Will Coleman's News Blog - Professional Event Rider and Horse Trainer

This is our Equestrian Diary & Daily News blog where we keep you up to date with news and photos in the equestrian world. If YOU have any NEWS that you would like us to add to our blog, then please Contact Us.

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12th March 2010
Will is back in Aiken after two weeks show jumping in Holland with his good friend and great horseman Wiljam Laarakkers. After training for a couple of days at Wiljam's farm in Ottersum, they took six horses to the Zuidbroek CSI, showing for three days in the small, medium, and big tours. Coming late Saturday night and then training all day Sunday, they then went to another wonderful international show at Zwolle. Here are a few picks from an intense couple weeks of jumping, an experience that Will enjoyed thoroughly and will surely repeat.

9th February 2010
Also at Full Gallop Horse Trials, Jim Fitzgerald's War End was back competing for the first time since last spring, and sparkled in the dressage arena and jumped well around the cross. One of the newer horses, Vancover, performed well in our first event together, and is showing a lot of promise, as is Obos O'Reily, another young preliminary horse. Jim and Sarah Wildasin's was similarly dutiful in his first event with me, scoring a 19.6 in the dressage at Sporting Days horse trials on February 7th! He jumped well in the event also, but unfortunately had to relinquish the top spot after incurring a few time penalties on the cross, all according to plan, but a shame nonetheless. All in all, a great first week dusting off the cobwebs, and so much more to come.

9th February 2010
First week of eventing in Aiken. We're thrilled to be here for the winter, and the horses seem to be pleased as well, performing splendidly in their first events of the season. At Full Gallop horse trials on February 3, every horse competing placed, with Drummer's Call winning the Open Preliminary division on a 29.3, even after his rider learned the wrong dressage test and had two errors!

5th December 2009
Two new horses joined the stable this past month as part of an effort to shore up a lack of depth in the program. Aimed at being produced for the London Olympics and beyond, the horses are Vancover, a 7 y.o. Dutch gelding, and Zipp, a 5 y.o. Cavalier gelding, both purchased from Kelli Temple. In what is an effort to more effectively manage risk and cost in owning event horses, these two horses will join OBOS O'Reilly and a future fourth prospect as part of a group of horses owned by a syndicate known simply as The London Group. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a wonderful new era for Will and his team of supporters, all of which are very excited about the future of this exciting group of young, talented horses.

10th August 2009
We were on the road again this weekend at Millbrook Horse Trials in New York. It was a pleasure to be another superlative event in Area I coming off a wonderful weekend at Stuart Horse Trials. Once again, the weather was extremely cooperative, and it couldn't have been more pleasant running across the country and competing all weekend long. Luckily, we had more to celebrate than just weather, as the horses went reasonably well again also. Valencia and OBOS O'Reilly were 2nd and 3rd in their training division, and put together their best three-day performances yet this summer. Check out their videos. I think both might be ready for preliminary after another run at training. Drummer's Call continues to jump around preliminary events like he's been doing it for years, finishing fourth again this past weekend. This six year old is fast becoming one of my favorite horses to ride. Finally, Bartley Mill continues to find intermediate level easy. He has more to learn, but seems very comfortable. All in all, a very acceptable weekend from all of the horses. Videos: 1. Valencia, dressage 2. Valencia, SJ 3. Drummer's Call, SJ 3		Click HERE For VIDEOS

20th July 2009
I spent this last weekend at one of the great horse trials of the summer, Stuart Horse Trials in Victor, NY. Accompanying me were a stellar group of our young horses, including Valencia, Obos O'Reilly, Bartley Mill, and Drummer's Call. All placed and gave solid performances, especially Drummer's Call and Bartley Mill, who contested their first Preliminary and Intermediate event respectfully, placing fourth and sixth. Each went around the cross-country like veterans of their new level, and jumped well on Sunday around the spooky showjumping field at Stuart. I was very pleased, and now that they each have one under their belt, I will look to run a bit quicker the next time out and improve their placings even more. Valencia and Oboe also ran beautifully on the cross, and gain positive experience in each phase every time out. It was a great weekend on a lovely group of youngsters.		Click HERE For VIDEOS

14th July 2009
Another successful weekend for Will Coleman Equestrian at Maryland Horse Trails at Loch Moy Farm. Valencia VDL won her training level division, and Drummer's Call finished second. OBOS O'Reilly came in fourth. All three horses were very solid in all three phases Valencia and Drummer's Call were 1-2 after dressage, and jumped well in the other phases. "Oboe" is still quite green, but we were pleased with his progress this weekend. Bartley Mill, furthermore, was winning his preliminary division, but Will decided to pull him out of the cross-country going into next weekend's event on account of the hard ground in Maryland. All in all, we are looking forward to next weekend's Stuart Horse Trials, but our hats are off to the Loch Moy crew for putting on such a wonderful event and making every effort to improve the going with water trucks and aerating.		Click HERE For VIDEOS

19th June 2009
Will and Twizzel will arrive back at Tivoli Farm today after a successful trip to Europe. Though Luhmuhlen ended five days ago, Will went straight from Germany to Wiljan Larrakkers farm in Ottersum, Holland, for a few days of intensive show jumping training.

