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.

Moving on from the Running Order Era at DPE

Photo by Sommer Wilson via Facebook

I'm not sure I can adequately put into words the disappointment and disheartenment I've felt over the past few weeks over the loss of Running Order from DPE. As nearly everyone in the eventing world is aware, I've been in the process of forming a syndicate to purchase Running Order. Syndication is a difficult process; no one likes to ask for support, but it is a necessary evil in the modern sport. We were able to form a great group of supporters to purchase him, but due to unforeseen circumstances we were unable to do so.

Running Order has been a part of my life for 4 1/2 years. He has taken me places I couldn't have dreamed about the day he arrived in April of '08. I am forever indebted to him for the experience I've gained through his efforts. Things happen for a reason in life and as hard as this one was to swallow, I'm beginning to see the light. During Richland Park this past weekend, we had the opportunity to speak with David O'Connor. He told us that this very well might be the best thing that has happened to me. His advice correlated strongly with that of a number of other riders who have been in this situation before, all encouraging me to move forward.

With all of this in mind, I'm getting more and more excited about the future of DPE. Running Order was just about the closest thing to a sure bet that we'd get to the top. I'm now in the process of reforming our syndicate to purchase two horses. The ultimate goal is to reach the top of the sport, and with two horses involved our odds of success will be significantly higher. Their current levels of competition don't really matter, as long as they are the most talented horses available. We have a great track record of getting the most out of our horses.

I've never been in the fortunate position of seeking out a horse; in the past I have worked with whatever horses I happen to come across. I'm very excited about finally getting this wonderful opportunity, made better by sharing this process with my most ardent supporters. My friends will inevitably get tired of hearing me describe how great these horses are, but syndicate members will not!

I'm looking for people who would like to join this new syndicate. This new group's goal is to purchase one horse who is roughly at the intermediate/CCI** level and one who is just beginning the process (5 yr old-Training). If either horse reaches its maximum potential before the 4* level, the goal would be to find him an appropriate home and reinvest the funds into a suitable replacement.

Would you like to join us? If so, send me an email or give me a call at 908.399.9112. I am looking for a motivated group of people who are excited to join the process and want to win! I fully intend to make the best of this unfortunate situation and ask you to support my journey to the top. Each shareholder will own a portion of each horse. The initial buy-in will be roughly 15-20k with an annual maintenance fee of 4k. This will allow each shareholder to have a stake in two horses for the price of one.
Best Regards,
-D

DPE Podcast #18 is live...

Lysander aka Big Leo at his first Prelim (Stuart HT) Photo thanks to Sumner Crosby

This weeks Podcast includes a recap of a crazy week which started off at Stuart then back to NJ, off to Ohio, Judging at Fitches and more. We're also looking for a working student as well as 3 more participants in Running Orders Syndicate.

Click on the following link: http://www.dpequestrian.com/podcast/podcast.xml or search DPEquestrian in iTunes.

Stuart Update Day #3

Simon in the OI XC - Photo via Twitter by

@copperlegend

We are just finishing up with cross country day for training and up here at the Stuart Horse Trials. It has been a great week so far with Show Jumping still to come tomorrow.

I'm riding four horses here: Running Order, Lysander (Leo), Arbor Hill (Timeless) and Shining North Star (Simon). Two others came along with us from the barn, Kristin Michaloski riding Kilamanjaro (Hughie) and Nicole Carolan riding Topgun (Gunnar).

Stuart is Running Order's first run since Rolex, it's great to have him back in action. His dressage was decidedly sub-par, we had some rust to knock off. There were some moments that were quite good, but some others where his excitement derailed us from having a winning test. Not to worry, he'll be back in top form soon. His cross country, however was an entirely different story. He hardly put a foot wrong today in a beautiful clear around Derek's CIC** track.

Simon was next out, he too was a little too excited about his arrival here to put in a winning dressage test, but he certainly made up for it on XC. He is one of the most fun horses to gallop and jump that I've ever ridden, he lived up to that reputation here today. He wasn't backed off anything, he made easy work of the intermediate track.

Leo might get the gold star for the weekend so far. After making easy work of his 4 training level events this spring he made the big move up to prelim here. He started off extremely well finishing 2nd in dressage. I didn't know what to expect, but this was a huge and exciting surprise! I would not say this is the most ideal track to move up, Leo proved he belonged! He jumped around today very well, we had a few green moments to be expected, but he impressed me. He's going to be a very good horse in a few years time. I think he's going to try to steal the Prodigy's YEH-5 title this fall!

