The Grand Prix Arena and the Smart Pak Grand Prix at HITS, Thermal
I’m thrilled to welcome Dr Laura back to Eventing Nation with some news from Thermal, California. We’re becoming quite spoilt here at EN headquarters with our very own vet in residence, and we have already commissioned a specific piece from her, as well as making sure she answers readers’ comments and questions- Elizabeth, stay tuned! – and writes what she wants to as well, and all this on top of a more than full-time job at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. If you have anything you’d like Dr Laura to tackle, please submit your queries in the comments section below. Thank you as always to Dr Laura for sharing her time and knowledge so generously, and thank you for reading.
The clinic at HITS Thermal Showgrounds
Each year from January until March, HITS Thermal takes place and a few veterinarians from Hagyard Equine Medical get to leave the freezing temperatures and snow in Lexington to staff our clinic at the showgrounds. I was lucky to go for 10 days while a few of our other veterinarians had to be out of town. Our clinic has several treatment bays to work on horses and stalls to house any in-hospital patients.
The four treatment areas inside the clinic
The show has over 1000 horses here. Three Grand Prix events took place while I was there and are part of the path for riders to qualify for the World Cup and the AIG $1 million dollar award. Top showjumpers from the US, Canada, Mexico, South America, and even the Beerbaums from Germany are in attendance. There are even lots of eventers from the west coast and Canada that come to perfect their showjumping skills.
Canadian Eventer Sandra Donnelly and Eva. Photo courtesy of Marlene Bieri – thank you!
We basked in the near 80-degree, sunny days and felt a bit sorry for our co-workers enduring the snow at home. I also got to experience my first sand storm with 40 mph winds that knocked all of the portable bathrooms on their sides and masked the beautiful mountain view in a cloud of swirling sand. Many riders scratched that day as none of the jumps were staying upright.We see everything from emergencies, prepurchase exams, lamenesses, as well as routine health care while on the showgrounds. The other veterinarians on staff also provided chiropractic care and acupuncture to help the equine athletes perform at their best.
The horse inspections for the Grand Prix. The attire is very different from the jogs at events and many horses are presented by the grooms.
We also assist with the FEI horse inspections and are on hand right next to the grand prix arena in case any emergencies occur during the competitions. On the day of the second grand prix, 45 local pony clubbers toured the vet clinic, the farrier station, got to walk the GP course, and watch the event.
Grand Prix riders signing autographs for Pony Club members after the competition
They then enjoyed an autograph session with the riders after it was finished. Ashlee Bond pulled out the win at both FEI events that week. She had the only clear round on Saturday, giving her the win without a jump-off.
Back to back Grand Prix winner Ashlee Bond with me and fellow Hagyard vet, Dr. Annie Ubatuba
It is amazing to watch so many professionals and such amazing horses in such a short time. Now back to reality as foaling season is in full swing here in Lexington. I just hope I brought some of the sunshine and warmer temperatures back with me.
