Making a List, Checking it Twice...

As the holidays are fast approaching and you're looking for something special for the people and horses in your life, I'd like to recommend a few of my favorite things: 

County Saddlery makes the most comfortable saddles for me and my horses - and don't forget that they have an excellent line of blankets, saddle pads, girths and stirrup leathers too! 

Look how handsome Rox is in his bridle from Five Star Tack!

Bridles and strap goods from Five Star Tack are absolutely top of the line, and don't forget that company founder Jamie Greene donates a percentage of all sales to cancer research through their "Bridles with Benefits" program. They are having a holiday sale so don't wait to do your shopping!

Mushroom Matrix products have helped my horses, including PRO HAYGAIN Leaderboard Champion Ballylaffin Bracken look and feel their best. 

If you want a give that keeps on giving, why not breed your favorite mare to one of the amazing stallions at Kedrah House Stud? You kpion!

HAYGAIN hay steamers really work wonders for removing dust and other allergens from hay. My horses also love the the taste and texture!

Finally, to keep your horses looking gorgeous without a lot of gross chemicals, I can't say enough good things about grooming products from Equine Organix. And check out their website for lots of fun stocking stuffers like this silver charm for your horse's bridle.

If you're in the area, Dr. Greg Staller and all the staff at Running 'S' Equine are also wonderful. Maybe you can treat your horse to a checkup if you have some extra time during the holiday season.

Mike Selldin (908-303-6342) has been taking care of a lot of things around the farm, from ring maintenance to drainage, and I'd also highly recommend him for anything you need help with!

Happy shopping and Happy Holidays! 

Kristin

Ballylaffin Bracken tops 2012 PRO Tour Series HAYGAIN Horse Leaderboard!

Ballylaffin Bracken, owned by Janet & Kristin Schmolze, is the 2012 PRO Tour Series HAYGAIN Horse Leaderboard Champion, topping the leaderboard by a mere one point over Sherrie and Randy Martin's The Apprentice, ridden by Buck Davidson.

The PRO Awards Reception will be held at the USEA Annual Convention on Friday, December 7^th at 6:30 PM. All PRO Tour leaderboard champions will be honored, as well as the 2012 recipients of the As You Like It Owner's Award and the Liz Cochran Memorial Groom's Award. Nominations for the Owner's and Groom's awards are due by November 15^th. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the PRO website. Forms are listed under the Members submenu and you must be signed in to access this area. The PRO Annual Meeting is open to all and will take place on Friday, December 7^th from 2:30-4:00pm.

American Eventing Championships

We headed south last week for the American Eventing Championships at Chattahoochee Hills in Georgia. Rox finished 11th in the advanced championship after a mostly good dressage test - he threw in a couple of bucks - a really great cross-country round, and a good show jumping round that had a couple of rails down when he got a little too bold to a couple of fences. It was a good outing as we gear up for the Fair Hill CCI*** next month and gave me a few things to think about in our preparations.

My wonderful young horse Ricardo Time was supposed to compete as well but he wasn't feeling 100% so we withdrew just to be on the safe side. Hopefully he'll be back in action and bringing home blue ribbons again soon!

Now we are headed home to New Jersey, and my fall schedule includes Plantation Field, Morven Park and of course Fair Hill. I'm available for lessons and clinics so if you'd like to schedule something, please get in touch!

-Kristin

Rox Tops the HAYGAIN PRO Tour Horse Leaderboard!

Press Release from the Professional Riders Organization: 

Congratulations to Buck Davidson and Carl and Cassandra Segal's Ballynoecastle RM, who came away with the trifecta, having won an advanced division at Millbrook for the third year running! Phillip Dutton and Ann Jones' Young Man took home their first advanced win at Millbrook. Caroline Martin not only won the Young Riders Open Preliminary Division at Millbrook, but continued a streak of her own by winning the SSG "Go Low For The Dough" Bonus Award for the second year in a row after her cross-country round.

Thank you to all the riders who cheered the kids on (and some very large kids too!) in the PRO Kids' Horseless Show Jumping. There was some very fine jumping with lots of style. Check out the video on PRO's YouTube Channel.

In leaderboard news: Phillip Dutton maintains his lead on the PRO Tour Riders Leaderboard, Ballylaffin Bracken takes over the top spot in the HAYGAIN PRO Tour Horse Leaderboard, and William Coleman retains his top spot on the Multi Radiance Medical Intermediate Challenge Leaderboard.

GO ROX!!!

Millbrook Recap

Photo of Kristin Schmolze and Ballylaffin Bracken on cross-country at Millbrook courtesy of Lee Lee Jones

 We had a great weekend at Millbrook, with RT finishing second in the novice and Rox ending up 6th overall in Advanced A.

After Bromont in the spring Rox came out of his first three-star perfectly – you’d never know he ran a three-star! I did give him a little downtime, especially because I needed some time for my ribs to heal, and then brought him back to run the advanced at Millbrook this weekend.

He keeps blowing me away; every day he feels better and more mature. Every ride, I feel like he grows and matures in such a positive way. After doing his first three-star I feel like I have a different horse.The only thing I’ve had to adjust over the summer is his conditioning because the ground is like concrete since we haven’t had any rain.We've added sessions with an Aqua Pacer water treadmill, which I’ve used it for other horses in the past, and I think it will be a good addition to his fitness regimen without pounding his legs; we’ll try to keep that going throughout the summer.

At Millbrook Rox did his best dressage test and finished on 29.4. He had a fabulous cross-country round with just some time, but I had planned on going slow anyway since it was his first cross-country run since Bromont.

Photo of Kristin Schmolze and Ballylaffin Bracken show jumping at Millbrook courtesy of Lee Lee Jones

He jumped around the advanced show jumping very well and was really jumping huge! We had one rail and a little bit of time. In the middle of the course he nearly jumped me out of the saddle with such a huge jump - we were heading towards a combination and a little bit strung out, so I needed to get him collected again - but all went well after that. I am going to need to work on how to change my position so as to not be jumped out of the saddle when Rox uses so much power over a fence - he's a huge horse!

