If only the 16 inches of snow we got in MN turned into this kind of ice. Photo via Smartpak FB page
Good morning Eventing Nation!
I am sorry that this post comes to you so early in the morning instead of very late in the evening. I feel like I’m in three day mode. The world ends in just one short week. Or was that last May? Not for eventers though I’m sure. We’ve already got our competition schedules, gallop sets and farrier appointments figured out through the next Games. So clearly, we’ve got more than a week. Besides, in the news down there is information on schooling shows to prep you for the 2013 season. And I don’t talk type for my health.
Yesterday Kate brought you the Horse of the Year Nominations in the Thursday Reader. Today, I bring you the Nominees for the 2012 USEF Equestrian of the Year. Here are your eight USEF Equestrians of Honor, only one of whom will move on to become 2012 EOTY:
Rich Fellers, Show Jumping
Jonathan Wentz, Para-Equestrian (recently deceased)
Gilbert “Gib” Marcucci, Hackney
Jennifer Alfano, Hunter
Matt Siemon, Arabian
Joe Reser, Arabian
Bruce Griffin, Friesian
Wendy Potts, Arabian / National Show Horse
Unfortunately, unlike the Horse of the Year Award, you have to be a USEF member to vote for Equestrian of the Year. Just click here and enter your USEF number to vote. [USEF announcement]
The dates for the Chronicle of the Horse Adult Team Challenges have been announced! The Central ATC will be July 20-21 at Cobblestone Farm HT in Michigan. Yes, this Cobblestone Farm. The Western ATC is a month later in Santa Ynez, CA at the Shepherd Ranch HT August 23-25. And the last 2013 ATC to be held is the Eastern ATC at WindyRidge HT October 5-6 in North Carolina. [COTH]
Found on Facebook: Paradise Farm in Aiken, SC has their show schedule up! “Sanctioned Horse Trials: Feb 15 (one day), Feb 16-17 (two day), May 25-26, Oct 19-20, all will have temp. onsite stabling. Schooling Competitions: Jan 23 Combined Tests Starter-Adv., Dressage tests, Clear round Jumping., Cross Country schooling day. Feb. 20 Jumping Derby (Half XC, half Show Jumping) and Clear round Show Jumping.” There are also clinics and other riding opportunities. [Paradise Farm FB page] [Paradise Farm website]
If you’re in the Ocala area and are looking for a good schooling show before the year is up, Horse Shows in the Park has a Jumper Pre-Circuit Show December 29-30 at Longwood. They’ve also got their 2013 calendar up for their Canterbury/Gainesville, Longwood/Ocala, and Tampa area shows. [Horse Shows in the Park]
Want to sit with Bruce Davidson, Hannah Sue Burnett, Leslie and Lesley Law, Max Corcoran, Andrea Leatherman, Daniel Stewart and more?! Go to the Sunshine Region Pony Club’s Fist Annual Winter Gala in Ocala, FL! The Gala will take place on December 29th, 2012 at BG Farms of Ocala from 6:30-9:30 PM. Appetizers and mingling will start at 6:30 PM followed by a gourmet dinner and silent auction. Dress is cocktail attire. The goal of the Winter Gala is to help the Sunshine Region Pony Clubs raise money in the pursuit of providing exceptional educational and leadership experiences for its members. Take advantage of the special corporate rate of $600 for a table of eight with an international rider as host. There are over 30 international riders hosting! With over 50% of the seats already filled and the corporate rate ending on December 18th, now is the time to purchase tickets! Check the website for tickets and host rider biographies! [SRPC]
In case you were looking for a ball on the other side of the pond, don’t forget about the Event Riders Association Ball. This year’s theme is “Naughty but Nice”. Tickets can be reserved now at [email protected]. Ticket price: £95 each or £850 for a table of 10. Welcoming drink, 3 course meal. Live band and DJ. [ERA FB]
Best of the Blogs: Drangonfire Farm in California is hosting a Hawley Benett-Awad clinic! The clinic is being held January 26-27, 2013. Get in while you can! [Drangonfire Farm]
In video number eight of the FLAIR Master Class Series featuring Erick Dierks and Ralph Hill, we focus on Effort No 7 — The Trakehner. Its position makes it an effort that needs to be ridden thoughtfully.
Go eventing.
