In Winchester, Virginia, the Open Oak CCI1* was a weekend for all LGEC riders to ride and compete together! It finally happened, and it’s only the 2nd event of the season. Great!

Horse/Rider Combinations

Lindsey Kaiser riding Before Color
Layne Phillips riding Bits & Pieces
Jenna Davis riding Big Brother
Aymee Peterson riding Tullyraine

Jen Miller traveled to Virginia to keep up on the LGEC girls and to write up her section in the “Eventing Times” of the local paper.

What an action packed weekend! The Open Oak CCI1*, in Winchester, Virginia, started off with a picturesque first jog. The weather couldn’t have been nicer on this October weekend, easily mistaken for a weekend in early August. Lindsey Kaiser presented her lovely 9-year old Thoroughbred gelding, Before Color, first. Before Color brought a nice laugh to the crowd, by biting off the flower of the judge, right from the pin. Nonetheless, the pair passed beautifully. Layne Phillips, dressed to the 9′s, jogged her painted stallion, Bits & Pieces with pride. Layne was grateful to pass her first inspection with this budding event horse, handing him off to her trusty groom so she could save her fine dress. Jenna Davis presented the second stallion of the group, Big Brother, passing just like the rest. Aymee Peterson jogged Tullyraine last, and with no hesitations, passed!

Now for Dressage! Lindsey Kaiser rode Before Color first, the test looking easy from the spectator’s eye. Lindsey remarked how Before Color was “showing off to the crowd”, and how that was the reasoning for their score of 37.2. Layne Phillips rode Bits & Pieces down center line for his first ever 1* competition, let alone a CCI. With only a few speed bumps here and there, like an early flying change, the pair was rewarded with a 41.1. Next was Jenna Davis and Big Brother. This also was Big Brother’s first 1* competition, and Jenna was feeling the pressure. A early canter transition and some tension throughout the test put Jenna and Big Brother at a 48.8. Jenna certainly knows what to improve on now, which isn’t too bad of a thing. Aymee Peterson took Tullyraine through the test impeccably, Tullyraine resisting on the rein back being their only fault. They scored a solid 35.4, putting them in a position for tomorrow.

Endurance day was full of spectators waiting to watch the fantastic rides ahead. Jenna Davis rode first for the LGEC group, Big Brother really moving out during the steeplechase phase. Luckily, Phase C saved Big Brother from “dying” on Phase D. Like expected, Big Brother was a little spent going out on that cross country course, but Jenna thought ahead and held him back a little more than usual. They only acquired 5 time penalties, putting their score at 53.8. Layne Phillips rode next for the group, making sure that Bits & Pieces wouldn’t fire cracker out of the start box and crawl over the finish. Layne rode a perfect steeplechase, which certainly helped get Bits & Pieces more prepared for the cross country course ahead of him. Riding a bit conservative, Layne knew the right time to move Bits & Pieces out from under her, which he certainly did. They squeaked under the time by 2 seconds with no jumping faults, a successful day for Layne and Bits & Pieces! They still say on their Dressage score of 41.1. Aymee Peterson was sent out next, Tullyraine certainly taking advantage of the galloping stretches, almost a little too much. Easing him into Phase D, Aymee gambled with the time by starting Tullyraine off slowly. Her strategy was to get Tullyraine to pick up speed, but Tullyraine was nearly out of gas. They crawled over the finish with 6.2 time penalties, making their score a 41.6. The last rider of the day was Lindsey Kaiser and Before Color.  Boy, this pair was stunning. Before Color was quite hot going into the first phase, but as hot as we was he was beautiful. Lindsey rode the steeplechase easily, Before Color taking all perfect distances. The cross country course was where Before Color really blossomed, a stunning performance. Lindsey rode him a bit aggressively at first, but once they found the happy medium, it was even more beautiful. Watching Before Color go was just like watching Lindsey’s best mount, Get Smart. Before Color finished strong over the finish, a double clear day! They maintained their Dressage score of 37.2.

All horses passed the final inspection, all riders jogging with tired smiles on their faces. The weather stayed consistent throughout the whole weekend, adding an extra bit of luck to certain riders, those with fair-weather horses.

The LGEC riders huddled over a piece of paper that was their copy of the leaderboard as the grooms readied the horses. Lindsey sat in first on a 37.2, second place 3 penalties behind her. Layne was in third with a 41.1, very closely followed by Aymee with a 41.6. Jenna sat in tenth with her score of 53.8, hoping that Big Brother would bring his best for the stadium day.

