FEH CH Results?

[gillenwaterfarm]

Anyone have a report or news on the FEH Championships?

[nowoncourse]

They just put up one photo of the Champ and Res Champ FEH horses on the USEA main site. I'm sure they'll post results there soon.

[GreyDun]

The Championships went really well - tons of great horses, super sponsors who had an awesome hospitality tent set up for everyone to enjoy, and neat prizes as well! And the best part is that the thunderstorm held off until it was all over...thankfully. The press release will be up shortly along with a bunch of photos (out of 1700 pictures I took yesterday, hopefully a few will be worthy!).

[secretariat]

Congratulations to the winners -- I'm sure they were very deserving. They're also both warmbloods.

It saddens me deeply to note that, as expected/predicted, plain old TB's aren't competitive in either YEH or FEH classes. This makes it MUCH MORE IMPORTANT that the USEA track the development of the horses that are winning these classes -- are they making upper level horses? or are they early burnouts? or just early developers? Can they compete at the upper levels, even if they do trot spectacularly (i.e., just like the carriage horses they're bred from). The #1 upper level requirement is a good gallop, not a good trot no matter how much the FEI tries to change it. The objective of the classes is to identify future successful 4* horses -- the judging standards need to be validated.

I'm sure I'll be flamed for this, but IMO it's important and accurate. I'd enjoy a mannerly debate on the topic. I strongly believe that respectful disagreement is how our sport improves.

I'd also like to hear from anyone who has won or placed in either YEH or FEH classes with a TB. Are we a dying breed?

[elizabeth Callahan]

My filly won both her FEH yearling classes this year - did not go to the Chmp due to fuel costs - but she is 3/4 TB and looks every bit like a tb. Hopefully, next year she will still be like that~!

[secretariat]

What's the other 1/4?

[bornfreenowexpensive]

well my horse Muggle won last year (was grand champion). He is a warmblood cross. But has a gallop better then most TBs. (his TB dam had 100 starts on the track and retired sound. He gallops like her and just covers huge amounts of ground in a stride but is very light on the ground.) He is better jumper than mover. And most UL riders that have watched him go think he has what it takes to go all the way. (including Jimmy). But he is only 4 so who really knows yet. It is because of his talent that we are taking our time with him and not rushing. He will do more events next year but is one very cool event horse. I love TBs but he has convinced me that the crosses have a lot to offer. And if you look around, that is what many of the top horses are.

[JER]

Congratulations to the winners -- I'm sure they were very deserving. They're also both warmbloods.

It saddens me deeply to note that, as expected/predicted, plain old TB's aren't competitive in either YEH or FEH classes. This makes it MUCH MORE IMPORTANT that the USEA track the development of the horses that are winning these classes -- are they making upper level horses? or are they early burnouts? or just early developers? Can they compete at the upper levels, even if they do trot spectacularly (i.e., just like the carriage horses they're bred from). The #1 upper level requirement is a good gallop, not a good trot no matter how much the FEI tries to change it. The objective of the classes is to identify future successful 4* horses -- the judging standards need to be validated.

I'm sure I'll be flamed for this, but IMO it's important and accurate. I'd enjoy a mannerly debate on the topic. I strongly believe that respectful disagreement is how our sport improves.

I'd also like to hear from anyone who has won or placed in either YEH or FEH classes with a TB. Are we a dying breed?

You've done a great job of articulating my thoughts on this issue! I share your concerns.

I don't know how anyone can judge a future 4* horse on the line or the triangle. However, I'm fairly certain a knowledgeable person could pick a future 4* horse out of a group of youngsters running around in a field -- and that situation doesn't require braids, training or the services of a professional handler.

Young TBs rarely have that show-horse look. If you don't believe me, take a look at the CANTER listings. They don't usually have the fancy trot that looks good on the triangle either -- and really, what good is that trot in actual eventing?

I have a full TB homebred who will be 3 next year and will hopefully do some FEH. She's a lovely young TB and because of that, I don't expect her to do well. She has two half-sisters (all from the same OTTB mare), both TBx, who were just so much flashier as youngsters. They had loads of topline and impressive necks and full tails and got oohs and aahs just from photos. My TB does not, at least not at this point in her life, but all the pieces are there and I'm sure she'll be conventionally beautiful by age 7 or so.

