Erin Critz

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Saturday Links from Tipperary

By Erin Critz on Jun 21, 2014 12:12 am -

Is it just me or was last week the longest week in the history of long weeks? I don’t know what caused it to stretch on so long, but man am I ever glad it’s over. This weekend is sure to be a blast with so much stuff to do all over the country. I’m not fully recovered from last weekend’s insanity at Horse Expo, but there’s no time like the present to get out and do things. Speaking of weekend fun – if you’re headed to Surefire Horse Trials, there is a Horse Show Dad award both days in honor of Tim Icke! Competitors can to nominate their dad at the Secretary’s booth to win a great prize and honor Tim, who was one of the greatest horse show dads ever.

Events This Weekend:

Fox River Valley PC HT & CCI* [Website] [Live Scores]

Shepherd Ranch SYVPC Horse Trials [Website] [Live Scores]

Surefire HT [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Encore HT [Website] [Ride Times]

Midsouth Pony Club HT [Website] [Live Scores]

Golden Spike HT [Website] [Ride Times]

Lost Hounds HT [Website] [Live Scores]

Great Vista HT [Website][Ride Times]

Saturday Links and Information:

Single Grey Chinch seeks adventure and mischief. Last seen in the vicinity of Surefire Horse Trials, traveling with a woman in a sun hat who goes by the name “Kate”. Seek out this duo at your own risk as an encounter with them may include internet superstardom, hilarity and prizes.

Whoa, whoa, what’s that change in the air that I sense? Is it a new series on EN??!! Does a training question have you stumped? Don’t know a polo wrap from a turnout blanket? Our newest advice columnist on Bloggers Row is a well known face in the eventing world and is ready to dish out some advice from “Behind the Mic.” If you have a question for our advice guru, email [email protected] — humorous questions welcome as you can expect humorous answers!

Horse-drawn carriage operators say Boston Redevelopment Agency’s proposal is a bridge too far

Michigan woman convicted of cruelty says someone poisoned her horse

Slam dunking pony teaches kids about bullying

Horse advocates head to Washington

The horse MMORPG you’ve been waiting for

Saturday Video: Are you excited about WEG’s? How about a 3D flyover of the competition sites!

Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

By Erin Critz on Jun 16, 2014 12:01 am -

I'm not sure how we avoided getting caught, but it was the perfect end to a great weekend. Stephanie Nicora aboard High In The Air on a clandestine gallop at Cal Expo, one of his old stomping grounds.

I’m a firm believer in the notion that you should chase dreams and take risks. How big those risks are is entirely up to you. It doesn’t matter if it’s simply trying something other than your go-to selection at your favorite restaurant, sneaking on to the race-track for a gallop or rocking a very fashion forward stock tie. It is about the way that the adventure makes us grow. Find some time to get out of your comfort zone and see where it takes you.

Weekend Results:

Aspen Farms HT [Website] [Scores]

Silverwood Farm Spring HT [Scores]

Valinor Farm HT [Scores]

Seneca Valley Pony Club Spring HT [Scores]

Full Gallop Farm June HT [Scores]

Bucks County Horse Park HT [Scores]

Cabin Branch Event Series Lumber River HT [Scores]

Events Opening This Week:

Rocky Mountain Horse Trials (CO, A-9) Catalpa Corner Charity Horse Trial (IA, A-4) Silverwood Farm Summer H.T. (WI, A-4) River Glen Summer H.T. (TN, A-3) Olney Farm H.T. (MD, A-2) Millbrook H.T. (NY, A-1)

Monday News and Notes:

Jockey Rosie Naparavnik suffered a shoulder separation over the weekend when the horse she was working suffered a fatal injury. She is expected to be out of the tack for four to six weeks. [More from the paulickreport.com]

Best friends always look out for you and are often quick to loan you things you might need. Borys Kozlowski of Poland borrowed his friend’s horse to mow his lawn. After the mare had finished he was concerned about possible horse thieves so he did the only logical thing – put the mare on his balcony! [More from nydailynews.com]

The debate about how to handle mustang overpopulation is an ongoing one. The Utah BLM is moving forward with a plan to test contraception as a method of keeping the number of wild horses manageable. [More from strib.com]

How much of a hooligan do you have to be to get banned from the track for life? Apparently, officials at Leicester have banned an individual after he burst on to the track during the final furlong of the Cream Gorse Handicap. Security was able to collect the individual quickly and eject him from the property. [More from skysports.com]

Adnan Qassar has been released from prison after spending twenty one years there for winning a horse-race. In 1993 Qassar was one of the best riders in the country and the middle east. He won a race against Bassel Assad, who was in line for the Syrian presidency at the time. [More from dailystar.com.lb]

Cold-weather weight loss is often a concern for many horse owners, but what about warm-weather weight loss? Horses take about 21 days to adjust to a higher or lower ambient temperature. The research related to caloric requirements in warm temperatures is limited but provides some interesting food for thought. [More from thehorse.com]

Monday Video: Bettina Hoy’s helmet cam from Luhmühlen’s CIC 2* earlier this year.

Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

By Erin Critz on Jun 15, 2014 12:01 am -

My pony got fan-art at Horse Expo!

It has, without a doubt, been a very tragic weekend. Horse and rider deaths make me step back and reflect on the nature of what we do. There is absolutely no question that what we do is both demanding and dangerous. Some would say it is utterly insane – climbing on the back of a prey animal with match stick legs and kicking on, to fly over solid obstacles at speed. I’m a little numb again. The unpleasant side effect of the stark reminder that you could die doing something that you love. More importantly though, I’m more grateful today for the opportunities I have to do what I love.

Luhmühlen Links: [Website] [Entries] [FEI TV] [Luhmühlen Twitter] [Luhmülen Facebook]

Events This Weekend:

Aspen Farms HT [Website] [Scores]

Round Top HT [Omnibus Listing]

Silverwood Farm Spring HT [Website]

Valinor Farm HT [Website] [Entry Status][Scores]

Seneca Valley Pony Club Spring HT [Website] [Entry Status]

Full Gallop Farm June HT [Website][Scores]

Larkin Hill HT [Website]

Bucks County Horse Park HT [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Cabin Branch Event Series Lumber River HT [Website] [Scores]

Sunday Links:

Police: ‘Horse just kept going after crash’

Top Five Tips for Protecting Your Horse From Insects

Horse detachment gets first female commander

Man gets 20 years after selling horse with altered records

Eugene, Ore., Pony Club’s Year End Show

Omaha selected for major equestrian event

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By Erin Critz on Jun 14, 2014 1:30 am -

Mary King and Imperial Cavalier at Badminton in 2012. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Hey there, EN! It’s a busy weekend ahead of us with competition overseas at Luhmühlen and plenty of action around the U.S. I must say I’m pretty disappointed with the FEI’s decision to uphold Mary King’s suspension. I understand that the rules are the rules, but it seems like top riders in other disciplines (*cough*endurance*cough*) can wiggle their way out of even the most appalling things. I’m not sure that more signatures will convince them of the error of their ways, but it’s worth a shot. You can sign the petition to lift Mary King’s suspension here.