28th June 2009
Based on their performance this spring, Will and Twizzel remain on the A-List for Eventing High Performance.

26th June 2009
Mark Phillips' comment in Horse and Hound magazine features a great picture of Will and Twizzel, as well as some complimentary text. Check it out by clicking on the image.

26th June 2009

23rd February 2009
Good Morning! Hello to all of you who regularly check my Diary for news and information. The last few weeks since Mid January have been hectic and very busy. With spending time in Florida my time has been very scarce. I apologise! For that reason, the Diary is temporarily being put on hold while I concentrate on the boys and girls in the barn! As soon as more time becomes available it will of course resume. Please bear with me in the interim! Many Thanks, Will.

29th December 2008
It is nearly the end of 2008, and the challenges of a new year lie ahead. We anticipate the challenges here at Tivoli with excitement! We hope you all had a wonderful time with your families and four legged friends over the Holidays. Many of you have been busy emailing us through the website. Thank you! Laela Shallal emailed about her lovely 8 year old TB Gelding. He has competed up to Training Level and is super easy and sane, with what could be the ability to compete at the Upper Levels. Laela has asked my opinion and potentially the chance to compete and train him while she studies abroad this Spring. I am continually touched and flattered when owners ask me to work with their precious horses. It is an honour to be considered and asked. Thank you Laela! I would love to see photographs of him at this stage in his career. Ameera from Fairnborn has also been in touch asking about the possibility of coming to Tivoli and working with us through the Summer, and if that we are unable to help do we know of anyone else? There is nothing like spending time with a rider at their barn. So much can be learnt during the day to day. I was so fortunate to soend so much time with Karen and David O'Connor. It was invaluable, and they helped form my career and encourage my ambition. I can never thank them enough. A willingness to work hard and learn is the best place to start, and I hope that others benefit from time here at Tivoli as much as I have benefited in the past from others. As the sport continually changes and evolves it is vital to always be open and receptive to new ideas and techniques. Be like a sponge, and always focus on the next aim, as achievements and results are only relevant on that day. Then you have to aim for the next one! As 2009 approaches I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year, have a wonderful time welcoming in the next 12 months, and I will see you next year!

25th December 2008
Happy Holidays! I hope that all who enjoy the Website are having a wonderful time with friends and family. Not forgetting the horses of course. It is their holiday too! Not all horses enjoy a day off though today. Certainly there are many in Britain who are preparing for the traditional Boxing Day Meet all over the UK. And a small band of some of the best 'Chasers in the country will be contemplating the King George Chase at Kempton Park tomorrow. The appearance of the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup Winner Kauto Star will be eagerly awaited by the Racing Crowd. Since being defeated by Denman in the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup, Kauto Star has had to endure the opinions of doubters which has left his Trainer Paul Nicholls exasperated by the fickle nature of the Racing Public. Whatever the outcomem, tomorrow is a great sporting day. I know that our friends across the Atlantic will be enjoying it! For Jump Racing enthusiasts who enjoy an insight into the life of a trainer, please visit www.kimbaileyracing.com and read the daily diary. It is factual and sometimes very amusing!

18th December 2008
We have had some lovely emails from you this last couple of days. Marijke Bakker got in touch, delighted to see that we have used pictures from the Show in Zuidbroek, Holland. I was lucky enough to ride there last year when I visited on my travels. I love to visit different countries and learn as much as I can about different techniques and theories when it comes to producing horses. I firmly believe that everyone can learn from each other, and riding at that particular show taught me a lot. I hope to be able to repeat the experience, and improve on my performance this time! For those of you that are interested, the shot at the top right hand of the home page is one such shot from Zuidbroek. We also had a lovely message from Guido Klatte who is a wonderful supporter of Tivoli. His logo can be seen in the Sponsors section of the site. Guido is super glad that things have worked out with Twizzel, and that all the youngsters have been going so well. So are we! Guido and his family are with a good friend Vicky at her Dancing/Clinc/Ball. Myself and Dad were at the same function last year with Alina. It was fun, and I am sorry to be missing it this year. However I am there in spirit and Guido assures me that they have had a drink on our behalf! Everyone is very obviously already concentrating their thoughts on next season, and Tivoli is receiving a lot of enquiries from aspiring Event riders who want to come and spend time with us. This makes us feel happpy that people really do value what we do, and are prepared to come and spend their valuable time with us to learn more about how we do things, and why our horses are so happy. Thank you! We are so flattered that we should be thought of and chosen. We will continue to do our best. Will

15th December 2008
The festive season is around the corner, and still I cannot believe how quickly time has passed for all of us. I am also concerned that there has been a distinct lack of Christmas Shopping going on. However I understand that this is true of both sides of the Atlantic, so my guilt is not perhaps as bad as it should be! We have been enjoying some lovely emails from you here at Tivoli. In particular from Leslie Bertram who was at Fair Hill. I have uploaded some photos that Leslie took onto the site. Please click on them and have a close look. I am thrilled to have been given permission to add them onto here for your enjoyment. Thank you Leslie! Other examples of Leslie's fine work can be seen at: www.ShawanDowns.org and www.MDCTA.com for who Leslie is the PR Chair. Leslie works very hard to promote the sport in Maryland and they are very lucky in the midatlantic region to have a number of good events. Leslie made some lovely remarks about our performances at Fair Hill and I would like to share them with you. 'Will and Twizzel were one of the cleanest, most controlled and efficient combinations at the Stone Wall Drop and Funky Chicken Corner at FHI. All of his horses looked so good that weekend. When I first saw Will and Nevada Bay come out of the dresssage arena, and saw how happy he was with his ride and the horse's beautiful expression I knew they were a team to be reckoned with. Will loves his horses, and they in turn respond.' It makes me so happy that people can see for themselves how hard we work with our wonderful horses here at Tivoli, and how blessed and priveliged we consider ourselves to be as a Team. It is all about the horses. Please enjoy the photographs from Leslie. They are of (in order) Nevada Bay, Twizzel and Cool Connection. Plus a final shot of Lucy and her pal Chico guarding the barn in fine style. I have also had time to other areas of the website, and you can now see a preferred picture of Andrea, as well as her dog Lucy in a typical pose languishing in the Fall sunshine outside the barn. Caroline has also now given me a photograph to use so that you can put a face to her name. Take a look at the Team Coleman area and see for yourselves! Thanks to Leslie I have also been able to update the horse's profiles, and add Cool Connection's details and his photos. I am looking forward to being able to do more of this as the winter progresses, and therefore provide you with more of an insight into our life here. There will be more news later! Will

5th December 2008
Christmas is looming fast, and again the year seems to have flown by, with so much speed. Next year is going to be so exciting, and the Winter Training is going to benefit us so much. The interview article that I have mentioned before will be appearing very soon in Sidelines magazine. I am gratified to learn that a lot of you share my views on the Selection and Training processes and see that we have to build for the long term and not try to use quick fix solutions. No matter how amazing and fantastic individual Trainers can be, there has to be some form of longevity and continuation. It is neither fair on the horses, riders or trainers to expect results to be delivered in months. It is a process that takes years and requires a massive amount of foresight and grass roots work. As my wonderful friend and Trainer Joe Fargis says, "Keep it Simple, and Keep Moving Forward." I think he means that in every single way. Another point that I raised in the interview was the need to get Spectators in Stands. The EEI Cup in the UK was trying to do this last weekend with mixed results. There was tragedy and great sadness, mixed with the good and the positive. At least there are good attempts to make our sport more appealing to the general public and bring it more to the attention of those who may be interested in exploring the sport and investing in it. Only by thinking forward can we attract Sponsors and big name Investment. We have to encourage the growth of the sport to keep it alive. Remember, there are those who are doubting that it should be an Olympic discipline, and that would be a disaster for all of us. So we have to pull together and move with the times and welcome change and development, while also appreciating the traditional values which make our sport so great. Please share your views and opinions with us here at Tivoli, and contribute via email. We would appreciate your thoughts and feedback. This site enables you to create discussion! More later. Will

2nd December 2008
A brief entry today. Such sad news. The Express Eventing International Cup was held in Cardiff, UK this weekend. Early reports have been mixed. While it is great to try and bring our sport to the attention of a wider audience, the rather empty stadium seems to tell it's own story. I also understand that from first hand spectators that they could have enjoyed themselves more. Added to this the tragic accident that befell Mary King's Call Again Cavalier and we are left to wonder about the future of this new project. There were also a large number of eliminations and faults. Was the space too tight, the surface too slippery? A few people are trying to work out how to improve the concept which can only be a positive thing. For those wishing to see some of the World's leading riders competing there this weekend, then I do know that www.youtube.com has a lot of videos on it featuring the successful rounds, including that of eventual winner Ollie Townend aboard Flint Curtis. He is quoted as saying that he is very thankful of the £100,000 prize money with the new mortgage he has on his new property in Ellesmere, Shropshire. Apparently it will cover a few payments. Ouch! I have attached the feature from Sidelines this month about Fair Hill. Twizzel as ever looks great. So smart, intelligent and handsome! My Father and I are so lucky to have him in the barn. More later!