But she'll go to FEH anyway, just for the experience.

(I agree with you about the gallop and gallop was a top criteria in picking stallions as well as in selecting my mare. The gallop, however, is not something you always see in a sport horse stallion video.)

[bornfreenowexpensive]

I did want to add....I think it runs both ways. A good horse is a good horse. Many top event horses....even in the long format days....were NOT all TB. Sure many were and are....but many more were Irish or WB crosses. Even the "warmbloods" today that are winning in the FEH classes have a lot of TB blood. Muggle was out of a TB mare and his sire has a lot of blood as well. He does have a nice trot....but a better canter....and one of the most FUN xc gallops I've sat on in a long long time. Most of the horses that I saw winning and doing well in the FEH classes were just plain nice horses.....it will be interesting to see what they become. What I want in a top horse is EVERYTHING....good movement in all three gaits, good jump and a good mind. Some you can see that right away....others will take a bit longer to show their true potential. Muggle was a DAMN ugly yearling....and a pretty gawky 2 year old....I would NOT have brought him out in public at that age;) He's still changing and maturing....and that is why I haven't competed him much this summer but spent more time just hacking about and doing different things.

As a fun story, in Muggle's first xc schooling this summer with Jimmy, it was in the high 90s and HIGH humidity. Muggle was LEAPING over the tiny logs and yehawing on landing. Jimmy just laughed at him and told me to try and stay with him...noting that he would cut out that crap pretty quick in this heat. TWO hours later, I was cooked.....Muggle was still leaping and playing with a ton of energy still left...surprising even Jimmy. Sucker is NOT a dead head warmblood (and REALLY loves xc).

Boyd Martin competed him in one novice event for me this summer, and while very VERY green (it was his first show ever), he certainly got better and better and by the end of the course was just jumping the fences in stride (although I was very glad Boyd was on him and not me;)).

I saw quite a few very nice youngsters last year at the championships....and I'm fairly certain that they got it right with Muggle. I think people can be a bit bias in thinking that only a TB can be an UL prospect. There are many warmblood or Irish crosses that also have just as much potential to be an UL horse (and many that are). In Muggle's case, I'll keep bringing him along....and then let a rider like Boyd compete him the rest of the way;) but fingers crossed he will be running around Rolex in several years. He was bred to run and jump...and I expect that he will quite well.

For fun here's shots from his xc schooling and one with Boyd.

[GreyDun]

Yay Muggle :D He's so neat!

Here's the FEH press release (http://www.useventing.com/competitions.php?section=feh&id=1714) - haven't added in the scores yet (whoops). Photo galleries will be up tomorrow.

[subk]

I love TBs but he has convinced me that the crosses have a lot to offer. And if you look around, that is what many of the top horses are.
Since I'm currently in the market for a young horse I've been paying more attention to breeding lately. While I've known that there are WBs out there with significant TB blood in their veins I've seen more than one "WB" that was on paper 7/8 TB!

good horse is a good horse. Many top event horses....even in the long format days....were NOT all TB.
While that is true, it was very rare for something that was not significantly TB (as in at least 7/8ths!) in the cross part to do well.

I too have wondered at the seemingly disproportion of WB breeding doing well in the young horse classes compared to the number you see at Rolex. Surprisingly, it's still a pretty hot blooded horse that finds itself to 4 star level. If the FEH classes need to be a reflection of reality they become just a beauty pagent. We've been doing these now a few years, does anybody know how the first horses through the program are doing in the "real" world?

[GreyDun]

If the FEH classes need to be a reflection of reality they become just a beauty pagent. We've been doing these now a few years, does anybody know how the first horses through the program are doing in the "real" world?

I think last year's Grand Champion Muggle (see post above) is a perfect example. Also, the FEH program is really in it's first year (last year was the "pilot year"), so we really won't be able to see the benefits of this program for quite awhile. Don't forget that all FEH horses need to be registered with the USEA to compete, and this gives us valuable breeding information - it's not just about the showing (same with the YEH).

[subk]

Also, the FEH program is really in it's first year (last year was the "pilot year"), so we really won't be able to see the benefits of this program for quite awhile.
What about 2006?

[bornfreenowexpensive]

While that is true, it was very rare for something that was not significantly TB (as in at least 7/8ths!) in the cross part to do well.




