This time of year should be easy and fun, with parties and candy and Christmas movies. While I do get all three, I also get dumped on at work since everyone else realizes they have to use their vacation or lose it before the end of the year. Meanwhile I use all my vacation time as any sane person would, going to horse shows throughout the year. Obviously my way is the right way but instead of sitting on the couch watching The Santa Clause and It’s a Wonderful Life while stuffing my face with cookies and eggnog, I am sitting at work stuffing my face with cookies and candy.
U.S. Weekend Preview:
Trying to stay warm and dry is the only thing on the agenda.
Your Wednesday News & Notes:
With cross country on hiatus, we have to get our adrenaline inducing videos elsewhere. Enter the puissance competition. Horse & Hound has collected a set of videos representing the record help in Britain, the puissance wall record, the bareback puissance wall record, and of course, the infamous Chilean horse Huaso who holds the world record of 8′ 1″. [Nerves of Steel]
British Eventing has joined other national federations in banning non-protective headwear in the dressage phase. Although still legal in FEI competition, as in the United States, top hats and hunt caps will no longer be permitted for national level competitions in Great Britain. [British Eventing Calls Time]
Valegro may be retiring but don’t expect Charlotte Dujardin to sit on her laurels. With a whole string of horses coming up the levels, Charlotte is looking forward to proving she is capable of producing multiple team horses. While she admits none of them may ever top Valegro, she still has a busy schedule ahead as she aims to make the WEG team in 2018…and perhaps take the time to get married. [Charlotte Dujardin Looks Ahead]
Alan Davies has had the experience of a lifetime, traveling all over the world with Uthopia and Valegro. Alan has been able to watch not only the horses grow and change throughout their career but has witnessed Charlotte blossom from shy to self-assured as she became an Olympic champion. [Groom Spotlight]
SmartPak Product of the Day: For anyone who knows a horse crazy kid who is just itching to start riding, I’ve found the perfect gift! SmartPak bundles a helmet, paddock boots, and gloves all in children’s sizes together for one low price. This is the perfect start kit for a budding equestrian…although it may be prudent to get the permission of their parents first! [SmartPak]
Wednesday Video: Why do top professionals choose footing from Attwood Equestrian Surfaces?
Good Footing – Attwood Equestrian Surfaces from Bold Horse Media on Vimeo.
