Best of Rolex Kentucky: Impressive Stats... with videos

Hannah Burnett and St-Barths - by Tracy Porter

In addition to the 7 riders in the top 10 who rode in ECOGOLD Saddle Pads (see our previous blog post with videos of all their rides here), ECOGOLD products were spotted on several 2011 Rolex Kentucky competitors.

Whether they finished or not, it is an achievement in itself to enter a 4* competition and for us, a great source of pride, seeing our products on so many of those top horses.

Here are the impressive stats!

• A total of 19 riders out of 45 entered at Rolex Kentucky rode in an ECOGOLD product during the weekend (42%)
• 50% who finished (14 riders out of 28) rode in an ECOGOLD product
• 70% riders in Top Ten rode in ECOGOLD Saddle Pads
• 2 out of 3 riders with double clear cross-country rounds were ECOGOLD riders (ECOGOLD dominated the double clear rounds with 66.67%- Jessica Phoenix and Hannah Sue Burnett)
• ECOGOLD products were used by riders from 4 countries: Australia, Canada, USA and the UK
• All Australian riders and all Canadian riders entered at 2011 Rolex Kentucky rode in ECOGOLD Saddle Pads
• Only 2 riders finished on her dressage score... Mary King and ECOGOLD-rider Jessica Phoenix
  

Without further ado, here are the riders we spotted using some ECOGOLD gear (besides those in the top 10, who we already listed in our previous post).

Karen O'Connor rode in ECOGOLD's Secure Saddle Pads and XC Boots

Karen O'Connor and Quintus 54 - by Tracy Porter

Karen O'Connor and Quintus 54 - Cross Country 2011 Rolex Kentucky

Karen O'Connor and Quintus 54 - Dressage 2011 Rolex Kentucky

An ECOGOLD Secure Saddle Pad was spotted on Kim Severson

Kim Severson and Tipperary Liadhnan - photo by Tracy Porter

Phillip Dutton rode in ECOGOLD's Secure Saddle Pads

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Eagle - by Jennifer Pavlinich

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Eagle - Cross Country 2011 Rolex Kentucky

they are at 0:38 in this video featuring various riders

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Eagle - Show Jumping 2011 Rolex Kentucky

An ECOGOLD Memory Foam Triple Protection Half Pad was spotted on Michael Pollard

Michael Pollard and Icarus - by Jennifer Pavlinich

Michael Pollard and Icarus - Cross-Country 2011 Rolex Kentucky


Jessica Hampf rode in ECOGOLD's Secure Saddle Pads and XC Boots

Jessica Hampf and High Society III by Cathy J Allen-Shinn

Jessica Hampf and High Society - Cross-Country 2011 Rolex Kentucky

Peter Barry rode in an ECOGOLD's Secure XC Saddle Pad

Peter Barry and Kildoran Abbott - by Jennifer Pavlinich

Peter Barry and Kildoran Abbott - Cross-Country 2011 Rolex Kentucky

An ECOGOLD Secure Saddle Pad was spotted on Kelly Prather

Kelly Prather and Ballinakill Glory

Kelly Prather and Ballinakill Glory - Cross-Country 2011 Rolex Kentucky

Hamish Cargill rode in ECOGOLD's Secure Saddle Pads

Hamish Cargill and Sandhills Tiger - by Kate Taylor

Hamish Cargill and Sandhills Tiger - Cross-Country 2011 Rolex Kentucky

Allison Springer rode in an ECOGOLD's Secure XC Saddle Pad

Allison Springer and Arthur - by Cathy J Allen-Shinn

Allison Springer and Arthur - Cross-Country 2011 Rolex Kentucky

An ECOGOLD Secure Saddle Pad was spotted on Martha McDowell

Martha McDowell and Gaelic Marriage - by Kate Taylor

Martha McDowell and Gaelic Marriage - Cross-Country (not from Rolex!)

Diana Burnett rode in an ECOGOLD Secure Dressage Saddle Pad and Half Pad

Diana Burnett and Manny - Dressage at 2011 Rolex - by Calina

and sorry no pic... but Buck Davidson rode in an ECOGOLD's Secure Dressage Saddle Pad

Tracy's Friday Rolex (just a little bit late!)

I feel like the M.I.A. blogger!! Due to a series of epic FAILS, I find myself sitting in a McDonald's writing my Friday blog on Saturday!
First and foremost, I hope that everyone has safe clean rides today and also a whole lot of fun!
Walking the course with Jessica Hampf yesterday I realized many things about the sport I love. Not only do you need to be incredibly fit to ride these horses but you need to be incredibly fit to walk a four star course! Jessica was FABULOUS about explaining the jumps, the quality of gallop she looked for between fences, and the canter she wants before her take-off point. Jessica made me feel like a friend, not a guest as she patiently answered all of my questions. I asked her what she thought of the course and she told me that it was a "Trevor" kind of course.

