It’s here, Eventing Nation: the first event of the season where EN will be providing live coverage! Samantha Clark is on site at Pine Top to bring you live reports, photos and videos from one of the first key events of the season. All the heavy hitters have come out to play, including Boyd Martin and Neville Bardos, Peter Barry and Kilrodan Abbot, Will Coleman and Twizzel, and Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice. It’s going to be a fantastic weekend, even if the rain clouds don’t go away. Stay tuned to Eventing Nation to get your Pine Top fix. Go eventing!
Events this Weekend:
Pine Top Farm [Website] [Entry Status/Times]
Ocala Horse Properties [Website] [Times] [Live Scores]
Your Friday News:
Mark Todd stole the show at the International Eventing Forum, where he gave a show jumping presentation on gymnastics and rideability. He began by using poles on the ground and gradually created different exercises that added and reduced the required number of strides. “The more adjustable your horse, the more options you have,” he said. [COTH]
The USEF High Performance Spring Training Sessions continue today in Ocala, with Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville kicking off the day at 8 a.m. If you would like to audit, please make sure to use the back gate (6500 NW 110th Reddick, FL 326886) for all training session parking and then follow the parking signs. Please be respectful of the lessons and the property.
The Aiken Standard published a really nice piece yesterday about Emily Beshear, who plans to ride Here’s To You at Rolex this spring. Emily and Quincy were named to the USEF National List this year, and will kick off their season with a run at intermediate this weekend at Pine Top. Best of luck to Emily this spring! [Aiken Standard]
Irish jump jockey Davy Russell is being hailed a local hero after he scared away thieves who were trying to steal diesel from a truck. Trainer Jimmy Mangan was driving to Kilkenny when a car swerved in front of him and forced him to pull over. Thieves jumped out of the car and proceeded to attempt to siphon diesel from the truck. But Davy passed by just then, jumping out of his own car to help. [Horse & Hound]
Today is the last day to vote for Eventing Nation and Horse Nation in the Equestrian Social Media Awards. Eventing Nation is nominated for Best Blog (category #17) and Best Use of Facebook (category #2), while Horse Nation is nominated for Best Newcomer (category #16). There are many other wonderful nominees worthy of your votes, so be sure to vote in other categories too. [ESMAs]
The British horse racing industry is facing criticism from the activist group Animal Aid after three horses died on racecourses Monday. One horse broke its neck, while two others suffered broken legs. Animal Aid said 105 horses have been killed on British tracks since last April’s Grand National. [Horsetalk]
The burger saga continues in Britain and Ireland, with new reports showing up to 80 percent horse DNA in meat found in Northern Ireland. An investigation is currently underway as to the source of the meat. In the meantime, Britain’s Food Standards Agency has removed the burgers in question from market shelves. [Horsetalk]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99Edis2mHf8
When jumping a 7’1″ wall goes wrong — as seen on Horse Nation