Well Muggle is more than 1/2 TB...I haven't added up all the blood on his sire's side but his dam was TB. I also believe the Champion and Reserve Champion this year are both more than 1/2 TB as well.

So I do think that most of the "WB" crosses doing well....do have a large percentage of TB blood.

Often, they may be registered Oldenburg but that is because their TB dam was approved by the registry.

[GreyDun]

What about 2006?

Nope, we had the first "Symposium" last April (right after The Fork HT) down in North Carolina. I think there had been talk about the FEH program earlier, but that was before my time... Are you sure you're not confusing the YEH & FEH? YEH is for four and five year olds, while FEH is for yearlings, two, and three year olds.

[retreadeventer]

I don't think it matters what breed they are. There are lots of pure and part thoroughbred horses eventing very successfully. I don't think anyone needs to lament the lack of young Thoroughbreds in the FEH classes, or worry about thoroughbreds not stacking up against warmbloods. Class will out. Muggles is a perfect example in my opinion, I've seen him up close and Bornfree has a lovely animal!

[mrd]

I'd also like to hear from anyone who has won or placed in either YEH or FEH classes with a TB. Are we a dying breed?

Honestly, the judges can only judge what is placed before them. I've only been to 3 of these competitions, but very few TBs were presented. I'm not sure that is an indication that TBs aren't being pinned since they aren't there to show.


The winner of weds' FEH ch. is at least 75% TB.

[Erin Pittman]

I'd also like to hear from anyone who has won or placed in either YEH or FEH classes with a TB. Are we a dying breed?

The reserve champion in last year's 3 yo fillies class was a full Thoroughbred by our stallion, Salute The Truth. She was bred by Mark and Evelyn Susol in PA. You can see a picture of her on Willy's Offspring Page (scroll down to Rosa): http://www.dodonfarm.com/willy-offspring.html

[secretariat]

I'm not knocking the judging or the standards, just asking for data. I've been through the development of in hand ("halter") horse classes in other breeds (AQHA, for instance) and have found that the end tends to dominate -- rather than pinning horses who will be advanced horses, it's my prediction that these classes will pin beautiful, big trot, early maturing horses who rarely make UL horses. When I look for a potential UL horse, I'm looking for big, gawky, frequently awkward beasts at 2 or 3 years old that shamble around like plow horses (almost). That's also why many of the present TB bloodlines don't do as well at the upper levels, because they're bred to peak at 2 to be commercial. IMO.

[elizabeth Callahan]

Secretariat,
My filly's sire is A Fine Romance, and she is out of a TB/HOL cross, by Riverman. She is registered as an Oldenburg, but is 3/4 TB and is lovly, . I can't post pics, but pm me if you want to see her type.

[Elway]

Does anyone find it spooky that both the 2007 and 2008 FEH Grand Champions had owners/handlers that attended the same obscure private school on the Big Island of Hawaii? The school has an unusual horse program rivaling New Zealand in scope of terrain and comprehensive horse sports. Just a thought....;)

[bornfreenowexpensive]

Does anyone find it spooky that both the 2007 and 2008 FEH Grand Champions had owners/handlers that attended the same obscure private school on the Big Island of Hawaii? The school has an unusual horse program rivaling New Zealand in scope of terrain and comprehensive horse sports. Just a thought....;)


Ok...that is TOO funny! Wish I had been able to stay there longer than one year (the horse program really was fantastic....still some of the best country to ride through too)! I guess Hawaii also just gives us good taste!:) (we need to catch up some time!)

Good luck with your girl....I think she looks very very cool!

[broodmare]

Future Event Horse: This program needs work.

2OO8 FEH Championship
The USEA needs to decide if they are going to run this program in a manner that makes it likely to succeed, otherwise a good idea is going to wither on the vine. There were a lot of really nice horses at Morven Park on Wednesday. Some people had driven over 8 hours and stabled in order to show. The core/founding competitors are taking this seriously. If one looks at how big dressage sporthorse breeding shows have become, it is easy to visualize where this could go. BUT the USEA needs to step up to the plate and run this program in a consistent/professional manner.

First: The USEA makes the rules so they need to follow them. Without integrity, why bother. If there were truly horses at the Championship Show who had not done a qualifying show as per the rules, then there is a problem. It is unfair to competitors who go to the trouble and expense of qualifying and it undercuts the rational for the qualifying shows.