While my experience yesterday did not go the way I planned, I learned that it is impossible to have a bad time at Rolex and sometimes plan B is better than the best laid plan A. I did not see a single Dressage ride in it's entirety, but I spent a lot of time in the warm up. Spending time there gave me a better feel for what the riders are like as people, not just the well oiled machines we see in the arena. Some spent the entire time with lots of warm up, perfecting every movement that would be asked while some worked for a shorter time and let their horses relax. I watched grooms and coaches bustle around while horses patiently stood for the final preps. Sinead Halpin was especially nice, chatting with people and allowing a few to pet Tate before she finished her warm-up. The rest of my Friday experience was spent doing large amounts of shopping and helping to support our equestrian economy! Festin will be so happy when I come home with all of his new gear, especially his new ECOGOLD cross-country boots!

Sinead Halpin & Manoir De Carneville (Tate)
Oh and I almost forgot to mention one of my other highlights, a personal introduction to Peter Atkins and a nice chat about his riding & his amazing horse Henny.

I will add an album to Facebook once I stop at Wal-Mart for a new card reader, just another one of my epic FAILS yesterday!

Fun times with Canadian Eventing Team's Jessica Phoenix, Jessica Hampf...and Rebecca Howard at 2011 Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event

We spent some hilarious moments interviewing ECOGOLD riders and fellow Canucks Jessica Phoenix, Jessica Hampf... and Rebecca Howard (Diana Burnett was doing a longer than expected course walk, we'll get her tomorrow) on Friday afternoon before heading to the Red and White party.

We talked about their horses, mentors, support staff, but most importantly, fashion. Enjoy one of our most memorable Q&A sessions hosted by our amazing Ammie Blogger Carrie Braff!

1/2 ECOGOLD's Jessica Phoenix and Jessica Hampf at 2011 Rolex Kentucky

2/2 ECOGOLD's Jessica Phoenix and Jessica Hampf at 2011 Rolex Kentucky

Arrival day at Rolex Kentucky - Ours.

Jessica Hampf & High Society at Rolex

My day started with a text from Glenn The Geek from the Horse Radio Network inviting me to chat about our Rolex Ammie Experience on the Horses in the Morning radio show. I've been a guest a few times and it's always a blast. Jamie and Glenn are just delightful. You never feel like you are "on a show", it feels like you are just chatting with friends... friends that get up early!

Here's the link to the podcast, I'm at 9:45, so 45 minutes in :  click here

Then we headed to Lexington

The weather has been wet, wet, wet and the forecast doesn't look too good for the next couple of days:  showers and thunderstorms.

Forget wellies. This guy is coming to Rolex prepared

 Later on, we checked in our hotel in Georgetown, Kentucky and were greeted by this sight near the elevator.

Australian WEG Team Shirt thanking the hotel staff... Love the Aussies!

 Then we headed to the Kentucky Horse Park and were greeted by Karen O'Connor (humongous poster).

KOC in Ecogold pad. Yeah!

Then, it was all hugs and kisses - actually, I don't think we hugged or kissed anybody (maybe Sinead... sorry,  I think I forgot in the excitement) - but it was great to see our lovely friends/sponsored riders and their grooms. We spent a little time chatting with them and then, made the rounds playing Santa, delivering the saddle pads our riders will need to compete at Rolex. Ok, let's post some pics in chronological order.

First, we saw Jessica Phoenix's Exploring getting a massage

Then, spent some time with our good friend Diana Burnett

Diana's horse Manny was a little sleepy...

Met Jessica Hampf and High Society (aka Trevor) as they were arriving at the Park

Delivered saddle pads to this Rolex contender: Phillip Dutton's Truluck (aka Milo)

By late afternoon, we learned (through Rolex competitor @leashker on Twitter..follow her!) that tomorrow's jog had been moved from 3 PM to 10 AM due to the weather. As I like to check things for myself, I immediately went to the show office, where it was confirmed. Actually Canadian rider Rebecca Howard told me as she was coming out of the office, having had the same instinct... not that we don't trust Twitter reports or anything...

About the jog. I tried to get a sneak peek of the jog outfits but  most of them were #1. in the car #2. at the campground #3. and some people still had to shop for shoes (you know who you are...)

Jessica Hampf's jog outfit - if it rains, it goes with a cute pastel rainjacket on top

Hannah Burnett's Sunday jog outfit - it's a lucky show jumping day jog jacket. Worn by Steph Rhodes-Bosch last year

Then I checked out who was going to be riding their dressage test in helmets. FEI rules don't require helmets, so it is a question of personal choice from the riders part. Glad to report that all three riders I asked, were planning to ride in their helmet.

Jessica Phoenix and her dressage helmet

Jessica Hampf in her dressage helmet (she will also wear it for cross-country)

The third rider is going to get fitted for a brand new helmet by our friends at Charles Owen tomorrow. THANK YOU Danielle and Roy!!! We will post photos.

A familiar sight around the Rolex Kentucky stables

Sinead Halpin's Manoir de Carneville (aka Tate) has an ECOGOLD banner in his stall to keep him company

Jessica Hampf's GIRLS ONLY sitting room  (except for dad Carl Hampf)

Then, we went out of the barn area and saw the British riders arriving. Saw Oliver Townend and William Fox-Pitt in the enclosed quarantine area for non-American riders.

