The side eye that never ends. Photo by Kate Samuels.
The end of blanket season in Virginia is upon us, but it definitely brings mixed emotions for me. I’m glad to see my happy shiny horses going out in the afternoon, and I’m delighted to see grass growing, but the knowledge of what comes the next day haunts me. It rained this week, which is great for the grass, but it means when I arrive at the barn in the morning, I’ll be greeted by a herd of mud pigs, and most likely will spend way too much time having to bathe everyone, just to turn them all out and do it again the next day.
U.S. Weekend Preview:
Ocala Winter II H.T. (Ocala, Fl.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Volunteer]
Pine Top Spring H.T. (Thomson, Ga.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]
News From Around the Globe:
Lauren Nicholson has ridden Landmark’s Monte Carlo since he was 3 and has ridden him at nearly every event he’s contested throughout his career. So as she headed out onto the CCI4*-S cross-country at the Red Hills International Horse Trials, she knew exactly what she needed to do to give “Patrick” the best preparation for his spring three-day. Patty tends to just run at the Intermediate level, to build his confidence, and also relies on an animal communicator to keep him feeling happy for his three-day events. [Get to Know Perfect Patty]
Ellie and Alex O’Neal, the husband/wife duo, are based out of Ocala, Florida where they train, source, sell, and breed top event horses out of Redtail Ridge Farm South. Not only do they compete at the upper levels of eventing but, they are also active competitors in the USEA YEH and USEA FEH. The O’Neals have an interesting breeding philosophy, and have been quite successful in producing both upper level horses as well as lower level amateur friendly mounts. [Behind the Redtail Breeding Program]
Trying to get more dapples? There is something deeply satisfying about having your horse bloom in dapples, and certainly a sign of good health and good care. Some key diet additions and husbandry can set you on your way to having the dappled pony of your dreams. [How to Get Dapples]
Podcast of the Day: Riding in College
Strides for Equality Equestrians is excited to announce that the application period is open for the Ever So Sweet Scholarship! Applications will be accepted online at www.Stridesforequality.org until April 15 and the recipient will be chosen by May 1 for the summer term which runs June-August at Sara Kozumplik’s Overlook Farm in Berryville, Virginia. It is made possible by Edy Rameika, Sara Kozumplik, and the USEA Foundation who have supported SEE from the very beginning. Without them this one of a kind program would not be possible! [Ever So Sweet Summer Scholarship]
