November  29, 2011
James is now available to teach riding and jumping clinics.  Contact him at (352) 484-9245 for details

Chronicle of the Horse magazine features Alliston's Galway victories.
November  21, 2011
It's a big moment in the career of any rider to be mentioned in the Chronicle of the Horse.  James was overjoyed to see his write-up in the Thanksgiving issue of the weekly magazine. Alliston Chron Of Horse Nov21 2011.pdf

Keeping Up with James Alliston
August 29, 2011

There's a new blog entry from James at the PRO website.    Check it out.

Also, James has a new sponsor: Royal Champion supplements.

James endorses Professional's Choice products.
August 22, 2011  

Woodside Horse Trials August 2011!
August 16, 2011

James and his horses missed The Woodside Spring Event due to worries about the EHV-1 virus.   After a long wait James took five horses to the August Woodside Horse Trials.  James and his horse, Mojo finished 2nd in Open Prelim.   James has been bringing Mojo along for a long time, and with the help of India McEvoy, they've molded Mojo into a top performer!

Tivoli is a powerhouse up-and-comer that James believes may someday take him to Rolex.  James says he's fearless.  Tivoli and James had an unfortunate fall at the second water while competing in the Interediate class.  James says the horse cleared the log, but tipped forward on landing.    Horse and rider are OK.

Judith Burns' jet black gelding Canadian Maestro took a respectable fifth place Training Horse ribbon and James rode  Peggy Moore's O'Reilly Factor to an impressive 3rd place finish in Training Horse.

James held 1st place aboard Peggy Moore's Prelim horse, Luke Skywalker, going into the stadium jumping phase on Sunday but had to withdraw minutes before his ride due to Luke being a bit sore on one of his feet.   He was fine a few hours later but James felt it was best to take care of the horse rather than risk causing something serious.  
 

Rolex Results!
April 30, 2011

An impressive result for James Alliston after competing in his first 4* event, the Rolex Kentucky 3-day event in Lexington Kentucky.   James rode his own horse, Parker, to an impressive 14th place finish and India McEvoy's Jumbo's Jake to a just as impressive 17th place finish.   James received personal congratulations from fellow competitors that are legends in the sport.  

Sunday's show jumping competition had the audience on the edge of their seats as the world's top eventers battled it out for a share of the $250,000 in prize money.  Parker wowed the crowd with an impressive clear round while Jake lost some points with two rails.    The stadium course was sufficiently challenging, however, to ensure that James was still included in the top 20.

Congratulations to Team Alliston for their first Rolex.   Well done.

Rolex Cross-Country Report!
April 30, 2011

Rolex 2011 will go down in history as having one of the toughest cross-country courses ever.   James and Parker did very well with only a few time penalty points.    Jake found the distance to be tiring and had a single stop.   

 
Taking a break at Rolex with fellow competitor Tiana Coudray

James has arrived in Kentucky!
April 21, 2011

James is now in Lexington, Kentucky.    He made excellent time, getting there in 3 days.   Both horses are fine but tired.   He says the grass there is green, not blue.   He was was shocked to find that out.

While he driving on the Interstate through Missouri he was shocked to see a man wearing a cowboy hat riding a horse against the traffic, a few feet off the shoulder!    

Lexington weather has had strong winds, and tornado watches this week.    There's a flash flood warning for tonight.    "They say it's going to be a wet Rolex,"  James said.   "That's alright, though, it'll be a good challenge."

Rolex trot-up inspections are Wednesday, April 27th.

James Alliston interviewed at Voltaire Design's Facebook page
April 20, 2011

Voltaire Design has been a loyal corporate sponsor of James since last year.   Each day they're featuring interviews with a Voltaire rider.   If you're on Facebook, you can read the interview here.

On the road to Rolex!
April 19, 2011

Yesterday James spent the day packing up the horse trailer, making sure he has all the gear needed for Rolex.    New show equipment from Western Saddlery along with custom-embroidered saddle pads featuring Graceland and Voltaire Designs logos.  Also along for the ride are Parker and Jumbo's Jake.  

The cross-country driver to Lexington is expected to take 4 days.  "I'd prefer to fly the horses there, to be honest, but it just wasn't in the budget," Alliston said.  

New corporate sponsor: Hit Air Equestrian Safety Apparel!
April 17, 2011

Someday they may be required for cross-country riding.   For now, those riders that wear inflatable air vests are improving their chances of surviving a potential fall.   Hit Air has graciously donated an air vest as part of the sponsorship of James Alliston this year.   "You should get one of these.   Everyone should.  Even novice riders."  James says.

Eventing Radio talks up 'Jimmy Alliston' and Jumbo's Jake
April 13, 2011

The Eventing Radio episode 132 podcast briefly mentions "Jimmy" and "Jake" while recapping the Galway Downs results with co-host Max Corcoran.  Skip to time -41:42 to hear

Tremendous result at Galway for Jake and Parker
April 4, 2011

Jumbo's Jake didn't disappoint at the Galway CIC3* International event last weekend.   James Alliston, riding India McEvoy's Irish Sport Horse gelding turned in a 3rd place finish after a clean round on cross country.   A hold on course caused by the rotational fall of another rider caused some initial confusion  in the scoring that was cleared up after the judges' course records were turned in.

James' own horse, Parker, took the blue ribbon in the Advanced class, confirming him as the equal of his stablemate Jake.   Watch for Parker to shine at the Rolex Kentucky 3-day event later this month.

James' father was able to arrange his return from a business trip to allow him to catch his boy's win at Galway.   A proud and happy moment for all concerned.

James and Jake headed for Galway CIC3* on Wednesday
March 29, 2011

Jumbo's Jake is entered in the Galway Downs CIC3* competition this weekend.   Check out the list of competitors.  This'll be Jake's last competition before Rolex. 

In other news, we learned this week that James' father, mother and brother are taking a trip across the pond to watch James compete with Jake and Parker at Rolex.    That's the spirit! 

Alliston flips Over Pancake Fundraiser Results
Mar 28, 2011

Saturday's Pancake Breakfast fundraiser for Rolex netted over $800 in contributions for James' Road to Rolex.    James says "Thank you, everyone, for your all your help."   James wasn't able to spend much time relaxing during the event as he had a long line of students waiting for their lessons.   When encouraged to relax and enjoy the feast, James was heard to say "Got to pay the bills..." as he headed back to the arena.

Pancake Breakfast fundraiser for Rolex
Mar 25, 2011

The Rolex Kentucky event is now only four weeks away!

Graceland's James Alliston will be competing against top international riders including William Fox-Pitt, Mary King, Boyd Martin and Oliver Townend and many others. Join us for breakfast at Graceland and in wishing James good luck in Kentucky.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND FUNDRAISER
Saturday March 16th, 9-11, Graceland Equestrian Center

Graceland's party barn will provide a comfortable, warm setting, sheltered from these end-of-winter storms. Bring your family and friends! Your $5 contribution will go toward James' Rolex competition fund. See you there!
 

James Alliston blogs "West Coast Season Begins" for Pro Riders
Mar 16, 2011

Castro Valley, CA  - It has been an action-packed month since my last blog. The season started for me in mid-February at Ram Tap Horse Trials in Fresno. This was a really fun season opener and everyone performed really well despite the wet conditions. Peggy Moore’s lovely young horse Boston jumped particularly well and made a winning debut at the Prelim level which I was delighted with. I was also a proud owner at this event with partner India McEvoy skillfully piloting my own Mojo (pictured below) to a successful first Preliminary... <read more>

Road to Rolex fundraiser set for March 26th
Mar 11, 2011

Castro Valley, CA  - The owners of Graceland Equestrian Center, Chuck and Peggy Moore, are holding a pancake breakfast fundraiser for James on the morning of Saturday March 26th.   It's a chance to meet the competitor who will be leaving for Lexington, Kentucky about four weeks later on April 19th.   The money raised from the fundraiser will help to cover the costs of transportation and supplies for the competition.   Gourmet pancakes will be served from 9am to 11am.   There is a suggested donation of $5 for the event and all are welcome.    

James' report from Twin Rivers Winter Horse Trials
Mar 8, 2011

Castro Valley, CA  - Last weekend's Twin Rivers Winter Horse Trials was the first Advanced event of the year and resident equine superstars Jumbo’s Jake and Parker made their season unveiling for 2^nd and 9^th place against the West coast’s top horses. Boston and Luke Skywalker put up strong performances in a hot Open Prelim class to land 4^th and 7^th whilst Soono put in another eye-catching double-clear for 4^th place in the OBN class.

