Ellie Taylor with her pony Dear Abbie. Photo by Lisa Madren.

Remember your childhood days on ponies like this and the level of enthusiasm you felt about cantering through the water? I miss the days when I would just go to the barn and hop on a pony with nothing but a halter and some clip-on reins and go galavanting around with not a care in the world. I didn’t have all that awesome matching pink stuff though, Ellie has it way more together than I ever did.

U.S. Weekend Preview

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

Silverwood Farm H.T.: [Website] [Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

USEF has released the updated selection procedures for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. The list of selection trials was expanded to include:

2020

• Les 5 Etoiles de Pau (FRA) | CCI5*-L | October 21-25
• Galway Downs International Three-Day Event (USA) | CCI4*-L | October 28-November 1
• Tryon International Three-Day Event (USA) | CCI4*-L | November 11-15

2021

• Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA) | CCI5*-L | April 21-25
• Badminton Horse Trials (GBR) | CCI5*-L | May 5-9
• Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event (USA) | CCI4*-L | May 5-9

[Full Selection Procedures]

Boyd picked a good year to get all his surgeries out of the way. In a silver lining of the cancellation of, well, everything in 2020, Boyd decided it was prime time to finally take care of his body, and get some surgeries on his hip and groin muscle, which have been the cause of significant pain for years now. Luckily, he’s got some pretty okay riders on his team to keep everything running smoothly. [It Takes a Village at Windurra]

Got the No-Burghley blues? Despite cancellation the event has a big virtual weekend lined up, with a journey of archive material and an all-star line-up of Sunday guests including Pippa Funnell, Sir Mark Todd, Oliver Townend and five-time Olympian Carl Hester. [Celebrate Our Past, Present & Future on Land Rover Burghley Weekend]

Work on those dressage skillz with this video about developing the right stretchy trot. Stretching now features more heavily in eventing dressage, and having a good one can really boost your scores, so get to work! [Developing a Good Stretchy Trot]

In 1990, a 14-year-old McLain Ward told The Chronicle that he’d like to get to the Olympics by the age of 18. He had just won the Talent Derby on a 6-year-old thoroughbred called Polarized, and he was already dreaming big. He didn’t make it to the Olympics by 18, but he’s still done okay. [Flashback Friday]

Video: Remember Laila Alexander, the 4-year-old eventer we featured last weekend? (Of course you do … who could forget?!) Laila and her 20-year-old superstar pony recently completed her first mini horse trials, with a little coaching from her mom Lauren.

Photo courtesy of Lauren Alexander.

Well, it turns out Laila can do a little coaching as well! Turn the sound up to hear her running commentary on her mom’s show jumping round.

View for the morning. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Ah, tis the season for fox hunting! While most clubs haven’t begun officially going out, they are heading out bright and early for staff hunting, and yesterday morning I went along. Here in Virginia, it’s pretty much decent until about 8 a.m. and then it’s horrid and muggy, so while an extra early alarm clock isn’t my favorite, the views and cool morning weather were pretty nice.

U.S. Weekend Preview

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

Silverwood Farm H.T.: [Website]

News From Around the Globe:

The great Kevin Keane is finally back in the saddle after a long and frightening recovery from an accident off a young horse over a year ago. He got bucked off and landed just so, splintering his tibia and fibula, to the point where the bones were coming out of his leg. This story is a real rollercoaster, so I can’t even sum it up properly, you have to read. [Kevin Keane Narrowly Avoids Amputation]

Equestrian allies, it’s time to speak up: That’s the truth, and the title of a powerful, must-read essay on Noëlle Floyd by Shaq Blake, author of The Black Equestrian blog. “We are advocates for the horses that we work with. We understand what it is to be an ally and an advocate who does everything to ensure our horses — our partners — are loved, comfortable, and happy. Equestrians of colour deserve the same level of ally-ship. Equestrians of colour deserve to be accepted, welcomed, and treated fairly in this sport.” [Equestrian Allies, It’s Time to Speak Up]

Ian Stark is back in the game with a win at Preliminary level riding a relative of his Olympic mount Stanwick Ghost. Ian started and trained Chatsworth Diamond from the ground up, but handed over the reins last year to Tom McEwan before taking him back this summer. At 66 years old, he is ribbed as a dressage queen (scored a 20.5!) but he hasn’t lost is touch for speed on cross country, and sees no reason to slow down with competing. [Ian Stark Takes the Blue]

Got the No-Burghley blues? Despite cancellation the event has a big virtual weekend lined up, with a journey of archive material and an all-star line-up of Sunday guests including Pippa Funnell, Sir Mark Todd, Oliver Townend and five-time Olympian Carl Hester. [Celebrate Our Past, Present & Future on Land Rover Burghley Weekend]

Missing the AEC? In honor of what would have been the first day of competition at the 2020 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds, USEA takes a look back at every AEC starting from the beginning. [Facts and Figures from Every AEC]

More MARS Great Meadow International, please! The USEA’s Leslie Mintz shared a great photo gallery. [Through The Lens: 2020 MARS Great Meadow International]

Let’s keep the Frangible Funding coming. Crane Hill Farm in Ocala and Eckroth Dressage are presenting a ride-a-test clinic with Natalie Lamping to support the USEA Frangible Fund on October 28th. The clinic will be geared toward eventing dressage tests with a $125 donation. Contact Eline to register at 352-362-0404. [More Information]

