Monday News and Notes from Fleeceworks

Taylor McFall and Lucinda Green – a future star learning from a legend. Photo via Dragonfirefarm on Instagram.

I rode in the rain a bunch last week, so I didn’t even feel bad about hiding inside all day yesterday. But it has been so nice to get back to work and start tentatively thinking about the season ahead. Right now we’re legging up over trot poles but soon we’ll be jumping again. Hooray!

National Holiday: Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Rocking Horse Winter I H.T. [Website] [Results]

Full Gallop H.T. [Website] [Results]

Monday News and Notes: 

A pre-purchase exam can make or break a sale, and everyone has their own threshold for pass and fail depending upon the horse’s intended use and what the buyer is willing to overlook/manage. However a PPE isn’t just for revealing potential issues, it also gives you a baseline of the horse’s health which will be useful in the future. [Why pre-purchase exams are important]

It’s a nice boost for the sport when local news publications feature riders from the area. A writer for the Tallahassee Democrat followed three young riders to Rocking Horse Winter I H.T. this weekend and learned what a typical competition day is like. [Local equestrian team competes]

There was a time when saddle pads were not commonly used. Now there are saddle pads of all shapes and colors on the market. However certain materials are going to be more comfortable and moisture wicking than others. [Deconstructing the saddle pad]

I don’t have to tell you how expensive it is to compete. But what if you could show for free? Yes, free. At least to start. Here’s an innovative and hilarious idea for a horse show business model that will encourage competitors to always be on their best behavior!  [The Affordable Riding Act]

Hot on Horse Nation: 11 Signs You Might Be a Fair Weather Rider

Monday Video: “So glamorous.”

 

Meanwhile the Eventing side of the barn is just as glamorous as the jumpers…..

Posted by Sara Kozumplik Murphy on Sunday, January 28, 2018