News — USEA

Fleeceworks Royal, recipient of the Holekamp/Turner Young Event Horse Le Lion d’Angers Grant, made her way around the cross-country course in flying fashion, adding nothing to her dressage score of 51.3.

Piloted by Tamie Smith, “Rory” had a peak performance around this challenging track at the FEI World Eventing Breeding Championship, jumping from 30^th to 16^th place in the 7-year-old division. Judith McSwain’s Holstiner mare earned these funds to travel to Le Lion d’Angers after being the highest-placed 2014 Young Event Horse (YEH) graduate who qualified for this Championship as a 7-year-old. The grant, backed by Dr. Tim and Cheryl Holekamp and Christine Turner, aims to encourage U.S.-based breeding and training of young horses.

Rory was bred in California by Charlotte Wrather. She is by the Holsteiner Riverman, and out of Marisol.

“I was thrilled with her. It means so much when you produce them from the beginning and see something in them that you really feel is special,” said Smith. “I did not get to watch anyone go as I was third out, so rode everything the way I thought to ride it and it went great. She was like a pro out there. It felt easy for her and like she was a little racecar.”

“The course required bravery and rideability, and that is her middle name. She read all the questions great and was not fazed by the crowds. They organizers and staff did an incredible job on the footing. It was hard in some places and they worked to make it perfect. It means so much when you have an event put so much into their course. They take enormous pride in this event, and it shows.”

The other U.S. representative and fellow YEH graduate, Betawave, picked up only .4 time penalties to move into 31^st place in this very competitive 7-year-old class. Owned by her breeder, Carol Singh, and her rider, Robyn Fisher, “Leta” is a Holstiener mare by Linaro and out of Wavelength.  

Marion Drache and Ingrid Klimke’s Weisse Duene kept the lead of the 7-year-old championship division. The Holstiener mare (Clarimo x Espirit V), ridden by Klimke, jumped to a double clear cross-country finish to continue to sit on 36.9 penalty points going into tomorrow’s show jumping. Pippa Funnel piloted Billy Walk On (Billy Mexico x Shannon Line), owned by Barbara and Nicholas Walkinshaw, to a faultless run. They sit in second place on 39 points.

Double clear rounds also helped Vroum D’auzay & Miaxime Livio, Chillis Gem & Gemma Tattersal, and Vegas des Boursons, also ridden by Livio, to move into third, fourth and fifth places respectively. 

Though the cross-country was influential, the course seemed to reward forward, accurate riding. 19 pairs came home clean within the time, and only six of the 59 starters did not finish.

Find all scores here. 

BOOM . . . Today I start with an ending. They did it and did it RIGHT. Rory and Tamie finished double clear! More of that later. I woke early today after a restless sleep. We are all a bit nervous, the stakes are high. Each of us dressed in our carefully selected red, white and blue clothing combinations. We wanted to make sure there was no doubt who we were rooting for and where we were from. We stepped out the door, walked down the street, wow. The sleepy little town had exploded. The bridge was blocked off. People, young children baby strollers and dogs were everywhere. The event was expecting 45,000 spectators. The excitement started.

Tamie and Rory were scheduled to go out of the box at 1:00 p.m. The 6-year-olds started at 11:00 a.m. We had some time, the obvious default was the trade fair. I now own a beautiful short cropped oilskin coat and a brown felt hat, an absolute must for every southern California resident.

We headed up to wish Tamie and Rory “bonne chance” (good luck in French). Rory was calmly eating her hay. She came over to greet us and asked politely where her apples and carrots were. We gave Shannon the bag for later, grabbed our flags on a stick and headed out to cross-country. The design of the facility and course has one or two places where you can see multiple fences. The best way to view is walk gradually around the course.  Walking the course was like a being on a slow conveyor belt that slowly flowed around the course, it stopped as a horse approached the jump you were nearing and restarted as the horse galloped away. It was 5 to 20 people wide. You could leave the group at any jump you wanted to watch for a period of time and rejoin when you wanted to move on. It just kept flowing. It was all very civilized everyone kept moving in one direction. We saw a variety of sights as we slowly went with the flow, four old men standing by the jumps drinking their wine, friendly sweet donkeys carrying baskets for recyclables. It was wonderful to have the distraction, which kept my mind off the elephant in the room, the 7-year-old cross-country.

