Fancy new Lorenzini stirrups, offered for sale by Devoucoux. A whole new way to match your cross country colors! Photo via the Devoucoux Kentucky Facebook page.
I caught up on this week’s episodes of The Bachelor yesterday, and this week there was a cursory date that included horses, western saddles, and the beach. I have to say, I was quite proud of Juan Pablo for holding the reins correctly. So many times, I find myself shaking my head at the odd positions some people put their hands in, so I was relieved to not have to judge this time. Yes, I know, the show is the epitome of trash TV, but I do have some guilty pleasures and this is one of them!
Events This Weekend:
Full Gallop Farm February H.T. (runs today) [Website] [Final Scores]
Twin Rivers Winter H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Times]
Rocking Horse Winter III H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]
Sporting Days Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]
News from Around the Globe:
Denis Glaccum announced yesterday he has retired as director of the Plantation Field CIC and will scale back his involvement in organizing the Plantation Field Horse Trials. Denis has organized horse trials almost every year since 1982, but recent health issues have forced him to step back. Katie Walker, who handles sponsorship and marketing for Plantation Field, will head the CIC Committee, and Mary Coldren will organize the CIC event and horse trials. Denis intends to stay on as a member of the board and CIC Committee. We wish Denis, Katie and Mary all the best during this transition in organizing the Best. Event. Ever. [Plantation Field]
Southern Cross Equestrian is hosting a $10,000 Eventing Jumping Challenge in Ocala. The event will be held on March 4 and will be hosted by Southern Cross Equestrian and Australian eventer turned show jumper Scott Keach. Marc Donovan will design the courses, and both the U.S. and Canada, along with many other nations, will have representing teams present. The $10,000 challenge is limited to eventers, but there will also be a morning, 1.15m class that is open to all competitors who wish to ride. For more information, please contact Max Cocoran.
Rolex Kentucky has some new updates for the event this year. Along with the first-ever Dubarry of Ireland Nations Team Challenge, there will be Military Days and a College Day. Other additions include another round of the Kentucky Reining Cup and a Kentucky Uncovered section of the vendor fair that will feature Kentucky-made products. [Rolex Adds New Features for 2014]
Well-known polo rider Carlos Gracida passed away on Tuesday after suffering an accident while playing. Gracida was a Hall of Fame and 10-goal rated player. Gracida was suffered massive injuries when his horse was accidentally hit in the head with another player’s mallet, causing it to whip its head around and make contact with Gracida’s head. The EN family sends its sincere condolences to Carlos’ family and connections. [Polo Player Passes Away]
Horse show photographers are becoming a rare breed. The rise of social media and internet use has diminished sales for many photographers, as photo pirating is becoming more rampant. Many photographers are passing on jobs because their overhead is simply too great to justify taking the job. Be sure to use only photos that you have express permission to use and/or have purchased from the photographer at the event before posting them as your own! [Horse Show Photographers On the Decline?]
Have you ever wondered what it takes to secure a ride in the Kentucky Derby? Think of it as a game of musical chairs, and not an easy one. The Daily Racing Form recently spoke with jockey Corey Nakatani on his quest to contest the Derby this year, and the lengths that these riders go to in order to earn a spot on a Derby horse is nothing short of impressive. [Becoming a Derby Jock = Musical Chairs]
Best of the Blogs:
You Don’t Need to Ride a Horse to Enjoy Him
Video Break:
Here is some footage of Jan Byyny and Why Not (Wyatt) in the George Morris clinic on Monday.
