We had a great Monday on Eventing Nation with Samantha’s interview with Jimmy Wofford–which was made an instant ‘Best of EN.’ Jimmy truly is a remarkable horseman, and I get inspired every time I hear him talk. He has been a great friend to Eventing Nation and we really appreciate him taking the time to give us the interview. Our hope is to hear from all of the coaching candidates (that we know about) over the next few weeks. It’s going to be a busy Tuesday so let’s jump into your news and notes:
—Mid-morning Update: TheHorse.com writes about the Eriksson trainer liability case, and H&H is asking for survey responses on apprenticeship
–Speaking of coaching candidates, I have spent a lot of time ‘kicking the tires’ so to speak in Ocala and Aiken, and I am convinced that there are 8 or 9 applicants for the job. As I have been saying, there are a few who haven’t been made public–which is both reasonable and maddening. My guess is that we will hear about a short list in less than a month.
–The Make a Wish 2nd annual charity Equine Challenge will take place February 14th in Ocala. 10 eventers and show jumpers will switch places with “reined cow horse riders,” who are only slightly less talented than unreined cow horse riders. At any rate, Buck, David, Karen, Lainey, and Peter Atkins are all signed up, and the event will take place at the Ocala Equestrian Complex. Horses beware: Pat Parelli will also be there. Be sure to go out and support a great cause on Valentines Day. Samantha will be there to report for us. [Samantha’s blog]
—Denny takes a 50 year retrospective on sport horses [COTH]
–Most of Monday at the Aiken training sessions was spent at the ICP symposium at Paradise Farm, with Phillip and Mark coaching and a few of the training list riders participating. Today it’s back to Three Runs Plantation for more lessons with Uncle Mark.
–Turkmenistan’s president has decreed that beauty contests should be held each year for the country’s horses. Apparently, the competition will take place every April and President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov is an avid horseman. The competition will also feature an award for the best carpet featuring a horse. I know what you are thinking–if John is ever going to make something up, this has to be it. [BBC]
–Jackie at Regarding Horses hates it when people punish their horses for their lack of training. I couldn’t agree more. Ultimately our horses are what we make them and their actions are a reflection of our training, so we should kick ourselves just as hard as our horses if something starts going wrong. [Regarding Horses]
–Elly Schobel was at the Aiken training sessions [COTH]
—Jack and Jill have lots to report from their new home [The Adventures of Jack and Jill]
–Linda Allen takes a look back at 2010 for US show jumping. The Chronicle gets three links today, which is usually an honor only bestowed to Horsetalk by Annie. [COTH]
–It’s good news for donkeys in Hawaii; their sterilization plans have been delayed. That’s always a good day and cause for much rejoicing. [Horsetalk]
–It might be a bit early to talk about this, but what should we do for this year’s April Fools Day joke? Last year’s EN April fools was that Chattahoochee Hills would be hosting the world’s first 5* and I heard about that one for weeks after the fact. I’m pretty sure that one EN reader who left for their 12 month trip to Siberia on April 2nd, 2010 still thinks Chattahoochee is hosting a 5*.
–The Pine Top spring advanced event is the only USEA horse trials that closes today. The Poplar Place March HT and Southern Pines 2 HT both open today, so be sure to get your entries in early because both of those events fill up quickly.
For your Super Bowl withdrawal:
That’s all for now. ESJ apparently ran into the new Australian eventing team leader Prue Barrett while shopping yesterday and set up an interview that we will post today. Until then, be sure to visit Ecogold, whose blog is so good that it makes me jealous sometimes. Wherever you may be, thanks for making Eventing Nation part of your day. See you soon…