On a totally unrelated note, out here in California, Gina Miles is one of the featured presenters at Horse Expo. I am one of her demo riders along with my BFF Stephanie. Come say hi!

Luhmühlen Links: [Website] [Entries] [FEI TV] [Luhmühlen Twitter] [Luhmülen Facebook]

Events This Weekend:

Aspen Farms HT [Website] [Scores]

Round Top HT [Omnibus Listing]

Silverwood Farm Spring HT [Website]

Valinor Farm HT [Website] [Entry Status][Scores]

Seneca Valley Pony Club Spring HT [Website] [Entry Status]

Full Gallop Farm June HT [Website]

Larkin Hill HT [Website]

Bucks County Horse Park HT [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Cabin Branch Event Series Lumber River HT [Website]

Saturday Links:

FEI refuses to lift Mary King’s suspension

How a drug cartel hid millions through a horse farm

Horse harassers would pay under new Canadian bylaw

Advocates want endangered status for wild horses

Cute Alert: Aladdin the miniature horse nuzzles and licks his puppy friend Tara

In Cavalia, a kingdom for a horse (and a huge tent)

Saturday Video: Gina Miles’ show jumping demo from horse expo in 2010:

Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

By Erin Critz on Jun 9, 2014 12:01 am -

Jen McFall won the Open Intermediate and Cori Davis won the CCI 2* at Copper Meadows this weekend! From Dragonfire Farm's Facebook page

Hey there, EN! By the time you read this, I will most likely be passed out, as my office job has had me working the overnight shift for just over a week now. It is a strange thing to wake up and not really know or even understand the concept of what day it is. Days start to blend together in an unreliable cycle of sleep, wake, work, squeeze in a ride, nap, work, ride again, sleep, work. Everything feels fuzzy and dreamlike. Then again, dreamlike can be a great feeling, as I’m sure Eventing 25 Rider Cori Davis can attest to! Over the weekend she took top honors at Copper Meadows’ first CCI2*. I’ll be off to the barn to give Cori a high five as soon as I can figure out what time it is.

Bromont Links: [Website] [Scores]

Weekend Results:

River Glen June H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Derbyshire Farms H.T. [Website]

Arrowhead H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Plantation Field H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Queeny Park H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Texas Rose Horse Park Summer H.T. [Website] [Scores]

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

The Middleburg H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Monday News and Notes:

Do you want to write for EN? Enter the Fourth EN Annual Blogger Contest for a chance to join the team that brings you your daily eventing fix. Round 1 entries are due Monday, June 9, at 8 p.m. EST. THAT’S TONIGHT PEOPLE! If you are a wait to the last minute kinda person, the time is now! [How to enter]

A California auctioneer is the first person charged under a law passed in 1998 designed to protect horses. Billy Ray Brown Jr is charged with sending a horse out of state to slaughter for human consumption. As a Californian, all I can say is FINALLY. What’s the sense in having a law on the books if no one enforces it? [More from CBSLocal.com]

California Chrome began the trek back to the west coast on Sunday with a bandaged foot. The Triple Crown hopeful was clipped coming out of the gate by the number 3 horse, Matterhorn. Fans theorize that the starting-gate injury is what prevented the win. The injury is superficial and should heal within two to three weeks. [More from SanLuisObispo.com]

Got money burning a hole in your pocket? If you’re headed to Blenheim I’ve got the perfect place to rid yourself of some cash! The Elite Event Horse Auction is a joint affair between auction company Brightwells and Blenheim Palace. The auction will bring a selection of four, five and six year olds as well as some Intermediate and Advanced level horses. Horses will be available for preview from September 9th. [More from horsetalk.co.nz]

Dressage rider Mary Jordan has high hopes of making the US Para Equestrian Dressage Team for the WEGs. Jordan suffers from MS and is the third person in her family with the disease. After her diagnosis she shifted her focus to living her life well, taking care of her health and family and riding competitively. In 2010 she was a member of Team USA for the WEGs in Kentucky and an alternate for the 2012 Paralympics in England. [More from mycentraljersey.com]

Sydney Collier is another individual with aspirations of making the US Para Equestrian Dressage team. After suffering a stroke at age 11, most of her vision was lost along with use of the left side of her body. Her family has moved from Michigan to New York so that she can train for her ultimate goal of achieving a place on the 2016 Paralympic Team for the Paralympic Games in Rio. [More from nj.com]

Monday Video:

Cori Davis scored the win in Copper Meadows’ inaugural CCI2*. Here’s her trip from last year at Intermediate.

Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

By Erin Critz on Jun 8, 2014 12:01 am -

Ryan Wood waits for Caitlin Silliman at the finish line of the CCI3* XC at Bromont. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Welcome to Sunday, EN! I’ll admit that I was a bit heart broken by yesterday’s Belmont, but the sour grapes afterward were something that I could have done without. I hope that some day we’ll see another Triple Crown winner. It has been far too long. Bromont wraps up today and competition has been tight. Erin Sylvester is the overnight leader in the CCI3*, Lauren Kieffer in the CCI2* and Buck Davidson in the CCI1*.

Bromont Links:

[Website] [Entry List] [Timetable] [Live Scores]

Events This Weekend:

River Glen June H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Derbyshire Farms H.T. [Website]

Arrowhead H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Plantation Field H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Queeny Park H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Texas Rose Horse Park Summer H.T. [Website] [Scores]

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

The Middleburg H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Sunday Links:

Should the Triple Crown Be Changed To Reflect Today’s Horse Racing?

How Does A Horse’s Equipment Help It Race?

Once Starved Horse Thriving; Owner May Face Charges

Florida Horse Dead, Apparently Injected With Gasoline

Oklahoma Horse Owners Warned About WNV

Sunday Video:

California Chrome’s Saturday Links at Bromont from Tipperary

By Erin Critz on Jun 7, 2014 12:07 am -

Tack Warehouse in Woodland, CA is having a Belmont Party for hometown hero California Chrome! Photo from Tack Warehouse's Facebook Page

A wonderful weekend to you, EN! I’m currently in non-stop party mode, and I hope that you’ll join me. Yesterday was my 34th birthday, which I spent doing my three favorite things: sleeping, eating and acting foolish at the barn with my BFF. It was a pretty awesome day, but today might be even greater. Today we will find out if California Chrome can reign supreme in the Belmont and be the first Triple Crown winner in over 30 years. My local tack shop is hosting a party and I’m JUST A BIT EXCITED.

If the possibility of a Triple Crown champion wasn’t exciting enough, there’s Bromont. All eventer eyes are on Quebec as many of our sports greatest take on the the challenge. Will we see another streaker? Possibly! I’m thrilled to see the crew from the West Coast (aka the Best Coast) doing so well. I’m also seriously jealous that they have access to one of the most glorious hangover foods of all time, poutine.

Bromont Links:

[Website] [Entry List] [Timetable] [Live Scores]

Events This Weekend:

River Glen June H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Derbyshire Farms H.T. [Website]

Arrowhead H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Plantation Field H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Queeny Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

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

Copper Meadows H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

The Middleburg H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Saturday Links:

Olympic Bronze Medalist and Bromont competitor Darren Chiacchia has had a warrant issued for his arrest in the state of Florida. The arrest warrant is for failure to appear for a pre-trial conference. As previously reported by EN, Chiacchia was charged with a felony for allegedly not disclosing his HIV status to an intimate partner. He is competing in the Bromont CCI3* with Amendment 15 in Quebec this weekend. [More from ratemyhorsepro.com]

If you weren’t able to make the trip up to Bromont, you’ll be happy to note that our friends over at PRO Tour Radio have your back! Streaming coverage begins today at 9am with CCI1*, CCI3* CIC3* and CCI2* [PRO Tour Radio Coverage]

California Chrome’s got FLAIR, what about you? Snap a selfie this weekend for FLAIR! FLAIR has requested that you snap a selfie of you and/or your horse and post it to their Facebook wall this weekend. Use the hashtag #CelebrateYourHorseWithFLAIR and show them some love. [FLAIR Facebook Page]

Painting Horse Racks up $130,000 in Art Sales

Three Horses That Could Spoil California Chrome’s Triple Crown Bid

Saturday Video: Want to make your Bromont-at-Home experience a little more authentic? Make yourself some poutine!

Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

By Erin Critz on Jun 2, 2014 1:31 am -

It may be over 13 months away, but I'm excited! Always good to see more recognized events in the omnibus! Photo from Louis' Facebook page

I have a lot of friends who are involved in education, either as teachers, administrators or assistants. I must confess that I am a little bit jealous of all of the Facebook posts detailing expected summer adventures and wistful forecasts for lazy days spent at the barn. Then I find myself thinking about how under appreciated people in the educational field are and exactly all of the rough stuff they deal with on a daily basis. Honestly, if anyone’s earned a summer vacation it’s the educators. For those of you that are involved in education and already enjoying that vacation, thank you! Enjoy your summer! For those of you that have a few days left – kick on! You’ve got this!

Weekend Wrap Up:

Tattersalls [Website] [Scores]

Waredaca H.T. [Website] [Scores]

GMHA June H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Poplar Place Farm June H.T. [Website] [Scores]

The Colorado Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Scores]

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

IEA Horse Trials, Classic Training & Novice 3-Day [Website] [Scores]

Monday News and Notes:

Do you have or know of an awesome Thoroughbred that deserves to have his or her story told? If so, you should check out the EN series Thoroughbred Legends, presented by Cosequin. We love sharing the stories of the horses that have helped us along the way, so if you have one to share please email Sally at [email protected].

The Event Derby at Fresno County Horse Park is rapidly approaching. To be held on June 14-15, this fun and educational competition is currently accepting entries. There will be a dressage phase followed by a jumping phase that is a mixture of stadium and cross country fences. Be sure to check out this great opportunity! [The Event Derby]

Sue Moessner, was seriously injured last weekend. She is in ICU and will have a long road to recovery ahead of her. She doesn’t have medical insurance and will also need financial help as she recovers since she won’t be able to work for quite a while after she gets home from the hospital. A GoFundMe page has been established on her behalf. Any donation will be greatly appreciated and will help her tremendously. Thank you for your anticipated support! [GoFundMe]

California Chrome has a shoe deal, and not the kind you’d expect. The Triple Crown hopeful has officially signed on with Sketchers. Sketchers will be featured on everything from California Chrome’s flysheet to the groom’s attire. If he pulls off the win, you can expect to see California Chrome featured in Sketchers ads for a month following the race. [More from ESPN.com]

Sometime next week we’ll finally have the answer to the question that’s been on so many of our minds – is it going to be Bromont or Lexington? The FEI is expected to announce the selection of the 2018 WEGs in just a few days. Originally, Bromont had been selected as the host city for the games but questionable financing caused the bidding to be reopened. Either way, the games will be in North America – now it’s just a question if we’ll be eating poutine or drinking bourbon! [More from kentucky.com]

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine’s new equine sports performance complex is ready. Construction finished about a month ago and will allow more options for examining horses with subtle injuries. The facility’s grand opening will be this Friday at 4:30pm. [More from ocala.com]

Monday Video: I’ve got my fingers crossed that we’ll see some 2014 Tattersalls helmet cam footage pop up soon, but for now lets check out some coverage from 2013.

Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

By Erin Critz on Jun 1, 2014 12:20 am -

Today seems like a great day to go splash about in the water! Laine Ashker and her newest, "Sparty". Photo from Laine's Facebook page

Welcome to June, EN! So much exciting stuff coming up. We’re expecting an exciting finish to Tattersalls today. By this time next week we’ll know whether or not we have a Triple Crown winner and we’ll have worn our fingertips smooth by obsessively checking Bromont scores on our iPhones. This next week is an extra exciting one for me as my birthday is on the 6th! I have my fingers crossed that I’ll be getting the gift of seeing one of my favorites take top honors at Bromont -and- a California-bred take home the Triple Crown.

Tattersalls Links: [Website] [Live Scores] [Live Steam] [Schedule]

Events This Weekend:

Waredaca H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

GMHA June H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Poplar Place Farm June H.T. [Website][Ride Times] [Live Scores]

The Colorado Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring H.T [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

IEA Horse Trials, Classic Training & Novice 3-Day [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

California Chrome’s race for the Triple Crown began on a Central California ranch

More than a third of horse owners do not do fecal egg counts

The hydrated horse

Do horses have human emotions?

Emaciated endurance horse in France ran 46 miles before being pulled from race

A champion is crowned in New Zealand’s Young Rider series

Sunday Video: The greatest Belmont win of all time

Memorial Day News and Notes from Success Equestrian

By Erin Critz on May 26, 2014 12:32 am -

Illustration by Lindsey Kahn.

Happy Memorial Day, EN! Today we remember all those who have fought and continue to fight for our freedom in America. Thank you to all those who serve. Enjoy the holiday!