Second: If one is trying to hold a championship and encourage breeders and create interest, one does not hold the show on a day when no one is present. The Wed before the event ensures that the sponsors get no publicity. No one sees the horses go. The obvious time to hold the Championship is within the overall Three Day; for example, after the second horse inspection, before show jumping, when real live event people are present. The prizes were great, the food was wonderful, especially the Brie (thank you sponsors). The qualifiers can certainly be run on an off quiet day, but a championship is a championship. For the record: Shannon did a good job as secretary. Morven is a great venue.

Third: The manner in which this show was run was frankly dangerous. No one should stand by and run a show with road graders and dump trucks and a total road resurfacing project going on less than 50 yards from the ring. The young horses were shown in the collecting area with no surrounding fence with all this large equipment noise and activity going on. The footing was lovely but the area was completely unsafe. If a handler had lost a horse, which happens, there could have been a catastrophic and preventable injury. What was weird was that the competition was right next to a dressage ring that had an enclosure fence. Yes it would have been extra work to set up in there but safety is supposed to be a big priority. With all the large equipment noise, one couldn’t hear, and there was no collecting steward to help competitors figure out what was going on or who was on deck. Fortunately, the weather held out.

Fourth: USEA needs to encourage and do a better job by their qualifying shows. Fairhill lost money this year. Despite the fact that they registered well in time and USEA cashed the check, the USEA appears to have dropped Fairhill off the website during the period of time when people were looking for qualifying shows. No one knew about Fairhill until quite late and there were not enough entries to cover the cost of the judge.

Fifth: Improve your website.

FHE is a good idea, but the USEA needs to do a better job.
Barbara Forney

[GreyDun]

Barbara - Thank you for the input. Can I suggest that you please contact the USEA with these concerns? If you'd like to know who to contact, please PM me. These were all very legitimate concerns and we'd like to continue to improve the program, seeing that it's still in its "infant" stage. Many of these things we can improve on, but others were entirely out of our control. Thanks for attending - we were glad to have you!

Thank you!

[Elway]

I can't agree with Barbara more. I was terrified with all the equipment roaring along and especially sensitive to people running/moving behind young horses, amongst them and no barrier in the ring.
One sort of sticky subject that really needs to be brought up though for Breeders AND Owners is the subject of handling. I have been trying to think of a tactful way to bring it up with the membership without sounding rude. I have extensive experience with the Hanovarian, Holsteiner and Swedish inspections as well as Devon and sporthorse suitability classes----- the judges can only judge what they SEE.
The Swedish outline -with no apologies- clearly states that if you are physically unable to show your horses's gaits to their fullest--- do not show your own horse. There was a fabulous young man from Tech there to handle with legs like a gazelle and TENNIS SHOES. So many horses could have scored better and been shown better if they had been stood up constantly and had handlers that could keep up with their overtrack and exuberance. I know everyone wants to handle ther own baby but you have to be able to RUN and stand a horse up in the proper "open" position and you are showing that horse EVERY SECOND you are in that ring. My mare was gawky, underweight for where I like them to be at an in-hand show (she just started training and had a growth spurt), and generally pretty lazy, but I had a second whip person, tennis shoes, a loose rein and every minute I was asking her to stand up, walk on and trot her biggest so the judges could see her best POTENTIAL as a 4 star horse. Show them off !! Maybe we should have a clinic to showcase all these breeder's and owner's hard work ?
Just a suggestion....

[Kanga]

Broodmare & Elway-

Both of you have very valid concerns. I can't agree with you more about the handling. I am an event rider NOT a professional handler therefore we have hired over the past 3 years Bruce Griffin to handle my colt and show him to the best of his potential. This is a very important issue that needs to be addressed. We have been with this program from the start and we were at last years Championships that went quite well with almost 50 horses. Bruce handled about 1/2 of them and the show ran smoothly. He has offered to put on seminars so that owners/trainers can learn how to do this better themselves. The problem is I think this is so new for most event horse owners, they just think they can do it themselves. They need to go to some breed shows and inspections to see what is really done.

This series needs the exposure that Broodmare is talking about otherwise it is going to disappear. We tried to put the Championships in conjunction with a BIG Three-Day & have Bruce there to handle, so it would have the GOOD publicity that it needed, however it just did not work out for the USEA to do so.

