Amy Tryon and Poggio II. Photo courtesy of Lauren Ferguson.

Athens 2004 Olympics was the first time I vividly remember watching the entirety of the Eventing portion with rapt attention, and following all of the US riders from start to finish. I was a teenager running around Training level, and I didn’t know any of them personally, so they were superstars in my mind. I particularly remember watching Poggio in the jumping phases, because his style of going over the fences was heart stopping. Not only was he unbelievably catty and quick, but he was pretty wild at times. I didn’t have a clue what it took to get to that level, but watching him go on cross country made me think one day I’d like to do that, and run that fast and jump that high. Thanks Poggio, for inspiring many young girls across the world with your unique style.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

Full Gallop Farm February H.T.: [Website] [Volunteer]

Ocala Winter I H.T.: [Website] [Volunteer]

Pine Top Intermediate H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Show Photos] [Volunteer]

News From Around the Globe: 

Nothing we love more here at EN than snooping around famous riders’ farms! Ever wondered what Piggy March’s yard looks like from the inside? Wonder no more, my friends. Piggy is based in Northamptonshire, on a farm that was specifically built to meet all the needs of an Eventer, plus a view from the arena that’ll knock your socks off. Can I move in too? [Arena with a View: Piggy March’s Yard]

We’ve all known a grumpy horse or two, and chances are that it’s just brushed off as “that’s just him”. But new studies into equine behavioral science show that a horse that’s grumpy in the barn is likely not having a good time under saddle either. This study has shown that there’s a relationship between poor welfare in a stall and the expression of behaviors, postures, and even a particular way of moving when the horses are being ridden. [A Grumpy Horse]

Throwback Thursday to the 2010 YEH Championships, and the successful horses that came from there. With the east coast championships at Fair Hill and the west coast championships at Twin Rivers that year, the two championships saw 26 starters. Twelve of those horses fulfilled the program’s mission and went on to be successful at the upper levels of eventing. [YEH Yearbook: 2010]

Science confirms what we all knew to be true: pelvic mobility and control dictate riding efficacy. In general, the rider’s pelvis pitches in the opposite direction and rolls in the same direction as the rotation of the saddle. Riders need core stability to follow and guide the horse’s movements and avoid giving unintended or conflicting signals. In this study, they assessed performance in the saddle by measuring quality and harmony of a dressage test, as well as measuring the horse’s heart rate and salivary levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Riders were also studied on their ability to roll their pelvis on a giant rubber ball. [Importance of Pelvic Mobility]

Jan Byyny and some frosted mirrors in Florida! Photo courtesy of Island Farm Ocala.

I know we’ve all been rocked this week by the news about Kentucky, but I’m hopeful anyway. If there is one thing I know, there is nothing like the heart of the eventing community, and our ability to band together and get stuff done. I’m sure more information and crowdsourcing will arise over the next few days, so let’s all just keep our hopes up for the possibility of Kentucky 2021!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Sporting Days Farm February H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Three Lakes Ranch H.T.: [Website] [Volunteer]

News From Around the Globe:

Have you joined the party on Patreon yet? Become an EN Patron at any tier before February 14 and we’ll send you an EN Yeti tumbler or wine mug. Gain access to an exclusive Facebook group just for Patrons that will be full of surprises and goodies – click here to learn more and sign up.

The great and wonderful Mary Coldren wins a prize! Mary Coldren’s kindness, expertise, and enthusiastic participating in Eventing has been a staple for thousands of riders for decades. Now, thanks to NTRA Advantage Equine Discounts, Coldren is also the owner of a new John Deere Gator as the winner of NTRA Advantage’s “Share How You Care” Contest. NTRA Advantage Equine Discounts asked US Equestrian members to nominate someone who has had a positive impact through horses and equestrian sports. Entrants submitted a written essay or video sharing an experience that illustrates how their nominee cares for the equestrian community and how a John Deere Gator would help them in their work. We can hardly think of a more deserving winner! [Mary Coldren Wins a Gator]

Best of Blogs: Without a Deadline It’s Only a Dream

Buff up on your USEA rule changes and join this virtual webinar on February 17th. After the popularity of Rules Open Forum held virtually during the 2020 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in December, the USEA Competitions, Calendar, and Rules Committee decided to host another rules webinar to share information about the extraordinary rule changes going into effect on April 1, 2021 and the rule change proposals being put forward to the USEF by March 1, 2021 for approval for the 2022 competition season. [USEA Rule Change Webinar]

I love nothing more than a good barn hack. Pro groom Liv Gude shares her absolute favorite and most accessible hacks in this blog, and I promise you’ll be inspired to incorporate some of them into your barn routine. [Expert Barn Hacks]

Just so we don’t forget:

Cooley Cross Border with his besties Crumpet and Lindsey. Photo courtesy of Lindsey Hall.

While we’re enduring enjoying snow here in Virginia, I have to say, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing videos of people in Florida complaining because they’re wearing a jacket. It’s a small comfort that while they’ve escaped to the warm state, they’re still cold, even if it’s only one jacket instead of three.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Sporting Days Farm February H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Three Lakes Ranch H.T.: [Website] [Volunteer]

News From Around the Globe:

As somebody who dealt with a horse who hated liverpools for 10 years, I can say it’s never too early to start teaching them. In this video break from the USEA Vault, Lucinda Green instructs a group of riders on how to introduce their horses to jumping a liverpool. Starting out at the walk over a tarp that’s been rolled up, Green increases the difficulty of the exercise by opening up the tarp and increasing from the walk to the trot to the canter. Green coaches riders through how to manage horses that are unsure about jumping over the tarp. Finally, Green adds a pole over the top of the tarp to simulate a jump with a liverpool beneath. [Introducing Liverpools with Lucinda Green]

In surprising news from the IOC, they’ve announced that COVID vaccines will not be required for Olympic participation. Organizers of the Tokyo games announced yesterday that athletes and officials will not be required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 to attend the Olympic Games, but they will encourage and assist individual countries to vaccinate their teams prior to arrival. [No Vaccination Required for Olympics]

Introducing a young horse to skinny fences is integral to your success as an Eventer, because they show up early now. British rider Caroline Moore has an excellent system for teaching confidence over skinnies. To develop confidence with a narrow fence, a rider needs good steering aids, the horse needs good jumping technique, and the pair need a good partnership. That, and holding a line. [Teaching Skinnies to a Young Horse]

Talking to your non horse friends can sometimes be…challenging. Not only do they think you’re crazy, but they don’t understand what you’re saying half the time. Now you can just link them here, for a comprehensive list of translations of common horse words so they can keep up. [Comprehensive Dictionary of Horse Terms for Non-Equestrians]

Just taking a moment during cross country to hug her horse. Photo courtesy of Katherine Linkogel.

Oof, just when you think winter is close to being over, it comes with vengeance at the end of the longest January in the world. I’m a little spoiled in Virginia so that I’m offended when it’s in the teens overnight, but I realize anything north of this thinks it’s no biggie. I don’t know why I’m always surprised when January and February are the worst, but they always are. Don’t worry, I’ve perfected the art of layering until I look like the Michelin Man.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Full Gallop Farm H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

Galway Downs Winter H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

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

News From Around the Globe:

We hope you’ll join the EN team on Patreon! We created a Patreon dedicated to our superfans who want to connect with our team and our work here at Eventing Nation. Sign up by Valentine’s Day and we’ll even send you an EN Yeti mug or wine tumbler (pick your poison!). You’ll get access to a private Facebook group just for our patrons, special content and perks, and much more. Click here to learn more!

Get your online auction on! Check out the CDCTA online auction. With 95 items offered this year, you can get lessons from Olympians, vet services, custom leatherwork, photography sessions, cross country schooling, and so much more. The auction ends Sunday night at 10 pm EST.  [CDCTA Auction]

Don’t let bad myths ruin alfalfa for you or your horse. Alfalfa can be an important part of your horse’s diet, especially during the winter to keep the weight on. It won’t make your horse hyper, and it won’t cause kidney failure. [4 Misconceptions About Alfalfa]

Best of Blogs: When Riding Is a Key Component for Treating Mental Illness

Red Hills Horse Trials has a new look for 2021. Slated to be held at the beginning of March this year, there will be no spectators this year, and more changes to the cross country course. [Red Hills Horse Trials 2021]

Time to hone your skills for conformation critique with young horses. This week we’ve got a lovely 3-year-old thoroughbred gelding who shows good promise for the future. A key point of assessing a young horse is seeing past the possible awkward growth stages and envisioning what will become in a few years. [Conformation Critique with Chris Ryan]

Time to get those shoulders supple. Nope, not yours! Getting control of your horse’s shoulders is key for all phases, because without the shoulders your steering goes straight out the window. These exercises were specifically designed with the jumping horse and rider in mind by the great Jane Savoie, so don’t skip this link. [Exercises to Supple the Shoulders]

A totally not guilty very naughty pony. Photo by Sarah Smith.

Winter is the season of dirt road hacks and trots for me, because ring work for months on end drives both me and my horse totally insane. However, if you trot down the road in the dressage saddle, you can practice some shoulder in, haunches in, a little bit of leg yield back and forth, and today I experimented with some extended trot. I was pleasantly surprised to find a new gear in there! Sometimes your horse just grows up and gets stronger and you don’t even realize it until you test something out, and it’s a great feeling.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Full Gallop Farm H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

Galway Downs Winter H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

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

News From Around the Globe:

We hope you’ll join the EN team on Patreon! We created a Patreon dedicated to our superfans who want to connect with our team and our work here at Eventing Nation. Sign up by Valentine’s Day and we’ll even send you an EN Yeti mug or wine tumbler (pick your poison!). You’ll get access to a private Facebook group just for our patrons, special content and perks, and much more. Click here to learn more!

Amy Dragoo is sharing her COVID birthday with us all, with 40% off all her pictures! Don’t miss out, it’s for 24 hours only, and you can now indulge in all your favorite amazing photos from an incredible photographer. Even if you didn’t get out much last year, you can still buy photos from any year, any event, any horse. [AK Dragoo Big Bday Sale]

Vandyke has been crowned your 2020 6-yo USEA Horse of the Year. Owned by the Rico Syndicate and ridden by Allison Springer, Rico came from Karen Dixon in Ireland, and lives up to the Irish cross country reputation. Allison says that his dressage sometimes leaves something to be desired, but he’s still young, and nobody is more suited than Allison to fix that phase. [Vandyke is 6-yo USEA Champion]

Check out the new details on the British Young Horse Championships slated for this fall. Running from September 29th to October 3rd, on the Osberton Estate, the event will host the Four-year-old Showcase, Five-year-old CCI1*, Six and Seven-year-old CCIS 2* and 3*. With the aim of bringing the championships format together the dressage for the Five, Six and Seven-year-olds will run on the Thursday, with cross-country taking place on Friday, rounding off with the show jumping for all three age groups building to a fitting reverse order climax on the Saturday. [BE Young Horse Championships]

Curious about the new USEA leaderboard point system? We had some questions too, but luckily we’ve got more clarifications. Check out this article to answer all your queries for all levels about how points will be tallied from now on. [Leaderboard Point System]

Nothing to see here…

Just….admiring the view?? Photo by Kristin Karlson.

Yesterday was a positively delightful day in January, sunny skies, warm weather, and no recent rain making everything muddy. So I tacked up my steady TB and threw a rope halter on my loony tune, and went for a hack down the road. With my dog accompanying, I’m pretty sure my neighbors think I’m insane, but hey, three for one exercise is the way to go!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Grand Oaks H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

Stable View Aiken Opener H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

News From Around the Globe: 

#ICYMI: Don’t miss our epic collection of memes from Bernie Sanders’ efficiently Vermont-esque appearance at this weeks inauguration.

After taking a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Worth The Trust Educational Scholarship will again be awarded at the end of 2021 for the 2022 calendar year and at the end of 2022 for the 2023 calendar year. Worth the Trust Educational Scholarships were established to provide financial assistance to amateurs to pursue their education in eventing. The funds from the Worth the Trust Educational Scholarships may be used for training opportunities such as clinics, working student positions, and private or group instruction, or to learn from an official, course designer, technical delegate, judge, veterinarian, or organizer. [Worth The Trust Returns for 2021]

Get yourself some sweet SEE swag for the 2021 season! Strides for Equality Equestrians partnered with Dreamers & Schemers for some new socks to add to your collection! And even better, Dreamers & Schemers’ “Dream & Do” program directly benefits other BIPOC access programs and scholarships. So sport your swag, be a visible ally, and get your fashion on. [SEE Swag]

Chrissy Teigan’s therapist suggested she start riding horses, and honestly we couldn’t agree more. What’s better for the heart and soul than hanging out with horses? Nothing. Being a mom and making time for the horses is tough, but lots of us can identify with how much that struggle is worth it. [Welcome Chrissy Teigan]

Bored on your trot sets? We’ve got a new podcast recommendation for you. The British Grooms’ Association is bringing the heat with engaging interviews about mental health, avoiding burnout, and top tips from amazing grooms like Jackie Potts. [Grooms’ Life Podcast]

When your mom cuts your hair and calls you a handsome young man. Photo by Archie Courtney.

The wonderful thing about developing young horses is watching them get stronger and bigger and seeing their bodies change into beefcakes. The less wonderful part of this is realizing that your horse has now outgrown his relatively new custom saddles, and you now have to get him all new saddles, because he is also a princess with a pea and if anything is slightly off he positively cannot function and will continue to try to buck you off. This part of young horses kinda sucks.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Grand Oaks H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

Stable View Aiken Opener H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

News From Around the Globe:

Big congratulations go out to Ben Noonan for winning the Linda Moore Trophy as the leading Young Rider in the US for 2020! 2020 was only Ben’s fourth full season competing in the eventing world and this season he picked up four wins, four additional top-three finishes, and only one finish outside the top 10, collecting a total of 76.5 points to top the national Young Rider leaderboard. He competes his two horses, Bojangles and Keep Kitty, at Preliminary and Intermediate levels, respectively, and trains with the O’Connors. [Benjamin Noonan Tops 2020 RevitaVet USEA Young Rider of the Year]

Riley Jones and her family rescued Señor Santana from near starvation, and now the pony pays back their good will in spades.  The now 16-year-old gelding was found with 37 other horses on nine acres in Tennessee, eating trash because there was nothing else to consume. At 10 years old and still a stallion, the pony was unstarted under saddle. Six years later, they’ve formed a formidable partnership, rarely finishing outside of the top four at the 14 events they contested in 2020, including three wins, and earning the USEA’s Pony of the Year award. [From Rescue Pony to Rockstar Eventer]

Liz Halliday-Sharp took a trail ride with her family in Colorado when she was 7, and never looked back. She got bucked off at her first competition trying to do a cross rails division at a hunter show, then joined the local Pony Club and found the joy of cross country was her real drug. Luckily, she got a little better as the years went on, and now is one of the leading riders in the United States. Learn more about Liz’s story with this incredible piece from Sidelines. [Liz Halliday-Sharp: Shifting Gears]

When you’re just trying to take a nice photo of the sunset with your horse. Photo by Wendy Davenport.

There is a comment thread on OTTB United on Facebook asking people for the best Thoroughbred name they’ve ever encountered, and I am here for it. My current favorites are Likeuonlyprettier, Gottatwobeerbuzz, Aaaaaaar, and Tapit At Midnight. We always talk about terrible race names, but occasionally there are some pretty funny people trying to figure out how to work with the Jockey Club requirements and it’s worth it.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks: [Website] [Entries]

Fresno County Horse Park Combined Test: [Website] [Schedule]

News From Around the Globe:

CBD, what’s it all about? Ask the Vet is back with a special episode centered around the hottest supplement ingredient right now, CBD! SmartPaker Dan and Dr. Lydia Gray, SmartPak Staff Veterinarian, Research and Medical Director, answer five of the most common questions that we’ve gotten from viewers and customers about CBD, including what is CBD, how do I start a horse on a CBD supplement, research questions, showing a horse who is taking CBD, and more. [CBD For Horses]

Best of Blogs: You Don’t Have To Be a Competitive Athlete To Make a Difference

How do you talk about your horse? Changing the way you describe your horse can be the key to developing better emotional fitness. Emotional fitness includes your patience, kindness, and empathy towards other beings, especially your horse. If your horse makes you nervous or frustrated, there are options outside of calling him a jerk or an a**hole. Read more to find out how to become a better trainer through simple mental steps from Tik Maynard. [What You Say About Your Horse Says More About You]

With winter well and established, it’s time to talk about safety with water heaters. You won’t be surprised to hear that colic is the number one leading cause of equine death, but the second one is electrocution. So, better make sure your not going to murder your horse while preventing ice. [When Waterers Bite Back]

Coronavirus continues to delay the British Eventing season. Originally slated to start at the beginning of March, BE has now confirmed that the earliest date for competition will be the 26th of March. With the extended lockdown and the new strain of the virus causing more issues in England, we hope that British eventers get a spring season this year. [BE Delays Start of Competition for 2021]

Horses are so majestic. Photo by Jessica Joan Moncrieff Brown.

Tomorrow is the deadline to apply for the Retired Racehorse Project SUPER Makeover for fall 2021! I just spent last night talking to a friend of a friend who wanted advice and encouragement in her desire to enter and compete, and we just talked for a long time about our horses and I told her 1000% that she had to do it. Nothing brings people together like the love of thoroughbreds and the journey to the makeover. Glad to have made yet another RRP Makeover friend!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks: [Website] [Entries]

Fresno County Horse Park Combined Test: [Website] [Schedule]

News From Around the Globe:

Catch up on the first session from the US Equestrian Annual Meeting with an update from each department of the organization here.

Jim Wofford has some observations on how the pandemic affected riders, and how it affected our sport. With all the down time without competitions, riders had to go back and really examine their weaknesses and the gaps in their horse’s training. Instead of just riding for the next event, and only fixing things for the short term, the break was beneficial for a lot of competitors. However, he has some concerns about the evolution of the sport in general. [Pandemic Report: Improved Sport But Worrisome Trends]

What does Will Coleman do in his first entry into a $20,000 Hunter Derby class at WEC? Win, of course. Riding Team Rebecca’s Tropics, a horse he’s known from the age of four, Will asked a few questions of more experienced hunter riders the day before, and went in the ring and positively nailed it. Tropics evented through Training level, but showed more promise in the showjumping ring, competing up to 1.40 meters. Now he shows his true versatility by cleaning up in the hunter derby ring. Check out the video below! [Olympic Eventer Wins Hunter Derby]

Winter wonderland! Photo by Genevieve Papagna.

Everybody can identify with getting a tree branch straight to the face. When I was a kid, I had a habit of going out into the field and climbing on my ponies bareback with nothing, which the pony didn’t really want any part of. Thus, she discovered the fastest way to dispose of me was to gallop as fast as she could towards a low hanging branch, and my choice was to either flatten myself on her back or bail and hope for the best. I was….largely unsupervised as a kid and made some interesting choices, ok?

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Barnstaple South H.T.: [Website]

News From Around the Globe:

A London community riding stables is appealing for support to help buy its home or risk no longer being able to help those whose lives have been changed by horses. Park Lane Stables in Teddington has survived for hundreds of years while the surrounding area has been developed. The current operators have been told by the landlord that their lease, which expires in May, will not be renewed, so they have started a crowdfunding campaign to raise £1m to buy the premises and secure their home, for all those who benefit from the work they do with horses. [Park Lane Stables Fundraiser]

Learn more about Barnstaple South Horse Trials! Happening this weekend, this new event has two competitions on the 2021 calendar, one this weekend and one in May. [USEA Events: Barnstaple South]

Looking to revolutionize your horse’s feeding program in 2021, or just learn more about equine nutrition? The FEI has answers for you, including problem solving with common issues that horse owners encounter. [Feeding Problems and Solutions]

I love nothing more than my first pony stories from top riders:

London 52 celebrating in January of 2020, what’s coming this year? Photo by Laura Collett.

Today, Laura Collett takes her life into her hands and jumps London 52 (Dan) for the first time since his wire-t0-wire victory at the Pau 5* last year. We can hope for some seriously funny videos and screenshots, including lots of bouncing, bucking, kicking, and squealing like a dolphin. Please deliver, Laura, we need that kind of content this week. Dan, you know what to do.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Barnstaple South H.T.: [Website]

News From Around the Globe:

Check in with Coach Daniel Stewart for your monthly sports psychology workout. Two months ago, there was a conversation about riding rehearsals; using mental imagery to visualize our ride before actually riding. This month we dive into two new unique forms of riding rehearsals that evolved from two equally unique concepts called (1) positive realism: making the best of a bad situation without losing confidence, and (2) probabilistic thinking: identifying possible problems and solving them before they occur. [Pressure Proof with Coach Stewart]

Sara Kozumplik Murphy starts her days at 4:30am, and seems to have something like endless energy. Between early morning workouts, riding horses for herself and her husband, teaching, meeting with various consultants, and working on the computer, I honestly don’t know how she does it. [A Day In the Life: Sara Kozumplik Murphy]

Pony Paradise is my favorite series from the FEI. Not only do you get to snoop inside top level stables for competitive riders all over the globe, but you get to temporarily live in the imaginary world where you design your dream barn, and steal their facilities. [Pony Paradise: Cian O’Connor]

Etalon Diagnostics researchers have successfully determined a strong genetic component to Kissing Spines thanks to the success of their recent Kissing Spines study. Since so many sport horses include Thoroughbred ancestry, they feel an expanded study with a focus on Thoroughbreds is necessary. To do this well, they need to include older horses (9 years and up) with radiographs and diagnostics both horses with and without Kissing Spines. [Kissing Spines Study]

Gratitude is the theme of 2021.

I’m declaring it now, the theme of 2021 is gratitude, because we will really appreciate all of the things that we missed in 2020, as well as incorporating all the good things we learned from this year. Plus, we can always practice more gratitude, and sharing it together makes the world a better place.

News From Around the Globe:

Start the new year by getting your horse’s engine revving, in a good way. You don’t even have to wait to get on and ride, you can begin with exercises on the ground. Helping your horse engage his hind end in an active way benefits your dressage score, as well as benefitting your jumping phases too. [Get Your Horse’s Pushing Engine In Gear]

We’re giving away a copy of Jane Savoie’s Dressage Between the Jumps, and there is still time to enter! Click here to learn more and submit your entry.

Stars, they’re just like us! One of the many wonderful things about equestrian sports is that upper level professionals have just as many oh sh*t moments to share as we do. Check out these stories from Louise Serio, Anne Kursinksi, Margie Engle, and more about their own personal big time whoops on horseback. [Whoopsie Daisy]

After a rare disease claimed three of her limbs (and nearly her life), Jessica Thoma is back in the saddle with big goals. Jessica Thoma is a lifelong equestrian whose world got turned upside down in 2018. Beginning in the spring, she battled a mysterious ailment that began with a rash, joint pain, fatigue and nausea. She saw a slew of doctors but it wasn’t until she fell gravely ill months later that she finally got a diagnosis: Polyarteritis Nodosa, a rare disease resulting from blood vessel inflammation. Now, she’s back on the horse and says they were integral to her recovery. [I Don’t Think I’d Survive Without Horses]

Something is….off…here. Photo by Adel Viljoen.

Like this horse above, we are jumping into 2021 and not looking back. 2020 has been a year of challenges, but many of us have found silver linings that we really didn’t expect. While I know that this was not just “one bad year” and everything will be different tomorrow, my only hope is that we can take the lessons learned and awareness gained from this painful and divisive year and ensure that it doesn’t happen again. Jump your jump! With or without the rider, just get it done.

News From Around the Globe:

Have you ever wanted to look through the judge’s eyes and see what they see during the conformation portion of a USEA Young or Future Event Horse competition? Now is your chance! Using only a photo and information on age and breed, legendary horseman and past FEH/YEH Championship judge Chris Ryan is sharing his insights into young horse conformation. This week it’s 3-year-old filly TC Maleficent. [Conformation Critique with Chris Ryan]

We’re giving away a copy of Jane Savoie’s Dressage Between the Jumps, and there is still time to enter! Click here to learn more and submit your entry.

Once a horse girl, always a horse girl. Actress Zosia Mamet took this New Yorker writer inside her passion for riding, and how it’s both an escape from and a metaphor for her acting career. [Zosia Mamet is a Horse Girl]

The USEA Intercollegiate Eventing program has steadily gained popularity since its creation in 2014. In 2016, the USEA intercollegiate national leaderboards were introduced and every December, a new set of nationally ranked riders are named. For 2020, the collegiate riders that took home top honors were Katie Lichten of University of Virginia, Ryan Keefe of University of Kentucky, Audrey Sanborn of California Polytechnic State University SLO, Kaley Crosby of Clemson University, Mikayla Kearney of University of Central Florida, Paige Ansaldi of University of Maryland, and Jessica Wymbs of University of South Carolina – Aiken. [Leading Riders of Intercollegiate Eventing Program 2020]

Check out Amanda Ross’ every day routine in Australia with her eventing yard!

Merry Christmas! Photo via Stübben NA FB page.

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope everyone has a nice Friday full of ponies and relatively nice weather, some hot chocolate, and pleasant conversation. Hug your dog, kiss your horse, wave to your family on Zoom, and treat yourself and others kindly.

Quick Christmas Links:

Don’t Forget to Enter our Fab Freebie Contest!

Now On Course: Tracey Hopper Finds Her Dream Horse

Charlotte Dujardin Scores 90% For First Time Since Valegro

Barn Tour: Olivia Tower

Tik Maynard’s Christmas Wish List

Tumor Laden Testicles Found in XY “Mare”

A home for halters! Photo by Kate Samuels.

It’s Christmas Eve, and I am unreasonably happy with my early gift from my dad, a custom built halter home! My bad ponies love to lean over the fence and gnaw on their halters and leads early in the morning while they wait impatiently for me to bring them in, and I hate nothing more than a soggy halter when it rains overnight. Hence, the halter house! Keeps them safe and dry, and looks pretty cool too. Thanks dad!

Christmas Eve News:

Those who follow eventing might remember the moment Chelsea Kolman’s reins broke during her show jumping round at the 2016 North American Junior and Young Rider Championships in Parker, Colorado. But that’s hardly the most exciting story from this longtime partnership between Chelsea and the unlikely eventing champion. Dante failed his training to be a police horse twice, and then went through nine trainers in the sport horse world before finding Chelsea. [An Eventer’s Journey with Her Forever Horse]

Don’t forget to enter this week’s giveaway of Stride Control, by Jan Marsden Hamilton – a Fab Freebie brought to you by Horse & Rider Books. Click here to enter.

Feeling the Christmas spirit of giving, the Fair Hill Organizing Committee (FHOC) announced the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill has designated the Maryland Food Bank (MFB) as an event beneficiary. MFB is a nonprofit hunger-relief organization dedicated to feeding people, strengthening communities, and ending hunger for more Marylanders. One more reason to look forward to our second five star next year! [Maryland Five Star Benefits Food Bank]

Flash back Friday to Phyllis Dawson competing Albany II at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul. “An experience of a lifetime,” Phyllis Dawson described of her time competing at the Olympics. Dawson and her horse Albany II were the highest placed U.S. pair and finished 10^th individually in the Seoul Olympic Games. Before her exceptional performance at the Olympics, Dawson first made her international debut at Boekelo CCI3* (now CCI4*-L) on Mountain High in 1985. Two years later, she placed second at the Chesterland CCI3* on Albany II. The following year, in 1988, she and Albany II placed sixth at the Olympic Selection Trials held at the Kentucky Three-Day Event. [Memories From The Vet Box with Phyllis Dawson]

Bellamy enjoying his snow day yesterday. Photo by Jimmie Schramm.

A week from today is Christmas! This year, like everything else, our celebrations will probably look a little different, but the holiday spirit is still strong. The bad thing this year is that the mail delivery system is so deeply overloaded from everyone shopping online that half of my gifts are weeks late in arriving and it’s giving me lots of anxiety. But, I guess we’re all in the same boat so if your gift comes in 2021, I haven’t forgotten you!

News From Around the Globe:

Best of Blogs: I Am A Black Equestrian

Separately, the Board agreed to reopen the bid process for the FEI Eventing European Championship 2021, following numerous requests from a number of European Eventing stakeholders, including National Federations and Athletes, and with the full support of the European Equestrian Federation and the FEI Eventing Committee. The bid process will open on 18 December 2020 and National Federations and Organisers have until 15 January 2021 to apply to the FEI. The FEI Board will take a decision on the allocation of this Championship at its March 2021 teleconference.

Any rider has had the experience. You see something in the distance that will most definitely send your horse into a spiral: be it a deer on the trails, a wayward tarp, or the world-shattering open umbrella. Unbeknownst to you, your heart starts to beat faster as your brain prepares for a spook, and before your horse even sees the threat, he’s tense, too. In these situations, we’ve been taught that a deep breath goes a long way; that horses can sense our fear, and by staying calm, our energy will transfer into them. But did you know that there’s actual science behind this horsemanship? [Two Bodies, One Heart: Horses & Your Heartbeat]

Many people have embarked upon quarantine projects as the COVID-19 pandemic has stretched on. For top eventer Cathy Wieschhoff, that project has been sharing her knowledge from decades of horsemanship. Wieschhoff has begun a web series titled ‘One Minute With Cathy’ which provide viewers with her tips, tricks, and perspective on common mistakes. [Simple Tricks for Teaching Leg Yield]

Have you entered our latest Fab Freebie? We’re partnering with Horse & Rider Books to give away a copy of Yoga for Riders – just in time for the off-season, where you can introduce some new fitness habits! Click here to enter before Tuesday, December 22.

British readers will be a little sadder this holiday season because of the absence of Olympia this year. Normally, at this time of the year, tons of horsey folks would be heading to the London International Horse Show for a week of incredible equestrian action. However, the show was cancelled this year, so we’re looking back at fond memories from the past. [17 Wonderful Olympia Memories]

Pony snow day fun!

We’ve all had those days. Or have we? Photo by Liz Schatz.

Yesterday winter came calling officially with a full day of ice, snow, sleet, and horrid cold. I did what I had to in the barn, tucked my ponies in safe and sound, and drove carefully at 25 mph back from my work barn. I can deal with cold, but when the precipitation comes, count me out. No thank you.

News From Around the Globe:

Olympic Committee Thomas Bach says he’s confident that the Tokyo Olympics will go in summer 2021. This will be the first global sports event since the beginning of the COVID-19  pandemic. To prevent coronavirus transmissions, the Japanese Olympic Committee plans to ask the participants to basically stay inside the athletes’ villages, except when training or competing. Spectators will be asked not to speak loudly at the venues and to adhere to other restrictions. [Tokyo 2021 Prepared to Go]

Outfitting horses in winter can be an exercise in perseverance and patience, but blanketed horses stay warmer and conserve more energy than their naked peers. Thermoregulation is an energy-expensive proposition for horses. As temperatures plummet, how does blanketing affect hay consumption and body condition changes? A group of researchers set out to determine the daily hay intake, body weight change, and body condition score changes in blanketed and non-blanketed horses living in western Wisconsin. So you know it’s expert on cold weather. [Winter Care of Horses: Blankets & Body Condition]

You’ve heard all about how Thoroughbreds are the ultimate versatile athlete that can excel in multiple disciplines, you’ve done your research and made your budget, and you can’t wait to start working with your very own. But how do you go about acquiring a retiring racehorse? Here’s a helpful guide. You know you want to put a Thoroughbred ex-racehorse in your barn… but how? Between aftercare organizations, reselling agents, horses already in training for a second career and horses coming directly off the track, there’s an overwhelming array of options, and it’s difficult to know which way to acquire a Thoroughbred is the best way: as with many such questions in the horse industry, that answer depends on a lot of factors. [How to Acquire an Off-Track Thoroughbred]

Feeling that holiday spirit? Got your Mariah Carey Christmas playlist going full time? Check out these beautifully decorated barns and farms to inspire you to get out this weekend and make your barn instagram worthy. [10 Decorated Barns to Get You in the Holiday Spirit]

Holiday Horse Song: Christmas Tune: Missing Shoes

Important video of the day:

Horses being special always makes me smile. Photo courtesy of Daniel Mottishaw.

Its Friday! I’m ready for some long luxurious hacks on my ponies, and possibly baking some bread. This is your thirties, my friends, when you get excited about baking bread on the weekends and you’re not even embarrassed to admit it. HMU for some bread recipes when you realize you’re jealous.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Full Gallop Farm December H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

News From Around the Globe: 

Every day, SmartPak is on a mission to support healthy horses and happy riders. Horses Building Trust is the fourth story in this SmartPak video series, bringing you into the barns of unique horses – from treasured therapy horses to the underdog-turned-Olympic-hopeful – showing how they’ve made an impact on the lives of their riders, and  SmartPak continues to support these horses and riders through their journey. “We’re proud to be donating 5% of sales on SmartPak brand tack and apparel on December 10th and 11th to the team at Ebony Horsewomen as well as partner with our friends at Ariat to provide a donation of quality products for the riders and staff there.” [SmartPak Gives Back]

Have you entered the Nation Media Holiday Contest yet? Learn how you could win an epic prize pack from Banixx, Haygain, Kentucky Performance Products, Legends Horse Feeds, and SmartPak here – and don’t wait! Entries close TODAY!!

Keeping horses sound throughout their careers is a fine science, mixed with a little magic perhaps. World of Showjumping spoke with Lars Roepstorff, a professor of equine functional anatomy and highly experienced veterinary surgeon about how to keep horses healthy and sound. From the system of breeding, to how and when to start a young horse, surfaces, and creating a system that can consider soundness with all training, Lars touches on it all. [Equine Soundness Factors]

Caitlin Gooch, is the founder of Saddle Up and Read (SUAR), a nonprofit focusing on encouraging youth to achieve literary excellence through equine activities. It all started in 2017 when Gooch began thinking of a way to help increase the literacy rates in North Carolina. That’s when she came up with the idea to provide children with a unique incentive to read. Partnering with a local library, Gooch came up with the notion to reward any child who checked out at least three books with a trip to visit her father’s horse farm – that became the genesis for SUAR. “Horses connect people and get kids excited. Why not use that energy to encourage kids to read.” [Meet The Woman Using Horses To Encourage Childhood Literacy]

Best of Blogs: Happiness Is A Lot of Poop

Holiday Spirit! Photo courtesy of Becky Sturdy.

There are plenty of things I don’t love about winter, namely being cold. And I’m cold all the time. However, I have to admit that I don’t totally hate the mandatory shorter work days, due to the darkness at 5pm. It’s a nice seasonal break to be able to rest up a little bit, and actually do things like cook myself dinner instead of cramming some bread and cheese into my face at 9pm and promptly falling asleep before waking at 5am. Everything has a silver lining.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Full Gallop Farm December H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

News From Around the Globe: 

In May of 2019, Nora Battig-Leamer’s OTTB, Dubai, had a freak accident on cross country schooling that they could have never predicted. Hesitating over a suspended barrel jump, he somehow got the jump stuck underneath himself, and fell sideways, impaling his abdomen on a supporting pole. The following story of his recovery is nothing less than miraculous, and Nora is looking forward to a full season in 2021 with Dubai. [Back from the Brink: Dubai Storm Weathers a Life-Threatening Infection]

Best of Blogs: How William Fox-Pitt Changed The Way I View This Sport

Have you entered the Nation Media Holiday Contest yet? Learn how you could win an epic prize pack from Banixx, Haygain, Kentucky Performance Products, Legends Horse Feeds, and SmartPak here – and don’t wait! Entries close this Friday, December 11.

In case you were looking for something to drool over today, check out this literal pony paradise. Actually, several paradises. Helgstrand Dressage has locations in Germany, Denmark, and Wellington, and each facility is absolutely bonkers, in the best possible way. [Pony Paradise: Helgstrand Dressage]

According to a study by German researchers, horses tend to shift their laterality, becoming more “left-legged” and “left-eyed,” in stressful situations. This switch to right-brain processing suggests horses are confronting challenges that are usually managed by the brain hemisphere that deals with emotions, the researchers said. When the horses adjust to the stressor and learn to cope, they tend to revert back to left-brain hemisphere processing, which deals with routine. [Left Side Preference May Indicate Stress]

If you know you know.

Do you ever try to talk to “normal” people about your week and realize that half of what you’re saying is weather dependent, because horse people are obsessed with knowing the weather of every day hour by hour. Weather talk is considered boring, but honestly if you were to ask me about my weekend coming up, I would tell you that I’m preparing for two days of 35 and raining, and that drastically changes how my life goes. But a normal person would look at me like I’m crazy. I’m not crazy, I’m just a horse girl!

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Rocking Horse December H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

Sporting Days Farm H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Major International Events:

Portugal Winter Tour Week 3: [Website] [Entries]

News From Around the Globe:

Giving voice, visibility and connections to equestrians of color are examples of turning talk to positive action, as are finding ways to attract minorities to the sport and support them in it. Practical Horseman got together with top equestrians Randy Ward, Mavis Spencer, Genay Vaughn, and Berry Porter to discuss BLM and diversity within equestrian sports. Above all, the riders interviewed hope the BLM-inspired conversations challenge all to examine their own words and actions to see how we can contribute to making equestrian sports more accessible, welcoming and colorful. [Black Lives Matter: Diversity in Equestrian Sport]

Ever ridden a horse that isn’t fond of water? You and about everybody else here. Conquering discomfort with the water complex can be a stumbling block for many eventers, because lots of us just don’t have access to water on a daily basis to help those horses figure it out. Check out this excellent article on training your horse to love the water, so you don’t feel your heart beating out of your chest when approaching it on cross country. [5 Septs to Building Water Confidence]

Footwork: the key to event horses worldwide. Whether you’re tuning up an experienced mount, or teaching a young horse how to understand their body in space, sometimes you need a little inspiration for a new winter training technique. Disclaimer: somebody else sent me this article and I forgot I had ever said this BUT it’s still extremely relevant and useful. [Finding the Fifth Leg: Improving Your Horse’s Coordination]

Best of Blogs: What An Adult Amateur Rider Really Wants for Christmas

Obsessed with The Crown but slightly disappointed that they switched show jumping and Eventing? Yeah…me too. However, the real story of Princess Anne and her successful eventing career is excellent, and worth digging into. The Crown gets some of the horsey details wrong (will there ever be a movie with proper horse details?) but they got a lot of details about the character right. [The Real Life Riding Career of a Princess]

I collect silly horse faces. Photo by Kate Samuels.

You know, I love a good Disney movie as much as the next girl, and I know all the parents out there have watched more than their fair share of Frozen, but there’s just one thing that bugs me: “The cold never bothered me anyway!” Look, Elsa, respectfully, I disagree. It hit the 20’s this week in Virginia, and while it took me significantly longer to dress in 47 layers that morning, I can still confidently say that the cold did bother me anyway.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Rocking Horse December H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

Sporting Days Farm H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Major International Events:

Portugal Winter Tour Week 3: [Website] [Entries]

News From Around the Globe:

Poll tightness is something a lot of our sport horses experience. Aside from keeping tabs on your regular bodywork and vet work, there are some easy daily massage techniques that you can incorporate into your grooming session that will help your horse feel his best for every ride. [Preventing and Relieving Poll Tightness]

Ecogold wants to give you cash. Yep, you read that right! By placing an Ecogold order from now until Dec. 20, you will automatically be entered into our weekly drawing for $200 cash. On December 7th, 14th, and 21st, we will pick a winner at random from all the orders that have been placed this year. There is no minimum purchase required to enter. [Ecogold Gives Back]

Best of Blogs: The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself is a Trainer Who Believes in You

Ever wondered why your horse suddenly stops or spins around out hacking, or snorts and spooks unexpectedly — usually when there is nothing there? In fact there is, but as the horse’s range of hearing eclipses a rider’s, you are unaware of what they have heard. Although small, the ears are one of a horse’s greatest assets, and it is important to understand how they work. [11 Things You Need to Know About Your Horse’s Ears]

Movie Review: Black Beauty

Photo via Horseware.

I love Thanksgiving, and not just because I get to eat some of my favorite foods. I also really love witnessing everyone far and wide expressing gratitude. This is something I wish we could do more than once a year, so let’s make an effort in 2021 to normalize gratitude. If you want to start off your morning with more warm and fuzzies, check out this list of things folks were grateful for this year, from The New York Times.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

Major International Events:

Portugal Winter Tour/Barroca d’Alva: [Website] [Entries]

News From Around the Globe:

Got a tricky pony to catch? Or in my case, a herd of geldings who know perfectly well the gate near the barn for the morning, and prefer to stand one field away and stare at me like I’m the idiot in the situation. Don’t lose your cool, and take it slow with these tips to help make your life a little better. [Tips For Catching Your Horse]

Area X includes Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada, and this week we’re shining a light on ICP Instructors from that area. From instructors for upper levels to coaches who specialize in amateurs at Beginner Novice, if you’re in Area X, we can help you find the right one for you. [Area X ICP Instructors]

Outdoor sport is set to open up again on December 2nd in England. This includes equestrian activities, which are currently part of the lockdown per the British government. Riders and owners will be permitted to ride and travel, while following COVID safety protocols. [Light at the End of the Tunnel]

Hot on Horse Nation: Grateful For Our Horses

This adorable photo of Biosthetique Sam and FischerRocana on vacation together is everything. Photo via Michael Jung.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! With all that’s going on this year, Thanksgiving celebrations are looking a little different this time around, but I hope you all get a chance to talk to family and eat some delicious food. Also, pet your ponies and enjoy this photo of the cutest Sam in all the lands.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

Major International Events:

Portugal Winter Tour/Barroca d’Alva: [Website] [Entries]

News From Around the Globe: 

21 months after a life threatening bacterial infection resulting in severe neurological damage, Upsilon is back in work. Tom Carlisle reports to H&H that the process has been long and slow to say the least, but his whole team is so delighted that the horse is back to full work on the flat and feeling great. He’s unlikely to event again, as Tom says he has nothing to prove, but if he’d like a little showjumping that’s not off the cards. [Upsilon Back In Work After a Long Recovery]

Want to make sure your horse doesn’t miss out on Thanksgiving feasting? Here are four recipes you can use today!

Shaving whiskers is officially off the table now, so put away those clippers. The FEI has ruled that shaved whiskers will be illegal for International competition starting in July of 2021. Horses with shaved whiskers except for partial clips due to veterinary procedures will be disqualified. [No More Whisker Clipping]

Winter! Time for working on your transitions to nail your dressage tests in 2021. Check out this video with top dressage rider Ashley Holzer helping a rider soften her walk to trot transitions, and then go home and try it yourself! [Softening Your Transitions]

Speaking of dressage, what’s Charlotte Dujardin work on at home? She always wows us in the ring at shows, but how does she get there? Secret: she doesn’t practice her tests at all! [Charlotte Dujardin at Home]