Thursday News & Notes from Professional’s Choice

The proper way to do summer rides. Photo by Emily Rector.

The proper way to do summer rides. Photo by Emily Rector.

Olympic Fever is creeping in!! I don’t know how, but I’m most excited that my friend/coworker/coach Ali Brock made it onto the US Dressage team than anything else. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing somebody who has worked for so long and so hard and put every drop of sweat, tears and blood into this goal finally achieve it. Well, maybe achieving it yourself would feel better, but this is a close second!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Horse Park of New Jersey I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

South Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

News From Around the Globe:

Chuck Borell, father of Maria Borell, has been charged with 43 counts of animal cruelty as of yesterday. Borell attempted to access the farm where he and his daughter had apparently abandoned over 40 Thoroughbreds and other horses; however, the farm gate was locked and he was shortly taken into custody. Last night a warrant was also issued for the arrest of Maria Borell, in what has been a long and twisted story of guilt and shame and neglect. [Update on Borell Neglect Case]

Workers in the veterinary profession is four times as likely to take their own lives, and the industry is just beginning to talk about it. With an emotionally, physically, and psychologically straining job, veterinarian suicide is twice that of human doctors, and four times that of the average population. Research shows that work overload is the most commonly cited cause of psychological distress, as well as work-life conflict, conflict with animal owners and staff management responsibilities. [Veterinarians High Risk For Suicide]

The equestrian community and people all over the world have been following the story of 18 yr old Hannah Francis, who has terminal bone cancer, and her mascot Willberry Wonder Pony.   Together Hannah and Willberry have inspired, amazed and brought tears to many eyes. We saw him ride around Badminton tucked into the back of Ben Hobday’s vest, and now Hannah has set up a charity to continue #kickingcancersbutt. There is an online auction featuring excellent prizes from top riders and companies, and great chances to get a good deal on some awesome stuff while benefitting a great cause. [Willberry Wonder Pony Online Auction]

The soundtrack from Forrest Gump seems to reduce stress in domestic horses. Well, classical music in general, but more specifically Forrest Gump. A team of researchers used in-ear musical devices for horses during travel and farriery and measured the signs of stress during the activity as well as the recovery time afterwards, and found that classical music does seem to regulate heart rate and reduce other signs of stress. [Classical Music Helps Reduce Stress]

McLain Ward started riding on two little ponies named Peter Pan I and Peter Pan II. That is all.