RT did a great dressage test and got a 29.5, then had a super double clear cross-country round. He also jumped extremely well in show jumping but unfortunately had one rail down which bumped him from the lead into second place. I'm so proud of him and excited for his very bright future!

Now I'm at the Horse Park of New Jersey, putting in long hours teaching at a Young Riders Camp along with Jennie Brannigan, Hannah Sue Burnett and Lynn Symansky. We're having a great time and everyone is learning a lot. I'll post an update soon!

-Kristin

Millbrook Horse Trials

From The Professional Riders Organization

The Eventing portion of the London Olympic Games is concluded and now all focus shifts back to the United States and this week's Millbrook Horse Trials, part of the PRO Tour Series. Riders will once again be able to earn points on the HAYGAIN Horse Leader Board and the PRO Tour Riders Leader Board. The Multi Radiance Intermediate Challenge continues this week as well as the SSG "Go Low For The Dough" promotion, which leaves many opportunities for riders to come away with some great prizes.

The Millbrook Horse Trials is also the last observation competition for the PRO Junior Young Rider Training Level Scholarship Award. Two riders from the east coast and two riders from the west coast will earn scholarship weeks shortly!

Thursday Night at 6:00 PM is the PRO Wine & Cheese Competitors Welcome Party. Saturday features the PRO Kids' On Foot Show Jumping Party and we will be having color commentary in the Patrons Tents on Saturday and Sunday. Kerry Millikin will also offer a show jumping course walk on Sunday prior to the advanced division show jumping.

For Sale: Bene

Bene

Bene is a 4-year-old, 16.2hh bay OTTB gelding. He is quiet and has a sweet disposition. He only raced three times and clearly was not fast enough! Been off the track since Oct 2011. Walk, trot, canter, and just started jumping in June. Hacks alone or in company. Nice gaits and tidy jump. Good prospect for many disciplines. Easy keeper. Video shows first time over liverpool, flower box and other fillers! 

$7500 

Contact Kristin: kseventing@yahoo.com or 973-768-4174

For Sale: Ricardo's Whistle and Pop

Ricardo's Whistle and Pop

'Rudy'

5yr old 16h gelding by Ricardo Z out of a TB mare

Imported from Ireland July 2011

Jumping 3'3", has shown and evented

EASY to jump, straightforward to ride 

Even at 5 years old, he will make a super 
horse for a junior, Young Rider or amateur.

$75,000

Kristin Schmolze ~ 973-768-4174

Coming Soon: HORSES FOR SALE

We have a few horses for sale right now, clients’ horses, and a few more Ricardo horses plus Rox’s firstborn, “Liam”, coming over from Ireland in August. Liam just turned 3 in June, along with a couple other sales horses. We also have five here at the farm that we’re promoting and putting on the website now – be sure to check back soon for more information! We have quite a few horses in all price ranges, from a Dales pony to OTTB’s to Irish horses, including Ricardo’s Whistle and Pop. Check the website as the ads will be going up soon!

YOUNG RIDERS

I am in the process of applying as a coach for the USEA Area II Young Riders team. There are a lot of very good applicants and I’m hoping that my application will be considered. Coaching Young Riders is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I really enjoyed my time as a Young Rider and want to be involved and help to enhance the program with my experience. That move from Young Rider to Professional is a difficult transition and I’ve been there and understand that it really molds the rider.

Right after the Millbrook horse trials in New York, I will be taking part as an instructor at a Young Riders camp at the Horse Park of New Jersey. Hannah Sue Burnett, Jennie Brannigan and Lynn Symanski are also instructing so it should be a lot of fun. It’s three days, Monday through Wednesday, of intensive coaching, plus lectures and seminars.

-Kristin

WORKING STUDENTS WANTED

I have two positions open for working students! I am potentially looking for someone long-term who can go to Aiken with us. The longer you stay on, the more you’ll be able to learn, the more experiences you’ll have, and the more in-depth your education will be. 

Housing and utilities are included, at the cottage on the farm; board for your horse is offered at a reduced rate, and lessons/coaching included, in NJ and in Aiken. 

Duties include a bit of everything: we have horses in training, sales and young horses, and advanced competition horses. It’s hands-on in all aspects of care and maintenance of the horses and the farm. You will also learn how to run an equine business. My team and I are very hands-on in terms of teaching our working students everything about caring for event horses, managing a farm, conditioning horses, breaking young horses, and anything else involved. 

Having your own horse is welcome but not required – we have horses I can teach on. Any riding background is okay. My barn manager Vanessa came to me about three years ago having only ridden Western; now she is one of the better event horse grooms in the business! There is one requirement: you must be old enough to drive and have a license and a car, since we are located in a rural area. A positive attitude and good work ethic are also a must!

Please email applications to kseventing@yahoo.com

-Kristin

Heading to Fitch's Corner This Weekend

 

We’re going to Fitch’s Corner, near Millbrook, NY this weekend – Lynn Bauer is competing Rhapsody, her green mare; Beth is on George (Castle Jordan) and Rudy (Whistle and Pop); and I’m competing RT (Ricardo Time). My friend and client Joanne’s friend Laurie owns an estate right around the corner from the event and invited us all to stay at her farm for the weekend, so Joanne is bringing Eloise, her lease mare, and I’m bringing Rox along too so we can school and go hacking out together.

My sponsor Jamie Greene from Five-Star Tack is also coming up to watch, which will be fun and exciting, and my former groom, Erica Webb, who was my working student, then my first long-term groom and a big part of my operation, before she left to get married, will be there coaching. I’m excited to see her again – it’s been too long! She’s a registered nurse as well as a coach, and is a great friend – I was in her wedding, and we’ve been through a lot together! I’m so excited to see her again – it should be a great weekend! 

-Kristin

Here are our ride times:

Rall-Durden, Beth	Castle Jordan	PR	Fri 08:32 am	Sat 09:58 am
Rall-Durden, Beth	Ricardo's Whistle & Pop	OBN	Fri 04:17 pm	Sun 12:50 pm	Sat 03:40 pm

Bauer, Lynne

Rhapsody

NR-B

Fri 10:27 am

Sun 11:56 am

Sat 02:36 pm

Schmolze, Kristin

Ricardo Time

ON-A

Fri 01:33 pm

Sun 10:34 am

Sat 01:14 pm

Bucks County Horse Trials

I rode two client horses – Whimsical Dancer, who I had in Aiken with me – she goes home to her owner Lynn Travers in NH next weekend. I’ve known this mare for a long time, I had her and broke her as a 3-year-old and sold her as a 5-year-old. Lynn sent her back to me for some training and she’s been doing great, she had a 27 in dressage. She’s a lovely Dutch mare. She was also clear in both jumping phases and finished on her dressage score. She is a big mare and a big mover and she needed some more muscling and strength; she’s physically in a really good place to go back to her owner to have some fun with her.

Also riding Lynne Bauer’s Rhapsody in the novice and will take her training in two weeks, she’s a little bit green and needed a couple of confident rides. She is a beautiful mover; she’s done hunters and sidesaddle, we got her last year and she hasn’t had a ton of eventing experience. She’s a very nice Hanoverian mare and scored a 21 in dressage and finished on that with two nice, confident jumping rounds. I haven’t ridden her as much, I’m usually teaching Lynn on her and I’ve only jumped her a handful of times. Since she’s green to eventing I wanted really strong, confident jumping rounds with her so that when Lynne is back in the irons they can have a nice solid year at training and I think we accomplished what we were looking for.

The plan with both of these horses was to give them a head-start for their owners to get on them and have some confident rides. They are both fabulous movers who can clearly do much more!

I was the rider representative and it was neat to be a part of that and go over the courses with the TD. I had an easy weekend because the courses were fantastic! They changed a few things recently and everything looks great – I didn’t hear any complaints from anybody! I like how the rider rep is starting to take a stronger role in the event; today I have an evaluation to fill out, too. I think it will create better communication between competitors and officials if they really keep this up. If there are any questions right from the start they can be addressed early. It was fun to be asked to do this.

My student Beth Durden was doing training/prelim level and is moving up to prelim in a couple of weeks. She had one of her better tests, riding the prelim test for the first time – it was still training cross-country but they added in a few more combinations – the height was still training but they upped the difficulty so you got a little more of a feeling of prelim. We were looking for a good, confident round but I had her going out thinking like it was already prelim so we had a few things to work on. The change in speed, for example, was something to work on – it was nice to find the little details so we have things to work on before we go to the New Jersey Horse Park in a couple of weeks.

Recapping Bromont

The CCI*** Bromont in Quebec turned out to be a great event! Rox turned out a super performance for his first 3-star. It was not the easiest weekend for me after having a nasty fall from a young horse a few days before. I was having a hard time sitting the trot, and by the time I got in the ring I wasn’t breathing well at all, so I was really exhausted trying to give him the best ride I could. My body was so tight from trying to hold it all together, I could create the gait but then I couldn’t do anything with it. I went in there really going for it but it was too painful for me to ride the gaits I created. In the end it was only four days after I’d fallen, and I had a few cracked ribs and bad bruising, and I think I strained the cartilage, which is really painful. I was bound up in Ace bandages, which helped a lot for riding and made it easier to take deeper, more controlled breaths. Also since I fell on pavement I was bruised and scraped all down my left side, so wearing anything except loose sweat pants was painful.

I was first go to on dressage and cross-country, but the good part is that gave me all day Thursday and Friday to rest, other than walking my courses. Thank God for Vanessa and my mom and her husband – I couldn’t tack up or untack or do anything around the barns, and they were a huge help! Of course it drove me crazy because I’m not someone to hand my horse off to somebody and then lie down, so I was completely frustrated!  They were so, so helpful – Vanessa is fantastic! 

The cross-country was the biggest challenge Rox had faced. I couldn’t do much at all with my left arm; I tested things out with a jump school on Friday and riding was a lot better than I’d thought it would be. Rox felt amazing so I planned to go for it and just pull up on course if I had any issues. I planned to keep my crop in my left hand, which wouldn’t be great if I actually needed to use it, but I felt it would help me hold lines better if I could just press it against his shoulder. 

I think the adrenaline took over because I didn’t feel pain or weakness or anything out on course, and Rox was amazing, he didn’t pull on me once, I didn’t have trouble bringing him back – it was probably the softest ride I’ve ever had and he hit every distance perfectly. As soon as I got off course, I literally could tell when the adrenaline stopped flowing! About 3-5 minutes after getting in the vet box I realized Rox was catching his breath faster than I was, and I started feeling everything again. I didn’t really realize just how strong adrenaline is before that!

He was brilliant in show jumping too. I was stiff and sore from cross-country and once again didn’t really feel anything while I was on course; he was jumping out of his skin clearing the fences which was great but hard on my body…looking at the photos I didn’t have the greatest form but I gave enough that I was out of his way, and his was the only clean round in the CCI3* - he didn’t even touch a pole. I'm so proud of him!

My entry is in for Rebecca Farm in Montana, and I applied for the travel grant too, so I’m hoping to organize enough funds to go out there for the CCI3* July 12-15^th.  I might also apply some of the funds from our Badminton fundraiser to go out there – I think it would be a really good next step for Rox. 

-Kristin

Bromont XC Video

Cross-Country Recap

Today was an amazing day for cross-country here at Bromont! Perfect weather, perfect footing and an outstanding course designed by Derek diGrazia!

Rox is my absolute hero today: not only did he jump perfectly from start to finish, but he was beyond gentleman-like throughout the entire course. Not once did he pull on me, not once did he object to being brought back from a gallop and not once did he hesitate in any fashion at any obstacle! Not too shabby for his first CCI***!! This not only made the ride a complete pleasure, but also made it possible because of my current physical condition. Rox was a true champion today!

He is currently happy and sleepy in his stall and ready for a good night's rest. Let's hope all is well in the morning and that he is ready for a classy show jumping round.

Congrats to all and best of luck tomorrow.

Good night from Bromont!
Kristin xo

Friday Update from Bromont - Ready for XC!

It's Friday night at Bromont, always an exciting and anxious evening at a three-day. I am happy to announce that I am still in the game, not drugged and still feeling quite positive!! Can you believe it?!

Dressage was not exactly what I had hoped for, or what I have been working towards, but after the initial letdown of the reality of my situation, honestly, I did the best I could. Rox is amazing and his best moments are yet to come, but I really was not 100% there to support him and Rox is a big strong horse that needs a good strong ride. So that mixed us with being first to go in the ring, the cards were just not in my favor...  this is not an excuse, I'm just trying to break it down to what it was in the moment.

Rox overall has been very patient with me, which I am thankful for, though I WILL get my revenge for him throwing in an unnecessary buck in my test! 

So today I tested my jumping ability and did a quick jump school and sprint to make sure that I am fully functional. God bless! It seems that I am okay! Not that it isn't painful, but I was very happy with how I felt jumping, and Rox feels very responsive and he is jumping out of his skin! It's true that I am a bit weak in my left arm, due to the injuries to my rib cage on my left side. But I am making a good plan for my ride tomorrow to compensate for my left side feeling weak.

So a note to everyone, here is my plan:

My focus is to give Rox a very good and confident experience at his first CCI***. I feel that I can still accomplish this despite my unfortunate injuries. I have been planning and focusing very much on my exact ride for tomorrow and I feel very good about it! And to further that feeling, Phillip, as always, walked the course with me this evening and secured my confidence even further. If at any point I am in too much pain or feel that I am not able to ride Rox well enough, I will immediately pull up and wait for another day. Without a doubt, this is not the end all be all of our career together, so my horse and the wellbeing of both of us is first and foremost!!!

Best of luck to everyone on cross-country tomorrow!!

Go Eventing!!

Cheers,
Kristin

Update from Bromont

Bonjour from Bromont! Here is the saga of my last week or so:

Last week, things were looking great: I had a dressage lesson with Linda Zang on Thursday at True Prospect and it was amazing and I learned a ton, as usual with Linda's lessons!! I also went to the Devon Grand Prix on Thursday night and got to see Sapphire retire! Actually I had a really fun evening out and got to hang with my girl Jennie Brannigan and she let me crash at her place so I could have an early lesson on Friday with Phillip to tune up our jumping, pre-Bromont.  As usual, Phillip gives the best lessons, and I always come away with the confidence I need, especially going into a big event!!

Ok, so that's Thursday and Friday, then Saturday I spent the day at the farm getting rides in on all the horses and teaching lessons for my students before I left for Canada. Sunday I scooted down to NJHP for a schooling event to ride one of my green horses and one client's horse, and three students were competing. I figured it was a good event to get to before I left for a week in Canada...well, so I THOUGHT!

As I got on my green prospect horse early Sunday morning for dressage, everything was normal and felt as usual; then as I started to walk away, he decided that today was not a day for riding/working. He took off bucking and rearing, leaping and bucking - if you can imagine the nastiest saddle Bronc you have ever seen, yep, that is what the awful experience turned into. Something switched in this horse's eye and he snapped. The harder I tried to stay on, the harder he tried to throw me. I outlasted the regulation 8 seconds by far, but the last buck to send me flying was as he leapt onto the pavement. So, yes, I was airborne, and landed about as hard as you are imagining in your head right now, on the pavement. Thankfully I did NOT hit my head, so I was able to leap up and over a few feet after I hit so as not to get trampled as this maniac horse hit the road and fell. In the end, the horse was fine, buuuut, I got to ride in an ambulance, Whoohoo!

So one ER trip later, I have a couple cracked ribs and MANY badly bruised ones, and lots of scrapes, road rash, and very colorful bruising associated with lots of swelling. Yep, and I had to leave for Bromont on Tuesday morning, God help me :(

I couldn't ride Rox on Sunday, but Vanessa stepped up and flatted him with me on the ground and rode him beautifully! Monday was our final gallop: I gave it a try and hopped on, but five steps into posting trot and I screeched in pain and collapsed on Rox's neck because I had SHOOTING pains through my back and rib cage, NOT GOOD! so I slithered off and Vanessa warmed Rox up and then I got back on. I tried holding mane and in riding in 2 point, I cantered off, and I was okay. My legs took the concussion and it was tolerable. So across the street I went to do a few sprints before we left! Rox was great.

Vanessa has been a saint! Since I am practically useless in every way - I can't even lift a bag or, well, anything - and she drove the entire way to Bromont for me! Thank goodness!!

When we arrived, Rox looked superb! I tried my first flat since the 'incident'......yeah......not good! No bueno!!!!! I was USELESS on Rox's back. I couldn't stay balanced....let's just say it was awful and I was so upset. We have worked so hard to get here and my horse is amazing and I can't help him at all, it was a terrible feeling.

Today brought better feelings. Though the ribs still feel awful, the muscle spasms I have had in my back since the accident finally started to soften this morning, Praise the Lord!!! At least I had slightly less pain, anyway. My first ride was pretty good: I could actually do some kind of flat work that was recognizable! By Wednesday evening, I again could start actually 'riding' more!
 

Photo of Phillip jogging Rox from EventingNation.com     http://eventingnation.com/home/bromont-first-horse-inpection-report-and-gallery.html/attachment/dscn7230

Phillip, trainer extraordinaire, jogged Rox for me to give me some more resting time, and here I am, Wednesday evening, taking a hot shower and LOTS of ibuprofen, preparing for our Thursday morning dressage test. I'm first to go, of course, why not, right?? Oh, annnnd my zipper broke on my tall boots today, yep, awesome. All good...

Everyone say a prayer, have a glass of wine for me.....and well, enjoy the moment!

Rox baby, here we go!!!

Xoxo, Kristin

Bucks County Schooling Horse Trials

The whole Everbreeze gang was out this past weekend at Bucks County and it was a blast!

