EN isn’t just your leading source for eventing news, results and commentary; it’s a community where fans of this crazy sport come together to share their war stories. We love hearing from readers and, in turn, sharing your thoughts with the world. We crowned Diana Portwood’s Jacqueline Brooks/Clayton Fredericks Clinic Recap as the inaugural Omega-Alpha Reader Submission of the Month. Here’s some other posts we enjoyed in January. Tell us your story at [email protected].
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Mostly clipped....why is this so hard!!?
Most Humorous: Misadventures in Body Clipping, by Courtney Due
Courtney Due saw the EN series on creative clips and sent us her own mournful tale about trying to body clip her horse: “2.5 hours later, my horse looked like a plague of horsehair-eating moths had ravaged his body.” Don’t worry, Courtney; we’ve all been there. And as wise Sally O’Connor says, “The difference between a good clip job and a bad one is only a couple of weeks.” Thanks for sending us your story, Courtney.
Photo from The University of Findlay
Most Insightful: Can You Do it All: Academics, College Life and Horses?, by Rebecca Barber
Rebecca Barber offers sage advice for aspiring college students. Is balancing schoolwork, a social life and competing at horse shows possible? Rebecca was able to do it, and here she tells us how. Hint: The “secret” is time management, hard work and a strong support system. Thanks for writing, Rebecca, and best of luck with your goals for the future.
Pony, whip and ‘gator work as one. Photo by Kelly Butler.
Most Exhilarating: The Hazards of Combined Driving, by Dana Diemer
Dana Diemer explains the intricacies of marathon day in combined driving, which is the equivalent of cross-country day in eventing. Just like in eventing, this phase is a test of fitness, skill and an accurate memory for combined drivers, and the course is walked multiples times to ensure no mistakes are made come go time. Thanks, Dana, for letting us eventers take a sneak peak into the crazy world of combined driving.
Maya on PL Queenie at the Stephen Bradley clinic.
Most Educational: Stephen Bradley Clinic Report, by Mary Smithing
Mary Smithing sent in a wonderful report from the Stephen Bradley clinic at Playland Farm last month. Stephen had the riders work through a variety of different grids, and Mary included excellent diagrams of the exercises. Mary also highlighted this key point from Stephen: “Jumping is not dressage, and we need to not micromanage our horses so much.” Thanks for sending in an excellent clinic report, Mary.
