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I love seeing eventers in unlikely places, and Italian Olympian Vittoria Panizzon riding through the streets of London is definitely one of those things! What a seriously cool opportunity — for her, and for the lucky folks who’ll be benefitting from a marvellously tuned-up mount after her schooling efforts.
Events Opening Today: Pine Top Intermediate H.T., Rocking Horse Winter II H.T.
Events Closing Today: Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks, Ram Tap Combined Test,
Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:
The future of Canadian eventing is looking bright. Get to know 24-year-old Shelby Brost, who’s got her sights set on next year’s Pan-American Games and then, she hopes, a crack at the Olympics. [Oh, Canada]
Though it’s been faintly divisive, with some women fairly pointing out that you can want horses and babies, I love this cartoon series from the New Yorker. As a woman who has no desire to have kids of my own, horses have become my big, goofy, expensive babies – and while loving something with a relatively short lifespan comes with its own stresses and heartbreaks, I know I’ve made the right call. [Read this one if you feel the same]
Australian showjumping had a very merry Christmas indeed. A cash injection of nearly $1.5 million has pushed the Magic Millions show into the spotlight well outside the horse world — and could be a huge boon for the country’s equestrian industry. [Money, money, money]
Still feeling those post-Pratoni pangs? Relive the excitement — and the drama, and the nerves — with the US team, whose silver medal was one of the standout moments from the competition. [The week the pieces fell into place]
You know what would really float my boat? Wearing a pair of rust breeches with a brown boot to event in. I know, I know — hardly a revolutionary idea to you yanks. But it’s not really been a thing here in England, and it’s a look that makes me weak at the knees. But even as clothing rules loosen up, it feels a bit as though it’s up to the pros to lead the way and be bold in their clothing choices so we can all follow suit. [Buy the funky coloured coat]
OHP Dream Farm of the Week:
One of my favourite parts of every week is going horse farm window shopping — and this week, I think I’ve finally found my absolute dream farm. One of the best things about the yard I live on at the moment is that we’ve got separate dressage and jumping rings, which means we’re able to keep courses and exercises up 24/7 but also run through tests whenever we like, and at this point, I’d be hard pushed to want to downgrade to one ring and all the heavy lifting that comes with it. This newly-listed farm not only has two arenas — it also has plenty of turnout space, a handy courtyard stabling set-up, and a beautiful layout that’s been designed to be as functional as it is impressive. This place will make someone very, very happy.
Watch This:
Not ready for the holidays to be over? Let this bit of pure insanity change your mind.
