Tuesday News and Notes from Cavalor

Chinch is working on his own illegal live-stream. We're not associated with him. Photo by Dave Taylor. Chinch is working on his own illegal live-stream. We're not associated with him. Photo by Dave Taylor.

This weekend ended in a haze of eventing madness that has my head spinning. While being at Plantation Field this weekend, our attention was also focused on the American riders over the pond at Blenheim. As I sit here decompressing from all the amazing things that happened, I am reminded of why this sport keeps us coming back for more.

Our eventing heroes all kicked butt at their respective events both near and far: Phillip on Icabad Crane, Doug on Lyslander, Tamie on Mai Baum, and Clark on Loughan Glen. To add the cherry on top of what is a sundae of eventing goodness, I got to witness with my own eyes the first known drone flight of the lovable rodent we fondly know as Chinch.

Events Opening Today:  Texas Rose Horse Park Fall H.T. (TX, A-5),  Poplar Place Farm November H.T. (GA, A-3)

Events Closing This Week: Hagyard Midsouth Three-day Event & Team Challenge H.T. (KY, A-8),  The Maryland H.T. at Loch Moy Farm (MD, A-2),  Paradise Farm H.T. (SC, A-3),  ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. at the Horsepark (NJ, A-2), Course Brook Farm Fall Horse Trials (MA, A-1),  Middle Tennessee Pony Club Horse Trials (TN, A-3), Heritage Park H.T. (KS, A-4),  FEH Qualifier at Loch Moy Farm (MD, A-2),  Waredaca H.T. and Classic 3 Day Event (MD, A-2),  The Event at Skyline (UT, A-9),  Radnor Hunt H.T. (PA, A-2),  Las Cruces H.T. (NM, A-10),  Greenwood Farm Inc. Fall H.T. (TX, A-5),  FEH Championships at Loch Moy Farm (MD, A-2)

Tuesday News and Notes:

Numerous Australian-themed items were stolen Saturday night at the Plantation Field Sponsor Party: stuffed animals, boomerangs, flags, books, hats, rubber snakes, etc. These were items borrowed from kind volunteers, not souvenirs from the party to take home. Plantation Field is asking that all items be returned to the venue — no judgment, no questions asked. If you have any information about who might have stolen these items, please email [email protected].

William Fox-Pitt is Coming to Great Meadows You read correctly, the master himself is coming to Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia. Team Engaged Clinics is hosting a two day clinic with Mr. Fox-Pitt November 10 and 11 that will focus on all three phases. You must fill out this form if you are interested in riding in the clinic, auditors are being asked to sign up in advance, and volunteers are still needed. Stay tuned to Eventing Nation for your chance to win two auditors passes. [William Fox-Pitt Clinic Info]

Just Another Day for Boyd Martin. We can all agree that there is a certain amount of chaos when competing just one horse at an event, but 7 is all in a days work for Boyd Martin. This past weekend Boyd brought 7 horses to Plantation Field International and makes it look easy. A seamless exchange of tack and horses for each ride, as well as dealing with owners, supporters, fans, and media add up to another day at the office for Boyd. [Behind the Scenes with Boyd Martin]

If Your Barn Were a High School. At this point most are  settled back into school for the fall. Now imagine your barn aisleway is your alma mater’s hallway, and your beloved moody equine was a hormone filled teen (not quite a quantum leap is it?). Would they be the know it all, a jock, or the teachers pet? Find out where your horse would fit into the hierarchy of high school. [If Your Horse Was a High School Student]

Failing To Plan Is Planning To Fail. With some of our friends out west being forced to make decisions about what to do with their horses in an emergency, its time to look a bit closer to home. Don’t wait until an emergency is knocking on your door to make your plan. Make hay while the sun is shining and come up with your equine emergency preparedness plan now. [Are You Ready?]

Muzzle or Not to Muzzle, That is The Question. Thoughts of Hannibal Lecter and Jason from Friday the 13th come to mind when we think of muzzles, but they can be your best friend on the right horse in the right situation. Putting your horse/pony in a dry lot may not be available where you are and a muzzle may mean a better more natural lifestyle for them. It is suggested you consult your veterinarian in making the decision about muzzling your horse/pony, but here is some impartial guidance on muzzling. [Advise on Grazing Muzzles]

Tuesday Video:

I really enjoy highlighting videos from the previous weekend’s horse trials. Since this past weekend was the Best Event Ever at Plantation Field International, I give you a taste of the CIC* track. Follow along as Kelly Prather and D.A. Calimero ride early on Saturday while it is still a bit foggy out.