An eventer’s view. Photo via Plain Dealing Eventing FB.

So, we’re about halfway through September and stupid me thought I could quit checking the weather in Virginia, because I thought I was safe into the short period of fall where it’s actually pretty predictable and pleasant. But no, just in time for Friday the 13th, we had 97 degrees of actual hell this week, and I’m sporting a super cool new sunburn. Thanks Mother Nature!

National Holiday: National Chocolate Milkshake Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

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

The Event at Skyline [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

GMHA September H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Blue Ridge Mountain H.T. at TIEC [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Poplar Place Farm September H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Flora Lea Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Stone Gate Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

CDCTA Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

News busting the racing world yesterday arrived with evidence of a positive drug test from Triple Crown winner Justify. According to reports, Justify tested positive for scopolamine just weeks before the Kentucky Derby, and the inquiry into the drug tests did not end in any disqualifications from his lead-up races. The jury decided that it was possibly due to contaminated feed, despite being well over the quantity that is deemed reasonable for that kind of environmental contamination. [Justify’s Failed Drug Test]

No, we’re still not over Burghley, why should we be? The grueling cross country course claimed many experienced pairs, but we were super impressed by several young horses and their performances at such a young age. Shout out to two U.S. horses Leamore Master Plan and Deniro Z for making the list. [8 Young Horses Who Impressed at Burghley]

Do you know what a “sacrifice show” is? Lindsey Partridge wrote for Horse Nation this week about sacrifice shows, i.e.: a show you take a young horse to not aiming to win, but just for the experience and training. Using local competitions this way is key to building a confident horse for the future, and just forget about the ribbons today. [Horsemanship with Lindsey Partridge]

Aaaand back to Burghley. Fun facts about MGH Grafton Street? Yes please. His name in the barn is Squirrel, which is amazing, and he was originally produced by Padraig McCarthy, as well as ridden by Andrew Nicholson for a year. Burghley was his first international win, at only eleven years of age! [Fun Facts about Burghley Winner Squirrel]

Video: The 2019 Event Rider Masters Finale (Oct. 5-6) is hosted by the Lignieres en Berry Eventing Show in France. [ERM]

Concours Complet Équilibre 2 H.T. in Dudswell, QC. Photos by Jessica C / Photographe Animaliere.

Quebec is summer eventing paradise: moderate temperatures, picturesque terrain, beautiful accents that make you wish you’d paid better attention in high school French class …. We’re always glad to report on the thriving Canadian eventing scene, and were happy to receive a report that Concours Complet Équilibre 2 H.T. (Aug. 31-Sept. 1) was a success. It’s the third official horse trial hosted by Centre Équestre Équilibre located in Dudswell, QC, close to the U.S. border and the state of Vermont.

From Grasshopper to Preliminary levels, including the new EV105 level, 74 horse-rider duos showed up from all over Canada as well as some riders from Northeastern U.S. Exceptional footing, expert course design by Jeff Kibbie ad Dylan Barry, rider hospitality, and excellent organization have all contributed to the appeal of the event. Learn more and view a calendar of future events at the Centre Équestre Équilibre website. Allez Eventing!

National Holiday: National Coffee Ice Cream Day

Major Weekend Events:

#LRBHT19: Website, Entries, Live Scoring, Live Stream, Course Preview, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Course Brook Farm Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

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

Bucks County Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Chardon Valley H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

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

Aspen Farms H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Dressage may have just started at Burghley, but a lucky few have already run around the cross country course. Oh, you didn’t know? The Shetland ponies and their tiny jockeys galloped around the course last week and made the huge jumps look even more enormous! If you’re there, they will also be contesting a Shetland Grand National on Saturday morning before the actual cross country starts, and if you’re not there, please enjoy this video. [Shetlands Take On Burghley XC]

Event riders in England can now go train cross country at Hickstead. Thanks to a massive initiative to add this feature to the already incredible facility, you can now train on two arenas as well as an all weather track, and about 60 cross country obstacles ranging in size as well as a water complex. It only cost £500,000, so it should be pretty nice! [Eventers Train Cross Country at Hickstead]

How important is your at-home arena surfacing for conditioning your horse’s legs? With so many new and exciting surfaces available, it’s easy to have arena envy these days. However, this vet believes that training exclusively on perfect footing might not be the best option for preparing your horse. [How Does Arena Footing Affect Your Horse?]

Selling your horse: a minefield to say the least. In the beginning, it’s just about creating the media and then writing the right description. That part can go wrong, what if you say something that doesn’t represent them correctly? For instance, don’t say your horse is beginner safe, because not all beginners are the same. [Things Not To Say When Selling Your Horse]

Hot on Horse Nation: The Wild Mustangs of Onaqui Mountains: Cooper & The Old Man

Best of Blogs: The Long Road Back

Video: I’m not crying — you’re crying. We heart this happy-tears interview with Burghley day one dressage leader Eliza Stoddart, plus Tim Price and Sarah Bullimore who are tied for second.

The multi-award winning Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (September 5 – 8) has been established as a major international equestrian and social event in the Autumn Sporting Calendar for over 50 years. For more information visit burghley-horse.co.uk.

A little mid-week motivation from Taylor Harris Insurance Services. Photo via THIS FB.

Wow you guys I am so so so excited to see so many American riders contesting Burghley this year! It’s gotta be a record amount, and it’s so amazing. It’s such a huge effort for each pair to get a horse and rider and the whole team over seas and be prepared for an incredible event like Burghley, I’m just in awe of each one of them. I’ll be tuned in hardcore to the action all week, and nobody ask me to do anything on Saturday because I’ll be busy glued to my livestream.

National Holiday: National Cheese Pizza Day

Major Weekend Events:

#LRBHT19: Website, Entries, Live Scoring, Live Stream, Course Preview, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Course Brook Farm Fall H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

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

Bucks County Horse Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Chardon Valley H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

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

Aspen Farms H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Get to know our honorary American rider at Burghley, Dom Schramm! Dom and Boly made their 5* debut this spring at Kentucky but unfortunately incurred some cross country penalties, and they’re at Burghley looking for some redemption. Fun fact: Boly got his name because as a foal he was quite short and fat, a bit roly-poly Boly, but now he’s big and handsome and very fit! [Burghley First Timers]

Charlotte DuJardin might be the reigning Dressage Queen of the world, but she’s not afraid to take a day off and jump some hedges. How many dressage riders can say that?! She went for a quick pop around some show jumps and then went straight to some sizable hedges at Tim Price’s yard with her friend Rory Gilsenan, and despite her slightly long stirrups (old habits die hard) she does a very impressive job! Don’t worry, videos are included. [Charlotte Goes Hedge Hopping]

Good news following Kevin Babington’s surgery. Kevin came through his five hour surgery to stabilize the vertebrae in his neck following a nasty fall at the Hampton Classic Horse Show last week. He is currently out of his neck collar and breathing on his own, which is great news. Kevin is an incredibly generous and kind person, and many have stories of him helping in a variety of ways. His family has set up a GoFundMe to help with the astounding medical costs, already upwards of $300,000. [Kevin Babington Out of Surgery]

Every rider’s nightmare: a SKUNK ATTACK! Sara Bradley lived to tell the tale where not only did a skunk invade her barn and lay waste to everything, but one of her horses stomped it to death in their stall. It was only 6:30 in the morning on a Monday, and her lovely older lesson horse was a murderer, and the barn was stinking to high heaven. Read more to find out about literally the worst Monday in history. [The Skunk Debacle]

Thinking of overseas adventures with your horse? Taylor Harris Insurance Services is there to help! As one of the leading international equine insurance agencies, THIS is uniquely equipped to cover your horse no matter where your travels may take you, even Burghley 2020! [Request a Quote from THIS]

Video: One of the coolest ponies in the game! Meg Pellegrini and Ganymede came east from California to contest the AEC and finished 11th in the Preliminary Junior/Young Rider Championship.

View this post on Instagram

It’s impossible to say goodbye to someone like Ann Haller—teacher, mentor, friend. I met Ann at my very first pony club camp in 2004. From that day, I felt like one of her “kids.” There is almost no one who has had a more significant impact on my life, and it’s hard to believe she’s gone so soon. Ann taught me so much about horses and life… she’s responsible for my career… and I’m so thankful that I knew and loved her. As she said to me countless times: See ya, love ya, bye❤️

A post shared by Shelby Allen (@shiiibbyyy) on Aug 26, 2019 at 7:27am PDT

Our eventing world is still feeling rocked by the sudden loss of Ann Haller, who touched so many lives all across the country. Her memorial service will be held tomorrow in Maryland, and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider a donation to the United States Pony Club Annual Fund, or to the Roger Haller Education Fund in her name.

Shelley Page is putting together a book of messages from friends to present Ann’s family at tomorrow’s service, and we’d love to invite our readers to share. You can email them to [email protected].

National Holiday: National Trail Mix Day

Major Weekend Events:

#AEC2019: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scoring, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, USEA’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

North American Weekend Preview:

Foshay International CCI [Website][Entry Status][Ride Times][Live Scores]

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

Woodland Stallion Station H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Silverwood Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Boyd Martin lived up to our EN predictions by winning the dressage yesterday in the AEC Advanced class. He scored a 25.6 with Long Island T (Ludwig) to sit comfortably ahead of second placed Mara Depuy and Congo Brazzaville on a 29.6. However, it seems like Derek is practicing for Burghley with the cross country course for this class, and today is a new day. [Boyd Leads AEC Advanced After Day 1]

If you’re looking for some warm-up tips for dressage, look no further than current leader at the European Championships, Laura Collett. She scored a 25.5 yesterday with London 52, or Dan as he’s known around the barn. She spoke with Horse & Hound about her warmup strategy with Dan, and how she’s been bringing the exciting young horse along to this level. [Warmup with Laura Collett]

Speaking of picking up tips from experts, how about a Burghley course walk with none other than Mark Todd? He may be retired from Eventing, but he’s still one of the greatest riders out there, and he certainly knows Burghley better than most. This year’s course is nothing to scoff at, as per usual, and we’re lucky to have Mark walk us through some of the more complicated complexes. [Walk Burghley with Mark Todd]

Ready for some insanely beautiful photos of mustangs? Lucky for you, we’ve got photographer Kisa Kavass doing a multi-part photo essay on Horse Nation of the wild mustangs of the Onaqui Mountains in Utah. [Behold Freedom]

Featured video: Bring on the AEC helmet cams! Here’s one from Anna Pierce and River King, who jumped clear with time around the Intermediate cross country course. Have a helmet cam to share? Send it to [email protected].

Oh, just the President of the USEA Carol Kozlowski wearing a pink tutu at the American Eventing Championship. Photo courtesy of Julie Sebring.

I feel like this is almost heretical to say, but, I’ve never actually been to the AEC. I know, I know, but it just never ended up happening for me for whatever reason. Maybe one day I’ll have a horse that I know will be competitive and not blow a gasket in one of the phases, and then I’ll make the trip. One day, AEC, I’ll see you!

National Holiday: National Toasted Marshmallow Day

Major Weekend Events:

#AEC2019: Website, Schedule, Ride Times, Live Scoring, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage, USEA’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

Woodland Stallion Station H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Silverwood Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Rain, rain, go away at Foshay International! Be sure to keep an eye on the event’s Facebook page for an updated schedule, which has been adjusted due to the soggy forecast — all dressage has been moved to Friday, while the Saturday and Sundays schedule remains the same. [Foshay International Facebook page]

Does your horse have asymmetry? All horses have a little bit of crookedness somewhere, but a new Danish study suggests that an easy way to help them build muscle on weaker side is to put a single bell boot on that foot. Putting something light on the foot increases the horse’s proprioception, thereby helping them use it a little more. I mean, I’m gonna try it and report back. [Crooked Horse Under Saddle? Try This.]

Jump the cross country course at the European Championships! On your computer anyway. Here we have a jump-by-jump breakdown of all the challenging questions on the European Championship course at Luhmühlen … would you jump around it? [European Champ Cross Country]

We don’t often talk about the good parts of selling horses. Selling a horse, whether it’s what you do often or not at all, can be fraught with complications, disappointments, and frustrations. However, finding the perfect home for a horse and seeing it thrive and be loved it also beautiful and extremely rewarding. [The Beauty Behind Selling A Horse]

Up to 93% of performance horses suffer from gastric ulcers. That’s a huge percentage! If you think your horse is one of them, it’s important to have the right management program not only to treat, but to prevent and protect for the future. Constant forage is the no-brainer here, with optional supplementation of alfalfa to provide calcium and protein to buffer stomach acid. [Tips for Managing Ulcers]

Video: The first AEC helmet cam videos are already rolling in! Elisa Wallace and Munson Slew posted a clear round inside the time and sit 6th heading into today’s Preliminary Horse Championship show jumping finale.

Photo by Matt Brown.

Want to be a working student for one of the top riders in the country! Now is your chance to be that girl sweeping hay out of the loft! Matt Brown is looking for an enthusiastic young person to join his team in Pennsylvania, just a few days a week. You can part time it there and learn a ton, while still doing your own thing. Don’t miss this opportunity!

National Holiday: National Sponge Cake Day

Major Weekend Events:

MARS Great Meadow International [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Millstreet International Horse Trials – Ireland [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Event Rider Masters]

Land Rover Blair Castle Horse Trials – Scotland [Website] [Schedule] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Town Hill Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

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

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

The Event at Archer [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Sadly due to lack of entries, Five Points Horse Trials has been cancelled. The event announced yesterday that they will still be providing combined tests for all of the levels, and a derby cross event for select levels, as well as their FEH and YEH classes, but no horse trials this year. [Five Points HT Cancelled]

Equestrian pursuits are often labelled as being only for the super rich, but is that really true? A recent study into the socioeconomic status of equestrians across five countries (US, UK, New Zealand, Canada & Australia) found that almost all of the respondents identified as middle class, with only 10% reporting more than $100,000 a year income. Three quarters of respondents said they feel emotionally supported by family and friends, but not financially. [Socioeconomic Status of Equestrians]

Who is *officially* the world’s most handsome horse? I mean obviously I think it’s my horse, but apparently it’s this Friesan stallion Frederik The Great, who resides in Arkansas and competes in dressage. Known as the Real Life Black Beauty, Frederik has insanely long mane that reaches his fetlocks, and has also appeared on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. His earnings from media appearances, social media ads, and photoshoots are about $20,000 a month, which is certainly more than I can say for any of my lazy bum horses. [The Most Handsome Horse in the World]

Best of Blogs: TB Makeover: The Intersection of Courage and Fear

Bit of a size difference here. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Why is it that at the end of August, when it’s supposed to be entering into the delightful fall weather, that I am not experiencing a terrible second summer from hell? I don’t need to be this hot anymore, I feel like I’m too old for it. Can I start a protest against sweating for twelve hours every day? Will anybody join my picket line for that?

National Holiday: National Tooth Fairy Day

Major Weekend Events:

MARS Great Meadow International [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Millstreet International Horse Trials – Ireland [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Event Rider Masters]

Land Rover Blair Castle Horse Trials – Scotland [Website] [Schedule] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Town Hill Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

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

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

The Event at Archer [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Two young rising stars were announced yesterday as recipients of Jacqueline B. Mars Travel Grants. Ariel Grald was given the international travel grant with Leamore Master Plan, and the two are using it this weekend to compete at Millstreet. Ellie O’Neal was given the national travel grant, and plans to use it at Fair Hill later this fall for her mare Zeta. [Jacqueline Mars Travel Grant Recipients]

Charlotte DuJardin was eliminated from the European Championships this week. The latest in riders to fall prey to the blood rule, Charlotte’s horse Mount St John Freestyle was found to have blood marks on her side following her test. The test was a personal best, scoring a 81.91% but the stewards found blood and eliminated her thereafter. [Charlotte DuJardin Eliminated from European Championships]

Showing horses can be stressful, even under the best of circumstances. No matter what your discipline or how big/small the show, packing up and preparing feels a lot like a cross-country move. Dealing with showing nerves is one of the biggest goals of any rider, and learning to do so is a life long work in progress. [Getting a Grip: Dealing with Pre-Show Nerves]

Best of Blogs: A Horse and His Therapist

Best of Blogs Part II: An Auction Horse Goes To His First Event

Video: Millstreet International Horse Trials kicks off today in Co. Cork, Ireland, hosting CCI2*-S to CCI4*-L level competition as well as the fifth Event Rider Masters leg. Lots of USA representation! Liz Halliday-Sharp is tackling the ERM with Fernhill By Night; in the CCI4*-L we’ve got Caroline Martin with Islandwood Captain Jack and Will Faudree with Pfun; and in the CCI4*-S Ariel Grald with Leamore Master Plan, plus Liz with Deniro Z, Cooley Quicksilver and Carpe Diem IV.

Motivation for your weekend.

I like to mix my riding with my other hobbies, one of which is baking. I had three birthdays this week of family and friends, so I’m really on overdrive for baking. If anybody here has heard of Momofuku Milk Bar, I’m embarking on making one of her famous multilayered birthday cakes, and since I ride all day, I have to make several pieces each night and then assemble on the birthday. Yesterday I made two parts, today I’ll make two more, and tomorrow I’ll make the cake and assemble! It’s good to have hobbies.

National Holiday: World Honey Bee Day

Major Weekend Events:

Bromont CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

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

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

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

Huntington Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Unfortunately we won’t get to see the great Classic Moet rock around Burghley this fall. Molly picked up a small puncture on her knee during cross country at Gatcombe earlier this summer, and it required surgery to flush the joint to ensure her recovery. She’s doing well and on the mend, but won’t make it to Burghley, which is too bad because it’s a course made for a mare like her! [Classic Moet to Miss Burghley]

Michael Barisone was denied bail in his recent attempted murder court case. The judge ruled that he was a threat to both himself and the community, marking that he was disturbed by Barisone repeating “I’ve had a good life” on the day of his arrest. Lauren Kanareck’s family released a statement yesterday saying that she was in stable but serious condition. [Olympic Rider Remains in Jail]

Boarding your horse is a constant struggle in many areas of the country. Not having your horse at home means you’re trusting other people with the daily care of your beloved friend, and sometimes it’s not quite the right match. Knowing how to determine if the care is good quality is an important skill, and seeing the signs of a bad boarding situation is imperative to your horse’s wellbeing. [8 Warning Signs You’re In A Bad Boarding Barn]

Has your horse used Kinesiology tape yet? Mine has! Kinesiology tape is more than just a way to look like an athlete; it has a number of therapeutic properties. It decreases pain, increases muscle strength, improves blood and lymph circulation and adds stability to joints by increasing proprioception. Unlike conventional athletic tape, which applies pressure and acts like a brace, kinesiology tape stretches along the longitudinal axis of the muscles, which allows it to provide support during exercise without restricting motion. [How to Use Equine Kinesiology Tape]

Video: Kristin Starr sent us this video of her student, 17-year-old Jr. Novice Rider Hannah Boucher, doing the viral “The Git Up Dance” challenge at a cross country derby this past weekend. Git it, girl.

Is there anything better than a baby’s first cross country school? Photo by Kate Samuels.

I took my horse with a student and her new OTTB down the road this week for a little cross country schooling. This OTTB has been in retraining for about two or three weeks, and he’s popped a caveletti in the ring, but he’s pretty unflappable and brave, so I figured why not go cross country and see what he thinks? This little guy blew me away and was so brave about ditches, banks, water, all the different kinds of baby jumps. He walked INTO the ditch a few times happily before we explained that he had to go OVER it. Is there anything better than baby horses?? No.

National Holiday: National Relaxation Day

Major Weekend Events:

Bromont CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

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

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

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

Huntington Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Don’t let anybody tell you a one-eyed horse won’t do the upper levels, as we’ve got one heading to the European Championships. Irish eventer Tony Kennedy will make his senior championship squad debut at this month’s Europeans on a one-eyed horse he has produced from a three-year-old. Tony, 25, received the call-up last week with his father Con Kennedy’s Wisteria Lane due to Clare Abbott’s ride Euro Prince sustaining an injury. [One Eyed Horse Competing in European Championships]

The science behind feeding horses has made leaps and bounds over the years, and with more choices than ever, it’s important to learn what is right for your horse and your program. How do you balance fats, proteins, minerals, probiotics and prebiotics, to name a few? We got it all explained here. [The Science Behind Your Horse’s Nutrition]

Scientists are exploring the relationship between horses and their memories relating to sound, specifically particular voices. Researchers showed that horses not only discriminate between individual human voices, but have a recollection of whether their past experiences centered around each voice was positive or negative. In other words, past experiences dictate whether your horse is happy to hear you, and presumably see you, each day. [Happy Horses Need Positive Relationships]

Actually knowing how to ride a horse is literally only half the battle: the other half is mental. Building your confidence is a life-long battle, and knowing the sports psychology behind the work is helpful for your whole career. Horse & Hound compiled eight quick exercises you can use on a daily basis to build your confidence on the horse. [8 Easy Ways to Build Confidence]

Photo via Lynn Symansky.

USEA Groom of the Year Kendyl Tracy is saying goodbye to the grooms life after six years with Lynn Symansky, and saying hello to starting her own training and sales business. Kendyl has groomed at the top level ever since I’ve known her, and is impeccable in her dedication to the sport, but is also a very talented rider and trainer herself, and I know I’m not alone in wishing her the best with her new ventures!

National Holiday: National Book Lovers Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

GMHA Festival of Eventing H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Otter Creek Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

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

Area VII YR Benefit H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

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

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

Spring Gulch Summer H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Applewood Farm FEH/YEH & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe: 

The dressage world was rocked yesterday as Olympic veteran Michael Barisone was charged with attempted murder after shooting client Lauren Kanarek twice in the chest at his barn in New Jersey. Newest reports say that Lauren has emerged from emergency surgery but still remains in critical condition. Michael represented the US in the 2008 Olympics and helped coach riders to achieve the bronze medal in 2016 in Rio.  [Michael Barisone Charged with Attempted Murder]

More interesting research emerges on the use of stem cells in healing tendon injuries in horses. Canadian researchers are about to begin clinical trials using allogeneic umbilical cord blood stem cells to treat superficial digital flexor tendonitis or bowed tendons in horses. The goal of the team from the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) is to develop a readily available treatment to prevent the formation of scar tissue and create good quality tendon tissue to replace the damaged tissues, which are less prone to re-injury. [Tendon Injuries and Stem Cell Treatment]

If you’re in Florida this month, go be a volunteer in Ocala!  Volunteers are needed for our Ocala Summer Horse Trials II, August 17-18th. Dressage and Show Jumping will be running Saturday, and Cross Country will run exclusively on Sunday. Signing up is easy with Eventing Volunteers online, just a few easy steps and you’re on your way. [Volunteer for Ocala Horse Trials]

What happens when you cross one Olympic gold medallist with the full sibling of the winningest dressage horse in history? You get U-Genius, the son of Carl Hester’s Olympic mount Uthiopia out of Valegro’s full sister, Weidyfleur II. Is he this best bred horse in the world? Quite possibly. [Dressage Superstar in the Making]

Pony friends! Photo by Balmoral Farm.

