Colleen Rutledge and “Luke” finished 16th at the Luhmühlen CCI**** over the weekend. They’re pictured here at The Fork, by Samantha.

If there’s one philosophy I’ve learned in my years training with Colleen Rutledge, it’s that nine times out of 10 (or maybe even 10 out of 10), the issues I encounter are byproducts of my own blunders—not my horse’s. But if there’s one thing I’ve guessed, it’s that, in addition to Colleen’s years of hard work rehabilitating horses and training with the best of the best (Jim Wofford was ringside at Luhmühlen), her foremost model in this philosophy is Luke. Out cross-country schooling in Aiken last year, when my mare and I were overcoming a drop issue, Colleen put it this way: “Luke never understood drops until I stopped looking down at them.” And you know? I’m not sure if it was the actual practice of lifting my eyes or the inspirational power of a Rolex-bound horse overcoming a similar obstacle, but our drop issue disappeared pretty quickly.

Because Luke holds a certain inspirational power for some of us, Colleen’s students, trainers and fans—and especially Colleen herself. Around the barn, she talks of him as of an old professor, always teaching her this, helping her solidify that, fortifying her already tough mental game.

To watch them jump is a spectacle. In the grandstands at Rolex last year, I distinctly remember an audible, communal crowd-gasp as they cleared the first show jump—not because they jumped badly, but because folks had never before seen the way Luke’s body swings into the air and soars there, freakishly airborne, as if bewinged.

Jim Wofford reported Luke’s antics at Luhmühlen, how he “skipped around” and “etched across the sky” like ET and “trotted up like Mr. Twinkletoes.” And at last: “I am flying home tomorrow and stopped off in the stables to see him before I left, but he was already taking a nap, so I tiptoed out. Colleen and I agree we are lucky to even be breathing the same air as Luke.”

That Luke and Colleen have been left off the lists is a shame. To be around the two of them, at the barn or an event or clinic, is not to be around a fussy four-star rider and her pampered champion. It’s to be in the company of someone who believes her horse will take her, however briefly, away from life’s often-hapless cacophonies and on to great places, and then does everything she can to make that dream a reality. Which is to say, Colleen’s never lost sight of why she started riding in the first place.

If you haven’t, allow yourself a moment to read Jim’s notes from Luhmühlen on his Fox Covert Farm Facebook page. They’re unsurprisingly beautifully written, and will make you feel you were there.  [Fox Covert]

In other Luhmühlen news, Michael Jung wasn’t fooling around (I don’t think he does that?): He won both the CIC*** and CCI**** before being named to Team Germany’s A Squad.  [CIC3* Results] [CCI4* Results] [Team Germany] [FEI]

Weekend Results from Eventing USA:

At Seneca Valley, a recurring theme: Sally Cousins won all the intermediate divisions. Corinne Frankel and Loose ‘n Cool, Lauren Kieffer and Czechmate, and Kristin Bachman and Lucky Little Spy topped preliminary divisions.[Scores]

Ryan Wood brought home double blues from Bucks County, jumping clean with Life is Good and Ned Kelly to win the PT and OT, respectively. [Scores]

At Lost Hounds, Kelly Sult and Montgomery topped the intermediate with a 33.6; Jennifer O’Neill and That’ll Do II jumped clean, moving from fourth to first at preliminary. [Scores]

Dana Widstrand and Relentless Pursuit won Full Gallop’s intermediate, and Lindsay Staiano Williams and Triumph II were the prelim victors. [Scores]

At Silverwood, both Helmut Schrant and Stoney Run’s White Diamond, and Bailey Gilbert and Bentley won at training; Carly Moreau and Understated, Kristine Chapman and Clean Slate II, and Zoey Gudger and I Spy each won a novice division. [Scores]

Big congrats to the beginner novice winners at Larkin Hill, including Leah Griffith and Catactic, Carol Drake and Ariston-Rock, Mei Lan Fogarty and Jumping Jack Flash, and Liam Palacios and Ferdinand the Bull. [Scores]

To the Round Top victors: Many congratulations! May your accomplishments be unabridged by my failure to find them online.

Lots of big Olympic equestrian team news this weekend: Boyd’s Remington XXV’s was made the 12th horse on the eventing short list, joining Neville and Otis en route to England. (For a clarification of the set-up and evolution of the eventing list, check out John’s post from yesterday.) [USEF]

Dressage Olympic selection trials wrapped at Gladstone, where Steffen Peters was named on two horses, Legolas and Ravel, in the top five. Ann Romney’s Rafalca, ridden by Jan Ebeling, also made the cut. Tina Konyot, Adrienne Lyle and Todd Flettrich round out the top six. [USEF]

Our Olympic show jumpers have also been nominated, including 17-year-old phenom Reed Kessler. She joins Rich Fellers, Beezie Madden, McClain Ward and Charlie Jayne on the team. [USEF]

The Los Angeles Times got in on the Boyd & Neville story: “He was a little bit of an excited, fiery horse. And they’re hard horses to sell,” remembers Martin, who liked the animal partly because he, too, was half American, half Australian. “So I just kept on working with him every day. And it took a long time for me to actually think that this might be something special.” [LA Times]

Nick Skelton, OBE: The top British show jumper was named an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for “services to the equestrian sport” as denoted in the Queen’s birthday honours list. [Horse & Hound]

Good one, ABC News Blog: “The Romneys won’t just be attending the 2012 Summer Olympics in London: They now have a horse in the race.” [ABC]

Best of the Blogs: Boyd’s supergroom Lindsey Taylor’s hands are full with three horses on the England flight. They should arrive at their destination around 9pm tonight. Good luck & safe travels, Neville, Otis, Remi and Lindsey! [Boyd’s Blog]

Horse Junkies United caught up with Reed Kessler just after she learned she’d made team. [HJU]

Our Triple Crown may be over, but England’s Royal Ascot Week is just gearing up. What’s the Royal Ascot, you wonder? You’re in luck: The Vault brings us all the top picks and info we could want. [The Vault]

When it’s the Olympics you’re targeting, do you need a fire built under you? Because it puts Will Faudree and Andromaque in a unique position, left off the plane by Monday’s Short List only to receive the call-up yesterday. Certainly, Monday and Tuesday nights were long in the Faudree household, but also maybe fortuitous? Because I have this feeling they’re going to prove something big at Barbury.

And on the subject of Barbury, word on the street is that extra, unaffiliated FEI 4* dressage and jumping rounds may be on offer pending interest. The rounds would follow the international tests, allowing competitors to ride the same horse and get in some additional, perhaps critical ring time.

Luhmühlen CIC*** dressage was yesterday (surprise: Michael Jung is winning) and CCI**** dressage is today (Colleen rides at 9:33am local time/3:33am ET, Peter at 9:57am/3:57am, Boyd at 11:34am/5:34am, and Julian at 2:45pm/8:45am). Follow @Luhmuhlen2012 on Twitter for updates throughout. FEI TV will broadcast Saturday and Sunday’s jumping phases for a fee. [3*] [4*]

Events This Weekend:

Silverwood Farm Spring HT

Seneca Valley Pony Club Spring HT

Lost Hounds HT

Round Top HT

Full Gallop Farm HT

Bucks County Horse Park HT

Larkin Hill HT

Olympic dressage judge Linda Zang, ringside at many three-days this spring, will continue her coaching ways at the London Games. Zang told Dressage News: “As a judge, I can provide a different perspective for dressage that, as we all know, has become so important in eventing.” [DN]

Richard Thompson, 1930 –2012: “After serving as a Three-Day Eventing competition volunteer at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California, Mr. Thompson then became the Discipline Manager for Three-Day Eventing at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia.  He was also the Manager of the Competitions Communications Center at the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Lexington, Kentucky.  Equestrian participation, community advocacy, and charitable endeavors were endemic to Mr. Thompson.”  [USEA]

Aid Rebecca and Riddle Master’s quest to London: A Hit Air vest, golf rounds, painted portrait, etc, are up for grabs in a silent auction ending tonight at 5pm. [Go Rebecca]

Having raised over £200,000 for spinal research—four times her stated goal—by walking the London Marathon, paralyzed eventer Claire Lomas is now planning a London>Paris cycle trip via a “bike powered by her legs and arms” next spring. Claire, you’re continually inspiring. [Horse & Hound]

Gearing up for next year’s Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs has abandoned the graded earnings system in favor of points-based qualification. Under new rules, 3-year-old stakes races during the six-week lead-up to the Derby are prioritized, none of which are less than a mile, and all but one of which are run on dirt. [DRF]

Invoking safety and welfare rules, the USEF has temporarily suspended Amber Hill Farm’s Elizabeth Mandarino in connection with the death of Humble, a small pony, at the Devon Horse Show last month. [USEF]

The Southeastern Conference recently voted to give equestrian league-sponsored status, meaning schools like Auburn, Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina and Texas A&M will go head to head in their own conference championship. [Athens Banner-Herald]

Piggy French loves cheese and onion crisps. And David Beckham. [Horse & Country]

Best “Exponential” Headline Use: Uxbridge’s Jessica Phoenix looking for Exponential gains at Olympics

Hot on HN: Discussion of Horsey Hotspots; Horses doing the Darndest Things.