Click this link to see the picture[s]:
http://buckscountyschoolingshow.shutterfly.com/355

Carol took the photos and they are AMAZING! She wanted me to mention

that they are in low res for shutterfly viewing but that the actual pics are high res and even clearer......personally, I think they look great already! I think we all need to send a thank you email to Carol - she ran around all day to capture as much as possible with the insane schedule of ride times we all had!

It was a fabulous day and I want to thank everyone that helped make it possible! Especially Vanessa for making the horses look gorgeous!

All of my students were pretty darn impressive out there, making KSEventing/Everbreeze look kinda awesome! Great job, everyone.

 

-Kristin

Spring Update

Kristin and Rox at Fair Hill CIC3*. Kate Samuels Photo

 Rox was really good at Fair Hill in the CIC3* in April, in all three phases. Linda Zang helped me a ton on the flat the week before and Rox redeemed himself after his little dressage meltdown at the Fork! Fair Hill was a tough cross-country course and he jumped around perfectly; the ground was absolutely rock-hard, so I took it slow, and he was still feeling it Saturday night and Sunday morning. I thought he might be too foot-sore to jump clean but he still jumped great on Sunday and left all the rails up – he’s becoming such an all-around competitor, he really knows his job! He finished fourth overall.

I find that he’s better when he has some time between events; I had to run Fair Hill to get him qualified after The Fork, but now that they’ve made Bromont a selection trials I’m going to take him there instead of Jersey Fresh. We’ll continue working on his flat work, maybe with another lesson with Linda Zang, and doing some hills to work on his fitness, in the meantime. 

 

Kristin and Rox at The Fork

 We’re still working on a "Plan B" for Joey, but he gets checked out by the vet tomorrow so hopefully that will give me a better idea of where I’m going with him. It’s still a huge disappointment not go to Badminton, but everything happens for a reason. Obviously this wasn’t the year, no matter what! 

All of the young horses had a little break after Aiken so I’m getting them going again and will take them to Bucks County next Sunday, including a couple of horses that were in training in Aiken but haven’t competed yet – it should be a fun day out! I also have quite a few students doing their first event of the year. 

-Kristin

A Change of Plans

Last week we held a fund raiser to raise money for the trip to the Badminton CCI4* in England. I was blown away by the outpouring of support for Cavaldi and me to "cross the pond" and would like to express my appreciation to everyone who came to the party and contributed to our efforts.

As I said in my speech at the party, I am still taken aback by the support and generosity of this community. I am left speechless at times and filled with great joy, knowing how we all can pull together and make something happen for one another. It is truly spectacular!

The fund raiser evening was very special to me and I hope everyone had as much fun as I had hoped! I left that evening feeling much love and support and hope for growing relationships with many people.

Secondly, I am writing to you all because something happened over this past weekend, the day that Joey, (Cavaldi), was meant to fly to England. We had done our last gallop the day before and he was iced and wrapped in our usual manner, but Sunday morning there was swelling in a front leg. We already had an appointment with Dr. Staller bright and early to do our final check before leaving and to run IV fluids to keep Joey hydrated for his trip.

Unfortunately, the swelling is a strain to his suspensory ligament that became painful overnight. In the long run, Joey should recover just fine, but right now, there is nothing anyone could do to quickly turn this around and make him better in such a short time. It is in Joey's best interest to rest his leg right now for a short period and come up with Plan B!

This breaks my heart, as you can imagine, not only for Joey, and our quest to fulfill this dream, but because of the support of everyone behind me. I'm so very sorry on the timing of this, I know we all are. But, there will be another day, another event - and Joey, most importantly, will be okay!

As far as the generous donations that have been made towards Joey and I, we are happy to return all donations, and we thank you all so very much! As a team here at KSEventing we hope that there are many more trips and opportunities to celebrate with all of you in the future! Our plan for the donations is to put them into a savings account towards the next big endeavor overseas to represent the USA!

Warmest Regards,

Kristin Schmolze

A Thank You Message

Dear Friends,

I just wanted to send out a heartfelt "Thank You" for your amazing generosity in helping Janet put together Kristin's Fundraising Event at the Oldwick Firehouse on Wednesday. Without you there wouldn't have been invitations, a silent auction, merchandise for sale.......or even an event at the firehouse! A special shout-out goes to Don for working magic behind the scenes to ensure that the event could actually take place!

With only 3 weeks to plan it, the event raised close to $9000.00--a big contribution to getting Joey over to compete in England next month.

Without your support, it simply wouldn't have been possible.

Hugs,

Ashley Donayre

The Fork Recap and Home in New Jersey

We finished our season down south with The Fork CIC*** in Norwood, NC. Joey skipped around cross-country and was so much fun! It was a really good warm-up before we head to the Badminton CCI4*.

Rox was getting tense before the dressage, and just as we were about to enter the arena another horse started rearing and running away with his rider and almost ran into us! Then the girl opening the arena didn't have the gate open when we approached again, so it took three tries to get down the centerline. It's no excuse but the rest of the test was really tense and he was a bundle of nerves, so it was the worst score of his career. Cross-country was super though - I got a high-five from Mark Phillips afterwards! We had a green error that resulted in a run-out but you could tell Rox just didn't understand the question, so it was a good learning experience. The next day he show jumped great. While things didn't look so good on the scoreboard, the event was a good educational weekend. Next Rox will do the CIC3* at Fair Hill to qualify for the CCI3* at Jersey Fresh.

There are some great photos from The Fork at EventingNation.com

It's so nice to be home in New Jersey now. We're just getting reorganized and planning the fund raiser for our trip to England. I'm cramming in as many lessons as I can and catching up with all my clients, so it's going to be a busy couple of weeks! The party is on the 18th, then Rox goes to Fair Hill, and then Joey flies off to England with Vanessa. I'll head over the Sunday night after Fair Hill.

Joey did have a vet check with Dr. Greg Staller from Running S Veterinary and looks healthy and ready to go. I'm super excited! There's a lot going on and a lot to organize. It's a big team effort and we're all starting to feel the excitement!

Kristin

Badminton Bound 2012! Help Send Kristin and Joey Across the Pond

Please join us for a silent auction fundraising event, “Badminton Bound: Send Kristin and Cavaldi Across the Pond!” on April 18, 2012 at OLDWICK MANOR AT THE OLDWICK FIREHOUSE. All funds from this event will be used to cover the expenses for local rider Kristin Schmolze, Califon, NJ and her Irish Sport Horse gelding Cavaldi to compete at the Badminton Horse Trials CCI4* in England this May.

A group of Kristin’s supporters are in the process of collecting merchandise for the silent auction, and we are writing to request your assistance. By donating an item, you will help Kristin and Cavaldi to cover the expenses necessary for making this trip. Kristin has been working extremely hard to prepare for Badminton and your support is greatly appreciated.

Additionally, you or your company will benefit from exposure to those who attend the benefit party. Donors will be listed on the event program, and the merchandise you give will be on display throughout the evening. As a donor, you will be invited to attend the event, where you will have the opportunity to meet prospective customers and even possibly find a few auction items to take home.

Three-day eventing is the ultimate test of horse and rider and Badminton is one of the biggest and most prestigious events in the world, attracting half a million spectators. One of only two American entries accepted, this is an important opportunity for Kristin to demonstrate her abilities to the selectors for the London Olympic Games.

Cavaldi is the first horse that Kristin competed at the advanced level and they have been going strong for the past ten years – a feat in itself, since most horses do not have the fortitude to compete at the upper levels for such a long time.

It takes a strong team to get a horse and rider to the international level. Won’t you please consider donating an item to support Kristin and Cavaldi? You may contact us at the phone number or email address listed below to let us know how you would like to participate in this exciting event.

Find out more about Kristin and her horses at www.kseventing.com

Please contact Committee Chair Janet Geiler to make a contribution:
kseventingcrossthepond@yahoo.com
201-320-4428

Please note that any extra funds will be donated to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Top Three Finish for Rox at Southern Pines!

Rox was great all weekend at the Southern Pines Horse Trials II in North Carolina and finished third in only his second time competing at advanced level! In the dressage everything has improved: from the minute he got there he went right to work and he was very mature. He likes the atmosphere and the challenge of advanced level. I felt like he even improved in the ring and was there to work. I felt like every movement was an improvement from our last event. I’ve just been working on improving everything, getting him stronger and getting our changes thing, but I think his new maturity was key. He was trying really hard through the whole test; he’s getting fitter and all of this is still new to him so I’m really pleased.

Cross-country was really hard! In the division there were quite a few problems on cross-country, including quite a few falls at the water which had a hard gymnastic line. Out of the first five or six rides, several fell, so it was a rough start to the advanced division. We certainly had areas on course that he felt green since he’s new to the level, and I knew it was a lot to ask, but he went out and impressed me with every jump. There are still areas to improve on but, like smoothing it out a bit but he was quick to my aids, handled the turning questions, and was totally on the ball. I haven’t been pushing for the time at advanced yet but he was one of the quicker rounds of the advanced – he was right there in the mix. He started out ready to run and jump, and the nice thing is, as he gets stronger and fitter, he doesn’t start pulling harder. His next outing will be The Fork, where he’ll do his first CIC3*, and the plan then is to aim for the CCI3* at Jersey Fresh.

For news and photos of Rox at Southern Pines check out Eventingnation.com

This was Cavaldi (Joey’s) first competition out since Galway Downs in November. I bumped him down to the intermediate on purpose because I wanted him to have a nice easy outing. I planned not to run cross-country because he’s jumping well and I didn’t feel like the run would be what he needed, so they allowed me to do Southern Pines as a combined test. He was full of himself and glad to be there but he felt ready to go – you could tell he was looking for the start box! I think it was good to get him out and keep it all a little easier. He’ll run advanced at The Fork and finally get to set foot on the cross-country course. So far this season he feels really good in his fitness and training so we’re moving forward with our plans to go to Badminton!

Young Horses Finish on Top at Pine Top

At Pine Top I ran Ricardo Time, Sahara and Textile all in the novice; that was their last trip down here in Aiken and they were all quite good, it was a nice way to end the season. It was Tex’s first novice and he jumped his best yet, especially on cross-country. Sahara put in another rgreat outing and finished 6th in a big novice division. RT has grown up so much down here and won his division. He scored a 21.7 in dressage and added a couple of time faults on show jumping to finish with the lowest score of the weekend! They’re all going to have some downtime after they head back to New Jersey this week while I stay in Aiken to prepare for The Fork with the upper level horses, Rox and Joey.

The Fork will be Castle Jordan’s first outing since the CIC3* at the Fork last year, and he’s going to go training with my student Beth. They’ve been doing really well together and he’s staying sound after re-injuring a tendon; he had a long time off and is doing quite well.

After The Fork I’ll drive home to New Jersey and then start preparing for the trip to England!

-Kristin

Kristin and Cavaldi Accepted to Compete at Badminton

Kristin and Cavaldi have been accepted to compete at the 2012 Badminton Horse Trials CCI4* in England! Here is the official list of accepted riders. Last year their plans where cut short when Cavaldi had a minor but untimely injury, so let's all wish them a safe, sound and successful preparation for the big event!

For more information check out Eventing Nation
Like Badminton on Facebook

Team Training Session with Ballylaffin Bracken

I had a jump lesson yesterday with Lauren Hough during the Eventing Team training session at Bridle Creek Farm in Aiken. It was my second lesson with her and I’m finding her a fabulous trainer who’s been incredibly helpful improving Rox and me. Rox is changing so much and has matured so much, and we are trying to fine-tune his canter and rhythm. We want him to quietly open his stride to the fences without getting too big or excited, to still have his energy contained. By the end of the lesson he was just nailing it! It’s fun because he’s so workable and rideable now and we are just fine-tuning to get the best out of him.

We spent a lot of time working on rollback turns and bending lines. Lauren was making sure we got the horses to bend through the lines, not just turning while keeping their bodies straight. We did a lot of s-turns over bigger fences and tried to get different distances to the fences, and keep the rhythm. It was difficult, especially through the turns, and the canter obviously is the key. It was very informative and helpful – I left feeling like I really took something away from the lessons. I think Lauren is a really great addition as a trainer for the team!