Ecogold is sponsoring an inaugural dressage symposium on Saturday, Sept. 26. Attendees can watch virtually as Olympic and international trainers share their wealth of knowledge, from riding up the levels to understanding biomechanics, to unlocking key fundamental riding techniques, all from the comfort of your own home. [Register Now]

Bump your fall braiding skillz by checking out all these immaculate braiding jobs and then trying your darnedest to be that good. [Perfect Braids for Days]

Doing some baking this weekend? Your horse would appreciate being included in this (duh) so we found some pretty sweet apple cookies just for your equine buddy that you can make in a flash with normal pantry items. [Apple Cookies for Your Horse]

I’ve got rhythm: Keeping an even rhythm means that you can see distances more easily and that you don’t interfere with the horse’s stride or rhythm which can cost valuable time and mean rails down. [FEI: Jumping Exercises to Improve Rhythm]

Best of the Blogs: “I hope we can all remember, years down the road, how in these times we had to stick together, be kind, knuckle down and endure.” Lauren Sprieser talks grit. [Resilience Resides On The Other Side Of Adversity]

Hot on Horse Nation: Thoroughbred Incentive Program August Youth Ambassadors

Just in on Jumper Nation: Behind the Lens with the Schatzbergs: 3 Generations of Horse Show Photographers

Video: We’ve enjoyed following Jon Holling’s journey with upper-level prospect Ragtime Rebel, a 5-year-old OTTB gelding he found through the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center. Ragtime Rebel (Union Rags X A.P. Elegance, by A.P. Indy) is Kentucky-bred and last raced in April 2018. — click here for his Equibase profile. Here he is getting prepped for this weekend’s Chattahoochee Hills H.T. — best of luck, you two!

One more! In this excerpt from the 2016 Adequan/USDF FEI-Level Trainers Conference, featuring FEI Judge General Stephen Clarke, learn the most important components of a good stretching trot, and how to develop it.

If you know, you know. Photo by Mary Pat Stone.

So, I have two horses in my barn that are extremely prone to hives, and last year I thought I finally figured it out with a supplement and learning an acupuncture point to relieve inflammation. These two things combined DO get rid of the hives, but what isn’t helpful is when it literally rains EVERY NIGHT so as soon as I get rid of the hives, more show up. Please, send help, I’m sick of feeling like I’m reading braille when I curry my horse.

National Holiday: National Senior Citizens Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Great Meadow International: [Website] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Order of Go] [Live Scores]

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

Shepherd Ranch H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

The Event at Archer H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Feather Creek Farm H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

War Horse Event Series August: [Website] [Entry Status]

News From Around the Globe:

What’s that? You want more pictures of Great Meadow? Don’t worry, once you’ve checked out our gallery, make sure you look at some pics from COTH of the dressage action yesterday.

Good news from Fair Hill! “While we won’t be having the Maryland Five-Star at Fair Hill in mid-October this year, we WILL be competing! We’ve just added a Starter Trials on October 17th!” [Fair Hill]

Eventers think they’re mastering lots of skills, but what about 14-year-old Carlee McCutcheon, who wins with hunters, grand prix jumpers, and reining horses all alike. That’s some seriously diverse skills for any rider, let alone a junior! Coming from a thoroughly horsey family helps, but this girl has some serious skillz. [Carlee McCutcheon on Adaptability]

Do you have a horse that isn’t a great drinker? This is a common problem, and I have one in my barn that rarely drinks in the stall, which is worrisome when you compete and travel, as well as at home. New research shows that horses seem to have color preferences for the buckets of water, which might be a new trick for you to try. No shame: I tried it years ago on a whim and turns out my horse prefers yellow buckets and will only drink out of them. [Horses Show Color Preference]

Best of Blogs: Shopping For The Rider I Want To Be

Video: Brittany Lopez and Dazed and Confused led the Open Intro B division at The Summer Event at Woodside from start to finish, winning on a score of 26.7.

This is how to summer. Photo by Katie Wainscott.

National Holiday: National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Great Meadow International: [Website] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Order of Go] [Live Scores]

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

Shepherd Ranch H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

The Event at Archer H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Feather Creek Farm H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

War Horse Event Series August: [Website] [Entry Status]

News From Around the Globe:

Get everything you need to know about Great Meadows International right now, so your virtual spectating all week will be highly informed. Where to watch, who’s entered in what classes, ride times for your favorite competitors, live scores to check, cross country maps, and more. [GMI: All The Things]

Aston-Le-Walls marked the first Advanced competition back for British Eventing this past weekend, and there were five sections absolutely stacked with competitors of note. It may have poured with rain, but that won’t stop the cross country action in England. [Aston-Le-Walls Advanced Photos]

Happy birthday to perennial get-well-soon card recipient Boyd Martin and EN-contributor-who-doesn’t-contribute-enough Mary Hollis Baird!

Best of Blogs: Behind The Scenes Horse Who Made Me a Horsewoman

Question of the Day: Does a Racehorse Know if He Wins or Loses?

Throwback Thursday:

Just a little motivation for your weekend. Photo via Major League Eventing (see link to latest episode below!).

