Remember this photo from Burghley 2011?
The USEF has special-ordered eight pairs of extra-strength adult diapers for the riders who’ll be representing the U.S. at this year’s Burghley Horse Trials, to be held August 31 – September 2. On the list:
- Will Faudree & Andromaque
- Sinead Halpin & Manoir de Carneville
- Sharon White & Rafferty’s Rules
- Marilyn Little-Meredith & RF Rovano Rex
- Erin Sylvester & No Boundaries
- Allison Springer & Arthur
- Kristi Nunnink & R-Star
- Kate Hicks & Belmont
Whatever you do, kids, don’t look down! [COTH]
A few other names on the 120-deep entry list you might recognize: Kristina Cook, Mary King, William Fox-Pitt, Mark Todd, Andrew Nicholson, Jonathan Paget, Caroline Powell, Christopher Burton, Dirk Schrade and Mark Kyle. [Burghley]
If some of Burghley’s cross-country jumps look strikingly similar to ones used at Greenwich Park, it’s not just a case of Olympic déjà vu. Three of the course’s most distinctive obstacles–“The Planet,” “The Sundials” and “The Olympic Horses” (the one shaped like a horseshoe, flanked by rearing horses made of horseshoes–hope you packed your big spurs, Allison!) will make an encore performance at Burghley. (Horse Talk NZ)
Elsewhere in Europe:
Ain’t no rest for the wicked… or Olympic team gold medalists. Just two weeks after London, Germany’s Ingrid Klimke bested the field in the third leg of the FEI World Eventing Cup held in Malmö, Sweden over the weekend, riding her Luhmühlen CIC*** winner Tabasco 70. Germany’s Dirk Schrade finished second aboard Hop And Skip, with Sweden’s Sara Algotsson-Ostholt rounding out the top three with Mrs. Medicott. Germany also claimed team and individual gold in the European Young Riders Eventing Championship, held in conjunction with the World Cup. [Horse Talk NZ]
The Belgian show jumper London, ridden by Gerco Schroeder in the 2012 Olympics to both individual and team silver medals, has been seized due to bankruptcy proceedings by the owners. Sources say the horse is being held at the stables of Team Great Britain gold medalist Ben Mahar until the situation is sorted out. [Examiner]
Back in the states:
Because eventing isn’t exciting enough, Plantation Field is giving spectators even more reasons to attend its autumn event, to be held September 21-23. Like… cross-country tailgating, a wine tasting area, a jousting demonstration, new shops and food booths, games and activities for the kids and–wait for it–a moonbounce and mechanical bull rides! Best. Event. Ever? [Website]
Hot on Horse Nation: Does pentathlon still have a place in the Olympics? Is it a relevant test of skill or an outdated, overly dangerous deathtrap? [Let’s Discuss]
