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Erin Critz

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Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

For some people Autumn means pumpkin-spice latte. For me it means body clipping and a horse-hair pumpkin-spice latte. For some people Autumn means pumpkin-spice latte. For me it means body clipping and a horse-hair pumpkin-spice latte.

And with that, the AECs are in the books for 2014! Safe travels and best wishes for those of you on the road home today and tomorrow. It blows my mind how fast this year has gone by. It seems that just a few days ago we were welcoming folks home from Rebecca Farm. There are just a few competitions left in the year and then we get on in to winter, or as I like to call it ‘Clinic, Tack-Swap, Quarter Sheet and Audiobook Season’. I was planning on holding out until Halloween to clip my horse, but the urge overcame me earlier in the week. I started with a bib clip and the best of intentions to wait until Halloween, but the bib became a trace clip which became a full clip.

North American Weekend Results:

#USEAAEC: [Website] [Scores]  [EN’s Coverage] [USEA’s Coverage] [@eventingnation] [EN’s Instagram]

University of New Hampshire H.T.  [Scores]

Surefire H.T. [Scores]

Flora Lea H.T. [Scores]

Stable View H.T. [Scores]

Sundance Farm H.T.  [Website] [Scores]

Jump Start H.T.  [Website] [Scores]

Glen Oro Horse Trials [Scores]

Events Opening This Week:
 Ocala Horse Properties Fall Event (FL, A-3)  Fresno County Horse Park Horse Trials (CA, A-6)  Las Cruces H.T. (NM, A-10)  River Glen Fall H.T. (TN, A-3)

Monday News And Notes:

A horse owner in Vermont found her horse shot dead with an arrow on Sunday morning. The police are unsure if the incident was an accident or if the horse was killed intentionally. [More from boston.com]

A Pennsylvania horse who was doused with an accelerant and set on fire in August 2012 has returned home after close to two years of treatment for the burns over much of his body. Owner Jessie Woodworth says that the horse is still in a recovery process which requires the horse to be bathed with an antibacterial agent a couple of times a day and sedated at night to prevent itching. [More from goerie.com]

Showmewhatyougot broke down in a race at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds in California on Saturday afternoon. Her jockey was thrown to the grown and knocked unconscious but was later able to leave the track under his own power. Showmewhatyougot is the only breakdown this year on California’s fair racing circuit. [More from recordnet.com]

With the recent large seizure or horses in Colorado the word ‘hoarder’ keeps popping up in social media circles. Currently there is no national consensus among law enforcement on an absolute definition of animal hoarding. TheHorse.com has an interesting article that talks about the mindset that may contribute to some of these sad situations. [More from thehorse.com]

China may soon rival Britain when it comes to horse racing empires. The Queen’s grandson Peter Phillips has been hired by Chinese authorities and tasked with launching a horse racing industry in China. He was in Beijing last week for the unveiling of China’s Jockey Club. With a developing racing-industry is it possible that we’ll see Alex Hua Tian on an OTTB some day or that eventing picks up as a secondary market for those horses in China? [More from telegraph.co.uk]

Do you have coworkers who just don’t “get” what you do with your horse? Our sister-site HorseNation has the perfect way to explain your hobby to those who don’t speak horse. [More from horsenation.com]

Monday Video: Your Beginner Novice AEC Winners!

Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

I was hoping they'd go 1-2 so I could use this picture! From Laine Ashker's Facebook Page I was hoping they'd go 1-2 so I could use this picture! From Laine Ashker's Facebook Page

It must be a happy morning for Buck Davidson after his win at the AECs! I must confess that Petite Flower is fast becoming my favorite one in Buck’s string. I’m really excited to see what she’ll do at Fair Hill. I’m also really excited to see the AECs continue today! The Novice and Beginner Novice riders will wrap things up with what should be just as much excitement as the upper levels.

#USEAAEC: [Website] [Live Scores] [Ride Times] [Schedule] [EN’s Coverage] [USEA’s Coverage] [@eventingnation] [EN’s Instagram]

North American Weekend Preview:

University of New Hampshire H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Surefire H.T. [Website] [Scores]

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

Stable View H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Sundance Farm H.T.  [Website] [Scores]

Jump Start H.T.  [Website] [Scores]

Glen Oro Horse Trials [Scores]

Sunday Links: 

Larry the Cable Guy gives $250k to horse group

First Virginia horse in 2014 tests positive for West Nile Virus

Horse is all about the bass in ultra cute viral video

Fort Ord equestrian center buildings gallop onto National Register

Baylor equestrian opens season with win

Wii U’s Hyrule Warriors adding Link’s Epona as Downloadable Content in October

Sunday Video: Your AEC Prelim Winners.

Saturday Links from Tipperary

Becky Holder and Can't Fire Me at Rolex. Photo by Heather McGreer. Becky Holder and Can't Fire Me at Rolex. Photo by Heather McGreer.

Excitement and anxiety at the AECs this weekend. On the excitement side, Laine Ashker is primed for a repeat of last year’s victory after a bold romp around cross country yesterday. On the anxiety side, Becky Holder had a very scary fall at fence 6B from Can’t Fire Me. Please keep a good thought out for both Becky and Teddy.

#USEAAEC: [Website] [Live Scores] [Ride Times] [Schedule] [EN’s Coverage] [USEA’s Coverage] [@eventingnation] [EN’s Instagram]

North American Weekend Preview:

University of New Hampshire H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Surefire H.T. [Website] [Scores]

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

Stable View H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Sundance Farm H.T.  [Website] [Scores]

Jump Start H.T.  [Website] [Scores]

Glen Oro Horse Trials [Scores]

Saturday Links:

90 year old California woman gets wish granted, rides horse for first time

The Kentucky Horse Park four years after WEGs

Man says owner of seized Colorado horses paid more than $1.5 million for horses

Owner of wandering New York horse faces charges

Jawless horse put down amid animal abuse investigation

Check out these absurdly expensive boots from Hermes

Saturday Video: Wanna take Al out for a spin? Enjoy some helmet cam action from Laine Ashker.

Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

Zatopek B is looking good in pink polos during one of his final pre-AEC works. Photo from Jon Holling's Facebook page. Zatopek B is looking good in pink polos during one of his final pre-AEC works. Photo from Jon Holling's Facebook page.

The AECs are right around the corner. Many people are putting in their final works or already on the road. I know I have several favorites across multiple divisions this year and I’ll be cheering them all on. I certainly hope that Tyler, Texas, is ready for the insanity that will abound when you get that many eventers in one place! Eventing Nation will be on site and bringing you tons of coverage.

