needed to develop into our next superstar. He is out of a full thoroughbred, Report to Sloopy mare, related to John William's Sloopy and by Quite Capitol a Holsteiner stallion. He is 78% thoroughbred and an excellent jumper and mover.

Quantum at his First Novice at Sporting Days

I'm convinced that in order to develop world class competitors without bankrupting us in the process, horses have to be identified as early as possible, started correctly and not rushed. Quantum was started last fall, at this point he's evented 3 times, one Beginner Novice and two Novice. He's yet to have a jumping penalty and finished up his last novice in 3rd place! He will have a quiet spring in hopes of ramping up for the USEA 4 year old Young Event Horse Championships this fall. Check back for updates both here and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/dpequestrian) for photos and progress reports!


In other news, Eli owned by Mike Rubin had a great showing this past weekend in Aiken. He wrapped up the week finishing an excellent double clear to finish 5th in tough conditions in the $25,000 Deitrick Grand Prix. I couldn't be prouder of him, this was his second grand prix of the year and second top 8 finish! I'm still working to refine how I ride him on course, and how best to prepare him in warm up in order to maximize his potential. This was an important stepping stone, he is one incredible horse. I'm very lucky to have the opportunity to work with him. Certainly couldn't ask for more!



We had a number of other horses both at the horse show from Wednesday through Sunday at Highfields as well as a schooling event at Sporting Days on Saturday. This coming week is no less chaotic, we're in town Monday and Tuesday, heading over to the show Wednesday and then off to Kentucky for Rolex! For those lucky enough to attend, please make sure to stop by the Eventing Nation tent on Saturday around noon for book signing and rider trivia with Jessica!

Further reports coming soon!
-Doug

Making the most of opportunities in Aiken

Aiken is one of, if not the best locations in the country to develop and instill confidence in horses. This weekend was a prime example of the versatility it offers. We took the jumpers to Highfields for the March Madness jumper show on Thursday and Friday. Then the eventers were off to Sporting Days Farm Horse Trials on Saturday and Sunday morning wrapping up just in time to head back for the final 1.30 meter mini prix at Highfields. 

Nate in Dressage at Sporting Days

Our horses were excellent throughout the weekend. All of which would never have been possible without the exceptional help of help of Jess, Michelle, Alex, Tess & Nicole as well as the master of event scheduling Mary Caldren at Sporting Days. The results speak for themselves!

Jumpers at PSJ:
Jimmy Choo ( Madeline Reich) and Confire la Pomme (Barbara Calabro) won classes at 1.10m & 1.15m Thursday and Friday. 

Eli (Mike Rubin - Breezy Hill South) finished 7th in Friday's $5k 1.25m Welcome Stake & 3rd in Sunday's $5k 1.30m Mini-Prix

Eli's 3rd place finish in the 1.30m mini prix 

Eventers at Sporting Days:
Novice: 2nd Quantum Leap (Doug), 3rd Winter Carnival ( Emily van Gemeren), 2nd Call Me Waylon (Ann Wilson) and 7th Marshal M Dillon (Wendy & Fred Luce, Doug)
Training: 1st Absaluut Annabelle (Jane Dudinsky), 3rd Zephyr, 4th Reddina Cooley (Lucia Strini) and 2nd Patrick (Kathleen Sullivan)
Preliminary: 7th Lysander (Kristin Michaloski, Doug)

Zephyr show jumping at Sporting Days - He is also offered for Sale below!

Annie's Dressage Test on the way to her first win of the year!

Farm Progress and a Location Change:

Last week we took a quick trip up to the new farm to stake out all of the buildings and arenas. It turned out to be an unusually snowy trip, but well worth it in the end. Although you think you've got it all mapped out perfect on paper, we quickly realized that some of the building locations had to be tweaked to better suit the land. We were also very lucky to be joined by our excavators and arena contractors Shane Doyle and Clint Bertalan this trip and the last. Both have brought to the table tremendous incite and I'm certain our final layout will be far more efficient, useful and frankly beautiful as a result. 

As for the location change, on our return trip we began thinking about our schedule going forward. We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to rent an incredibly facility in Aiken, details soon to follow, for the foreseeable future. It would offer ideal conditions, weather as well as riding surfaces and training opportunities for our horses. With them in mind, we've decided to remain here in Aiken until we are able to move the horses into the new farm in Rougemont, NC. Hopefully our permanent return to NC will be this summer. 

Although up in the air at the moment, we are planning to spend a few days every other week in NC to teach as well as keep tabs on the building process. Details to come soon, but if you are interested please shoot me a quick email at doug@dpequestrian.com

Working Student Position Vacancy:
Being that we now plan to remain in Aiken we have one vacancy for a working student to join our team. Bring your horse along, housing included and take advantage of the vast opportunities Aiken has to offer! Must be 18 yrs or older. If you're interested please email Jess your resume and a short video of your riding if possible to jess@dpequestrian.com

Horses For Sale:
We've just updated out sales page here...we have a bunch of great horses for sale, both eventers as well as jumpers. There are a few more to be posted soon, so if you don't see something that might peak your interest please don't hesitate to contact us directly. 

