Anthony Patch is all snuggled up and ready for dressage in the CIC3* tomorrow at Carolina International! Photo courtesy of Lainey Ashker.
I can’t WAIT to get to Carolina International today, even though I’m only running the Intermediate with Nyls this weekend. It truly is one of the best events of the year, and I mean that in every way possible. There are events that are great for spectators, events that have wonderful cross country courses, and events that are respectful and accommodating to the competitors, but it’s pretty rare to have all that and more at one place. Carolina International sets itself apart by the way it treats its competitors, and it makes us all walk around with stupid grins all the time. I think it might be my favorite event of the year!
U.S. Weekend Preview:
Carolina International H.T. & CIC [Website] [Omnibus] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Poplar Place Farm March H.T. & CIC [Website] [Omnibus] [Live Scores]
News From Around The Globe:
Matthew Grayling holds a short lead over Jock Paget in the Land Rover Horse of the Year CIC3* in New Zealand. Riding NRM Lowenberg, he sits just 1.5 penalties over Jock on Henton After Dark. It will be a job for Matthew to retain the lead, as Jock is accustomed to the title, having won it in 2009 and 2010 with Clifton Promise, and riding a very good horse that won the CIC2* here last year. Emily Cammock, entered at Kentucky with Dambala in a few weeks, sits in third after dressage in her final prep for their American 4* debut. [New Zealand HoY CIC3*]
Infamous stallion Cruising has two clones, now three years old. Cruising Arish and Cruising Encore are stunning little stallions, and are going to be available to breeders starting this year. Cruising himself died last September, but now Ireland can keep his genes alive in these two young stallions, who will be used exclusively for breeding purposes. Cruising remains the only stallion who received a 5 star rating for his own performance as well as a 5 star rating for that of his progeny. [Cruising’s Clones]
Have you checked out Maggie’s CIC3* predictions for this weekend? If you haven’t already, you should bone up on the likely contenders for the top prize in this weekend’s Carolina International CIC3*. [By The Numbers]
Equine non-profits are being encouraged to apply for grant money from the USA Equestrian Trust. Last year they gave out $300,000 to various equine non-profit organizations, largely to initiatives that are productive across several disciplines. If you are involved in an organization that would benefit, you should send in your application, due the night of May 4th. [Equine Non Profits Aid from USA Equestrian Trust]
Why would you want to click on this link and look at pictures of adorable foals to start your Thursday out right? The better question is: why WOULDN’T you, and why are you overthinking adorableness so much already? Seriously though, if you need a pick-me-up, or a dose of cute with your morning coffee, go no further. [Horse & Hound Adorable Foals]
The Best of Blogs: Maggie Deatrick hits the nail on the head with this article on the bravery that is required to admit that you shouldn’t be at the top levels. [The Will To Walk Away]
The Horse Pesterer will be back at CHP this weekend, and thank goodness for that! Here’s a little taste of this time last year (and the only time that Nyls has been likened to Secretariat!)