Please everyone out there needs to express their concerns to the USEA, that way we can make some positive changes to this much needed series.

[broodmare]

Thanks to those of you who have supported my critique of 2008 FEH CH. I certainly intend it to be constructive as I would really like this program to continue and expand.

I am actually of mixed minds regarding handler issues but I certainly enjoyed having Victor help me this year. As long as we have safe, fair, meaningful, competition, how people deal with handling their horses is up to them. Some competitors (Human) are real athletes so of us aren't. Presumably all the horses are athletes.
BF

[bornfreenowexpensive]

Thanks to those of you who have supported my critique of 2008 FEH CH. I certainly intend it to be constructive as I would really like this program to continue and expand.

I am actually of mixed minds regarding handler issues but I certainly enjoyed having Victor help me this year. As long as we have safe, fair, meaningful, competition, how people deal with handling their horses is up to them. Some competitors (Human) are real athletes so of us aren't. Presumably all the horses are athletes.
BF


I thought your critique was very well stated and I agreed with it. I don't think we had large machines last year but I do know that the ring next to the road was quite a bit for many of the horses....my guy didn't need any extra incentive to go forward! I was very glad I had a pro handling my horse (one to hold on to him but two, no way could I run well enough to keep up with him).

I personally think that the championships should be held in conjunction with Fair Hill CCI***. I actually think this would be a better time for both the championships for the FEH and the YEH. The YEH championship being held with the AEC I think is too early in the year....especially for the 4 year olds. That extra month to 6 weeks can make a big difference and give more people time to qualify. Also, if both championships were done together, it would help join to the two programs a bit better...and considering they both have similar aims, I would think this a good thing. Plus, there would be substantially many more spectators.

Alternatively....it would be nice if the AECs were later in the year.

[Maryalden]

Hi,

I was just "lurking" on this site, and saw a reference to an "obscure boarding school on the Big Island." If it's HPA, my daughter is currently a Junior there. She LOVES it. She's part of the horse program, and gallops along trails that scare the hell out of me.

It's a wonderful school, and I'm going out in three weeks for Parents Weekend if any of you would like me to pass on "Alohas" to anyone.


Take care,

Alden

[bornfreenowexpensive]

Hi,

I was just "lurking" on this site, and saw a reference to an "obscure boarding school on the Big Island." If it's HPA, my daughter is currently a Junior there. She LOVES it. She's part of the horse program, and gallops along trails that scare the hell out of me.

It's a wonderful school, and I'm going out in three weeks for Parents Weekend if any of you would like me to pass on "Alohas" to anyone.


Take care,

Alden


yes...it was HPA. It's a great school. My brother graduated from there and I was lucky enough to go one year (I would probably be a better rider if I was there longer!). Unfortunately, family reasons didn't let me stay but the school is a great enviroment for learning and is in one of the most beautiful spots in the world as far as I'm concerned! I'm sure your daughter is having a great time! Enjoy Parent's weekend...I have many great memories from there!

[Maryalden]

Bornfreenowexpensive,

I agree. Waimea is the most beautiful spot on earth. I'll think of you as I go on one of Judy Folk's wild trail rides. The "Taj" is still standing, as is the cross-country course. I've been lucky, as I've been the judge for the past two horse trials. Having to go Hawaii from California in January is the cross I bear. :)

Take care,

Alden

[Elway]

Bornfreenowexpensive,

I agree. Waimea is the most beautiful spot on earth. I'll think of you as I go on one of Judy Folk's wild trail rides. The "Taj" is still standing, as is the cross-country course. I've been lucky, as I've been the judge for the past two horse trials. Having to go Hawaii from California in January is the cross I bear. :)

Take care,

Alden
Hi Alden,

Yep HPA-- Judy Folk was my 3rd grade teacher. 10 years and our 20th reunion is next year! Does your daughter ride with Joan, Judy and Dick? If you look up my Advanced horse "Opua" he's Dick Solmssen's horse out of Miss Mouse by Keala. I can shoot you a pic if you like-- you too Melissa! He was 4th at MCTA Advanced and was clean at Fair hill this Spring-and loves the cross but not so much the dressage anymore!-- but he grew up on those Waimea hills and has the balance and jump to show for it! Sorry to all you for our off shoot thread!

