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Erin Critz

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Saturday Links from Tipperary

Staying warm and dry on the Wet Coast, I mean West Coast! Photo from Debi Ravenscroft's Facebook Page Staying warm and dry on the Wet Coast, I mean West Coast! Photo from Debi Ravenscroft's Facebook Page

It is another soggy weekend in California, but eventers will always go on. The storms hitting the West Coast this weekend are supposed to be pretty significant and judging by everything I’ve seen on Facebook so far, it is certainly making the action at Fresno County Horse Park quite interesting. Fortunately, FCHP’s cross country course is well suited to the rain and it should be a great early-season outing for those brave enough to endure the weather. Plus, who doesn’t love dramatic horse show photos showcasing wild weather? In the interest of being prepared for anything, I’d strongly suggest packing some water-wings, warm drinks and maybe a snorkel as the storm is supposed to continue through Sunday.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Paradise Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Fresno County Horse Park CIC & H.T. [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

The California Department of Food and Agriculture released an announcement on their website earlier this week that a new case of EHV-1 had been confirmed in San Diego County, and the horse had previously been stabled in tent 21 at HITS Coachella from January 21 to February 5th. CDFA released an additional statement that they were aware of additional cases of symptomatic EHV-1 from horses stabled in tent 21. Please horse owners be diligent and contact your vet immediately if you suspect your horse may have been exposed or it is showing symptoms.

Retired Racehorse Project and USEA Collaborate to Educate Trainers

USEF to hold public workshop on Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (Depo-Provera) March 13th, in Orlando, FL

Florida schools go head-to-head in first intercollegiate challenge of the year

New ebola treatment derived from horse antibodies

NAJC/CICOY Area declarations due March 1

Saturday Video:

I have daydreams about going to a horse-faire like this to find my next wee fire-cracker!

Saturday Links from Tipperary

Flooding in town means perfect footing for Susie Hutchison's clinic at Dragonfire! Photo from Earl and Jen McFall's Facebook page. Flooding in town means perfect footing for Susie Hutchison's clinic at Dragonfire! Photo from Earl and Jen McFall's Facebook page.

Remember that little rhyme – ‘Rain, rain go away, come again some other day’? We’ve been singing it for several days now here in Northern California and it seems to have worked. It’s set to be crisp and clear this weekend, just in time for the Susie Hutchison clinic at Dragonfire Farm. I’ll admit that I’m rather excited. I love clinic season almost as much as I love tack-swap season and having the opportunity to audit a clinic from someone I idolized as a kid growing up in the Jumper ring makes it all the more sweet. Now to see if I can retrieve my pony from the mud-bog pasture. Happy weekend, EN!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Full Gallop Farm February H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Ocala Winter II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Pine Top Intermediate H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

From HorseNation: Becoming a Breyer – Meet ‘Repeat The Beat’ the Jumping TWH

Michigan County horse tests positive for EHV

West Coast Winners: Megan Traynham, Sarah Braun and Jory McKaig open up a stellar season at Galway Downs

Sometimes horse age is just a mindset

Six very good reasons to take up horseback riding

578 trainers eligible to enter horse in Thoroughbred Makeover competition

Saturday Video:

Not just an organizer, but a competitor as well! West Coast Event organizer Robert Kellerhouse is in the ring in 2017!

Saturday Links from Tipperary

Susanne Hamilton and Bettina Hinckley's Lutz took home top honors for their musical freestyle, earning her elected cause - prostate cancer- the largest share of the total donations. 
Photo © Heels Down Media Susanne Hamilton and Bettina Hinckley's Lutz took home top honors for their musical freestyle, earning her elected cause - prostate cancer- the largest share of the total donations. Photo © Heels Down Media

It’s that time of year where all eyes are on Wellington. While eventers are focused on today’s action at the Wellington Eventing Showcase, the entire week has been crammed full of exciting horse-related activities. Earlier this week the Palm Beach Polo Club was the host site for Dressage Under the Stars Cancer Challenge, presented by Invictus Farm. The event was hosted to raise money for cancer charities and honor those who have battled the disease.

Susanne Hamilton and Lutz, owned by Bettina Hinckley, took home the top honors for their musical freestyle, earning her elected cause, prostate cancer, the largest share of the total donations. Susanne and Lutz received two scores of 9 and one score of 8 for their freestyle to techno music “Numa Numa” (Dragostea Din Tei) by Moldovan pop group O-Zone. The rides, which were judged on technicality and showmanship, and Lutz, a 14-year-old Halfinger gelding, definitely put a smile on the judges’ faces.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Wellington Eventing Showcase: EntriesShow Jumping Order of GoLive ScoresEN’s CoverageLive StreamEN’s Instagram

Stable View Winter H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Poplar Place Farm February H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Sporting Days Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Galway Downs Winter H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Wed 2/8 Full Gallop Farm February H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

World Horse Welfare chosen as Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials 2017 Charity of the Year

What’s the secret to seeing the perfect stride every time?

White thoroughbred colt makes a splash in the yearling sales ring

Chris Burton, Chris Ryan and Leslie Law to be Feature Clinicians at the 2017 ICP and Young Horse Symposium

Equine Canada board faces resignations and rider outrage

Saturday Video: Hail. That. Cab!


Saturday Links from Tipperary

Some of my favorite Canadians have been spotted heading south for Galway! Photo from Nikki Ayers' Facebook page Some of my favorite Canadians have been spotted heading south for Galway! Photo from Nikki Ayers' Facebook page

With Fresno Country Horse Park hosting it’s Combined Test this weekend, it can only mean one thing! Our season is officially underway on the West Coast. Hooray! This is one of my favorite times of year because it means soon everyone will be reunited in the strange traveling road-show that is West Coast Eventing. There is nothing more exciting than catching up with old friends, especially when many of us travel so far to compete. Here’s to a fabulous 2017 show season!

US Weekend Scores: 

Rocking Horse Winter I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Full Gallop Farm January H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Stable View Winter H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Fresno County Horse Park Combined Test [Live Scores]

Saturday Links: 

From HorseNation: Bill Introduced to sell off BLM Land in 10 States

Opinion – FEI: It’s reigning men, and it’s time to do something about it

Reward offered in Florida show-horse theft

Grid Pro Quo with Kim Severson

Top hats toppled under new safety rules for UK eventing

Reminder – Amateurs invited to participate in Sporthorse research study

Saturday Video:

I’ve been itching for a trip overseas for a few years now. Maybe I’ll visit Poland this August for the European Championships!

Saturday Links from Tipperary

Not my very first AHSA card, but still quite an old one! Not my very first AHSA card, but still quite an old one!

Oh the things you find while cleaning house! I spent part of last week cleaning house and got distracted by double-checking which of my memberships were still active for the 2017 season. Sometimes I am gobsmacked as to how many different horse groups I pay membership dues to and for how long I’ve been footing that yearly bill.

USEF has undergone one of its semi regular name-changes and some rebranding, but this weekend marks the 100th anniversary. I joined as a junior when it was the American Horse Shows Association, was baffled in 2001 when it became USA Equestrian, then melded with USET two years later to become USEF and now US Equestrian. The history of the association is pretty interesting, if you’re curious about such things.

US Weekend Action:

Poplar Place Farm January H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scoring]

Saturday Links:

The TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program’s 2017 season is well under way, with nine horse shows in six states offering our Hunter and Jumper divisions this weekend. Don’t forget to renew your membership — or enroll a new horse — in the TAKE2 Thoroughbred League!

League members earn points in affiliated USEF Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper Divisions at horse shows nationwide. Year-end awards total $30,000, paid out to 10th place in each division. The annual membership fee is $50 per registered Thoroughbred. To join or renew your membership for 2017, go to www.take2tbreds.com/become-a-member/ or click here to download the registration form. The deadline for enrollment is one week following the final day of the competition at which points are earned.

The science of eventing: What happens when a horse hits a jump?

Steel horseshoes might increase mechanical loading on foot, evidence suggests

From HorseNation: Retired Racehorse Project Showcase – Meet the Riders, Part I

FEI Announces Decision in Anti-Doping Case Involving Vet

Fallbrook Pony Club rider to represent Southern California

Saturday Video:

Saturday Links from Tipperary

Dashing through the snow... From Katie Peery's Facebook page Dashing through the snow... From Katie Peery's Facebook page

So how are those New Year’s Resolutions going? We’ve hit that halfway point in the first month of the year, which is traditionally when the resolve for most of those New Year’s Resolutions start to fade. My resolution to ride more and worry less has struggled to get off the ground due to the torrential downpours that rocked Northern California for the last week or so. If you’re struggling to stick to your resolution to “ride without stirrups twice a week” or to “clean ALL of my tack after each ride instead of just rinsing off the bit”, don’t despair. You can still pick it back up and get at it. I think I might need to body-clip my wooly beast first.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Stable View Aiken Opener H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times][Live Scores]

Three Lakes January H.T. [Website] [Entry Status][Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Rate of sexual development in colts affected by broodmare diet, study finds

1 unicorn hunter and 9 other bits of brilliant horsey social media this week

Eventing High Performance lists named for 2017

Coral Keen’s Eventing Blog: We’re at full tilt

Dunn deal as Danni and ‘Zo’ prepare for Badminton challenge

A year of planning for Fair Hill’s track

Saturday Video:

Saturday Links from Tipperary

And the big storm hasn't even hit yet ... And the big storm hasn't even hit yet ...

After an extended drought in California, a normal winter is here. Yesterday, I was almost eaten by “quick slop” while attempting to retrieve my mare out of the pasture. I’d forgotten how terrifying it can be to find yourself shin-deep and rapidly sinking while you grapple with the decision to abandon your boots or not.

(Pro-tips for getting yourself unstuck in pasture muck: More liquid is your friend! Rock your stuck boot with small movements. Once you have one foot free, use it to dig the other out. Hold on to the blanket of a nearby pony for some leverage and something to balance against. When all else fails, use your cellphone and beg someone to bring you another set of boots.)

While I have sincere doubts that one normal winter will rectify our extreme lack of water, I am still very grateful. Allegedly we’ll be getting blasted hard up and down the state through the weekend. It should make for some very interesting times at Fresno County Horse Park where they are hosting Jock Paget and many other West Coast favorites for a Fundraiser Weekend.

U.S. Weekend Scores:

Ocala Winter I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Police called after shots fired near hunt

Terrance Millar resigns from Equestrian Canada board

University of Florida introduces Gator Eventing in the Sunshine State

2017 Final Exam for USEF Licensed Eventing Officials to be held at Richland Park Horse Trials

Salt for horses: Researchers dive in to this important balancing act

From HorseNation: 14 Things That You’ll Find In Any Equestrian’s Car

Saturday Video:

New Year’s Eve Links from Tipperary

I think it's a resolution we can all get behind! I think it's a resolution we can all get behind!

It’s the last day of 2016 and almost time to start putting together that show calendar for the upcoming season. Admittedly it’s hard to get motivated to ride when it’s frosty cold outside, but that just means it’s a great time to take care of all of the “house-keeping” items that could possibly put a damper on your first outing of the year. Now is the time to make sure those show clothes still fit, that your memberships are up to date and that your medical armband or bracelet’s information is current. It’s also a great time to double check the manufacture date on your helmet and pick up a new one with all of those gift-cards your thoughtful friends sent your way for the holidays. Mostly, I’m encouraging you to shop because there’s no better way to spend the last day of the year than collecting the things you will take forward in to the next. Best wishes for the coming year, EN!

Saturday Links:

Knighthood and honors for Rio equestrian stars in New Year’s list

Infectious Diarrhea in Horses

From HorseNation: 2016 Best of HN – 12 Ways to Get Kicked Out of the Boarding Barn

From the Blogs: Reflecting on 2016

“I can’t wait to come out of the start-box” Rider in life threatening fall to return to eventing

“It’s all about finding the right niche”, Video honors versatility of ex-racers

Saturday Video: An oldie, but it still applies!

Christmas Eve Links from Tipperary

It's that time of year when significant others learn that horse stuff is always appropriate for any gift giving occasion!

It’s that time of year when significant others learn that horse stuff is always appropriate for any gift-giving occasion!

This is it. It’s the zero hour. If you are the significant other of a horse person that managed to stumble across EN by checking out your horse person’s web history while they were out at the barn in an effort to figure out what to get them for the holidays, that’s a little creepy but totally understandable and you are in luck.

The New Year is right around the corner and with that a fresh competition season. Unless the horse-person you are shopping for is one of those ultra-prepared people with life memberships to every horse-related organization they’re a part of, you can undoubtedly get them something they will not only appreciate but use all year — a membership renewal!

Which membership you choose is up to you; USEA, USEF, your local associations or even a membership to school cross country at a local venue are all great options. Stop by the grocery store, grab a bag of carrots and a bottle of wine or vodka (AKA a horse show readiness kit) and a card. Print out membership forms for the organization, write a check to cover the yearly cost and pop that in the card. I promise it will earn you kisses under the mistletoe for sure.

Saturday Links: 

From Horse Nation: WARHorses: Up on the Rooftop, Click Click Click …

FEI Announces Candidate Cities for FEI World Equestrian Games 2022

Lexington Bids to Repeat as WEG Host City in 2022

Researchers Leap at Chance to Delve in to Performance of Jumping Horses

‘Don’t Let Another Horse Die On Our Roads’: Riders Take Action

Equestrian Canada Recognizes 2016 Eventing NOBoundaries Athletes

Saturday Video: If you want to take your last minute gift to the next level, substitute homemade horse cookies for the carrots. Do not skip the adult beverage though.

Saturday Links from Tipperary

Doing better this year, but still way behind. Doing better this year, but still way behind.

And so it’s come to this. Just eight days left before the gifting extravaganza that is Christmas and I have done absolutely ZERO holiday shopping. This is only slightly better than last year or any year prior, but I’m still very much behind schedule. I keep telling myself that one of these days I’ll manage to be one of those super organized individuals who gets the overwhelming majority of their holiday shopping done in the first week of December.

Fortunately, the individuals I have on my list this year are all relatively easy to please and I have a good idea of what might bring some smiles to their faces.  For now though, it’s time to hoof it to my local tack store today for Independent Tack Store Day!

Saturday Links:

Badminton Drew the 7th Largest Sporting Event Crowd in UK for 2016

From HN: My Horse Prince App is Basically as Weird as it Sounds

Eventers Gallop to Greatness at Gettysburg College

Road to the Olympics: Changing the Olympic Equestrian Equation

New Vocations Receives $100,000 from Foundation Donors

Heavy Toll of Emotional Stress on Horses Described by Researchers

Saturday Video: More holiday cuteness!

Saturday Links from Tipperary

My aunt, Merry Farrington, with Dixie and Sonny, sometime in the late 80's or early 90's. My aunt, Merry Farrington, with Dixie and Sonny, sometime in the late 80's or early 90's.

The holiday season is in full swing. It’s time for those year-end awards banquets, the USEA Convention and barn parties. It’s also time for making hyper-specific wish-lists for your non-horsey friends and family. For the longest time, most everyone in my family had this strange notion that a gift card to my favorite tack shop was too impersonal. Fortunately I have a fabulous horsewoman in the family, my Auntie Merry. When I was a kid, she not only acted as our personal shopper in finding safe, sane, sound and appropriate horses, but she also was undoubtedly a resource for making sure holiday gifts were the right size for my pony and my cousin’s pony. These days I am able to source my own horses, but she’s still the first and most valued opinion I seek when I’m shopping. If I had one holiday wish for all my horsey friends, it’s that they would all have their own Auntie Merry.

Saturday Links:

British Eventing calls time on top hats and beaglers

O’Connor Talks Strategy with USEF High Performance Riders

David O’Connor to Serve as US Eventing Technical Advisor

Canberra business man Terry Snow donates $250,000 to improve safety in equestrian sport

Vaccination to control Equine Influenza during an outbreak

Penn Vet to establish professorship in Equine Medicine

Saturday Video: ‘Tis the season for videos like this!

 

Saturday Links from Tipperary

Team Dragonfire on a hack in December. Photo by Clair Thunes Team Dragonfire on a hack in December. Photo by Clair Thunes

December is here! With the calendar flipping to its last page the holidays and the new year are right around the corner. I’m sure most of us are crazy busy with family gatherings and attempting to squeeze in a few minutes of riding time before the dark of night takes over, but now is the perfect time to take a weekend to go through all of your gear and find out what needs replacing. I’m sure it sounds time consuming and potentially expensive today, but you will thank yourself in the spring-time when the show season picks back up. If you only do a safety check one item though, make it your helmet. If you’ve taken a spill or it’s getting on in age, do yourself and your loved ones a favor and make it a plan to replace your helmet. A new helmet makes an excellent holiday gift and any friends or family who buy you one will have the satisfaction of helping to keep you safe AND buying you something horsey. A win-win all around.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Sporting Days Horse Trials [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Saturday Links:

Bill Watson: USEA Volunteer of the month, presented by Athletux

Study: Some horses can learn by watching humans

Eventing competition draws Olympic equestrians

Fair Hill announces facility upgrade and CCI 4* bid

Marilyn Little and Clearwatter set winning pace in 1.50m Qualifier CSI 4* Wellington

Eventing: Long haul is worth it for big points

Saturday Video: An eventing video game? Wait, what?

Saturday Links from Tipperary

Jon Holling looking sharp at Ocala! Photo by Lynn Benzing, from Jon's Facebook Page Jon Holling looking sharp at Ocala! Photo by Lynn Benzing, from Jon's Facebook Page

I’ll admit it, I was not ready for the onslaught of The Holidays that blindsided me approximately five minutes after I finished off some last bites of mashed potatoes on Thursday evening. It always surprises me how fast it goes from Show Season to Holiday Season. It’s almost enough to make me want to head to Florida this year! I’ve already heard more than enough Christmas music and counted five Christmas trees tied to SUVs cruising down the road. It’s the time of year where you want those you care about close at hand to share in some of the seasonal cheer. Of course, when that seasonal cheer and closeness gets to be too much, escaping to the barn is the obvious answer. Preferably in the before dawn hours and only returning after dark.

U.S. Weekend Action:

#OJCInternational: WebsiteEntriesRide TimesLive ScoresFacebookTwitterInstagramLive StreamEN’s Coverage

Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Saturday Links: 

From HorseNation: #NoStirrupNovember Week 4: We’re Almost There! 

USEF votes yes to landmark Olympic format changes

Looking at the Greats

Evidence of liver virus found in 6.3% of horses tested in France 

Rio show jumper sold for record breaking price

Father is the trainer for this Indian equestrian champion

Saturday Video: Matt Brown’s time back East has been serving him well!

Saturday Links from Tipperary

Some of the new jumps that went in at Fresno County Horse Park this year. FCHP's final event of the season runs this weekend. Photo from FCHP's Facebook Page Some of the new jumps that went in at Fresno County Horse Park this year. FCHP's final event of the season runs this weekend. Photo from FCHP's Facebook Page

This particular weekend always makes me a bit nostalgic as it signifies the final West Coast event of the season. It calls up an old familiar feeling, similar to the way going on winter-break felt during high school. Everyone is of good cheer and is either looking forward to what the New Year will bring or wondering where the past year has gone.

This year I find myself squarely in both camps. While I’m ready to get on with the evening ritual of snuggly quarter-sheets, podcasts and riding in the dark, the show season will pick up sooner than we expect.

If you were like me and took a season to slack off, it’s sometimes a bit worrying how much it feels like you missed in one season. However one of the things that makes eventing unique among horse sports is the way that the community is always willing to keep your seat warm and is excited to show you what you’ve missed since you were away. Here’s to next season!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Paradise Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Fresno County Horse Park H.T. [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

USEA Introduces Event Companion App, coming soon for both iOS and Android

Top lot breaks record at Goresbridge Go For Gold Sale

From HorseNation: How to Set a Horse-Friendly Budget

11 Year old girl suffers ‘life-changing’ injuries in fall

The World Equestrian Games in Our Backyard: Excited But Slightly Terrified

Horse owners warned of spread of toxic weed in Florida

Saturday Video: This is what winter is for.

Saturday Links from Tipperary

Even though the skies are grey, it's a great day to school cross country. Photo from Liz Hall on Facebook

Even though the skies are grey, it’s a great day to school cross country. Photo from Liz Hall on Facebook

Early sunsets and a handful of Events remaining in the season can mean only one thing – winter is right around the corner. I have a love-hate relationship with winter as a horse person. I love body clipping, quarter sheets and clinics. I am not so much a fan of boot-sucking mud, dependence on flashlights and the never ending quest to find a blanket that won’t rub my mare’s shoulders. I’m admittedly lucky out here in California that I don’t have to cope with all that fluffy white-stuff that causes much of the east coast Eventing community to break south for Aiken or Florida, but I do find myself fantasizing about a quiet snowy trail ride once in a while. Ah well, guess I will have to settle for a few beach trail rides this winter instead. Here’s to the off-season!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Full Moon Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

River Glen Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Poplar Place Farm November  H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Texas Rose Horse Park  H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Saturday Links:

Washington State Horse Park gala scheduled for November 12th

Palmerston North eventing horse Double J Sunshine ranked sixth in the world

Walkover victory for Funnell in Calver Wealth Management 2* League

Edwards-Smith retains lead in ESNZ Eventing Super League

The Thrill of the ‘Chase Lives On with USEA Classic Series Divisions at Galway Downs International

Arabian Mare Recovering from West Nile Virus in California

Saturday Video:

It’s almost time to start thinking about New Year’s Resolutions. Mine is to eat better at horse shows.

Saturday Links from Tipperary

Some of the Best in the West! The crew from Ride On Video taking a break at Galway Downs. Photo via Galway Downs on Facebook. Some of the Best in the West! The crew from Ride On Video taking a break at Galway Downs. Photo via Galway Downs on Facebook.

If you are competing this weekend, be sure to double check your ride times and your clocks before you go to sleep tonight or you may find yourself on a bit too early tomorrow! Don’t be surprised if you get a little bit of sass from your four-legged friends tomorrow morning. Try not to be too dismayed by it if they are, after all – you’re late as far as they are concerned! On top of that, who hasn’t had a “hangry” moment? Even though we’re losing the later sunsets, this last sunshine-filled weekend looks to be a great one. Best of luck to those of you competing this weekend!

Adelaide Links: WebsiteEntriesFEI TVScores

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Rocking Horse Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status][Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status][Live Scores]

Willow Draw Charity  H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Galway Downs CCI &  H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Will Enzinger leads at after Dressage at Adelaide

Texas A&M takes the top spot at Area V’s First Intercollegiate Challenge

Eventing: Edwards-Smith and Yogi top Super League

From HorseNation #NoStirrupNovember Week 1: ‘Everything Hurts & I’m Dying’

In the ribbons or not, all are winners at the Thoroughbred Makeover

Pig feeds horses and 11 other bits of fantastic horsey social media this week

Saturday Video: You really ought to come West one of these days. See why:

Saturday Links from Tipperary

New jumps lookin' fly for when WFP rolls in to Dragonfire today! New jumps lookin' fly for when WFP rolls in to Dragonfire today!

Big time shenanigans on the West Coast this weekend! William Fox Pitt is at Dragonfire Farm today and tomorrow. Immediately afterward, he heads south to Copper Meadows for two more clinic days there. To say that we’re a bit excited is an understatement. Even though it’s supposed to be a fairly wet weekend in Northern California, it certainly won’t stop the lucky few who have managed to score a spot in the clinic from enjoying this once in a lifetime opportunity. Despite the fact that my mare and I have been in Slacker Mode for a while now (has it been a year already?) I am looking forward to watching and absorbing as much as I can this weekend. Time to go make a thermos of hot chocolate and make sure I have enough space on my iPhone to record everything.

NOTE: The second half of the William Fox-Pitt clinic was previously set to be held at Sweet Oaks Ranch, but has been moved to Copper Meadows. Per the organizers, tickets and ride times will be honored as previously listed. 

U.S. Weekend Action:

Viriginia CCI/CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Holly Hill Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Saturday Links:

Local Pony Club remembers Roger Haller at Memorial Schooling Show

Virginia Horse Center welcomes over 500 horses at Fall CCI/CIC and Horse Trials

Aus3de: Exploring the highs and lows of equestrian eventing

Florida venue taking shape for highly rated eventing competition

USDF Announces Newly Certified Instructors

From HorseNation: Slaughter bound horses survive trailer wreck and get a second chance

Saturday Video:

On the off chance your horse gives a hairy eyeball to those emojis at Dragonfire, here’s how WFP recommends you deal with a spook!

 

Saturday Links from Tipperary

There's a place in France where the Young Event Horses dance (and then go do cross country the next day)
From Judith McSwain's Facebook Page There's a place in France where the Young Event Horses dance (and then go do cross country the next day) From Judith McSwain's Facebook Page

Ooh la la, it’s cross country day in France! I am truly impressed by some of the gorgeous fences they have at Le Lion d’Angers. The violin jump is easily one of my favorite cross country fences of all time. Not only are the fences impressive, the sheer quality and size of the field this year is outstanding. I have high hopes that as our FEH and YEH programs become stronger across the country, that we will become more and more competitive in these type of events year after year.

Le Lion d’Angers Links: Website6YO Order of Go7YO Order of Go6YO Live Scores7YO Live Scores,EN’s Coverage

U.S. Weekend Action:

Waredaca H.T. & C3D [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Windermere Run H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Pine Hill H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Fresno County Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Midsouth CCI & H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Saturday Links:

Are you getting ready for your first FEI, N3D or T3D event, or did you just complete one? You can submit a story about your journey and preparation for said event to Athletux to win $500 from CWD or Athletux swag gift bags! Riders of all ages are welcome to enter the contest, and write a short essay about your horse and your experience at the event. Submit your story before November 11th, and you are entered to win. [Athletux Contest]

FEI Eventing Risk Management Steering Group Meets In Lausanne

How Long Does It Take Jumping Horses’ Muscles to Recover?

Simon Grieve’s Eventing Blog: I Shed A Tear On My Way Back To The Lorry

The Race to Le Lion: On To The Fun Stuff!

Celebrities Who Ride

Saturday Video:

Saturday Links from Tipperary

Best wishes for safe, speedy and fun rides for two of EN's West Coast favorites, Hawley and Jen. Photo from Dragonfire Farm's Instagram Best wishes for safe, speedy and fun rides for two of EN's West Coast favorites, Hawley and Jen. Photo from Dragonfire Farm's Instagram

We finally got some rain in Northern California yesterday, which means it is very tempting to stay inside, bundled up in blankets stalking scores on the web all weekend long. In truth, it will be an even better weekend to slosh about in arena puddles, paint jumps in the rain-breaks and body clip fuzzy ponies! With Pau and Fair Hill running this weekend, I am certainly grateful for the unlimited data plan on my phone. Isn’t fall the best? The last bits of evening light are to be savored. We are fast approaching 4:30pm sunsets.

Pau Links: WebsiteRide TimesLive Scores

U.S. Weekend Action:

#DuttaFHI: WebsiteEntriesDraw OrderRide Times, Order of GoLive ScoresYEH ScoresEN’s CoverageTwitterInstagram

Paradise Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status][Live Scores]

Ocala Fall Event H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times][Live Scores]

Saturday Links: 

World’s largest combined indoor agricultural fair and equestrian competition set for November 4-13

From HorseNation: Fantasy Farm – If Eventers Ever Make It To Heaven

From the Blogosphere: Diary of a Wimpy Eventer – Cannot Believe What I Am About To Write

Foreign Quality and Bradley Cooper Rule The Day at the 2016 East Coast Young Event Horse Championships

Legislative Watch: New Soring Rules Under Scrutiny

American Farrier Association Funds Equine Stem Cell Research Grant

Saturday Video: 

How about a Fair Hill Helmet Cam?


Saturday Links from Tipperary

0.1 off the lead! Go Lauren Go! 0.1 off the lead! Go Lauren Go!

It’s cross country day at Boekelo! When it comes to events around the world, Boekelo is certainly one of my favorites, just because it’s SUCH a fun word to say. Best wishes for a clear, safe and fantastic ride to Lauren Kieffer who is heading in to cross country day just a breath off the lead. She is literally just 0.1 off the lead. If anyone can pull it off it’s most certainly Lauren.

Boekelo – #MBE16: WebsiteScheduleEntriesDressage Ride TimesLeaderboardLive Stream,  EN’s Coverage@eventingnationInstagram

Events This Weekend:

The Maryland HT at Loch Moy Farm: [Website] [Entry Status][Live Scores]

Spokane Sport Horse Farm Fall HT: [Website] [Live Scores]

Heritage Park HT: [Website] [Live Scores]

The Event at Skyline: [Website] [Live Scores]

Feather Creek HT: [Website] [Live Scores]

Woodside International HT: [Website] [Live Scores]

Middle Tennessee Pony Club HT: [Website][Live Scores]

Course Brook Farm Fall HT: [Website]

WindRidge Farm Fall HT: [Website][Live Scores]

Radnor Hunt HT: [Website] [Entry Status][Live Scores]

Las Cruces HT: [Website] [Live Scores]

Kent School Fall HT: [Website][Live Scores]

Saturday Links: 

Eventing super league gets underway

Young Brit leads at Boekelo

Arrow wound kills Vermont horse

Top BEF Futurity eventing scorers include twins born by embryo transfer

Willow Draw adds CIC*and CCI* to Area V Calendar for 2017

Woodford Reserve and Swingtown Named 2016 West Coast Young Event Horse Champions

Saturday Video: 

Saturday Links from Tipperary

Nothing like bringing home some war-wounds. Heal quickly, Gina! Photo from Gina Economu's Facebook page. Nothing like bringing home some war-wounds. Heal quickly, Gina! Photo from Gina Economu's Facebook page.

It’s been a wild week for one of our West Coast Favorites, Gina Economou. She headed east a short while ago to compete at Morven Park this weekend. Between a trip to New Bolton and a trip to West Chester Emergency, she has kept us all on our toes via Facebook with her regular updates from the road. I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed that things settle down and are a bit less eventful for her during the competition!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Stoneleigh-Burnham School Fall H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Morven Park Fall CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Fleur de Leap H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Stable View Advanced Oktoberfest H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Woodland Stallion Station H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Jump Start H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

PHC Event College: Bandaging with Max Corcoran

Skyline Eventing brings extreme equestrian sport to Sanpete

Young riders star at national equestrian championships in Thailand

Retired racehorses get second chance from Thoroughbred Rehab Center

HOYS to crack down on riders of unsuitable weight

From Horse Nation: 9 Small Things That Equestrians Find Oddly Satisfying

Saturday Video:

Here’s Gina Economou at Rebecca Farm earlier this year.

Saturday Links from Tipperary

With winter coming, it's time to stock up on socks for the barn! With winter coming, it's time to stock up on socks for the barn!

Hey, EN. Happy weekend! I hope you have something exciting planned. Sadly, I am chained to my office job and will be missing the festivities at Twin Rivers this weekend. On the upside, it does mean that I might luck in to some quiet time at the barn to get some painting in. With William Fox-Pitt coming to Dragonfire Farm later this year, it is certainly time to refresh some of the jumps. I’m not sure what it is, but painting jumps has the same meditative quality for me that body clipping a horse does. Part art, part labor-of-love, all relaxing. Time to find my painting duds and get to it.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

University of New Hampshire H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Larkin Hill H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Flora Lea Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Surefire H.T. [Website]

Sundance Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

MeadowCreek Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Twin Rivers Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Equestrians Institute H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Saturday Links:

Horses can learn to tell us how they feel (about blankets)

Mid-life crisis? Maybe a horse can help

Barbury Castle Estate to be sold

£200 ‘Pony of a Lifetime’ wipes the floor at National Championships

Whangarei to host New Zealand Pony Club Eventing Championships

British businessman dies in Iceland after failing to admit to horse fall due to insurance fears

Saturday Video:

Colbert is horsing around again.

International Helmet Awareness Saturday Links from Tipperary

One of these may be in my future! Check out all the ventilation on the Tipperary T2. Photo by Lorraine Peachey One of these may be in my future! Check out all the ventilation on the Tipperary T2. Photo by Lorraine Peachey

Happy International Helmet Awareness Day!  Today is a great day to replace yours if it’s more than five years old, has taken a spill or doesn’t fit properly. Or perhaps you don’t need a new helmet, but want something light weight for next summer, in a different color, or in a different style. In honor of IHAD, participating retailers all over the world are having excellent sales on helmets. As any Eventer knows, you need three of everything, so if you’ve been meaning to add a helmet for a specific phase, today’s the day!

If you buy a helmet in-store today, consider asking a retail associate to help you check the fit. Most sellers are trained in fitting and sizing, which can not only ensure your comfort but also your safety. A properly fitting helmet should be snug equally all the way around your head (not just side to side or front to back), and when you wiggle the brim, your forehead should move with the helmet. If it slides up and down independent of your skin, it’s too big. Now you know!

#PlantationField: WebsiteEntriesRide TimesCompetitor ScheduleGeneral ScheduleLive ScoringUSEF NetworkEN’s CoverageTwitterInstagram

U.S. Weekend Action:

GMHA September Horse Trials H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Marlborough H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Lives Scores]

Otter Creek Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Flying Cross Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Stone Gate Farm H.T. [Website] [Live Scores] [Live Scores]

Colorado Horse Park 3D & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Entries Extended: Surefire Farm is still accepting entries through Sunday night for their upcoming Horse Trials 9/24-25! [Surefire Farm]

Riding an animatronic horse while wearing a VR headset is the best of everything

Laytown Strand: The Magical Horse Race Where Life’s A Beach

EEE Confirmed in Michigan Horse

Ohio confirms first case of WNV in a horse in 2016

New senior community in Tucson to include horse therapy

Saturday Video: If you’re looking for a lightweight helmet, check out the Tipperary Sportage!