25th November 2008
A trip South to Aiken in readiness for our Winter move down there has kept me occupied for the last few days. The warmer weather and the wonderful Equestrian community down there makes the cold months up here in Virginia bearable. Aiken really is a wonderful place. So many fellow riders and trainers move down there, it is like an annual migration! Aiken itself is a place of great Historical value and offers a huge amount to visitors and residents alike. The Thoroughbred horse is celebrated in a big way down there. Attractions include the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum. Horses trained in Aiken who have gone on to become National Champions are enshrined there. Horses such as Pleasant Colony the Kentucky Derby Winner, Preakness Winner, Summer Squall and and five time Horse of the Year Champion - Kelso. For more information please visit: www.aikenracinghalloffame.com. Originally the annual migration to Aiken by the Equestrian community began in 1870, when wealthy Northerners were lured to the area by the opportunities for equestrian sports. 'The Winter Colony'. Beautiful homes have been built, and the historic area of downtown Aiken continues to serve as a vibrant business hub, providing a unique identity and charm found nowhere else. As a community Aiken celebrates it's Equestrian heritage with lots of organised activities and exhibitions. For example the works of renowned equestrian artists Larry Dodd and Sara Renzulli will be held in December and March. Aiken Training Track is hosting 'Breakfast at the Gallops' in March, and there is a workshop for children with Georgianna 'Girl' Conger, a local sporting artist in February. Myself and Team Tivoli are looking forward to moving our operation down here, and working and training hard. Hopefully the really green babies will come along in leaps and bounds ready for the rigours of their 2009 campaigns. I have received reports that myself and Twizzel are again in the International Sporting Press. This time the British Specialist Magazine, Eventing has covered Fair Hill where we enjoyed such success and so narrowly missed out on bringing home the Blue. I have attached the article for you to click on and read. There is also another magazine out soon with an in-depth interview in it's pages. Sidelines. Visit www.sidelinesnews.com to get a taste of the publication. It is a good read, with a lovely finish, and thanks to the pages of wonderful bright photography always cheers it's readers up! It also always carries all the news and views for Florida and the WEF. Another great news vehicle for Team Tivoli based in the UK but with a worldwide audience is TheHorseExchange.com. A great detailed blog and diary that talks about the Equestrian world right across the board and has become a valuable source of information for journalists, trainers, riders and buyers. I am waiting for feedback from you all regarding planned Clinics. For those of you who have responded we have contacted you directly and are just awaiting your feedback! I am also going to see who has been enquiring via www.chronofhorse.com As I have further news I will you and keep you abreast of Events here with Team Tivoli.