Thanks broodmare for your comments-- it would be nice for the Championships to be held in conjunction with a HT and would also let the youngsters have more of the "right" exposure. As far as the "athletic" handling comments-- I didn't mean to offend, but again yes we assume these are 4-star prospects and you HAVE to be able to run and show them off- the judges can't judge a western jog with the horses head restricted -- or standing like a mule! :)

[bornfreenowexpensive]

Hi Alden,

Yep HPA-- Judy Folk was my 3rd grade teacher. 10 years and our 20th reunion is next year! Does your daughter ride with Joan, Judy and Dick? If you look up my Advanced horse "Opua" he's Dick Solmssen's horse out of Miss Mouse by Keala. I can shoot you a pic if you like-- you too Melissa! He was 4th at MCTA Advanced and was clean at Fair hill this Spring-and loves the cross but not so much the dressage anymore!-- but he grew up on those Waimea hills and has the balance and jump to show for it! Sorry to all you for our off shoot thread!

Thanks broodmare for your comments-- it would be nice for the Championships to be held in conjunction with a HT and would also let the youngsters have more of the "right" exposure. As far as the "athletic" handling comments-- I didn't mean to offend, but again yes we assume these are 4-star prospects and you HAVE to be able to run and show them off- the judges can't judge a western jog with the horses head restricted -- or standing like a mule! :)


Sent you a PM with my email address!


And about the handling...I do agree. I showed Muggle my self to qualify him and it wasn't very pretty (but a good experience). In speaking with the judges, I know I lost him some points on my not so expert handling. I was very happy to have a handler like Bruce showing him at the Championships....one who could really run and show off that trot....even in the heat (last year it was VERY hot and humid), he was still very forward (and is under saddle as well)....He was one of the few that really didn't need anyone following behind him to send him on!

[GreyDun]

Photos of the babies are now up on the USEA website, by the way. :)

[AdAblurr02]

Greydun, those are some wonderful photos!

I want to thank you for taking the time and effort to list the parentage of the horses you photographed - and for getting it RIGHT between the Irish Draught (purebreds) and the Irish Draught Sporthorses, which so many simply ignore. Great to see these nice youngsters looking their best.

Hopefully a few more people will learn that our horses - our breed - are bred to event, and that even the purebreds are not "carriage horses who can't gallop". Kilronan's Bravado, who was second in the Yearling Colts and Geldings, is such an excellent example of this - as are Tullycross Caleb and Kilronan's Glenstone.
Catoctin Northern Belle, who claimed top honors in Yearling Fillies, is an Irish Draught Sporthorse, as is sweetie-pie Tullycross Curragh.

Kudos to all the people who worked their butts off to support this program, despite rising costs and confusion.

Kate

[Janet]

Greydun, those are some wonderful photos!

I want to thank you for taking the time and effort to list the parentage of the horses you photographed - and for getting it RIGHT between the Irish Draught (purebreds) and the Irish Draught Sporthorses, which so many simply ignore. Great to see these nice youngsters looking their best.
But I don't see any breed or parentage information in the results,
"2008 USEA/EMCO Future Event Horse Results"
http://www.useventing.com/competitions.php?section=feh&id=1564
which only list first and second. Are fuller results going to be provided?

[GreyDun]

But I don't see any breed or parentage information in the results,
"2008 USEA/EMCO Future Event Horse Results"
http://www.useventing.com/competitions.php?section=feh&id=1564
which only list first and second. Are fuller results going to be provided?

Janet, we have not yet added the complete Championship results to the "2008 FEH Results" page - these were all the qualifiers throughout the year.

Are you referring to the part at the bottom where it says "Championships"? These were the Championships classes from the Qualifier Show at Talbot Run on June 21. The breeding of these horses is listed right above in the individual classes.

[mrd]

Photos of the babies are now up on the USEA website, by the way. :)

Thanks for taking such nice photos and putting the better ones up.:winkgrin:
My filly was being particularly mule-like, but the photos came out very nice.

Broodmare, you have very valid points. It's funny, because I never thought twice about the "ring". I've shown in-hand in "rings" outlined by tape and step-in posts, large bluestone areas in the middle of grass fields, and in rings that actually had outer fences, but were split in two sections by flower pots and had colts/stallions on one side and fillies/mares/foals on the other at any given time. In the last instance, that outside fence wouldn't make an difference if a stallion got loose from his handler. I've seen more loose horse accidents at the trailers and in the warm-up or holding area than in the actual arena, because at least in the arena someone is paying attention to the horse. The dump trucks and the noise had no affect on my filly at all. In fact, we had to wake her up to go into the second round of classes, which she took great offense to!:lol: I'd be more upset if it happened only during one or two horses presentations, but since it went on all day, at least it was a fair and equal disturbance.
But this part:
"First: The USEA makes the rules so they need to follow them. Without integrity, why bother. If there were truly horses at the Championship Show who had not done a qualifying show as per the rules, then there is a problem. It is unfair to competitors who go to the trouble and expense of qualifying and it undercuts the rational for the qualifying shows"

I don't know anything about other horses, we qualified at Difficult Run, but to qualify all you have to do is pay your $45 and show up. What if in lieu of qualifying you just had to pay $45 over the entry fee? Entries were really light, I can't fault USEA for whatever decisions were made in their best interest, but just qualifying (right now) doesn't mean the best horses are coming to the championships - only the ones that fund the program.
I don't necessarily support what I just stated, only thinking out loud for discussion purposes.:)

[broodmare]

Rules: USEA made the rules and published them. They have the right power whatever to change them for next year. But meanwhile back at the ranch they should follow them until they change them. Kind of a no-brainer.
Safety: Speaking as an organizer, problems at the trailors and in the warmup are frequently seen. The organizer should try to make all aspects of an event safe. I thought the trailor parking was reasonable. I thought the warmup/holding area was plenty adequate (needed a steward because of the noise problem) The ring should have been within the ring.
Again if the USEA wants this program to gain traction, they need to run the type of Championship they are undoubtably capable of.

[secretariat]

I've got a little problem with "they" when referring to the USEA, as if it's some multiheaded Medusa who knows all and controls all.

The FEH, purely and simply, is a trial program. The USEA hasn't even CHARGED for it (no revenue this year flowed to the USEA from this program) yet. It's a new program being suggested by individuals, Jo Whitehouse in particular, and being incubated very capably by GreyDun and others.

The future of the program, and how it's presented, is in the hands of USEA members and organizers. If you don't help it grow and prosper, it will either (1) fade away and die or (2) morph into something other than what you want.

My challenge to you is, if you are a FEH supporter, step forward as a leader to help develop the program.

[luckyducky1983]

Hi Alden,

Yep HPA-- Judy Folk was my 3rd grade teacher. 10 years and our 20th reunion is next year! Does your daughter ride with Joan, Judy and Dick? If you look up my Advanced horse "Opua" he's Dick Solmssen's horse out of Miss Mouse by Keala. I can shoot you a pic if you like-- you too Melissa! He was 4th at MCTA Advanced and was clean at Fair hill this Spring-and loves the cross but not so much the dressage anymore!-- but he grew up on those Waimea hills and has the balance and jump to show for it! Sorry to all you for our off shoot thread!

Thanks broodmare for your comments-- it would be nice for the Championships to be held in conjunction with a HT and would also let the youngsters have more of the "right" exposure. As far as the "athletic" handling comments-- I didn't mean to offend, but again yes we assume these are 4-star prospects and you HAVE to be able to run and show them off- the judges can't judge a western jog with the horses head restricted -- or standing like a mule! :)

Not to hijack but Ahh!!!!!

'The Taj' makes it to the COTH forums.

Just had to pipe in for another HPA kid. I was c/o '01. I was also one who Loved Miss Mouse (Opua's Mother), and owes her many ribbons...and a few lost heart beats over some honest to god Gigantic oxers....hhmmmm...in fact, I rode today in a saddle pad she won me a decade ago! It's fantastic Opua is doing so well...I've been stalking his USEA records for many years now..... I remember the day he climbed over the full gate (like big cow gate, 5'?) out of the Taj paddocks as a 2 or 3 year old....btw, Opuas younger half siblings are cool themselves. I had a sit on the youngsters Anuhea and Ho'aka when I was home for Christmas break.....nice little girls, great jumpers (of course Dick has them trot everything... and they are like little trot powerhouses), and I believe they play polo too....

:)