Don’t have a sweat scraper handy? Eventers make do! Molly Tulley found a new use for her coat hanger at the 2014 MayDaze Horse Trials
Photo by Brooke Schafer

If you stroll through the barns at any event, you’ll see all manner of ingenious MacGuyvering. From coat-hanger sweat-scrapers to bailing-twine air-vest links, this ingenuity is part of an eventer’s DNA. Sometimes it’s successful, other times it isn’t. (My husband refuses to let me forget the time Stephanie and I spent about two and a half hours trying to break in to her car with a coat hanger and some wedge pads that the farrier loaned us.) Either way it makes for a good story and some big smiles at the end of the day. Here’s to eventer-ingenuity!

Oh, also — OMG OMG OMG ENTRIES FOR THE EVENT AT REBECCA FARM OPEN TOMORROW!

Saumur Links: [Website] [Final Scores] [Saumur FB] [Saumur YouTube] [Instagram]

Weekend Results:

Virginia CIC2*/CCI* and H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

May-Daze at the Park H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

The Spring Event at Woodside [Website] [Final Scores]

Corona del Sol Spring H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Flora Lea Spring H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Mystic Valley Hunt Club H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Coconino Spring H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Paradise Farm H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Equestrians Institute H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Events Opening Tomorrow:
Event at Rebecca Farm (MT, A-7) Coconino Summer I H.T. (AZ, A-10) Powder Basin H.T. (WY, A-9) Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (GA, A-3) Champagne Run at the Park H.T. (KY, A-8) Roebke’s Run H.T.(MN, A-4) The Maryland H.T. at Loch Moy Farm I (MD, A-2) Huntington Farm H.T. (VT, A-1) Cosequin Stuart H T. (NY, A-1) 38th Annual Whidbey Island H.T. (WA, A-7) Riga Meadow H.T. (CT, A-1)

Monday News and Notes:

With the unfortunate reality of semi-regular EHV-1 scares, biosecurity in the barn is more important than ever. Vaccinations are just part of the way to help prevent the spread of disease. Disinfecting a barn is a challenging task but can be done. The folks over at thehorse.com have some tips! [More from thehorse.com]

Some strong words have been exchanged over the BLM’s suggested round-up of approximately 200 horses in southern Utah. Iron County commissioners say that the number of horses that are planned for round-up will easily be replaced by the foals to be born this spring. [More from ksl.com]

It’s long been known that horses have a therapeutic quality. Most recently a study at Ohio State University has found that this therapeutic benefit extends to dementia patients. The study found that individuals with Alzheimer’s showed improved moods after interacting with horses. Additionally, they were less likely to resist care or become upset later in the day. [More from dispatch.com]

The century club has some new members! Joan Smith and her gelding Marley are two of the latest inductees. The century club was founded in 1996 and currently boasts over 159 members. The club’s goal is to encourage older riders to stay active in Dressage. [More from pamplinmedia.com]

With the WEGs around the corner, we’re starting to hear all sorts of interesting stories about some of the stars in each discipline. One such star is British vaulter Joanne Eccles. For Eccles, Vaulting is a family affair. She occasionally competes with her younger sister Hannah. Her father is her lunger. [More from cnn.com]

Four men who are believed to have been responsible for the theft of the world’s smallest horse have been arrested. They are accused of breaking in to the pony’s stable. The pony was found about a week later about 300 kilometers from where he was taken. The four men will face charges of theft, extortion and receiving stolen goods. [More from thelocal.it]

Monday Video: An oldie but a goodie…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTUsXaUFR-Q

Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

By Erin Critz on May 25, 2014 12:07 am -

Tim Terrific with Earl McFall up, over the last and heading for home in the Preliminary Challenge at Woodside. Photo from Dragonfire Farm's Facebook Page

Don’t you just love long weekends? I know I do! Last night both Horse and Rider divisions for Woodside’s Preliminary Challenge came to a conclusion. David Adamo and Henry took home top honors and the blue in the Horse division, while JoAnna Saunders and Ansel Adams captured the win in the Rider division. I’m a little bummed that I got roped in to some house work and couldn’t make it over to watch, but the crew from Ride On Video and Frankie Thieriot have done an amazing job with getting highlights up before the dust has even settled. Even so, I may have to pop over today because I saw some snapshots of some BBQ by Absolute Barbecue Company that looked divine. I’m not too proud to admit it, I almost licked the screen. Yum.

Saumur Links: [Website] [Schedule] [Live Scores] [Saumur FB] [Saumur YouTube] [Instagram]

Events This Weekend:

Virginia CIC2*/CCI* and H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Times] [Live Scores]

May-Daze at the Park H.T. [Website] [Times] [Live Scores]

The Spring Event at Woodside [Website] [Times] [Live Scores]

Corona del Sol Spring H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Flora Lea Spring H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Mystic Valley Hunt Club H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Coconino Spring H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

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

Equestrians Institute H.T. [Website] [Times] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

Horse Racing: Commanding Curve A Fastball In Workout

Horse Spooked By Commercial Dies In Freak Accident At Churchill Downs

This Charming Dog That Rides Horses Is More Than Just A One-Trick Pony

Horse Remains Found In West-Miami Dade

Conviction in SAU Horse Theft, Slaying Case Stands

Thousands Lose Sleep Over Horse’s Birth

Sunday Video:

Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

By Erin Critz on May 19, 2014 12:01 am -

Charlotte had a great weekend at Twin Rivers One Day Event. Photo from Tayside Sport Horses on Facebook

Good Morning, EN! I made a terrible decision last night. You see, I had originally planned to have a quiet evening where I sat down to tackle Monday News and Notes right after I finished watching Game of Thrones. I did not account for the possibility that last night’s episode would feature two of my favorite characters so prominently and for one of them to be at his most awesome. I hate it when I stumble upon spoilers, so I’ll do those of you who haven’t had a chance to watch it just yet a favor by not saying anything more! Well… except for maybe OMG, because seriously, that’s all I’ve been able to say since I watched the episode.

