Good morning Eventing Nation!

And what a good morning it is in Holland. Boyd is in 4th after dressage day one at Boekelo, if you haven’t checked EN since yesterday morning. Zara Phillips is in first with a 40.6. Unfortunately, there is no live video of the dressage, but the entire EN team is scouring Youtube for any uploads, including the chinchillas, which John’s not happy about since he has to pay them overtime. You can keep up to date with [results here].

The Friday US ride times are:

Tamra Smith and Mar De Amor at 10:36am local time (4:36am ET)
Boyd Martin and Otis Barbotiere at 1:38pm local (7:38am ET)
Michael Pollard and DV8 at 3:23pm local (9:23am ET)

This weekend back in the States, we’ve got 9 horse trials going on.

Woodside International HT [Website] [Times & Results]
Radnor Hunt HT [Website] [Times]
The Maryland HT at Loch Moy Farm [Website] [Times]
Middle TN PC HT [Website] [Times]
Fall HT at the Ark [Website] [Times]
Pine Top October HT [Website] [Times & Results]
Course Brook Farm Fall HT [Website]
Roebke’s Run HT [Website] [Times] [Results]
Kent School Fall HT [Website]
 
I know it’s all about Boekelo this weekend, and their parties are legendary. But, Fairhill is next weekend, and it’s not too late to get your tailgating spots! [Their new blog]

The USEF has a Boekelo press release. Boyd says Remi’s test was good, but wasn’t his best, still putting in a workmanlike test. He notes that with such a large field, making time on cross country is going to be important, stating that fast riding will be required between fences. [USEF]

Lauren Shannon gave us a shout out in her latest blog. She writes about Osberton, where her horse, Lux, was apparently very excited. Lux jumped well to finish up in 8th. Lauren also got a new Jack Russell. [H&H]

Lesley Law updates us on all things Law Eventing. She talks about their unfortunate August with one* freakish tumble on the flat for Rehy Lux at Millbrook, resulting in him being on stall rest for a few months. She then goes on to update about how well the other horses are doing. Truth be told, I skimmed through all of that, but I am glad I read the last few paragraphs. Lesley talks about the partnership between horse and rider. I found it very interesting. She muses, “I guess I spent a long time working riding for others where I was never asked whether I loved the horse or not but expected to produce them to the best of my ability.” Personally, I’m big on the whole partnership thing, but I had never considered it from a professional’s standpoint. Thought-provoking. In the last paragraph she talks about money in horses, and makes a very valid point that I think many people lose sight of, “we can compete is with a good business and in good riding“. You don’t need millions if you’re good and hard working. [Read on]

Jennie Brannigan’s latest blog has some ups and downs. She had a wonderful Morven on all her mounts. She is so happy for her team as they did super well, showing off their skills in the arena. However, her grandfather recently passed away, as well as her friend, Rachael Dwyer’s boyfriend. Our thoughts go out to to all of you. [COTH] 

Molly Rosin is now sponsored by Fair Hill Equine Therapy Center. She shares in her latest blog about how the Aqua treadmill has helped her horses. She’s very excited to have such a facility at her fingertips. I find all the water aerobics for horses pretty fascinating. [Havarah Eq]

I leave you with a recap from Boekelo:

Go eventing, wherever you may be this weekend.

Photo via someecards.com

Good morning Eventing Nation!

Apparently, since Facebook made those changes yesterday morning, you all took to your blogs instead. While the ever-changing Facebook is very frustrating, we all get used to it eventually. I am actually looking forward to the next time Facebook changes their design. There’s so many blogs to catch up on! Read those after you double check your ride times for this weekend:

Starting Friday:
Twin Rivers Fall HT [Status, Times, and Live Scoring]
Poplar Place Farm Sept HT [Times]  [Live Scoring]
Otter Creek Farm Fall HT [Times] [Live Scoring]

Starting Saturday:
Stone Gate Farm HT [Times and Live Scoring]
The Middleburg HT [Times] [Results page]
Stoneleigh-Burhnam School HT [Website]
Flora Lea Fall HT [Times] [Live Scoring]

Good luck to all competitors!

