Thursday News & Notes from SmartPak

How could you not have a stupid grin while riding a red dinosaur?

How could you not have a stupid grin while riding a red dinosaur?

Having a backup horse is a really great idea, for a number of reasons. While Nyls’ season started out great with a win at Carolina and a sixth at The Fork….it sorta fizzled after that with stupid things like foot soreness. Now we’ve got that under control, he’s ballooned up so much with the time out of full work that it looks like I’m stuck waiting for the fall season again. Le sigh. However, I have a red dinosaur to take some of the focus off old fatty pants, and he’s thriving under the extra attention! I’m heading to VAHT this weekend with him for one last run at Novice….mostly to see if he’s finally stopped gawking at jump judges on cross country. Hooray giant baby!

FEI Weekend Events:

Saumur CCI3*/CIC3* [Website] [Entry List] [Live Scores] [Live Stream]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Mystic Valley Hunt Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Virginia CIC, CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

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

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

Feather Creek Farm H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

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

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

Coconino Spring H.T.  [Website] [Ride Times]

 News From Around the Globe:

Obviously, the biggest news of yesterday was the announcement of the US Pan American team. A massive congrats goes out to all the people involved in the success of the pairs named, and fingers crossed that everyone has good luck for the next few months at least! [US Names Pan American Squad]

The second biggest news is that American Pharaoh’s owner confirmed sale of the colt’s future breeding rights to Coolmore Stud. The Triple Crown contender will continue to race for the rest of the year, regardless of how he runs in the Belmont, and owner Ahmed Zayat will retain control of his racing career. The deal with Coolmore, which declines to disclose the amount that changed hands, includes several bonuses should the colt win either the Belmont or any other million dollar purses before he retires. [American Pharaoh’s Breeding Rights Sold]

The Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover competition is jam packed this year! With over 350 entries already for the October event, Thoroughbreds from 44 states will be traveling to Kentucky to show off their skillz. Held over three days with ten different disciplines on parade, there will be seminars and vendors and amazing fun. You can now buy tickets! General admission is free, and seminars are $25. [RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Competition]

Newly minted Pan Am alternate Matt Brown is looking to help some horses and riders while he’s based on the east coast! From Matt’s Facebook: “In an effort to earn a living while here on the East Coast Matt is available to do some teaching, riding, and half or whole day clinics depending on the location. All levels and disciplines welcome. Want some self defense lessons or need a fun way to stay fit while increasing your balance and coordination? He is also available to teach private or small group Kenpo Karate or kickboxing lessons as well. [East West Training]

If you’re not listening to Carl Hester’s tips for top horse management, I don’t know what you’re doing. Carl isn’t just any dressage rider, because as we know he’s been involved in the powerhouse that is Charlotte Dujardin and Valero from the beginning, but he also used to Event, which makes him a little bit cooler. e-Venting spent a morning at his barn, and got some pretty awesome quotes, which I think we could apply to all horses in all disciplines. Read this. [A Morning With The Maestro]

Heading to a show this weekend and feeling the nerves already? Horse & Hound knows how to lay out the seven top ways to make the best of your competition weekend. I love that “make a schedule” and “don’t look at the scoreboard” are the top two, because those are definitely part of my routine! Also, the perfectly British “don’t faff about” works its way in there as well. [Seven Ways to Optimize Competition Performance]

Pan Am contenders Lauren Kieffer and Meadowbrook’s Scarlett looking very fresh at the end of their Jersey CCI3* course:

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