It’s been fun following Nox Martin, Boyd and Silva Martin’s 10-year-old son, as he explores riding (and takes to it quite naturally, if we say so). This weekend, Nox and Boyd’s 4* ride, Miss Lulu Herself (owned by Bonnie Stedt), took a spin around the Cheshire Hunter Trials!
Many thanks to Amy Dragoo for capturing and sharing the moment!
Photo via the Cheshire Hunter Trials on Facebook.
U.S. Events Opening Entries Today
U.S. Events Closing Entries Today
Waredaca Classic Three-Day & H.T. (MD); Bouckaert Equestrian International (GA); Windermere Run H.T. (MO); Hitching Post Farm H.T. (VT)
News & Reading
It’s a big week, with both the US Equestrian Open Final as well as Military Boekelo each playing key roles on the fall CCI4*-L calendar. You can get in on the action by selecting your EquiRatings Eventing Manager — and there’s some extra on the line this week! The highest combined total of points earned from these two events will net the winner some YETI goodies like a backpack cooler. All you have to do is sign up (for free!) to play Eventing Manager here. To add to the fun, you can join the official EN league by using code PCTD.
Curious about the USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP)? The USEA has instituted the ECP to help standardize coaching here in the U.S. and provide coaches with professional education and support. You can get some of your top questions about the program answered here.
We’re bidding a fond farewell to beloved equestrian author Jilly Cooper, who penned multiple classics situated within the horse world. Jilly passed away on October 5 following a fall at the age of 88. Jilly was the author of 44 books, including her first long novel, Riders, that sold over 11 million copies worldwide. She was awarded an MBE in 2004 for services to literature, and her legacy will continue to live on through her work. Read a tribute to Jilly and her storied (pun intended) career here.
At just 19 years old, Northern Ireland’s Soul-be Courtney has already crossed oceans, conquered challenges, and carved out a name for herself in the equestrian world. From teaching in Maine to chasing eventing dreams back home, her passion and determination shine in every stride. Don’t miss the story here.
Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products
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When it comes to picking hay for your horse, not all bales are created equal. The type of hay available, the maturity of the plant when it was harvested, and even the region where it was grown all play an important role in nutrition.
Different types of hay offer different benefits.
Grass hay like timothy, orchard grass, and fescue is typically higher in fiber but lower in calories per pound, and it tends to be low in essential vitamins such as vitamin E. Legume hay, like alfalfa and clover, provides more protein and calcium, is lower in starch and sugar, but is also low in vitamin E. Mixed hays will vary in nutritional value depending on the ratio of grasses to legumes.
Maturity matters.
As plants age, they produce more lignin, a fibrous component that gives the stalk strength but is indigestible to horses. Older hay with thicker stems and more seed heads will provide less energy and fewer nutrients than hay harvested earlier in its growth.
Soil plays a part.
Mineral levels in hay depend on the soil in which it’s grown, with selenium levels varying greatly across the country. Knowing what’s in your hay—and what’s missing—is key to keeping your horse healthy.
Because hay can often lack the vitamins and minerals horses need, Kentucky Performance Products created Micro-Phase—a tasty, low-calorie pellet that fills in those nutritional gaps by supplying the essential vitamins and trace minerals necessary for good health.
Learn more here.
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William Fox-Pitt on the Talk Horse podcast!