18th November 2008
We have been so very busy here at Tivoli. The time flies by, especially when I am lucky enough to have people around me that are so generous with their time. Wiljan was here to help me with my training. He was just great. He is an incredible Trainer and Rider, and a good teacher to boot. So rare to find and an honour to work with him. He defies the old adage that is popular in the UK (and thankfully disproved by many) "Those that Can Do, and those that can't Teach'. In every way Wiljan combines both qualities and does each superbly. We trained all of the horses while he was here. We built a very difficult, big, technical course in the spacious ring we have. Thankfully Lucy (Andrea's small terrier companion) has ceased to dig holes in it, and is a paragon of virtue. Each and every one of the horses, from the real babies to the more experienced campaigners improved tremendously. Combinations, related distances, alternate widths and heights, the course we built encompassed them all. The entire team are so appreciative of his visit, and it is wonderful to be able to work the horses with someone who has such a keen eye and feel from the ground, and can pinpoint the minute details that need attention. He inspires me tremendously, and I come away with so much more knowledge every time I work with him. It is very satisfying to achieve the maximum with the horses in the minimum of time, rather than work them for the maximum time with the minimum benefit. It is easier on them mentally and physically for the work to be effective and precise. With the guidance of people such as Wiljan And Joe Fargis I am able to achieve this. Joe came here to train me a short while later. He is based close by. His meticulous attention to detail has helped me to focus on the little things that make the difference between clean rounds and four faults. The difference between Winning and finishing in perhaps eighth or ninth place. He is a class act, as befits the man that rode the exceptional mare 'Touch Of Class' to individual Showjumping Gold in the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. This week has been one that I have looked forward to all season. Training is my passion, and now is the time of year that I focus on my new horses and the youngsters. Getting to know them, and beginning to teach them the vital ABC's that will form the foundation of their careers. Now is the time of year that many riders take it easy and give themselves a well earned break. In the UK many go skiing or seek warmer climes for a brief spell. Certainly the pressure is off for a while, as the horses wind down and relax. However I love to push myself to improve at this time of year. When I can really concentrate on improving myself physically, emotionally and mentally. Many riders use Sports Psychologists, and I know many Athletes that have completely turned themselves and their careers around with that expertise. With the support and guidance I have I want to make myself as strong as I possibly can independently, then I can always offer myself and those around me the greatest opportunities at every turn. As well as the additional training with Joe and Wiljan I like to keep myself sharp and build on what vwe have achieved so far. I am thrilled to have made the 2009 Training List and to have compounded the faith that so many have put in me and the horses. Twizzel has been fantastic. And although for some time we were concerned for his future, he has overcome the cyst problem, and come back feeling better than ever, and every inch a top class horse. He has many loyal friends, fans and supporters on an International scale. Quite the star! One such Supporter of his is Matt Bryner who has contacted us by email. I know that Matt is hoping to be able to join Team Tivoli as we head south to Aiken for a couple of months. I am going down there this weekend to look at the facility that we have rented for the Winter. We will be basing Team Tivoli down there for a couple of months begining in January. And I am hoping that the greener horses will really benefit from being there. I also anticipate seeing a lot of friends and acquaintances there too which will be fun. I am also setting time aside for Clinics as I have received so many requests both personally and via this website. For those that have enquired already I apologise if I have not responded personally. Please me another email with your details and requirements, and I will do my best to liase and co-ordinate with you. If not myself it will be another member of Team Tivoli who communicates with you. Tell us what you want and we will do our best! Having been so busy I have not had a chance to read any of the recent press. So when I eventually managed to pick up one of my issues of The Chronicle Of the Horse I was delighted to see what great coverage Twizzel and myself had from Fair Hill. I have popped it in to the side of today's diary. However as usual I am finding plenty to criticise about myself in the pictures!

10th November 2008
The Weekend was good, no Winners, but the Girls and Boys were all great in my opinion! War End scored 30 in her Dressage with a double clear to finish 3rd. All My Life scored 33.7 with a double clear to finish 5th. Drummer's Call scored 31.6, and rolled a pole stadium, then jumped clear cross country to finish 8th. Valencia scored 37.9, rolled a pole Stadium and then jumped clear to finish on 41.9 in 28th. Full results can be found at www.rubiconfarm.com These lovely young horses are really starting to figure out how to run and jump cross country, and now just need to see more questions and gain more experience. War End is garnering much praise, Valencia is really starting to gallop, covering the groiund very easily, Ringo is maturing every time out and is beginning to feel like a man about town, to the point where he could seem to be getting a little bit bored with it all at this level. However, patience is a virtue and so we will continue to keep him at Training through the Spring until his education is concrete. Bartley Mill is feeling like a Kentucky Horse for sure, and it is so exciting to feel him developing. His inherent greenness is holding him back a bit, but I am confident that Aitken will take care of that. I am very excited, but relieved that the season is over. This now means that we can move forward with more training. The more people I can train with, and the more people I can learn from the better. I sincerely believe that learning to listen is one of the best things a horseman can do. Everybody has different ways of expressing themselves and describing actions. Deciphering and understanding how different riders and trainers express themselves is like peeking inside the dictionary of a secret but universal language. Last week we spent time with Wiljan, and this week (Thursday) the legendary Joe Fargis is coming over. I am so lucky to have these amazing Horsemen at hand who are happy and willing to impart their wisdom to me. Next week I am also hoping to visit Andrea King and Angel Karolyi of www.floridahorse.com/millstream. Angel who is just 21 years old was recently second in The President's Cup at Washington International as well as lifting the Leading International Rider Award. They are based in Aitken and I have ridden with Andrea in the past and again I learnt so much. Joe Fargis is an amazing horseman and won Individual and Team Gold at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984 with the mare Touch Of Class. He then went on to win Team Silver in Seoul with Mill Pearl in 1988. Joe keeps the training very simple and very thorough. As he says there is no need to over complicate things. There are no capes and smoky mirrors. No tricks to good straightforward Training. Joe is also a true true gentleman. I am very much looking forward to Thursday.

