Friday News & Notes from FLAIR Nasal Strips

Jennie Brannigan with Twighlightslastgleam and Alexa Lapp with Paprika, both homebreds of Tim and Nina Gardner. Photo courtesy of Jennie.

Jennie Brannigan with Twighlightslastgleam and Alexa Lapp with Paprika, both homebreds of Tim and Nina Gardner. Photo courtesy of Jennie.

The Virginia Horse Trials is this weekend, and while I won’t be attending this year, it’s still one of my favorite events. The Virginia Horse Center is where I grew up, where I did my very first unrecognized events on a variety of naughty ponies, and where I learned to ride cross country with some serious terrain. It always feels like home when I go there, and it’s been a delight to watch it upgrade and improve throughout the years. I’ll be cheering from just south for everyone I know competing this weekend!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Mystic Valley Hunt Club H.T. [Website]

Virginia CCI, CIC, & H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [FEI Divisions Live Scores] [HT Live Scores]

Flora Lea Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Paradise Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Willow Draw Charity H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

The Spring Event at Woodside H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Equestrians Institute H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

May-Daze at the Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Coconino Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

News From Around the Globe:

Fan favorites from the dressage world, Laura Graves and Verdades, have made a successful trip to Europe to prepare for Rio. A true Cinderella story, Laura and “Diddy” are not only one of the best pairs in the world, but they have an amazing bond that gives us all hope for our passion and our talented but weird horses. Having just travelled to Europe with a few other members of the US team, the pair trounced the competition at Compeigne. For the first time ever, Laura is not doing all the grooming duties herself, having just brought a professional groom on board. Read more about her journey in her COTH blog. [Road to Rio with Laura Graves]

With Memorial Day Weekend coming up, it’s important to figure out what you’re bringing to the party. Of course, we can’t have anybody forgetting that you’re a horsey person, so why not accent things with some horse themed booze? Horse Nation, ever on the brilliant side of listicles, has your back with this fantastic collection of ten equine-centered beers for your weekend glory. [Cheers!]

Elisa Wallace had a banner spring with Simply Priceless, culminating in an 8th place finish at Rolex Kentucky. While they are enjoying success now, their journey hasn’t been easy, with “Johnny” possessing more than his fair share of quirks. The failed ex-racehorse, JC name “Kalingo Damo”, has two personalities, one of a super sweet puppy dog, and one of a totally freaked out dragon. Elisa has been able to use some unorthodox methods to get Johnny to trust her and to improve his focus in dressage and show jumping to great effect. [Elisa Wallace Making Dreams Come True]

Memorial Day Weekend SmartPak sale!!?!?? You heard me. Get your butt over to SmartPak for all those things you’ve had on your list for ages now, because 20% off means you can totally justify it. Apparel, blankets, tack, barn gear, SmartPaks, you name it, it’s on sale. [Memorial Day SmartPak Sale]

We’ve drawn the winners in our giveaway for passes to Great Meadow International! The winners of the general admission car passes are: Meghaan Lane, Kerry York, Carla Corvin, Meaghan, and Amy Cutler. Elizabeth Faulkner is the lucky winner of the cross country tailgate spot. Please email [email protected] to claim your prize. Be sure to visit the website for everything you need to know.

Throwing it WAY back to VAHT 2010: