Erin Critz

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Saturday Links from Tipperary

By Erin Critz on May 16, 2015 2:19 am -

Jumps headed north to Canada for the Pan Ams! Photo via ETB Equine Construction on Facebook

Today is going to be obscenely busy. Tomorrow is going to be spent at the West Coast’s only recognized one-day Event and I’m looking forward to getting back out and zipping around a cross country course on my pony. This is assuming of course that all of the stars align and nothing stupid happens in the next 24 hours. I figure I’m sleeping for around five of those, so that only leaves 19 hours for potential stupid-things-to-happen in. Now, thinking about the amount of things that an event organizer has to have happen in the last 24 hours before a show? That’s enough to drive a person to madness.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

Fair Hill International May H.T. [Website] [Entry Status][Live Scores]

CHC International H.T. & CIC [Website] [Entry Status][Live Scores]

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

Sol Events at Corona del Sol H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

The Event at Woodland Stallion Station H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Equestrians Institute H.T. [Website]

CCC Spring Gulch H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Saturday Links:

Want to join the most eclectic team of eventing journalists around? Then you’ll want to enter our Fifth Annual EN Blogger Contest for your shot! We’re looking for our next victim talented writer to join our team, and entries are open until Tuesday, May 19 at 8 p.m. EST. [EN Blogger Contest]

Horseware is giving away a full Horseware SS15 outfit for horse and rider

Paso Robles Horse Park set for Grand Opening

Koda Chrome, a ‘horse of a different color’, draws attention at his Belterra Park debut

Jen McFall: Planting an Orchard

HorseNation: 7 Horsey Facts about Johnny Depp

Saturday Video:

Burghley is still a while off, but Andrew Hoy is preparing to be there.

Mother’s Day Links from One K Helmets

By Erin Critz on May 10, 2015 12:01 am -

Hooray for Horse Show Moms!

Happy Mother’s Day, EN! Whether you are a mom with human children of your own, equine children or are the barn-mom of other people’s kids, hopefully today is a great day. I’m looking forward to spending some time with my mother next weekend at the West Coast’s only recognized one-day event, The Event at Woodland Stallion Station. This will be the first time she sees me go cross country. When I was a kid my mother wouldn’t let me event as she was terrified that my saintly pony would be injured on the cross country course. In a way I’m thankful for that. Had I grown up eventing, I think I wouldn’t appreciate the community that comes with it as much as I do today.

Badminton: Website, Live Scores, Schedule, FEI TV, EN’s Coverage, Live Tweets, Instagram, @samanthalclark

Jersey Fresh: Website, Live Scores, Ride Times, Schedule, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram, @jenniautry

U.S. Weekend Action:

King Oak Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Scores]

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

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

Mill Creek Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Scores]

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

Camelot Schooling H.T. [Scores]

Winona H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Scores]

Sunday Links:

Miley Cyrus picks up $5M horse ranch

Quilt immortalizes Muybridge’s ground-breaking horse photography

Jockey Espinoza fined for excessive whip use on Stellar Wind

Idaho Officials working to keep Vesicular Stomatitus out of the state

Outrider chases down runaway horse at Churchill Downs

Groups differ on plan to control wild horse population

Sunday Video: This is the definition of ‘scrappy event rider’. Niklas Bschorer had a near miss at Badminton.

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By Erin Critz on May 9, 2015 12:01 am -

Jordan Taylor's 'Why Not' gets a spa day. Photo from Debra Varney's Facebook Page

Happy Saturday, EN! Hopefully you’re out doing something fantastic this weekend like treating your horse to a mani-pedi from the farrier or a fabulous massage from the equine masseuse. Oh, wait, that’s the stuff we’re supposed to do with our moms this weekend. Oops! Tomorrow is Mother’s Day, so consider this your reminder to set an alarm on your iPhone to remind you to call. She won’t mind if you do so while you’re out on a hack — just tell her you’re taking her on a trail ride!

#MMBHT: Website, Order of Go, Live Scores, Schedule, Course Preview, FEI TV, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, @samanthalclark

#JFI3DE: Website, Live Scores, Ride Times, Schedule, PRO Tour Radio, CCI3* Course Preview, CCI2* Course Preview, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram, @jenniautry

U.S. Weekend Action:

King Oak Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

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

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

Mill Creek Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Scores]

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

Winona H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Scores]

Saturday Links:

How one man and his horse created a mobile library in Indonesia

Keep horse meat off the dinner table, Senator Menendez says

Bankrupt Chicago race track looking for buyers

Arrest in Louisiana horse abandonment case

Horse of a different color third in his racing debut

Equine Herpes Virus: Warning issued to Oregon horse owners

Saturday Video: My next event pony will be named Neon Pegasus.

Sunday Links from One K Helmets

By Erin Critz on May 3, 2015 12:01 am -

From Triple Crown contender to winning Prelim horse - Icabad Crane. Photo via Icabad Crane's Facebook page, by Maggie Kimmitt

One of these days, when I have enough vacation time saved up I plan on making a multi week vacation to Kentucky to see Rolex and then the Kentucky Derby. Yesterday’s race was highly entertaining and I already have non-horsey friends calling me to ask whether or not we’ll have a Triple Crown winner this year. While I quite like American Pharoah, I’m not sure he has what it takes to go all the way. That said, if someone sent him my way to go play as an eventer? I’d totally take him. After all, we’ve seen what they can do after being a superstar at the track. Icabad Crane won his first Prelim this weekend!

U.S. Weekend Action:

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

Heart of the Carolinas Three-Day & H.T. [Website] [3-Day Live Scores] [HT Live Scores]

Poplar Place Farm May H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Greenwood Farm CIC/CCI & H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Penny Oaks H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

It’s time to vote for this year’s Rolex Top Dog! We’ve teamed up with World Equestrian Brands to offer this year’s winner a Mattes Gold Half Pad with rear trim. Our finalists are as adorable as ever this year, so get to voting! The poll will close on Monday, May 3 at 5 p.m. EST. [Rolex Top Dog Voting]

A crash course in horse anatomy

Mounted patrol officers expand their horse sense

Tips for managing horses on spring pastures

Ocean Breeze horse-riding arena set to open in the fall

Horse OK after being pulled from ditch in Abbotsford

The horse that will generate $35 million this year

Sunday Video:

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By Erin Critz on May 2, 2015 12:01 am -

Covert Rights has a new relative — a colt born by the same stallion, BFF Incognito! Colleen's future Rolex star? Photo via Brian Rutledge.

New foals are so exciting! There’s nothing quite like the anticipation and the guessing game that comes with a pregnant mare. Plenty of long conversations will be had in the barn isle with everyone sharing their two cents to whether you’ll be getting a colt or a filly and what kind of color and markings you’ll end up with. I’ve always admired the breeders who have the knowledge to put quality horses on the ground and the strength to send them out in the world and on to new adventures. I can’t wait to see what the foal crop of 2015 goes on to do.

Also, Kentucky Derby today, I’m having a hard time deciding if I’m putting my money on American Pharoah or one of the feisty longshots like Frosted.

U.S. Weekend Action:

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

Heart of the Carolinas Three-Day & H.T. [Website] [3-Day Live Scores] [HT Live Scores]

Poplar Place Farm May H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Greenwood Farm CIC/CCI & H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Penny Oaks H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Badminton Horse Trials: All About The Silver Jubilee Plate

Kentucky Derby 2015: A 19 Horse Field

Want to name a race horse? Read the Jockey Club’s Rules first

A Horse Storm is a real thing, but not what you expect

Neurologic EHV detected in Oregon horse

Saturday Video:

Show Jumping Sunday Links from One K Helmets

By Erin Critz on Apr 26, 2015 12:01 am -

The Ride On Video RV is an official Rolex Viewing Station. Photo from Liz Hall's Facebook page.

One of the great traditions of the West Coast is stopping by the Ride On Video RV to catch a little Rolex action during the horse trials at Fresno County Horse Park. There’s something surreal about seeing familiar faces and horses on a flat screen tv while John, Karen and other speakers speak about their successes and the road they took to get to Rolex. It’s hard to believe it comes and goes so fast. I suppose in a few short hours I’ll have to start directing my energy towards excitement for The Event at Rebecca Farm. Best wishes for those heading out to Show Jump today! I have a feeling that we’re in for an exciting conclusion to Rolex.

#RK3DE: Website, Entries, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scores, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, Ultimate Guide to Rolex, Course Preview, Twitter, Instagram

U.S. Weekend Action:

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

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

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

Saturday News and Links:

It’s officially Rolex Contest Week! We’ve got so many prizes to give away this year, we had to dedicate an entire page to our Rolex contests. Be sure to check this page each day for the details on contests to enter while you’re at Rolex. Good luck! [Rolex Contest Page]

Legislators make latest bid to ban horse processing

Stuart Horse Trials take major jump with partnership

European Police smash gang trading in illegal horse meat

Mom says there are more incidents of abuse at Tennessee horse training school

Bianca Jagger: ‘I did not ride the horse in to Studio 54. I just got on it’

Sunday Video: Michael Jung is sitting 2nd and 3rd going in to Show Jumping today. Can he snatch victory out from under Tim Price? He makes cross country look so easy!

Cross Country Saturday Links from Tipperary

By Erin Critz on Apr 25, 2015 12:01 am -

The Carter Family ran the RK3DE Twilight 5K. Photo from Kasey Mueller

Rolex is more than just an incredible 4* event with world class horses and riders in attendance. There truly is something for everyone and all sorts of ways to be involved. The Carter family participated in last night’s inaugural RK3DE Twilight 5k. The course took runners through much of the event, including around Rolex Stadium at dusk. Participants were rewarded with t-shirts and top finishers won prizes. As much as I abhor running, I briefly considered trying to train hard for next year’s RK5k. This would realistically be my best chance to “win at a 4*”.

#RK3DE: Live Scores, Website, Entries, Schedule, Ride Times, USEF Network, FEI TV, EN’s Coverage, Ultimate Guide to Rolex, Twitter, Instagram

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

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

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

Saturday News and Links:

Northern California horse stolen, then hit by pickup as thief takes her away

Organizers pull the plug on Roanoke Valley Horse Show

Los Angeles Police Department looking for graffiti artist who tagged a police horse

Racehorse trainer Kellyn Gorder suspended after horse tests positive for meth

California Chrome is Europe’s horse now

Saturday Video: Just incase you missed it previously, here’s another look at what to expect on today, the most exciting of days!

Sunday Links from One K Helmets

By Erin Critz on Apr 19, 2015 12:03 am -

West coast super stars enjoying a post cross country graze. Photo from Matt and Cecily Brown's Facebook Page

For the last few years I’ve heard people who doubt the might of the West Coast. There are those that write off the West Coast because it’s a smaller community with fewer venues. There are those who have suggested that those out west are at a disadvantage because we don’t have the same sort of terrain and training opportunities. As West Coast riders continue to head back east and get it done, I’m hearing less and less of those voices. I suspect that after 2016, California will be the hip place to winter rather than Florida. (Maybe not, but a girl can dream, eh?)

U.S. Weekend Action:

Fair Hill International H.T. & CIC [Website] [Live Scores]

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

CDCTA Spring II H.T. [Website] [Live Scores]

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

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

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

Sunday News and Links:

Rolex Meet and Greet excitement at the Omega Alpha booth (#172)! Several Omega Alpha riders will be dropping by for a meet and greet during Rolex. Thursday and Friday take some time to stop by and meet several of Omega Alpha’s sponsored riders Times are as follows: 1:00 pm on Thursday for Lauren Kieffer, 3:00 pm on Thursday for Selena O’Hanlon and Jessie Ferguson, 12:30 on Friday for Hannah Sue Burnett.

Davidsons to Hold Signing at Rolex The Hagyard booth will be THE place to be at this year’s Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. Eventing legends Bruce and Buck Davidson will be signing items for fans Friday during the lunch break (starting at noon), and Hagyard-sponsored eventer Allie Knowles will be stopping by during Thursday’s lunch break. Hagyard will have hats and photos available for signing, or fans can bring their own mementos. The Hagyard booth can be found on the floor of the indoor, on Custom Made Road.

Group calls for release of handsome Utah Mustang that became online sensation

Beyond Horse-Whispering

California Horse Racing Board votes to ban cobalt at track

Jim Rome’s horse, Shared Belief, injured during race

Colorado State University hosts annual horse sale

Two taken to hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning at Wisconsin horse fair

Sunday Video: Super Socks BCF at Fair Hill in 2014.

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By Erin Critz on Apr 18, 2015 12:01 am -

Quarantined Rolex Grooms. Photo via Fox-Pitt Eventing on Facebook

Rolex bound grooms are rocking the latest in stylish quarantine attire! I’m not sure the look will be the hottest thing in the barns, but it’s certainly functional. Then again, I may need to borrow one of these suits so I can stay clean before Dressage. There’s a reason why I dread white breeches and it’s called “everything at a horse show”.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Fair Hill International H.T. & CIC [Website] [Omnibus] [Live Scores]

Longleaf Pine H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status]

CDCTA Spring II H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status]

River Glen Spring H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Live Scores]

Holly Hill Farm H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status]

St. Johns H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Saturday News and Links:

Lord Nelson, the only horse to be penalized in a college football game, dies

Meet Wilma the feral pig. She thinks she’s a horse

Woman rides the horse she saved from starvation to her wedding

What caused my horse’s excessive salivation?

Three days of horse racing at Suffolk Downs proposed

Saturday Video:

Sunday Links from One K Helmets

By Erin Critz on Apr 12, 2015 12:01 am -

Bec is all smiles after Soaring Bird takes home the blue in the Open Prelim at Twin Rivers. Photo from Bec Braitling's Facebook Page.

Without a doubt coolers and halters are my favorite horse-show prizes. I love to see the smiles that come with putting a crisp new cooler on a winning horse. Of course this is immediately followed by a picture and then often a rush to take the cooler off to avoid getting it dirty. I’ve never quite figured out what to do with the ones that I have from my Hunter/Jumper days. For a time they joined me on the couch for scary movies until an accident with a bottle of red wine made a grey one look like a crime scene. These days they wait quietly in a tack trunk in hopes that they’ll be joined by one from an event some day.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Plantation Field H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Ocala H.T. & CCI [Website] [Omnibus] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

FENCE H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

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

Twin Rivers H.T., CIC, & CCI [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

Bees from overgrown lot kill horse in Texas

Mike Tindall’s ‘drunk horse’ brings National joy

American Pharoah dominates in Arkansas Derby

What happened to Sheboygan’s horse in the window?

2 face charges in miniature horse neglect

Advancements in equine lyme disease testing

Sunday Video: It’s not too early to start talking about Rebecca Farm is it? (Some S-Bombs in this one – might not be safe for work or sensitive ears 🙂 )

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By Erin Critz on Apr 11, 2015 12:01 am -

Ecko is Rolex ready. Photo from Bunnie Sexton's Facebook Page

I am sure that all of my non-horse friends are getting quite sick of the word Rolex. They were under the impression that it was just a fancy watch company instead of the grand occasion that it is. Part of my excitement for this year’s RK3DE is due to the sheer number of pairs entered. Even as we see some scratches, we still have a very full list. I’m also particularly excited to see some of my West Coast favorites make the trek east to strut their stuff. I’m still seriously debating if I can hop on a plane Friday night, be there for Saturday and fly home to California Sunday. It’s the exact sort of insanity that feels right when it comes to eventing.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Plantation Field H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Ocala H.T. & CCI [Website] [Omnibus] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

FENCE H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

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

Twin Rivers H.T., CIC, & CCI [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Love story between horse and villagers hits big screen

Colorado horse sculpture wrecked by would-be rider

Grand National 2015 Entries: Full list of Runners and Odds

Texas man ticketed for riding horse to Taco Bell

Western University Researchers Study NYC Carriage Horse Stress Levels

Florida Police horse has additional talent

Saturday Video: First kisses are so sweet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5xFFWCYFYI

Sunday Links from One K Helmets

By Erin Critz on Apr 5, 2015 12:01 am -

Fraizer, my favorite tack-shop dog, loves One K Helmets! Photo from Tack Warehouse

Show season is a bit like the holiday season. We buy a lot of presents for ourselves in the form of new gear and until it’s right up on top of you, you seem to forget exactly how busy things are! Not only do we have all of the excitement of final Rolex preps and Rolex travel going on, but we also have some very fun stuff for the Adult Riders out west that comes together next weekend. The Adult Team Challenge at Twin Rivers has a staggering 32 teams entered this year. The party is likely to be out of control – we’re West Coasters, it’s what we do. April is a wonderful time of year when each weekend just seems to get more and more exciting! I’m not sure how I’m going to have enough energy to keep up with everything that is going on. I already consume what could be described as a near lethal amount of caffeine just to get going in the morning.

U.S. Weekend Action:

The Fork H.T. & CIC [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Scores]

CDCTA Spring I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status][Scores]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Entry Status][Scores]

Spring Bay H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Sunday Links:

Another Michigan horse tests positive for EHV-1, quarantine continues

Museum celebrates 125th birthday of wooden horse

New York woman charged with stealing horse

Free horse camp offered by Placer County Sheriff’s Office in Northern California

After year of tumult, new leaders say Devon Horse Show will go on

Whip use in horse racing debated

Sunday Video: 18 sleeps away from Rolex!

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By Erin Critz on Apr 4, 2015 12:01 am -

Our Tipperary Rolex ticket contest winner, Anna Suhl!

It’s the first weekend in April, let your Rolex Countdown commence in earnest! We are just 19 days away from what is sure to be a very exciting four-star. In celebration of the upcoming #BestWeekendAllYear, we asked you to create an artistic way to show off your Rolex tickets. We ran a voting poll all week to determine the winner of a brand new Tipperary T-series helmet, and we’re pleased to announce that Anna Suhl is our winner!

Anna received just over 41% of the votes, and her artsy horse head — complete with mane — is definitely worthy of the fabulous prize offered by Tipperary. Congratulations, Anna!

U.S. Weekend Action:

The Fork H.T. & CIC [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

CDCTA Spring I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Spring Bay H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times

Tipperary Encourages Riders to ‘Dash for Cash’ at Rolex: Tipperary is returning to Kentucky this year as the sponsor for its annual “Dash for Cash” contest. Riders will be eligible to win additional prize money in each phase, which is considered separately. Several riders who are supported by Tipperary or who choose to ride in a Tipperary vest will be competing this year, including Tipperary rider Rachel McDonough.

Each phase will provide an opportunity to win $5,000 in prize money. The breakdown of criteria is as follows:

Dressage Phase: $5,000 Tipperary “Dash for Cash” Bonus Award Money is awarded to the rider who is the overall leader in the dressage phase and is wearing the Tipperary T-Series helmet.

Cross Country Phase: $5,000 Tipperary “Dash for Cash” Bonus Award Money is awarded to the winning rider who has no jumping penalties and is closest to the optimum time during cross-country. This rider must be wearing the Tipperary Eventer Pro 3015 to be eligible for the prize money.

Show Jumping Phase: $5,000 Tipperary “Dash for Cash” Bonus Award Money is awarded to the winning rider who is wearing a Tipperary T-series helmet and has no jumping penalties and no time penalties.

Best of luck to all Tipperary riders this year! [Tipperary] [Tipperary on Facebook]

Five Second Rules and Sleeping In Breeches: True Confessions of Horse People

RSPCA reviews hunt prosecution policy after collapse of case against West huntsman

California Chrome: America’s horse arrives for Royal Ascot

Did he fall off or was it an emergency dismount? Amateur jockey walks away from brutal fall at Wincanton Racecourse

Young Horse Health, Conformation Impacts Career Longevity

Horses for courses: Show jumping event comes to Miami Beach

Saturday Video: Are you ready for Rolex?

Sunday Links from One K Helmets

By Erin Critz on Mar 29, 2015 12:01 am -

I ride six days a week, so that totally justifies having one in each color, right?

One K Helmets is Eventing Nation’s new sponsor for Sunday Links and I am absurdly excited about this. A few weekends ago, I dropped in to Tack Warehouse up in Woodland, CA in the interest of trying on a few helmets. With warmer weather approaching and my current helmet getting close to the five-year mark, I’ve been mulling over my next helmet purchase. When I tried on the One K Defender Bling, I knew I’d found the one. It is light, super comfortable, and has just enough bling to suit my sense of style. I’m struggling to make the choice between the black and the navy because they’re both SO gorgeous. I’m also realizing that I need a Defender Glitter, Defender Snake and a Defender Brocade. However, I got to thinking – if I have a different helmet for cross country, is it really a stretch to have a different helmet for every day of the week? I think not! [One K Helmets]

U.S. Weekend Action:

Morven Park H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Live Scores]

Rocking Horse Spring H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop March II H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Live Scores]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Live Scores]

Galway Downs H.T. & CIC [Website] [Omnibus] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

Woman hurt, several horses bitten after dog attack in Trabuco Canyon

Horses in 4 Michigan counties quarantined after EHV-1 death

Suspension lifted for Milpitas High senior who rode horse ‘Romeo’ on campus for a Prom proposal

Brown Panther wins Dubai Gold Cup

Four veterinarians charged in Penn National horse doping case

Czech Republic welcomes first Exmoor pony breeding herd

Sunday Video:

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By Erin Critz on Mar 28, 2015 12:01 am -

The best thing about this sport is that there's an opportunity to learn something new every day, with every horse, with every horse person you associate with. Clayton Fredericks at Sweet Oaks Ranch. Photo from Jessica Kerschbaumer

It’s nice to see hard work pay off. All of the recent clinics and training sessions that our West Coast based riders have been tackling are really showing some impact in the scores at Galway this weekend. Seeing this is honestly inspirational for those of us still mentally on vacation, even though we swore we were going to hit it hard when the clocks rolled back. It’s a reminder that it’s possible for those of us that promised ourselves we’d be fit and ready to rock and roll at an event by mid-April. It’s a quiet, unspoken prodding to get up and back to work because inertia begets more inertia and nothing happens without effort. Time to dust off the big yellow watch, dig out my trot-set playlist and spend some time in two-point.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Morven Park H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Rocking Horse Spring H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Full Gallop March II H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status]

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

Galway Downs H.T. & CIC [Website] [Omnibus] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

California student rides horse to school in creative prom proposal, gets suspended

Dubai World Cup: the $10 Million Horse Race

Animal advocates angered by practice used at horse show

Gates to open at Texas Horse Park in southern Dallas this weekend

Loose police horse briefly on patrol in downtown Cleveland

Michigan barn destroyed in large fire, no people or horses injured

Saturday Video:

Lets go for a gallop on the Galway Downs track!

Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

By Erin Critz on Mar 22, 2015 3:09 am -

Jen McFall and Cori Davis head out to the cross-country warm-up. Photo from Cori Davis' Facebook Page

I will own up to the fact that when I was a kid I was much more competitive. In my teens, I went in to the show ring with an “I’m here to win this” mentality. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed that I’m way less competitive than I used to be. Yes, it’s nice to come home from an event with a pretty ribbon in addition to the memories and the comfortable exhaustion of a weekend well spent. For me though, it’s more and more about the pictures.

I’ve gotten to the point where I’m automatically incorporating the cost for at least one of the pro photographer’s shots as well as the tape of my weekend from Ride On Video when I tell my husband what my next event is going to cost. As much as I really think that “kids these days” are missing out on awesome retro things like rust breeches, white rubber reins, clacker bell boots and navajo pads, I do have to admit that I’m jealous that they’re growing up in a world with digital photography.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Carolina International H.T. & CIC [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [EN’s Coverage]

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

Sunday Links:

Police: Drunk man slaps police horse after Scranton St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Moroccan Man Prosecuted in Italy for Fatally Penetrating Pregnant Mare

Non-profit combines love of helping with love of horses

World Horse Welfare Responds to Research on Social Aspects of Stables

Horse allergies: Early exposure can help build resistance – study

France pushes anti-doping stance at Dubai Horse Fair

Sunday Video: Helmet cam footage from a clinic with your CIC 3* leader at Poplar, Leslie Law.

ERS-Eventing.com provides riders with an interactive online portal that showcases product information, demonstrations, tutorials and reviews from fellow competitors & top international riders.

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By Erin Critz on Mar 21, 2015 12:01 am -

The FCHP Playset from Applehead Design. Complete with speeding train. Photo from Ryan Poli's Facebook Page

I’ll be up front – I’m one of those women who has always known that she does. not. want. kids. Period. End of story. Not up for debate. I mean, I stayed short enough to ride large ponies, so I really don’t have a need for a child of my own. That said, some of my friends kids are prone to moments of awesome. Ryan and I grew up riding together and as expected, her daughter, Alice caught the horse-bug too. In addition Alice loves trains. I’m slowly but surely working on getting Ryan to join us at an Event. I’m thinking the closing move on my strategy may have to go with “Hey Alice, what if there was a horse show that had trains too? Wouldn’t THAT be fun?”

U.S. Weekend Action:

Carolina International H.T. & CIC [Website] [Omnibus] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Poplar Place Farm March H.T. & CIC [Website] [Omnibus] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Allen Jerkens, ‘Giant Killer’ of Horse Racing, Dies at 85

Wisconsin family: Therapy horse shot, killed

Must-see: Man rides horse along busy freeway, gets pulled over

Mounted Officers Caught Improperly Dumping Horse Manure

Indianapolis students raise $200 for sick police horse

The ultimate down bank: Incredible pictures show horse diving act off 60 foot platforms into 12 feet of water

Saturday Video:

Remember this?

Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

By Erin Critz on Mar 15, 2015 12:01 am -

The Hearts and Hands Foundation did a riding demo on Sunday at Red Hills before 3* show jumping, and this is Selena O'Hanlon meeting one of the little riders, who is also named Selena.

I should probably stop and breathe at some point. Honestly, it is shaping up to be one of those very busy weekends for me. Yesterday started with braiding for a friend at 6am and then straight off to a full day of hanging out at an Everything But The Horse Pony Club Rally. Today is another early morning of braiding and then off to spend some time with my own horse. I should probably find some time to mow the lawn, do my taxes and other responsible adult things as well. Hopefully your weekend has been packed full of fun as well! If you are in Wellington today, you should totally check out the the USET Foundation/USEF Fundraiser American Equestrians Got Talent. It starts at 6pm.

The AEGT Grand Finale will positively impact each and every one of the FEI disciplines through our first time, across all sports, fundraising effort! 10% of all funds raised over the last 10 weeks from the audition nights at the Grille, as well as from our Grand Finaleon Sunday, will be split equally between all 8 FEI disciplines. It is not just a Dressage fundraiser! Also, if the winner of the night comes from a sport other than Dressage, another 10% will go directly to that sport’s High Performance Programs. Tables, Tickets, and General Admission Passes may be purchased directly online at http://www.uset.org/American-Equestrians-got-Talent.php

If you are not in Wellington, don’t despair – the entire show will be live-streamed around the world at www.coth.com and you can vote once or an unlimited number of times for your favorite act on your smart phone by texting 41444 and putting in the name of the act you want to win. Each vote costs $5.00 and this money goes as well to our cause, the USET Foundation!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Pine Top Spring H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

MeadowCreek Park H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm March I H.T. [Final Scores]

Copper Meadows H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

Lawsuit over quarter horse’s clone may redefine animal breeding

NC State Fair cancels Tennessee Walking Horse show after protest

Two arrested for allegedly shooting horse in Arizona

Photographer breaks his leg in horse race accident, captures close ups of horse

Horse drawn caravan ends 2500 mile trek in Florida

High school students practice the art of judging horses

Sunday Video: Your Copper Meadows overnight leader Tamie Smith & Mai Baum in the Level 5’s at a Jumper Show.

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By Erin Critz on Mar 14, 2015 12:15 am -

What eventers do in the off season... Whipping in with Big Sky Hounds in Three Forks, MT. Photo by Sheila Smart riding Max.

One of the things that I didn’t get to do as a kid was Pony Club. To my knowledge we didn’t really have one in the area and my mother was terrified of the prospect of asking my sweet and saintly pony to jump solid objects that could seriously injure us both. You can always have another child, but once in a life time ponies are just that. However, we are slowly but surely assembling a Horsemasters group as part of Deer Creek Pony Club that meets at Dragonfire. Maybe I will get to experience the joy of record books and stall cards! I get to spend today as a Jump Judge at their Everything But The Horse Rally. I love jump judging at events, but when I can watch the whole course, inside in the air-conditioning mere feet away from the snack bar? Even better.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Pine Top Spring H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

MeadowCreek Park H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm March I H.T. [Final Scores]

Copper Meadows H.T. [Website] [Omnibus] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Horse dies, another injured in crashes on rural California road
Young horse dumped along road in Pittsfield Township believed to have died from pneumonia
UAE Federation suspended over horse welfare
Why this sweet-looking horse is a major headache for Wal-Mart
Equestrian fans, dog lovers in Pinellas Park dispute
Equestrian estate has 200 acres and century home

Saturday Video: What’s an Everything But The Horse Rally, you ask? Well, glad you asked!

Daylight Saving Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

By Erin Critz on Mar 8, 2015 12:01 am -

Spring means love is in the air. Chinch has a crush on Ryan Wood's dog Snoopy, or Snoop Dogg as he's better known. Your 2* leaders at Red Hills: Tik Maynard, Marilyn Little, Ryan Wood.

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG SO MUCH SUNLIGHT! As much as I hate getting up earlier, it’s all worth it. Sunlight at the barn until 7 p.m. I can hardly stand it. Seriously, I am freaking out over here. There’s nothing quite as wonderful as actually having time to ride after work. It’s been a long and dark winter. To have the opportunity to ride after work again is like being reborn. I can feel my sanity returning now that I will actually be able to ride on a daily basis. Hooray!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Red Hills: Website, Ride Times, Schedule, Live Scores, Course Maps, Live Stream, Radio, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram

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

Southern Pines H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Scores]

Sunday Links:

Red Hills International Horse Trials Begin

Alleged Montana Horse Abuser Caught In Florida

UMMC Won’t Accept Charity Horse Show Donations

Road Reopens After Police Rescue Horse Stuck In Drain

Connecticut Horse Owners Charged With Cruelty

Dortmund Remains Perfect With San Felipe Stakes Win

Sunday Video:

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By Erin Critz on Mar 7, 2015 12:01 am -

Red Hills! From Ellen Doughty Hume's Facebook Page

My husband recently quit his job in the tech sector and has been on this kick of buying power tools and lumber. I’m strangely more okay with this than one might expect. I recently borrowed a set of schooling standards and a flower box for an evening so that he could take a look at them. I thought it was silly that he couldn’t just look at pictures or plans and figure out how to make them from there, but if my master plan of having my own personal jump-builder stands a chance of coming to fruition, I have to yield to his requests. Besides, we all learn in different ways. I’m hoping that soon he’ll be inspired enough and willing to build some portable cross country fences. I might just keep him if that happens.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Southern Pines H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Red Hills CIC & H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Schedule] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm March I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Saturday Links:

Riding Magazine: March 2015 Horse People: Hawley Bennett-Awad

A Rainbow-Colored Horse That Takes Aim at Homeland Security

Oregon family says County deputy killed horse he mistakenly thought was injured

Court Rules on Checkerboard Wild Horse Gather

Wellington hosts American Equestrians Got Talent

Interest in Equestrian Sports Surges in China

Saturday Video: Some action from last year at Red Hills!

Sunday Links from ERS-Eventing.com

By Erin Critz on Mar 1, 2015 12:01 am -

A rainbow at Twin Rivers. Photo from Debi Ravenscroft’s Facebook page.

Ever have one of those days where it feels like nothing is going your way? I’ve been fighting through a string of those for a while and decided I needed some retail therapy. Frustratingly, when I got to the tack store to engage in said retail therapy, the sensible part of my brain kicked in and reminded me of things like “phone bills” and “car payments” that sadly have to take precedent over fun things like yet-another-pair-of-breeches. I suppose though that the pot of gold at the end of this rainbow is that avoiding that expenditure means I’ll have some extra cash for show season.

U.S. Weekend Action:

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

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

Sol Events at Circle T H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Twin Rivers Winter H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

From HorseNation: Golden Girls, Dressage & Why You’re Never Too Old to Chase a Dream (or Drink Champagne No Matter What!)

How to own a horse without breaking the bank

Why ride a horse when you can ski behind one?

The aging dressage horse

Life size war horse memorial to be unveiled

Horse that disappeared during trail ride recovered

Sunday Video:

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By Erin Critz on Feb 28, 2015 12:01 am -

Even though I trusted this pony implicitly, I can tell by my hands that I must have snuck in a VNP over this fence.

I normally don’t get too flustered when celebrities die but the news of Leonard Nimoy’s passing hit in just the right way and has had me quite sad. You see, even though Nimoy never rode a horse in any of the episodes I ever saw, Spock was a horseman in my mind. When I was about 8 or 9 years old I had just been “moved up” to one of the lesson horses from a very trustworthy and much beloved lesson pony. The size and power difference intimidated me quite a bit. My instructor noticed and told me that if I started getting nervous while I was in two-point, I could slide my thumb over the mare’s crest and give a little squeeze. She explained that it was a very powerful Vulcan technique and most importantly, in order to use this power, I had to be calm and centered like Spock. That summer, I did what seemed like endless laps of the ring in two-point with my thumb hooked over that mare’s neck – and it worked. To this day, in moments of anxiousness over fences, that thumb creeps over and I find a little bit of calm comes with it.

U.S. Weekend Action:

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

Sporting Days Farm II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Sol Events at Circle T H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Twin Rivers Winter H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Horse Heaven Available — for $22.9m

Wyoming Wild Horse Round Up Case Continues Monday

Oregon Horse Herd Seized

Neurologic EHV-1 Confirmed in Canadian Horse

How Cold? Equestrian panniculitis cold!

Equestrian Success Rides On Flexibility

Saturday Video: Enjoy some California sunshine on the Galway Downs Preliminary Track

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