Friday News and Notes from FLAIR

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That's what I call a Good Weekend!! (photo courtesy of quietintheworld)

Happy Friday EN Readers! 

It's a start to another exciting weekend of shows in U.S. Eventing! I'm sure all our competitors are hoping to come home with a face full of ribbons (like the pony above!). Let's just right in with the events taking place this long weekend:

In Addition to the Competitions, there are also a couple notable clinics and camps taking place over the next week:

I'd say eventers everywhere are gearing up for their show seasons! News and Notes today are heavily centered around upcoming competition and how to prepare for it. Check out the following:

Blogger Eventer79 of "We are Flying Solo" recounts her latest experience competing Beginner Novice with her young horse. Despite truly hurricane winds (seriously, just watch the video!) and a rough start in dressage, she and her horse, Encore, finished on a clear cross country round. As she says in her entry, "a crazy day, but very educational for horse and rider." I think that's the best kind of show experience anyone can hope for! [Team Flying Solo]

Over on COTH, Blogger Lauren Sprieser of Sprieser Sporthorse talks about the best way to "plan your season." She discusses the challenges a trainer faces in scheduling shows for themselves as well as their students, and details her method for getting a complete picture of her area's show calendar, including qualifying competitions and otherwise. Lauren includes links to her sites of reference and lays out the reasoning for her shows of choice. Using her model, a rider can plan to have a leg up in plotting out their next season! [COTH]

USEA's Area I is showing its support to the upcoming calendar of events by sponsoring a scholarship program for all current USEA members. Area I is granting four awards of $250 to deserving applicants for use in lessons, clinics, and other educational purposes. The application deadline for the spring award is March 15, while the deadline for the fall award is August 15. [US Eventing]

The Jockey Club's Thoroughbred Incentive Program will be offering its own sponsorship to 167 approved horse shows during the 2012 season. The Jockey Club has committed $100,000 to be awarded to winners of the Thoroughbred-only classes and divisions in various disciplines. Twin Rivers Winter Horse Trial will be the first of the competitions to take place this year. [COTH]

Horse and Hound provides a useful article discussing what to wear for affiliated eventing competitions. While the information in the article may seem elementary, it's a valuable reference guide for those just getting into the sport of eventing, or for those whom might be sure they fully understand the competition requirements.  H&H goes into excellent detail delineating the dress expectations between the levels, and in each phase of competition. [Horse & Hound]

Note: US Eventing Appears to have had the same idea, posting an "Eventing Refresher Course" on what to wear! [US Eventing]

Not stopping at the dress code, Horse & Hound has also produced an introductory article for those interested in getting started in affiliated eventing through British Eventing. If you're unsure where to start, whether in BE80T or BE100, this informative piece will breakdown the elements of a BE affiliated event and hopefully provide riders of all levels with a solid understanding of upcoming competition. [Horse & Hound]

The informative news and notes continue with British Eventing itself! BE posted a list of reminders for eventers during the 2012 competition season. These reminders include updated regulations on Equine Doping, medical armband rules, hat tagging specifications, body protector requirements and the inclusion of three new dressage tests. If you're eventing in the UK, these reminders are not to be missed! [British Eventing]

Back in America, COTH is reporting on the upcoming $75,000 FEI Nations Cup, held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. America's only Nations Cup competition will feature teams from 11 countries , including a US team consisting of Beezie Madden, Margie Engle, Mario Deslauriers and Lauren Hough. This group of talented veteran riders will be defending their 2011 victory against stiff competition from Canada, Australia, and eight other countries. Best of Luck, guys! [COTH]

And since we've all got competition on the brain (or at least I do!), I want to leave us with video of the German rider Marco Kutcher winning the final Rolex FEI World Cup Qualifier in Goteborg, aboard Satisfaction RFH! While I love to Go Eventing, sometimes it's equally great to Go Jumping!

As a quick note from FLAIR, they are sponsoring Red Hills next week.  There will be strips in the prize packs and they will have a coupon placed in each competitors packet that is redeemable on site for a free FLAIR Strip application prior to XC.  FLAIR is also sponsoring Galway Downs and Jersey Fresh, also with free FLAIR strips in competitor packs, prize packs, and prior to XC rides.

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Friday News and Notes from FLAIR

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If only this really worked! (Photo Courtesy of makolane)

Good Morning EN Readers! It's Friday! Let's all cheer in celebration for another long week nearly over! Somedays I feel like I need Pony GPS (pictured above) just to get through my riding, my mind has been so scrambled by the pressures of everyday life. Fortunately, my sweet horses take pity on me during those days. Nothing proves to be a better detox than some quality time with your horsey friends!

My fellow internet bloggers appear to agree, as today's News and Notes are peppered with quality entries about focusing on riding and gearing up for competition!

  •           Valerie Vizcarrondo writes about her arrival in Aiken, SC and her experience as president of the ground jury for Sporting Days [Blue Clover Eventing]

  •           Professional Riders Organization introduces Molly Rosin, owner of Havarah Equestrian. Molly is most well known for her horse, Havarah's Charly, but is also working a number of developing horses for competition [Professional Riders Organization]

  •           Chronicle of the Horse spotlights another rider on their way to the Olympics, Margie Engle! Margie talks about the work she has done with her horse, Indigo, to get him Olympic-ready! [Chronicle of the Horse]

 

But the news isn't only interviews and blogging today! We've also got some exciting announcements!

Eventing will be holding its first FEI Nations Cup series, in hopes of attracting top rides from around Europe. The three-star series debuts in Fontainebleau, France on March 22nd! [Horse and Country] [Chronicle of the Horse] [British Eventing]

Erin Gilmore reports on helmet maker Charles Owen announcing their decision to stop producing and selling unapproved hunt caps as of January 2012. Dover Saddlery has also been influenced, changing the way they market hunt caps from being classified as "helmets." These items are now listed as "hats," along with Top Hats. [Riders4Helmets]

The British Eventing Officials Conference recently honored David Merrit, who runs Kiln Saddlery, as 2011 British Eventing Official of the Year. David has been a TA for over 32 years, and also serves as an FEI Technical Delegate. [British Eventing]

According to Horse talk, five cities from around the world have officially submitted their bid to host the 2020 Olympics. The International Olympic Committee has received applications from Istanbul, Tokyo, Baku, Doha, and Madrid. [Horsetalk]

Horse & Hound reports on a new phone app designed for Horsebox drivers, called "Rescue App." This app, available on iphone, Andriod, or Blackberry, provides a pay-on-use horsebox breakdown service. The app was created by PRP Breakdown Services, whom will come to the driver's aid in case of an emergency. [Horse & Hound]

A service of thanksgiving for the life of Josh Gifford is to be held at Chichester Cathedral on Thursday, March 1st.  The memorial will be held at 2pm, and all are welcome to attend. [Horse & Hound]

Riders4Helmets has posted a Helmet Cam Alert on a fantastic new video of Christoffer Forsberg winning the VR Classics 2012, Neumuenster. While not as stable as some of the better known eventing helmet cam videos, it still features a great ride over a challenging course! [Riders4Helmets]

The Eventing Radio Show continues its tour of Ocala, interviewing Eventers Leslie Law, Betsy Watkins, Jessica Pheonix, and Gretchen Butts.  The Episode can be downloaded as a podcast on iTunes or can be listened to right on the website! [Eventing Radio]

Go Eventing!

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Captain Fritz’s Friday News and Notes from FLAIR

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Capt. Jack Fritz, 1924 - 2012 (Photo courtesy of howgoodridersgetgood.com )

Hello, EN Readers. I come to you today with sad tidings in my news and notes, the likes of which no amount of funny viral videos can make better. It seems that whenever our sport loses one of its own, that loss is keenly felt by everyone - whether closely related or not. The riding community is a tight-knit family of shared experiences and passions, brought together by people just like Jack Fritz. His legacy lives on in those that honor the traditions of the sport through its organizations, now and always.

And so follows Friday's News and Notes:

Captain John H. "Jack" Fritz, known for his immense influence on the development of the equestrian sport in America, passed away on the morning of February 9th. Fritz played vital roles in the emergence of the organizations that would become the USEA, the USDF, U.S. Pony Club, and the USEF. His contributions to all disciplines of riding will never be forgotten. [USEA News] [Chronicle of the Horse]

Denny Emerson pays tribute to Captain Jack Fritz in his blog, by recounting some of his many accomplishments and recalling his tenacious attitude. He describes Fritz and the "ultimate volunteer," and that "..sometimes he was patient, sometimes irascible, but always, always, he was there." [How Good Riders Get Good]

The equestrian sport suffered another loss this week in the passing of champion jockey and trainer, Josh Gifford. Gifford is best remembered as the trainer of 1981 Grand National winner Aldaniti, as well as being the father of British Eventing rider, Tina Cook. Eventing Nation extends its thoughts and condolences to the family of Josh Gifford. [Horse & Hound] [British Eventing]

The recent popularity of the film "War Horse," has prompted Horsetalk's article to memorialize the horses shipped from New Zealand in 1914.  The horses were meant as mounts for soldiers in the WWI war effort. Approximately 18,000 horses were shipped overseas during that wartime period, but only one would survive the brutal conditions of war long enough to return home. The article details the back-breaking labor, rationed food, and widespread disease that was part of a horse's daily existence during WWI. [Horsetalk]

In a more uplifting turn of events, Horse & Hound is reporting on former four-star eventer Claire Lomas's plan to walk the London Marathon on April 22nd. Lomas will be using the Re-Walk Suit, a powered exoskeleton that allows the wearer to walk with crutches. While Claire will be using a training suit for walking the marathon, fundraisers have helped her raise over £35,000 in order to buy the first personal suit, due to the delivered this summer. Readers can sponsor Claire by going to http://www.justgiving.com/Claire-Lomas or sending her an email at clairesfund@hotmail.co.uk.  [Horse & Hound]

British horse feed brand, Spillers, will now be sponsoring event rider William Fox-Pitt. He'll be joining eventing team medalist Jeanette Brakewell and international show jumper Tim Stockdale in promoting Spillers' collection of over 30 feeds meant to suit a wide variety of horses and discipline needs. [Horsetalk]

Sara Lieser at Chronicle of the Horse interviewed former Olympics, Rolex, and Burghley rider, Phyllis Dawson in a segment titled "Free Rein with Phyllis Dawson." Lieser questions Dawson on her outlook for breeding horses and about her barn in Virginia, called Windchase Farm. [Chronicle of the Horse]

The British Olympic Association and the British Paralympic Association have combined forces to host a celebration supporting the forming of Team GB and Paralympics GB prior to the 2012 London Olympics. The evening celebration will include a black-tie dinner, followed by a line-up of the best in British music, performance, and comedy. The event, titled "Our Greatest Team," will take place in the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London on Friday, May 11th. [British Eventing]


 

And let's not forget that this Friday marks the first day of competition at the Ocala Horse Properties Winter II Horse Trial. Live Scoring is available throughout the weekend on EventEntries.com
[Live Scoring]

Pine Top Winter II Horse Trial is also competing. Catch all the action as it's updated through EventingScores.com
[Live Scoring]

And now, in honor of the upcoming celebration courtesy of the British Olympic Association and the British Paralympic Association, I'd like to leave you all with an oldie, but goodie, video of the 2007 World Para Dressage Championships. The demonstration begins a bit slow, but I have to say... it ends on an astounding note!!

 

 

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Tuesday News and Notes from Pennfield

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A Fantastic Contribution from Chloé Monnot! Teddy Loves his Eventing Nation!
Good morning, EN Readers! We're at the very threshold of February, which means two things:  Valentine's Day is coming, and (more importantly) we draw ever nearer to such exciting comeptitions as the Rolex Kentucky Three Day and The 2012 London Olympics!!
But let's not get ahead of ourselves, right? Right now it's time for some truly fabulous Tuesday Morning Links!
Molly Rosin and Havarah Equestrian catch us up on their seasonal move to Aiken, SC. Apparently they are getting their money's worth out on the trails in Hitchcock Woods! Molly is enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and looking forward to upcoming competitions! [Havarah Equestrian]
Doug Payne was asked to write a blog series about his time leading up to the Rolex Kentucky Three Day, and the first part just went live! Doug fills us in on the progress of some of his jumpers, talks about his history both inside and outside the horse world, and gives us a little insight into his mount, Running Order. [Rolex Kentucky]
Bruce Springsteen fans will be excited to hear that the rockstar donated multiple items to a benefit auction, raising $550,000.00 USD for the US Equestrian Team! Springsteen made a surprise appearance at the "An English Country Evening" benefit, where he initially donated four VIP concert tickets to any concert in the states. As the night progressed, he increased that offer to Twenty Tickets, as well as signed Fender guitars and a personal backstage tour! Wow! [Horsetalk]
Eventer Tina Cook will be taking part in the St Patrick's Derby at the Cheltenham Festival on Thursday, March 15th. She is one of twelve riders competing in the charity derby to support cancer research, a topic that she has personal interest in after losing her father to cancer last year. The article bears a link where you can donate to Tina's sponsorship for this competition! [Horse and Hound]
Equestrian Sports New Zealand has completed their selection review of the horse and rider combinations selected for the New Zealand Eventing High Performance Programme. The 2012 squad includes multiple contributions from Mark Todd, Jonathan Paget, and Andrew Nicholson. [Uptown Eventing]
Lucinda Green was recently spotted teaching lessons to young Central District eventers in rural Tangimoana. While she typically teaches only in major areas, the instance appears to have been an exciting break from the norm, as a couple riders received the lesson of their dreams! [Manawatu Standard]
The Chronicle of the Horse is featuring a new helpful series entitled "Insurance Gobbledygook: Demystifying the Terms of Insurance." The first installment tackles the topic of "Care, Custody, and Control," how such coverage can protect barns and trainers from possible lawsuits for incidents occurring while a horse is under their care. It's a great piece that may assist readers on determining if obtaining this level of coverage is for them. [Chronicle of the Horse]
William Fox-Pitt gives his perspective on the teams to beat for the upcoming 2012 Olympics. While he acknowledges that the German team is the "biggest threat," Pitt also has his eye on the competitive New Zealand and French teams. He discusses his plans his three top horses, one of which will potentially be his mount for the Olympics. Pitt isn't yet sure if he'll run any of them in three-day events prior to the Olympics, but he says that these things "often work themselves out." [Sporting Life]
In Blogging News: I think we can all commiserate with PonyEventer's latest blog entry, bemoaning the change of attitude in her mount, Farrah. Their cross country phase has gone from a pleasent and balanced experience to the equivalent of riding an "arm pulling freight train!" We feel your pain! [PonyEventer.blogspot.com]
And because I can't stand the cute factor, I have to draw attention to Doug Payne's video of Running Order and his dog Bacon poking at each other. They're such little twinkies in their Newmarket Blankets!
Go Eventing!

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FTI’s Saturday Links from Tipperary

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Happy Saturday EN Readers!

Or should I say, "Happy Grand Prix Jumping Day" instead? That's right, while yesterday may have featured PRO Derby Cross (and congratulations to Team Guardian on their stellar win!), today is the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival's day for the $50,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix, CSI 2*! And this is only the beginning to a lengthy and exciting schedule of competition at the Festival, lasting until April 1st.  If you haven't checked out the USEF Website for the Broadcast Schedule and Live Footage, I definitely recommend it! [USEF Network]

But in other (and mostly related) news, it's time for Saturday Links!

William Fox-Pitt has confirmed that Cool Mountain is out of contention for the 2012 London Olympic Games

USEF has opened voting for its "Favorite Breed Competition" of 2012

Nick Skelton wins the $32,000.00 WEF Challenge Cup 2 at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival

New Zealand has updated its list of high performance squads for probable involvement in the 2012 Olympic Games

USET Foundation to host "An English Country Evening" benefit on Friday, January 27. Six live auction items will be featured to raise money for the USET Riders preparing to compete in the 2012 Olympic Games

Horse & Hound launches their Digital Magazine, priced at $116 USD per year

The Institute of Sport & Exercise Science is conducting research into the fitness of the female event rider, and they're looking for volunteers!

Allerton Park Horse Trials will be adding an Advanced Class to their Autumn Event in September, featuring course builder Dominic Lawrence

And in Blogger News:

Hoofbeats for Heartbeats has completed yet another piece in her series of gorgeous horse paper cutout artwork

Horse Listening discusses the revolutionary concept of "Not Cantering" in order to improve your transition work. Who knew it could be so easy?!

And because the PRO Derby Cross competition is fresh on our minds, I will leave you all with The Chonicle Connection's Highlight Reel from last year's Derby Cross! So many familiar faces, and so many great teams!

Go Eventing!

 


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Neville’s Friday News and Notes from FLAIR


(Photo courtesy of Gawker)

 

Happy Friday, EN Readers! I hope you've all got your lucky rabbits' feet with you, because it's Friday The 13th! Yes, a day made legendary by suspiciously poor choices and notoriously bad remakes of already bad movies. Best to stay on Karma's good side and avoid all black cats, mirrors, and step ladders today. Maybe your horse will let you borrow his shoes for good luck!

It's not all bad news, though. If ever we need a reminder of how talented eventers are at turning bad situations into great opportunities, the links below are prime examples!

The New York Times has written a piece called "A Horse Named Neville," spotlighting Neville Bardos and his miraculous survival and recovery from the devastating barn fire at True Prospect Farm in May 2011 that claimed six other horse's lives. The article recounts the long road Boyd Martin and Neville traveled to achieve eventing success, both before and after the fire. Despite the damage done to Neville's lungs and body in the fire, he made an astounding recover that not only left him competition fit less than three months after the fire, but has also seen him as one of three finalists for USEF International Horse of the Year. His story proves to be an inspiration to reader both in eventing and beyond. Note: NYTimes Articles expire over a duration of time and may not be available after 1/31/2012 [NYTimes]

The dates have been set for the 2012 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day! This year's trials, presented by Bridgestone, will be held from April 26th to 29th, 2012 and will feature selection trials to choose the U.S. Eventing Team for the 2012 London Olympic Games. Also scheduled is the second annual Ariat Kentucky Reining Cup, which will be held April 27th and 28th. [wtvq]

In sad news, Horsetalk has reported that Germany's "Voice of the Equestrian Sport" announcer Hans-Heinrich Isenbart passed away on Christmas Day at the age of 88. Isenhart is remembered for his live commentary for the equestrian competitions at the 1956 Olympic Games in Stockholm, and for the nearly 60 years of active commentating that followed. His funeral was held on January 10th, 2012 at Niedersachsenhalle indoor arena in Verden, Germany, where he had commentated on numerous horse shows. Approximately 700 mourners attended the service. [Horsetalk]

Draper Equine Therapy, makers of innovative therapeutic horse and equine products, will be sponsoring the Drapers' "Best Foot Forward" award each week at the 2012 Winter Equestrian Festival and at he Global Dressage Festival. Winners of this award will receive prize packages worth up to $300 dollars in Draper products, and will be individuals that exemplify and inspire a positive attitude in themselves and others around them.  [COTH]

You've probably already heard of this handy app, but in the event you're not on the iPhone bandwagon Horse and Hound has reported on a new Cross Country application called "Course Walk." This app (available in the app exchange on all iPods Touches, iPhones, and iPads) replaces the need for a traditional measuring wheel by recording your progress on a course through GPS tracking. Users can add photos of the jumps, comments, and videos along the course. The app costs about $10.00 in the Appstore and is quickly becoming a favorite amongst eventers. [Horse and Hound]