Tamra Smith and Fleeceworks Cinco won the 4 year old YEH  Championships at Twin Rivers.
Maxance McManamy won the 5 year old YEH Championship with Astro NSF. 

For those of you who miss your horse while at work, school, or away, can now own, groom, and ride your virtual horse. When you’re laid up, just bust out your iPhone and MyHorse. [H&H]

The USEA has revamped their Dashboard system to make it more user friendly. Dashboard is the portal that members can renew their membership, sign up for the annual meeting, enter events, etc. [USEA]

Now, without further ado, all the action in the blogosphere:

Best of the blogs: Leslie Wylie is engaged! (She’s a blogger contest finalist.) She’s got some great photos of horses and weddings that will have you spitting out your coffee. [Congrats Leslie]

Kyle’s blogs are always a good read, and the latest entry requires a full read since we’re on the love topic. No recap here. [Carter Eventing]

Kate Chadderton recaps Marlborough HT on her blog. It was old school where she felt like she was back in Australia. She thrives well when the courses don’t ride well, and won her division. She’s headed to a grand prix this weekend. [Victory Sport Horses]

Georgie Spence recaps her busy schedule as of late and her preparations for Express Eventing. She’s never competed in one before and will be pleased if her horse has a good go. She’s also currently injured at the moment with a pulled back muscle that’s interfering with preparations. We wish her a speedy recovery. [H&H] 

Comedic Eventing: The Trouble with Kissing. While that wins Best Title Award, and 389 EN Karma points, the topic is kissing spine. Maggie is happy to have found the cause of Dante’s head flipping. We wish him a speedy recovery. [Comedic Eventing]

Team CEO Eventing has arrived at Otter Creek HT. They arrived with some time to kill, so they pampered their ponies, contemplated magazine selections, and took a homeless man out to lunch. 390,322 EN karma points for you! [Team CEO blog]

Last, but certainly NOT least, Jennie Brannigan blogs about the biggest jump of her life. [COTH]

This is my longest N&N ever, so I’m cherishing the moment.

Video via Sara Fogelberg, thank you!

 
(Now I really can’t wait to) Go eventing.

Super cuteness, if you couldn’t deduce that on your own.

Happy Wednesday to you Eventing Nation!

I finally got to ride my horse! No, he wasn’t lame or anything… I just didn’t have the time. That whole job thing really gets in the way of barn time. I’m feeling really close to my fellow Smurfs at the moment. You know who you are. Riding a horse at an event after two weeks of not making it out to the barn ain’t for the weak! I feel you, Smurfs. *Fist bump.*

Jon Holling was interviewed by Ocala.com about his path to the Pan Ams. He’s very honored to have the family that he does, and emphasizes it couldn’t be done without their support. Jenn, his wife (as if you don’t know), will be cheering for him (obviously), but is staying true to her roots and cheering for the Canadian team (good call). I have to say though, like most everyone else who knows the Hollings, Caiden is my favorite Holling, but I’m betting he’s Jon and Jenn’s favorite too. Jon’s got his sights on WEG 2014 and maybe Rio 2016 if everything falls into place. Go Jon et al. [Ocala.com]

The Telegraph published an article on the riders heard for London 2012. The article focuses on the ages of the horsemen most likely to make the show jumping and eventing teams. And, apparently, they’d all qualify for AARP, or Sasa in the UK. Age doesn’t matter to anyone except the public since the Olympics are traditionally “a celebration of youth”. Which, again, doesn’t matter except that leads everyone thinks horseback riding is easy because “grandfather can do it”. HA. They’d be lucky to have anyone mentioned in the article as their grandmother/father. The author dabbles a bit into the cause of this phenomenom. Riders in their 20s and 30s can’t catch a break because the established riders at the top get the support from owners because they’re famous. What do you think Eventing Nation? [The Telegraph]

Top British dressage horse, Two Sox has retired from competition. He was the ride for up and comer Maria Eilberg. They were reserves for WEG and Beijing, and hasn’t missed a National Championship in the last decade. [Tribute]

