ECOGOLD's Boyd Martin Q&A at 2011 Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event

Popular ECOGOLD-rider Boyd Martin was at our stand earlier today answering questions and our Ammie Blogger Carrie did a great job hosting. Boyd talked about his support team, discussed riding position, how he prepares mentally for competition, secret to success for young riders, what he would change in his career and of course, his two cats.

Boyd and his fans

ECOGOLD's Boyd Martin Q&A at 2011 Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event

ECOGOLD's Karen O'Connor at 2011 Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event

Our informative and entertaining video series continues, with the fantastic Meg Kep hosting a Q&A session with ECOGOLD rider and eventing icon Karen O'Connor. Karen tells us what she is going to do now that David has been appointed as US coach, talks candidly about her career , differences between the UK and US, what makes a successful rider, her training methods and a little tribute to the pony that could, Teddy O'Connor.

Part 1 - ECOGOLD's Karen O'Connor at 2011 Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event

Part 2 - ECOGOLD's Karen O'Connor at 2011 Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event 

Who will be at our stand #69 in the Trade Fair Arena

- Friday at 1:00 Boyd Martin

- Friday at 5:30 Canadian Eventing Team

- Saturday at 12:00 Phillip Dutton

Stay tuned for more Rolex coverage from our Ammie Bloggers and our Video Q&A Sessions with ECOGOLD Riders.

Rolex 2011 Preview - Part 4: Jessica Phoenix and Rebecca Howard

A happy pair, Jubal and Hélène Vattier

Remember Jubal? That French horse that used to teach beginners? (read article here) Well... here he is at Badminton. I received the photo in an email with only these few words: "and the rider was in heaven coming out of the ring..." I guess that says it all, really. Well done and best of luck tomorrow!

In other news... we leave for Kentucky tomorrow! Yippee! We're very excited. Hopefully, no tornados, (please).

And I still have a couple of big announcements to share before Rolex but I must find some time tomorrow to start spilling some beans, as I cannot count on people keeping secrets for very long.

These will be my last Rolex profiles... the other ECOGOLD riders left are The Fab 4 - Phillip, Karen, Boyd and Buck, and I'm pretty sure everybody knows them...so let's do these two lovely Canucks and tomorrow, we'll start announcing some cool stuff.

Jessica Phoenix

This is our Rolex poster, as voted by our Facebook likers. They even helped me choose the tag line. It's "marketing by the people" at its best! Like Survivor, except no one gets voted off the island. Well... only bad marketing ideas.

So Jessie and Exponential (aka Tucker) are going to be ECOGOLD's poster girl/boy and I can almost hear Jessie say: "Love it!" when she sees it.

I've known Jessica since I met her at breakfast, when she was staying at my hotel for the 2009 Burghley Horse Trials. I have to say she is an excellent driver on the left side of the road and we didn't even get lost. I don't recall if we had a GPS but I don't believe so...I remember Jess Hampf pointing with a finger in the general direction we had to go...

Since then, she had a baby, went to WEG, almost drowned in the Head of the Lake (was grateful for the ECOGOLD XC Boots she had on Tucker), became a media sensation.... I don't think anybody else has had so much going on in such a short time.

This is going to be Jessica's first time at Rolex. The World Equestrian Games were her first 4*...(start at the top, that's what I say). She is bringing her WEG horse Exponential, and also Exploring (aka Digby), who placed 12th at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio. So she will be a double threat!

Here are a couple of videos of Jessica - let's start with my favorite one...

And enjoy this other one from Bromont last summer

Rebecca Howard

I don't know Rebecca that well, having met her probably only twice (maybe three times), but I can tell you that she has the most humongous saddle ever, which I hope is really comfy... because we have to make her pads specially, using a custom pattern.

Rebecca's Jumping Saddle fits our Dressage pad

I'm sure that's not the kind of information that people are really interested in... but I can't help thinking about those super loooong flaps when I think about Rebecca.

She will be competing at Rolex with Riddle Master (aka Rupert), her WEG mount, with whom she placed 23rd.

Guess what I found..... Helmet Cam Alert!!! Rebecca and Riddle Master at 2011 The Fork CIC***

This one was from Bromont last summer, finishing 2nd in the CCI***

Click the banner to view our products!

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!

Pre-order ECOGOLD Saddle Pads and Horse Boots for Rolex and SAVE!

Coming to Rolex?

At Ecogold, we never have “show specials” but here’s a unique opportunity to

SAVE 10%

on ECOGOLD Saddle Pads and Horse Boots.

1) Pre-Order any ECOGOLD product online or by phone – UNTIL APRIL 18

2) Use Discount Code: YAYROLEX

which will automatically deduct 10% from your purchase

3) Pick up your goodies at the ECOGOLD stand #69 in the trade fair (or have a friend pick them up for you)

Voila!

You are guaranteed to:

1. SAVE 10% on ECOGOLD stuff. Wohoo!

2. Get the product you want, in the color and size you want.

3. Save time that could be better spent watching the horsies.

• if you are interested in our horse boots, but you are not sure of the size you need: please bring one of your “old” boots to our Rolex stand, so we can compare.

Click here to Pre-Order and Save NOW!


If you have any questions, please contact us at 1-866-432-6465
or email: info@ecogold.ca

or post a comment.

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/

ECOGOLD's visit to OCET

While in Florida, we had the chance to take 2 days off and decided to spend them at the O'Connor Equestrian Team's winter base in Ocala. Not only, it is a beautiful place but probably the friendliest barn we've ever visited (and we've been to a LOT). It is a very busy operation, but Karen and her team always  make you feel welcome. Starting with this guy...

Brew O'Connor loves Ecogold

Gates of eventing heaven

OCET Barns

Hello! Got any saddle pads for me?

You know you've made it when...

Mandiba is going to Badminton

Max's new brain massage technique (top secret): "Doodle, top 10 at Badminton!"

"I'm so handsome." - Rolex-bound Quintus 54

 M&M jump! They must have seen our video

 The Canadian Eventing Team's training sessions were taking place there at the same time, so there was a big pow-wow of Ecogold riders. A few more pics!

How many 4* riders are in this photo? Answer at the end of the post

Diana Burnett and Rebecca Howard with David O'Connor

Jessica Phoenix

 Karen O'Connor rides in Ecogold Saddle pads and Horse Boots. Click on the photos to view the products.

* There are four 4* riders in the photo: Canada's Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch (riding), Allison Springer, David O'Connor and Karen O'Connor.

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.

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Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch and Port Authority - Canadian Eventing Team's Dressage Training Session

In Ocala, we had the chance to spend some time with our friend, World Equestrian Games Silver Medalist Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch who rides in ECOGOLD Saddle Pads and Horse Boots.

We were invited to the Canadian Eventing Team's training sessions, where Gunnar Ostergaard, the new CET dressage specialist, worked with Stephanie and Port Authority to prepare them (short-term) for the Badminton Horse Trials and (long-term) for London.

 

We asked Stephanie her thoughts about the new addition to the Canadian program :  "Gunnar gives me a fresh point of view on my horse and my riding. Having just met us, he only knows what he sees, not where we come from. Because of this, he is able to give us very specific advice, for example, a warm up routine that really gets Ollie through and over his back."

We all feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to train with Gunnar, and we are very excited about this addition to our program. We are all motivated to improve, and having a knowledgeable and enthusiastic horseman like Gunnar, will help Canada towards our goal of gold in London 2012"

Here are the videos of the training session.

1/3 Stephanie Rhodes Bosch and Port Authority - Dressage with Gunnar Ostergaard

2/3 Stephanie Rhodes Bosch and Port Authority - Dressage with Gunnar Ostergaard

3/3 Stephanie Rhodes Bosch and Port Authority - Dressage with Gunnar Ostergaard

In order to compete at the Badminton Horse Trials, Stephanie needs to raise $7,000 in the next 2 weeks. If you have enjoyed the videos and would like to help send Steph and Ollie to Badminton 2011, please donate using the widget below.

ECOGOLD launches first equestrian Facebook Store!

Yep, we're geeks innovators. ECOGOLD is not only a leader in product design with our high-tech saddle pads and protective horse boots ,but we are the world's first equestrian company to develop and launch a Facebook store. How cool is that?!

When you visit our Facebook Page, you will now find a "Shop Now" button on the left hand side which will allow you to browse our store and buy ECOGOLD products directly on Facebook, using Paypal or any credit card for payment.

So far, reactions from our "likers" (don't know what to call people who like our page) have been very positive:

• Sqeeeee! Direct shopping!!!
• Shopping cart? Cool!
• Shall I set up direct deposit of my paycheck to you? :)
• I like this new shop new option...there goes my paycheck lol! 

So there you go fellow social media addicts fans! You can now buy ECOGOLD stuff on Facebook. Check it out!!!

Click here to view the new ECOGOLD Facebook Shop >>

Hail to the groom!

At ECOGOLD, the grooms of our sponsored riders are just as important as the riders, if not more.. They may be unsung heroes as they don't get as much public recognition, but in our world, they are superstars!

Grooms are our go-to people when we design or need to test a new product. They have a wealth of knowledge and very clear ideas of what is best for the horse. When we were designing our horse boots, we asked the top grooms for their input.  One of them joked: "If you want to know anything, ask a groom!".

We see them as the "horse's voice" who tell us right away if a product works or if it needs tweaking. Also, in the barn, they're the ones who know who needs what. So grooms not only play an essential part in the horse world, but also in ECOGOLD's universe. We value their input immensely.


We leave you with a great video where event rider and clinician Cathy Wieschoff  talks about the importance of the groom.

Just the facts ma’am – ECOGOLD's textile engineer shares his knowledge

Recently, someone emailed us this question: “Hello ECOGOLD, Have you ever thought of adding ceramic fibers to our saddle pads? 

Our answer: “Dear X, Why would we want to do that? Ceramic is a thermal insulator. Our technology is based on fast moisture evaporation and keeping the equine athlete as cool as possible during work. Adding a thermal insulator (ceramic fiber, wool) would be contrary to that purpose.”

The answer: “Right, that makes total sense. Thank you, you guys are so knowledgeable.”

In this day in age pretty much anybody can design a product, outsource the manufacturing, open a sales office and market it. That is why, you will see a lot of nonsense on labels or websites. Like:

- "Breathable neoprene" = . Unless it is neoprene with holes in it, this to us sounds like "donkey with 5 legs" as neoprene is a synthetic rubber used as an insulation material, most notably in wetsuits. So definitely not breathable.

- "Absorbs 96% of impact" = sounds to us like "this horse jumps clear 96% of the time"...yeah but, how high? in which conditions? since when? Why not 97.32%? What kind of impact? Giving a percentage without any context or a serious study is ridiculous. 

- "Negative Ions in the saddle pad reduce lactic acid buildup and improve blood circulation" =  What???! Seriously, I'm not kidding,...this is for real.

Our company has a strong textile engineering background, so we are deeply rooted in materials and take manufacturing very seriously. Our president John Da Silva has a degree in textile engineering, did post-graduate studies in Germany and has spent most of his life as a technical consultant and CEO of textile companies. He can tell you how Gore-tex was invented, what the difference is between a woven and non-woven fabric and he knows the names of textile machine manufacturers. You will have trouble finding another equestrian manufacturer with that level of technical expertise. So whether it's on our labels, our website or on the phone, we will give you information based on evidence.

Here is John sharing his knowledge at the USEA Area 2 Annual Meeting

For more information about ECOGOLD, please visit www.ecogold.ca

Why does ECOGOLD use Memory Foam in its Horse Boots and Half Pad?

Someone posted this question on a forum:

“Can someone tell me the theory behind putting memory foam in a horse boot and how it would be helpful? I get the concept in a mattress, but not in a protective boot. Does it have particular shock absorption or breathability properties? This is an honest question, my science brain needs info! Thanks! :-)”

Here is the answer from our textile engineering team:

Memory foam has an open-cell structure that reacts to weight and temperature by 'moulding' to the body of the horse, helping relieve pressure points.

In its products, ECOGOLD uses a special 100% breathable memory foam, as normal Memory Foam can get hot and compress.

Memory Foam was originally developed by the NASA space program in 1966 to ease the pressure of G-forces on astronauts during space shuttle take offs. It never ended up being used in the space program, however memory foam did eventually find its way into medical settings where it was used to relieve bed-bound patients suffering from various pressure sores. It was also discovered that patients who slept on memory foam mattresses generally woke up better rested with less pains and aches than those who did not.

Memory foam in human products is normally always used in combination with other types of foam.  For example in a bed, you need a mattress under the memory foam or you wouldn't get the right support for your back.

Riding a horse is very different from sleeping on a mattress or sitting in a chair. The levels of impact protection, heat dissipation and moisture evaporation required are much greater in equine sports. 

Using memory foam by itself would not give enough impact protection to the horse. Our technology, always combines the memory foam with other shock-absorbing materials.

In the case of our Memory Foam Triple Protection Half Pad, we combine the memory foam with a high-density shock-absorbing open-cell foam and another layer of low density open-cell foam to ensure the best protection of the horse’s back.

In our horse boots, our polycarbonate shield along with the breathable Memory Foam are what ensure the protection of the horse’s legs. See our impact video:

Although memory foam feels very comfortable to a person’s touch, the “secret recipe” to the ultimate protection is obtained with a combination of materials.

Click here to view our products which contain our 100% breathable Memory Foam:

Memory Foam Triple Protection Half Pad

Ecogold Horse Boots

Stabilizer Dressage Saddle Pad

Stabilizer Jumper Saddle Pad

Hanging out with Canada's Equestrian of the Year at Equine Canada's Award Gala

Here are a few photos taken before, during and after Equine Canada's Awards Gala. The Gala was a lot of fun and Ecogold was in great company, hanging out with the Canadian Eventing Team (aka Canada's Equestrian of the Year). 

Equine Canada Convention - Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa, ON

Equine Canada Convention - Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa, ON

Stephanie Rhodes Bosch gets a new horse for London 2012

The Canadian Eventing Team is on the ticket!!!

Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch, Gamal Awad (Hawley's husband) and Hawley Bennett

Equine Canada reaches out to Quebec by serving poutine

Photographer Cealy Tetley receives Equine Canada's Media Award

Hawley Bennett and Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch receive the Dr George Jacobsen Trophy - Equestrian of the Year on behalf of the World Equestrian Games Canadian Eventing Team

Dr George Jacobsen Trophy - It is the first time that it is won by an event rider or a team

What does a Canadian eventer do after winning a silver medal at the World Equestrian Games? She gets a tatoo!

 

For more information about ECOGOLD Saddle Pads and Horse Boots, click here to visit www.ecogold.ca