Aiken is in Full Swing

We are in full competitive swing down here in Aiken, hence the seldom updated blog. Although we should garner much sympathy from most this winter this past week has been downright freezing!

Our horses have had a great start this spring. We've been to two jumper shows at Highfields here in Aiken as well as our first event of the season at Paradise Farm. I've picked 3 of the most exciting performances so far...

The first is Eli (owned by Mike Rubin) who finished 2nd in the $5,000 Welcome Stakes and 6th in the $10,000 Mini Prix.




Second on the list was Marshall's (owned by Fred & Wendy Luce as well as Doug) first event at Paradise. He had a very good outing at the beginner novice.

Last but not least was Quantum's great performance at PSJ as well as his first event at Paradise in the beginner novice level. Unfortunately following a discussion with our accountant we are forced to sell Quantum. I hate to do so, but we are left without a choice at the moment. I'm completely convinced he will make an excellent partner for someone. If you might be interested, click here for details. 



We are heading back to PSJ with the jumpers for a schooling show this weekend. The eventers will be back in action next week at Sporting Days Farm Horse Trials in Aiken. 

The Woah Podcast Interview

Check out the latest interview with John of 'The Woah Podcast' about 'The Riding Horse Repair Manual'.




For more information about training, competition or sales please contact Jess or Doug. Conveniently located in the Raleigh, NC area in New Hill.

Don't forget to get your copy of 'The Riding Horse Repair Manual' by clicking the cover image below!

Eventing Training Online video is live...

Just posted from Eventing Training Online is a cross country schooling from this past winter at Paradise Farm. Click here to view!

For more information about training, competition or sales please contact Jess or Doug. Conveniently located in the Raleigh, NC area in New Hill.

Don't forget to get your copy of 'The Riding Horse Repair Manual' by clicking the cover image below!

The Saumur Photo's have arrived!

For those not familiar click on the gallery name below to view all 18 additional competition photos

Post by DPEquestrian Sports.

For more information about training, competition or sales please contact Jess or Doug. Conveniently located in the Raleigh, NC area in New Hill.

Don't forget to get your copy of 'The Riding Horse Repair Manual' by clicking the cover image below!

Tali finishes 6th at Saumur!

Tali on his early morning stretch before jogs at Saumur

Tali started off the day in great shape, no worse for the ware. We headed out for a light hack and stretch in the morning before the latest jogs I had ever seen. They started up at 10 am and being that just about half of the field remained, it was quite a bit quicker than Wednesday's inspection. Tali trotted up great and on to show jumping.

2nd horse inspection in front of main arena

The course didn't open for another hour so Jess, my Mom, David and I headed out on to cross country to watch the CIC** which was running all morning. We returned to the main arena at 11:30 for the course inspection.

My first impression of the jumping course was that it would reward confident, forward riding with just a few options in regards to variations in the lines and striding. It may have been a little less technical than some of the courses we've seen this spring, but the jump placement and crowds made it a challenge to say the least! When it was all said and done there were very few clear rounds.

As warm up can often be it was chaotic but this was a bit more than I've experienced. Not only due to the area's small size, the limited number of jumps, the pressure on the riders and crew but also the language barrier. We all used one oxer to get prepared, so as you can imagine there are people yelling in Itallian, French, English and Spanish...a proper cluster. Tali handled it all quite well, I'm very excited to see that when it comes down to working he's 100% in the game. Walking around warming up, hanging out etc is still another story, but when we're going he's been great!

I tried to be mindful of his energy and kept the warm up on the shorter side of things. When called, we headed up to the arena for our round, entering with just one rail in hand to remain in 6th place. Often times Tali is slow to start, but he was great this time from the very first jump. Unfortunately, there was a skinny jump at the far end of the arena that did fall. He twisted just a bit in the air, watching the video afterwards I might have been able to get him square to it earlier for a better jump. He finished up very strong, clear the remainder of the course.

When all was over we finished in 6th place. Always a good consolation, the rail wouldn't have changed the standings. To be honest, I'm very happy and relieved to have the weekend wrapped up. It's a funny thing, every day since the 1st of the year I knew this very well may be the focus of the spring season. Once I was notified that I had received the Land Rover/USEF grant the vague goal was solidified and the pressure was on. Everyday since, every ride you are thinking of how to make the most of the time you have to prepare. Of course anyone in my position wants to do well, but without a doubt you end up wanting to make the most of this rare opportunity and prove to those who have given you this chance that they were not wrong. At the same time, it's absolutely still a learning experience for Tali and me. We will be better still, next time from what was learned here.

There are countless people that I have to thank. First off Larry & Amelia Ross who have been partners of mine with Tali for years, I'd also like to thank Land Rover and the USEF for the grant opportunity and Joanie for her incredible management. Of course I have to thank David O'Connor for his massive help over the past years as well as Silvio Mazzoni, both have made a tremendous difference in my riding. Last but not least I have to thank my Family, friends and Michelle (Tali's second mother) whose unending support can never be repaid.

Tali is on his way not to Amsterdam for his return flight home, he should be back in NC by Friday. As soon as I get some reliable wifi I'll get both the show jumping and helmet cam videos of the weekend.

All the best,
D

Don't forget to get your copy of 'The Riding Horse Repair Manual' by clicking the cover image below!