The trees know what season it is. Photo by Maggie Deatrick.
Between going from no horses over the winter to having two to ride is a bit of a shock, and I was lucky enough to have some pleasant weather Saturday to break myself in. Unfortunately, that didn’t last long with squalling winds and storms coming in on Sunday and now I’m back to my winter scarf and hat. I usually love the cold, but even I start complaining this time of year. Please spring, won’t you come to stay?
U.S. Weekend Preview:
The Fork CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]
CDCTA Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]
Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]
Pine Hill Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]
Spring Bay H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]
A.P. Prime and Leah Lang-Gluscic are back for a second crack at completing their Rolex dream. After a fall in show jumping at The Fork last year put doubts into Leah’s mind, she followed her gut instinct at Rolex Kentucky, choosing to have A.P. Prime looked at after the dressage. One gut-wrenching ultrasound later, she chose to withdraw before cross-country, ending her Rolex dreams prematurely. This year she’s back, but now has a different take on things. She concentrates on letting her competitiveness shine at shows, instead of pushing the envelope in her daily work with A.P. [It’s All About Perspective]
The Thoroughbred Incentive Program is now offering awards for off-track Thoroughbreds with non-competitive careers! The T.I.P. Thoroughbred of the Year Award will recognize a Thoroughbred that has excelled in a non-competitive career, such as equine-assisted therapy or police work. The T.I.P. Young Rider of the Year Award recognizes young riders who own or lease a Thoroughbred for use in 4-H, Pony Club or other activities. Both awards come with a $5,000 grant towards a charity or college funds and are both open to apply for now. [Thoroughbred Incentive Program]
Clark Montgomery opens up to the Chronicle regarding his Olympic plans. The Chronicle of the Horse is following along with several Olympic hopefuls in the lead up to Rio, and are periodically checking in with Clark over in England. Loughan Glen is a strong contender for the eventing team and Clark details out what his daily work plan is and which shows they’ll be hitting up this season [Road to the Olympics]
Last month it was Andrew, this month it’s William. William returned to the competition scene this past weekend at Burnham Market, with his Rolex winners Cool Mountain and Parklane Hawk running in the Open Intermediate. Both horses had solid phases in the dressage and show jumping before taking their time across the country. [William Fox-Pitt Returns to Competition]
It’s not just eventers who are balking at three-horse teams. The jumpers have also unanimously rejected the idea to move the teams to three horses at the Olympics. Both jumpers and eventers cite safety concerns as a reason to avoid this change, while the FEI insists that all disciplines should be uniform. A possible compromise was suggested in the form of making the Olympics a CIC, to allow a stronger completion rate. However, no one is happy with the solution. [FEI and Riders in Deadlock]
If you’re a young rider, you could win a free entry to Galway Downs! Athletux is running an essay contest with an entry as the prize. If you’re a young rider, write an essay about how you manage school, extracurriculars, and eventing and send it in. The winner will receive a free entry and appear on Athletux’s blog as a featured rider. [Win a Free Galway Downs Entry]
SmartPak Product of the Day: With the arrival of a new horse in my string (of now two!), I had to acquire a new girth for his narrow frame. Enter the SmartPak Breathable Dressage Girth, which fit my budget while refusing to sacrifice on quality. This girth is half the cost of other comparable girths but is well-made, breathable, and comfortable. [SmartPak]
Amber Levine and Carry On won the Copper Meadows Advanced a few weeks ago.