Best of the Blogs: Francis Whittington reports Luhmühlen’s four-star track looks “inviting,” the ground “firm.” He’ll enter at A on Easy Target at 11:50am local/5:50 am ET today. [Whittington Eventing]

“A great man is always willing to be little.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson on William Fox-Pitt. Image via Bramham Park Twitter.

The USA swept Bromont, WFP won some three-star divisions, Team Canada’s been named, a Bob Baffert horse ran second again—it’s been a crazy weekend in horse sports, and Olympic Fever’s only just starting to heat up (Team USA’s announcement is expected today). Scroll down for lots more from Bromont, and check Samantha’s blog for all things Bramham.

[Bromont Scores]

[Bramham Scores]

Elsewhere in Eventing USA:

At Aspen Farm, Kristi Nunnink and R-Star won the intermediate, and Devin Robel and Manxome moved from third to first in the Open Preliminary, adding no jumping penalties to their score. [Scores]

Julie Wolfert and Buenos Dias topped Queeny Park’s preliminary; Laurel Bond and Legend won Training A, and Madeline Johnson and Royal Frenchman took Training B. [Scores]

Avery Klunick’s In It To Win It certainly was, topping the Texas Rose OI. [Scores]

At Spring Run, Selena Pape and Vanity jumped clean to top the I/P, and Jordan Coy and McPherson won the OP. [Scores]

Barb Crabo and Over Easy won Copper Meadows’ OI, and Tamra Smith and Boomerang were the OP winners. [Scores]

Christian Eagles and Gisele led Arrowhead’s prelim, while Mindy Groth-Hussey and Oso Mighty won convincingly at training. [Scores]

At Valinor, Alison Eastman-Lawler and Otto Rocket topped the prelim/training; Alysson Siopes and Collector’s Edition won Training A, and Barbara Cassani and Red Hot/Herold Training B. [Scores]

Jenny Caras and Fernhill Stowaway, Courtney Cooper and Who’s A Star, and Jason Racey and The Dodger all topped prelim divisions at Plantation. [Scores]

Special EN shout-out to the Derbyshire winners. You’re all awesome. [Website]

After top-five CIC*** finishes at Bramham, Andrew Nicholson and Caroline Powell’s London chances are looking good. “Lenamore felt fantastic,” Powell told the Otago Daily Times. “We are one step closer to Greenwich and he absolutely adored this weekend. [ODT]

Olympic dressage selection trials are underway in New Jersey, where Steffen Peters leads the field on second-choice mount Legolas (Ravel was given special permission to skip the trials). [Equisearch Postcard]

Reed Kessler, 17, won the Spectra Energy Cup at Spruce Meadows aboard Cylana, furthering her own Olympic ambitions. [Toronto Sun]

“After I’ll Have Another returned to his barn and his trainer, Doug O’Neill, to his seats, the stage belonged to the 11 horses that were left to try to endure Belmont’s mile-and-a-half marathon. The race is not for the faint of heart — human or horse — and there was a suspicion that one of the co-favorites, Union Rags, boasted better press clippings than speed figures.” [New York Times]

Best of the Blogs: Ying Yang Yo in Germany [Boyd]

Karen O’Connor and Biko, owned by Richard and Vita Thompson. Image via the USEA Hall of Fame.

Hearts are heavy this morning with the loss of two venerable horsemen: Richard Thompson and Jim Ligon both shared a love of announcing and were influential figures in equestrian sports. Thompson, owner of several international eventers, passed away Tuesday morning, and Ligon, a past president of the United States Pony Clubs, died Monday evening. Our thoughts are with their families, friends and connections. We’ll update you with additional memorial details and tributes as they arise.

While the Olympic dreams of our North American riders are on the line at Bromont (expect John’s Bromont Bonanza to resume shortly), Bramham hosts a similar scene for the coveted fifth spot on Team GB: “Received wisdom is that four of the five [Olympic] eventers will be William Fox-Pitt (exact horse t.b.d. as he has so many), Mary King (Imperial Cavalier), Nicola Wilson (Opposition Buzz) and Piggy French (Jakata, who won confidently at Houghton Hall last week), with the remaining slot between five riders.” [Telegraph] [Bramham]

Tattersalls that was: Relive the weekend’s Irish three-day adventure via video recap, including behind-the-scenes footage, a course walk with Captain Geoff Curran, an interview with William Fox-Pitt and more. [RTE]

Twenty years ago in Barcelona, young Andrew Nicholson pulled nine rails and cost his team an Olympic gold medal. But he’s matured since then, and his hopes for Nereo in London are somewhat higher. Alongside Mark Todd, Nicholson’s also set to become one of the first New Zealanders to compete in seven Olympic Games. [Herald]

The last time Dieke Dresch, 25, rode in a classic format event, she got bucked off on roads and tracks and lost control in the vet box. But this weekend she redeemed herself, winning the Indiana Eventing Association’s Training Three-Day aboard her own Razor’s Edge. [USEA]

The June 5 closing date of Area 8’s Encore Horse Trials might’ve passed, but organizers assure us post entries are being accepted through the 15th with a $25 late fee. Get in! [Encore]

The China National Equestrian Team has been formed with a focus on show jumping, dressage and eventing and will aim for the 2014 Asian Games and 2016 Olympics. [Horsetalk]

SmartPak for Positive Riding: Up your mental game with three attitude-adjusting tips. [SmartPak]

Infections, reactions, arteries: Familiarize yourself with the risks before administering your horse’s injections. [COTH]

Skeletons, plascitine, puzzle pieces: Teaching (and learning) equine anatomy, past and present. [Jurga Report]

Most Ridiculous Headline: Jubileetion as royal racehorse takes top prize

HN Today: For Chelsea Alexander, 20, equestrian and student at Queen Mary University of London, an anonymous gesture of kindness made riding dreams a reality—and changed the course of her life in the process. [A Very Generous Benefactor]

Found on Facebook: I’ll Have Another Pedicure. That’s right: “By the kind generosity of Paul and Zillah Reddam, Team O’Neill, and jockey Mario Gutierrez, $20 (about the price of a pedicure) will… be donated FOR EACH PHOTO POSTED HERE of purple pedicures to Thoroughbred Charities of America (www.tca.org). Only posts here will count towards this fundraising effort.” [Paint Your Toes Purple]

Best of the Blogs: “The track where the 2012 Belmont Stakes will be run is affectionately known as ‘Big Sandy,’ and since the opening of Belmont Park, Big Sandy has been making horse racing history. History can be dry at times, but Belmont Park — as you are about to see — is a site where it comes alive.” [The Vault]

BROMONT? BELMONT? Some kind of conspiracy, or what? Some kind of awesome week ahead, or what? Three days? Five days? Olympic ambitions, Triple Crown? It’s all getting a little overwhelming. And it’s only Monday! [Bromont Entries] [Belmont Entries]

Over the weekend:

At the Colorado Horse Park, Heather DuBois and Every Wish were the CCI** victors; clear jump rounds moved Tiffany Lunney and Patent Pending from fifth to first in the CCI*; Cynthia Wiseman and Vote Yes were the intermediate winners, and Laura Szeremi and Argento won the OP. [Scores]

Phillip Dutton and No Objection topped Waredaca’s intermediate with clear jump rounds; Buck Davidson went one-two in the OP on Santa’s Keeper and Copper Beach; Corinne Frankle and Loose N Cool topped the Prelim Rider, and Nicole Coffey and the Contortionist won the P/T. [Scores]

Marissa Ashton and S.S. Bank won wire to wire in GMHA’s JYOP; Dick Bayly and Sifton claimed victory in Prelim Horse, and Darrah Alexander and Mighty Elvis won the Open Prelim. [Scores]

Poplar prelim winners Werner Geven and Wivita leapt up the leaderboard from tenth to first with clear jumping efforts; young Calvin Ramsay and Hoodwink topped the P/T; Kate McQuilken and Revelry (II) won the JT; Debi Crowley and Vantage Point brought home the blue in the OT, and Sharon Gardner and Diamonds are a Girls Beste Friend were the TR winners. [Scores]

