Happy spring! Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Well, it’s that time of year – April showers bring puddles and sloppy mud that turn your cleanest barn clothes into some kind of earth-toned Jackson Pollock painting. If you fear for the state of your footwear, head over to SmartPak and order a pair of their new, oh-so-cute Breezy Tall Muck Boots! They’re waterproof, breathable, and insulated to provide protection and comfort year-round, and at $139.95, they qualify for free shipping! Be sure to use the promo code “SPRING2014” to receive 15% off your order!
Events Opening Today: Hitching Post Farm Horse Trials (Vermont, A-1), Kent School Spring H.T. (Connecticut, A-1), Fair Hill International H.T. (Maryland, A-2), Kelly’s Ford Horse Trials (Virginia, A-2), CHC International at Chattahoochee Hills (Georgia, A-3), Otter Creek Spring H.T. (Wisconsin, A-4), Greater Dayton H.T. (Ohio, A-8), CCC Spring Gulch H.T. (Colorado, A-9), The Event at Galisteo (New Mexico, A-10)
Events Closing Today: Fair Hill International H.T. (Maryland, A-2), Longleaf Pine H.T. (North Carolina, A-2), River Glen Spring H.T. (Tennessee, A-3), Sporting Days Farm Horse Trials (South Carolina, A-3), Holly Hill Spring H.T. (Louisiana, A-5)
News and Notes
Midwesterners Buckle Down on EHV-1 Outbreak: Last week, I reported on the recent EHV-1 outbreak that arose in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and how horse owners can help prevent the spread of the virus. As of March 31st, there have been a total of 10 horses in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa with either EHV-1 positive results or showing neurological symptoms with test results pending. Horse owners, riders, show officials, and equine professionals are encouraged to reduce the spread of disease by avoiding situations that could expose them and their horses to the virus; attending shows or clinics, horse sales and acquisitions, and traveling from barn to barn are discouraged at this time. [The Horse] [Minnesota Board of Animal Health]
Andrew Nicholson will Defend His Rolex Title: Last year’s Rolex winner, Andrew Nicholson, will be back in Kentucky this month to defend his 2013 title! He will be bringing Quimbo, his 2013 Rolex partner, and Rosemary and Mark Barlow’s Avebury. [Horsetalk]
Have You Heard? This year’s Rolex is setting a record for the largest number of entries, at 82! See who’s entered to compete: [EN]
Princess Haya Appointed President of IHSC: The newly-formed International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC) has appointed FEI President Princess Haya as its first president. The IHSC was founded by efforts between the FEI and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) in order to address and govern equestrian sports worldwide. [Horsetalk]
Video of the Day: Our friends at SmartPak never let us down! Check out their latest hilarious video, “If Horses Were People, part 2.” Be sure to watch “If Horses Were People, Part 1” and check out SmartPak’s spring sale!