The non-American horses are stabled in a separate area

 Then, watched as some riders schooled their horses.

Jessica Phoenix and Pan Am hopeful Pavarotti

And finally, found our way to the trade fair to see where our stand is. It is on the upper level, near the media center. It's #69 on the program but beneath a sign that says 116... don't ask. We will set up tomorrow morning and open for business on Thursday.

This is our location. We are setting up tomorrow. See you all on Thursday!

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

Our Rolex Kentucky 3D Event Preview - Part 2 - Team Canada

We don’t need to be patriotic to cheer for Team Ecogold’s Canadian riders. They are all very talented and accomplished riders. On top of that, I don’t know if you have to be amazingly good-looking and have a great personality to event in Canada, but they could definitely all be on the cover of Vogue and win the congeniality award if there was one.

Diana Burnett
Diana is coming to Rolex with Manny, who was an alternate for the 2008 Olympic Games in his first year of competition at the advanced level. Manny is homebred, raised and trained by Diana, which makes this partnership and accomplishment extra special. Last September, Diana and Manny were the top-placed Canadian team at Burghley International CCI4* and only, the 3rd Canadian combination in history to finish to complete the event.

Something you might not know… Diana rescues pitbulls, trains them and turns them into the sweetest barn dogs. She’s like a Canadian Cesar Millan!

Here's Diana and Manny, riding at the 2009 Burghley Horse Trials


Here they are at Rolex 2009


Jessica Hampf
Jessica Hampf rides for Canada but lives in Alabama (yep, you read right). Born in London, Ontario, she moved to Nashville, Tennessee when she was 6 and rode hunter-jumper before getting hooked on eventing.

This will be her first Rolex, which is pretty exciting but nerve-racking at the same time. She will be riding her top horse, High Society III who competed at the 2009 Blenheim Horse Trials, where they gained valuable international experience. Jessica trains with international event rider Jan Byyny, who suffered an unfortunate accident earlier this year. This could be a set back for a lot of people but not for those two pros! Amazingly, the training has continued according to plan and it’s all steam ahead for Kentucky.

Something you might not know… Her generosity and sportsmanship is quite incredible. When we sent her a couple of saddle pads to compete at Blenheim, she generously gave one to a fellow competitor as she thought it could help him. Her team kept washing and re-using the one saddle pad she had left.

Hawley Bennett Already an Olympic veteran (Athens 2004 with Livingstone), Hawley has been to Kentucky many times but this year, she is bringing her little mare Gin and Juice. And when Hawley says “my little mare”, she’s not using an endearment term, that mare is really tiny (15.3 h.h.)! I guess, like a Ferrari, you can be low to the ground but have loads of power. They won the 2009 Bromont International CCI*** and earlier this year, finished 3rd in the CIC*** at Galway Downs . Hawley lives in California (who can blame her!) and is one of the featured Rolex riders, with a blog on their official website. This year, one of her dreams came true when she carried the Olympic torch in her hometown, for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games.

Something you might not know… At Fair Hill International, Hawley made the difficult decision to not run Gin and Juice in the cross-country, because of poor weather conditions. This represented a great sacrifice – both financially, as she had flown all the way from California, and personally, as she needed the scores. But her horse’s well-being came first, which is a testament to her great horsemanship and integrity.

Here's Hawley and Gin and Juice, riding at Galway Downs 3* in March 2010 - Hawley starts at 1:49

Kyle Carter
We don’t know Kyle personally as well as some of the other riders, as we only met him in February. Kyle is based in Citra, Florida where he runs Five Ring Stables with his wife Jennifer, an advanced-level competitor. Kyle is an accomplished member of the Canadian Eventing Team, having represented his country at the 2008 Olympic Games riding Madison Park. He was also a member of the Silver Medal winning-team at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Something you might not know… Kyle founded Safer Building Materials Inc. with fellow Olympian Mike Winter. Their company makes frangible cross country jump logs made of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). Designed to increase safety and reduce the severity of a fall, PROLOGS™ absorb energy in the event of horse impact and are frangible when hit with enough force and/or velocity. Their technology is already being used by many horse shows, including the Red Hills Horse Trials, Galway Downs and the North American Young Riders Championships.

Here's Kyle and Madison Park at the 2009 Burghley Horse Trials

A tour of Jessica Hampf's Aiken barn

Earlier this year, we visited Canadian Event team rider Jessica Hampf's Aiken barn. Jessica was born in London, ON but moved to Nashville, TN when she was 6 years old. She now lives in Auburn, Alabama - I made her repeat the Alabama part twice when she first gave me her address...Wasn't sure I heard right. Her top horse is High Society III, an Australian thoroughbred who competed at the 2009 Blenheim International Horse Trials in England.
Jessica trains with Jan Byyny, who is based in Aiken, SC in the winter. She rents a barn next door to Jan's which we had the chance to visit. Enjoy the tour!

The house on the property The barn - Jessica came to Aiken with 5 horses High Society after his dressage training session Jessica and High Society (aka Trevor) who will compete at Rolex Kentucky 4* for the first time. Nolan, Jessica's #1 fan!