North American Weekend Results:

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

Plantation Field International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Marlborough H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Tryon Riding & Hunt Club H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Otter Creek Fall H.T.  [Website] [Scores]

Twin Rivers Fall H.T.  [Website] [Scores]

Stanton Farms H.T.  [Website] [Scores]

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

FEI Global Weekend Results:

Ballindenisk (IRE) CCI1/2/3*, CIC1/2/3* [Website] [Results]

FEI European Championships for Young Riders [Website] [Results]

Gatcombe Park (GBR) CIC1/2* [Website] [Results]

Asian Games, Incheon (KOR) CCI1* [Website] [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

Want to win at AECs? We want to see your insanity, and you could have a shot at one of three prize packs from our awesome sponsors. Decorate your stall or golf cart at AECs this week for your chance to win – both EN and guest judge Laine Ashker will be on hand to see your insanity, so get creative! For more details on how to enter, check out the original post. [Win Big at AECs]

While it’s not specifically horse related, this article got me thinking about the close knit nature of the Eventing community. It can be argued that the whole experience of an event is a ritual of sorts, with cross country providing the “extreme” factor. Its worth a read. [Extreme rituals forge intense social bonds]

Horses teach us lots of life lessons. The experiences we have with horses are timeless ones, with many of the same scenes playing out generation after generation. They teach us about love, freedom and even loss. If you’re in need of a chuckle, you’re in luck. [Of a horse and a hard lesson learned]

Equine therapy is growing more and more popular each year. In Connecticut, Manes and Motions has focused on helping individuals with autism and wounded warriors. One of the most amazing things about equine-based therapy is that non-verbal autistic children sometimes start using words or sign-language to communicate with the horse. [More from courant.com]

I spent yesterday cleaning house and enjoying the rare experience of a few hours of equestrian competition on my television. NBC Sports aired WEG highlights as well as a Grand Prix. It is a woefully rare occasion to see horse-sports on the television and there is very little horse-related programming with the exception of some deep cable and satellite programming. Rielle Hunter (nee Lisa Druck, yes, THAT Lisa Druck ) wrote a piece for the Huffington Post making an argument for more horse-related programming on television. I know when we as equestrians read it, see it as common sense or preaching to the choir but hopefully it makes just one non-equestrian think. [More from huffingtonpost.com]

A Connecticut horsewoman was attacked at her East Hampton farm. Currently listed as being in serious condition, 58 year old Lisa Rader is suffering from multiple injuries. Currently police have no suspects. [More from WTNH.com]

Monday Video: Forrest Nymph can officially be called a 2* pony now after a successful run at Plantation Field! Here she is rocking around the Intermediate at VHT earlier this year.

Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

Eventing 25 and Team DF rider, Cori Davis had an amazing trip around the Advanced track aboard her own A Golden Effort. Photo via Dragonfire Farm's Instagram Eventing 25 and Team DF rider, Cori Davis had an amazing trip around the Advanced track aboard her own A Golden Effort. Photo via Dragonfire Farm's Instagram

There’s a happy sort of exhaustion where you can’t do anything other than just smile blankly and nod. The grin on your face says it all. It’s funny how that space can be so mentally rejuvenating even though it’s incredibly taxing on your body. I’ve been struggling with keeping my work-life balance at a manageable ratio. Insane is an understatement when describing what my office-job feels like right now. Maybe it’s having connected to that insanity that makes absurd ideas like making a 10 hour round-trip trek to watch your friends rock around a cross country course seem like a good idea. Then again, it might just be what feeds my soul.

North American Weekend Preview:

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

Plantation Field International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Times] [Scores]

Marlborough H.T. [Website] [Entry Status][Times and Scores]

Tryon Riding & Hunt Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Scores]

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

Twin Rivers Fall H.T.  [Website] [Scores]

Stanton Farms H.T.  [Website] [Scores]

Stone Gate Farm H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status][Scores]

FEI Global Weekend Preview:

Pompadour (FRA) CICYH1* [Website]

Ballindenisk (IRE) CCI1/2/3*, CIC1/2/3* [Website]

Vale Sabroso (POR) CCI2*, CIC1* [Website]

Pirassanunga SP (BRA) CCI1*, CIC2*

Hohenberg-Krusemark (GER) CCI2*

Gatcombe Park (GBR) CIC1/2* [Website]

Strzegom (POL) CCI1/2*, CIC1/2* [Website]

Varsseveld (NED) CIC1/2*

Segersjö (SWE) CIC1/2*

Montelibretti (ITA) CIC1/2/3* [Website]

Asian Games – Incheon (KOR) CCI1* [Website]

Pinjarra WA (AUS) CIC1/2/3*

Sunday Links and Information:

Want to win at AECs? We want to see your insanity, and you could have a shot at one of three prize packs from our awesome sponsors. Decorate your stall or golf cart at AECs this week for your chance to win – both EN and guest judge Laine Ashker will be on hand to see your insanity, so get creative! For more details on how to enter, check out the original post. [Win Big at AECs]

Sinead Halpin is teaching a clinic at River Glen Equestrian Park in New Market, Tennessee, Oct. 25-26. Levels offered include Starter, Beginner Novice, Novice, Training and Prelim and up, divided further if necessary. Groups will start with flatwork and stadium on Saturday and cross-country on Sunday. Cost is $175/weekend for Crossroads Dressage & Combined Training Society members or $225/weekend for non-members. Stabling is available for $25/night (1 bag of shavings included) or $10 day stall (no shavings). Contact Katherine McDonough at [email protected]. More details and entry form available on CDCTS website here.

Got a spare $5k? A custom Breyer of your horse can be yours! 

Michigan woman hosts safety seminar after near fatal riding accident

RSPCA steps into row with Mirror over photographs of Wigmore Hall death (WARNING, POSSIBLY DISTURBING PHOTO)

Horse receives tattoo to help ward off cancer

Sunday Video: If you don’t have $5k sitting around, you can paint your own!


Saturday Links from Tipperary

Washed and ready for the open road! Washed and ready for the open road!

How do you know that you love your barn and your barn friends? You do insane things like drive five hours to an event directly after a 12 hour workday. You bring the things they may have forgotten, good luck charms and snacks. You watch the sunset from the cab of your truck with an audiobook serving as your only company. You stop at Taco Bell even though you swore you wouldn’t because a soda would be really really really nice right now. You sleep in your truck at the show because driving another 15 minutes down the road is an exhausting thought. You do all of this just so you can share in the joy of it all and see smiling faces after an adrenaline filled trip around the cross country track. Those moments make spending 10 of 24 hours in the car so very worth it.