The Indiana Eventing Association held a T3D and HT: Big EN congrats to all winners. [Website]

Is there felix felicis in Dorset’s water? Because William Fox-Pitt just won the Tattersalls CCI*** on Bay My Hero, not that he needs luck or anything. [Horsetalk] [Scores]

Also at Tattersalls, CIC*** winners Camilla Speirs and lil’ Portersize Just a Jiff helped their Irish team take the Dubarry Boyne Trophy; RIP Sugoi, who was put down after a fall cross-country, and best wishes for a speedy recovery to his rider Laura Wallace, who broke her wrist in the fall. The USA’s Logan Rawlings and Watch It fell at the same fence, though according to reports, both are OK. [Horsetalk]

“Rolex, MCTA, Jersey, Va HT, Fitness advice and more…” : An epic podcast catch-up from Doug Payne. [DPEquestrian]

John Velazquez + Union Rags = Triple Crown Threat? Animal Kingdom’s Hall of Fame jockey and the Kentucky Derby favorite teamed up for the colt’s final work before the Belmont. “Boy, did he go,” Velazquez told the New York Times. “He galloped out unbelievably, thankfully I did not let him out too soon. He did it all by himself, it was very nice.” [NYT]

Found on Facebook: Diamond Jubilee, Day One: The Epsom Derby. [The British Monarchy]

Best of the Blogs: “The Queen’s love of horses is well documented and you only have see a photograph of her in a company of any horse to see it shine through. Her lifelong love of horses began when her father, (the future King George VI) gave Princess Elizabeth and her younger sister Princess Margaret a pony – a rotund little Shetland called Peggy.” [A Haynet Diamond Jubilee Tribute]

Top of the Tweets: Camilla Speirs: WOW, What an amazing little horse of mine! This is just a dream come true. What a special win!Thanks for all your support!Means the world xx

June 9 is also International Helmet Awareness Day. Sharon White for the cause, via Bit of Britain:

Michael Pollard and Jude’s Law storming their way to a second-place finish at the Jersey Fresh CCI*** just two weekends ago.

Good morning, Eventing Nation. Our hearts and thoughts continue to go out to Michael and Nathalie Pollard, the Pollard Eventing Team, and all of Ulando, Icarus and Jude’s Law’s connections as they navigate an unimaginable time, and emerge the stronger for it.

We’ll keep you updated on the recovery of Schoensgreen Hanni, Raphael and Little Star, but in the meantime, perhaps there’s small comfort in knowing that across the nation, horses and riders were out on cross-country, succeeding at what they love best…

Weekend Results:

At the Virginia Horse Trials, Victoria Jessop and Desert Mystery led wire to wire to win the CCI*; Rowdie Adams and RF Blistfee were also wire to wire winners in the CCIJ*; Jessica Schultz and Lock N’ Load topped the CIC**; Jan Byyny won the Advanced/Intermediate on Inmidair and the Open Intermediate on Why Not, and Elinor MacPhail and RF Eloquence won the Intermediate Rider. [Scores]

Horse Nation bloggers Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man, recent winners of the Galway CIC**, added another advanced win to their resume at Woodside; Teresa Harcourt and Bonza Twist of Fate won the OI; McKenzie Miller and Saturday Night Live topped the OP, and the winners of the fourth annual $10,000 Preliminary Challenge—Frankie Thieriot and Uphoria in the horse division, and Julie Flettner and Ping Pong in the rider division—took home loads of loot and cash. [Scores]

Clear jumping efforts brought Bruce Davidson and Here’s Lola to the top of Preliminary A, and Brittany Yard and epona to the top of Preliminary B at Flora Lea.  [Scores]

Down at ol’ Corona del Sol, Lori Cooley and What About Fred brought home the blue in prelim/training; Bailey Moran and Loughnatousa Caislean topped the training, Janet Taylor and Zarpazo were the novice winners. [Scores]

Jesslyn Woodall and Thunderstruck won May-Daze’s OP; Pam Kimmel and Midnight Special took the PR-A, and Katie Eckert and Sassaparilla Kid led the PR-B. [Scores]

Congrats are also in order to all of Mystic Horse Trials winners. Go Mystic. [Website] 