Zara Phillips won the CIC3* at Ballindenisk in Ireland over the weekend. Now she’s headed to New Zealand to cheer on her husband in the Rugby World Cup. England plays Romania on Saturday.  We wish her a safe flight. [Horsetalk]

The USEF has a recap of Dressage, Eventing, Jumping and Para-Dressage over the weekend. Basically, I’m moving to jumper land so I can win a car in Italy. Congrats to Reed Kessler! [Recap]

Boyd posted the PRO interview conducted by Ed Holloway with Boyd and Marilyn Little-Meredith on his blog. Boyd says the 0.1 difference between his score and Marilyn’s was “painful, mate, painful”, as only Boyd can. So many reasons to love Boyd. Marilyn jokes that she may have to make another video about her three day for the spring… [Boyd’s blog]

And we conclude these news and notes with Marilyn Little-Meredith’s xc round on her CIC3* winning ride PF Rovano Rex.

Photo via Kristine Burgess

The Junior Development Rider program has been going on in Minnesota for about 10 years, and was the brainchild of Kathy and Fred Hund. It started as a bridge between those not finding what they wanted in Pony Club, but not yet Young Riders material. Fred and Kathy went in knowing that they wanted to build this bridge for the kids in Minnesota, and they did an amazing job.

 A huge thank you to Kathy and Fred for sitting down and chatting with me.

The mission of the program was to get the participants to preliminary level eventing. The idea turned into four clinics throughout the summer. They were held at various venues in Minnesota with riding and horsemanship based sessions.

Photo via Emily Kelly

Not wanting to step on any local trainer’s toes, they went with Holly Hudspeth as the clinician. Holly grew up on the west side of the Twin Cities, but had relocated to North Carolina. “Holly cared about the program”, Kathy said. Holly taught mounted sessions and reviewed necessary horsemanship topics such as studs, cooling out, the 10 minute box, etc.

Holly wasn’t the only clinician, however. The third clinic, usually in July, boasted a “guest” clinician. First it was Jim Graham, and later Phillip Dutton. The kids would ride with Holly and do semi-privates with the visiting clinician.

Photo via Emily Kelly

The participants were required to keep a notebook of what they learned that day whether it was in their mounted or unmounted lesson. They were also given homework by Holly to master before the next clinic date. These notebooks were monumental in helping the kids to understand the ideas being taught and the discipline to implement them back at home. Jim would read each JDRPers notebook with the student individually and make corrections or notes, or reemphasize a key point.

Photo via Emily Kelly

The program has since evolved. When Becky Holder moved to Minnesota, it was fiscally easier to have Becky teach the clinics to save on the airfare for flying Holly in. Holly still came in and subbed on some weekends when Becky had a conflict. Kathy said, “Becky has such an amazing eye”, in reference to how Becky was as a clinician for the kids.

Now, JDRP still has four sessions a year, all with Becky as the clinician. Becky’s emphasis is to create good riders from the beginning. She emphasizes that she doesn’t want an elitest program. She takes riders and groups of all levels, and the current levels of JDRP are BBN-P. In the past, she’s had kids that were learning their diagonals and canter leads in her clinics. She must be doing something right since this year, 17 of the 20 participants are returning JDRPers.

Everyone is welcome to come and audit the clinics. Holly even encouraged the JDRPers local trainers to come and watch to create a cohesive environment for the teaching the students.

Fred and Kathy’s favorite memory, as well as many JDRPers that year, is a special night at the Hund’s Glacial Ridge Farm. After a day full of lessons and activities, the kids got on their horses bareback and galloped into the sunset.

Photo via Emily Kelly

So, how did they make this all work? (For those of you thinking about such a monstrous undertaking for your area.)

Fred and Kathy worked with their local GMO, Central States Dressage and Eventing Association (CSDEA). The CSDEA sponsored money for 5 years, and Fred got a feed company to sponsor additional money for five years, bringing the total to $5000/year for five years. This helped deter the cost, and make it affordable for families. Stabling was included for each clinic to ensure that the students could fully participate in the mounted and unmounted sessions as well as jump crew and cheer on the other groups. This greatly maximized the bonding of the group.

To get the initial participants for the first year, the Hunds called the USPC and asked for the mailing addresses of all the clubs within the region from North Dakota to Chicago to Missouri. They mailed out postcards to all the kids and went from there. The clinic filled up and they had kids coming from all over, and even a waitlist.

To ensure fair entry for the forthcoming years, there was a “Re-up” plan developed. Those that had participated the previous year AND volunteered for CSDEA in some way were offered the luxury of sending in their application the day before opening date.

The organizers have changed several times since Fred and Kathy started JDRP. Currently, it is run by Lianne Burgess and Linda Wilke. It is their first year running it, and with this year’s experience behind them, they are looking forward to an even better JDRP next year.   

Photo via Emily Kelly

The last JDRP was August 20&21 at Schweiss Magister Equitem Stables in Hector, MN.

Go JDRP.

..It’s called Eventing Nation. Photo via meowcheese.com

There’s so much going on, Eventing Nation, that there’s no time for any ridiculousness cleverness this morning! If you stalk the entries, read, listen, and watch the rest of today’s reader, it’ll be that 5 o’clock quitting hour. Anyway, I know you’ll be stuck for hours on that math equation later. You’re welcome.

Events this weekend:

*Flying Cross Farm HT (KY) [Ride Times] Go Kentucky Blue!

*Plantation Field HT (PA) [Ride Times] [Results] Lots of big east coast riders here this weekend!

*Coconino HT (AZ) [Ride Times and Results] The final leg of the Coconino Challenge!

*Marlborough HT (MD) [Ride Times and Results] They’re celebrating 20 years this year!

*Dunnabeck HT (IL) [Ride Times and Results] Go Area IV!

*Windy Wyoming HT (WY) [Ride Times] They’ve got prelim this year!

*Corona Del Sol HT (TX) was canceled due to the drought conditions. This is a very lovely, high-class event. Hopefully, it will rain soon. [Website]

Aachen has a new tool to let you see the entire equestrian venue as if you were there. [Careful, be too quick with the mouse, and you’ll get “the spins”]

Measuring your horse’s weight has always been a bit of guesstimation. However, researches at Auburn have found that (kg)=(heartgirth² x body length) / (11,880 cm³) is the most accurate way to determine your horse’s weight. Love that math! Or, bust out your weight tape and add 145 lbs. [The Horse breaks it down]

It’s all about Australian Eventing on this week’s Eventing Radio Show. Clayton Fredericks is co-hosting, while Lucinda is in her pajamas. Fellow teammates Chris Burton and Sam Griffiths also join in. Clayton explains the “get out of jail” clause on how they can still qualify for London 2012. The boys are so focused, there’s no time for women. HA. Lucinda is hilarious. [Listen in]

Best of the Blogs: Michelle, an owner of Emily Beshear’s shares her perspective of AECs from an owner’s standpoint. Michelle is British, and probably the funniest person I have ever met. She had me in stitches when I met her at dinner in Aiken last winter. I’d recap the blog,  but my measly review wouldn’t do it justice. [Must read]

Runner up: Suzannah of Mythic Landing Events went on a “trail ride” in Kenya. I am trying really hard to hide my jealousy! Apparently giraffes are a bit camera shy. [Suzannah’s adventure]

Danica Moore clearly states her fall competition plans on her blog. She’s headed to Plantation this weekend in hopes to qualify for the Fair Hill CCI3*. [Good luck!]

Kyle Carter has a new post up. He says “Good morning”. That was mostly aimed at Jon Holling, but you’re mentioned too, Eventing Nation!!! Kyle also tells us that Graeme Thom, Canada’s chef de quip just joined Facebook. So friend him, and make him feel welcome! [Kyle’s blog] [friend Graeme]

Roebke’s Run has their Fall HT Oct 8-9. They’ve added a Starter division, so get those entries in! And, don’t forget to come in costume.
              

Because this video is what you should be thinking about upon entering at A.

Go eventing.

Guess what time I wrote this post?  Photo via dumblittleman.com

Happy Wednesday Eventing Nation!

You’ve made it halfway through your week. Whether or not that’s technically true, depends on the time you read this, and I leave you to do the rest of the math. Yes, I realize figuring out the exact middle of your week is another thing on your To-Do List now. And, if you’re like me this week, you wish it was Monday. (I know right?! Never thought I’d say that.) But, I’m halfway through the week and only about a fourth of the way through my work. Again with that math thing… And in other news, while the number of languages I know is quite vast (I know what Google Translate knows), John said I would write the N&N in Flemish, but translating it would have been the second thing I added to your To-Do List today. And, I’m looking out for you, EN. So, I’ll let your brain relax again and point you in the direction of your news and notes: they are below.

In some good news form England, Madison Park is settled in happily at Mike and Emma Winter’s farm.  Kyle told us he is feeling better and doesn’t seem to be in pain.  Hopefully Parker will be able to travel home to the US in a couple of weeks and Kyle is already back in the US.  Parker sadly slipped a tendon off of his hock at the Blenheim 3* last weekend and his future as an upper level horse is uncertain. [read the Carter Eventing blog]

Galway Downs International 3 Day event is November 3-6. They’ve got horse trial levels, T3D and P3D as well as the CCI2* and CCI3*. They are expecting a larger Mid-Atlantic rider representation than last year. And why not? The courses are beautifully designed by Ian Stark. The footing is awesome and the West Coast knows how to do it right. Their focus is on the long format divisions, however. They realize the importance of these divisions as a learning experience for horses and riders. They had the largest number of participants in the T3D last year of all the T3D in 2010. The P3D division is FEI-sanctioned so it always counts as a CCI*. [full COTH report]

Clarification: As a quick clarification, the last sentence of the paragraph is based on the press release from Galway published on the Chronicle which says:

“…Kellerhouse, noting that this classic-format preliminary three-day event is an FEI-sanctioned competition (CCI1*), meaning that horses that achieve a minimum score will qualify to move up to the two-star level.”

Essentially, the classic-format preliminary three-day at Galway is actually a CCI* FEI long format, which will count as an FEI CCI* qualifier, but most P3D’s in the US are national CCN3* competitions that just count as a preliminary horse trials for qualifications.

There’s a Fund-raiser 3-phase schooling show THIS WEEKEND in *Massachusetts to raise money to help in the rebuilding efforts at GMHA. GMHA is one of Area One’s best events and it was demolished by Hurricane Irene. Apple Tree Farm and Scarlet Hill Farm have combined efforts to host, and you can enter/find more info here. 

In more fundraising news, Doug Payne, Mark Leone, and Chris Von Martels are hosting a clinic October 7-9. The  proceeds go to the Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center. Mark is teaching Friday, Chris on Saturday, and Dug on Sunday. [improve your riding for a good cause]

They even raised funds across the pond. They do it topless over there, though. As you may know, at Blenheim they had their annual high jump contest. JP Sheffield won clearing 1.90m, about 6’3″, setting a new record at Blenheim. The topless part comes in because the riders get a second shot at the fence if they take their shirt off. Laura Collet, one of Coren’s many idols, jumped almost 6′ bareback, joking that she rides better without a saddle. Over £10,000 were raised for the Riding for the Disabled Association. [full report here]

England also has heir Arena Eventing Championships this weekend. It’s similar to Derbycross. They’ve got a VIP lunch available with wine. [more details here]

The Brits have been holding out on some “awesome”. This is a few years old, but it’s new to me, and I am loving it! What do you say USEventing? Can we be cool too?

Go eventing.

Because if you can go preliminary, you can go advanced

iBuenos dias Eventing Nation!

Sorry, EN, this intro is severely lacking compared to the last one. I shall say though, telling the entire Eventing Nation that Coren and I like John’s voice got me an A+. And guess what that means?! I get to hold a chinchilla! That’s a lot considering John won’t even let anyone touch or pet them. So, EN, flattery gets you everywhere. If you’re at AECs this weekend, find the goofy tall kid and tell him how much you like his voice. 23,232 EN karma points if you do.