North American Weekend Preview:

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

Plantation Field International CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Times] [Scores]

Marlborough H.T. [Website] [Entry Status][Times and Scores]

Tryon Riding & Hunt Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Scores]

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

Twin Rivers Fall H.T.  [Website] [Scores]

Stanton Farms H.T.  [Website] [Scores]

Stone Gate Farm H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status][Scores]

FEI Global Weekend Preview:

Pompadour (FRA) CICYH1* [Website]

Ballindenisk (IRE) CCI1/2/3*, CIC1/2/3* [Website]

Vale Sabroso (POR) CCI2*, CIC1* [Website]

Pirassanunga SP (BRA) CCI1*, CIC2*

Hohenberg-Krusemark (GER) CCI2*

Gatcombe Park (GBR) CIC1/2* [Website]

Strzegom (POL) CCI1/2*, CIC1/2* [Website]

Varsseveld (NED) CIC1/2*

Segersjö (SWE) CIC1/2*

Montelibretti (ITA) CIC1/2/3* [Website]

Asian Games – Incheon (KOR) CCI1* [Website]

Pinjarra WA (AUS) CIC1/2/3*

Saturday Links and Information:

Surefire Horse Trials will continue to accept entries for their September 26-28 horse trials through today, 9/20. The inaugural fall trials will feature courses designed for the first time by James Atkinson, Beginner Novice through Intermediate divisions, and new for 2014—USEA Future Event Horse and Young Event Horse classes sponsored by Landmark’s Young Event Team. Contact Secretary Mary Coldren directly at [email protected], (717) 529-3254.

Sinead Halpin is teaching a clinic at River Glen Equestrian Park in New Market, Tennessee, Oct. 25-26. Levels offered include Starter, Beginner Novice, Novice, Training and Prelim and up, divided further if necessary. Groups will start with flatwork and stadium on Saturday and cross-country on Sunday. Cost is $175/weekend for Crossroads Dressage & Combined Training Society members or $225/weekend for non-members. Stabling is available for $25/night (1 bag of shavings included) or $10 day stall (no shavings). Contact Katherine McDonough at [email protected]. More details and entry form available on CDCTS website here.

Alexa Ehlers offers some advice to younger riders who want to make it up the ranks to YR & USPC Championships

Skating rink transformed in to riding arena in central park for horse show

Horse power gains favor with small scale farmers

Horse tests positive for WNV in San Luis Obispo

Vitamins and Horses

Saturday Video: Want to see action from Ledyard in the 70’s?

Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

Indoor Eventing is coming to the West Coast! WOOHOO! Photo from Taren Atkinson's Facebook Page Indoor Eventing is coming to the West Coast! WOOHOO! Photo from Taren Atkinson's Facebook Page

Have you ever been so excited about something that you freaked out, sent your BFF nine text messages about how you were going to go do this thing because it’s exactly what you’ve been talking about for months and months and oh-my-god-wouldn’t-it-be-fun? Did you then proceed to realize said exciting thing was happening on the exact other side of the state? Immediately afterward did you begin trailer shopping and when asked by your husband exactly what it was that you were doing did you fib and state, “Nothing Dear” after submitting the financing request on a shiny new 2-horse bumper pull with a glamorous dressing room? No? Me either. I was just checking… for a friend.

North American Weekend Results:

GMHA September H.T. [Scores]

Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. [Scores]

Poplar Place Farm September CIC & H.T. [Scores]

Dunnabeck H.T. [Scores]

Feather Creek H.T.  [Scores]

Flying Cross Farm H.T.   [Scores]

Whidbey Island H.T.  [Saturday Scores] [Sunday Scores]

FEI Global Weekend Results and Happenings:

Blenheim (GBR) CCI/CIC3* [Website] [Scores] [Cross Country Course Photos]

Jardy (FRA) CCI/CIC1*

Langenhangen (GER) CIC1/2* [Website]

Bonza (COL) CCI1*, CIC2*

Pompadour (FRA) CICYH1*

Events Opening This Week:

 Pine Hill Fall H.T. (TX, A-5)  Galway Downs International Event & H.T. (CA, A-6)  Full Gallop Farm H.T.(SC, A-3)  The Virginia CCI1*, CIC2* and H.T. (VA, A-2)  Rocking Horse Fall H.T. (FL, A-3)

Monday News and Notes:

Calling All SHN Success Stories! Horse shopping can be a long and stressful operation. Buyers want to find their perfect new partner, and sellers want their horses to go to the right home. If you used EN’s classified site Sport Horse Nation to find your new best eventing friend, we want to hear about it! Email [email protected] with “SHN Success Story” in the subject.

One of the best things about this crazy community of horse-people is that we’re always there to help other horse-people when it really matters. Fifteen Colorado horses got loose near a busy stretch of highway. A number of bystanders helped corral the escapees. [More from 9news.com]

A horse in central New York has been euthanized due to EEE. Mosquitos are starting to be more active in lots of areas of the country so now is the time to be mindful of things like WNV and EEE. [More from news observer.com]

One of the major differences between horsekeeping in the US and in Europe is the concept of a passport. Europe is beginning the massive task of revamping the passport system. Foals will have to be issued an identification number and passport before their first birthday. The changes will also establish a centralized database and streamline current procedures.  [More form horsetalk.co.nz]

One of the other major differences between the US and Europe, when it comes to horses, is mainstream media coverage. The BBC had some nice coverage on Whittington’s win at Blenheim. [Check it out here]

Monday Video:

Would you like to ride this year’s Blenheim winner around last year’s track? Well, here you go!

Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

Cross Country Everywhere! Photo from Nayborly Farms' Facebook Page Cross Country Everywhere! Photo from Nayborly Farms' Facebook Page

Don’t you just love it when you happen upon something out in the world that invokes the “I can totally jump that!” reaction? When I was younger and a bit more of a hooligan, I pretty much lived on horseback rampaging around in the forest and on the sand dunes of Pebble Beach. There’s nothing quite like putting fresh tracks in wet sand and watching them washed away by the waves. 

Blenheim Links: [Website] [Ride Times] [Scores] [Cross Country Course Photos] [PRO] [PRO on Facebook] [PRO on Twitter] [Samantha Clark] [Blenheim Twitter]

North American Weekend Preview:

GMHA September H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Poplar Place Farm September CIC & H.T. [Website] [Times] [Live Scores]

Dunnabeck H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Feather Creek H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

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

Whidbey Island H.T. [Website] [Saturday Scores] [Sunday Entry Status and Scores]

FEI Global Weekend Preview:

Blenheim (GBR) CCI/CIC3* [Website] [Live Scores]

Jardy (FRA) CCI/CIC1*

Langenhangen (GER) CIC1/2* [Website]

Bonza (COL) CCI1*, CIC2*

Pompadour (FRA) CICYH1*

Sunday Links: 

Calling All SHN Success Stories! Horse shopping can be a long and stressful operation. Buyers want to find their perfect new partner, and sellers want their horses to go to the right home. If you used EN’s classified site Sport Horse Nation to find your new best eventing friend, we want to hear about it! Email [email protected] with “SHN Success Story” in the subject.

