Congratulations are in order for Kiwi rider Monica Spencer and her groom at Burghley, Michelle Koppin, on winning the Spillers Horse Care Prize for their efforts to keep Artist in top shape for his efforts toward an 11th place overall finish. Artist’s farrier, Russell Deering, also won The Worshipful Company of Farriers Best-Shod Award.
“The Spillers Horse Care Prize was judged by Bea di Grazia and recognises outstanding horse care, focusing on health, wellbeing, and welfare,” a social media post shared about the two prizes. “Bea, who has been judging since Wednesday’s first horse inspection, left no stone unturned in evaluating the care provided to each horse, both in and out of the arena. With the help of her dedicated team of spotters, this truly was a team effort to ensure the highest standards were met across the board. The Worshipful Company of Farriers Best-Shod Award examines the condition of the feet, the making (preparation) and fitting the shoe and nailing and position of the clips.”
U.S. Weekend Results
Five Points H.T. (NC): [Website] [Results]
Flora Lea Fall H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Scores]
CDCTA Fall H.T. (VA): [Website] [Scores]
Major International Events
Defender Burghley: [Website] [Scores] [Burghley TV] [EN’s Coverage]
News & Reading
Before we get to the rest of today’s links, we wanted to address the allegations of abuse lodged against CCI5* rider and Burghley competitor Andrew McConnon this weekend. We will be reporting on this developing story soon, so please know that it is on our radar, there are simply some steps of due diligence we are currently undertaking to ensure we are reporting with integrity. Check back soon.
Turning and finding distances are closely related, so how can you work on both at once? These tips from Practical Horseman can be useful to any rider.
Happy horses means giving them time to socialize and learn from one another. Does group or pasture turnout help with this? Most of us would agree, but what’s the reasoning behind this concept? Take a deeper dive here.
A real throwback for you this morning: some cross country footage from one Ian Stark and Murphy Himself, who enjoyed a storied career together back in the long format days of eventing. Watch it here.
A learner’s mind is a vital tool for any horse person. How can this open up additional opportunities in your riding and training? The Plaid Horse writer Beth Lindsay reflects on this here.
Video Break
Watch Ros Canter scoop the Burghley trophy with a clear show jumping round aboard Lordships Graffalo yesterday:
