The stiletto ‘clackers’ are now ‘clompers’
Good Morning Eventing Nation! Can you believe we are already halfway through March? It always seems that the winter off-season months drag on forever and then spring, summer, and autumn are gone at the blink of an eye. The next few weeks will be busy with news from all the various events and eventers in their spring preparations, but at least for this morning there are quite a few non-eventing stories as well.
I’m pretty sure people in the fashion world make all their money by making designs and then describing, in lengthy but vague depictions, how their design was created off an ‘essence’ or ‘inspiration’ from some totally unrelated, and again vague, object, thing, or time period. At least that’s what you’d have to think when it comes to the latest design to hit the runway: horse hooves as high heels. Don’t spit your coffee on the keyboard, PITA, they are only imitations after all, £1,300 imitations that is. I can just imagine some hot shot young fashion designer saying to his employer, “Well I just feel these shoes are the perfect blend of contemporary, retro, with essences of Narnia.” [Daily Mail] and tip via Emily Daily.
In other British news, Alice Plunkett, wife of William Fox-Pitt but also renowned racing commentator, will be riding in a flat race on St. Patrick’s Day. The race is scheduled to take place at the famed Cheltenham course and will serve as a benefit for Cancer Research UK. According to this article from the Daily Star, “The riders [participating in the race], six men and six women, were selected from numerous applications represented from both England and Ireland.” It sounds like it will be a wonderful event for a great cause.
Its isn’t often that the occasion rises to name a hero in one of these posts, but I think today is the exception. Last Saturday at the Santa Anita Racecourse, 90 year old John Shears, serving as paddock guard at the time, threw himself in front of a young girl in an effort to protect the girl from the oncoming loose horse. Shears reacted at that perfect moment and ultimately saved the girl, but not without cost to himself. The injuries include a concussion, several fractures, including pelvic, internal bleeding as well as extensive bruising. Nevertheless, Shears condition was considered “stable” by doctors and close sources. I always wonder, upon hearing these kinds of stories, how many of us really would take action if faced in a similar situation, in the sort of selfless way John Shears did. Food for thought. [Horsetalk]
It can’t go without mentioning that the first long format event of the season will be hosted by Heart of the Carolinas. The event has been coined “the amateur rider’s dream” as riders of Beginner Novice, Novice, and Training level can all participate in the experience of a long format. The hosting facility, Southern Eights Farm, is a ‘300-acre venue with pristine turf, two steeplechase tracks, hand-groomed trails for roads and tracks, and superior cross-country courses designed by Tremaine Cooper.’ For more information visit the USEA website.
Discount ticket sales for the Carolina Cup end this upcoming Saturday. The 79th running of the Carolina Cup Steeplechase will take place on April 2nd, and is one of the big spring trademarks of steeplechase racing. Tickets are currently on sale for $30, but after this weekend that price will raise to $45. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Speaking of races, the National Steeplechase Association is testing out a new whip policy in an attempt to shift public perception of the humaneness of racing. The new policy would allow whips in the race in the event of a needed correction for the horse, but prohibit their use as a form of forward encouragement. The policy will be instated in the flat, training races that the steeplechasers use as practice, but already the policy is receiving mixed reviews. Many jockeys agree with trainer Matt McCarron’s line, “It’s not a good rule. It’s overkill. I think we [professionals] are sensible enough not to overuse our sticks.” There are many who argue the opposite case, but I think its fair to say that the rule change is causing a fair amount of stir to racing in general. [COTH] What are your thoughts, EN?
Horse and Hound had an interview with Blyth Tait, confirming the fact that he will be setting his sights on London 2012.
Mary King, the Queen of all things Eventing, will be participating in an Endurance race this spring. The race will take place in Exford, Somerset on May 15th. As Mary said about her participation, “I watched some of the Endurance competition at last year’s World Championships and was really impressed by the fitness of the horses and the courage of the riders. When I got the invitation I jumped at the chance!” [Horsetalk]
Best of the Blogs: Twin Rivers Video from Pura Vida Eventing.
Behind the scenes from the Badminton Blog
That’s all for now, Eventing Nation. See you soon and Go Eventing.