This was it, the stadium jumping day! Seven riders rode, then finally it was Jenna’s turn in the ring. The bogey fence was the middle jump in the triple combination and also the last fence of the course, showing how challenging the course was designed. Jenna went in with a strong leg on Big Brother so he wouldn’t shy at anything. They cleared the triple with ease, and it all came down to the final fence, deciding whether they would have a rail or not. Big Brother rocked back on his haunches and took a long stride up to the awkward vertical, his right front lightly tapping the rail. Jenna held her breath as they crossed the finish line, the crowd roaring with applause to let her know that it stayed up. Jenna showed her pride in the stallion, glad that he excelled in the stadium jumping phase. Aymee rode in, Tullyraine showing some fatigue from the previous day. Tullyraine sure perked up when he saw the triple combination, ensuring no need to worry Aymee or the crowd until the last jump, which he kept up! Aymee and Tullyraine finished on a 41.6. Layne trotted in on Bits & Pieces, the pressure was really on her and her trusty mount to keep all the rails up in and cross the line under the allowed time. Taking one large deep breath, Layne and Bits & Pieces cantered over the start line and began their course. Everything was going well until the triple combination, where Layne couldn’t get the distance she had walked. Trusting Bits & Pieces to carry her through, she got off his back and kept him straight, also giving him all the rein he wanted. Bits & Pieces crawled through the combination, but cantered away from it as if nothing had ever happened. Layne knew to not get too excited yet, giving her stallion a small pat to reward him. Finally, it came down the the last fence. Layne brought Bits & Pieces back two strides earlier than usual, and rode him into the jump strongly, and it paid off. Bits & Pieces flew over it effortlessly, and galloped to the finish, coming in just 1 second under the optimum time! Man that was close! Layne took a lap for the crowd, who was clapping so loud for their performance through the triple combination. Now it was all up to Lindsey and Before Color. Before Color tended to get quick in the ring, especially when nervous, so Lindsey kept a soft contact to keep him relaxed. Giving Layne a huge knuckle punch on her way in, Lindsey and Before Color were the jaw-droppers of the group, the area filled with murmurs of comments about their beauty. Before Color put on his “show off” attitude, as Lindsey said later, and carried Lindsey gracefully around the course. No questions asked, they left all the jumps in the cups, with just 2 seconds to spare time wise. It was a success! Before Color raced around in his first victory lap, this one without the ribbons!

This weekend was spectacular for the LGEC riders, and Lindsey by far! This is her second win of the season, and there are are sure many more to come!

FINAL RESULTS
1. Lindsey Kaiser riding Before Color – 37.2
3. Layne Phillips riding Bits & Pieces – 41.1
4. Aymee Peterson riding Tullyraine – 41.6
8. Jenna Davis riding Big Brother – 53.8

1. Open Oak CCI1* runs this weekend; Dressage starts on Friday the 16th, the event will finish on Sunday the 18th.
   Horse/Rider combinations include:
   -Aymee Peterson riding Tullyraine
   -Jenna Davis riding Big Brother
   -Layne Phillips riding Bits & Pieces
   -Lindsey Kaiser riding Before Color
2. Rider-run clinics will begin the week of October 26th, a Monday. Layne Phillips will be our first clinician, holding the clinic at her property, West Wind Farm. Her clinic week lasts until Monday, the 2nd of November.

In Unionville, Pennslyvania, the Twin Rivers CCI2* was good weekend for the LGEC riders, getting the show season started with their 2* mounts. Unfortunately, Layne Phillips didn’t have a 2* mount, so she was the faithful groom for Lindsey Kaiser, taking over Emily’s rightful position.

Horse/Rider Combinations

Lindsey Kaiser riding Twilight Zone
Aymee Peterson riding All Star
Jenna Davis riding Supream Rock

In the “Eventing Times” section of the paper this Monday morning after was a fabulous report by Jen Miller.

Welcome to the Twin Rivers CCI2*, located at Twin Rivers Horse Park in Unionville, Pennslyvania! Friday morning jogs went well, the weather letting up on the light drizzle just in time. Our first was veteran Lindsey Kaiser with her little black gelding, Twilight Zone. The pair presented well, and Twilight Zone passed with flying colors. A few jogs later, Jenna Davis and Supream Rock came, Jenna’s heels causing her to stumble a bit and have Supream Rock re-evaluated. After a quick shoe change with Lindsey, Supream Rock passed. Aymee Peterson was the last of the group to jog, her complimenting bright green dress pulling all attention to her. Luckily, her big chestnut passed just like the rest of the group.