National Holiday: National Filet Mignon Day

U.S. Weekend Preview

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

Genesee Valley Riding and Driving Club H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

Ocala Summer H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

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

News From Around the Globe:

After a little over three years, the team at USEA has OFFICIALLY finished their project on all US recognized events. In June of 2017, they decided to tell the story of each and every event competition that runs in the United States. Working in alphabetical order, they gathered interviews and information on each event, and now it’s finally finished! [US Events A-Z: The Complete Collection]

Looking forward to Great Meadows next week? We’re very lucky to have Horse & Country offering a full live stream all week, so you can enjoy it from your phone or your computer while you stay home. [GMI Live Stream]

Western Dressage: where it’s at? This eventer tried her hand at it, and was surprised to find that she deeply enjoyed the experience. From not having to wear white breeches to having some security from a saddle horn for a young horse’s antics, western dressage might be something worth trying. [Why I Tried Western Dressage (And Loved It!)]

Best of Blogs: Stall Rest: You Reap What You Sow

Podcast: In the latest episode of the Big League Eventing podcast, Karen and  Rob get to know Kimmy Cecere. Kimmy is Lauren Nicholson’s assistant trainer and competes the young horses for Lauren as well as competing at the upper levels. [Listen]

Video: Bevin Dugan and Cape Cal won the Open Preliminary division at GMHA H.T. on a score of 35.8. Congrats!

Photo by Kate Samuels

Well, last week was a real doozy here with a straight up TORNADO ripping through my area of Virginia, resulting in huge trees all over my farm ripped up by the roots, fences down, power lines down in the fields, and no power for days. A handful of miles down the road, they also got a huge hail storm in addition to the tornado, so I guess I kinda lucked out? But a handful of miles the other way and all they got was a rain shower. My horses were pissed because of lack of turnout for days due to, you know, live wires down in the fields. Hard to explain to them about getting electrocuted. PS please enjoy this photo of a cow wearing a branch post-tornado and also licking my horse.

National Holiday: National Filet Mignon Day

U.S. Weekend Preview

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

Genesee Valley Riding and Driving Club H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

Ocala Summer H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

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

News From Around the Globe:

Have you been reading the essays of the Nation Media Diversity Scholarship? Not only do these riders have incredible experiences and perspectives, there are many ways in which we can take action to create a better industry for all who participate. We’ve included, at the bottom of each essay, ideas and ways for each of us to get involved. You can catch up on the essays by clicking here – and stay tuned for much more to come right here on the Nation Media family of websites.

We bade farewell to an incredible horse last week, as Clare Lewis’ Sidnificant was put down at the age of 21. Sid boasted an incredible 100% completion rate for all nine of his five-star starts, with 3 Badmintons and 6 Burghleys in a row. Clare found the horse as an unbroke 2-year-old, and wasn’t able to sell him because he wouldn’t pass a vetting, but he ended up as her horse of a lifetime. [Sidnificant]

Any eventers out there looking forward to the start of hunting season? With fox hunting starting up across the country in just a few weeks, it’s time to dig out your old tweed jacket and make sure you’ve got everything in line. [8 Essentials for Hunting Season]

Best of Blogs: Improvise for Success: A Recipe for Remote Training

Photo by Boyd Martin.

After many months of complaining about the hot hot heat, now we can complain about crazy amounts of rain! If your horse isn’t a fan of dressage, maybe they might like synchronized swimming? If you’re interested in giving it a try, just call up Boyd Martin he can hook you up with a dressage arena sized swimming pool.

National Holiday: National Root Beer Float Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

The Summer Event at Woodside: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

IEA Horse Trials: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

GMHA Festival of Eventing HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Otter Creek HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Fair Hill International HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Spring Gulch HT: [Website] [Ride Times]

WindRidge Farms Summer HT: [Website]

News From Around the Globe:

Due to increased concern over public safety resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, EQUITANA USA’s live three-day celebration of the horse is canceled for 2020. The world’s largest equestrian trade fair and expo was originally scheduled for Sept. 25-27, at the Kentucky Horse Park. The event and its exhibitors, fans and performers will look forward to the 2021 event, slated for Oct. 1-3, at the Kentucky Horse Park year’s celebration and work to create an amazing reunion for everyone in 2021. All tickets will be refunded. [Equitana Rescheduled for 2021]

Back in the show ring but maybe a little rusty? Get some advice from Grand Prix show jumper Sloane Coles on how to get your show jumping warmup working like a well-oiled machine. While she admits that her warmup is pretty consistent and “boring”, it shows results in the relaxation of her horses and her students. [Warm Up with Sloane Coles]

Inspiration of the Day: Orphan Foal to USDF Horse of the Year

Best of Blogs: Quarantine Reminded Me It’s OK To Take A Break

Listen: EN’s own Leslie Wylie is the guest on this week’s Big League Eventing podcast

Watch: 

Photo by Kristen Kovatch Bentley.

Raise your hand if you also use your horse as a mobile berry gathering vehicle! Kristen may prefer blackberries, but my personal favorite is wineberries. However, they never seem to make it back to the barn, between eating them and sharing them with my horse, I’ve never made a successful gathering trip. More like a successful eating trip.

