Rolex 2011 Preview - Part 3: Diana Burnett and Jessica Hampf

But first, in the "not having to do with Rolex or anything whatsover" category, is that the loooongest horse in the world or what? LOL!  (we posted this on Facebook, to everyone's delight)

When the Canadian team arrived in the UK for the Badminton Horse Trials, my British Twitter friend Liam @AbbeyviewEquine sent me a message saying "Would you be so kind to say a big hi and welcome to the UK, to the Canadian squad from all @AE and @PagePlay?"  Me: "What do you mean? I'm not in the UK. I'm stuck in Canada". Message pops back... "well, you are doing a bloody good job of promoting them."  

I guess we have a soft spot for the Canadian Team riders because:

#1. They represent not only our company, but our country. We love all ECOGOLD riders, no matter which country they ride for. But we are human, so when we embroider those maple leafs on their saddle pads, it's always extra special. 

#2. Anybody that lives in Canada knows that we are not a country of big budgets. Our actors have to move to Hollywood to make a living and Celine has to go to Vegas... So, we are used to having to make do with what we have, and the Canadian Eventing team is a great example of doing a bloody good job at making do. 

#3. On a personal level, we are very good friends with most of them... so double hard not to be cheerleader in chief.

Ok, enough violin-playing, here are two members of the Canadian-2011 Rolex-ECOGOLD-squad!

Diana Burnett

Diana and Manny at this week's training session

Diana is one of my favorite people, not only because she's a good friend, but she always sends me photos and tries to keep me updated as much as possible... I just have to ask nicely and boom! A bunch of photos from the Canadian Training Session with Gunnar Ostergaard (Canada's dressage specialist) appear on my Facebook page a few hours later.Yay Di!!!

When I asked her how she felt about competing at Rolex Kentucky she said: "Can't wait to arrive at the horse park. Manny feels ready and is going very well right now! I feel good having already been there on him for the past 2 years. This past week seems to be going sooo slow, it's nerve-wracking. Can't wait to just get there!"

This will be Diana and Manny's third consecutive time at Rolex Kentucky, and her fourth CCI****. The pair competed at Burghley in 2009 and I was there... and have a video to prove it! Cue tape.

 

Funny thing is, I never got to meet her until a few months later at the 2009 Royal Winter Fair. Hopefully, I'll get to be there again the next time she goes around Burghley. But first... let's get to Rolex. And before you ask, no she doesn't have her jog outfit yet but she's working on it.

Jessica Hampf

Jessica Hampf before her stadium round at 2010 Rolex

Yes...there is another Jessica on the Canadian Team! And this one, I did get to meet at Burghley. In 2009, the Canadian team sent 2 riders to Burghley (Diana and Kyle Carter) and another 2 riders to Blenheim (Jessica Hampf and Jessica Phoenix). Coincidentally,  the Jessicas were staying at my hotel when they came to support their Burghley teammates, and I met them one day at breakfast. Just like that...

Jessica is Canadian but was raised in Tennesee, is based in Alabama (will be moving this summer...don't know where yet, but I bet closer to Virginia, where her coach Jan Byyny is based) and spends her winters in Aiken, where she is building a new barn.

She will be competing at Rolex for the second time, with High Society (aka Trevor). Last year, she had a "pilot error" in the cross-country and was a tiny bit disappointed, because Trevor had gone so well the rest of the way. So this year, she's pumped for a great finish.

Jessica Hampf and High Society in Aiken

What do these lovely ladies ride in? Click to view

Recognizing success when you see it

"Any success over there?" ~ Jubal at Badminton

At the beginning of the year, I wrote a post about The Secrets to Success. As a (laid-back but still) type A, I'm a firm believer in setting goals and working relentlessly hard to achieve them. But sometimes you get so caught up in the rat race, that you lose the ability to recognize success when you see it. 

This morning, I received some photos that just reminded me to take a minute, breathe and appreciate success.

First, my French spy sent me this photo of Jubal at Badminton. Jubal is the French horse that was teaching beginners how to ride at the Carillon Equestrian center (read article here) and is now about to compete at the 2011 Badminton Horse Trials CCI****.  If that is not a great success story, I don't know what is...

Badminton House looks exactly like ECOGOLD HQ

Then, the photo above by French 25-yr-old rider Gwendolen Fer, upon her arrival  at Badminton yesterday,  reminded me of how special it must be  to compete there, specially for a first timer. At this moment, they are probably all focusing on the competition itself, and of course, we want all of our riders to do well, but for a minute, let's just appreciate the fact that they got there. They've had to qualify, train, get the funding, keep their horses sound, fundraise some more... and then some. Well done guys!

Now, they just have to find a way to the top... go Ecogold-riders!

Later, I got these from Sophie, who owns Horses in Sport UK / Kebcote.... Stand #112 at Badders

ECOGOLD at Badders!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

he he

ECOGOLD XC Boots at Badminton

Close up

ECOGOLD Saddle Pads at Badminton Stand #112

At the USEA Convention last December, I was sitting on a couch with Max Corcoran and Karen O'Connor, when Karen asked me: "Did you ever imagine you'd be sitting here five years ago?" me: "Are you kidding? Never in a million years!"

So... let me take a minute to appreciate that:

• Ecogold products will be sold at Badminton for the first time
• There will be 8 ECOGOLD riders from 5 countries competing at Badminton (another first)
•  Last night, we reached 5,000 likers on Facebook. Thank YOU!!!

Now, it's your turn. Whether you have conquered a fear, are trotting your horse after an injury, had a great lesson, have a new job, paid off a credit card...whatever your success is, please take a minute to recognize it and appreciate it.

Badminton News from Team Canada... and ECOGOLD at Stand #112!

ECOGOLD-rider and World Equestrian Games Silver Medallist was kind enough to send me these photos. Team Canada is preparing for Badminton from Maizey Manor, the Canadian UK HQ. The families, as well as Chef d'équipe Graeme Thom and David O'Connor have arrived. So from now on, it's all business.

Team Canada goes for a hack...view from Ollie (Port Authority)

Steph...if your cell phone doesn't work, you have options.

Some from Hawley

The Easter Bunny (aka Ginny)

Canadian HQ

Canadian HQ #2

I'll have some of that horsie beer, please. 

Hawley's dressage lesson with David

Today, Hawley took Ginny for her morning hack, had some "crumpets for breakie", watched Andrew Hoy school his horses and then, dressage lessons with David. Stephanie mentioned that they are having a great time. When I asked if they were ready for Badminton, she said: "will be when we get there!

Awww

Also, we have great news!!!! ECOGOLD products will be available at the Badminton Horse Trials at Stand #112 - Kebcote. Our UK partner Horses in Sport just acquired that company and will be bringing some ECOGOLD gear, mostly our cross-country boots. So if you are going to Badminton, stop by Stand #112 at the trade fair and say hello to John and Sophie!

From teaching beginners... to Badminton: Hélène Vattier and Jubal

I just learned this afternoon that another rider and a very special horse, will be sporting some ECOGOLD gear at Badminton.

According to our secret source, French rider Hélène Vattier and her horse Jubal ride in our ECOGOLD Cross-Country Boots. And they are heading to the Badminton Horse Trials CCI****! So we'll keep our eyes on his legs...

I always find it very exciting to hear that our products are used by riders in different parts of the world. Until this afternoon's email, I had never heard of Hélène Vattier so I was intrigued and did a little research to learn more about them.

This pair has quite a story... which started 10 years ago.

Jubal was initially bought as a 3-yr-old to teach beginners at the Carillon Equestrian center, where Hélène worked. But as soon as they realized his potential, they started competing him nationally and he progressively moved up the levels until... 4* international competitions! How cool is that?!

In 2003, he placed 13th in the 6-Year-Old Championships, did his first CCI* in 2004, competed in the Pau CCI** in 2007. In 2009, he was 23rd at Blenheim CCI***, and the following year, he placed 27th at Burghley CCI**** with a clear cross-country round.

In a French article, Helene said: "Jubal is really reliable in the cross-country, but he is a heavy horse, who performs better on a flat terrain. At Blenheim and Burghley, the cross-country courses are very hilly, but Badminton is flatter, so my objective will be to be as close to optimum time as possible."

Here are some videos - 2009 Blenheim CCI*** Show Jumping Round

HARTPURY 2009 - CIC*** : Hélène Vattier and Jubal

So there you go. We have another rider and her very special horse, to cheer for at the Badminton Horse Trials! Click on the image for more information about our fantastic ECOGOLD's Cross-country Boots that Jubal should be sporting as he gallops around Badminton, proudly cheered on by those beginners who learned to ride on him.

Badminton and Rolex: bad news, good news and that darn app

Hannah admiring KOC's Ecogold Air-Cooler ~ photo: Sinead Halpin

In the weeks leading up to Badminton and Rolex Kentucky, it is sheer madness at ECOGOLD HQ. All our sponsored riders want their new saddle pads, horse boots and everything else (please hide that cooler until after Rolex, Max) for those shows, the spring season is about to start "up north", while we are trying to stock up on some inventory to sell... so I tread lightly as I walk by the production floor on the way to my office. As I hear the sewing machines going at a furious pace, the noise of the electric cutting knives and the tape closing boxes in our shipping department, I just try to keep out of everyone's way.

My day normally starts the way it ends, by checking my emails (a lot can happen during the night in various parts of the world). So let me share some news. First, the bad news.