Ludger Beerbaum wins Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Lausanne

Oregon horse tests positive for West Nile Virus

Animal welfare as the salvation of horse racing?

What you need to know about your horse’s teeth

Minnesota Rider injured in fall, two others shaken up

Sunday Video:

The 2013 XC Course from Blenheim


Saturday Links from Tipperary

Mine That Bird in retirement. Photo from Mine That Bird's Facebook Page Mine That Bird in retirement. Photo from Mine That Bird's Facebook Page

There are some things that just put a smile on your face. Mine That Bird has an incredible story, having been one of the longest shots to win the Kentucky Derby. It’s nice to see him enjoying life at an easier pace these days. It’s also nice to see Emily King kicking some serious butt at Blenheim! She’s giving the old-guard a serious run for their money with a Dressage test like that! Phillip Dutton rounds out the top ten and will hopefully be well within striking distance after cross country.

Blenheim Links: [Website] [Ride Times] [Scores] [Cross Country Course Photos] [PRO] [PRO on Facebook] [PRO on Twitter] [Samantha Clark] [Blenheim Twitter]

North American Weekend Preview:

GMHA September H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Poplar Place Farm September CIC & H.T. [Website] [Times] [Live Scores]

Dunnabeck H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Feather Creek H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

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

Whidbey Island H.T. [Website] [Saturday Scores] [Entry Status SUNDAY]

FEI Global Weekend Preview:

Blenheim (GBR) CCI/CIC3* [Website] [Live Scores]

Jardy (FRA) CCI/CIC1*

Langenhangen (GER) CIC1/2* [Website]

Bonza (COL) CCI1*, CIC2*

Pompadour (FRA) CICYH1*

Saturday Links: 

Calling All SHN Success Stories! Horse shopping can be a long and stressful operation. Buyers want to find their perfect new partner, and sellers want their horses to go to the right home. If you used EN’s classified site Sport Horse Nation to find your new best eventing friend, we want to hear about it! Email [email protected] with “SHN Success Story” in the subject.

The Amazing Para Horse

De Blasio: ‘We’re About to See’ Horse Carriage Ban Bill

Walking Horse Celebration Violations Double Last Year’s

Racing’s Biggest Star, California Chrome, To Race At Philly Track

Equine Vets Have Highest Risk of UK Civilian Professions

Saturday Video:

Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

Andrew and Avebury. Photo by Kate Samuels. Andrew and Avebury. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Seriously, how much of a bad ass is Andrew Nicholson? To take top honors at Burghley three times is an astounding feat. I’m starting to believe that it’s something in the waters of the southern hemisphere that makes for super-eventers. Sometimes I wonder if upper level riders ever get blasé about that kind of thing, but with a smile like that, I doubt they do.

North American Weekend Results:

Aspen Farms H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Copper Meadows H.T. [Website] [Scores]

King Oak Farm Fall H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Roebke’s Run Fall H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Five Points H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Bucks County Horse Park Fall H.T. [Website] [Scores]

FEI Global Weekend Information:

Ratomka (BLR) CCI1*/2*, CIC3* [Website]

Burghley H.T. CCI4* [Website] [Scores]

San Pedro Sula (HON) CCI1*

Events Opening This Week:

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (GA, A-3) Heritage Park H.T. and Area IV Adult Team Challenge (KS, A-4) Holly Hill Fall H.T. (LA, A-5)

Monday News and Notes:

Trailer shopping is difficult. I have a smaller budget than I’d like and far too many factors to consider. I also keep getting sidetracked by the fantasy of a horse box. And then I saw the most beautiful thing in the world. [More from horsetalk.co.nz]

With how mobile horses and horse-people are these days, outbreaks are something to be concerned by, even if it’s very far away from you. A facility in Wisconsin currently has had three horses test positive for EHV-1, one of which has been euthanized. [More from azcentral.com]

One of the hardest things about owning a grey, after the hassle of keeping it clean, is the possibility of melanoma. This week a clinical trial has been announced for an equine melanoma vaccine. This is exciting news! [More from horsetalk.co.nz]

A Virginia man has been sentenced to three months in jail for fatally shooting a horse in 2013. He was also ordered to pay $2530 in restitution. [More from timesdispatch.com]

Show Jumper Beezie Madden was a total rockstar at WEGs this week, picking up an individual Bronze medal. The final round for show jumping in WEGs is a unique format where the top four riders have to ride each of the top four horses. Beezie’s mount Cortes C was the only horse to go clean with all four riders aboard. [More from cnycentral.com]

Monday Video:

Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

Andrew Nicholson and Avebury. Photo courtesy of ROLEX. Andrew Nicholson and Avebury. Photo courtesy of ROLEX.

Have I told you how much I love coffee? This has nothing to do with Burghley or Andrew Nicholson or even eventing or anything important really, but I do. I love coffee. I am firmly convinced that a white-chocolate mocha with extra chocolate and the whipped cream stirred in is exactly the flavor of a hug. There is nothing that sets me at ease like the warmth that comes from a coffee cup. Coffee is magical. I am convinced that it is way easier to line up your hitch with the trailer with a cup of coffee in hand. It’s totally true.  Next time you’re having trouble hooking up your trailer, get yourself a cup of coffee!

North American Weekend Action:

Aspen Farms H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Copper Meadows H.T. [Website] [Scores]

King Oak Farm Fall H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Roebke’s Run Fall H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Five Points H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Bucks County Horse Park Fall H.T. [Website] [Scores]

FEI Global Weekend Action:

Ratomka (BLR) CCI1*/2*, CIC3* [Website]

Burghley H.T. CCI4* [Website] [Scores]

San Pedro Sula (HON) CCI1*

 

Sunday Links:

New Jersey horse farm fire destroys family’s farm equipment, no animals injured 

Malnourished Tennessee horse has a long way to go 

Fundraiser set for war horse memorial 

Zara Phillips gets close with pet dog at Burghley 

Magnetic Blankets’ impacts on horses studied 

Sunday Video: I wish there was a drive-thru coffee hut close enough to the barn for me to do this.

Saturday Links from Tipperary

Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight, photo by Bill Olson Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight, photo by Bill Olson

It seems to be the season! There are a ton of pregnancy and birth announcements all over my Facebook feed. One of the newest moms out there is Jolie Wentworth! Earlier this week she gave birth to a baby girl. Both mom and baby are healthy and happy. Now you can officially start your countdown to when we’ll see the wee one at a west coast event!