Tori Colvin was a phenom Devon this weekend: After winning most of the junior hunter championships Friday, she came back to take the junior jumper championship and reserve on Saturday, even though she lost a stirrup in one of her rounds. [COTH] [Photos]

RIP Humble, a 9-year-old Welsh pony competing in Devon’s small pony hunter division, who died in a barn on show grounds over the weekend. He’s been transported to the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center for a necropsy. [COTH]

Irish show jumper Denis Lynch recently won the La Boule Derby, then fell off in the victory lap when his horse spooked—except to make matters worse, Lynch had removed his helmet to salute the crowd and ended up breaking two ribs and needing stitches in his head and elbow. FEI protocol allowing competitors to remove helmets during award ceremonies will now be reviewed. [Horse & Hound]

“It is said all too repeatedly that racing needs a Triple Crown winner. But why? To what end? The streak of failure has become more interesting than a single success. It has a life of its own and it may be eternal.” [ESPN]

Best of the Blogs: “…spent a good deal of time chewing the fat with Derek Di Grazia & Yves Sauvignon, as they watched their students warm up for cross country, and learnt a lot about the eventing circuit on the West Coast, it’s challenges, opportunities, and how it has evolved over the years.” [Talking Horse at Woodside]

And now we’re in need of a cheer-up, right? First, check out this interactive unicorn pooper.

Next, this mini horse playing with a ball twice his size-

And finally, this Shetland pony race, complete with expert commentary-

It’s almost the weekend, Eventing Nation: Have you packed your canteens? This little Stansport number’s less than $10, and a fitting complement to both Visionaire’s recent hydration and post-cross-country care post, and Horse Nation columnist Dr. Jen Johnson’s article on the mechanics of equine heating and cooling. If you haven’t already, take a look at both pieces, which are best enjoyed with a glass of water.

This weekend’s events:

Virginia CCI*/HT [Website] [Times]

The Spring Event at Woodside [Website] [Times]

May-Daze at the Park [Website] [Times]

Flora Lee Spring HT [Website] [Times]

Corona Del Sol [Website] [Entry Status]

Mystic Valley Hunt Club HT [Website/Times]

Despite the fact that Saudi Arabia has “consistently resisted calls to send a female delegation” to the Olympics, the IOC closed their recent meeting–their final chance to sanction Saudi Arabia on the issue–without an official reproach. London would’ve otherwise been the first Olympic Games in which women were represented in every national delegation. [Telegraph]

Making better history: Hannah Zeitlhofer, a 2012 graduate of Vienna’s Spanish Riding School, will become the first female assistant rider in the establishment’s 440-year history. In the process, she also became an accomplished planker. [Jurga Report]

It’s Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee, and she loves horses. “The Queen bred Doublet out of one of Prince Philip’s polo players and then watched her daughter, the Princess Royal, win the European Eventing Championships on him in 1971.” [Photos of the Queen’s Favorites]

Oh, yes. I’ve been that poor unfortunate: “If a student persists in making the same mistake, I tell them, ‘Even white rats learn from experience.’ This aphorism is terse, gets my point across and is certainly memorable, if you are the poor unfortunate on the receiving end.” [Jim Wofford for Practical Horseman]

It was 1923, and the Bolton Wanderers were set to take on West Ham United in Wembley Stadium’s first FA Cup Final—but the pitch was flooded, overrun by an obstreperous crowd of some 250,000. Who could possibly save the day? [Enter the White Horse]

This year marks the Chronicle’s 75th anniversary, and to celebrate, the staffers are raiding the attic to bring us weekly installments from the magazine’s past. This week we revisit the 1930s and 40s, and I know I’m not alone in wishing In The Country still read like this: “Mr. Jock McLean was omnipresent and conspicuous at the Baker-Emerson long lasting Long Island party wearing a beautiful mink cape under his dinner jacket. It was so cold you had to keep Big Appleing to stay warm. He outfitted himself with his fiancée’s cape, and the effect was amazing, like a fur lapelled jacket.” [Much more from COTH] [“Big Appleing”—is this the meaning?]

Lucky puppies: Young Rider Charlotte Jacobs won over $17,000 in prize money at the Saratoga Springs Horse Shows this month, and she’s donating it all to Danny and Ron’s Rescue, a no-kill shelter that has placed over 4,000 dogs. “It makes me feel really good and gives me an extra reason to go out there each week and do my best. My family loves dogs and we really want to support their mission.” [Horsetalk]

Best of the Blogs: McKenna Oxenden spent a long weekend with Emily Beshear and the Brickland Eventing crew, getting a little taste of how awesome her working-student-summer’s about to be: “I was able to ride one of Jaclyn’s horses again, and let me tell you: I think I have fallen in love. No not with the horse (although she was awesome too!) but with Emily. I’m not sure I have ever accomplished so much in ONE lesson.” [Horse Nation]

Zara Phillips and Toytown carrying the Olympic Torch at Cheltenham:

Investigation, Week 2: Phillip Dutton—Robot? Scene: Fair Hill. Evidence: Burger. Hypothesis: Prop? Credit: Steven Berkowitz for this addition to the file; further evidence sought ([email protected])

Good Morning, and prepare yourselves, EN: It’s been a busy weekend of horse sports. Here’s hoping Chris Burton and Mario Gutierrez are still celebrating their victories in the Saumur CCI*** and Preakness Stakes, respectively. High-fives, Chris and Mario.

The Kiwis had a good weekend, too: At Saumur, Andrew Nicholson finished third on Viscount George in the horse’s first three-star; Mark Todd qualified NZB Grass Valley for the Olympics with a seventh place finish… [New Zealand Herald]

And down Taupo, New Zealand, way, Emily Cammock and Dambala led four other South Islanders to the top of the CCI*** leaderboard. [NZH]

In the good ol’ USA, Sarah Dunkerton and Matapeake finished on their dressage score to lead Chattahoochee’s CIC** wire to wire; Alexandra Green and Falkonet also led wire to wire in the CIC*, and Michael Pollard and Schoensgreen Hanni, recently spun at Jersey, came back with a vengeance to win the advanced. [Scores]

No surprises at Fair Hill: Sally Cousins and Sylvester Z won Intermediate A; Boyd won Intermediate B on Cold Harbor and Open Prelim B on Steady Eddie; Bruce Davidson and Here’s Lola won Open Prelim A, and Jacqueline Imholte and Asterix won Open Prelim B. [Scores]

At the NWEC May Classic, Karen O’Neal and True Avenue finished on their dressage score to win the intermediate; Maya Black and Doesn’t Play Fair topped the Open Prelim, and Ashlynn Meuchel and Morning Star brought home the Prelim Junior blue. [Scores]

Ann Bower and Rejuvenate won Otter Creek’s intermediate by nearly 10 points, and Lisa Marie Fergusson and Uni Sprite won the prelim by nearly 5. [Scores]

Emelie Williamson and Genuine Bull topped the intermediate, and Lynne Partridge won the prelim and Open Training on Zoe and El Cid, respectively, at Feather Creek. [Scores]

At the Greater Dayton HT, Jennifer Lewandowski and Park Avenue III took the P title, James Nealon and Next Generation the OT. [Scores]

Sara Vitkus and Season O’ Reason moved up from second to first with clear jump rounds to win the prelim/training at Kelly’s Ford. [Scores]

At Hitching Post, Katherine Cooper and Unimpeachable topped the prelim, and Gayle Davis and Theatre Royal topped the OT. [Scores]

Anthony Han and Benny were the victors in the Kent School’s prelim/training. [Scores]

And finally, a round of applause for the CCC Spring Gulch HT winners, whose results I haven’t managed to find online. [Website]

There’s a neat parallel between Mario Gutierrez and Steve Cauthen, who piloted Affirmed to the most recent Triple Crown in 1978. Like Gutierrez, Cauthen had never ridden in a Triple Crown race before his victories. And Cauthen sees similarities in Affirmed and I’ll Have Another’s techniques… [Blood-Horse]

I’ll Have Another has already shipped to Belmont Park, “one of the most idiosyncratic racetracks in the world,” for his three-week lead-up to the big day: “Horsemen call it Big Sandy because of its wide sweeping turns and distinct footing.” [New York Times]

A study in articulating disappointment under pressure, possibly with footing on your face: HRTV has compiled a “Preakness Losing Interviews” video worth watching. [HRTV]

Eric Davies, president of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society, will carry the Olympic torch atop home-bred Welsh cob mare Maesmynach Angerdd at 5 p.m. on May 27, from Aberaeron, Wales. [Horse & Hound]

Top of the Tweets: Hamish Cargill: A win for Chris Burton at Saumur CCI3* proves once and for all that Crunchy Nut Cornflakes really are the breakfast of champions.