- Kristin Schmolze won't be heading to Badminton :(

Photo credit: Tim Poulsen

Cavaldi needs a few weeks off and won't be able to go to Badminton. He'll be back in work in a few weeks and will be back for the fall events. Talk about terrible timing....

I feel really bad for Kristin. Being able to ride at Badminton is a dream for any young rider, so she must be terribly disappointed. Plus, I was looking forward to seeing her in action (I'm assuming they're IS a live Badminton feed or at least that someone will post videos).

I've never met Kristin, but from her offer to return the saddle pads (are you kidding me?!), she sounds like an amazing person. So please give her a hug for me if you see her at The Fork.

- Neither will Emma Ford :(

And also give a hug to Phillip's groom, Emma. Last year, a volcano kept her from grooming at Badminton (she was really looking forward to it) and unfortunately, they've had to withdraw once again. Urgh. Hopefully, next year will be the one.
OK, everyone else heading to Badminton, or Rolex for that matter, keep those ponies bubble-wrapped!

On to the better news...

- Which means that another ECOGOLD rider, Lucinda Fredericks who is next on the waiting list, will get in.

I just love the quote Clayton and Lucinda gave me for their profile in our Hall of Champions, so allow me to re-post it, for my viewing pleasure: “We absolutely love riding in the ECOGOLD pads. Whilst being cool and breathable for the horse, the non-slip properties mean they sit brilliantly on the horse and distribute any pressure evenly. I can’t recommend them highly enough!” ~ Clayton and Lucinda Fredericks

Now, for your viewing pleasure, here's Lucinda riding Prada at Blenheim

More good news:

- Our Rolex plans are coming along GREAT!

I will post all the details next week (don't want to spill too many beans...) but I will just say that we have THE BEST sponsored riders. They are not only generous with their time, but also trust me with blind faith when I come up with some unusual ideas. Also, you might see me hanging out with a bunch of crazy very enthusiastic lower level riders... really looking forward to that.

- Ecogold has been confirmed as the saddle pad supplier of the Canadian Eventing Team for the 2011 Pan American Games.

This might not surprise anyone, as the last time the Canadian Team rode in our pads, it turned out pretty well, but becoming an official team supplier is a bit of a process.
First, we were asked if we would sponsor the team again (of course!), then we had to submit photos of the saddle pads with the embroidery, to make sure the sizes of the flags, logos etc... were within the standards. Even if we've already done saddle pads for riders for the Pan Ams, WEG, Olympics, we have to go through the process every time, as the rules might have changed. So we are finally all good to go with the Pan Am saddle pads and just waiting to hear how many, when and where.

In the... not sure if it's good or bad news category

- That Badminton Horse Trials App is fantastic and is taking over my life

Awesome!

After hearing the news (from Samantha Clark) on Wednesday morning, I downloaded it immediately on my iPhone but couldn't get it to work on the iPad. But after talking to the developer, it seems I didn't have the right update. Today I've finally hooked the iPad to the computer, got the update, got the app and voilà, it works great (thanks Monty!) The buttons are a bit fuzzy on the iPad when you enlarge them, but once you get into the different areas, everything is perfect. I've been oooh-ing and aaaah-ing it.

They are posting new content every day: cross-country video previews, interviews, they will have live podcasts..even the weather. Just a warning, if you haven't downloaded it yet: it will take over your life, so do it at your own risk. Here's the link: click here to download the most amazing app ever

If you don't have an iThingie, you have 2 weeks to either get one or become friends with someone who does.

Ecogold's Badminton Preview - Canada's Dream Team!

For those who never read our blog, Facebook page, or live on a deserted island...ECOGOLD riders, World Equestrian Games Silver Medallists and lovely human beings, Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch and Hawley Bennett are heading to Badminton.

So far, their preparation for the event has been going really well. Hawley just finished in second place at Galway CCI3* this weekend and Stephanie is competing at The Fork, for one last run, before flying out on Wednesday (from Atlanta).

Stephanie sent me this message today: ""just had a SWEET jump/xc /gallop!"

I spoke to Hawley this afternoon, and she said: "We were second at Galway and it was the best cross-country ride we've ever had. Ginny was full of confidence. It was the perfect preparation". About her travel plans: "We fly out from LAX to Amsterdam on Wednesday. We spend a day in Amsterdam, which should be fun, and then we take the Chunnel to England."

When I asked what she was doing from now until their departure, she said: "We're keeping everyone bubble-wrapped!" Today, she was told her Badminton number... #55: her lucky number!