North American Weekend Action:

Aspen Farms H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Copper Meadows H.T. [Website] [Scores]

King Oak Farm Fall H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Roebke’s Run Fall H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Five Points H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Bucks County Horse Park Fall H.T. [Website] [Scores]

FEI Global Weekend Action:

Ratomka (BLR) CCI1*/2*, CIC3* [Website]

Burghley H.T. CCI4* [Website] [Scores]

San Pedro Sula (HON) CCI1*

Saturday Links:

Horse Dies After Humane Society and Investigator Conflict

Prison Ends Wild Horse Program, BLM to Remove 1100 Horses

Amazing Recovery: Polly, Horse Rescued by RSPCA

Jockey Juan Vasquez Killed in Fall From Horse

Mule Tests Positive for EIA in Aiken

Saturday Video: I’m sure you’ve seen the incredible mid-air shot by now, here’s the video.

Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

Your WEG champion, Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo. Photo by Julia Rau. Your WEG champion, Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo. Photo by Julia Rau.

And just like that, the WEGs are over and I’m already looking forward to the 2018 WEGs in Canada. I have to admit that I’m very glad that the WEGs coincided with a three-day weekend because I know more than a few people that have put their sleep cycles seriously out of whack in the name of watching a little FEI.tv. While it’s a relaxing day for those of us on a three-day weekend, the riders, grooms and support crew are still very busy in France. I don’t even want to imagine the insanity that is preparing to depart from an event like WEG. I have enough trouble making sure I’ve taken everything with me when I leave the barn for the night.

North American Weekend Events and Results:

Town Hill Farm H.T. [Website]

Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Fall H.T. [Website]  [Scores]

Chattahoochee Hills CIC1*/2* & H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Silverwood Farm H.T. [Website]

Corona del Sol Heat Buster H.T.  [Website]  [Scores]

The Event at Woodland Stallion Station  [Website] [Scores]

KY Classique H.T. [Website] [Times]

FEI Global Weekend Events:

Queensland International 3DE (AUS) CCI2*/1*, CIC3*/2*/1*  [Website]

Mexico City (MEX) CIC/CCI1*

Durazno (URU) CCI2*/1*, CIC2*

Firle Place International (GBR) CIC1*  [Website] [Entry Status]

Schwaiganger (GER) CIC2*/1*

Turnier (GER) CIC1*  [Website]

Events Opening This Week:
 Paradise Farm H.T. (SC, A-3)  Hagyard Midsouth Three-day Event & Team Challenge (KY, A-8)  “The Event” at Kelly’s Ford (VA, A-2)  Fresno County Horse Park Horse Trials (CA, A-6)  Grass Ridge H.T. (AZ, A-10)  The Virginia CCI1*, CIC2* and H.T. (VA, A-2)  Waredaca H.T. and Classic 3 Day Event (MD, A-2) Galway Downs International Event & H.T. (CA, A-6)

Monday News and Notes:

With the 2014 WEG champions crowned, it’s time to sit back and review the tape and begin the armchair quarterbacking in earnest. It’s also time to start wringing our hands about whether or not we’ll be sending a team to Rio. [Stage Set For Pan Ams Battle to Qualify for Rio Olympics]

Plenty of celebrity spotting happened at the Hampton Classic over the weekend. James Lipton from ‘Inside The Actor’s Studio’ has attended the show every year since it’s inception, even after having given up riding ten years ago. Matt Lauer, Rudy Giulliani and Gayle King were also in attendance. [More from newsday.com]

I love brain-rotting television as much as the next person, but I’ve successfully avoided MTV’s Teen Mom series up until this point. Apparently, Teen Mom 2’s Leah Calvert is now a horse owner in addition to a teenage mom. It sounds like the horse is intended primarily as a therapy horse for her handicapped child. I may have to check this show out after all. [More from starcasm.net]

New Mexico State mascot Pistol Pete plowed over a student in the endzone during the season opener against FCS Cal Poly. I have to admit, I am not sure who to blame here – the rider for picking a poor line or the student for being utterly oblivious to the fact that A HORSE IS GALLOPING PAST. [More from usatoday.com]

Are we about to see changes in horse-racing? Other major racing jurisdictions ban race-day medications, but in the US the use of Lasix is still permitted on race day.  Currently there is a push to phase out the use of Lasix in the US by prohibiting it’s use in two year old races starting next year and eventually pushing to all races the year after. [More from the guardian.com]

Monday Video:
Your WEG Champion Sandra Auffarth at Strzegom earlier this year.

Saturday Links from Tipperary

Future FEI President Chinch hosts a meeting with future FEI Taskforce members. Future FEI President Chinch hosts a meeting with future FEI Taskforce members.

I haven’t found the word yet to describe the agony of being on the west coast during WEGs. It’s in the same family as the feeling you get when you missed the latest episode of your favorite TV show and everyone’s talking about it. You don’t want to be behind and spoilers are unavoidable, so you get up to speed on the storyline and swear you’ll find time in your ridiculous schedule to actually watch it. Blend in a dash of the same feeling you get when you head for the hotel early because you leave the start box at 7:45am the following day only to find out that something utterly insane happened after you left for the night, like magical elves jumped out of someone’s tack trunk with a keg and high fives for everyone. For those of you that have been regularly setting the alarm early, I salute you. I’ll be up and out the door this morning shortly after Hawley leaves the start-box, coffee in hand.

[WEG Entries] [WEG Schedule] [Results]

[Jenni’s Interactive Guide to Every Single WEG Eventing Competitor] [WEG Course Walk]

North American Weekend Preview:

Town Hill Farm H.T. [Website]

Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Chattahoochee Hills CIC1*/2* & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Times] [Live Scores]

Silverwood Farm H.T. [Website]

Corona del Sol Heat Buster H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

The Event at Woodland Stallion Station  [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

KY Classique H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Times]

FEI Global Weekend Preview:

Queensland International 3DE (AUS) CCI2*/1*, CIC3*/2*/1*  [Website]

Mexico City (MEX) CIC/CCI1*

Durazno (URU) CCI2*/1*, CIC2*

Firle Place International (GBR) CIC1*  [Website] [Entry Status]

Schwaiganger (GER) CIC2*/1*

Turnier (GER) CIC1*  [Website]

Saturday Links:

Necropsies reveal new info on Del Mar horse deaths

Wisconsin Fair features plethora of animals, but horse show wanes 

Last call for horse racing announcer Tom Durkin 

Vet says he never agreed to TWH Celebration inspection job 

Mary-Kate Olsen shows at Hampton Classic 

California horse diagnosed with West Nile Virus

Saturday Video:

How To Watch WEG While You’re Stuck At Work

Are you stuck at work during WEGs? Me too! I am a responsible employee, so I spent yesterday working and NOT beta testing the various methods suggested below to engage in workplace WEG viewing. The techniques below are all theoretical and should NOT be attempted by anyone who wishes to remain employed.

First thing’s first. Check the WEG schedule and check worldtimeserver.com to find out exactly when you need to employ one of these strategies. There’s nothing worse than setting yourself up to slack only to find out that you misjudged the time. Once you’ve determined when the action is taking place in your local timezone, settle on a method.

