EN isn’t just your leading source for eventing news, results and commentary; it’s a community where fans of this crazy sport come together to share their war stories. We love hearing from readers and, in turn, sharing your thoughts with the world. All reader submissions are eligible for the Omega Alpha Reader Submission of the Month in which they are published. All winners will receive an Omega Alpha supplement of their choosing. Have something to share with EN? Send it to us at [email protected]!
Cash (dark horse, foreground) and Panda. Photo by Jeannette
Congratulations to Jeannette Cash, whose submission “When I Grow Up, I Want to Be a Good Rider” has been selected as Reader Submission of the Month for February.
A good rider is smart and empathetic. They see what works and what doesn’t work. They are creative in their training techniques. They are able to get consistent results by using the same training methods to produce athletes. They have a good eye for horses. They are constantly learning and improving. They are dedicated. They are persistent. They shoot for the stars. They know that riding has its ups and downs and they don’t get too down on the down side or too high on the up side. They work with what they have. They are innovative. They are tireless workers.
Jeannette will receive a free supply of an Omega Alpha supplement of her choosing. Want to win an Omega Alpha supplement? Send in your story, clinic report, video or other article to [email protected]. If it’s published this month, it will be eligible for March’s giveaway. (Month to be determined by date of publishing, not date of submission.) Many thanks to Jeannette for writing and to Omega Alpha for supporting Eventing Nation. Go eventing!
Here are a few other notable submissions from February:
Most Touching Memorial: “What a Wonderful Horse Biko Was” by Kim Keppick
“Once Biko did trust you, he was a treat to work with. Very easy to jump, never spooky, careful but not in excess for an event horse; he was a simple point and jump. When Karen left for England with her older horses, she moved Biko and other the young ones to Longbranch. I would play in the fields where they had cut hay, making a “course” out of the hay bales. I always searched for natural ditches, natural water, etc. It was not official cross-country schooling, just simple fun — the way I played with ponies and horses in Ireland before coming here.”
Best Amateur Blog: “An Ode to Amateurs” by Sarah Sargent
“This story is about an amateur rider who has inspired me, Liz Riley. I met Liz my first week in Virginia. I was introduced to her by the social butterfly Ellie Thompson, who worked with me at Plain Dealing Farm. Liz immediately invited me out to ride on a hack with her at her Mum’s barn down the road. There in her tack room are countless photos of her mother, Anne Riley, and herself jumping, soaring and floating around both British and American cross-country courses.”
Best Dutton Who is Not Related to Phillip: “There’s Another Dutton in Town” by Justine Dutton
“I am often asked by my friends in the industry how I manage to get horses, owners and to keep climbing the ladder without a massive financial backing. My advice to them is always to never give up, be creative and never be afraid to ask. And mostly, to never stop believing in yourself. I may not be an Australian “Dutton,” but I think being a British “Dutton” is pretty awesome too.”
Best Winter Cure: “The Aiken Chronicles, Part I” by Courtney Carson
“For myself, it was a wonderful kick in the rear, as my last lesson was in September, and I have been in a winter funk for the last couple of weeks. It was a great jump start to the trip, and everyone already has some new exercises to bring home, some motivation after the long winter and possibly a slight sunburn! We are expecting some not-so-favorable weather this week, so it isn’t totally paradise, but, after the winter we have had, a little rain won’t scare our horses away.”