Hawley is not only a great competitor, but she never forgets to thank her supporters: "Thank you to everyone involved in my amazing weekend!!! I had super star ponies, fabulous girls at the barn helping, stellar performances from my students and great owners who made 700 jello shots!!! We raised some $$ to help off set the cost of BADMINTON!!!!!! I am a very lucky girl to have such awesome, supportive people in my life :)"

Hopefully, Steph and Hawley will continue on their successful streak and finish in the top 10 at the Badminton Horse Trials. Hawley has been working hard and hopes to finish on her dressage score (hopefully 44). In January: "I'm not going to Badminton to canter around Badminton. I'm going for some prize money and a blue ribbon." Stephanie's plans are also along those lines... So watch out world.

Here's a short video interview where Stephanie and Hawley discuss their Badminton plans (taped in January).

In order to fund her trip to Badminton, and her Olympic dreams next year, Stephanie has decided to offer for sale four shares in her horse Port Authority. If you want to get involved in this exciting opportunity and be part of one of the world's best teams! Click here for all the details>>.

For your viewing pleasure, here's a video of Hawley Bennett and Gin & Juice at WEG.

Last month's Canadian Team Jumping training session - Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch

a few photos from our visit to Stephanie's barn in Ocala, Florida.

Stephanie and Ollie

"I'm awake! I'm awake!"

Cute face

Bath time!

All clean

Hawley Bennett and Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch ride in Ecogold Saddle Pads and Horse Boots. Click on the photos to view the products.

Go Canada!

Badminton rider profile: meet Gwendolen Fer

Photo credit: Marianne Delleci

If you live in North America, you're probably thinking: who? But you better learn that name as you will hear it again.

This rising star is the youngest and only female rider on France's national squad short-list (top 9 riders), which means she gets to train with team coach Laurent Bousquet. Not bad for a 25-year-old who rode in her first 3* event in 2008.

Gwendolen has been competing at national championships since she was 10-years-old and has won the "Champion of France" title at every level: Pony Champion, Junior Champion and Young Rider Champion.

She finished 7th at her first 4* event on her mare Leria du Ter (2009 Pau CCI****), and in 2010, she had the best performance by a French rider at any 4* event, with her 6th place at Pau CCI****. Another Ecogold-rider, Boyd Martin finished 7th.

Best of all....she rode most of the cross-country course with a broken breast plate (see photo). Her ECOGOLD saddle pad helped secure the saddle, but still... So Gwendolen is not only a talented rider, but has nerves of steel, as the breast-plate malfunction did not make her lose her focus (there's a video, but let's watch her stadium round instead...).

2010 CCE****Pau jumping Gwendolen Fer

This will be Gwendolen's first participation at the Badminton Horse Trials and probably the first of many. In addition to 12-yr-old Leria du Ter, she has Opera, a 9-yr-old stallion competing at the 2* level, as well as two young horses.

For us, it's quite exciting to be involved in Gwendolen's career. Frankly, we never thought we'd sell our products in France, so just that part is really cool. She first came to us for our cross-country boots; as her mare is really sensitive and everything rubbed on her...not anymore! But she now rides in Ecogold Saddle Pads and Half Pads and would not have it any other way. Check out her favourite products.

For more information about Gwendolen, visit her website: http://www.gwendolenfer.com/

Kristin Schmolze is heading to Badminton!

This is the title of an email I received a few weeks ago, asking me if we would supply the saddle pads for Kristin's first trip to Badminton. As we already sponsor the top (and most prolific) riders in America,  it is a challenge for us to support more upcoming riders on a regular basis. But my answer in this case was: "You bet!" Representing your country overseas is always very special for a rider, and we wanted to be part of Kristin's Badminton journey.

Looking at the Badminton entry list, there are at least eight Ecogold riders representing four different countries. In the coming days, we will do a little profile of each of them. First up:  Kristin Schmolze

Photo credit: Tim Poulsen

Kristin Schmolze of Califon, NJ and her Irish Sport Horse gelding Cavaldi (Joey) are competing at Badminton for the first time. The pair has already been around Rolex Kentucky and the Burghley CCI**** and they have been training hard with US Coach Capt. Mark Phillips as members of the US Eventing Team's "A" training list. Kristin also trains regularly with Olympian Phillip Dutton and spent two weeks over the winter working intensively on her dressage and show jumping in Wellington, FL with Betsy Steiner and Katie Prudent, respectively. Kristin is excited to represent the USA when she fulfills her lifelong dream of competing at the Badminton Horse Trials CCI**** in 2011.

Here is a video of Kristin and Cavaldi at 2010 Rebecca Farms (not yet in Ecogold Saddle pads...)

Kristin has promised to send updates from Badminton which we will post on ECOGOLD's Facebook page as soon as we get them. In addition, she is writing a blog for the USEA.

To learn more about Kristin, visit her website: http://www.kristinschmolze.net/

Kristin will be riding in ECOGOLD Secure Saddle pads and Cross-Country Horse Boots.

s