Cross country at the Melbourne International CCI4*-L is running as we speak type, so hear from the leading riders for their thoughts on this year’s track!
One thing we always love about our Aussie friends’ competitions is how much the OTTB is represented at the events down under. According to Racing Victoria, “retired racehorses will account for 44% of the equine competitors over the long weekend, further highlighting the growing influence of thoroughbreds across a range of equestrian disciplines and reinforcing their suitability for successful careers beyond racing. “The MI3DE will once again feature a range of initiatives designed to celebrate the versatility, athleticism and adaptability of the thoroughbred, while providing competitors and spectators with opportunities to learn more about the many options available to retired racehorses in their life beyond the track.”
The Off The Track Community platform is not only a sponsor of several divisions at Melbourne, but also presented an Off The Track Masterclass Saturday evening, “which will provide the audience with valuable insights on how to transition the thoroughbred into its performance career. The session, which invites the top three placegetters from the Rising Stars class to participate, will be MC’d by Equestrian Australia High-Performance Director Will Enzinger and will also feature commentary and analysis from Zaaki’s former trainer Annabel Archibald and Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne, who recently joined RV’s OTT Program as an Acknowledged Rehomer.”
Read more about the OTTB contenders here, and make sure to watch all the Melbourne action (or rewatch, if you’re stateside with us) here on Horse & Country.
Major International Events This Weekend
MARS Bromont CCI4*-L (CAN): [Website] [VIP Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream – ClipMyHorse.TV] [Live Stream – Bromont YouTube] [EN’s Coverage]
Melbourne International CCI4*-L (AUS): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]
Grandorse Eventing Kronenberg CCI4*-S (NED): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
US Events This Weekend
Windermere Run HT (MO): [Facebook] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Apple Knoll Farm HT (MA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Middleburg HT (VA): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]
Revel Run HT I (MI): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Other Links and Reading
- Building a Better Topline: What Your Horse May Really Be Missing
- British rider loses out on significant win after cross-country optimum time is altered – twice
- ‘It’s about opening doors’: new BE Lite initiative to encourage people into eventing
- Humanity Over Vanity: Rethinking Horse Welfare in Clipping and Grooming
Training Tip of the Day
If half-halts still trip you up, watch and listen to Laura Graves unique rundown here:
Go Eventing
Horse Rule #172: Always be wary if there’s a suspicious carrot bin just lying about:
