Fritz, my tiny doglike creature, "helps" me at work. Photo by Lindsey Kahn
We’re all here for the horses, but what about the other creatures who keep us company and make our lives richer? Aside from my horse, I can claim three cats, several hermit crabs, and a tiny, awkward doglike creature as my furry (and not-so-furry, in the crabs’ case) companions. While the cats and crabs would probably pass out with terror if I ever took them to the barn, Fritz has accompanied me many a time to greet the horses and make friends with other riders. Of course, this time of year is rough on him; his squat, eight pound frame has been known to disappear completely in a fresh snowdrift.
Do you want to pay tribute to a non-equine animal companion? Leave a comment below! Share the love.
Events Opening Today: Carolina International CIC and Horse Trial (North Carolina, A-2), Poplar Place Farm March H.T. (Georgia, A-3)
Events Closing Today: Pine Top Spring Advanced HT (Georgia, A-3)
News and Notes:
Safe diets for jockeys: Researchers from Liverpool John Moores University have developed a scientific diet plan for jockeys that works in tandem with clinical psychologists, physiologists, doctors, and nutritionists. Unlike the classically unhealthy “get thin quick” tricks like food restriction, laxatives, and vomiting, these specialists encourage safer methods to help jockeys get essential nutrients while maintaining positive habits and improving their performance. Could similar strategies help eventers who struggle with their diet and health? [Horsetalk]
R.I.P. Lucy Stack. EN is saddened to report that Lucy Stack, a prominent racehorse breeder and owner in Ireland, passed away at her home on Sunday at age 28. No details have been released, but foul play is not suspected. Her father, eventer Captain David Foster, died in 1998 after a riding accident. Our thoughts go out to Lucy’s family and friends during this tragic time. [Racing Post]
Cavalor Feed for Thought: Nutrients like Vitamin E, selenium, thiamin, and magnesium help horses’ muscles work effectively. Vitamin E neutralize the free radicals produced during a workout, partnering with peroxidase-neutralizing selenium. If a horse’s diet is deficient in these nutrients, hard work can lead to tying up. Thiamin (vitamin B1) helps break down carbohydrates in muscle cells, and magnesium regulates muscle contractions. These four nutrients must be fed at levels suitable for each horse’s work load in order to provide optimum nutrition and fitness. [Feed for Thought]
Year of the… what? We might know 2014 as the Year of the Horse, but the BBC has called it something else… Ladies and gentlemen, let us celebrate the “Year of the Whores.” [Horsetalk]
Calling all FEH/YEH aficionados! Join the USEA on February 24th and 25th for their Future Event Horse (FEH) and Young Event Horse (YEH) Educational Seminar. The seminar will be held at Ocala’s Longwood Farm, and will include presentations from breeders and judges, as well as in-hand and ridden demos. [USEA]
Unwanted Horse Summit to be held in Minnesota: Join experts at the University of Minnesota’s Leatherdale Equine Center on March 8th as they examine the issues surrounding unwanted horses. The Morris Animal Foundation issued a grant to fund research on the causes, costs, and solutions to the Midwest’s recent rise in unwanted horses. [The Horse]
Vote for EN! Eventing Nation has been nominated for two Equestrian Social Media Awards! Go vote for us in categories #14 and #15, Best Blog and Best Social Network. Go Eventing. [ESMA Voting]
SmartPak Product of the Day: Even though the Groundhog saw his shadow and we hypothetically have another six weeks of winter to enjoy (right), winter gear is on sale at SmartPak! My personal favorite is the stylish and versatile Solstice Winter Boot, which has been marked down a whopping 40 percent. These boots have cozy faux fur inside and can be worn three different ways – knee-high, with cuffs folded down, or scrunched down to show off your favorite winter breeches or leggings. Worried about ordering the wrong size? Never fear! This item is eligible for free ground shipping and free return shipping, making exchanges simple and stress-free!
