Monday News and Notes from SmartPak

Sports psychology extraordinaire and one of the most positive individuals I’ve ever known, Daniel Stewart, posted this on his Facebook page yesterday. “Yup. That’s what riding is all about,” he said. Having edited and shared many of his newsletters and even written an introduction for his book “Pressure Proof Your Riding,” I made every effort to channel Daniel’s inner coolness while competing my pony this weekend at FENCE horse trials. I failed to remember the many useful mantras and acronyms, but I managed to remember to breathe, and I just couldn’t help but smile and have fun!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Plantation Field April H.T. [Results]

Ocala 3-Day Festival CCI & H.T. [Results]

FENCE H.T. [Results]

Twin Rivers CCI, CIC, & H.T. [Results]

St. Johns H.T. [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

Clark Montgomery continues to make the U.S. proud with a top 20 finish with Loughan Glen in the huge CIC3* division (we’re talking 120+ starters) at the Belton Horse Trials this weekend. This was the 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding’s first run since his big win at the Blenheim CCI3* since last September. [Belton results]

Owning beautiful horses and calling yourself an equestrian is a fashion consideration for some celebrities, but Kaley Cuoco, of Big Bang Theory fame, seems to be the real deal. She rides, she competes, she works at it, she gets it. Kaley Cuoco isn’t just a famous woman who likes to ride, she’s an ambassador for our entire sport. [Keeping Up With Kaley Cuoco]

Weekly Business Tip from Mythic Landing Enterprises: Every good business plan includes a budget. I cannot stress to you enough how important it is to create a budget and to regularly check in on it! I’m a horse person just like you, and I know how tempting it is to buy one.more.pair. of breeches. And don’t even get me started on the fact that my horse has more coats than I do. But I can honestly tell you that if I didn’t have a budget and keep close watch on it, my business would not still be here. It’s so easy to buy that extra pair of breeches or cute new fleece cooler, and there’s no reason why you still can’t make those purchases … just budget for them. And the best part is that budget-friendly purchases are guilt-free purchases.

Intercollegiate eventing has grown by leaps and bounds over the last two years, and many universities area celebrating continued success and growing interest. The University of Maryland has been working hard to make a team happen for their community, and they’re looking forward to a big year! [University of Maryland Eventing Team Celebrates Their First Year]

Does your horse have an inspiring story about coming back from a serious injury or illness? OCD Pellets wants to hear all about it! Send in your rehab to [email protected] for a chance to win an OCD prize pack (2-month supply of OCD Pellets, 1-month supply of COS Canine, and an OCD Pellets hat and T-shirt). Entries close Monday, May 2, 2016, and the story that receives the most views on EN will win. [Contest Details]

Because we have no sense of time or urgency when we’re at the barn, these are the words our significant others either shudder, smirk or roll their eyes to hear: Just Stopping By the Barn

FENCE Horse Trials Helmet Cam Alert!