I had a flat ride today with Mark and felt like we were able to pick up where we left off last month. Rox was much stronger; a month ago he was getting a little overwhelmed with the pressure and now he feels more confident and like he’s understanding things better.

One of the biggest things I have trouble dealing with is working on the quality of his gaits. Rox is a very big horse, (and I swear he’s growing!), and he tends to be a bit lazy behind. I’m always working on getting him quick off my leg, but now he’s strong and fit and if I push too much I get too much horse. I want him to be responsive and light to my leg, so I can literally think forward and he’s there, but not nag him with my leg with makes him both dull to my leg and gets him fired up.

We also touched on the flying changes: the biggest thing with Rox is he leans forward too much trying to find my hand, which makes him late behind. We worked on keeping him straight and using a very supportive outside rein, keeping him forward and off his forehand, which keeps the changes clean. He’s more relaxed and understands things much better now. We also worked on his half-passes, which he’s quite good at, but again I want him quick off my leg and not falling in. I’m getting half-passes that are so much better quality than a month ago. I’m working on keeping him forward, light and responsive, so I’m not driving and pushing, which just wears us both out.

The timing of the training session is great because I gained so much and we both leave the lessons so much more confident, so we couldn’t have a better preparation for the Southern Pines Horse Trials next week.

The young horses, Ricardo Time, Sahara and Textile are all going Novice at Pine Top this weekend – their last run before they head back north. We are looking to syndicate RT and both Sahara and Textile are for sale, so this is a great opportunity to see them in action!

First Advanced Horse Trials for Ballylaffin Bracken

Rox did his first full advanced horse trials at Pine Top in Thompson, GA and jumped around the best he has ever felt! Dressage went very well and I was quite pleased with his maturity, being his first time putting all of the advanced movements together at a show. There is still plenty to improve on before Southern Pines, but it is a very good starting point!

A huge thank you to Kate Samuels for the photos!

-Kristin

Announcing the Ricardo Time Syndicate

Ricardo Time is a very exciting young prospect who has excelled in his first competitions in the United States. Imported from Ireland last year, he shows tremendous potential for the sport of eventing. "RT" is currently offered for sale or syndication and Kristin would love to keep him in her string of horses. You can become a part of this talented horse's future - click below for details!

Learn more.

Rox and Joey Training Update

Lauren Hough teaching Kristin on Rox

Lauren Hough on Rox

Kristin and Rox

Rox has been coming out of the winter well. I think all the work we did last year as alternates for the Pan-Am Games, he has retained a lot of information and matured a lot over the winter and come out better than ever before. The push to ask more of him was just what he needed last year. I’ve started him back slowly and he just had his first start, advanced at Pine Top. It was also his first full advanced event; I didn’t push him for time but he jumped around from start to finish the best he’s ever felt. He finished very strong with tons of energy left after cross-country.

Joey has been fabulous and is coming out of the winter better than ever. He just gets better with age. I’m keeping things toned down this winter, focusing on his dressage and fitness. My intention is to run him at Southern Pines and then The Fork as we prepare to hopefully run at Badminton this year. He feels super – you’d never know he’s seventeen! He’s fit and spunky and can’t understand why I’m not letting him run around cross-country. I’m trying to contain his enthusiasm.

-Kristin

Photos from US Eventing Team Training Session with Lauren Hough at Bridle Creek Farm in Aiken, SC courtesy of Kate Samuels

February Young Horse Update

It's been a great start for the young horses in Aiken. I’ve done a couple of events with them and so far so good.

Textile, a new project who is just starting in eventing has taken to it very well. He just started jumping cross-country a month ago and has gone clean at two events – he’s a very talented prospect. He placed 2nd at Full Gallop, his first-ever event!

Sahara is also very game cross-country; she’s a packer type who will be fabulous for a YR or Junior to get some mileage on. I’m having a lot of fun just cantering around. She’s a full TB who never raced. She placed 6th at Paradise and 10th at Full Gallop. Both Sahara and Textile are offered for sale.

Ricardo Time has been a star and won his first two recognized events on his dressage score – a 25.5 and then a 21.5. He is maturing very quickly for his age and I’m very excited about his future, he’s becoming a really talented and exciting prospect. He is for sale, but realizing the talent that he has, I am hoping to keep him in my string of horses, especially because Ray is laid-up right now.

We had a tragic and unfortunate incident last month with Ray: he presumably got cast in his stall and fractured his pelvis and is currently on a year’s stall rest to see if he can recover. He was examined here by Dr. Kevin Keane and then at the University of Georgia. It is something that he potentially should recover from, but only time will tell the extent of long-term damage and what his athletic ability will be in the future.

I found Ray (Lumiere Royale) in Ireland as a three-year-old and I just had a gut feeling that I had to find out more about him. It was clear in my mind that he was one of the most talented horses I’ve ever seen. I started him myself and was impressed with everything he did – I’ve been fortunate to sit on a lot of nice horses and he’s one of the nicest I’ve ever been able to ride. His talent and work ethic are far beyond most horses and it’s absolutely depressing that he probably won’t be able to show the world what he can do. He’s only six years old and we haven’t even tapped into his full ability.

So far we’ve kept him safe and comfortable and I’ll do everything I can to keep him recovering well but it’s impossible to know what he will be able to do once he’s healed. You don’t find many horses like him in a lifetime – he’s a very special horse. I had so much hope for Ray and big plans for Ray – I really like to take time and find the right horse for me and I took that time with him.

Unfortunate things happen, but time moves on as he is resting and recovering. I’ve had time to think about the need to have a string of horses in this career; with Ray's future unknown I’m trying to find the next horse to come up through the ranks behind Rox and Joey. As tough as the past few weeks have been, the more I think about it the more I realize I’m lucky to have RT in my barn – a horse that was specifically chosen by Tom Meagher in Ireland for his potential. He’s been progressing in the past few weeks and is coming along, stepping up to the plate and becoming an exceptional young horse. We seem to be a good match and I think he really could be the next horse of the future for me – and he’s right here in my barn.