Onto Dressage day! Unlike the cool breeze and dampness of Friday, Saturday was a sizzler! I made sure I had my sunscreen handy, and hoped that all had theirs as well. Up first was Lindsey Kaiser riding Twilight Zone. Twilight Zone, standing at 15.3 hands, was as obedient as usual to Lindsey, setting the bar high for the rest of the competition. After a few rides, it was Jenna Davis and her spunky black gelding, Supream Rock. Jenna’s nerves got the best of her in her first canter circle, Supream Rock grabbing at the bit a few times round the circle. Jenna calmed her nerves and got Supream Rock to relax as well, but it was just a few strides too late. They came out of the arena happy, knowing what to improve on, which is isn’t a bad thing! As the hot day drug on and ice cream began to run out, it was soon the finale; Aymee Peterson’s ride on All Star. All Star, a veteran eventer, proved his age and skill by producing a equally lovely test as Lindsey, a few errors here and there. The riders all awaited their tests, which they all received after an hour or two. Lindsey was sitting with a 30.3, very much pleased with her round. Jenna knew what to expect, seeing a 37.8, and knew what to improve on. Aymee was in the middle of her teammates with a 33.5, super happy for such a close score to Lindsey’s. What a great day for all LGEC riders!

Endurance day! There was another slight drizzle over night, creating the perfect temperature for such an intense day. First up was Jenna Davis and Supream Rock, competing in their first long format, had lots to learn out on that steeplechase course. Rocky took a few long spots, but nothing too scary. Jenna made the right choice to not push Rocky over the limit in the D Phase, picking up 2.0 time faults and bumping her score up to a 39.8. Next up was Aymee Peterson, riding in her third long format with her packer All Star, coming in at 3rd place. They rode quite late in the day, the heat starting to pick up. All Star, at his older age of 13, wasn’t affected in the least, and defined “packer” as he gave Aymee a foot perfect ride. They finished the endurance day on their dressage score of 33.5, a personal best for the pair. Riding last was Lindsey Kaiser and Twilight Zone. Lindsey knew what to expect of the long format, as she had been in many, although this was her first for the season. Twilight Zone dug in on the steeplechase, Lindsey allowing some fly time for the pair. Phase C saved little Twilight Zone after the grueling Phase B, giving him time to lower his heart rate and recoup some energy for the cross country phase, Phase D. The course designers were quite kind after such a hard steeplechase, only asking a few major questions; like two skinny yet thick, angled houses with one stride between them, similar to the houses at Rolex. Twilight Zone showed his trust and produced a double clear cross country ride, finishing with nothing to add to the low dressage score of 30.3.

After a team dinner, the girls checked the leaderboard online before hopping in the showers. In 9th was Jenna and Supream Rock, in 3rd was Aymee and All Star, and in 1st was Lindsey and Twilight Zone! All went to bed happy, anxiously awaiting the nerve-wracking stadium jumping day.

The grooms for each horse were up early to re-braid their boys as the riders shimmied into their Sunday best for the final jog. Changing into their team dresses, the girls all applied a final layer of lipstick and jogged their horses again. Luckily all passed, and none were called for re-evaluation. There was a stirring breeze that held throughout the whole day, causing some horses to spook. All the riders checked over the leaderboard one last time after they changed into their formal stadium jumping attire, trying to determine what they had in-hand. Lindsey held a 3-point lead over the next rider, one point off of having one rail in-hand. Aymee was sitting in 3rd with a 33.5, only .5 off of the 2nd place rider. She had two points between her and the 4th place rider, not enough for a rail either. In 9th place was Jenna, who was in a tight position between 8th and 10th, not able to afford anything to keep her gray ribbon.

The course was tough for this Sunday morning, a true test. Riding first for the LGEC group was Jenna, feeling nervous like usual for her weak phase. But all the stars align and Supream Rock jumps clear for her! And adds no time at all! They finish on a score of 39.8. Jenna sets the bar high for the LGEC group, Aymee riding next in their order, 3rd to last in the real order. All Star was feeling the steeplechase burn today, pulling one rail at a large spread oxer, the bogey fence of the day. This adds four penalties to their score, putting them at a 37.5. The 2nd place rider goes, producing a double clear ride, the pressure was on for Lindsey and Twilight Zone! Lindsey knows that she was no rails in hand, and enters the ring with confidence. Twilight Zone shows his strong side of jumping, clearing all put in front of him, even the bogey fence! They finish just under the optimum time, too. They’ve won it! Lindsey takes Twilight Zone on a their first victory gallop, but this time, without the ribbon.