Weekend Results:

CHC International CIC and H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Mustang Powder CIC and H.T. [Website] [Scores]

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

Hitching Post Farm H.T. [Website] [Scores]

CCC Spring Gulch H.T. [Website]

Greater Dayton H.T. [Website] [Scores]

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

Kent School Spring H.T. [Website]

Events Opening This Week:
South Farm H.T. (OH, A-8) Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (GA, A-3) Coconino Classic 3-Day Event & H.T. (AZ, A-10)

Monday News and Notes:

Mark Todd picked up the win at Chatsworth Horse Trials this weekend in the CCI 3* division aboard Amacuzzi. This is Amacuzzi’s third win since Mark Todd took over the ride in March. [More from horsetalk.co.nz]

Details about Belmont contenders are starting to roll in. Derby runner Wicked Strong skipped the Preakness but ultimately will take part in the June 7th running of the Belmont Stakes. Wicked Strong finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby and some handicappers say he stands a good chance at being the one to keep California Chrome from a Belmont Victory and the title of Triple Crown winner.[More from kspr.com]

Speaking of rare occasions in racing, a British man is cursing his luck after the sixth horse in what was his winning Pick-6 finished second. Had he successfully picked all of the winners, he would have taken home a cool £10million. Still, picking five of six winners in a row is pretty remarkable! [More from mirror.co.uk]

Summer time is right around the corner and there is no time like the present to learn all you can about equine health issues. Clemson University ran a workshop over the weekend highlighting essential horse care tips that drew in people from all over the area. Clemson runs regular workshops for beginning and experienced horse owners covering topics from basic grooming and stable maintenance to breeding and more. [More details from thestate.com]

New studies have determined that a major factor in shaping equine genetics was The Silk Roads. The Silk Roads were a series of trading routes that linked the Mediterranean to south east China starting in about 200BC. Dr. Vera Warmuth led the research study. Her previous work used genetic analysis to determine that horses were originally domesticated in the Western Steppes of Eurasia, in what is now the Ukraine, an area serviced by the Silk Roads. [More from thehorse.com]

Do you need a daily dose of cute? Scooby Boo has it for you! He is a 12 year old therapy mini who works in Tampa, Fla. He visits hospitals, schools, rehab and retirement facilities. Originally found in a poor state via Craigslist, his owner Robin Bidwell has taught him to provide kisses on command. [More from dailymail.co.uk]

Monday Video:

Seriously, if I wasn’t grumpy enough about not getting to go to the WEGs in Normandy, they’ve added a music festival. Harumpf.

Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

By Erin Critz on May 18, 2014 12:01 am -

Gina Miles was rear ended on her way home from Jersey Fresh. Thankfully everyone is okay! Photo from Gina Miles' Facebook page

Welcome to Sunday, EN. Some scary news was passed on to me by Bec Braitling. On Thursday afternoon, Gina Miles had a bit of a scare while hauling SVR Ron and another horse home from Jersey Fresh. A driver rear-ended her faithful Elite trailer at over 50 miles an hour. Fortunately, the frame of the trailer withstood the impact and protected the two horses inside. The force was so significant that it bent the gooseneck nose and ripped the hitch off of the truck, buckling the bed. Fortunately, neither horse was injured, even with SVR Ron being in the back slot! What a tough trailer! Gina and her husband are both fine as well.

Events This Weekend:

CHC International CIC and H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Mustang Powder CIC and H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Otter Creek Spring H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Hitching Post Farm H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

CCC Spring Gulch H.T. [Website]

Greater Dayton H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Fair Hill International H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Kent School Spring H.T. [Website]

Sunday Links:

Bobby Meyerhoff is holding a 50/50 raffle to help fund his upcoming trip to Bromont. Only 100 tickets are available for this raffle, which boasts a grand prize of $4,000 and 10-$100 winners, so your chances of winning are good! The drawing will be held on May 31, and you do not need to be present to win. If you are interested in purchasing a ticket, please contact Bobby and Danica Meyerhoff at [email protected].

10 of our favorite phrases that come from horse racing

Colorado horse tests positive for Equine Herpes, High School Rodeo Events Canceled

Girl With The Dancing Horse, Charlotte Dujardin

Jordan Valley rodeo: Tradition meets scrutiny before controversial horse roping event

Morgan Freeman Saddles Up For Horse Drama ‘Beautiful Jim Key’

Horse riding brings quality of life for cancer patients

Sunday Video: I desperately want this to be the year we see a Triple Crown winner and I want to believe California Chrome can do it. If you missed his win of yesterday’s Preakness, here’s your chance to see it!

Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

By Erin Critz on May 12, 2014 12:33 am -

Butte Valley Pony Club has some new D1's and D2's after a windy weekend at Camelot Equestrian Park. Photo from BVPC's Facebook Page

You would think that with Jersey Fresh and Badminton a wrap that it might be safe to breathe. However, that is not the case! Saumur is right around the corner and summer will be here before you can blink. When I’m wide awake in the middle of the night, I find myself looking for patterns in the chaos. Late last night when counting sheep had failed me, I found myself mulling over Sam Griffiths breaking the Kiwi-winning streak at Badminton. Prior to his victory, New Zealand had boasted the last three Badminton winners. Australians have taken top honors at Saumur for the last three years. Does this mean that we’ll see a break in the Australian dominance at Saumur?

Weekend Results:

Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event [Website] [Final Scores]

Galway Downs Spring H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Winona H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

WindRidge Farm H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

King Oak Farm Spring H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]

Mill Creek Pony Club H.T. at Longview [Website] [Final Scores]

Plantation Field H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

The Event at Galisteo [Website] [Final Scores]

Events Opening This Week:
Genesee Valley Hunt H.T. (NY, A-1) Inavale Farm HT (OR, A-7) Groton House Farm H.T. (MA, A-1) Abbe Ranch H.T. (CO, A-9) Horse Park of New Jersey H.T. (NJ, A-2)

Monday News and Notes:

With the weather getting nicer each and every day, many of us are thinking about getting out on the road with our four legged friends and hitting the shows. Vets are asking equestrians to be especially mindful and engage in good biosecurity practices. EHV-1 is the virus that causes EHM and has been especially ominous this year. There have been reports of outbreaks across the country this year, most recently including new cases in Kansas and California. [More from thehorse.com]

The odds are good that you know his voice. Tom Durkin is retiring in August after a 43 year career that includes announcing Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup races. Calling races is certainly an art and Tom Durkin is one of the masters. [More from nytimes.com]

Late spring and early summer is a popular time to shop for a new horse. While shopping is always fun, it can be a challenging decision when paired with the emotional element of riding. Over the years I’ve had a few friends ask me for advice as to whether or not it was time for them to start looking for a new horse. I never had a good answer for them because it’s such a personal question. Fortunately, I stumbled across a list of good questions that may help you decide if it’s time for you to start shopping. [More from horsechannel.com]

Jockey Rafael Bejarano is in the hospital after an accident at Santa Anita. He broke his collarbone and a rib in the fourth race on Saturday and is expected to remain in the hospital for up to another five days. [More from losangeles.cbslocal.com]

One has to wonder what exactly is going on in Dallas. The city is in the late stages of building a new equestrian park which would normally be very exciting news. It takes a strange twist when you look at who they’ve chosen to run the facility. Wayne Kirk is slated to take over management of the facility even though he has a prior conviction for abusing horses. [More from dallasnews.com]

Getting out of the ring and going for a trail ride is great for both you and your horse. Unfortunately, in many places the only place to get some out-of-the-ring time in is on the road. If you are in this predicament you might be interested in UK inventor David Daly’s latest – a miniature camera that can be attached to your horse’s tail. It is wrapped in a high visibility sleeve that says ‘Smile, You’re On Camera’. [More from dailymail.co.uk]

Monday Video: Buck Davidson and The Apprentice last year at Saumur.

Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

By Erin Critz on May 11, 2014 12:01 am -

My mother pulling Zoey's mane sometime around 1994.

I was lucky enough to grow up with parents who were both very supportive of my equine related endeavors. My mother dutifully trucked me out to the barn every single day after school and spent an untold number of weekends at horse shows holding a pony, grabbing food from the snack-bar or wiping noses and boots. Decades later, she’s still happy to come to horse shows even if cross country day scares the hell out of her. Happy Mother’s Day, EN!

Events This Weekend:

Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Galway Downs Spring H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Winona H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

WindRidge Farm H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

King Oak Farm Spring H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Mill Creek Pony Club H.T. at Longview [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Plantation Field H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

The Event at Galisteo [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

California Chrome runs with bulls-eye in Preakness

BLM releases wild horse gather environmental assessment, Utah county not satisfied

Horse riders and cyclists go to war over bridleways in the UK

Bornavirus antibodies detected in horses in Iceland

The Sims FreePlay adds horses in it’s latest update

Was this the most dramatic Badminton yet?

Sunday Video: Well, it’s not a “race” CNN, but who’s counting?

Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

By Erin Critz on May 5, 2014 12:01 am -

Poplar Place this weekend, from EN's own Instagram feed.

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Dos mas cervezas por favor! I’m not sure where last week went, but it’s around here somewhere. I don’t need to find the whole week, but the weekend was really important to me! If you find a spare Saturday send it my way. I’ll even take a Sunday at this point! On a completely unrelated note, please keep a good thought out for Kate Chadderton’s Collection Pass. He cut his fetlock pretty severely over the weekend and had to undergo surgery on Sunday.

Weekend Results:

Greenwood Farm H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Scores]

Penny Oaks H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Scores]

MCTA H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Scores]

Heart of the Carolinas [Website] [Ride Times] [Results]

Poplar Place Farm May H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Scores]

Monday News and Notes:

The Kentucky Derby has come and gone, but there are still races to be run. While there is plenty of buzz around California Chrome, some eyes are shifting impatiently towards Cozmic One, Zenyatta’s first colt. [More from wave3.com]

California Chrome, the 2014 Kentucky Derby winner, is off to the Preakness. California Chrome’s story is truly a feel good tale and many people are saying he could go all the way. I want to believe in a California-bred racer (and a relatively inexpensive one to boot) but I’m very wary of the kind of heartbreak this could be. He’ll face some strong competition in the Preakness. [More from sacramentobee.com]

Brazil’s National Equestrian Centre is getting a facelift. It will serve as the site for equestrian events during the 2016 Olympics. The facility is currently used daily by the Brazilian Army Equestrian school, but will undergo a renovation along with several other sites. The city government of Rio de Janeiro has announced that they will be funding the renovation of nine different venues in the Deodora area. [More from horsetalk.co.nz]

Texas A&M has a new state of the art facility named after late alumni DVM Thomas Hildebrand. Earlier this week his wife and son led ribbon cutting honors on the facility. The $32 million dollar facility is composed of an arena, barn facilities, a cross country course and more. [More from houston.culturemap.com]

A Montreal police horse retrieved after he goes out on the lam. He escaped and spent about 30 minutes running wild in the streets. [More from theweathernetwork.com]

Are you about to be stuck on an airplane or in a car for an extended period of time? Do you need a list of horse-movies that you can share with your traveling companions? Movies make the time pass quickly, can do a bit to ease the I-Miss-My-Pony-Blues and certainly kept me from harming my coworkers on my flight home from Texas last week. Check out this list of horse related flicks from boston.com [More from boston.com]

It’s not Wellington or Spruce Meadows, but it’s growing rapidly. Equestrian sport is flourishing in the Gaza Strip. Currently about a third of the members of the Palestinan Equestrian Club’s 150 members are female. Coming from a culture where riders are overwhelmingly female, it may not initially seem like a big deal, but seriously, this is an amazing cultural shift in that part of the world. [More from al-monitor.com]

Monday Video: If you don’t read the article about equestrianism in the Gaza Strip, at least watch the video.

Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

By Erin Critz on Apr 28, 2014 12:01 am -

Jen McFall and High Times. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Rolex is a wrap! Congratulations to William Fox Pitt on his third win. One of these days we’ll see an American victor, but Bay My Hero was stunning to watch all weekend long and the win was well earned. I found myself fantasizing while I was watching the live stream about how it must be nice to go home with a swanky new watch and wondering if the thrill of winning a 4* ever really wears off. I eventually came to the realization that the biggest victory really belongs to those who are heading home with freshly minted 4* horses in their trailers and those who can now proudly call themselves 4* competitors. What a beautiful sport.

Rolex Links:

[EN Rolex 2014 Page] [USEF Network Coverage]

[RK3DE Website] [Official Facebook Page]

Weekend Events:

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

Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Spring H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

University of New Hampshire Spring H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Monday News and Notes:

The next big thing in Kentucky is right around the corner! The Kentucky Derby is fast approaching. I prefer to call it “That Race That My Coworkers Assume I Am Training My Fat Morgan Pony For”. Lots of great stories are starting to emerge about the horses. Uncle Sigh hails from Florida and is one of the starters you can expect to see this year. [More from news-press.com]

If you haven’t been following the current crop of runners and want some information before you throw down an exacta on Derby weekend, you’ll want to check out this next link. I’m still struggling to pick a favorite. I may go with California Chrome for the California connection, but that’s not a sure thing. I love a list of pros and cons like no one else and found this one handy. [More from courier-journal.com]

Cynthia Royal was the trainer of Blanco, one of the horses that played Shadowfax in the Lord Of The Rings films. The 55 year old trainer recently spoke about her career as a trainer and her relationship with Blanco. Blanco died at the end of March after spending some time hospitalized. Cynthia is still struggling to cover the $18,500 bill that resulted. [More from utsandiego.com]

Wild horses are gaining more attention for a multitude of reasons. Much of that attention is due to the challenges the BLM is facing when trying to manage the wild horse population. Moffat County in Colorado is home to a large herd of wild horses. The BLM is taking advantage of social media to raise awareness and encourage tourism in the area. [More from craigdailypress.com]

There are two bills related to the soring of Tennessee Walking Horses making their way through congress at present. The bill in the Senate is being pushed by Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, while the bill in the House is being offered by Ed Whitfield of Kentucky. Ayote’s bill has been moving along well. Currently, it has 50 co sponsors. Whitfield’s bill has 268. Both are seen as more aggressive about government regulation of the Tennessee Walking Horse business than the counter proposal that Marsha Blackburn has proposed. [More from tennessean.com]

The Godfather movie has an iconic scene where a man finds a horse’s head in his bed. In a rather disturbing turn of events, a man in Australia has had something similar happen. He awoke to find a horse’s head dumped on the hood of his car. Police believe it is in relation to a drug deal gone wrong. The man insists it was done by a vindictive ex girlfriend. Either way, it’s scary and gross! [More from nydailynews.com]

Monday Video: Your Rolex 2k14 Winner!

Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

By Erin Critz on Apr 27, 2014 12:01 am -

Your top three going in to the final day: William Fox-Pitt, Lauren Kieffer and Phillip Dutton. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Happy Rolex Sunday, EN! Yesterday’s cross country proved to be quite a shake-up with some significant movement in the standings. Today should prove to be just as exciting as riders move in to the final phase of the competition. I’m a bit anxious as I’ll be on an airplane headed to Texas while the show jumping is going on and I’m not sure if my flight will have WiFi. Be sure to check in with us throughout the day! The EN crew is at the Kentucky Horse Park and will be bringing you the most up to date coverage around. Don’t forget to stop in and say hi to our sponsors at the trade fair and check out all of the lovely goods they have on offer!

[EN Rolex 2014 Page] [USEF Network Live Coverage]

[RK3DE Website] [Event Schedule] [Ride Times] [Official Facebook Page]

Weekend Events:

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

Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Spring H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

University of New Hampshire Spring H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

Have you entered any of EN’s Rolex giveaways yet? Snap a pup, a Protect YourSELFIE, something funny enough to make the Mona Lisa smile, your very own patriotic Dubes and a Tipperary rider today for fab prizes. Contests currently running are: The Point Two Protect YourSELFIE Contest, Design Your Dubes, SmartPak’s Too Fun To Have Just One, Show Us Your Collection Contest, Omega Alpha’s Pick ‘Em, and Tipperary’s Snap the Dash. [Enter Contests — Win Big]

140th Kentucky Derby Could Have 4 Pletcher Horses

Iowa Authorities Remove Allegedly Neglected Herd

Kentucky Lab Selected By Delaware TB Racing Commission To Provide Drug Testing Services

Curlin, Ashado Headed To Horse Racing Hall Of Fame

Jury Awards Wyoming Couple $25k In Shooting Of Horse

Sunday Video: Your overnight leader going in to the final day at Rolex.

Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

By Erin Critz on Apr 21, 2014 12:01 am -

Jennifer McFall's High Times relaxes after a gallop. Photo via Hawley Bennett's Instagram.

Is it time to freak out yet? YES. IT IS TOTALLY TIME TO FREAK OUT. The week everyone’s been waiting for: Rolex Week! I don’t know about you, but my Facebook feed is chock full of posts about final gallops, plenty of packing and even some adventures from the road. A good portion of the west-coast entries are due to fly in to Kentucky later today and I can’t wait to see all of the check-ins from the Kentucky Horse Park.

Weekend Results:

Holly Hill Spring H.T. [Website][Final Scores]

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

River Glen Spring H.T. [Website][Final Scores]

Sporting Days Farm H.T. [Website][Final Scores]

Longleaf Pine H.T. [Website][Final Scores]

Events Opening This Week:
The Middleburg H.T. (VA, A-2) Derbyshire Farms H.T. (MI, A-8) Copper Meadows H.T. (CA, A-6) Carriage House Farm Combined Test (MN, A-4) Plantation Field H.T. (PA, A-2) Arrowhead H.T. (MT, A-9) Texas Rose Horse Park Summer H.T. (TX, A-5) River Glen June H.T. (TN, A-3) Queeny Park H.T. (MO, A-4)

Monday News and Notes:
Our friends at Dubarry have two contests going on that you should know about. First, Pin It To Win It! The finalists have been selected. Five Eventing Nation readers are one step closer to the buttery leather of a brand new pair of Dubarrys. Now, it’s your turn. You have the power to help fulfill a fellow reader’s footwear dreams (alas, not the Cinderella-with-Prince-Coleman one) by voting for which ensemble you feel is the Best Rolex Outfit. Help make one reader very, very happy by voting here. Then, after you’ve voted for your favorite, it’s time to flex your creative muscle and Design Your Dubes! Check out all of the details here!

As if Rolex wasn’t exciting enough, the Kentucky Derby is right around the corner as well. Much like the slang word ‘hella’ belongs to Northern California, ‘Wicked’ belongs to Boston and Wicked Strong is Boston’s horse. After an impressive run in the Wood Memorial, he is now qualified for the Kentucky Derby. Wicked Strong’s connections have been donating a percentage of his winnings to the One Fund and plan to up the percentage during the Triple Crown races. [More from bostonglobe.com]

Another impressive contender for this year’s Kentucky Derby is California Chrome. Known as “Junior” to his connections, California Chrome has had a fantastic 2014 season and is currently undefeated. Could he be the first California-bred in over 50 years to win the Kentucky Derby? [More from sacbee.com]

The controversy over the carriage horses in NYC continues. In recent weeks various celebrities and public figures have checked in to voice support for both sides of the issue. Liam Neeson spoke out on The Daily Show with John Stewart to voice his support for the carriage horses a few weeks ago. Over the weekend, approximately 50 animal rights activists picketed his home on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. [More from huffingtonpost.com]

The BLM has drawn criticism over selling Wyoming mustangs to the highest bidder – a Canadian slaughterhouse. Advocates for the horses are furious that they were unable to step in on behalf of the horses. The BLM says that the auction was public and that the horses were abandoned horses rather than wild ones. The distinction between abandoned and wild is important in this instance because, according to the BLM, if they are not officially “wild” they are not protected by the Wild-Free Roaming Horses and Burro Act. [More from foxnews.com]

Zara Phillips has returned to competition after the birth of her first child. She participated in the Symm International Horse Trials in Oxfordshire, competing in the open novice (for us yankees that’s preliminary) and the open intermediate sections. It is expected that she will continue competing this year in hopes that she will be selected for Britain’s WEG team. [More from dailymail.co.uk]

Monday Video: I’ve figured out how I’ll be entertaining myself on my flight to Texas next week!

Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

By Erin Critz on Apr 20, 2014 12:01 am -

"Heart On My Sleeve" by Owen. April, 2014. Mixed medium - Manure on technical fabric.

I witnessed something magical this weekend – the start of an artist’s career. Owen’s first work, “Heart On My Sleeve” is sure to cause a stir in the fine art community. When the piece was viewed by a man in a black turtleneck and glasses, he was rendered speechless by the power of the piece. When he found words again, he turned and whispered to a friend “I… think she has… poo… on her shirt.” Evocative and raw, “Heart On My Sleeve” is a mixed medium work on a summer-weight riding shirt and signed by the artist with a self-portrait. Should you desire to own a piece of art-history, please contact me and I will put you in touch with his agent. Oh and um.. Happy Easter.

Events This Weekend:

Holly Hill Spring H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Fair Hill International H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

River Glen Spring H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sporting Days Farm H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Longleaf Pine H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links:
Pin It To Win It! The finalists have been selected. Five Eventing Nation readers are one step closer to the buttery leather of a brand new pair of Dubarrys. Now, it’s your turn. You have the power to help fulfill a fellow reader’s footwear dreams (alas, not the Cinderella-with-Prince-Coleman one) by voting for which ensemble you feel is the Best Rolex Outfit. Help make one reader very, very happy by voting here.

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro break their own Grand Prix record at World Cup final

$38 Million from Ohio will help keep AQHA Congress in Columbus

Central Park Conservancy says cars are a poor alternative to horse drawn carriages

Delaware’s horse racing helps economy

EHV-1 cases showing up in Upper Midwest

Sunday Video: Excited for Rolex? Lets look at last year’s course!

Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

By Erin Critz on Apr 14, 2014 2:54 am -

Yeah, um... I'll clean this out tomorrow.

I am so sunburnt. Even after reapplying multiple coats of sunscreen my face still looks like a beet and I have a serious case of lobster arms. Then again, it could just be horse show afterglow. Twin Rivers really was a great place for my first Novice. I’m already looking forward to my next event… if only to avoid cleaning out my car.

Weekend Results:

Twin Rivers HT: [Website] [Scores]

Plantation Field HT: [Website] [Scores]

Ocala Horse Properties International 3-Day Event [Website] [Scores]

FENCE H.T. [Website] [Scores]

St. Johns H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Pine Hill Spring H.T. [Website] [Scores]

Monday News and Notes:

A horse in northern Virginia was euthanized last Friday after testing positive for Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy (EHM), the neurological form of EHV-1. No other cases have been reported in the area at this time. [Virginia Department of Agriculture]

Don’t forget to enter to win two four-day passes to Rolex! All you have to do is recreate the EN logo in a creative way — not through a drawing or graphic design! Entries are due at midnight EST tonight. [Enter to Win Rolex Passes]

A fun and exciting job opportunity came across my Facebook feed yesterday. Stephanie and I both debated whether or not it was feasible. We both decided against applying because shipping our own horses to the UK would be a pain (also my husband would probably be a spoil sport and say no). However, living in a castle would be so worth it. Start practicing your curtsies now. [The Queen needs a groom]

Taxpayers in New Mexico can allocate all or part of their refund to horse rescue groups. This is not without controversy. Some horse advocates say that the list of beneficiaries contains some groups that are not in line with the ideals of the fund. [Read more at daily-times.com]

There is a dustup in Utah over range land. Iron County in southern Utah is home to close to 2000 wild horses. This is significantly more than the 300 the BLM has stated is appropriate for the area. Locals are planning a roundup of the mustangs. [Read more at news.yahoo.com]

We’re always training our horses every time we handle them – but how do horses actually learn? Malan du Toit of South Africa recently presented some of his research during a seminar earlier this year. [Read more at thehorse.com]

Mark Bellissimo is the man responsible for the multi-million dollar transformation of the old Wellington show grounds in to one of the premiere show destinations in the United States, the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. For his efforts he was awarded the Sun Sentinel Co.’s Excalibur Award. [Read more at sun-sentinel.com]

There’s so much going on at the World Equestrian Games this year that it will make your head spin. There are lots of inspiring stories to be found everywhere you look. One of those stories is out of Washington state, where Roxanne Trunnell is attempting to make the para-Dressage team. [Read more at bellinghamherald.com]

Monday Video: It could be exhaustion or just my inherent immaturity, but I think this is both the funniest and cutest thing ever. I must teach my horse to do this.

Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

By Erin Critz on Apr 13, 2014 12:20 am -

An EN hat in the wild! Jennifer Neilsen looking fierce at Twin Rivers!

Happy Sunday, EN! It’s been a really exciting weekend at Twin Rivers. On Thursday, I spotted an EN hat in the wild! Friday, I snagged an awesome new shirt from one of the vendors. Yesterday, my pony put down a solid trip in stadium, despite my best efforts to muck it up. Today is cross country day and I will most certainly be channelling the Tom Cruise Witchcraft as I head off for the best of phases.

Events This Weekend:

Twin Rivers HT: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Plantation Field HT: [Website] [Times] [Live Scores]

Ocala Horse Properties International 3-Day Event [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

FENCE H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

St. Johns H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Pine Hill Spring H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

Marilyn Little and her horse teammates eye World Equestrian Games

Gandalf’s horse Shadowfax has died

RVR Horse Rescue battles with sheriff’s office over confiscated horses

Kentucky Derby 2014: Early Contenders, Preview and Date for Horse Racings Biggest Event

Dance With Fate captures Blue Grass Stakes

Triple dead-heat for 1st in Louisiana horse race

Sunday Video: This technically has nothing to do with eventing or horses, but this is exactly how I feel about down banks.

Twin Rivers and Ocala HT Score Update

By Erin Critz on Apr 11, 2014 5:25 pm -

Cover of the competitor booklet for Twin Rivers this weekend. Photos by The 23rd Jump, From twinrivershorsepark.com

It is a very warm weekend here at Twin Rivers. I was lucky to get my own test out of the way early before the heat kicked in. There is seriously more Dressage going on than I ever thought possible. Some impressive scores were put on the board this morning in the CIC3*. Mackenna Shea leads the CIC3* on Landioso, Matthew Brown’s BCF Belicoso is second and Lauren Billys Ballingowan Ginger is currently third. The CIC3* will head in to Stadium Jumping at 4pm local time.

The CIC2* Dressage starts at 3:15 local time and looks to be an impressive division. Dressage for the CIC1* division is underway currently. I’m particularly excited about this division as a half-brother to my BFF’s horse is entered and even though they’re pretty different, I’m very excited to see him go.

I’m here all weekend with high fives for anyone who asks! Come say hi!

Twin Rivers HT: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Down in Florida, the Ocala Horse Properties International HT has kicked off as well, with all FEI horses passing their inspections yesterday. The two CCI* and the CCI2* divisions played in the sandbox today, and Julie Richards, Buck Davidson, and Michael Pollard are your dressage winners. Here is a quick score wrap-up from Ocala:

Ocala Horse Properties International 3-Day Event [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

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