National Holiday: National Raspberry Cake Day

U.S. Weekend Preview

Cobblestone Farms HT: [Website] [Entry Status & Ride Times]

River Glen Summer HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Olney Farm HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

News From Around the Globe:

On a week when she should’ve been competing in Tokyo, Charlotte DuJardin experienced something else instead. She went galloping down a beach on a thicc Irish Draught mare named Frosty, splashing through the sea and smiling like a maniac. To be fair, I think I’d be smiling like a maniac too, and all in all, not a bad trade for Tokyo? [Dressage Girls Galloping in the Sea]

Meet Abriana Johnson and Caitlin Gooch, the two inspiring equestrian entrepreneurs behind the Young Black Equestrians Podcast and the nonprofit literacy program Saddle Up and Read (and about five other impressive ventures!) [Barn Manager]

Support our U.S. athletes as they continue their preparations for the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Every dollar raised by USEF & USET’s Giving Games Fundraising Effort will be matched by a generous supporter of USET Foundation and will help our athletes on their quest to the podium in Tokyo next summer! [Learn More/Donate]

What was it like to be the groom to the legendary Gem Twist? Jennifer Alfano tells her tale of coming up through the ranks of grooming and ending up with the job of a lifetime and the horse of a century at the end of her lead shank. [A Rub Rag To the Olympics]

Hot on Horse Nation: U.S. House Passes Spending Bill With Big Wins for Horses

Just in on Jumper Nation: Gorgeous Braids and Perfect Knees: Best of the Hunter Derbies, Presented by Kentucky Performance Products

Podcast Pick: COTH catches up with Boyd Martin, recent winner at the Virginia Horse Trials, and all around rad dude. What’s he been doing in quarantine? What are his horses up to? How is he rallying for Tokyo 2021? [COTH Podcast with Boyd Martin]

Featured Video: In this edition of Training Tip Tuesday, Courtney Cooper of C Square Farm shares insight on how to organize/manage five horses at a three-phase one day at Full Moon Farm Horse Trials.

Just a ridiculous sunset scene down the road from me. Photo by Ramsay Farm.

I feel like August is the sneakiest month of all twelve. Every year I’m surprised that it’s August, because technically August is fall, but it still feels like the middle of June, and I’m still absolutely boiling on a regular basis. Fall season and fall weather seem to not necessarily be connected in Virginia.

National Holiday: National Chili Dog Day

U.S. Weekend Preview

Cobblestone Farms HT: [Website] [Entry Status & Ride Times]

River Glen Summer HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Olney Farm HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

News From Around the Globe:

A 13-year-old rider celebrated the return of competitions by winning four grand-prix classes. Tabitha Kyle rocked out with a grand total of four grand-prix jumper class wins in one day at Le Mans, France. Dear American teenagers: get it together. [13 Year Old Wins Four Grand Prixs]

Don’t miss your chance to win an Equilume system for your barn! The process is easy, just read more about this fascinating new technology, watch a video, and you’re on your way to winning a free set of lights for your most special horse. [Win Equilume]

Having your horse on stall rest is the absolute worst. If you’ve been there, or if you’re there right now, you know it can give both of you serious cabin fever, but you’ll learn some things along the way. [8 Things You Learn While on Stall Rest]

The USEA’s “Events A-Z” continues on with Southern Arizona Horse Trials. Learn more about this event held at Pima County Fairgrounds in Tucson, Arizona (Area X), offering Introductory through Preliminary/Modified levels. [USEA Events A-Z: Southern Arizona Horse Trials]

Best of Blogs: Zume Gallaher on Grand Prix Wins, Adoption, & Inclusion

Hot on Horse Nation: 8 Things You Learn When Your Horse Is on Stall Rest

Just in on Jumper Nation: All About Jumps – Q&A with Dalman Jump Co. Founder Javan Dalman

Listen: Hinrich Romeike, the 2008 Olympic Champion & World Gold Medallist from Aachen 2006, joins Nicole to relive some of his favourite memories in the build up to CHIO Aachen Digital Eventing Champion of Champions. [Equiratings]

#ThrowbackThursday Video: Let’s rewind to The Fork 2012, when Devon Brown piloted him around The Fork. Donna Miller’s Connemara stallion, who passed away the following year at age 11, impressed all who watched him compete with his eager gallop, springboard jump and eternally pricked pony ears. In also competed through 4th level dressage and stood at stud at Hidden Creek Horses in Alpharetta, Ga. We miss this little horse!

Nothing to see here, just a ridiculously fluffy pony. Photo by Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Woodbine, Maryland.

Nothing is quite as exciting as rain in July, and if you don’t know what I mean, please move to Virginia and hang out for the summer. The “feels like” temperature on Monday was 116. One hundred and sixteen degrees. The grass gets crispy, the heat radiates from the sky and the ground, and the footing feels like concrete. So, two afternoons of thunderstorms and overnight rain are my idea of a midsummer gift, and I’ll take it.

National Holiday: National Tequila Day

U.S. Weekend Preview

Virginia HT & CCI: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

The Event at Rebecca Farm: [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Live Stream] [Live Scores]

Horse Park of New Jersey HT: [Website] [Ride Times]

FENCE HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Hunt Club Fars HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Reading List:

The USEA Events A-Z series rolls on with with War Horse Event Series. In 2020 this series of horse trials, which takes place at the Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, NC, offered USEA recognized divisions for Beginner Novice through Preliminary along with their unrecognized schooling show offering, which includes “Maiden” and “Green as Grass” levels and combined tests. [USEA Events A-Z: War Horse Event Series]

A team of scientists in England are working on an artificial intelligence program to analyze expressions of pain in horses. The team from Nottingham Trent University is working on the project which, it is hoped, will provide better understanding of how painful certain conditions are for horses. It is also hoped the information gained will lead to better treatments and monitoring of equine recovery. [AI Analyzing Facial Expressions of Pain]

Just 15 of the All Time Greatest Horse Quotes

In 1968, Bill Steinkraus became the first American to win an individual Olympic gold medal in equestrian sports. The horse? The immortal Snowbound, of course. An ex-racehorse who struggled for three years to win his first race, he was then popping around the hunter courses in California before John Galvin found him, and sent him to Bill. The rest is history. [Remembering Snowbound]

Book: The New Anatomy of Rider Connection by Mary Wanless

Best of Jumper Nation: National I Love Horses Day Wrap Up, Presented by Kentucky Performance Products

Hot on Horse Nation: How To Speed up a Slow-Thinking/Slow-Moving Horse

Podcast: In Equiratings’ latest Hall of Fame episode, Nicole and Catherine talks to the legendary Mary King. [Hall of Fame: #3 Mary King]

#FlashbackFriday: Speaking of legends…

Video: Your virtual riders briefing from The Event at Rebecca Farm. Don’t blow away out there, Sarah!

RF Rider Meeting 072320

Turkey sporting his custom fashion. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Oh, why is my horse wearing some kind of fuzzy sock thing in this photo? That’s because he has the most sensitive skin of all time and in the summer if there is ANY kind of friction on him, his hair rubs off. He also wears a cribbing strap when he goes out overnight, and was getting some tiny little rubs behind his ears, so obviously I knitted him a custom crib-strap super soft protective sock. It works great and he loves it.

National Holiday: National Tattoo Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Full Gallop Farm HT: [Website][Entry Status]

Virginia CCI and HT: [Website][Entry Status]

Silverwood Farm Summer HT: [Website]

Full Moon Farm HT: [Website][Entry Status]

Course Brook Farm HT: [Website][Entry Status]

Galway Downs HT: [Website][Entry Status][Ride Times] [Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe: 

A Look Back at the First US Grand Prix

Watch The Hunt Chase Crown For Hilarious and Crazy Action

Friday Laughs: Different Horse Breeds Into Water

10 Things Equestrians Probably Shouldn’t Admit We’ve Done

Best of Blogs: Why I Left The Show World

USEA Events A-Z: Five Points Horse Trials

Podcast: As part of the build up to CHIO Aachen Digital Champion of Champions Nicole Brown speaks to the triple Aachen Champion and reigning European Champion Ingrid Klimke about her favorite Aachen memories, what makes the venue so special as well as hopes for Tokyo 2021. [Equiratings]

Featured Videos: Kimmel squared at Champagne Run! View results here.

Whoopsie! Photo by Katie Holmes.

Here’s to hoping your week doesn’t resemble Annabelle Swain’s swan dive in the Junior Training at Caber Farm recently! Grace and beauty, we see some schooling of down banks in her future. Don’t worry, Annabelle was fine and will live to fight another day!

National Holiday:  National Corn Fritters Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Full Gallop Farm HT: [Website][Entry Status]

Virginia CCI and HT: [Website][Entry Status]

Silverwood Farm Summer HT: [Website]

Full Moon Farm HT: [Website][Entry Status]

Course Brook Farm HT: [Website][Entry Status]

Galway Downs HT: [Website][Entry Status][Ride Times]

News From Around the Globe: 

New Technology in Sexed Semen Leads to Hope for Endangered Equine Breed 

Lindsay Partridge Starts Training for the Mega Makeover

Meet Madeline Broek: The #1 Groom in the World

Lauren Kieffer Master Class: Introducing Ditches, Water, & Banks

Showing in COVID Times

Photo by Kate Samuels

My horse Nyls is on a diet because he has always been an air fern and the grass this year is absolutely bonkers. Let’s just say he is NOT pleased with the situation, and after only a week in the smallest field I have he has eaten what he thinks is all of the grass, and has started to revolt against the power structure. Yesterday, he leaned his neck all the way out into the middle of the aisle and toppled a full wheelbarrow of poop, and then looked at me like, “You like that??”.

National Holiday: National Kitten Day

U.S. Weekend Event Preview:

Champagne Run at the Park H.T. [Website][Entry Status/Ride Times]
Maryland HT II at Loch Moy Farm: [Website][Entry Status]
Poplar Place HT: [Website][Entry Status][Ride Times]
Genesee Valley Hunt HT: [Website][Entry Status/Ride Times]
War Horse Event Series HT: [Website][Entry Status]

News From Around the Globe:

US Eventing Volunteer of the Month: Casper Cole

A Hollywood Version of Big Star & Nick Skelton?

World Bitless Association & FEI Meeting Coming Soon

How to Manage an Air Fern in Summer

The next generation! Photo courtesy of von Sacksen Eventing.

I’m thankful to have reached the end of another ungodly hot week in Virginia, but what I am not thankful for is trying to manage horses and dogs through the July 4th weekend and hoping no horses freak out in the field and no dogs keep me up all night panting in my face. I’ve never been a fan of fireworks, and I live way out in the country so you’d think I would avoid them, but sadly even I am not immune to crazy neighbors. Keep your ponies safe this weekend y’all!

National Holiday: National Chocolate Wafer Day

Weekend Preview:

Baby horse moves! Photo by Photography in Stride. (BTW congrats to Photography In Stride’s own Miranda Akins who won the Open Intro division with her own Curious Behavior!)

This great photo was a reader submission from the Hackamore Farm Mini Trial last Sunday in North Jackson, Ohio. Featuring some super cool baby horse moves courtesy of Audrey Felicijan’s 6-year-old OTTB gelding, Star in the Bar, ridden by Kelly Williams … the fact that he’s 17-hands makes this Open Very Green division obstacle appear all the smaller! It was his second mini trials and the pair finished 5th with no jump penalties. Should we say that he shows promise for cross country? View results from this well-run schooling event here.

National Holiday: National Anisette Day

Weekend Preview:

Podcast: Major League Eventing podcast hosts Karen and Rob Chat with Liz Halliday-Sharp, Jennie Brannigan and Caroline Martin on another installment of the Event Riders Roundtable. [Listen]

Amish flowers for an Australian horse. Photo by Kate Chadderton.

TGIF everyone! What are your plans for this weekend? I’m the most boring person in the world, looking forward to mowing the grass, taking a nap or two, and finishing some random farm chores that I don’t have the energy or time for during the week. That’s right, I’m 80 years old, and yes I will also be knitting with some free time if I can wrangle it.

National Holiday: National Take Your Dog To Work Day (isn’t this every day???)

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Horse Park of New Jersey H.T.: [Website][Entry Status]

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

Cobblestone Farms H.T.: [Website][Entry Status/Ride Times]

News From Around the Globe:

Yes, we’re riders, and yes, we are trainers. But mostly, we are supposed to be communicators with our horses, however sometimes our communication across species goes awry. In this excerpt from her book What Horses Really Want, lifelong horsewoman Lynn Acton explains how we often misinterpret our horses’ behaviors, labeling simple attempts to communicate as “bad.” [Interpreting Unwanted Behavior In Your Horse]

Horses help us all build confidence for living as our authentic selves, after all, they only accept authenticity themselves. For Ryan O’Donnell, the barn was a special kind of haven. Horses don’t show prejudice when you come out as transgender, and it doesn’t change how they feel about you when you come out as gay. Their acceptance helped him find confidence outside the barn. [Horses Build Confidence for Living Authentically]

Remember when we featured a lot of Craigslist Crazy? Boy those were the days. Let’s take a quick moment to reflect on some of the very best equine Craigslist finds. [Best of Craigslist]

Best of Blogs: 2020, You Are A Doozy

Just some horses with their priorities straight. Photo by Stacy Emory.

Asking for a friend: is there such thing as a bit collection that doesn’t need new additions? I always felt like I had a pretty good box of bits for most occasions, and then I got this one horse who is just the weirdest dude in the world about what he likes and doesn’t like, and now I’m in the middle of trying to find a new jump bit, and it’s honestly exhausting.

National Holiday: National Catfish Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Horse Park of New Jersey H.T.: [Website][Entry Status]

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

Cobblestone Farms H.T.: [Website][Entry Status/Ride Times]

News From Around the Globe:

Love him or hate him, you can’t deny Andrew Nicholson is a BAMF. From winning five stars to pissing off his entire national federation, Andrew is unapologetically … Andrew. In a rare interview he shares details about his life as a rider, and what drives him every day now that he’s pretty much accomplished everything he can. [Absolute Andrew]

Ever wonder why horses are so uniquely talented at being therapists? I mean yes, therapists for us, but also a deeper level of therapy for people who really need help healing from trauma. Their insane ability to read body language and feel energy from another living being is greater than we even think about. [Horses Are Extraordinary Healers]

My horses have a six-step stretching process before I mount, but do I do the same for myself? Real answer: no. But I should. Guess what though, stretching as a human athlete is also a great idea! Top four stretches are for your hip flexors, your lower back, your ankle and your calves, and of course, your shoulder posture. BRB going to do some exercises. [Four Stretches for Every Equestrian]

Listen: The OnForm Coaching Show #5: Buying a Horse from EquiRatings

Watch: The Ebony Horse Club, located right in the heart of Brixton in the UK, is a community riding center that provides opportunities to gain new experiences outside the box of negative stereotypes. The club’s aim is to improve the education and aspirations of young people through contact with horses. Britain’s Olympic Gold medal winner Ben Maher paid a visit to the club’s yard.

Just a cute baby, nothing else. Photo courtesy of Merle-Smith Sporthorses.

Friday! I’m looking forward to a very soggy weekend that hopefully doesn’t cancel my cross country schooling plans. Crossing all my fingers and toes that the thunderstorms hold off tomorrow long enough that I can bounce around over some logs and stuff!

National Holiday: Juneteenth

Events This Weekend:

Texas Rose HT — [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Surefire HT — [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Stable View HT — [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Interested in getting your own adorable foal, for only $80? Inspired by Harry DeLeyer’s story of Snowman, the $80 Champion, Andy Kocher is offering a totally unique contest. With the entry fee of only $80, you can potentially become the new owner of Pippa, a royally bred 2020 filly with showjumping lines you’ll drool over. [$80 Champion Filly Contest]

All British horse organizations are galvanized to take action against racial inequality in the sports. With BE Eventing, Dressage and Showjumping signing on to The Sport and Recreation Alliance this week, they’re dedicated to confronting the ugly truth about racism and inequality. Looking forward, they’re collaborating to find ways to make positive change from within. [Sports Pledge Against Race Inequality]

A Canadian fund to help school horses who lost their jobs because of the Covid-19 pandemic has raised $150,000 in just two months. Ontario Equestrian’s emergency fundraising initiative For the Herd has a goal to raise $500,000 to support the province’s lesson horses and riding school facilities, many of which are facing the harsh realities of little to zero income and some very grim decisions. [Canadian Fund to Help School Horses]

Listen: Area IV eventers Rachel McIntosh and Liz Lund have started a new eventing podcast called Unstable and Unbridled. Available on Apple podcasts and Spotify, the pod talks about all things horses and features special guests including Tik Maynard, with many more to come!

Watch: He really did it.

Lainey Ashker is FULLY ready for the raining week in Virginia. Photo courtesy of LAE.

Rain rain rain all week and cool weather makes me think I’m living in Ireland instead of Virginia. However, I briefly complained to my coworker earlier this week about wearing a jacket, and he said “DON’T EVEN START!” so that put me in my place. Also, I’ll be regretting that complaint this weekend when it’s back in the 90’s.

National Holiday: National Go Fishing Day

Events This Weekend:

Texas Rose HT — [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Surefire HT — [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Stable View HT — [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Listening today: Major League Eventing interviews Meg Kep. Meg shares her unique story of how she went from working in politics to becoming a world class groom, and then fulfilling her dream of becoming an Advanced level Event rider and trainer. She bares it all, and shares her own battle with “imposter syndrome”, which is something we can all identify with. [MLE with Meg Kep]

Looking for new ways to grow your equestrian business? Don’t pass up this webinar tonight at 7 pm EST with STRIDER that focuses on digital tools for equestrians. Need some help as you transition from paper to digital on how to navigate digital resources, platforms, web apps and payment tools? You know where to click. [STRIDER Digital Equestrian Webinar]

Ready yourself for some unicorn cheer. If you happen to have been in Hampstead, New Hampshire in the past three months, you may have seen an actual unicorn. Since COVID-19 lockdowns began in March, Karen Rudolph has been dressing up her Miniature Horses as festive unicorns and walking them through the mid-sized town on the Massachusetts border in order to spread a little good cheer. [Unicorns To Save Us All]

Dressage at Great Meadow. Photo by Mary Pat Stone.

Ah June, the time at which my tan lines really start to become the star of the show. Each year I claim that I will finally make my legs tan, but, every year I fail. Maybe 2020 will be the time? Although considering how the rest of the year is going, perhaps not.

National Day Calendar: National Peanut Butter Cookie Day🍪

U.S. Weekend Preview: 

Waredaca H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

War Horse Event Series June H.T. (NC): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm June H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entry Status] [YEH Ride Times]

Silverwood Farm Spring H.T. (WI): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

News From Around the Globe:

Entry update: Surefire Horse Trials (June 19-21 in Purcellville, VA) is on! Make sure all paperwork and payments are made by the end of today! Check the website for continued updates. [Surefire Eventing]

Video worth watching today: the Cowboys of Color Rodeo, and the founder Cleo Hearn. Cleo has spent the majority of his life as professional cowboy — he began his career in 1959. As a professional Black cowboy, he’s faced racism and significant challenges that White cowboys have not. [Cowboys of Color Rodeo]

It’s the one we’ve all been waiting for, a letter from Max Corcoran to herself. As one of the staples of Eventing for decades, Max is synonymous with success at the upper levels. Don’t miss this inspirational blog. [A Letter To Me]

We’ve heard from both sides of the equestrian take on racist structures, but both of them were from white women. Now it’s time to hear it directly from the POC perspective, as we do here from Tyler St Bernard, a 21-year-old queer black woman who competes in the hunter world. Worth the read. [A Black Equestrian’s Perspective]

Hot on Horse Nation: #TBT: 12 Obsessions Non-Riders Don’t Understand

What We’re Listening To: In the latest edition of The Coaching Show, by the Equiratings Eventing Podcast, Sam and Gear talk about bringing a purpose to coaching and training. [Listen]

Watch This: Kristina Whorton and her own Finnigan jumped clear with time around the Prelim course at River Glen H.T. in Newmarket, TN, last weekend. It was their second outing at the level together and the horse looked to gain confidence the whole way around.

Meghan O’Donoghue up the steps at home. Photo by Leslie Mintz Friedenthal.

And just like that, we slid right into the hot hot summer in Virginia. While some are happy to be competing again, I’m waiting until fall, because I absolutely abhor the heat in Virginia. In fact, I’ve rearranged my daily schedule so that I get up extra early to start riding before the sun comes up, and finish by lunch, and then take an indoor siesta before commencing afternoon chores. Worth the early alarms, 10/10 would recommend!

National Holiday: National Corn On The Cob Day🌽

U.S. Weekend Preview: 

Waredaca H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

War Horse Event Series June H.T. (NC): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm June H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entry Status] [YEH Ride Times]

Silverwood Farm Spring H.T. (WI): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

News From Around the Globe:

The Virginia Gold Cup is slated to run June 27th, without spectators. Personally partial to this event, as it runs every May in Virginia on the same weekend as the Kentucky Derby. However, it was canceled due to coronavirus, and luckily they’ve been able to reschedule. We will all miss the opportunity to tailgate though! [Virginia Gold Cup Rescheduled]

The 52 Thoroughbreds: a social media story destined never to die. However, the story was originally true in 2011, and some of those 52 now have incredibly fulfilling lives and loving owners! Mayzie was pregnant at the time, and Horse Nation got to know her story. [Mayzie: One of the 52]

Help a good event out! Millbrook Horse Trials is always one of the top competitions of the year, and fingers crossed, we will still get to enjoy it. They’re planning to hold the event in August, but they need you to fill out a quick questionnaire to guesstimate attendance. It only takes a few minutes. [Millbrook Questionnaire]

Best of Blogs: The Spectrum of Discomfort

What We’re Listening To: In episode #259 of the USEA Podcast, Sinead Halpin joins Nicole Brown to talk about the boxes you need to check for a successful return to competition. [Listen]

Watch This: Remember Tender Bravissimo? Courtney Cooper imported “Whiskers,” an 11-year-old Holsteiner (Contendro II x Lassandra, by Levantos 2) from Ireland, where he had been competing in the 1.10 jumpers, and introduced him to a second career as an eventer. The pair collected several wins, including the 2016 USEA AEC Training Horse Championship, and progressed up the levels to Intermediate. Now Whiskers has returned to the jumper ring — looking great out there!

Just a horse enjoying some really great summer grass. Photo by Emily Pearson.

It’s Friday, and we’re all exhausted. No matter what your life circumstance is this week, it’s been a real slam into June, and personally one of the most exhausting things is uncertainty. Where will we be in two days? In a week? In a month? A few months? 2020 has been unkind to us all, and the best we can do is try to practice intentional and consistent kindness to everyone we come across. I hope everyone is able to spread and experience small instances of kindness this weekend.

National Holiday: National Moonshine Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Plantation Field H.T. [Website] [USEA H.T. Entry Status] [Starter H.T. Entry Status] [USEA H.T. Schedule] [Starter H.T. Schedule] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

River Glen Summer H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

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

News From Around the Globe:

Somebody in Ian Stark’s neighborhood really needed some wood. So they decided to saw a chunk of his fencing out and take it home, letting his ponies out on the highway in the process. A strange crime, but the ponies were safely recovered and Ian says he’s happy to give anyone that desperate some wood that is NOT from his fence line in the future. [Thieves Dismantle Fencing]

One Baltimore equine therapy program is bringing horses to underprivileged children in a new way. City Ranch introduces children to the healing properties of interacting with horses by bringing horses, a round pen, and all their associated equipment TO the children, making it much more accessible than it usually is. It’s the only program of its kind, and especially in Baltimore, a city plagued with issues, an important one. [Behind the Scenes of City Ranch]

Flashback Friday: Rodney Jenkins & San Felipe Were Classic In Every Sense of The Word

Hot on Horse Nation: Thousands of Black Lives Matter demonstrators took the the streets of Houston on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 to protest the death of George Floyd. Among them were about 50 protestors on horseback, representatives from Nonstop Riders, the city’s urban trail riding club. [Nonstop Riders]

Just in on Jumper Nation: Thanks for the $2.49 ribbon, tho! [10 Hidden Costs of Showing: What No One Tells You Until You Get the Bill]

Best of the Blogs: Reflections From a Token Black Friend

What We’re Listening To: 

Episode 9 with Karen Oconnor, Rob Burk, and Mike Winter. Plus an update on the frangible fence fundraiser! https://t.co/WJmKwMuDHk?

— The Jon and Rick Show (@TheJonandRickS1) June 4, 2020

Featured Video: Good luck to everyone at Plantation this weekend! Here’s a little throwback …

My horse enjoying some river time. Photo by Kate Samuels.

There isn’t really anything important happening in the horse world this week that can possibly compare with the importance of this historic moment of civil unrest and protest. I’m so thankful that I get to wake up every morning and spend my days with animals of empathy, but I recognize my privilege in this matter as I watch thousands of lives being torn apart every day on video.

The horse world is almost overwhelmingly white, and that’s no surprise to anyone. It is our job, therefore, not to be silent over racism and injustice, but to stand up to it and be actively anti racist. You don’t think an eventing website should be commenting? Suck it up, buttercup, because here I come.

We would also love to bring more attention to the efforts of those within the eventing community who are making strides against inequality. If you’d like to share a story with us, email. us at [email protected].

National Holiday: National Cheese Day🧀

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Plantation Field H.T. [Website] [USEA H.T. Entry Status] [Starter H.T. Entry Status] [USEA H.T. Schedule] [Starter H.T. Schedule]

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

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

Take a moment today to sit with your discomfort over current events. What a privilege it is to get to educate yourself on racism, instead of experiencing it yourself throughout your life. Now go use that privilege and actually educate yourself on how to actually help. [The Burden of (Finally) Being Seen]

Are you a nerd like me and enjoy watching TED Talks in your free time? Good. I cordially invite you to check out their archive of powerful ideas from experts and thought leaders as a starting point to understand the roots of racism, its painful consequences — and how we can combat it together. [TED Talks To Combat Racism]

We said goodbye to Valegro’s dam this week, as she died at her breeder’s farm in Holland.  Maifleur, the dam to double Olympic champion Valegro, died aged 26, and until last year was still enjoying hacks. The KWPN chestnut mare, owned by Valegro’s breeders, Joop and Maartje Hanse, was by Voltaire stallion Gershwin, out of Heidelberg mare Weidyfleur. [RIP Maifleur]

Thoroughbred names are known for their silly quality, but Left For Dead unfortunately fulfilled his JC name. As part of the large seizure of 46 starved and neglected horses in 2016 from Breeder’s Cup trainer Maria Borell and her father Chuck Borell. After rehabbing from that, Left for Dead went on to a lackluster racing career, and then found himself in Lara Anderson’s barn at Full Gallop Farm. [Left for Dead is the Ultimate Comeback Kid]

Best of Blogs: We Still Have Lots To Learn, and We Want the Conversation To Continue

What We’re Listening To: The Jon and Rick show podcast is now available on Apple Podcasts! Check out previous episodes here.

Featured Video:

This feels like when the Riders of Rohan arrived to save Helms Deep pic.twitter.com/tUf8DQNz7l

— Zack Bornstein (@ZackBornstein) June 2, 2020