Devon D'Angelo writes about the trials and tribulations of being a single female equestrian who must balance their love for horses with their desire to find new love in another person. The dating scene is not an easy place to be even for those without a "horse addiction," and trying to explain your full time commitment to your sport can prove... interesting.  [COTH]

The Louisiana Horse Rescue Association and the Sabine Parish Human Society recently seized 60 horses from a farm in Many, LA. The horses found on the property were reportedly in "deplorable condition," living in filth alongside the carcasses of approximately 25 previously deceased horses and aborted foal fetuses. Over the course of three days, all the horses were removed from the farm and treated for ailments including colic, malnutrition, diarrhea, and miscarriage. The LHRA hopes to have some of the horses available for adoption in as soon as three weeks. The current daily cost for their upkeep is around $450 dollars per day. Any assistance is appreciated. [Horsetalk]

Denny Emerson  pays homage to the Quarter Horse breed on his blog, "How Good Riders Get Good." While most people associate the Quarter Horse with western disciplines, there is no denying that this breed is a popular choice in English riding as well, thanks to what Denny calls the built-in "Sanity Button." While the American Quarter Horse may never be known for its competitiveness in international events such as Burghley, Denny reminds us that many of the upper echelon riders today got their start on this gentle and competent breed, and it remains a favorite among riders everywhere for good reason. [How Good Riders Get Good]

In perhaps the most ridiculous and pointless visual retelling ever written, the Hairpin.com has posted "War Horse: An Illustrated Review" to express their opinion(?) on the recent Steven Spielberg film. This review does contain spoilers, though you may not be able to suss them out through all the ridiculousness and funny illustrations. I wouldn't use this to determine whether you'll see the movie, but it's definitely good for some giggles [TheHairpin.com]

Eventing Safety and Risk Management gives an update on the completion of Cross Country's frangible device industrial standard in FEI competitions. Reports are still unconfirmed, but suggest that all frangible and breakaway jumps must conform to a set of standards determined by an FEI Eventing Committee Task Force and the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL). Pins, clips, and Styrofoam structures will be designed to break upon impact of a horse and rider, and the competing rider will be penalized 21 penalty points for the breakage. This topic has not been fully resolved, so more information should develop over time. [Eventing Safety]

Jennie Brannigan relates her training regime for the month of January, and her positive clinic experience with show jumper Lane Clarke. She comments on the tragic loss of Lee Lee Jones' horse, Model Cadet, at True Prospect Farm, and extends her condolences to the young rider. On a happier note, Jennie also writes about the upcoming PRO DerbyCross set to be held on January 20 in Wellington, FL. She will be sharing a team with riders Phillip Dutton, Boyd Martin, Jeffrey Welles and Nic Roldan. [COTH]

Whew, that's a lot of news! Hopefully it will keep everyone distracted and in a positive frame of mind this Friday. If not, a trip to the barn is always a cure for what ails you. For now, I leave you will the inspiring video interview the New York Times held with Boyd Martin about Neville's "Unlikely Comeback."

Go Eventing!

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George Morris’s Saturday Links from Tipperary

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George Morris on Sinhon at the Olympics in Rome in 1960 (Photo courtesy of showjumpingnostalgia.com)

Greetings EN Readers!

We're now seven days into the new year, and it's already shaping up to be a great one! Although, I don't know about the rest of you, but I can assure you my (hastily made) New Year's Resolutions simply aren't going to make it. Who honestly believes that committing to a late-night resolution to improve yourself, while tipsy on champagne, is in any way a valid plan for self improvement? I don't!

But obviously some riders were interested in serious self improvement, as the reports from the 2012 George H. Morris Horsemastership Training Sessions continue to roll in. Chronicle of the Horse posted Day 2, entitled "Building Blocks of Success," and Day 3, "Don't Ride Stupid," on their website yesterday. George himself has been unwell, so Kent Farrington and McClain Ward have been filling in as instructors. We here at Eventing Nation would like to extend our "Get Well Soon" wishes to George, and hope to see articles of his return to his Training Sessions very soon!

In other Linkage news:

Tickets are now on sale for the 2012 Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, set for September 6 - 9, 2011

Good News, Mitsubishi Lovers! The Car Company has expanded its sponsorship of Badminton Horse Trials to 2015!

The IDHSNA/USEA Future Event Horse Committee has enacted a few changes for the 2012 season, including that the minimum qualifying score has been changed to 68%

North Carolina has confirmed its first official case of the neurological form of Equine Herpesvirus 1

The Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) has added three more gelding clinics to their Operation Gelding Program

The Fédération Équestre Internationale is inviting interested parties to submit recommendations for the 2013 Equine Prohibited Substance List

British Eventing and the National School Series have decided to alter their qualification process and 2012 Championship

Event Rider Spencer Sturmey is in the hospital with two broken Vertebrae

Vita Flex Nutrition will be introducing The Vita Flex Victory during the 2012 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival

The 2012 Internation Eventing Forum is only one month away! This year's theme will be "Focus on Success."

Christopher Schofield, former chairman of eventing young rider selectors, has passed away at age 90

DVM Erik K. Dill discusses what you can do in a horse-related emergency situation

Paul Tapner has confirmed that Advanced Event horse Kilfinnie II was put down due to "complications."

And since this is George Morris's Saturday Links, I thought I'd leave you with a 2008 video that shows a little window into the George Morris Horsemastership Experience. Go Eventing!


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Last Saturday Links of 2011 by Tipperary

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Happy New Years, Horse Lovers!


Hello EN Readers!

Welcome to the Final Saturday Links post of 2011!! The next time we meet, it will be in the year  2012 (and will my Mayan calendar have run out? Who knows!). I hope everyone out there in the Eventing Nation can reflect upon the last twelve months with both a sense of satisfaction, and with hopeful anticipation for what the future might bring. It's a brand new year, full of opportunities and surprises! I can't wait to get started!

Denny Emerson deserves a bit more than a link this weekend for his insightful series of articles concerning Thoroughbred Pedigree and its influences in non-racing disciplines. He discusses the evolution of successful jumpers bred from TBs, and reviews contributing bloodlines in Zenyetta's Pedigree. These are great installments to his continuing blog, "How Good Riders Get Good."

Additional Links for your Upcoming Saturday:

Samantha Clark wishes Olivia Loiaconoi a very Happy Birthday!

Katie Murphy - of Murphy Eventing - looks back at the year 2011 with her horse, Fitty.

TalkingHorse.Net also takes a look at the year in Review

Recently released film, In Kennels, is being heralded as a "positive step forward" in promoting hunting. Originally a training aid, the film follows the huntsmen of multiple hound training facilities and shows insight into the world of hunting.

An Interview with USEA's Owner of the Month: Major Kelly Dobert

Robert Dover hosts a Horsemastership Clinic as one of the new components of the Emerging Dressage Athlete Program in Wellington, FL

Molly Sarge's next installment in the series "The Future of Showjumping" addresses the quality of horse shows available to riders in the US.

Ginny Elliot has named a provisional squad of 12 riders and 14 horses to participate in a squad training programme for Ireland's Eventing Team in 2012.

Let's close out this year with a bit of inspiration from "Mr. Stickability" himself, Andrew Nicholson. If he can hang in there during a tough spot, so can we! Go Eventing!



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Saturday News and Notes

Finally, since when does Puissance involve stirrups?

News and Notes

A very nice Cooper tribute by Stephanie Diaz on EventingUSA . Question: how am I linking on Wednesday night to a story that was published on Thursday?  Answer: magic

A good overview of the FEI convention last month, including the progressive list situation.  No word yet on when the FEI will release results from the email vote on delaying and revoting on the progressive list, but stay tuned.