Lainey Ashker and her iron horse Anthony Patch just hanging out together in front of the Pimlico grandstand. No biggie. Photo via Lainey Ashker FB Page.
Right now, all is quiet on the western front. And the eastern front. It’s the calm before the storm, and everyone is holding their breath this weekend. Meanwhile, we have a decent contingent at Boekelo over in Europe, so if you just can’t get your eventing fix in the US from the shows going on this weekend, be sure to stalk the Boekelo scores.
North American Weekend Preview:
Course Brook Farm Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]
Radnor Hunt H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]
Maryland at Loch Moy H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]
Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]
Greenwood Farm Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]
FEI Global Weekend Preview:
Weston Park (GBR) CCI1/2* [Website]
Boekelo (NED) CCI3*
Taupo (NZL) CIC1/2/3*
Ströhen (GER) CIC1*
One really good ride at just the right time can help a rider gain a new emotional perspective on life. In Kristin Carpenter’s latest blog for the Chronicle, she eloquently discusses her lack of enthusiasm for riding or writing over the summer. Then, her young mare rose to the occasion at a muddy Morven Park, which rejuvenated Kristin’s love of the sport and rekindled her optimism. [When In Doubt, Kick On]
If re-flocking or tree adjustment doesn’t help your saddle fit, check out the billets. This article from Total Saddle Fit discusses the finer points of billet fit, which are a lot more complicated than I always thought. Between point billets, straight billets, and V billets, there’s a lot of variety in the way billets affect the fit of the saddle. [The “B” Word]
Ashley Donaldson recently made the jump from boarder to farm owner. In this week’s SmartPak blog, she discusses the various issues she comes across in her new venture, from sourcing wood planks for fencing to determining the best vendors for hay and shavings. [From Boarder to Owner]
This week on the Eventing Radio Show: Laine Ashker and Andrea Leatherman. Laine Ashker talks about her recent experiences at the AECs and the RRTP event at Pimlico. Andrea Leatherman joins Dr. Stuart Brown to talk about the touching story behind Mr. Poppers. Alison Stackpole joins the show to give an update on her OTTB Maggie. [Eventing Radio Show]
Just like many mothers, Zara Phillips struggled to regain fitness after giving birth. Zara has ridden all her life, so didn’t quite realize what a struggle it would be to get back into the saddle after a hiatus. She’s obviously doing fine now, with a medal at WEG with High Kingdom. [Zara’s Fitness Struggle]
SmartPak Product of the Day: As we head into the fall CCIs, many horses used to being turned out for the night will have to be confined to a stall for the duration of the show. To help keep my horse and his tight back happy, I bought a Back on Track Mesh Sheet to help keep his muscles loose and warm. I can use it by itself on slightly cool nights or under another sheet if it’s chillier. [SmartPak]
My next twelve days practically revolve around Fair Hill International, and with the entry list looking like a Who’s Who of US Eventing (with a few Canadians thrown in), yours should too. Here’s a preview to whet your appetite.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77OoVlczPNE
