Everything was going fine with Horse Nation’s little “Equine Planking Contest” until… you eventing people found out about it. Suddenly, our inbox is overflowing with photographs of people doing things with cross-country jumps that, frankly, I could have gone my whole life without seeing. Like this photo, of Dom and Jimmie Schramm. Insanity in the middle? UNDERSTATEMENT.
Now on to some real news:
EN’s John has been hospitalized after suffering a massive nervous breakdown yesterday, the result of complications from a site server switch. Those wishing to send him consolatory “Get well soon!” cookie bouquets, large sums of cash, three-star horses or Cayman Island timeshares can have them shipped directly to Wylie–email me for my address. I’ll, uh, make sure he gets them. [NOT]
The thoroughbred people are getting together with the sport horse people on Friday, April 27 in Lexington, KY. Depending on which camp you’re in, that’s either the last day of Keeneland’s Spring Race Meet or the second dressage day of Rolex. In any case, Keeneland will be hosting a reception for trainers, owners, breeders and riders to “provide industry stakeholders the opportunity to meet, network and capitalize on more opportunities for both sports and for Thoroughbred horses.” Complimentary cocktails? We’ll find out and get back with ya. [US Eventing]
Get your weekend ride times and scores here:
Galway Downs HT-CIC*** [Ride Times]
The Ark HT [Ride Times]
Rocking Horse HT [Ride Times]
Texas Rose HT [Ride Times]
Morven Park HT [Ride Times]
As fuel prices climb ever higher, just a friendly reminder about the USEA’s seriously underutilized Ride Share program. It’s an easy to use, free service that connects folks who need rides to events/clinics/etc. with folks who have room in their trailers. That’s called a win-win situation. [USEA]
Rolex is OK if you’re into that kind of thing, but the REAL action is going down a week later at Southern Eighths/Nikon Three-Day Event. EN previewed this year’s event here, and it got a bit more press today over at Horse Talk. Have you got your entry in? Can you volunteer? Are you pumped? [Southern Eighths]
Thoroughbred stallion Montjeu died today at age 16 at Coolmore Stud in Ireland. He was widely considered one of the best racing stallions in the world and sired three Epsom Derby winners. [Horse & Hound]
HN Today: Raise your hand if you have Man Arms; McKenna is counting down the days until Rolex; tips for conditioning your lower-level horse; and Plankers of the Day.
Top of the Tweets: You’re never too good to be a lawn dart. Francis Whittington (@FWeventing) “Glamorous life of event rider..lying on floor of indoor school after horse has dropped us both onto my leg! Pain and lots of it!”
Jen O’Neill air-planking the advanced ditch-and-wall at Southern Pines.
