Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

The birthday girl, Andrea, with Carol Davidson. Photo courtesy of Helene Gallagher The birthday girl, Andrea, with Carol Davidson. Photo courtesy of Helene Gallagher

Wishing a very happy birthday to Andrea Davidson, who celebrated her 30th birthday yesterday! Andrea took a trip from Team BDJ’s winter base in Ocala to their Pennsylvania base at Buckwampum Farm for a weekend clinic. Buck’s mom, Carol Davidson, surprised her there with flowers, gifts and a delicious ice cream cake for everyone to enjoy. What a treat!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Fair Hill International H.T. & CIC [Results]

Longleaf Pine H.T. [Results]

CDCTA Spring II H.T. [Website]

River Glen Spring H.T. [Results]

Holly Hill Farm H.T. [Results]

St. Johns H.T. [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

Isn’t science amazing? Tissue-engineered skin already exists for humans, dogs, and even mice. A technological breakthrough has now made artificial equine skin a reality, useful in treating severe burns and wounds and an alternative to complicated and painful skin grafts. [Researchers develop artificial equine skin]

Pony Google doodles.  Earlier this week, through its festive homepage “doodle,” Google celebrated the 155th anniversary of the first successful delivery of a letter by the Pony Express on April 14, 1860. Looking to waste a little time on this Monday morning? Play this adorable, addicting Pony Express game, developed by Google to accompany the doodle. [155th Anniversary of the Pony Express]

What’s coming down the pike. We’ve talked about it, but maybe not really believed it. Whether we like it or not, reform is coming to international horse sports. The FEI Sports Forum in Switzerland is coming up this month, and some major decisions are likely to be made. [You’re either forum, or against ’em]

Choose the right bit for your ride. I’m grateful for the horses I ride that go in a simple snaffle, as finding the right bit for your horse can be an exhausting process and often one that must be worked through during competition. There are countless bits to choose from. Here’s a helpful guide to assist you in making the right choice. [5 tips to choose the perfect bit]

Equi-spective. Sheryl Jordan, the equestrian director at the new Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg, Virginia conducts classes that teach individuals how posture can attract or repel horses. Through the exercises the participants learn how to better communicate with other humans. [Beyond Horse Whispering]

BLM says no. A 25-year-old Grullo stallion captured by the BLM has become an internet sensation just from a photo. The interwebz, outraged, calls for the release of this gorgeous pony back into the wild where he may live out his days as he’s always known them – free. The BLM says that scenario is not likely. [Release the handsome stallion]

Monday Video: Check out Jordan Linstedt’s Road to Rolex!