I don’t think I emphasized this enough in my wrap-up of FENCE Horse Trials yesterday, so I’ll state it outright here: The real star of the show was 10-year-old Emma Hay, who finished in 8th place on her dressage score in a large, competitive Open Novice division.
Emma and her intrepid mount, a 24-year-old Connemara gelding named St. Patrick, delighted spectators throughout the weekend with their grit and style. She even narrowly edged out her talented sister Katie, age 13, who was also in Open Novice A–mom Anne Baskett took fourth in Open Novice B.
I caught up with Emma after showjumping to see how she thought her weekend went and she was all smiles. “Patrick is such a good jumper,” she said, petting her pony’s nose. We chatted a bit about her goals, at which point Emma declared, “I would go Advanced if I was old enough!”
We see big things in your future, Emma–be patient and keep up the good work!
Events Opening Today:
Poplar Place Farm June H.T. (Georgia, A-3), GMHA June Horse Trials (Vermont, A-1), Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring Horse (New York, A-1), IEA Horse Trials, Classic Training & Novice 3-Day (Indiana, A-8), The Colorado Horse Park CCI1*, T3D & Horse Trials (Colorado, A-9), Waredaca H.T. (Maryland, A-2), Queeny Park H.T. (Missouri, A-4)
Events Closing Today:
Riga Meadow Combined Test (Connecticut, A-1), MCTA H.T., Inc (Maryland, A-2), Heart of the Carolinas 3-Day Event (South Carolina, A-3), Poplar Place Farm May H.T. (Georgia, A-3), CIC2*/CIC1* Weatherford and Greenwood Farm, Inc. H.T. (Texas, A-5), Penny Oaks H.T. (Indiana, A-8)
Speaking of Future Superstars: Twelve-year-old Mallory Hogan of Tiburon, California, took home top honors in the SmartPak USEA Classic Series Novice Three-Day at Twin Rivers over the weekend. Congrats, Mallory! Whitney Tucker and Chavez Ravine won the Training Three-Day, Katy Groesbeck and Oz Poof of Purchase won the one-star, and Jolie Wentworth and Governess won the two-star. [USEA]
Countdown to Badminton: Eventing Worldwide gives a guided tour of the Hugh Thomas-designed cross-country course, with insight into the challenges presented by each obstacle. [Eventing Worldwide]
Rolex Equestrian Championships… Presented by Land Rover: Land Rover has stepped up its sponsorship of the 2013 Rolex event by becoming a presenting sponsor. In its new role, it will honor the top U.S. rider who comes closest to the optimum time on the cross country course with no jumping penalties by awarding a 24-month lease of a 2013 Range Rover Evoque to the winner of the “Land Rover Best Ride of the Day.” [USEF]
A Good Weekend: Italian eventer Vittoria Panizzon dominated the Grantham Cup CIC3* at the Belton International Horse Trials, taking first aboard her London Olympic mount Borough Pennyz, and sweeping third and eight places as well. [Horse Talk NZ]
Best of the Blogs: Jennie Brannigan might have Rolex on the brain, but she hasn’t succumbed to tunnel vision. In her latest Chronicle blog entry she writes, “In the end, it isn’t just about enjoying riding the ‘big’ horses at the upper levels—it’s about enjoying the sport, the up-and-comers, and the journey that it takes to get each one there.” [COTH] Meanwhile, on the other side of the pond, Lucy Jackson blogs about preparing for Badminton with her two horses, Matinee Du Madon and Animator II. [Horse & Hound]
SmartPak Product of the Day: Do you wear your love for SmartPak on your sleeve? You can do so literally with a SmartPak Long Sleeve Wicking Shirt, perfect for warding off that dreaded farmer’s tan while keeping you cool and dry. [SmartPak]
Video: It’s time to get excited.
Cavalor will be hosting a lot of fun events this year at Rolex including a course walk with Will Coleman Friday afternoon and a Sip N’ Sign Saturday afternoon with all their sponsored riders attending Rolex! Follow them on Facebook or updates and times to go get an Olympian’s perspective on the cross-country course and then sip some champagne or sweet tea while meeting some of your favorite riders!