Option 1: Call In Sick
This is a classic technique which allows for maximum enjoyment and uninterrupted WEG viewing. I would suggest that this method is only used if you can pull off a convincing “I am sick” voice. The less detail you provide to your boss, the better. This method is risky especially for those that are prone to the 24-hour, Fridays only disease known as “horse show flu”.

Option 2: Be brazen about it
If you have a desk job and either sufficient authority in your workspace or brass ones, just pull up the live stream and watch! If your computer monitor is large enough, you can adjust your web browser to the size of the video and pop it in the corner of your screen. This way you can have a spreadsheet open and pretend to work on your TPS reports. Those with less status may find the option of streaming to your smartphone placed next to your monitor a viable solution as well.

Option 3: “Taco Night”
A hybrid between the first two options, this method involves a bit more planning and a taco dinner the evening before or at least talking about having had tacos to your coworkers. Be sure to check the ride times and plan your viewing accordingly. When the rider you want to see is up, quietly retreat to the bathroom.

Your coworkers will assume you are on a Taco-Induced Time Out. Once securely in the bathroom, you have a few moments to watch the WEGs. I strongly recommend watching on mute, especially in the instance of shared bathrooms with stalls.

Stash some EarPods in your pocket if you must have the commentary on the feed. This method can probably buy you 8-15 minutes at a time, which in addition to an hours lunch and two 15 minute breaks in an eight hour work day is almost two hours of WEG viewing!

Again, it should be stated that you will probably get written up and maybe even fired for any of the above options should you get caught. The author and EN in no way condone the use of any of these strategies and only share them in a strictly theoretical way and because we’d like to hear your strategies for WEG viewing on the sly! 

Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

The Flying Pinney of Woodside! Photo via Bob Ravenscroft of Ride On Video. The Flying Pinney of Woodside! Photo via Bob Ravenscroft of Ride On Video.

We’ve all been or at least known someone who’s had a “flying pinney” incident.  I have to give credit to the Ride On Video crew for catching the exact moment when James Alliston’s piney escaped at Woodside. I remember seeing him gallop past with his back number missing and wondering to myself where it had gotten off to. Many people have complained about the transition to paper numbers and having our own pinney holders, but for me losing a slip of paper is preferable to having cloth whack you in the face off of a drop fence!

Weekend Results:

US Events:

Richland Park CIC2*/3* & H.T. [Website] [Times] [Scores]

Huntington Farm H.T [Website]

Steepleview H.T. [Website] [Times]

Shepherd Ranch SYVPC H.T. II [Website] [Scores]

Caber Farm H.T.  [Website] [Scores]

Colorado Horse Park CCI1*/2*, T3D, & H.T.  [Website] [Scores]

World Wide Events:

Blair Castle (GBR) CCI1*/2*/3*, CIC3* [Website] [Scores] [@BCIHT] [Blair Facebook]

Parcayacu (ECU) CCI1*

Outdoor Helvoirt (NED) CIC1*/2* [Website]

Hamm (GER) CIC1*  [Website]

Events Opening Tomorrow:

 Radnor Hunt H.T. (PA, A-2)  The Maryland H.T. at Loch Moy Farm (MD, A-2)  Middle Tennessee Pony Club Horse Trials (TN, A-3)  Greenwood Farm Inc. Fall H.T. (TX, A-5)  Waredaca H.T. and Classic 3 Day Event (MD, A-2)  Course Brook Farm Fall Horse Trials (MA, A-1)  Pine Top October HT (GA, A-3)

Monday News and Notes:

Lucinda Green is returning to California for two clinics in October. The Northern California clinic is at Camelot Equestrian Park in Chico on October 10th and 11th, the Southern California clinic is at Shepherd Ranch in Santa Ynez on October 12th and 13th. Both clinics are open to riders from Beginner Novice thru Preliminary. The two day clinic costs $420 and stabling fees are paid to the facility. Auditors are welcome at $10/day. For more information contact Sue Funkey at [email protected]

The outbreak of vesicular stomatitis continues to spread. 340 horses in Colorado and Texas have been affected since the spring. Eleven Texas counties have had cases and thirty facilities are under state quarantine. Insect control is one of the most important factors in preventing the spread of the disease. [More from ratemyhorsepro.com]

Back to school means the end of summer, the arrival of fall, Halloween, the holidays and eventually The Rose Parade. The equestrian units selected for the 2015 Rose Parade have been announced. The 2015 theme is “Inspiring Stories” and will feature 18 different equestrian groups. In addition to riding in the parade route the groups will participate in Equifest on December 29th at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. [More from dailynews.com]

An Ohio family that uses a miniature horse as a therapy animal is fighting the courts decision to dismiss their case. Ingrid Andersen filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Blue Ash, Ohio after the city violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by classifying her daughter’s miniature horse as livestock. Under ADA rules miniature horses are a viable alternative to service dogs in situations where the use of equines would be appropriate. [More from thehorse.com]

One of the riders I’m most looking forward to seeing at the WEGs this year is China’s Hua Tian. Born in London to a British mother and Chinese father, Hua Tian competes as China’s only Olympic level equestrian. He’s come quite a long way from a kid who hacked out on golf course pathways to representing the most populous nation in the world. [More from BBC.com] (Side note: He is is one of my top picks for my Fantasy Eventing Team! [Fantasy Eventing] )

In addition to the World Equestrian Games another major event is taking place: The Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing. New Zealand’s Emily Fraser has captured the individual gold medal for show jumping. [More from 3news.co.nz]

Monday Video:

 

Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

Your future FEI President addresses the gathered masses at the World Equestrian Games Opening Ceremonies Your future FEI President addresses the gathered masses at the World Equestrian Games Opening Ceremonies

And so it begins! The World Equestrian Games are officially underway! Yesterday’s opening ceremonies were nothing short of amazing and speak volumes about what we can expect at this year’s games. Chinch is already on site in France and will be joined by Jenni and Wylie shortly. EN will be bringing you constant coverage and plenty of fun during the WEGs. Don’t forget to send us your Fantasy WEG Team!