It’s American Eventing Championship time here at EN! The cross country for T-A starts today, and the N and BN start their dressage. John is there bringing you what you want

Head to the Devoucoux Booth each afternoon for wine and cheese. .They know what eventers need.

Brief results: [Full Results]
Allison leads the Advanced after dressage.
Kadi Eykamp leads the Intermediate by over 8 points. She’s on a roll!
Melissa Town leads the Training Amateur division on Sienna. This pair won the Novice AECs last year.
Megan Johnston is leading the Training Junior division on Rapport on a 28.

Every division except the Preliminary Amateur division is led by a dressage score in the 20s. The Preliminary Amateur division is headed by Fie Ottosen on a 30.7. 

The USEA has a video of dressage from the first day at the Nutrena/USEA AECs. [Watch here]

Area VI has their Championships starting today as well. They are in California at Copper Meadows. [Website]  [Ride Times]

On the other side of the pond, the Blenheim Horse Trials is taking place. After 49 of 97 rides completed in the CCI3*, the US has 4 riders in the top 14 with Phillip and Clark set to ride today. Jules Stiller sits in third, Tiana Coudray is in 5th, and Aimee Chambers and Will Faudree are in 13th and 14th, respectively. This is shaping up to be a wonderful event for US riders. ESJ is there and sure to bring you all the best reports.

The USET has a press release about the Land Rover US Team at Fidelity Blenheim. Jules says she’s happy with her dressage test. Captain Phillips overscored it by 8 points. [More here]

Horsetalk has a report on Blenheim as well. Australia and Japan are still trying to qualify teams for the Olympics with the higher scoring team taking the spot. Mark Todd is leading the 8 and 9 year old CIC3* on a 43.1. [More here]  [Horsetalk’s full results]

Even with Blenheim and AECs well underway, we’re still not quite over Burghley.

Check out video Boyd’s interview for Land Rover on his blog. [Watch here]

Best of the blogs: Allie Conrad’s Burghley blog

As you prep for your cross country this weekend, and in general, FLAIR is back with their third installment of their Master Class with Phillip Dutton. In this video, he explains how to ride The Hollow at Rolex. [Enjoy via FLAIR]

 
Melissa Miller and Detail Specialist’s dressage test leaving them in 6th place in the advanced headed into cross country:

Go Eventing, AECs, Area VI Champs, and Blenheim!

Because I’ve been talking about Boyd too much. Photo via Samantha L Clark

Good morning Eventing Nation! You may just pass this post by looking for the Burghley live coverage, and you know, I’m okay with that. Just means I can save my best stuff for later. (Which is great for me since I’m running out of “best”. I’ve got lots of “what on earth is she talking about” left though.)

Well, your Burghley quick links are on the right hand side of the webpage. Don’t miss those. Here at EN, we like to make it as easy as possible to procrastinate at work.

Day 2 of dressage starts underway at 9:30 local time (4:30 ET) with US rider Jules Stiller.
Jessica Phoenix is up next for North America riding at 4:45.
Back to the US it’s Michael Pollard riding at 6:00.
Kyle Carter rides at 7:22:30, and I sincerely hope he times that right. 🙂
And the lovely Sinead Halpin rounds out the North American riders at 7:45 ET.

Mary King is out to show everyone she can “ride across country properly without falling over.” So many reasons to love her. [More from Horse and Hound]

The Talking Horse gives you the run down on the two men competing at Burghley that have won it five times. [Could it be six this year?]

Mark Todd’s mount, Major Milestone, has a blog page. [follow him]

Sinead walks you though fences 1-5 of the Burghley course. [HJU]

Lauren Shannon is over the moon with her dressage test (52.7) at Burghley. [her blog via H&H]

Reasons why Jon Holling deserves to on the Pan AM team.. can’t say I disagree [Holly’s blog]

Brad Pitt bought his kids Shetland ponies. [Coolest dad ever]

The results of typing “I love eventing” into Youtube search:

As if there weren’t enough reasons to love Boyd

Well good morning Eventing Nation!

Was Tuesday not busy enough for you? Did you catch up on all the important news?! What? You’ve been at work doing work? Well, it’s hump day, and that means you get an extra 15 minutes to check out the news and notes. By the way, I am going to post this picture for forever. I may or may not print it out, cut out Boyd’s face and stick in in the back of my arm band as a reminder to put my game face on. Trouble is, I’d probably giggle all the way around course… Clearly too many mimosas this morning. Moving on.

Yesterday the US Pan Am Team was announced: Buck, Hannah, Jon, Michael, and Shannon. Let’s make these household names ladies and gentleman. Like our EN John said, I am loving the (potential) chemistry of this team.

The recipients of the Boekelo Grants have also been announced:  Karen, Boyd, Allie Slusher, and Tamra Smith. No pressure, but we’d like silver of better please.

GUESS WHAT?!

Burghley jogs are today!! And you thought Tuesday was busy. Burghley is officially underway, and Samantha and ESJ are there bringing you the best news from Burghley.

The official course inspection is at 5:30 am EST and the jogs are at 11:00 am EST. The Declaration of Starters is at 12:30pm EST. So, check back to EN on your lunch break.Hopefully, Samantha will have a lovely photo gallery of all the outfits.

Emily Beshear shares that she feels like a reality show’s “Results Show” in regards to the Pan Am selections. [her blog]

There’s quite a bit going on around the nation as far as wild horse care and rescuing neglected horses. It’s important not to forget not every horse is bubble wrapped.

The AAEP (American Association of Equine Practitioners) recommends common sense practices such as having helicopters maintain a safe buffer distance from the herds and that the holding facilities have solid ground for the horses for short term holdings.  [More here] [Full AAEP report]

Horsetalk has an article on the ongoing neglect case at an Arabian farm here in Minnesota. [More]

Horsetalk also has a story on a super cute donkey, Johnny, that’s been neglected in Ireland. [Watch here]

Pretty sure this is what they are referring to when they talk about “the good ol’ days”. You’ve heard of almost every person in this video.

Bathing your horse like this is 350927 EN karma points

Good morning Eventing Nation!!!

I’m liking doing the Sunday Links. All I have to do is copy and paste Annie’s links to the horse trials from Saturdays Links. Lazy you say? I like to think of it more as flattery for Annie. She does such a wonderful job, and all that effort should be used for more than one day…
 
I do hope you are well, though, Eventing Nation. Hurricane Irene is headed straight for Philadelphia then New York then Boston. No big east coast city left behind. In all seriousness though, make sure you’re prepared if you live anywhere near these areas.

Now, without further ado, check in and stalk your favorite event scores:

Europeans: [Individual Results, Team Results, FEI TV Coverage]

Now on to the links:

Nothing but praise for Ian’s course from Buck, Jennie, and Hannah in USEA’s recap of Richalnd xc day

USEA’s Richland xc recap video has Phillip’s save at the water at 0:54, a Jennie interview, and Hannah talking about her ride in to the water. See Below.

The USEA also has a photo gallery on their blog of the riders that were jumping the blue-flagged jumps [that’d be the adv, CIC3*, and Pan Am divisions]

More Brannigan and Davidson, Jr love from the Chronicle where Jennie talks more in depth about her jumping program with Ping and Buck chats about his dressage work with Reggie and how much he loves that horse. They also interviewed Hannah Burnett where she shares how long the Pan Ams have been in her sight. [Chronicle]

And Practical Horseman also has an article about Richland and Hannah’s lead in the Pan AM division. [more Richland]

And the USEF has a recap of Richland xc. And why wouldn’t they? Pan Ams are a big deal! [sounds familiar]

Doug Payne is happy with his xc round at Richland

Moving on to the European Champs:

The USEA has an article about the German Dream Team at the European Champs.

Horsetalk has the thrills and spills from the European Champs xc day

The Talking Horse achieved their goals for the day, and that means you, Eventing Nation, have an awesome sequence of WFP saving himself at the water, and photos of Nicholas Touziant and Michael Jung dropping in to water. [check it out]

Horse and Hound recaps Team GBR’s xc day at the European Champs.

In the blogoshpere:

Team Flying Solo is determined.

Colleen Rutledge catches us up on her Burghley preparations. She needs a seat saver and is having a grand ol’ time. [Colleen’s blog]

That’s all for now. It’s probably noon if you’ve read all that, so put your breakfast dishes away and start making lunch.

Go eventing.

Photo from NASA

Good morning Eventing Nation!

-If you’re located in the mid-Atlantic, in case you haven’t heard, there’s a few raindrops headed your way, namely the first real hurricane of 2011. Hurricane Irene is a Category 3 (of 5) hurricane expected to hit land in North Carolina on Saturday. Category 3 hurricanes are classified as “major” hurricanes. Officials have already started to evacuate the Outer Banks. Sorry Mid-Atlantic area, apparently an earthquake wasn’t enough for you this week.

-Events that may be affected by weather this weekend:
Full Gallop Farm HT in Aiken, SC are forecasted to be passed by the hurricane. However, projected temperatures are in the high 90s, so keep cool and hydrated.
Loudon Hunt Pony Club Fall HT near Leesburg, VA should expect thurderstorms Saturday and Sunday from Irene.
Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club HT in Geneseo, NY should have a beautiful weekend. There may be some thunderstorms today, but they should be in the clear until Tuesday.
Stay updated and safe Eventing Nation. For more info on Hurricane Irene, click here.

-TheHorse.com has an article on hurricane preparedness. Get to know your neighbors and help one another, know who is in charge during an emergency (Animal Control, etc), and evacuate before the storm hits. More tips to ensure you and your animals’ safety.

-In the middle of the country, Richland Park Horse Trials start today. John’s blowing off his work in the morning, by actually watching the event, but expect a post in the afternoon. Until then, you can stalk the live scores here.

-Nat VC gives a great view into her life at the current moment in her blog post. Smiling, being polite, and manners will get you an upgrade on your flight, so keep that in mind Eventing Nation. Read what conversation topics are off limits when Will Faudree visited with her family here. Ha, tricky.

-Boyd and Silva have a new farm located at 57 Gibble Road. Silva’s got the main barn, and Boyd’s imported some portable barns. Neville’s getting acupuncture before Burghley and the girls are working hard. See lots of photos of their new digs here.

Because all eventers are planners (obsessively, don’t deny it), you can now look ahead to Burghley every other minute from your “ithingy”. That’s a direct quote. Here at EN, we like to keep it politically correct and say iphone. It’s less letters than “ithingy”and, therefore, more conducive to our laziness. It goes very well with your Badminton app.

Colleen Rutledge had a great show jumping school with Nigel Taylor. The height of the fences doesn’t bother her which is really handy. It gives her more time to focus on things she may or may not have heard before.I’ll let Colleen explain. 

In case you forgot what we do, a reminder as only AdrenalineArt can. (Because you know you’re still in love with every video.)

Go eventing. 
 

Good morning Eventing Nation! It’s Saturday! You made it to the weekend. Hopefully you’re headed to an event, the beach, or taking some down time before (spoiler alert) summer is officially over in a few weeks.

Back on the home front, I have been promoted to doing Links posts! Which basically means I have less of a life than John at the current moment. No, no one thought that was possible.
Well, we’ve got 6 events going on this week in the US, and the CIC3* Eventing World Cup is taking place in France.

US EVENTS:
More info in John’s post.

WORLD CUP XC from France:
Live online video coverage begins at 9:00am EST.
Watch the Haras du Pin live online free here.

On to the links:

Farewell Mr. Wetherill

Burghley numbers ave been picked

The Brits are in the lead going in to xc at the European Champs

Slapping police horse brings arrest

Denmark, Spain, and Sweden earn dressage spots at 2012 Games

In the Blogosphere:

Neville has official syndicate hats

Holly Ratcliff interviews Mary Bess Sigman on her blog

Best of the Blogs: Advil is our friend

Loving this video. Oldie, but goodie.