James Pray Baker Jr. and Wings.
The eventing community mourns the loss of James Pray Baker, Jr., who passed away unexpectedly on March 23. Jim was an active volunteer, strong supporter of Area II Adult Riders and a board member at the Carolina Horse Park. In addition to eventing his Thoroughbred “Wings”, he enjoyed foxhunting with the Moore County Hounds and also played polo. Jim was a shining light whose good humor and zest for life will be greatly missed. [In Memoriam]
U.S. Weekend Action:
Morven Park H.T. [Website] [Results]
Rocking Horse Spring H.T. [Website] [Results]
Full Gallop Farm H.T. [Website] [Results]
Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Results]
Galway Downs CIC & H.T. [Website] [Results] [Live Stream]
Monday News and Notes:
With five perfect rounds, McLain Ward and HH Azur won the FEI World Cup™ Jumping finals in Omaha. After their final round yesterday McLain said, “I’ve always wanted to win an individual championship,” McLain said to FEI TV after his win. “I thought I was running out of gas, but the mare is amazing and dug deep, and I think the last round was the best of the week.” [McLain and Annie Flawless in Omaha]
Mind your melon. How’s that for a New Year’s Resolution? U.S. Dressage star Steffen Peters is a traditionalist at heart who continued to wear top hat and tails in FEI competitions despite the rising popularity (and good sense) of wearing a helmet. Steffen said he hung onto his top hat largely due to superstition but made the switch to wearing a helmet with encouragement from his teammates and as an opportunity to be a positive role model for the next generation of dressage riders. [Steffen Peters Retires Top Hat]
“When she’s got her game face on, you ain’t messin’ with this lady.” Riding her team gold and individual silver medal Olympic partner Weihegold, world #1 dressage rider Isabell Werth won her third FEI World Cup™ Dressage title in Omaha this weekend. She was last in the ring for the freestyle following Laura Graves and Verdades 85.307% performance, and threw down an incredible 90.704% for the win. [Wonderful Werth and Weihegold Take World Cup]
Boyd Martin will speak on behalf of ex-racehorses at the first International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses conference in Washington, DC on May 17-18. Among the goals of the conference is to promote the versatility and adaptability of Thoroughbreds and raise awareness for their suitability in other equestrian disciplines after their racing days are over.
Monday Video: Friend of EN Margaret McKelvy and her OTTB Runs On Stilts (2015 Maryland’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred).