Peggy put in a career personal best in the dressage to capture 5^th in a competitive Novice division and Crystal Newhall rode skillfully and effectively throughout on Star of Arabia. Many thanks to Ken Nicholson and Jordan Newhall for all of your help at this show. Also, a big thank you to the generosity of all those who have contributed to the ‘Road to Rolex’.  -- James

Alliston Holds Twin Rivers 2nd Place after Dressage
Mar 4, 2011

Paso Robles, CA  - Eventing fans attending this weekend's Twin Rivers Winter Horse Trials won't be disappointed as top contenders battle for the blue ribbon.     With the dressage scores of the contest now in, James Alliston and Jumbo's Jake now stand in 2nd place, eight points behind the magic pair of Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister.   Kelly Prather on Ballinakill Glory stands in 3rd and Tiana Coudray's Master Hill has the 4th place score.

Rolex preview at Twin Rivers Winter Horse Trials
Mar 2, 2011

Paso Robles, CA  - Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles is the place to be

this weekend for the all-star battle of California's hopefuls for next month's Rolex Three Day Event.   Graceland's James Alliston will be riding five horses this weekend, including India McEvoy's Jumbo's Jake and his own Parker II.  Both horses are slated for the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event which begins April 28th.  

Competing against Alliston at Twin Rivers show are a field of worthy competitors, many also headed for Rolex this spring.   Tiana Coudray and her beautiful and spirited Irish Sport Horse gray, Ringwood Magister won Jersey Fresh in 2010 and she's also bringing up Master Hill, winner of the July's CCI2* at Rebecca Farms.   Tiana will be taking both horses to Rolex.   Frankie Thieriot, with the graceful jumper Fric Frac Berence is also Rolex bound.  

Other potential Rolex competitors include Alexandra Slusher, Amy Tryon, Haley Bennet - Awad and John Michael Durr.  These riders represent the best that California's Eventing world has to offer so if you have the chance to see them at Twin Rivers, you'll be glad you did.
 

Alliston takes Prelim 1st at Ram Tap
Feb 20, 2011

Fresno, CA  - Peggy's Moore's rising star "Boston" took the blue ribbon in the Preliminary class at February's Ram Tap Horse Trials in California.   Rider James Alliston rose from 7th after dressage to finish with a four point lead after Cross Country.   "Boston's a great horse for a Preliminary rider," said Alliston, adding that the horse is currently for sale.   "This was his first time at Prelim and I'm very proud of him."   James also finished in fourth place aboard another of Graceland's up-and-coming eventing horses, Luke Skywalker.   Luke narrowly missed tying for 3rd place versus the talented Ru II, ridden by Shanon Lilley.    Ru is also a former Graceland horse, and a talented high-jumper trained by Alliston.   James's horse Mojo, ridden by India McEvoy, also moved up to Preliminary at this show but was unable to rise above the more seasoned horses at this class.

Western Saddlery is latest corporation to sponsor James Alliston
February 9, 2011

Pleasanton, CA  -  We're proud to announce that Western Saddlery has come forward with a very generous sponsorship for James' 2011 Rolex entry.    Thank you to Frank and all the staff at Western Saddlery, Inc. in Pleasanton.  

Wine Tasting for Rolex
February 8, 2011

Castro Valley, CA  - The owners of Graceland Equestrian Center hosted a wine tasting fundraiser recently for friends and supports of James Alliston and his quest to compete at Rolex Kentucky this year.  "Horse d'oeuvres" and wine from Grocery Outlet and a local Graceland micro-vintner made the evening a delight for all. 

The event raised over $500 toward James' expenses for taking two horses to the Rolex Kentucky 3-day Event in April.   James was amazed and very appreciative of the support.  "I really want to thank everyone for their help in making the Rolex dream a reality," said Alliston.

In preparation for Rolex, James is working 12 hours a day.   In addition to riding and training a string of horses, he manages to give lessons and oversee the daily operations of the Graceland Eventing barn.  Last weekend he, and several of his students, took advantage of the recent warm weather and escaped for a weekend for some serious cross country schooling.   With less than three months to go before Rolex, the training and hard work will steadily increase.

Graceland will be hosting another sponsorship event, this time a Pancake Breakfast, in early Spring.

Eventing Preparations
January 22, 2011

Castro Valley, CA  - The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, is now only three months away and Graceland Eventing trainer James Alliston (bottom right) has already been encountering hurdles.   Born in England, James is a British citizen and over the holidays he was required to return to the UK to renew his Visa.  Europe’s winter was especially harsh this year and London’s airports were shut down due to the heaviest snowfall in three centuries. James’ original flight was cancelled and he wound up spending all of Christmas Day in an airplane. James missed his visa renewal appointment at the embassy in London but, with the help of his brother Mike who’s a solicitor, James was able to renew his Visa in Ireland.

     As if these challenges weren’t enough, James picked up a bad case of the flu during the trip.   Though not fully recovered, he headed to the airport for the return flight to California but collapsed at the airport, He was rushed by ambulance to the nearest hospital.  “I felt terrible.  It was like I couldn’t get enough oxygen,” said Alliston.  Doctors diagnosed him with pneumonia and ordered him to delay his return flight. 

Alliston returns to US this weekend
January 5, 2011

Castro Valley, CA  - After enduring the worst London winter weather in four centuries, Graceland's James Alliston returns to California this weekend.   Holiday travelers to and from the UK have encountered major flight delays this season due to unexpected heavy snowfall.

Alliston's Rolex prospects, Jumbo's Jake and Parker II, have been in constant training under India McEvoy.   Future Graceland advanced horses, Tivoli and Luke Skywalker, have also been getting regular workouts.   Youngsters Lagos and Wimbledon have had some time off in pasture during the holidays.

Alliston's gelding Mojo is steadily improving under India's training and may compete above training level in 2011. 

London Snow Delays Alliston Homecoming
December 26, 2010

London, England  - .James arrived at Heathrow Airport on Boxing Day, spending his Christmas in flight across the Atlantic.   The worst snow since Shakespeare wrote The Winter's Tale has caused exasperating travel conditions at Europe's airports.  James's original flight was scheduled for December 21st but was cancelled along with all Heathrow flights.

Getting home in time for Christmas was only one of the goals, though.   James also needed to renew his Visa for work in the U.S. (yes, he's a British citizen) and he had a December 24th appointment at the embassy.   To solve the problem, James had to travel to a consulate in Ireland and now he's cleared for returning to the U.S. the first week of January.

India McEvoy, James' girlfriend, partner and fellow advanced rider, has been his substitute at Graceland Equestrian Center while he's been in England.  India is also the owner of Jumbo's Jake, the top Eventing horse that James hopes to compete with at Rolex.   India is taking some time off from competition while she pursues a veterinary degree at California's UC Davis.

James Alliston finishes Galway Downs CCI3* in 3rd place!
November 11, 2010

 

Temecula, CA - Jennie Brannigan and Nina Gardner’s Cambalda made their plane trip to the West Coast worthwhile, by winning the inaugural CCI3* at the Galway Downs International Three-Day Event on their dressage score of 46.0. The reward for their effort was a $7,000 check. Cambalda, an Irish Sport Horse gelding, overcame a miscommunication at fence 4 in the showjumping today, before making a spectacular effort to leave the rails up. The clean round—finishing exactly on the optimum time—gave them the victory over Alexandra Slusher on Last Call (49.2) and James Alliston on Jumbo’s Jake (55.8).
Picture from sidelinenews.com
 

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Final Results

by Frankie Thieriot, US Eventing magazine
In the heat of the moment—literally and figuratively—James Alliston and Jumbo’s Jake rose to the occasion to post a double-clear show jumping round to maintain their lead in the USEA Adequan Gold Cup Series Advanced division at final day of competition at Twin Rivers Horse Trials in Paso Robles, California. 

(left: Andrea Baxter presents James Alliston with the Adequan USEA Gold Cup after jumping a double-clear show jumping round to win the Advanced division at the Twin Rivers Fall International Horse Trials. Right: James Alliston and India McEvoy's Jumbo's Jake. Debbie Dawson Photography photos.)

India McEvoy’s bay gelding, sired by the well-known stallion Jumbo (who is also the sire of Headley Britannia), made things look easy as he sailed over all 13 jumping efforts. Alliston credited the horse's owner and regular rider for Jake's success and said, “I would like to thank India for everything and for letting me ride this great horse.”

James was extremely pleased with the 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding's performance this weekend. “He is a really careful jumper as long as I do the right thing. I thought he had a nice rhythmic round today, and am looking forward to the CCI3* at Galway,” he said. The pair added only a few cross-country time penalties to their dressage score to secure the blue.

excerpt from Chronicle of the Horse