US Events:

Richland Park CIC2*/3* & H.T. [Website] [Times] [Live Scores]

Huntington Farm H.T [Website]

Steepleview H.T. [Website] [Times]

Shepherd Ranch SYVPC H.T. II [Website] [Scores]

Caber Farm H.T.  [Website] [Scores]

Colorado Horse Park CCI1*/2*, T3D, & H.T.  [Website] [Live Scores]

World Wide Events:

Blair Castle (GBR) CCI1*/2*/3*, CIC3* [Website] [Live Scores] [@BCIHT] [Blair Facebook]

Parcayacu (ECU) CCI1*

Outdoor Helvoirt (NED) CIC1*/2* [Website]

Hamm (GER) CIC1*  [Website]

Sunday Links:

Universal Sports to air 14 hours of WEG coveragec

Call for stricter oversight at TWH event

Youth horse show supports co-founder with ALS with ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’

Ohio woman seriously injured in horse accident

Enforcement of horse trail parking ban expands in Southern California

3 legends of horse racing honored at Saratoga Race Course

How to feed fat to horses

Sunday Video:

Saturday Links from Tipperary

I apparently have great concern as to whether or not Anne Marie Duarte's spider friend will be able to watch the WEGs after terrorizing some grooms. Photo from Anne Marie's Facebook page I apparently have great concern as to whether or not Anne Marie Duarte's spider friend will be able to watch the WEGs after terrorizing some grooms. Photo from Anne Marie's Facebook page

As a few people that have had the misfortune of sharing a hotel room with me at an event can attest to, I sometimes talk in my sleep. This tends to occur when I have been burning the candle at both ends. I have been doing just that for about the past three weeks and the sleep talking has begun. Normally it’s just simple mumbles about trivial things, but we’ve reached new heights of sleep-talk insanity. Apparently, last night I told my husband, in the middle of the night,  “The spider can’t go to the WEGs but he can watch on the internet. The British Internet. BT Internet.” I think I’ll try a nap this afternoon, I might be over due.

US Events:

Richland Park CIC2*/3* & H.T. [Website] [Times] [Live Scores]

Huntington Farm H.T [Website]

Steepleview H.T. [Website] [Times]

Shepherd Ranch SYVPC H.T. II [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Caber Farm H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status]

Colorado Horse Park CCI1*/2*, T3D, & H.T.  [Website] [Live Scores]

World Wide Events:

Blair Castle (GBR) CCI1*/2*/3*, CIC3* [Website] [Live Scores] [@BCIHT] [Blair Facebook]

Parcayacu (ECU) CCI1*

Outdoor Helvoirt (NED) CIC1*/2* [Website]

Hamm (GER) CIC1*  [Website]

Saturday Links:

CNN: World Equestrian Games: 10 Things To Watch

Richland Park Horse Trials showcases synergy of horses and riders through trio of events

Wild horse deaths blamed on stress

Oregon man who got bucked off of horse twice sues for $137,000 

Horse owners, trainers talk about life in the paddock

North Carolina mystery horse needs a home

Saturday Video: 

Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

Kim and Sinead out for a hack in Chantilly. From USEF Eventing High Performance on Facebook Kim and Sinead out for a hack in Chantilly. From USEF Eventing High Performance on Facebook

In June it felt like summer would stretch endlessly in to the future. There would be weekends filled with complaining about the heat while reapplying the umpteenth layer of sunscreen.  Barbecues would be fired up at every opportunity and the sun wouldn’t set until well past 8pm. Seeing pictures like this one of Kim and Sinead make me think that endless summer exists somewhere. That somewhere is on the back of a horse, even if it’s blanket weather in August.

Scores for Events in the U.S:

The Event at Santa Fe (Intermediate Area X Championship) [Scores]

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club H.T.  [Scores]

Waredaca Farm H.T. [Scores]

Full Gallop Farm August H.T. [Scores]

Events Opening This Week:

Fair Hill International Three-day Event (MD, A-2)
Hagyard Midsouth Three-day Event & Team Challenge(KY, A-8)
Morven Park Fall H.T. (VA, A-2)
Fair Hill International Three-day Event (MD, A-2)
ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. at the Horsepark (NJ, A-2)
Woodside International Horse Trials (CA, A-6)
Kent School Fall H.T. (CT, A-1)
WindRidge Farm Fall Horse Trials (NC, A-2)

Monday News and Notes:

Allie Knowles is looking for a full-time working student in Paris, KY. Please email Haley Hodgert at [email protected] for more information or to apply.

Shine Bright Like a Diamond to win! We’ve teamed up with Professional’s Choice to give away three Quilted Dressage Pads. How do you win one? We want to see you glammed up and sparkling, Rihanna style, so send us your creative photos or videos for your chance to win! See post for entry details. [Shine Bright Like a Diamond]

One of Britain’s tried and true Para-equestrians returns to the squad for Normandy. Lee Pearson has 10 Paralympic gold medals to his name. Despite his winning record he was dropped from the team for the European Championships. Where many would have crumbled, Pearson came back stronger than ever to make this year’s WEG team where he hopes to add to his medal collection. [More from telegraph.co.uk]

The Youth Olympic Games are on in Nanjing. There are 30 athletes from 30 different nations competing in the equestrian events. One of the major challenges with these games is that the riders will all be competing on borrowed horses. A unique twist has been given to the team format, with teams composed of one rider from every continent. [More from horsetalk.co.nz]

Ulcers can be one of the most frustrating conditions to manage in a horse. Very often feed can be one of the make or break factors in keeping ulcers well managed. Ulcers can make keeping a horse at an appropriate weight for his workload very challenging. If you’ve got a hard keeper with ulcers, the folks over at thehorse.com have some tips that may help you out! [More from thehorse.com]

Just like humans and horses, diseases are significantly more mobile these days. Equine corona virus has been identified in european horses. What is extra significant is that it was identified in respiratory fluid where previously it had only been isolated in feces. ECoV is rarely fatal but is capable of bringing on high fevers and diarrhea. [More from thehorse.com]

Monday Video: The worst part of the summer isn’t the heat, it’s the flies. I am very seriously considering adding this to my anti-fly arsenal.

Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

Looks like they're settled in! From USEF Eventing High Performance on Facebook. Looks like they're settled in! From USEF Eventing High Performance on Facebook.

One of my favorite things about social media is the behind-the-scenes access it grants us at huge events like the WEGs. I always love to see what kind of accommodations the organizers have put together for the horses as well as the fun team outings that happen before the competition gets underway. Team USA appears to be settled in to their digs in Chantilly quite well!

Events in the US:

The Event at Santa Fe (Intermediate Area X Championship) [Scores]

Erie Hunt and Saddle Club H.T. – CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER AND GROUND CONDITIONS

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Waredaca Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status][Scores]

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

Events Abroad: 

Somerford Park HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Hambach Horse Trials: [Website]

Tamworth International: [Website] [Entry Status]

 

Sunday Links and Information: 

Erie Hunt Club Horse Trials have been cancelled due to inclement weather and ground conditions. Refunds will be issued to competitors within a month. EHSC does understand the need for riders to compete, and due to that reason, we will return all fees to competitors less a $25 office fee to offset our costs. [More at eventingscores.com]

Allie Knowles is looking for a full-time working student in Paris, KY. Please email Haley Hodgert at [email protected] for more information or to apply.

