After one of the longest days I had had in a very long time, I came home to an email that sparked my energy in a fun way. Like most eventers, I love a challenge. I love a chance to do physical activity. And if it involves fire, mud, and lots of guys and muscles, I’m really interested. Tough Mudder is a competition that spreads over far too many miles with far too many nearly impossible seeming exercises. What better way to build relationships then breaking through your frustrations in muddy pools with thousands of people you don’t know. If there is anyone out there that wants to put together a team, hit us up at EN. I just signed up John tonight. Ali will be attending as well considering her love to be dirty and not showering.
Now on to the news:
As John mentioned yesterday, the senior squad has been named for the European Championships in August. With some very familiar faces on the team, twenty-one year old, Laura Collett, should take comfort in knowing she has some well practiced noggins to look to when in need of advice. It is a real challenge to make a senior team. But for a 21 year old in Great Britain? Nearly impossible. I can’t wait to see how Laura does on her senior squad debut. Laura said she was extremely excited to be taking her junior/young rider to her first senior competition. That is the kind of partnership needed to win medals. Watch out world, Laura Collett is stepping up to the big time. [Sporting Life, Horse and Hound]
It’s getting that time. American Eventing Championship time! Who’s planning on going? This year will be no let down with hundreds of great prizes and some serious money to be won. With nearly $70,000 to be distributed among the top six in each division, how can you resist not going? The Advanced class, which is also a Gold Cup point division, will receive more Gold Cup points than any other Gold Cup division throughout the year. There are many generous sponsors who will give many generous prizes. EN favorite, FLAIR, will be on hand to supply many top place finishers with FLAIR strips.
For the first time ever, three sisters will be representing Canada (ey) at the NAJYRC. Two of the sisters, Kristin and Anneka, will be riding with sister, Mariah, grooming. Three complete teams and one individual (total of 13 competitors) will be representing Canada at NAJYRC. Best of luck to everyone at NAJYRC. It is a huge accomplishment to make it to the competition. [Sutton Sisters]
There are efforts being made to improve the riding portion of the modern pentathlon. In the modern pentathlon, riders do not compete on their own horses. Instead, they are given just fifteen minutes to get acquainted to their mount before competing at 1.20 meters. This is unlike any other equestrian discipline at the Olympics. Great Britain is making efforts to find suitable horses from top show jumping yards. The standards are high at the Olympics and this means top class horses must be made available for these riders. [Modern Pentathlon]
Lauren is off to Dressage at Lexington this weekend. And as she mentions in her blog (and for those of you who have been to the Virginia Horse Center) it is a very sprawled out facility. Now, with a busy schedule, Lauren prepares for the weekend with a great purchase. Well maybe. Lauren, I suggest roller blades. There would be nothing more interesting than rolling out of control right down the MASSIVE hill and into the Wiley Arena. Please give it a try for a little excitement. [Lauren Sprieser]
And for more eventers dancing… [go here]. I think John’s favorite man, Clayton and his wife can be spotted.
Now if there is a tough mudder in any of you:
Happy Thursday everyone! Go eventing.
