Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Bright Side

Here is a schooling video of Bright Side, the now five-year-old horse that Gloria Callen and Mike and Anne Laver bought in Ireland last year. I am so excited to have such a talented young horse in my barn. I can't thank Gloria , Mike and Anne enough for hanging in there with me through this difficult year - I could not be happier to be riding this amazing horse again! He is one to look for in the future!



Video Review of Majyk Equipe Boyd Martin Cross Country Boots

Monday, December 1, 2014

Plantation Field Equestrian Events, Inc. Announces Course Designer Development Program

PRESS RELEASE: Plantation Field Equestrian Events, Inc. Announces Course Designer Development Program

Media Contact: Amber Heintzberger amberwriter@aol.com 828-289-0658

1 December, 2014 – Unionville, PA -- Plantation Field Equestrian Events Inc, (PFEE) is pleased to announce the Course Designer Development Program (CDDP), a mentorship with world-renowned cross-country course designer Michael Etherington-Smith (GBR).  This opportunity will be open to all levels of course designers showing the potential to design courses to an international standard.

Selected applicant(s) will work directly with Mike E-S in designing the one and two-star courses for the Plantation Field International in Unionville, PA, the site of four USEF/USEA competitions as well as three starter horse trials annually. Beginning in the 2015 competition season and continuing under his guidance for the next couple of years, the applicant(s) will eventually take over designing these courses. They may also be asked to walk and evaluate other US courses.

President and founder of Plantation Field Denis Glaccum said, “We’re very excited to be able to offer this program, inasmuch as I think it will help accelerate the development of new course designers in this country.”
PFEE Committee Chairman Boyd Martin said, “At there are only a handful of American course designers qualified at the upper levels. Giving young designers the opportunity to learn first-hand how to design international-caliber courses is our way of giving back to the sport and improving the future of eventing in the United States.”

Mike E-S has kindly offered to share his considerable expertise in the interest of achieving this goal. Selected applicants will spend time with Mike E-S while he assesses current courses, plans future courses, and coordinates with the course builder.  It is anticipated that three to five days will be necessary to fulfill the requirements of this program.

A selection committee including Mike E-S, Mary Coldren, Phillip Dutton, Denis Glaccum and Boyd Martin will pick the final individual(s) by February, 2015. As this is developing program, further requirements and dates of commitment will be communicated as the program evolves.
Interested candidates should submit the following:

  • A letter requesting consideration for this program with a brief description of their background in course design as well as brief thoughts about their future ambitions within the sport.
  • An up-to-date list of current courses and events that they are associated with as a designer or any other experience that they feel would be relevant to the role. 

Please mail applications to: Plantation Field Equestrian Events PO Box 82, Unionville Pa. 19375. Applications also can be submitted electronically to denis@plantationfieldht.com

Great Clinic in Maine



This weekend we had a great show jumping clinic at Dark Horse Stables, near Portland, Maine. It was a superbly organised clinic and they have excellent facilities. There were five group lessons each day in a really cool indoor arena.

On day one we worked on turning exercises, along with course analysis, then on the second day we sharpened the horses up with some grids, then worked on a course that consisted of a few roll back turns and some combinations.

Even though it was freezing cold, we had an excellent group of riders that really were all keen to learn. I hope to return back to Maine next year for another clinic. A big thanks must go to the organisers. 

Boyd Martin

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Silva and Rosa Schooling Changes with Cavaletti




Winter is a great time for schooling and having fun - Silva uses cavaletti to keep things interesting for Rosa Cha W while they school 2x changes and tempi changes in the jump arena at Windurra. What are you doing to keep things fun and interesting in your winter routine?


Sponsor Spotlight: Shop Shires and Ariat this Holiday Season

Otis Barbotiere modeling his new rug and neck cover from Shires. Boyd's boots, breeches and jacket all thanks to Ariat

A big shout-out to our sponsors Shires Equestrian Products and Ariat for outfitting us and the horses. These are great companies to work with and provide us with the top-quality gear we need to stay comfortable in any weather. Be sure to follow them on social media to catch all the great tips and deals this holiday season!

Shamwari looks stunning in his new rug

Click HERE to see event horse Ray Price modeling his Shires rug in action!