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Tuesday, June 30 2015 / Published in Sidelines Spotlight

My Ride with the Law (at Rolex!)

A small group of equestrian media members, including Sidelines' very own Susan Friedland-Smith, had the ride-of-a-lifetime around the Rolex cross-country course. (Photo courtesy of Rolex)

A small group of equestrian media members, including Sidelines’ very own Susan Friedland-Smith, had the ride-of-a-lifetime around the Rolex cross-country course. (Photo courtesy of Rolex)

By Susan Friedland-Smith

Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I’d ever have the chance to ride the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event cross-country course during the “Best Weekend All Year” in April! Especially since I’ve had my horse for less than a year and I’m not an eventer. (Details, details!) Thanks to the five-star hospitality of the country’s lone four-star event, and as a Sidelines Magazine representative, I was able to join a team of media members on a sneak preview trail ride to see several sections of course designer Derek di Grazia’s masterpiece on the bluegrass.

A Distinguished Trail Guide

As if the honor of riding a horse on course at Rolex wasn’t enough, our trail guide was 2004 Olympic individual gold medalist for Great Britain, eventer Leslie Law. Following the end of the dressage day-one press conference, a posse of golf carts whisked us off to meet our mounts tacked up in Western saddles. Leslie greeted us sporting jeans, sneakers and a riding helmet.

I rode Rainbell, a chestnut mare with a long mane and white face. All of the writers had to sign waivers warning us that riding is inherently a dangerous activity and that we’d ride responsibly and only at a walk. I smirked thinking that our stroll around the jumps was probably pretty low on the scale of danger. Rainbell sporadically gave me a jig of a trot, but no one seemed to notice. It was a brisk spring day in Lexington and I too was excited!

Rainbell, the trail horse, and Susan aren't ready to compete in any four-star events, but had a nice hack around the Kentucky Horse Park nonetheless. (Photo courtesy of Rolex)

Rainbell, the trail horse, and Susan aren’t ready to compete in any four-star events, but had a nice hack around the Kentucky Horse Park nonetheless. (Photo courtesy of Rolex)

Course Stats

On our ride we learned the start of the 2015 course was actually where the finish was the previous year, and that there were a number of new lines through the park to some areas where the Rolex course had never passed before. The optimum time was 11 minutes 6 seconds for the 6,400 meter route (almost four miles) consisting of 29 fences. Technically the horse-and-rider teams faced more than 30 fences during the cross-country phase as many of the obstacles were combinations with A and B elements and others, such as the Water Park (the one with the giant goose), featured A, B and C elements.

The town where I first learned to ride growing up outside of Chicago hosted a three-day event every summer so from early on I witnessed cross-country riding firsthand as both a fan and jump judge. However, this was my first time up close and personal with imposing four-star jumps. The highest of the solid obstacles was 3’11” (4’9” if you count the height of brush fences) and the maximum spread from the highest point was 6’7” and at the base 9’10”. The height, spread and narrowness of some of the jumps were jaw dropping.

The Rolex keyhole fence ready and waiting for the action. (Photo courtesy of Rolex)

The Rolex keyhole fence ready and waiting for the action.
(Photo courtesy of Rolex)

Leslie’s Predictions

One such example was 16A of “Mounds” — the keyhole fence. Our trail group paused and Leslie predicted how the riders would navigate element B, which was three or four strides away, depending on what approach the riders would jump going downhill and back up an incline to an angled brush.

I grew up jumping logs, but none like fence 20, which was a 3’6” fallen tree complete with exposed roots and a larger-than-life acorn resting on top. Although the log seemed imposing from my vantage point on Rainbell, it looked like a cross rail compared to the Picnic Table, which was the maximum height and had a top spread of over 6 feet. I had a hunch that when the riders were galloping on course, they’d make it look effortless. My suspicions were proven correct when I stood on the sidelines in the rain on cross-country day with tens of thousands of other fans and witnessed the athleticism of the horses and riders.

Fence 20, which was a 3’6” fallen tree, seemed imposing, yet on Saturday the horses jumped it like a cross rail. (Photo courtesy of Rolex)

Fence 20, which was a 3’6” fallen tree, seemed imposing, yet on Saturday the horses jumped it like a cross rail. (Photo courtesy of Rolex)

During our preview ride I noticed several fences were shrouded in white plastic. Another journalist said it was because it had been unseasonably cold and rainy, and the flowers had to be protected from frost danger. The cross-country flowers were “recycled” and used for the show jumping course the following day.

A Little History

At one point on the trail, I had the pleasure of riding alongside Leslie, who’s now based in Florida and is a popular clinician. I asked him how his riding career began. He said he started at age 10 and his brother also rode so it was a spirit of sibling competitiveness that motivated him early on.

I also asked him if, when riding cross-country, he noticed the fans cheering or if he is so focused on his riding that the noise isn’t noticeable. Leslie compared the crowd’s noisy support to background music. He gave the example that if I were writing a story on my computer and there was music, I’d be aware of it and probably think it’s nice, but it wouldn’t have my main attention. Leslie said that in the Olympics in both Sydney and Athens, the fans were very loud. He added that the cross-country fans were so loud for the London Olympics that the riders couldn’t hear their watches beep to mark the minutes on course.

Olympic gold medalist Leslie Law, third from left, escorted the riding writers on a preview tour of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event cross-country course. Sidelines writer Susan Friedland-Smith is second from the left. (Photo courtesy of Rolex)

Olympic gold medalist Leslie Law, third from left, escorted the riding writers on a preview tour of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event cross-country course. Sidelines writer Susan Friedland-Smith is second from the left. (Photo courtesy of Rolex)

It was a thrill to meet Leslie and walk the course on horseback with the other media members. I’m in awe of the brave men, women and horses who competed at Rolex this year. It was enough for me to simply ride Rainbell and watch YouTube helmet cam videos of the 2015 cross-country phase but at least I still got to check one more item off the proverbial bucket list.

Double D Trailers Info

Tagged under: California Hoofbeats, cross-country, Derek di Grazia, eventing, Kentucky, kentucky horse park, Keyhole, Leslie Law, lexington, Rainbell, rolex, Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, sidelines-magazine, Susan Friedland-Smith

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Lisa Goldman-Smolen and Ivaro N strike gold in Gre Lisa Goldman-Smolen and Ivaro N strike gold in Great American $300,000 Grand Prix at HITS Ocala!! 🏆🥇

Crowds filled the stands at the HITS Ocala Grand Prix Ring on Sunday afternoon to watch the world’s top athletes compete in the Great American $300,000 Grand Prix. The day concluded with a thrilling five-horse jump-off featuring athletes 
representing four countries. In the end, it was Lisa Goldman-Smolen (USA) and Ivaro N who produced the only double clear effort of the day, claiming one of the biggest wins of her career. Scott Keach (AUS) and Noble De La Chapelle earned the second-place prize with the fastest 4-fault jump-off, while Aaron Vale (USA) and Obi Wan placed third as the day’s pathfinders.

“I'm still on cloud nine, I still can't believe it – I’ve used up all my luck for the year,” smiled Goldman-Smolen after her win. “I've been knocking on the door a long time in these bigger classes. I am so proud of my horse – he gave every ounce of effort.”

Sunday’s Great American $300,000 Grand Prix marked the conclusion of the 2023 HITS Ocala circuit. HITS CCO Joe Norick concluded, “We are so excited about the new HITS, with 2023 as the launch. New footing, many new arenas here, and a lot of our facilities across America are getting a lot of love and new footing. Our partnerships with Worldly Martin and others across America including our footing leader Bart Poles overseeing our operations – it really makes a big difference for us. Today is about Ocala and these three riders sitting next to me who supported us this entire winter. We want to be a proud destination for our exhibitors and our friends. We know we have to provide them a beautiful showplace to work from that's horseman friendly, and that's our go goal. 

Congratulations to all of the riders, horses, owners, and groom who participated in this prestigious class!!! 🎉
📸 @esi_photography 
#horseshow #horses #horse #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #horselove #horsestagram #instagram #showjumping #equestrianlife #equine  #horsebackriding #dressage #horselife #pony #of #horserider #horseshoe #horsemanship #horseshowlife #riding #instahorse #horseaddict #horseofinstagram #sidelinesmagazine
It's #STUDSunday and today's featured stallion is. It's #STUDSunday and today's featured stallion is...