We saw 6-year-olds in every size shape and color from France, UK, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Holland, Belgium, Italy and China. Some rides were smooth and seemed effortless, others seemed a work in progress. We saw the CCI2* jumps and, the butterflies started. The water complex and combinations, as always had large groups of people, yet I was still amazed at the size of the crowds in all directions. It was overwhelming.  It hit me, “what will Rory think?” The excitement grew and nervousness edged in. We walked back to the start. Along the way we were warmly greeted by some of the individuals we met on dressage day. They wished us the best of luck. We met French spectators who were not horse people and who spoke limited English. We spoke limited French yet we had a conversation about Rory and they wished us luck as well.

It was time. I saw the beautiful grey and white tail flying over the warm-up fences. Rory was jumping out of her skin. Clearly Tamie and Rory were ready, so I was as well. We headed off to the start box, flags in hand. My friends, Lynette and Barb were cheering, waving flags making noise for 10. GO USA. I was ready with my camera and BOOM . . . they were out of the box.

We saw the first fences and planned to view the jumbotron. Well it was not quite as planned. We hear, “Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Royal” followed by French phases and wondered what was said. It was a long four minutes in the dark and then, they popped out of the trees, dropped off the bank and jumped the b and c element on a soft rein. Go Rory. Go Tamie. They headed to the spider, then to the chess board and finally to the last fence. On the jumbotron, I suddenly noticed the count down in the corner. It looked like great time. It looked like they were going to go double clear. I was jumping up and down. They crossed the finish with seconds to spare. THEY DID IT! I am not really sure how to share the feelings. I was consumed with feelings of joy, relief, excitement and happiness. Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Royal, representing the USA, were third go in The 7-year-old FEI World Breeding Eventing Championships. They threw down the gauntlet and finished DOUBLE CLEAN. GO USA!!!

This is my first trip to Europe and it has been full of new experiences. One of my favorite experiences so far is the ability to walk to so many places.  You ask Europeans how far something is and the consistent response is 20 minutes. We have learned 20 minutes can range from 10 to 45.

The farmhouse we booked is a 10-minute walk from the grounds. However, I was ready for the 20-minute European walk. I walked to the end of our quaint street. I looked, and saw the gorgeous cross-country fences.  We really were only 10 minutes away… little did I know, it was 10 minutes from the edge of the property. The Hippodrome du Lion d’Angers is a gigantic property. Shannon [McCormick, Rory’s groom] had told me it was a 30-minute walk. I thought to myself “she left in the dark and surely must be mistaken.” I headed off at a brisk pace for Wednesday’s jog, as I passed the first closed gate, the 20-minute rule came to mind.

The scenery was amazing, lots of old cottages, a new equestrian facility and finally a beautiful stone gated entrance, leading to a very long tree line road. Walking down the path, I saw lush green grass, paddocks and gradually cross-country fences, which are works of art. I was amazed at the creativity, workmanship and challenging appearance. The path ended at a beautiful stabling area with concrete barns and a very creative jogging lane.

One of many beautiful cross-country fences. Photo courtesy of Judith McSwain. 

The setting was amazing for the first horse inspection. I watched as the most promising 7-year-old horse and riders, presented and jogged elegantly in front of me. Tamie and Rory moved in to line and then I heard it, “Fleeceworks Royal and Tamara Smith USA”. My heart skipped a beat. I swallowed hard, holy cow. Here we are, the dream came true.

Tamie was smarty turned out in a dress that complemented her dapple grey partner. Rory raised her head, calmly looked around and seemed to say, “these must be all my fans.” They passed the jog with flying colors. We heard the magic word, "accepted."

Yesterday was started off at the same wonderful pace. Staying so close to the Hippodrome has let us start each day at a civilized hour. The closest gate is now open so we are really only 10 minute walk from the center of the competition area and the trade fair. The stabling is still a bit further. As we were walking and talking about the awe of our surroundings, a wonderful lady heard our accents and said, “you have come a long way,” as she chatted with us about our journey and our experiences.  She was so gracious and made us feel so welcome. She was the mother of the British competitor, Kitty King, and although we did not know it, it was to be one of many such delightful encounters through our day.