Because remember this?

A note from D. Lee, recent winner of our Success Equestrian Contest:

“I took my EN Success pad out in public!  I don’t get out much (too much stall cleaning!), but I got to ride my 4yo TB homebred, Annie, with Peter Atkins this weekend at Champagne Run in Lexington, a very big deal, her first clinic ever.  It was a fabulous lesson and I do love that pad!   Thanks again,  D. :)”

The view from the grandstands as I’ll Have Another and Mario Gutierrez make their way toward the winner’s circle.

Hooked: It’s what I heard someone say leaving Pimlico yesterday, where a record crowd of 121,309 assembled to watch Bodemeister and I’ll Have Another surge toward the wire. Hooked—and I had to smile, because I would’ve been, too, if I wasn’t already, completely. Even better than the Derby, I thought—and even now, hours later, I can’t get over it. Only three weeks before the Belmont, and in the meantime, I won’t doubt I’ll Have Another’s history-making potential.

But since Affirmed won the Triple Crown in 1978, 11 horses have won both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness before coming up short in the Belmont. “The horse deserves the credit,” jockey Mario Gutierrez humbly told the Thoroughbred Times.  “He has proven himself in the run. I just want to prepare. I want to be on the same level as him. He’s an amazing horse, and I’m happy to be riding him.” [TT]

What are his chances for another? Bodemeister’s trainer Bob Baffert has said his colt won’t run in the Belmont. But Dullahan, who was third in the Derby before skipping the Preakness, is expected to make an appearance. [ESPN]

Following the success of his on-site Preakness preps, trainer Doug O’Neill will ship I’ll Have Another to Belmont Park today. [Washington Times]

Saumur CCI*** Update: Following cross-country, Aussie Chris Burton is one-two on Holstein Park Leilani and Haruzac; Tiana Coudray’s sitting 16th after a run-out; Canadian Lindsay Pearce is 20th on Saniki, with whom she added only time penalties to her score, and 39th on Candar van het Neerveld, with whom she had one stop, and Julian Stiller was eliminated on both of her horses. [Scores] [Photos via Uptown Eventing]

Clayton Fredericks, who was hospitalized after a fall from Be My Guest in the CCI***, is said to be “well and relaxing in the Angers hospital. He feels fine, a little pain but needs a few quiet days and will be scanned again before he comes home.” [Team Fredericks]

With just 12 time penalties cross-country, Mark Todd’s “No. 2 horse,” NZB Grass Valley, is almost qualified for the Olympics. [Stuff]

Saumur’s CIC** show jumping starts at 5:15 a.m. ET, and CCI*** at 9:45 a.m. ET. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like it’ll be live streamed, but if we find out otherwise we’ll update you. [Saumur]

Back stateside, so many events are underway this weekend. Notably, Sarah Dunkerton and Matapeake are leading Chattahoochee’s CIC**, Alexandra Green and Falkonet are ahead in the CIC*, and Becky Holder and Courageous Comet are atop the advanced. [Scores]

NWEC May Classic [Website] [Times/Scores]

Otter Creek [Website] [Scores]

Feather Creek [Website] [Times/Scores]

Greater Dayton Horse Trials [Website] [Times/Scores]

Kelly’s Ford [Website] [Scores]

CCC Spring Gulch HT [Website]

Fair Hill [Website] [Scores]

Hitching Post Farm HT [Website] [Times/Scores]

Kent School May HT [Website]

There’s also a show underway in Sighisoara, Central Romania, combining eventing, dressage, show jumping, archery and “riding acrobatic skills.” [Romania Insider]

Wet ground at Greenwich has forced the removal of 15cm of soil from underneath the Olympic equestrian venue’s grandstands. The waterlogged ground posed a safety risk and will be replaced with stone or steel. [BBC]

An amendment to the FEI’s 21-penalty frangible pin rule is scheduled for submission/consideration this week: “It suggests that if a competitor breaks a pin without falling, the rider continues penalty-free. Then there is an enquiry by the ground jury and technical delegate who assess the video footage.” [Horse & Hound]

Top of the Tweets: I’ll Have Another: Me/Bode = 2012’s Affirmed/Alydar? Hey Bode, you make me a better a racehorse, so thanks @ZayatStables @Midnightlute

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