 ✨PF'S DIAMO BLUE✨
Diarado-Diamant de Semilly- Chacco Blue
17.0hh, Oldenburg International Hunter Derby/ Jumper Stallion
An outstanding Pedigree- Chacco Blue and Diamant de Semilly
WBFSH/ Rolex top ranking Jumping Sires 2017 thru 2022
Standing at Ryan Pedigo Sport Horses, in California

For more information, you can contact 
🖥Ryanpedigosporthorses.com
🖥Ryan.p.f@hotmail.com
☎️(714) 357-2714

You can find ALL of the stallions featured towards the back of the magazine in the equestrian gallery. Keep a look out EVERY Sunday for a new handsome STUD muffin🧁 and don't forget to subscribe to get your very own edition of Sidelines Magazine, the magazine for horse people, about horse people 🦄

@ryanpedigosporthorsespf_

#stallion #horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #equine #dressage #pferd #equestrianlife #mare #hengst #horseriding #instahorse #cheval #pferde #equinephotography #horselove #dressagehorse #pony #horselover #caballo #foal #quarterhorse #aqha #arabianhorse #sidelinesmagazine
Annette Longenecker wasn’t just born into horses Annette Longenecker wasn’t just born into horses—in a way, she was born into her career. She grew up in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, where her parents ran a farm. Her mother taught, and her father had a jump business and then created one of the first horse show software programs: Ryegate Show Services, Inc.

Riding all her life, Annette spent many years as a groom and loved it, but knew it wasn’t what she wanted to do as a career. After she finished college, Annette’s father recruited her to help process entries at Ryegate. Since her father, Lloyd Longenecker, founded it in 1981, Ryegate has provided show management and office staff for some of the largest shows in the country. Now, Annette has taken over from her father and directed the company as it focuses on managing memberships and rankings for organizations such as the North American League, WIHS Championships and Equitation, Rolex/USEF Computer Ranking and National Medal Series (THIS NCM and Ariat NAM). Ryegate also provides scoring software for use with video walls, and production teams for hunter and jumper shows.

“Besides running Ryegate Show Services and its various organizations, I can be found in the show office, running a scoreboard or judging jumpers at most shows,” Annette said. “I love getting to wear a few different hats at the show.”

When she’s not busy at a show, Annette lives in Annville, Pennsylvania, with her “fur-baby,” Maggie Mae, and enjoys spending time with her many godchildren. Though she doesn’t currently own any horses, Annette rides when she can at Rolling Acres Farm with Patty Foster, Ashley Foster-Worthington and Mary Lisa Leffler.

Read this month unbridled with Annette Longenecker by clicking the link in our bio. Never miss a story by subscribing to Sidelines Magazine! 🦄
📸Photo by Sheryl Sutherby

#horse #horses #horsesofinstagram #equestrian #horseriding #equine #pony #pferd #equestrianlife #horselove #dressage #horselover #instahorse #love #cheval #showjumping #horselife #photography #nature #pferde #horseofinstagram #caballo #riding #horsebackriding #pferdeliebe #caballos #horsepower #horsephotography #instagram #Sidelinesmagazine
A column from Liz Halliday-Sharp herself The spor A column from Liz Halliday-Sharp herself 
The sport of eventing is a demanding and mentally challenging discipline that requires a combination of physical and mental fortitude from both the rider and horse. While having a coach can be incredibly beneficial, self-coaching can also play a crucial role in a rider’s success.

I think that given the opportunity, most riders would like to be coached every day. The reality of life in the horse world, however, is that the majority of us need to absorb as much from the lessons we have on a limited basis and then practice those skills at home to improve.

When I am riding, I try to have a plan for the horses each day and focus on what I’m looking to achieve. It’s important to be aware of the steady improvements rather than trying to solve everything all at once. This is especially important when teaching horses new movements or exercises that they might struggle with, and we need to give them time to learn and understand what we are asking for.

I have a couple of quotes that I use regularly when I’m teaching, and these are mottos that I hold myself to in my daily work as well.

The first is, “If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten.” This is a quote that was said to me many years ago when I was still motor racing and I keep it in the back of my mind each day. It’s easy to get stuck doing the same thing every day with your horse and bad habits are hard to break, from both riders and horses!

This leads me to my next quote, which is, “If what you are doing isn’t working, try something else.” It really is as simple as that! Many riders I see keep asking a horse to do something the same way over and over with an ongoing negative response and they wonder why things don’t get better. In these circumstances, I recommend that the rider change something, even if it’s wrong.

Read the full article by clicking the link in our bio! Don’t forget to keep your eye out for our April subscription!
📸Photo by Alex Banks Photography
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