We arrived in the barn area as Tamie, Rory and Shannon were getting ready. Tamie had taken Rory out for a canter that morning and told us she felt great.  We quickly put on our special jackets made to complement our USEA/USA ball caps. The front said Holekamp/Turner Grant. The back said USA Le Lion d’Angers 2016 7 YR Old World Championships. We were ready!

Tamie and Rory were early in the order of go, having drawn the third position. The riders are provided two warm-up areas. The first a grass court in the trees. The next is adjacent to the in-gate. It is gorgeous with emerald green grass and a back drop of the village of Le Lion with its 300-year-old cathedral.

Tamie and Rory’s warm-up was wonderful. Suddenly it was time. We heard overhead, “Tamara Smith and Fleeceworks Royal USA.” Our USA bred girl went up the center line and landed a square halt.  A visual of the up and downs of three and a half years went through my mind. I just smiled. It had all been worth this moment. Tamie and Rory looked amazing. Their test was beautiful, flowing and balanced. I could not have been more proud.

Rory and Tamie earning a 51.3 in dressage. Libby Law Photo. 

Rory and Tamie’ s cheering section were waiting at the exit gate, where big hugs and smiles abounded. The incredible photographer, Libby Law was there and captured our moment in time. Rory, graciously accepted the accolades and praise from her most ardent fans.  We walked back to the barn. Rory let us give her big hugs. We told her how amazing she was, to which she looked at us as if to say “of course.” We promptly head to the trade fair afterwards.

The trade fair was very large with over 100 assorted vendors from horse trailers to scarves. My friends and I made the first pass today. The vendors were wonderful and helpful us communicate. We were quite overwhelmed and vowed to return later.

The next stop was back to the dressage arena to cheer on Robyn Fisher and Betawave the second U.S. competitor who made the trip across the pond. It is wonderful to have another U.S.-bred horse and her group here. While we were watching dressage, different individuals from various nations came up, commented on our jackets, welcomed us warmly. There were always a few wonderful moments sharing the international bond that unites us, horses. We have felt that people on the grounds and in the town of Le Lion to have been incredibly friendly and genuinely helpful.

Photo courtesy of Judith McSwain. 

The next adventure was walking the most incredible and beautiful cross-country course with Tamie. It is always so interesting to learn about the course through the eyes of an experienced rider. We were able to walk up to the fences, see heights, widths, drops and angles. It looks like a challenging course. Each fence is really a piece of art with incredible details. We, the cheering section, were planning our spectating strategy as we walked. The question, as always, is how to maximize the number of fences to see. I am excited to see how each fence will ride and what Rory will think of the course.

Judith and Tamie checking out the drop. Photo courtesy of Judith McSwain.

We left Tamie and headed back for the farm house. The trade fair just happened to be in the way. We were forced to make initial purchases with some thoughts lingering on the candy apple red or French blue breeches.

Dinner ended up a minor adventure. We decided to try a restaurant recommended to us by Janet Murphy, Chef d’Equipe of the Irish Team. After the conversation, it appeared to be close by and the directions sounded simple. Well after again taking a driving tour of the surrounding French countryside in the dark without finding the restaurant, we instead found a place within walking distance. They had crepes, not just crepes, but amazing crepes, so we have crossed another item off our bucket list…eating crepes in France.

Rory does not compete today. It looks like she will have a jump school. We may go into town or stay local and explore.

I close the blog out with anticipation of cross-country day tomorrow, the excitement we all feel. When the first horse leaves the box; when we hear the overhead announcement, with the number, the rider, the horse name and country, when we see these amazing teams in action. I wish everyone the best. I wish Tamie and Rory an extra spot of good luck, and to know I will be mentally riding every fence with them and running between others. Lastly, I will try prepare myself to be ready to hear those words from overhead, “and now out of the box representing the USA Tamara Smith and Fleeceworks Royal.” I do not think I will have dry eyes no matter how I try.

Go Holekamp/Turner Grant, Go Fleeceworks Royal, Go U.S. bred and MOST of ALL GO USA! 

Each fall the most talented young horses in the world head to Le Lion d’Angers to compete in the FEI World Eventing Breeding Championships where there is a CCI1* championship for 6-year-olds and a CCI2* competition for 7-year-olds. The competition is fierce, and is typically an accurate predictor of which horses have what it takes to make it to the top levels of the sport, such as back-to-back Rolex Kentucky winner fischerRocana FST, who won the 6-year-old championship in 2011.

In an effort to encourage domestic breeding and training, with this championship being the major focus, the USEA Young Event Horse Program (YEH) introduced the Holekamp/Turner Young Event Horse Le Lion d’Angers Grant in 2012. Now in its second year, the grant provides funds for the top placed 5-year-old at the 2014 YEH Championships to travel to France and compete in their 7-year-old year.

For grant consideration this fall, a horse would have competed in the 2014 YEH Championship as a 5-year-old. The funds are awarded to the horse who was highest-placed in 2014 and is qualified (zero cross-country jump penalties and only 4 show jumping penalties at a CCI* and CIC2*) and willing to compete at the FEI World Breeding Eventing Championships. The recipient for this 2016 grant is currently Judith McSwain’s Fleeceworks Royal.

Meet Fleeceworks Royal  

“Rory” as she’s affectionately called around the barn is a 7-year-old Holsteiner mare. Her path towards this elusive goal of competing at Le Lion began with her carefully considered breeding. She was bred by Charlotte Wrather owner of Cottonwood Ranch in Los Alamos, Calif. Wrather, who historically bred race horses, was looking to improve her sport horse breeding program, so she imported Marisol (Corifino I x Charette B), a Holsteiner mare from Germany, to do just that. 

Wrather chose Riverman, a striking Holsteiner, to sire her first foal from Marisol, and the result was even better than anyone could’ve hoped: R-Star, Kristi Nunnink’s four-star horse. Once R-Star’s natural ability really began to show, Wrather bred Marisol again to Riverman and Rory was born in 2009. With many ties to Ladykiller and Cor de la Breyer, as well as the proven success of her full sister, R-Star, Wrather seemed to have unlocked a perfect formula for an event horse.

The young mare was started by Wendy Wergeles, before Judy McSwain purchased her in her 3-year-old year, with plans for Tamie Smith to have the ride. Once she was ready to compete, her involvement in the YEH program was very important to McSwain. Rory’s namesake, Fleeceworks, of which McSwain is the owner, has been a sponsor of the program since its inception. “There’s so much behind the young horse. Fleeceworks was one of the first companies that signed on with YEH. I believe in it, and I believe in the young horse,” McSwain said.

“[YEH Competitions] are really good for the riders and horses to be judged by experts in the sport. They can give direction and say, ‘this is a weak area. This is what you need to work on.’ They can give feedback to the riders, so the individuals producing these horses can walk away and try new things.” 

As a 4-year-old, Rory placed second in the YEH West Coast Championship, and won on the West Coast as a 5-year-old the following year, this ranked her third nationally. After aging out, Rory’s continued to step up to every challenge, moving up to the Preliminary and eventually Intermediate levels with ease. She even won the Preliminary Horse division at the American Eventing Championships in 2015.

Fleeceworks Royal winning the Intermediate at Twin Rivers last month. Photo by Sherry Stewart. 

This year, Rory competed her first CIC2* at Galway Downs International Horse Trials, finishing 3^rd, and her first CCI2* at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event, where she finished 14^th. She had her last preparatory event at Twin Rivers in September, where she won the Open Intermediate.

“I'm very excited to represent the U.S. and especially with a horse I have produced from a 3-year-old who is American bred with an owner who believes in developing the American breeding program in eventing and show jumping,” Tamie Smith said, “Judy McSwain has been a long time sponsor of the YEH program because she truly believes in the program. She is passionate about the U.S. having a top breeding program with quality breeding stock. She is meticulous about bloodlines and you can tell she stays up at night studying who we are going to bred our mare to next.”

Representing the United States at a championship event is significant enough, but having that horse be American-bred makes this trip even more special for the Young Event Horse Program, for the YEH Le Lion d’Angers Grant, for U.S. breeders and for McSwain.

“How lucky are we. It’s difficult to put into words. How special is it that you’ve been awarded that privilege, that Tamie and Rory get to go represent their country,” McSwain said. “In a way, I feel like we’re going over to represent all the U.S. breeders. When you look at [Rory’s] career, it’s about Charlotte, it’s about Wendy, it’s about all the people who do the YEH program. Rory is going, but there’s a whole village behind her. We’re going for all those who support the YEH program, for all the horses that participated in the program and all those people who are breeding young horses. We’re representing everything going on with the Young Event Horse Program. It’s so amazing.”