Lindsey couldn’t be more proud of Twilight Zone at his outstanding performance over the weekend. This win sure has boosted Lindsey’s thoughts about her little black gelding, who rips around the arena with a huge neck ribbon and a horse’s version of a smile on his face. Congrats to all riders and horses, all horses entered have finished this CCI2*, a notable fact.

FINAL RESULTS
1. Lindsey Kaiser riding Twilight Zone – 30.3
7. Aymee Peterson riding All Star – 37.5
10. Jenna Davis riding Supream Rock – 39.8

1. Twin Rivers CCI2* runs this weekend; Dressage starts on Friday the 9th, the event will finish on Sunday the 11th
   Horse/Rider combinations include:
   -Lindsey Kaiser riding Twilight Zone
   -Aymee Peterson riding All Star
   -Jenna Davis riding Supream Rock

Let’s go girls!

Bon Voyage
“Diesel”
15.2hh
Irish Sporthorse Gelding
Competes at the 3* Level
Training at the 3* Level

All Star
“Sam”
16.2hh
Hanoverian/Thoroughbred Gelding
Competes at the 2* Level
Training at the 2* Level

Tullyraine
“Tully”
15.3hh
Hanoverian/Thoroughbred Gelding
Competing at the 1* Level
Training at the 1* Level

Wet Paint
“Peter”
16.0hh
Hanoverian/TB Gelding
Competes at the 4* Level
Training at the 4* Level

Supream Rock
“Rocky”
15.2hh
Thoroughbred Gelding
Competes at the 2* Level
Training at the 2*/3* Level

Big Brother
“Henry”
16.1hh
Hanoverian/TB Stallion
Competes at the 1* Level
Training at the 1* Level

Happy Our
“Harry”
17.0hh
Irish Sporthorse Gelding
Competes at the 3* Level
Training at the 3*/4* Level

Bits & Pieces
“Henry”
15.1hh
Hanoverian/TB Stallion
Competes at the 1* Level
Training at the 1* Level

Get Smart
“Sam”
17.2hh
Irish Sporthorse Gelding
Competes at the 4* Level
Training at the 4* Level

Wet Paint
“Wes”
15.3hh
Hanoverian/TB Stallion
Competes at the 1* Level
Training at the 1* Level

Before Color
“Deco”
16.1hh
Thoroughbred Gelding
Competes at the 1* Level
Training at the 1* Level

Big
“Big”
17.3hh
Hanoverian/TB Gelding
Competes at the 3* Level
Training at the 3*/4* Level

Twilight Zone
“Ziggy”
15.3hh
Irish Sporthorse Gelding
Competes at the 2* Level
Training at the 2*/3* Level

Little Spirit
“Puck”
14.3hh
Hanoverian/TB Gelding
Competes at the 1* Level
Training at the 1* Level

We currently have 4 riders in The Program.

Lindsey Kaiser
Lindz is the first and original rider of the LGEC Program, who is still in The Program today at age 22. Considered the best rider and person of The Program, as voted by other Program riders and members.

Layne Phillips
The crowd favorite and all around great person, as voted by the other Program riders and members, is the second rider of the program. She’s ever thankful for being accepted as a 17 year old, one year short of the minimum age, nearly 3 years ago.

Jenna Davis
An up-and-coming rider who  is using her opportunity given to her by The Program to her advantage. Although she still has lots to learn at age 19, especially about who she is in life, Jenna is quite accomplished in the Eventing world; taking her hometown and state by storm with her success.

Aymee Peterson
A fun-loving kind of girl, Aymee is a 18 year old with high hopes for making it into the big leagues, hoping that her opportunity with The Program will help boost it. Aymee is ready for the stress of being competitive with her Program teammates.

My name is Lindz, a proud player of the game Lucinda Green’s Equestrian Challenge, or LGEC, since April, 2007.

This blog will document the adventures and be a record book for me and my numerous adventures with my horses and riders of my Lucinda Green’s Equestrian Challenge computer game.

ABOUT THE LGEC PROGRAM

The Lucinda Green’s Equestrian Challenge Program, otherwise known as “The Program”, is a program in which young riders, ages 18 through 25, are under the watch of Lucinda Green. Each rider has their own house and barn of six stalls, located across America. Some riders are lucky enough to have a cross country course or an indoor arena on their property, while others don’t have the same luxuries. Each rider is responsible for the health, fitness and care of each of their horses, their property and themselves while actively competing in Eventing. The whole point of The Program is to introduce riders to the reality of owning a barn and training and competing their own horses, while having to care for the horses as well.
Riders are pushed to their limits as they either reach the top or crash and burn at the bottom, a one-person camera crew recording their everyday actions from waking up to feeding to riding to even driving in the car. Only the riders can control their future with the program.