Shine Bright Like a Diamond to win! We’ve teamed up with Professional’s Choice to give away three Quilted Dressage Pads. How do you win one? We want to see you glammed up and sparkling, Rihanna style, so send us your creative photos or videos for your chance to win! See post for entry details. [Shine Bright Like a Diamond]

JPC Equestrian Recalls HDR Stirrup Leathers

Scrutiny circles the track at Del Mar

Banned substances on sored Tennessee Walking Horses undercut compliance claims, some say

Sunday Video: I’m just going to leave this right here…

 

Super Cute Saturday Links from Tipperary

Spotted on Laine Ashker's Facebook page. A new mount perhaps? Her string has been getting more and more colorful as of late! Spotted on Laine Ashker's Facebook page. A new mount perhaps? Her string has been getting more and more colorful as of late!

What better way to start off your weekend than with a dose of super cute? I think the vast majority of us have had an idle fantasy or two about having a zebra in our barn. When I was bubbling over the cuteness pictured above, a friend of mine who works at an exotic animal rescue quickly dashed my dreams with tales of the nastiest zebra ever. Apparently, they can be quite tough to work with. Toughness aside, this one sure is cute!

Events in the US:

The Event at Santa Fe (Intermediate Area X Championship) [Entry Status/Times]

Erie Hunt and Saddle Club H.T. – CANCELLED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER AND GROUND CONDITIONS

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Waredaca Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status][Scores]

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

Events Abroad: 

Somerford Park HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Hambach Horse Trials: [Website]

Tamworth International: [Website] [Entry Status]

Saturday Links and Information: 

Erie Hunt Club Horse Trials have been cancelled due to inclement weather and ground conditions. Refunds will be issued to competitors within a month. EHSC does understand the need for riders to compete, and due to that reason, we will return all fees to competitors less a $25 office fee to offset our costs. [More at eventingscores.com]

Allie Knowles is looking for a full-time working student in Paris, KY. Please email Haley Hodgert at [email protected] for more information or to apply.

Shine Bright Like a Diamond to win! We’ve teamed up with Professional’s Choice to give away three Quilted Dressage Pads. How do you win one? We want to see you glammed up and sparkling, Rihanna style, so send us your creative photos or videos for your chance to win! See post for entry details. [Shine Bright Like a Diamond]

EEE virus kills horse in New York state

Sheriff’s office releases sketches of two suspects in Florida horse farm double homicide

Michael Brown March: Man rides horse for fallen teens

Saturday Video: Need more cute? How about this?

Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

The Lillybridge Footbridge, a new fence for the Plantation Field CIC3*. The Lillybridge Footbridge, a new fence for the Plantation Field CIC3*.

Check out this gorgeous new fence for Plantation Field CIC3* called The Lilybridge Footbridge. Sponsored by Erin Sylvester and her family, the jump was built by Eric Bull of ETB Construction, who is also the builder for the rest of the course. The CIC3* course has a new designer this year in Mike Etherington-Smith, so it’s sure to be an exciting event. It will be here sooner than you think; this year’s dates are Sept. 18-21. You can get more details and buy tickets online to the Best. Event. Ever. at plantationfieldhorsetrials.com

Weekend Wrap Up:

GMHA August H.T. [Website]  [Scores]

Otter Creek Summer H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Area VII Young Rider Benefit H.T. [Website] [Scores]

The Summer Event at Woodside [Website] [Scores]

Hunters Run H.T. [Website] [Times]

Fair Hill International H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Monday News and Notes:

Hamilton BioVet is offering a free two-month trial to the lucky winner who shared the story of why their horse would benefit from the UltrOZ Therapeutic Ultrasound System. We need you to help us decide the winner! Be sure to vote for your favorite finalist by Thursday, August 14 at 5 pm! [Vote for UltrOZ Trial Winner]

Your daily dose of cute is here! Luma, an 8 year old shetland pony stole the show at the Dublin Horse Show. Dressed as a lion, Luma and her trainer Melie Philippot entertained the crowd with their super cute act. [More from dailymail.co.uk]

Could horses become part of The Biggest Loser? They probably won’t become part of the show, but they’re certainly part of Jillian Michaels’ life. The fitness-host has just purchased a 7-acre property in Malibu. The $3.61 million dollar property has a six-stall barn, two arenas as well as some fenced and irrigated pastures.  Oh, and there’s a house too. [More from malibutimes.com]

Sixty years ago a horse named Reckless was promoted to sergeant by the US military. Sgt Reckless served in Korea, saving the lives of fellow Marines and earned two purple hearts. Author Robin Hutton has published a new book, detailing Sgt Reckless’ story. After reading the excerpt, this one is certainly on my to-read list! [More from nypost.com]

Have you ever wondered about the safety of your horse’s feed? In addition to toxic plants to worry about, there are additives known as ionophore antibiotics that are sometimes used in feed for other types of livestock that can be toxic for horses. In addition to learning a new word, I’ve given myself a new reason to worry about feed! [More from thehorse.com]

The WEGs are just days away and the excitement in the air is electric. There are some truly remarkable individuals headed to France to compete. As much as I love the eventers from around the world, I find myself even more in awe of the para-equestrians that are participating in the games. Sydney Collier of Ann Arbor, Michigan is one of our para-equestrians that will be competing in France this year. Sydney’s achievements are amazing, considering she has Wyburn-Mason’s Syndrome which has been diagnosed in fewer than 100 people. [More from mlive.com]

Monday Video: Sinead and Tate’s stadium round at Plantation Field last year:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afh2VRFQYzA

Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

Chinch is always watching, even when it seems like he isn't! Chinch is always watching, even when it seems like he isn't!

Do you remember the sad feeling of a fantasy fading away when you figured out that Santa wasn’t real? I found myself struck by that feeling again yesterday when I saw my first display of incredibly poor sportsmanship at an event. Coming from hunter/jumper-land, I am no stranger to chaotic warmup rings and rude warm-up ring behavior. However, having been away from that for a while it was a shock to the system to encounter it again. Screaming and swearing at someone over a crossrail is bad enough, but to do that when you have been a hazard in the ring? That makes you a first class jerk in my book. Ah well, today is a new day. On to happier times.

Events This Weekend:

GMHA August H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Times] [Live Scores]

Otter Creek Summer H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Scores]

Area VII Young Rider Benefit H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Times] [Scores]

The Summer Event at Woodside [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Hunters Run H.T. [Website] [Times]

Fair Hill International H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Sunday Links:

Does a horse’s attention span help or hinder training?
Doctor claims trickery from trainer in purchase of lame show horse for $130k
Do men and women ride differently?
Dozens of Southern California horses fall ill due to unknown causes
Impact of European horse meat scandalBehind the scenes at Cavalia

Sunday Video: