With just over two months to go until action begins at Defender Burghley 2024, here’s a few snapshots of what is going…
Posted by Defender Burghley Horse Trials on Monday, July 1, 2024
This week, I’m trying my best to stop humming the Marseillaise and daydreaming of Paris for at least a few days, because I’m heading to one of the greatest events in the world – Germany’s CHIO Aachen, which brings together the very best of all the Olympic disciplines (and some besides – there’s also combined driving and vaulting on the go!) in a venue that can only reasonably be described as Disneyland for horsey folks. It’s an extraordinary place, with permanent stadiums, an equine walk of fame, stunningly maintained facilities, shopping that will make you have a little cry, and horses, as far as the eye can see. Perfect. No notes. I can definitely get my head out of the Paris clouds for a few days for that. Keep it locked onto EN this week for full reports from the eventing, starting with Thursday’s first horse inspection, and a closer look at how life unfolds in this special place.
Aachen this week, Paris in a few – and in the meantime, all the autumn events are hard at work getting ready for their own time in the spotlight. Derek di Grazia and his crew touched down in Burghley last week to start moving some timber, and judging by the pensive faces in the photos shared by the event, he’s cooking up something serious. It’s hard to imagine anything after the Olympics right now, but how lucky are we to have the likes of Burghley, Maryland, and Pau on the horizon to ease us out of our post-Paris blues?
Events Opening Today: The Event at Archer, Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club H.T. – Pending USEF Approval, Waredaca Farm H.T. – Pending USEF Approval, Hunter’s Run H.T.
Events Closing Today: The Event at Rebecca Farm, Course Brook Farm Summer H.T., Horse Park of New Jersey Horse Trials II, Full Gallop Farm July H.T., Applewood Farm YEH & Mini Event, Silverwood Farm Summer H.T.
Tuesday News and Notes from Around the World:
This week isn’t just about Aachen – it’s also a huge week for young riders. We’ll see the 2024 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships playing out at the Maryland International, and to celebrate the eve of this super showcase of the stars of the future, US Eventing has been catching up with some of its entrants, including 16-year-old Claire Allen, who’s loved making the move to the eventing world from hunter-land. Meet her here!
Just because I know we all love to stress ourselves silly with news of horses being horses, enjoy this nice little story of a horse fostering a little blackthorn like it’s a Tamagotchi he’s particularly fond of. I’m beginning to think they actually look for ways to rendezvous with their favourite vets.
The candidates for this year’s Thoroughbred Makeover are all in the thick of their season. COTH caught up with blogger Brit Vegas to find out how hers is getting on, and to unpack the importance of getting second-career Thoroughbreds out into the big wide world as much as possible. Even more than that, though, this is a poignant ode to pushing on when the road gets really, really tough.
Burnout is real, and it really, really sucks. If you’re a groom, it can be incredibly hard to manage, because time off is so rare – and so prevention is key. Top groom Anne-Marie Duarte shares her tips for looking after yourself even in the height of the season here.
Sponsor Corner: We’re in the final countdown to the start of the equestrian events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the excitement is mounting with every moment. Thanks to Kentucky Performance Products, EN is bringing you all the action. Read this article before the first rider leaves the startbox to get caught up on the logistics of all three phases.
Watch This:
Catch up with US chef d’equipe Bobby Costello after the US team’s mandatory outing:
