Who’s that guy, and why is he jumping a fence? Today’s photo, contributed by our friend Alec Thayer, features a retired champion steeplechase trainer with a very interesting hobby.
Michael Dickinson is a former professional jockey, trainer and British Steeplechasing Hall of Fame inductee. He has five entries in the Guinness Book of World Records, including saddling 12 winners in one day and training the first five finishers in the 1983 Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Kentucky Derby of steeplechasing. In the late ’80s Dickinson emigrated to Maryland, where he became the developer of the Tapeta artificial racing surface. He retired from racing in 2007.
Now, at age 72, Dickinson has invented a new means of entertaining himself: He runs alongside the Cheshire Foxhunt for the duration of their outings, typically three to four hours, sprinting through the mud and jumping all the fences.
Alec explains, “I was talking to him yesterday and he was telling me how he has gone so far as to build a hurdle on the front lawn–and practices jumping it on foot at least 30 jumps a day–and he recently relocated it into his barn during the cold months. This picture captures Michael demonstrating his love for the sport with field masters Mary Ellen DeRuschi and Stevie Hayes.”
Thanks for sharing, Alec!
Events Opening Today
Southern Pines H.T. II (NC, A-2), Poplar Place Farm March H.T. (GA, A-3)
Events Closing Today
Pine Top Spring Advanced HT (GA, A-3)
Road to Rolex: Rolex Kentucky has released its roster of featured riders for 2013, each of which will maintain a journal on rk3de.org chronicling their journey to the event. The riders are Jennie Brannigan with Cambalda, Will Coleman with Twizzel and Sinead Halpin with Manoir de Carneville. Additionally Stephen Blauner, part-owner of Neville Bardos and Trading Aces, will be a featured owner. [US Eventing]
A Safer Sport: Horse Talk NZ had a good roundup of the FEI’s sixth annual Risk Management Seminar, held in Rome Jan. 26-27. A number of topics were discussed, including concussions, national qualifying procedures, air vests, frangible devices and the rise in arena eventing competitions. It was also noted that the ratio of falls to starters has been steadily decreasing since data began being collected in 2004. [Horse Talk NZ]
Team Great Britain: Updated World Class performance lists have been released by Team Great Britain for the Olympic equestrian disciplines. Aimed at providing support for elite horse/rider combinations, riders on the lists have access to team vets, farriers and physiotherapists and receive funding to help with travel expenses, stabling at competition overseas and veterinary issues. The new eventing list includes Charlotte Agnew, Jodie Amos, Laura Collett, Georgie Davies, Emily Llewellyn and Harry Meade. [H&H]
Destination Bromont: Dates for the June events at Bromont have been announced. The Bromont CCI will be held June 6-9 with Little Bromont to follow June 15-16, offering Beginner Novice through Prelim levels. [Bromont’s Facebook Page]
Show Jumping Practice Opportunity: Southern Cross Equestrian in Reddick, Fla. is hosting a schooling jumper show on Wednesday, Feb. 6. Classes start at 8:30 a.m. with Novice-height fences, to be raised throughout the day to as high as anyone wishes to jump. Classes are $25–do two rounds, and the third is free per horse. The course is held on excellent Wordley Martin footing. Sounds like fun! [PDF]
Rock the Vote: A friendly reminder to cast your votes for the 2013 Equestrian Social Media Awards before February 8! Eventing Nation is a finalist for “Best Blog” and “Best Use of Facebook,” while Horse Nation is a finalist for “Best Newcomer.” EN karma is real! Go vote! [ESMA]
Meanwhile In Dressageland: Anne Gribbons reflects on the highs and lows of her past three years as coach of the U.S. dressage team. [Dressage-News]
Best of the Blogs: Talkinghorse.net posted an interesting recap of the 2013 International Eventing Forum, held yesterday in Gloucestershire, England. Riding sessions were led by Ian Woodhead (dressage), Mark Todd (show jumping) and David O’Connor (cross-country).
Video: Can’t get enough Budweiser Clydesdale? Check out the extended version of the 2013 Superbowl ad.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPG7PcI67dE
