[via Jade Cooling]
Today marks the rebirth of an era on Eventing Nation. After an extended sabbatical for life and work, the great Visionaire is returning to EN today. Visionaire started writing for Eventing Nation in our earliest days and I can say with certainty that Eventing Nation would never have survived those first few months without her brilliance. Visionaire developed EN’s tagline “Red on right, white on left, insanity in the middle” and her influence has shaped Eventing Nation in countless other ways. In person, Visionaire is one of the nicest, smartest, and hardest working people I know. So, be sure to give Visionaire a big shout out in her post later today and until then, here are a few eventing news and notes:
–Speaking of returns, Katie Prudent is back in action helping the training list and developing riders Tuesday and Wednesday in Aiken. For a long time there was uncertainty about whether Katie would be back to work with the eventers this year, and I’m really glad to see her back. The sessions are at Three Runs Plantation and they are, as always, open to the public. You can find the lesson times on the [USEF Facebook page]
–Can you believe that we are just 23 days away from the start of Badminton? The list of Badminton entries has been updated and the only notable change for North American pairs is that Amy Tryon and Leyland have withdrawn. Alex Hua Tian withdrew Magenta for China along with, tragically, Daisy Berkeley and Spring Along. [Revised Badminton Entries]
–The big news from Monday was of course Phillip and Bobby’s withdrawing from the coaching search. Whether or not Phillip and Bobby were the best choice to be the next US chef/technical advisor, I think that most people would have been more comfortable with the process if the Search Committee had put Phillip and Bobby on the short list. Once that didn’t happen, the clear best thing for unity within US eventing was for Phillip and Bobby to withdraw from the process which, to their great credit, they did with dignity and grace. This process hasn’t been smooth but I feel that each member of the process has done the best that they could when presented with some very difficult situations and as long as we stay united as a sport I think US eventing will be stronger for it.
–The Eligible Athletes will meet tonight to discuss whether they want to consider any more applicants and how they will proceed from there. The meeting is confidential, but hopefully the USEF will decide to keep us, the lawless and unwashed masses, updated on how the process progresses. Remember that the Search Committee put just Leslie and David on the short list but the Eligible Athletes are free to consider whichever candidates they want as they are forming their recommendation for the next coach.
–Reports are beginning to surface from Japan’s equestrian community [COTH]
–It’s no secret that we like linking to rider blogs here on EN. I like promoting as many rider blogs as possible because I think they are a great way for riders of every level to communicate about our sport free of any journalistic filter or influence. If you have a fantastic rider blog and we don’t link to it regularly on EN, please send us the URL written with a marker on a Secure ECOGOLD Go USA XC saddle pad purchased from SmartPak. Until then, here are a few blogs and link for your reading pleasure:
Valerie V’s weekend at Southern Pines wasn’t dampened by the weather
Laine Ashker won a SmartPak cooler along with her advanced victory
Steph Rhodes Bosch looks back at a tough weekend at Poplar
–Kat Netzler interviewed Michael Pollard and David O’Connor about the eventing accidents over the weekend [COTH]
Hawley is planning to go to Badminton and Gina is planning on the Pan Ams
The Road to Rolex with Heather Gillette
–Our good friend at World Equestrian Brands have launched an awesome new website. Be sure to check out the testimonial page. [WEB]
–If you are still down in Florida waiting for the FHP 2*, check out the Ocala jumping classic held at Sharn Wordley Equestrian March 31st to April 9th. They have great prize money and it’s good for schooling. For Entries go to hayesco.ca.
–Last, but not least, be sure to click the link below to enter Pennfield’s iPad contest so that you can view Eventing Nation in beautiful large screen mode anywhere anytime. Because that is, after all, the most important thing. Ever.
That’s all for now. I’ll be back throughout the day with all of your eventing news, commentary, and ridiculousness. As always, wherever you may be, thanks for making Eventing Nation part of your day.