Timeless is last but not least, this was his first event ever. He has now successfully made the transition from the hunters to eventing finishing the novice here in 4th place! He also won the Irish Draught Horse Society's award for the highest place horse of Irish decent. Not a bad result for his very first time out!

Kristin is in great shape with Hughie, she was less than 2 points out of the lead after dressage and jumped around clean today with the best XC yet. Nicole finished up her weekend yesterday with her second win in a row with Gunnar in the Novice!

We start up tomorrow at 8 with the CIC** jogs.

There are a bunch of photos of all of the horses already posted on Stuart's website here.

-D

Running Order's Syndicate is Taking Shape!

**UPDATE: We have 7 of the 10 shares currently spoken for, if you have any questions at all feel free to email or call.**

Patti Springsteen, Running Order's long time owner has decided it's best to devote her limited free time to her family. I am very thankful for her support to through the years, but it has come time that I seek alternate ownership for RO.

2012 Rolex CCI**** - Photo by Lindsay Berreth

I have to say this has been one of the most stressful times in my career to date. I want to be clear that I'm thankful for me and my horses health, and I fully understand that things could always be significantly worse! Running Order has be an integral part of our family now for 4 years. He is a tremendous athlete just approaching is prime. He's a character around the barn, frankly he's an attention whore! He's not happy unless someone or something is paying attention to him.

It is a shame that an emotional bond between rider and horse can be torn apart so quickly. Although it's a fact of life, I don't have the financial resources to secure Running Order for myself. I've been very lucky to gain the support of a number of owners over the past few years, without them I wouldn't be here today.

I truly believe that luck and success are made not given, so it's time to put together a group of caring, dedicated and fun loving people to join in this journey with us.

Last week I posted a video detailing his journey to the top, keep in mind while watching, this is just the start! Running Order is just 10 years old, he's proven that he can contend with the best in the world. He could very well be competing at the top for the next 6-9 years!

This syndicate will be formed with 10 shares. Syndicate details can be found at the Event Owner's Task Force's website by clicking here. USEF's Event Owners Task Force has done an admirable job forming a solid legal framework which will both protect and clearly explain all expected by all parties. The goal in this formation is to allow Running Order and me the opportunity to contend for the US team for years to come.

If you are interested in more information please don't hesitate to contact me at doug@dpequestrian or 908.399.9112.

Best Regards,
Doug

PS

I was contacted by Running Order's breeder Joan O'Brien, she just posted his first Race in Ireland. I've also attached the video from Rolex Kentucky CCI**** this spring.

Running Order's First Race in Ireland

2012 Rolex Kentucky CCI****

1 4* horse in 18 mins and a 13.2 in dressage?!

This has been in the works now for some years, I finally had a moment and the footage to finally compile the time lapse.

Running Order's 4 years @ DPEquestrian

Running Order often steals the show, but Leo made a very strong case for the top slot over the weekend. Although he didn't get the top slot on the post, Jess gave him the fridge. He finished the weekend on a 13.2! I've only had one sub 20 score before, but nothing like this!

Click on the photo to enlarge!

Leo wasn't the only one who had a great weekend. Kristin Michaloski who coincidentally owns Leo with me finished 4th with Hughie. Nicole Carolan won her Novice division with Gunnar with a classy 23. Larry Ross who happens to own a share of both Crown Talisman and Royal Tribute nearly won his Novice division after leading in the dressage. A few time penalties dropped him to 6th, but still very impressive for his first event of the year!

We have a quiet weekend coming up, but Stuart is on the near horizon!

Bromont CCI Recap Podcast is Up!

Tribute finished 2nd in his first CCI* out of 56! Jess has a very good weekend, and Kelsey wins the XC style award in the CCI*. The DPE Podcast is online click the following link to listen or copy and subscribe in your favorite podcast player.

http://www.dpequestrian.com/podcast/podcast.xml

Bromont XC Day....

As always XC was exciting, but the 'Prodigy' continued to live up to his name. This was his first CCI* and a challenging one at that! Tribute handled it with class. He continues to impress me with the length of his stride and his athleticism which will prove invaluable in the future.

We had a few moments which were tricky, especially the last water where there were 3 ducks in a row. The first was on solid ground, then 4 strides to the second in the water and the third on solid ground on the other side. Tribute jumped clear into the water, unfortunately putting us at a less than desirable distance to the duck. Fortunately, he was quick to figure it out, and jumped out like a champ! We finished up the day just 2 seconds under the time adding nothing to our dressage score moving to hold 2nd place alone.

He looked great tonight, so fingers crossed for the 8 am jog tomorrow morning. With some luck we'll leave the rails up and see what happens. Regardless, I'm convinced that I very well may be the luckiest person here to have such a special horse coming up the ranks. Thanks again to Kristen Burgers who owns Tribute with me. Without her I wouldn't be here!

I can't forget Jess and Kelsey. Jess and Trevor jumped very well around the CIC*** course as did Kelsey in the CCI* both finishing clear with a little time. Today was a great day for us...hopefully this trend continues tomorrow!!

Bromont - Dressage Day

Tribute aka 'The Prodigy' as he's often called around the barn lived up to his namesake today at the Bromont CCI*. We arrived here late Tuesday after an uneventful drive from NJ. Yesterday was a quiet day, we were able to ride around the park and concentrate on a little flat work prior to the first Jog. Horse Junkies United got a quick photo from the jog found below:

photo by HorseJunkiesUnited.com

Today was dressage day for the 56 CCI* horses. Tribute was very good, this place is enormous, with loads of atmosphere. While he generally doesn't show outward signs of being nervous, he is an internalizer. I've been working on a few different plans/schemes to relax him when the apprehension reaches it's peak. They worked well today...he finished up with a 45 and change tied for 2nd place! I was even more frustrated with myself in that I committed my first error of the year today. Tribute deserved to be in 2nd place all to himself, but luckily for us, this weekend is far from over.

Tribute just entering the dressage ring at the Bromont CCI*

I haven't yet walked out to see the XC course, but from what I hear it is simelar to last years version.  For those who missed it, below is Kristin Michaloski's Camerlingo XC from 2011.



Kelsey Hoiness also went today, Ben was very good under her guidance. She finished up in 17th not far off the lead. 

Jess also goes late tomorrow morning, so fingers crossed! Following her ride, we'll be out walking the course, making sure to have a solid plan before Saturday.

-D

Rolex, MCTA, Jersey, Va HT, Fitness advice and more...

The DPE podcast just finished a hiatus and is back on the air! We're just about to head to Bromont Canada for Tribute's first CCI*.

Click here or search iTunes for the latest episode.

The Rolex Report....

I'm not sure where to begin, and I plan to follow up with some more details in the next podcast, but what a weekend! I consider myself one very lucky person to have the opportunity to be riding such an amazing horse.

Running Order proved that he is the real deal. I can't wait to see what the coming years will bring. I figured it'd be best to go chronologically through the week...

Wed Jog: It's a surreal feeling finally getting to a 4*. It's been a goal of mine for years and years, and this was it... As with every year at Kentucky they pick a best dressed man and woman. I figured, what the hell go for broke. I brought out my best (only) suit as well as a purple tie (bold decision) and it paid off with the help of Michelle's spit polish of RO. Thanks again to Dubarry Boots for their more than generous award.

Photo by Cynthia Lawler via Facebook

Dressage day was next...

Linda Zang has helped me tremendously this spring. Without it I'd have been in trouble, but I was lucky enough that she also attended. RO was excellent, no perfect, but the best he's been to date. Linda gave me a few pointers that for whatever reason I had never considered in the past. I'm extremely excited in that I see a way forward where progress has few limits. We finished up in 15th less than 10 points out of the lead out of 69 starters. Not bad for our first 4*!

Photo by Cynthia Lawler via Facebook

Cross country was next up...

To say I was nervous would have been a large understatement. It's the unknown that's hardest to prepare for, but RO didn't disappoint. He jumped around without much effort. His scope and gallop still astound me. We did have one bobble at the coffin complex. Long story short I over corrected for a drift over the ditch. I was given permission by the FEI, NBC and Rolex to wear the helmet cam. The video along with a voice over analysis is below, it's a must see!

Photo via SmartPak (Facebook)

The final Jog and Show Jumping...

RO came off the course in excellent shape, and jogged as if he'd done nothing the day before. Jumping was a challenge, being that RO is very spooky. We finished up in 18th place and very proud of what we accomplished. I have to thank Patti Springsteen again for all of her support as well as my sponsors Five Star Tack, Ecogold, SpectraVet Lasers, Cavalor, HayGain, HitAir, EquineLite Mats, Equithrive, Horseware Ireland, Parlanti boots and our newest sponsor CWD Saddles.

Photo by Cynthia Lawler via Facebook

Socks' and Tribute's Fork Report

Socks (owned by Wendy and Fred Luce) secured his first Preliminary win last weekend at the Fork horse trials. Not to be outdone Tribute (owned by Kristen Burgers and Doug) also won, this his 3rd Prelim and his 3rd consecutive win.

Along with the winners, Tali (owned by the Ross' and Doug) finished 3rd in the Intermediate and Gunnar (owned by Nicole Carolan) 2nd in the Training. Hughie (owned by Kristin Michaloski) jumped very well in his 2nd Prelim just outside of the ribbons.

Running Order finished up his last full run before Rolex. For a full detailed report listen to the DPE blog by clicking here. If you haven't yet download instacast, it should be next on your list!

We the rare open training slot opening at the end of the month. If your horse has yet to reach his potential or is still needing that tune up his is a great opportunity. Email or give me a call for details.

Rivertown Lad on his way to finish on a 26.5 this weekend at the Fork - Photo by Kate Samuels

We have a quiet week ahead before heading with a trailer and a half full to Fair Hill International horse trials. This will be Leo and Simon's first event for the year. Along with the new comers, all of the Fork horses will be out again. Running Order will be doing a combined test prepping him for Rolex the following week. It is still a bit surreal saying that...but hopefully it too will become normal soon!

My final Rolex blog is posted here on the Rolex website.

We are now finally back in NJ. Aiken was great, but I couldn't be happier to be back home. The horses are out on grass and relaxing in the spring sunshine. Not a whole lot to complain about.

Southern Pines, Podcast #13 and more...

Socks aka Rivertown Lad owned by Fred and Wendy Luce on his way to a 4th Place in Prelim

Southern Pines went just about as well as anyone could want. All 5 of our horses finished in the top 6 of their divisions. They are just about fit enough for me to be comfortable running for time on XC so watch out at the Fork in 2 weeks!

The 13th podcast is live with much more detail here: http://www.dpequestrian.com/podcast/podcast.xml

For those who haven't yet downloaded instacast or other Podcast downloader for their iPhone or Droid it's a must, all of the new episodes will instantly be available on your phone as they become live!

We're heading down to Atlanta tomorrow to brush up on our show jumping. Courage will be joining for the 1.40m welcome and the Grand Prix on Saturday. Check back for photos and a report.

-D

Red Hills Day 2

Cross country day was exciting...as it always is! After all that is the main appeal of this sport. There really isn't anything much like it.

I was planning to do another podcast recap (yesterday's dressage recap is here), but my bandwidth is being sucked up in an attempt to upload Running Order's helmet cam from today. It is an exciting one. I was nearly knocked out by his head when his hind end slipped out on a bending line during the last combination. Turns out, my good friend Michael Pollard had a horse fall in the same location from slipping as well. So keep your fingers crossed, with some luck it will be online tonight.

The day started off well. I was nervous this morning, the unknown is never settling. Hughie set off on his second prelim course ever. Red Hills is unlink nearly every other event we see throughout the year. The spectator attendance is probably second only to Rolex. This is invaluable expereince for younger horses, although it does make for a few sketchy moments. Hughie grew up as we progressed around the course.

For the first 10 or so fences he was more interested in the surroundings than the jumps at hand. This was unsettling at the time, but he quickly realized this might not be the best strategy. He got better and better as we continued and he finished up very, very well. He is a better horse because of this round, without a doubt! He was 8 seconds over the time, and finished up in 4th. Not bad for a 6 yr old!

Running Order was next up. This was his first XC round of the year. 'Skinny' is a very careful horse, with a massive stride, so a course like this is a great opportunity for him. There were various striding options throughout the course, and he answered each one like a pro!

Like Hughie we had a few fences I'd like to do over, but overall he was much, much better than years past. Fair Hill CCI3*'s xc last year was a turning point. I think I've figured out the missing link that was holding us back. Today he was very quick to adjust, and was excellent in responding from the bobble at the 2nd to last. When I say bobble, I'm glad I came away without a concussion. It was a bending 4 stride line, and he came through like a champion, until his hind end gave out. This sent his hind quarters out to the side, and his poll directly into my head! All of this about 1 stride out from the 'B' element. He recovered very well and finished up strong. I did not go for time, so we dropped from 2nd to 3rd, but I really couldn't be happier.

Tali was the last out. As I mentioned in the podcast, I'm looking to qualify him for the Jersey Fresh CCI** in May. This CIC** is the remaining component I'm missing. He is an XC machine! He galloped around it as if it were child's play. We did have one hairy moment at the last water where we got in wrong to the hut in the water itself. We climbed all over it, but he continued as if nothing had happened. Ultimately, that's what you need. A horse that will not be flustered, and will be more determined after an hiccup. He is that horse! He finished up with some time as well and currently sits in 10th. All is looking good for tomorrow, so keep your fingers crossed!

-D