Horse For Sale: Textile

"Tex" is a seven-year-old 15.3 Hanoverian gelding. He is a very clean and athletic jumper and has lovely, flashy movement on the flat. He is just getting started in his eventing career and won his first time out. He is a very talented prospect and goes in a happy mouth! Sweet as can be with perfect manners and very sane! Will suit a variety of riders for eventing, jumpers or dressage.

Horse for Sale: Sahara

Attractive, eight-year-old, (turning 9 min May), 15.3h, Thoroughbred mare. Never raced, privately bred. Athletic jumper with tons of scope. Accurate and steady on the flat. Very nice all-around horse for a child, Young Rider or adult to have a blast with in eventing or jumpers. Currently in Aiken,SC kseventing@yahoo.com Priced at $15,000

High Performance Training Session Schedule at Bridle Creek, Aiken

Monday, Feb. 6th

800 Boyd/
845 Jennie/ No Objection
930 Boyd/
1015 Meghan/ Pirate
1100 Boyd/
1145 Doug/ Running Order
1230 LUNCH
1300 Will F/ Pawlow
1345 Kendyl/Ever So Lucky
1430 Lizzie/ Coal Creek

Tuesday, Feb 7th

0800 Boyd/
0845 Will F./ Pawlow
0930 Boyd/
1015 Will C./ Twizzel
1100 Boyd/
1145 Susan/ Wolf
1230 LUNCH
1300 Megan/ Pirate
1345 Lynn/ Donner
1430 Kristin/Ballylaffin Bracken
1515 Alex/ Fernhill Cubalawn

Wednesday, Feb 8th
EXTREMELY TENTATIVE until times released for Full Gallop

800 Will C/ Twizzel
845 Jennie/No Objection
930 Doug/Running Order
1015 Susan/ Wolf
1100 Kendyl/ Ever So Lucky
1145 LUNCH
1215 Alex/Fernhill Cubalawn
1300 Lynn/ Donner
1345 Lizzie/ Coal Creek
1430 Becky/Can’t Fire Me

Thursday, Feb 9th

800 Becky/ Cant Fire Me
845 Boyd/
930 Will F./ Pawlow
1015 Boyd/
1100 Will C/ Twizzel
1145 Boyd/
1230 Lunch
1300 Kristin/ Ballylaffin Bracken

Reflecting on 2011: A Year of Firsts

Over the last few months I have had a bit of time to reflect on the past year for KSE. While we had a slow start to the year, we ended up having a whirlwind of a finish!

Having both Joey and Rox sidelined early on in the spring season left me feeling a bit defeated because we had some really fun goals we were working hard for. Rox was going to move up to Advanced and I hoped to qualify for a 3-star and Joey was aimed at Badminton, a lifelong dream. Well, that didn't happen, but. . . (here comes the first of my 'firsts') it was the first time that I entered and was ACCEPTED at Badminton! I think that's pretty special chapter in my book!

Well, those boys came back with a vengeance and I gained some perspective on my career. I had felt, for lack of a better word, down about not getting to Badminton, so I needed to snap out of that funk and get going on some new plans! I thought, Well hey, let's aim Rox at the Pan American Games! So off to Rebecca Farm on a plane to do another 2-star we went!

From there our whirlwind season began! After Rebecca Farm it was announced that we made the short list for the Pan Ams. This was also another first for me, a feeling that was hard to describe - but it felt so good that I cried every time I called someone to tell them!

On to the Mandatory outing at Richland Park (another first, being invited to compete at the mandatory outing), and also Rox's FIRST advanced!

From there we were placed as an alternate for our US Team, (another first) and went on to participate in training sessions and were asked to travel down to Ocala to train with the team in a week-long training camp (another first).

We didn't get to compete at the Pan Ams, but all of these experiences have been priceless. I learned so much from my whirlwind 2011!

To end the year I had to quickly get back to NJ from FL and hop on a plane to take Joey and Rox to Cali to compete at Galway Downs, (another first)! Rox was very graciously given a Land Rover grant to compete at Galway, (another first), an event that also represented a very special event for me since it was Joey's 10th completion at an advanced 3-day. Four 4-stars and six 3-stars! Go Joey! And let's not forget that it was my first time qualifying a horse for the Olympics!

I capped it all off by teaching a clinic out in Hawaii: horses and the beach! What a happy ending!

Okay, take a breath. . . now it's back to work at home to get ready for 2012. Which brings me to our arrival in Aiken, back at our second home at Sporting Days Farm. With 11 horses this year it's going to be a busy season!

Rox is back to have a go at becoming an advanced horse. Joey is again aimed at Badminton! Ray is moving up to training after his big finish as Reserve Champion at the Young Event Horse finals with Phillip last fall.

We have the three young horses by Ricardo Z that were imported last summer. Two are for sale: Ricardo Time and Ricardo Million. The third, Ricardo Whistle and Pop, is owned by Beth Durden.

George is making a comeback too, possibly with a new rider. . . but you will have to wait and see who that is :)

Kidd, owned by Bonny Borden, is back enjoying the sunshine and sand in Aiken. Ria,a very special little mare owned by Carol Hill, gets to have her comeback this winter as well.

Two late editions to the KSE Aiken team are Sahara, owned by Melissa Boisvert, and my own Textile. Both will be for sale here in Aiken (check the website for details).

So I started this blog talking about all of the 'firsts' that happened in 2011 that I am grateful for, and I certainly am! But there's this inner voice in me that keeps saying that it also feels like being in second place. Which has given me the strength, knowledge and fire I needed to make this a year of ACTUAL FIRSTS - I'm talking the BLUE kind!!

Of course I can't do it without my fabulous team of sponsors: County Saddlery, Five Star Tack, HayGain, Equine Organix, Mushroom Matrix, Running S Equine, and Kedrah House Stud. Thank you all for helping and supporting our team!

Good luck and be safe!
Kristin