8th November 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ANDREA, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ANDREA! Today Andrea is 27 years old, and on her very special day is working with me at Rubicon. Bless her and massive thank you's! Andrea's parents Margaret and Gilles contacted us through the website to make sure we did not forget. THANK YOU! Again it just shows how vital the communication afforded me through this website is. I now have some possible Clinic Dates pencilled in to the Diary. They are as follows: 18th - 21st December 2nd - 4th January 9th - 11th january 16th - 18th January So please get in touch and provide me with some feedback and requirements for these dates! There will be a full report on Rubicon on Monday night/Tuesday morning.

6th November 2008
Tomorrow we are heading out to Rubicon Horse Trials just a couple of hours from here. Andrea and I are taking Ringo, Rosita, Dougal and Valencia. Andrea really is an amazing team Member and I cannot thank her enough for all that she does. Having such great confidence in my 'Right Hand Woman' means that I can concentrate on riding the horses to the best of my ability secure in the knowledge that Andrea has everything else organised to perfection! On that note, Andrea has also done a sterling job of re-training her dog 'Lucy' who used to have something of a penchant for digging holes in the ring. Miraculously this has now stopped much to my relief, and Lucy is enjoying her new found popularity. She has redeemed herself! The horses are all looking very very good, and so we are hoping for some good results this weekend to end the season on a good note. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for me, as I have been suffering with a cough for about four weeks, and just feeling a bit under the weather. Hopefully it will clear up soon, I am getting tired of it! I have today finished my interview for Sidelines magazine and it should appear in the January Issue. Tivoli seems to be on bit of a roll at the moment as I have also been contacted by Katherine Rizzo the Editor of The Equiery, and we are going to chat about Fair Hill Three Day Event. I am looking forward to it! Time constraints have led to us looking at the website management, and marking up some future changes. We want to make each entry really count, and provide you with plenty of substance in each entry, along wih photos and video footage. Therefore we have decided to make two large entries every week, on Tuesdays and Thursday/Fridays. I have been going through my Diary and marking off weekends for possible clinic dates. These will be on the website in a few days. If you have any suggestions or enquiries please let us know and we will do our best to accomodate you!

5th November 2008
Today we have a new President Elect and I think that most are busy contemplating the new future ahead of us. However, the horses do not know that and so life here at Tivoli carries on with the horses coming first. They are not Republicans or Democrats, they just try their best and enjoy eating the grass! I have had a lovely email today from Simone Bockman in Lastrup. Simone knows and loves Ossi and is following his career eagerly from the other side of the world via this website. This is what this facility is about, and I am thrilled that it is being used to such great effect. "Simone, Ossi is doing just great, and I am very excited about him. He is a lovely horse and a great character. He gives me more every day, and next season will be a real adventure as he progresses in his career. Thank you so much!" Simone is eager to see more photographs and videos on the site, and they have been made. I just have to upload them. Please bear with me, I am on the case! As the competition season slows down I will have plenty more time to concentrate on the content here, inbetween the promised clinics! Please provide me with feedback and requirements for those and I will do my best. This is your chance to tell me what you want me to do! Tonight is Bonfire Night/Guy Fawkes Night in the UK, and I hope that I do not have to hear about any needless accidents with horses or pets. Again a short entry I'm afraid. We have Rubicon to prepare for! I would love to be able to finish the season on a real high. This time next week all will be tranquil and next season's campaign being planned.

3rd November 2008
Apologies for not making entries on the Diary for you all. We have been incredibly busy, and took four of the youngsters to Virginia Horse trials this weekend. Oboe O'Reilly, Valencia, Drummer's Call and War's End all acquitted themselves honorably. Drummer's Call won, Valencia won, War's End was second and Oboe o'Reilly was 5th. They all went so well, albeit Oboe was a bit green in the dressage, but he is such a machine across country. Every time I sit on him I get more excited about his future. He also jumped a beautiful clear Stadium so I could not be happier. For full results please visit www.vahorsetrials.com Their consistency is wonderful and it makes the hard work at home all worthwhile and show we are getting something right. The Three Day horses are coming back into work after their brief rest following on from Fair Hill. They will all have plenty of homework over the Winter. We have had lots of enquiries through the website about Clinics. This has led me to believe that I should perhaps organise some through the winter. Therefore i am sitting down tonight with the diary and calender and earmarking some dates that would be suitable. If you are interested then please do let me know via the contact page, and I will do what I can to accomodate requests. The website is also fielding a lot of other enquiries and it is lovely to know that some of the horses have their own admirers too! We are off to Rubicon Horse Trials with Cool Connections, Twizzel and Nevada Bay this coming weekend, and then that is it for the season. In the USA we manage to squeeze a bit more time out of the Fall. In the UK their season has already ended, and the Annual British Eventing Ball was held at Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire this weekend. I understand it was a highly sociable Event and that many of the younger riders partied to quite an extreme! All the leading riders were there as well to collect Awards. The USEA Annual Meeting here in the USA is also normally a great chance for a good get together at the beginning of December, and we are given the chance to discuss and instigate change and improvements for our sport. Increasingly there is more and more communication between riders and their representatives here in the USA and the UK, and that can only be a good thing. We do not have to reinvent the wheel, just work in harmony. Pictured at the BE Ball are: Sienna Myson Davies the current Junior European Dual Gold Medallist, and the Pony European Background Team. Francis Small, Gemma Harris, Fred Parker from Parker Transport and Jo Castree.

28th October 2008
I have heard today on the International Grapevine that Pau caused it's fair share of problems and very few horses completed. Tragically there was also a fatality. That of Tsunami ridden by Zara Phillips. A broken neck. It is always devastating when this happens. It is the aftermath of the dirty tack and the empty stall that really hits you. When they don't come home. I have been following at a distance a 7 year old called On Q For Gold. A big chestnut gelding ridden by Laurence Hunt in the UK. He has done three/four Intermediates, and stormed around Pau clear. Fantastic when so many experienced campaigners fell by the wayside. He is owned by Janet Oliver who also owned Mr Smiffy who was so nearly a Dual Burghley Winner when ridden by the maestro Andrew Nicholson. He ended up winning and then finishing second the following year - still quite a feat! Janet is a great friend of one of my background team members, so it is nice to have the connection, and good to have another set of eyes out there for me. Tivoli is all about Team Effort. Speaking of which Katherine Breunig is getting videos together for me and some candid shots for the website which I hope will amuse you all!

23rd October 2008
Today Pau CCI starts, and they also run a CCI. They have a new course builder who I hear is very good and will set quite a stern test for the Competitors. I will be watching for the results with interest as it will enable me to guage how horses on the other side of the Atlantic are doing. All the boys and girls here are fine, and the work continues with each and every one of them. The Fall and Winter offers a great opportunity to work on any weaknesses and learn how to capitalise on their strengths. With such an exciting Barn full of horses I am looking forward to the coming months. I just hope the pesky Barn Dog who belongs to Andrea gets bored with digging holes in the Ring. I do hope to travel to Holland again for a brief spell. I will have to see if all our schedules allow me that gap, but it would be good. I am sure that when Wiljan arrives he will give me a good grounding and let me know! A fairly short entry today I am afraid as we are so busy with trimming and clipping the rapidly growing coats. I love this time of year as the leaves turn as the colours here in Virginia are so dramatic, but it does mean a lot of work to keep the inmates looking smart!

22nd October 2008
Wiljan Laarakkers is coming over to visit and work with me next week, and I am very excited. I so love to work with Horsemen and Women from other countries and learn about their different ways of riding. For a sport that is essentially supposed to require the same skills it sure is varied in its permutations! It was Wiljan who found War's End for me. That lovely amazing grey mare with the wonderful jump. She is something special. I went to Holland in January and rode with Wiljan and Bauke, and it was very hard work indeed. A very different style of riding. And because I am so hard on myself it left me open to some friendly joking. Particularly from my friend Marijke Bakker. Apparently my efforts were such good value that I have been invited back again! Which is all great news. Hopefully I will build on last season's knowledge! I do think that in order to be a good all round Horseman and not just an 'Eventer' or 'Showjumper' it is vital to take every type of riding and learn from it and apply what you can in other spheres. Ride every type of horse in every kind of style. It is all communication, and one that can only benefit a rider all round.

21st October 2008
As well as Virginia Horse Trials we also have Rubicon Horse Trials to prepare for. www.rubiconfarm.com There is no rest! Then after Rubicon Horse Trials we are thinking of heading to a Jumper Show in Raleigh. I like to give the horses as many outings as possible in varying conditions too. If they can be relaxed and yet attentive when away out and about it makes them easier to ride. If they always go to an Event in the truck, then they always expect to be waiting for the excitement of the Cross Country, and can get themselves wound up in anticipation, and therefore difficult to ride in the Dressage and Stadium. Much easier to have them questioning where they are and what they are there to do the whole time. That is part of my job and duty to them to give them the best possible chances with a good preparation, and not leave any kind of reaction to chance. It seems to work - so far! I am very lucky in that I love what I do, and I live in one of the best possible areas in which to do it. Here at Tivoli we are surrounded by some of the greatest Horsemen (and women) in the different disciplines. Just down the road, Middleburg is a Horse Mecca, and home of The Chronicle Of The Horse see: www.chronofhorse.com The legendary Joe Fargis is very close by. The man is a True Great. My Father Will Coleman Jnr (it does get confusing!) is going for a lesson in a couple of days time. I schooled the lovely Grey mare War's End with Joe this summer. She is an amazing jumper. She also won herself a loyal admirer in the form of Andrea Neves who is at Joe's Barn. I have always said that is is the horses that deserve the fans. We mere humans just have the privelige of being allowed on their backs!

