2023 Eventing Pathway Elite Program Members

[xitmom]

Is it just me or is there anyone else surprised that Liz Halliday Sharp is not on this recently announced list?

The following combinations have met the objective criteria as outlined in the [Eventing Elite Program Task Force (EEPTF) Recommendations] for membership to the 2023 USEF Eventing Elite Program, in alphabetical order:

Will Coleman (Gordonsville, Pa.) and Off The Record , a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Off The Record Syndicate.

Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and Z , a 2008 Zangersheide gelding owned by Evie Dutton, Ann Jones, Suzanne Lazy, Caroline Moran, Thomas Tierney, and David & Patricia Vos.

Ariel Grald (Southern Pines, N.C.) and Leamore Master Plan , a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Annie Eldridge.

Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Fedarman B, a 2010 KWPN gelding owned by the Annie Goodwin Syndicate.

Lauren Nicholson (The Plains, Va.) and Vermiculus , a 2007 Anglo-Arabian owned by Jaqueline Mars.

Doug Payne (Aiken, S.C.) and Quantum Leap , a 2011 Rheinlander gelding owned by Doug and Jess Payne.

Tamie Smith (Murrieta, Calif.) and Mai Baum , a 2006 German Sport Horse gelding owned by Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell; Danito , a 2009 Hanoverian gelding owned by Ruth Bley; and Solaguayre California , a 2011 Holsteiner mare owned by Julianne & David Guarigila.|

Link to USEF announcement:
https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/C_QXCyGsjJA/2023-usef-eventing-elite-program

[TXnGA]

My guess would be too much inconsistency.

[wanderlust]

A little surprised to see Solaguayre California on that list for Tamie but not Chin Tonic for Will. Neither has done a 5* but both have been spectacular lately.

[Jealoushe]

I think Liz’s horses have missed some big events due to soundness issues (at the time of the events they were unsound I mean). She might not meet the qualifications?

[Benchmark]

I was surprised she wasn’t there with Miks Master C too, but they’ve only done one 4*-L & I think the requirement for inclusion on the list is at least two. She didn’t have the best fall with her other advanced horses, but I’d still have money on her for the Pan Ams with Shanroe Cooley (or MMC). Also surprised Chin Tonic isn’t there. He has done two 4*-L’s & finished on the podium at both. Maybe they’re holding his 4*-S run at Kentucky against him?

The fall list is honestly pretty superficial; it just kind of recaps the season. The spring list post Kentucky/Badminton matters a lot more IMO.

[Benchmark]

I actually hadn’t seen this previously but the criteria is extremely objective & explicit now (hopefully the snip below works).

https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/nyY2_II0cXY/eventing-elite-program-task-force

[Jealoushe]

Interesting, they are using the ELO now from Equiratings. That could really be a game changer for US eventing.

[Marigold]

@Benchmark

I actually hadn’t seen this previously but the criteria is extremely objective & explicit now (hopefully the snip below works).

Does it happen to say anywhere if achievement of a criterion can expire? Ex. once a combination has been top 3 at Pau, do they need to accomplish the same or similar to be listed again next year, or are they on the list as long as the combination is actively competing?

Incredibly impressive that Tamie has managed to get three on the list. It is with sadness that I recognize how long Boyd has been a partnership with Bruno at this point, but they do seem to be a wonderful team.

[Benchmark]

Yes- it sounds like it’s similar to how the FEI world ranking points work. From the doc linked above:

Retention in the Elite Program is automatic for one calendar year from achievement of qualification criteria, if the athlete and horse remain in good standing and athlete retains the ride on the horse

[Live_Wire]

Bit off the original topic, okay way off, but where’s Maya been?

[Marigold]

@Live_Wire

Bit off the original topic, okay way off, but where’s Maya been?

I don’t have any details personally, but Liz shared the following when discussing Miks Master C during Boekelo:

Liz, who took on the ride after a period of inaction, is particularly excited to have another great horse in her string for her stalwart owners – particularly as this one, she feels, could be the horse to take her to the Olympics.

“Maya Black produced him up to four-star, and then when she and the owner parted ways last November, the horse was just in the field for a bit,” she says.

Source: https://eventingnation.com/boekelo-begins-day-one/

[Benchmark]

I don’t have first hand knowledge but it certainly looks like she’s stepped away from the sport since her upper level horses are with different riders now. I do recall a podcast where Liz said the breeder/owner called her somewhat out of the blue to help sell Miks Master C. She was impressed enough by the horse and pulled her syndicate together to secure the ride, which is clearly working out.

I know another of Maya’s former rides (Double Diamond C) is with Dan Classing now as well. Side note, both bred by Laurie Cameron in the US and both top class horses.

[Jealoushe]

I believe she actually commented on a thread here not that long ago. I don’t think she is away from the sport.