The struggle is real, you guys.
Ohhhh July, how I hate thee. The hottest month of the year, a time when Virginia leaves “It’s kinda hot outside” and enters “I can’t possibly be required to be outside right now.” It’s gotten so desperate that I now drink kale and coconut water smoothies every morning in an effort to stave off the dehydration headaches that accompany 95 degrees and 10000% humidity days. That is the most Whole Foods thing I’ve ever done (they’re delicious, but I’m ashamed to admit it) and it’s all because of this hot humid horrible weather!
#CHIOAachen: Website, Order of Go, Live Scores, Team Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage
U.S. Weekend Preview:
Genesee Valley Hunt H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]
Riga Meadow H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]
The Maryland HT and CIC at Loch Moy [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Champagne Run H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]
Aspen Ridge H.T. [Website] [Facebook]
Coconino Classic 3-Day Event & HT [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]
News From Around the Globe:
There is more trouble on the line with the possibility of the 2018 WEG at Bromont. Only a few months after five of the WEG board of directors resigned, Carla Qualtrough, the Canadian cabinet minister in charge of Sport Canada, declined to put forth funding to support the show, putting the status of the competition in jeopardy. The event costs an estimated $100 million, $20 million of which is the responsibility of the land owner, and $20 million is to be raised with ticketing and concessions. Of the $60 million remaining, only $10 million has been secured. [WEG 2018 Bromont: Unlikely]
Joanie Morris, what would we do without you? As part of her job as Ruler of All That Is Eventing, Joanie arranges transportation and accommodations for horses and riders all over the world, makes sure their entries arrive on time, organizes and coordinates vets and farriers, trains trainers, and knows every little detail in between that makes our team be able to perform to it’s best capacity. To top that off, she brings her show jumping expert husband Richard Picken along with her, who will be helping Boyd Martin and Phillip Dutton in their quest for medals in Rio. [Local Couple Plays Big Part in Rio]
Sir Mark Todd is missing Aachen CHIO because of a delay in his visa renewal. While he originally planned for this to be his last run before Rio (his seventh Olympic round), he had to scratch just before the competition due to the fact that he was unable to get his visa renewed. Fellow team members Jonelle Price and Jock Paget will be riding Faerie Dianimo and Clifton Signature, respectively. [Mark Todd Missing Aachen]
Do you ever use treat training from the saddle? I personally thought it was a load of hoo-ey for a long time, but in the past few years changed my mind and realized that it can be a great bridge between groundwork and work under saddle, especially for troubled horses. When using positive reinforcement training on the ground, we often use treats to really amplify a job well done, but then a young horse can get frustrated when the principles of the training system change once they are under saddle. When well done, treats while riding can be really effective, and a good tool for your back pocket. [Treats Training Your Horse]
Hot on Horse Nation: Equestrian’s Guide to Coffee Consumption
What’s better than Prime Day? A sale at SmartPak, obviously! SmartPak is offering 30% off a huge range of products, from supplements to breeches to halters and blankets and all your little heart desires. Get it now while it’s hot! [SmartPak Sale 2016]
In all seriousness though, guys … this needs to stop:
