A rainy first day at Saumur with some diplomatic rays of light

Well unfortunately I have to report the rain arrived today...

The rainy view from our tack stall towards the main ring

It had been spoken of for a few days now, but it arrived with vengeance. After feeding in the morning I took Tali out for our typical morning time ride. Funny enough I think he feels at home in the tent stabling. As I had mentioned yesterday, he just seems much more settled and comfortable. He was very good in the practice arena as well as on our leisurely walk around the property.

Tali checking out the main arena at Saumur

Tali hoping that he hears some good scores coming from these come dressage day.

Tali checking out his new neighbors

After getting Tali cooled and dried off, our American neighbors arrived! Liz Halliday-Sharp and 'Blackie' were a very welcome English speaking addition to our barn. After catching up for a few minutes Michelle and I again headed into town for lunch and a little tourism. We ventured up the the Château de Saumur which is the castle in direct view from our hotel. Again another beautiful example of architecture and history, and the view from the top of the hill was stunning! It's staggering to think all of this was constructed by hand....amazing. Due to renovations we were unable to go inside, but the trip was well worth it regardless.

The view from Château de Saumur

We headed back to the show grounds and met up with a jet-lag weary David O'Connor as well as our neighbors to the 'left'. I'm happy to report that we've resolved our international differences at least for the weekend. In all seriousness Alex Hua Tian finished out our barn. Coming from the UK Alex et al arrived just a few minutes after Liz. 

US - China...well played Saumur

Tomorrow I have a lesson planned for 8 with David. 9 am in the main stands will be the briefing and draw. Just following will be my much anticipated first cross country course walk. Pictures to follow, from what I can see from outside the roping it looks great. 

Until tomorrow....Feel free to post questions below that you might have, I'd be more than happy to answer whatever is on your mind.

-D

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

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Moving day...

We started the day off with another ride in Fursan's indoor. I wanted to make good use of the mirrors while they were available. Tali was quite good, I'm hopefully this trend will continue. At 10 am our transport arrived. It didn't take too long to get the truck packed, you're probably not surprised based on it's size! I think poor Tali was thinking the same; however, Roger was nice enough to set the truck up as a box stall for him. Reports from Roger and Michelle said he was much more comfortable as long as they were at highway speeds. Tali wasn't all that patient in the Paris traffic!

Tali loading up at Fursan in Chantilly

Spoiled much?! As Michelle picks some grass for an onlooking Tali at a rest stop.

I followed the truck from the farm in Chantilly to Saumur. The trip took us just over 4 hours. Not a bad drive. The only hitch came when I got stuck at the toll booth for 20 mins or so. Apparently the machine doesn't like US credit cards. I figured, no worries, just hit the help button. Not only is the launguage barrier an issue, but the drive through speaker system. I'm not exactly sure where I finished up, I have some sort of reciept that I'm nearly certain is to be handed over to the rental car company. I guess we'll see!

 

I arrived just a bit after the truck to the show grounds. The management couldn't have been nicer. It was great to finally arrive, and funny enough Tali hasn't been this settled since our departure. Something homey about tent stabling I guess! I took him for a walk around the grounds, below is the dressage arena which also serves as a portion of the cross country as well was being set up. The soil is comprised of a sandy base with pine tress everywhere, a very similar feel to our new home in New Hill. I could only scope out a few of the cross country jumps. I can't wait to get out to walk. Unfortunately, that won't happen until after the briefing on Wednesday.

 The Dressage Arena still being set up

We returned to the town of Saumur to find our hotel. That is always a challenge without a map or GPS. Luckily we found an Englishman on a bike who's phone data was working well and was able to point us in the right direction. After just one wrong turn down the wrong way of a one way street we arrived.

The first challenge entering the hotel room was figuring out how to turn on the lights. After killing 10 minutes hitting every switch in the place I called the front desk. If you find yourself in this predicament, your door key also functions as a means to power up the entire room by sticking it in the wall receptacle. Once the lights were on I found another great surprise. Direct from the UK was my new helmet from Charles Owen complete with red stripes and a yellow logo!

Brand new Charles Owen waiting my my hotel room!

In looking out the window I was again shocked at the beauty that abounds all around France. Roger actually told Michelle on the way to the event that they hold a dressage show up at the castle at some point during the year. Pretty incredible.

How about that for a view from your hotel window - Saumur

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Until tomorrow....Feel free to post questions below that you might have, I'd be more than happy to answer whatever is on your mind.

-D

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

Tali, Mansions and more - Day #2 in Chantilly

Tali enjoying the view from the barn

The weather for day two in France was again absolutely perfect, hardly a cloud in the sky and just around 80 degrees. Trying to get back to normal I rode around 8:30 am, this is such an incredible facility! I decided to take advantage of the indoor's mirrors. I've got to figure out a way to build them at our place in NC, it was incredibly helpful to say the least. Tali was wild...but that is completely normal for him. He's an odd horse, every time he's in a new location he is on edge and marginally unridable for the first 45 minutes, luckily he's near enough normal by the second day. With a little luck we can get even more accomplished during tomorrow morning's ride. I'm still trying to perfect the small tweaks made a few days ago at my mom's place. Following tomorrow's ride we're scheduled to load up and head to the show grounds at Saumur. I can't wait!

In the meantime, Michelle and I visited the Musee Conde in the neighboring town to Chantilly. Having not been to France, aside from a train ride some years back, I really didn't expect this magnitude of extravagance in such a small town. Naive am I to think that palatial estates didn't exist much beyond the major cities. I've posted a bunch of photos on my personal Facebook page, click here to view. On the same property was a beautiful race course as well as the Domaine de Chantilly which houses a massive stable which runs exhibitions, races as well as a CSI** which is held next month. Check back tomorrow for updates on the show grounds!

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Feel free to post questions below that you might have, I'd be more than happy to answer whatever is on your mind.

-D

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

Success Day #1 in France

Tali's accommodations heading on the Plane to Liege with Michelle

This has been a wild week. Following Tali's win at the Jersey Fresh CIC*** which wrapped up Saturday we've been going non stop...

This trip to Saumur had it's origins at Fair Hill CCI*** last fall. Both Kim Severson and David O'Connor independently pulled me aside and asked me to consider trying to attend an European 3* in the spring. To be honest I really hadn't considered it, I was too busy trying to get prepared enough for Fair Hill. Fast forward 6 months, Tali has had a great spring season. I decided to both enter Rolex as well as submit an application for a Land Rover/USEF Grant to Saumur. Following the Fork CIC*** I was notified that our grant application had been approved! (Click to read blog entry)

After Rolex's dressage, the final push to Saumur was on! Jersey Fresh's CIC*** was targeted as Tali's final run. The event went exceptionally well, we finished with the win by 8 points! Following the competition Dr. Susan Johns preformed the final detailed veterinary inspection. Tali looked fabulous and we got the green light to go, contingent on one last trot up the day before departure by Dr Brendon Furlong.

Saturday evening Tali and Michelle headed north to my parents place for the week, while I headed south to Raleigh to help Jess and Katie at the Cabin Branch Schooling Event at the Carolina Horse Park Sunday morning. I remained in NC to ride through Tuesday morning. My sister Holly was nice enough to take Tali for a long walk Monday.

I returned the 8 hours to NJ Tuesday afternoon to ride the dressage test for my Mom and long time mentor Irma Hotz. It was incredibly helpful, and with some luck I can put their advice into action here in France. Wednesday morning I headed out for our final Gallop, as soon as we finished up I hopped back in the car to return south to Raleigh.

A lot of driving you say...yeah no kidding! Better off me than Tali though, he's had enough traveling this spring for most of the barn. I figured it was best to minimize his travel, so that he could be in top shape come Saumur. 

Wednesday afternoon Michelle met Dr. Furlong to get the final ok to proceed. She and Tali headed out to JFK on the other side of NYC to prepare for their flight. I flew out from Raleigh on Friday mid-day. Following the first of many misunderstandings my rental car sans GPS managed to make our way north putting Michelle, Tali and I here in Chantilly just hours apart this morning. This afternoon, which still felt very much like morning, I took Tali for a long hack around the Fursam Equestrian Center.

All I can say is that this place is beautiful! It will serve as our home through Monday am as well as the staging facility for the US team prior to the World Equestrian Games this summer. Below you'll find a link to my Facebook album. I'll do my best to continue to update with photos through the week. The only catch is finding reliable WiFi in order to upload them in a timely manor.

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Click the link above for updates through the week, and of course check back on this blog for detailed accounts!

Feel free to post questions below that you might have, I'd be more than happy to answer whatever is on your mind.

-D

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

Training Board Spot Opening in June!

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Tali's Rolex Dressage

I'm not sure I can put exactly into words how proud and excited I am following Tali's test yesterday at Rolex. He was a little tense as we entered the arena, which was exactly what we expected. Just as we had hoped he continued to improve throughout the test. Amazingly, he finished up the day sitting in 3rd place!

The USEF Network has posted the video online, click here to view.

In the best of all worlds I had hoped that we would have had a day like yesterday. I can't stop thinking about how great Tali's future will be, we're just scratching the surface of our potential. I have to again thank Larry and Amelia Ross for their support in our partnership with Tali. Without their help I certainly would not in this position!

So just as we had planned and mentioned in previous the previous blog, I will be withdrawing from Rolex here to reroute to Saumur CCI*** in France in a month's time. I have to thank both Land Rover as well as all of the private donors who have made the USEF travel grant possible. It's an incredible opportunity, and based on Tali's performance yesterday I can't wait!

If you are at Rolex this year, please join us for a course walk today, Friday at 4:30 meeting at the start box. Also I'll be at the following both signing my new book as well as autographs:

Ecogold 11:45
Pony Club Games 12:15
Bit of Britain 1:15
CWD Saddles 4:00

Tomorrows details still to come!

Plans from Rolex to Saumur CCI*** and beyond...

Tali at the Fork CIC*** photo thanks to Samantha Clark

Due on our wedding day was the Land Rover USEF grant application for the Saumur CCI***. Submitting the application brought back some bitter sweet memories of my first trip overseas with Running Order to Boekelo some years back. I found myself thinking about how lucky I am to have this opportunity for a second time. Running Order was such a spectacular horse and will always hold a special place in our hearts, his halter still hangs in our tack room today. With certainty I can say Tali has benefited from my experience, that's the beauty of equestrian sport. The moment you stop learning you stop progressing, it's so important to enjoy the process.

I have to thank Larry and Amelia Ross who have been partners with Tali and me for some time, without their support I would not be here today. I have been incredibly pleased with Tali's results to date. Knowing that no event this spring is the end game I've been mindful of his fitness, soundness and conditions at each competition. To me it makes no sense to run his legs off on XC for a blue ribbon or prize money if it sacrifices his future. That said he's been exceptional, but with definite room for further improvement! I'm still working out how to make the most of his talents. He is inherently a tricky horse, in my experience all the good ones are!

I've made a concerted effort to enter shows or events which offer the greatest atmosphere to improve his ability to cope with exciting, large environments. He is well on his way and has continued to get better with each outing, but this is an ongoing process.

So where to we go from here? I had heard through the grapevine that we would receive final word of the Land Rover/USEF grant following the Fork's CIC***. So why Saumur? I'm not focused soley on the WEG's this year or frankly any particular championship for that matter. That said, I want more than anything to be named to US teams in the future. I'm convinced that if my process is sound I will be able to develop partnerships with my horses which will result in future successes. If I do what I think is best for my horses and myself those team spots will come. Amazingly Tali has only been at advanced since Millbrook and run only one CCI*** (Fair Hill International) where he finished 4th. While qualified and entered at Rolex, I'd jump at the chance to run one more 3* on foreign soil. This would offer the best of all worlds. Strange, charged atmosphere and the complexity of the XC should not be overbearing and should allow for the best chance for sucess. Building confidence and consistency is my main goal at this point in his career.

Last week I received the email from Joanie Morris delivering the great news that I was a recipient of the Land Rover grant! For me it's a humbling experience receiving validation of a lifetime of efforts and the past six years with Tali. I am incredibly thankful both to Land Rover as well as the countless individual donors who have afforded me this opportunity. It's a great feeling knowing you have the backing of so many, I hope you all can share this experience with me.

So what about my Rolex entry? I am still going to still attend this year for the Dressage phase being that there is no other place in this hemisphere to gain exposure on the world stage. Tali and I will no doubt come away from the experience stronger, more resilient and better prepared for Jersey, Saumur and beyond. This is an invaluable opportunity!

This next week will be a continuation of our chaotic past few weeks where we're finalizing our move to Apex, NC. We have been back and forth between the new farm and Aiken more times than I'd like to count. We'll remain in Aiken through Saturday where Eli (owned by Mike Rubin) and I are jumping in the $25k Grand Prix in town. Katie and Jess are also competing at Sporting Days, when both compeitions wrap up we'll pack up for one last time and head to NC! We're planning to depart for Rolex early Tuesday morning giving us enough time to take Tali for a hack in the afternoon around the park.

Check back for updates throughout the week!

-D

Carolina International CIC***

Tali in the CIC*** XC - Photo by Amy Dragoo at the Stone Henge Complex

We've returned to Aiken from the inaugural Carolina International. I want to start by recognizing the efforts by the countless volunteers, sponsors as well as my fellow members on the organizing committee especially Jane Murray and Marc Donovan. Without the efforts of these countless people, we wouldn't have the Carolina International or eventing as a sport for that matter!

As for our horses, they were excellent. I can't thank my lovely wife, crazy to say :), and Michelle for their support and help. Our horses and I would be lost without them! The results were as follows:

CIC*** - Crown Talisman aka Tali owned by Larry & Amelia Ross and Doug - 4th
CIC* - Cellar Door aka Little Leo owned by Jane Dudinsky - 2nd
CIC* - Lysander aka Big Leo owned by Kristin Michaloski and Doug - 5th
Preliminary - Cossino Rio aka Rio owned by Fred & Wendy Luce and Doug - 1st
Training - Lisnahall Imperier aka Rex owned by Virtus - 1st 
Training - de Kooning aka Willem owned by Susan Cipolla - 2nd

On our drive home I was stuck thinking that this was, across the board, my most successful weekend to date. I felt humbled by all who are currently and have supported me in the past. I am driven to do them proud. I can't wait to see what comes in the future!

We're headed to Atlanta for some jumping with Eli on Thurs, will be interesting. Check back soon for results!

The new face of Eventing

In a recent blog post on the Chronicle of the Horse I proposed a classification system which would both allow for more cost effective introductory levels as well as a top tier event which would offer world class atmosphere and competition. With the ultimate goal of growing our sport and helping all who participate in sanctioned and unsanctioned competitions.

I am dismayed that a few have interpreted my message as a power and money grab redistributing from the lower end to the high end being that this is no way my intent. Below is a response posted on Eventing Nation.

"Everyone seems to be focusing on the upper level prize money as my primary motivation for writing this piece. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. I open the COTH article explaining that I’ve found it cost prohibitive to compete at the lower levels, in searching for alternatives for our horses I chose to limit my events in favor of jumper shows. This allowed me to gain much needed experience for the horses under my care at a much more reasonable cost due to add back money.

It’s only logical that more riders are choosing to go to other disciplines or unrecognized competitions which offer a welcoming competition for reasonable fees. As a judge, TD, rider and a member of the organizing committee of the Carolina International I have a unique perspective on this topic. I have spoken to multiple organizers who said that running unrecognized events costs them half as much and offers the same profit margins.  If the USEA became more flexible with their fee structure and rules, organizers would have more flexibility to price their events reasonably.  It’s crucial that we drop the barriers to entry at sanctioned events, allowing more participants at the grassroots levels. We have a great sport comprised of a great breath of people. I wrote this looking to allow more to participate at reasonable fees, as well as support our team members and owners to help our country succeed on the international stage!

One quick side note with regards to prize money, Carolina International this weekend is a great example of what we need for ‘A’ class events.  Entries cost about as much as other events and horses finishing in the top placings will be able to pay for their weekend or more. These funds were raised under the great leadership of Jane Murray at the CI not on the back of other competitors!

I want our sport to thrive and it’s not going to happen by pricing competitors, owners, riders or organizers out of the market!”

DPE's Expert Advice - Performing Under Pressure

Tali's Morning Jump Session

We've just started our column on Facebook titled "DPE's Expert Advice - Performing Under Pressure".  Check the link for details. www.facebook.com/dpequestrian We're also looking for additional topic ideas, please write in with your ideas!

Back to Aiken following a great week at Meadow Creek in Texas!

This was the unbelievable situation Helmut Boehme and I found ourselves in on our drive back to Dallas from Meadow Creek this afternoon. Having a heads up that thunderstorms were on the horizon we decided to run XC on 1:30 min intervals today rather than the customary 2 mins. This allowed us to wrap up before the major rain hit. Or should I say what started as rain. We hopped in the car and headed north towards the DFW airport when the bottom dropped out. I've not been in a thunder and lightning rain, hail, sleet storm before, and even if I had, the magnitude of this was exceptional! We managed to arrive at the airport with what should have been hours, but was just minutes to spare. 

I'd to thank Robbie and Brad as well as the countless volunteers who kept everything running smoothly especially in today's less than ideal conditions!

I'm airborne at the moment, and planning the hectic week ahead. Jess and my wedding is just a few short weeks away. Aside from the final loose ends with the party, we need to head to Raleigh this week to find a house!

We'll also be back at PSJ late in the week for the $15k mini prix, check back for updates and results!

-D 

Quick inflight update!

I’m in the air somewhere between Atlanta and Dallas heading to Texas to judge for the weekend. Since the last update, Tali had his first Advanced run of the year. He was exceptional, especially in trying conditions! He wrapped up the day with a win. Not a bad way to start off 2014! All of the others competing on the weekend were excellent. All finished well continuing our top 5 finish steak in 2014.



Monday and Tuesday following I had the great opportunity to ride in the George Morris clinic held at Boyd’s place. It was a great chance to ride with one of the greatest coaches this country has seen. It was an excellent reminder of how much the basics position flaws can negatively influence our horses performance. I came away refreshed and motivated to continue to improve my riding and jumping. As he said in casual conversation, in a stressful environment we can not always rely on instinct, but our basics will always be there at our disposal. They have to be perfect!

Tali is back in the game

Morning Sunrise at Pine Top

Tali's first outing of the year wrapped up today at Pine Top. While still a little rusty, he showed a number of great signs of progress. His video is below:

Following our successful outing at Pine Top, just about home I received a call from a good friend and local vet Sarah Thompson asking if I was close enough to make it in time to ride her horse in the Cupid Classic's $5k Welcome Stakes. Just in the nick of time, I was able to drop Tali and Michelle off and make it to the show. Qatar was excellent, having jumped him once a month earlier I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. He finished up in 6th!

Back to Pine Top tomorrow to ride Susan Cipolla's de Kooning in Novice and Sunday in the $10k Mini-Prix at the Cupid Classic on Eli owned by Mike Rubin.

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Chronicle of the Horse Blog

The most recent blog posted on the Chronicle of the Horse's website can be viewed here.