Robin Thomas completes her first Training level HT with her own Guisseppe’s Picture. Photo courtesy of Lee Ann Zobbe.
Lee Ann Zobbe sent us this picture, as a shot that explains what our sport is about, and I think it’s pretty fantastic. Her student, Robin Thomas, had a goal of going Training level for several years, but was always thwarted by something or other. At the Jumpstart Horse Trials this past weekend, she finally reached her goal, and Lee Ann was at the finish line to catch this amazing reaction. As we all know, the thrill of completing a tough yet rewarding cross country course is like an adrenaline high that you don’t get anywhere else. In fact, I think we’re all just poorly concealed adrenaline junkies, even at the lower levels!
U.S. Weekend Preview:
Kent School Fall H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]
Morven Park Fall CIC & H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]
WindRidge Farm Fall H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]
ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Woodside International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]
Spokane Sport Horse Farm Fall H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]
News From Around the Globe:
George Morris is going to attend the Global Dressage Forum. That’s right, the forward-seat, classically trained hunter/jumper God is going to a pish posh glittery dressage party. He’ll be there answering questions, as well as giving a practical session. “I’m definitely not the best person to explain how to ride the highest marked half pass in a dressage test. But I do want to explain how I prefer to ride your horse, for all disciplines.” Boy, do we know it! I can’t wait to see what the fancy prancers make out of George Morris. I hope he yells at one of them for having too much glitter on their hairnet. [George Morris Attending Global Dressage Forum]
Kissing Spine is a problem that affects a lot of horses, especially OTTB sporthorses, but a new surgery is offering hope to those that don’t respond to regular treatment. Kissing spine refers to severe chronic back pain caused by spinous process impingement, otherwise known as sections of the spine touching one another and causing a huge amount of discomfort. There are all sorts of variations on the severity of kissing spine, and many horses have mild cases through which they continue to be competitive and useful, however some severe cases exist that were, until now, without hope for a future of riding. [Easing Back Pain: Mare’s Kissing Spine Surgery a Success]
Hot off the presses of ESPN: Bella Hadid is in training for the 2016 Rio Games in “equestrian eventing”. If you’re not aware of who Bella Hadid is, she’s a Victoria’s Secret model who also has a sister who is a VS model, so they’re generally pretty well set up in the genetics department. She apparently just revealed to the fashion world that she’s vying for a spot on the Olympic team next year. We’re delighted to hear that a non-FEI member has such lofty goals! Always reach for the stars! (If you’re not sensing my sarcasm yet, let’s be clear, I’m dripping with it). [Bella Hadid Competing at Rio 2016]
Shapley’s Show Touch Up spray is one of the pieces of super secret turnout magic that every professional groom knows about. Shapley’s makes this aerosol can of sprayable color, which can be used on tails, legs, or any other part of the body for a quick touch up. It comes in all the colors of horses (bay, chestnut, grey, white, palomino, dark brown, medium brown, sorrel…) so that you can customize it as you want. It’s amazing for grey horses, so you can use a little on their tail right before they go to the show ring, and it looks brilliantly white! [SmartPak Product of the Day]
Hot on Horse Nation: Trêve Gallops Through Paris
I’ll be busy with the Burghley Horse Trials YouTube channel during Joaquin, thank you very much.
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