20th October 2008
A brief respite after Fair Hill, and now we are back planning for Virginia Horse Trials. See http://www.vahorsetrials.com In this area we have a busy couple of weeks in the Horse World. Washington International is always a huge draw. www.wihs.org Strange to see horses stabled on the street in our Capital City. Not only is it a great sporting event, but it features highly on the Social Calendar too. Andrea King is there with her new Rider, the young 21 year old Angel Karolyi. An immensely talented young man, who will benefit from following in the shoes of Aaron Vale. I benefitted from riding with Aaron and Andrea down in Florida a couple of years ago. Andrea drives the entire operation with great determination and leaves no stone unturned. www.floridahorse.com/millstream She also breeds great little miniature dachshunds, and as I understand it has always craved a Chocolate Dapple Dachshund. They are pretty rare, but I do know of a lady who has one. Called Cheddach English Daisy. None other than a member of the Tivoli team, Maria. We also have the Virginia Gold Cup at Great Meadows which is a wonderful day out. Steeplechasing is a great sport, a real thrill. A lot of young aspiring Jockeys come over here for a couple of weeks from the UK and Ireland to participate. www.greatmeadow.org Their racing calendar is HUGE, regularly drawing crowds of hundreds of thousands at meetings such as Cheltenham and Aintree. See www.cheltenham.co.uk or www.aintree.co.uk If you look closely at the racing shot on the right, you can see that both jockeys are wearing the Charles Owen logo. One because he is a jockey sponsored by Charles Owen, young Sam Thomas who won the 2008 Gold Cup on board Denman, and one because the horse he is riding 'One Way' is trained by Mark Rimell, who is the Charles Owen sponsored Trainer and the Grandson of the legendary Fred Rimell and his wife Mercy Rimell who trained I think four Grand National Winners. Quite amazing.

19th October 2008
I am now able to share more of the weekend at Fair Hill with you. Apologies for the delay. It was a successful weekend, although it could have been more so. We (Ossi, Neville and myself) are furious at not having brought home the blue. It was within our grasp. So close. My horses were wonderful and I was thrilled with them. And while trying not to be biased I really do think that my horses were the best horses in both divisions. (I think we are all allowed our own opinions - apologies to anyone who disagrees!) The Tivoli Team were the best prepared, the fittest, and top class in every way. Twizzel (Ossi) certainly caught the eye, and looked so good he warranted a mention in the column of Captain Mark Phillips in the Bible of the Brits Horse and Hound. See www.horseandhound.co.uk He caught the eye of many others too, and we have had a lot of interest in him. Particularly from overseas. I really do not want to see him go, and so am anxious to syndicate him. How many horses are bought from the US to go overseas? Most often it is the other way round, with a huge number of horses being bought from the UK to compete here. I think this indicates how special he is and how many people are seeing his potential. His last rail was so unlucky, he was trying so hard all the way gettting his back end out, that it was just misfortune. If you, or anyone you know would be interested in becoming involved in his syndication please contact me through this site. I am anxious to hear from you. The possibility of being at London 2012 is very real as expressed by Captain Mark Phillips. So not just a syndication but potentially an Olympic Syndication! World Class. Neville (Nevada Bay) was awesome. He maintains his incredible consistency. What a good boy. It is lovely to have a horse like him in the barn. He finished on just his Dressage Score again. I am so looking forward to watching him develop and grow into the true CCI horse I believe him to be. He will be stepping up pretty soon! Dear Noodle (Cool Connections) was a delight. he finished in 9th. Considering that we have barely any knowledge of each other, he was a trooper. He could have chosen to do anything, and no-one could have blamed him. I have seen it happen many times with a new partnership, and indeed my friend from the UK, Oliver Townend, seemed to be having that kind of an experience here at Fair Hill. They both however have lived and learnt to fight another day. Anybody can have a day like that, and we just have to learn from it and move on. The entire weekend was magical. I am thrilled and even more driven to continue to build my string and improve on my performance as a rider and do my horses justice. There is much work to do, and I am game for it all.

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WCE welcomes Hayward as new sponsorWill is looking forward to wearing Hayward's premium riding apparel. Photos and Pictures coming soon.Check back with us for images from the Bromont CCI*** Will and Nevada Bay win Bromont CCI***They bring home the victory for Nanki Doubleday and Team Coleman.

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