It doesn’t matter if you’re an eventer, you should be paying attention to Pony Finals this week in Kentucky. If you don’t, you’re missing out on probably the highest dose of cute you’ll get all year, and that would truly be a crying shame. When I was a kid I fantasized about being small enough to ride ponies forever, and honestly I get that feeling every time Pony Finals come around. WHY are they so darn cute?!

National Holiday: National Frozen Custard Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

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

GMHA Festival of Eventing H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Otter Creek Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

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

Area VII YR Benefit H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

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

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

Spring Gulch Summer H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Applewood Farm FEH/YEH & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe: 

After taking team silver in eventing and bronze in dressage, Brazil capped an unforgettable two weeks at the 2019Pan American Games with a gold medal for its jumping squad. Mexico and Canada also clinched Olympic qualification slots, finishing in 2nd and 4th place respectively. The U.S. squad won bronze. [Pan American Games Lima 2019: Brazil punches ticket to Tokyo with team gold]

Tony Kennedy and Westeria Lane have been added to the Irish Eventing squad for the upcoming 2019 European Eventing Championships which take place in Luhmühlen from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1. The news comes after it was confirmed that Clare Abbott will miss the championships after her horse Europrince picked up an injury. The updated squad is Cathal Daniels riding Rioghan Rua, Sarah Ennis riding Woodcourt Garrison, Ciaran Glynn riding November Night, Tony Kennedy riding Westeria Lane and Sam Watson riding Imperial Sky. [Horse Sport Ireland]

Speaking of Pony Finals, one entry this week has a completely different background than most. Brownie Points, ridden by Samantha Hulbert, is a mustang from Bald Mountain, Nevada who was picked out of a field by head trainer Beanie Cone on a whim. Not only that, but 11 months after Duck arrived in the barn, she gave birth to a surprise foal, who they named Duckie! After her unusual beginnings in the hunter ring, Duck and Samantha have qualified for Pony Finals this week, ready to ride with the best of them. [Hulbert & Her Mustang Have A Wild Ride]

Unfortunately, Julia Krajewski and Samourai du Thot are out of contention for the European Championships. The pair was a strong bet for individual medals in the upcoming championships, but Sam was withdrawn from Aachen with a stone bruise a few weeks ago, and hasn’t recovered in time to be prepared. Despite this, Germany has named a squad of 12 that should have anybody quaking in their boots. [Germany Names European Championship Squad]

If you’ve been in the horse world for a while, either you or somebody you know has been affected by kissing spines. A horse with this condition feels consistent, low-grade pain because the spinous processes, or sections of bone attached to the vertebrae, are too close together and impinge on each other. Sometimes this can impede their ability to do certain jobs, and sometimes it’s manageable and these horses go on to compete at the highest levels. Learning more about this condition will definitely help you in the now and maybe in the future. [All You Need to Know about Kissing Spines]

Jennie Brannigan supporting Thomas the Tank Engine at the Pan Ams. Photo by Jennie.

OK so the eventing portion of the Pan Ams start today and I honestly don’t think I’m the only one who is bummed that there isn’t a live stream, but luckily for you guys, EN has it locked and loaded for the fastest reports we can manage.

National Holiday: National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

Major Weekend Events:

Pan American Games: Website, Entries, Technical Manual, Dressage Individual Live Scores, Dressage Team Live Scores, Ultimate Guide, EN’s Coverage

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Millbrook H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Entry Status] [Scoring]

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

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

Catalpa Corner Charity Horse Trial [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

Olney Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Scoring]

News from Around the Globe: 

Oh did you want more photos of the jogs at the Pan Ams from yesterday? Ask and ye shall receive, my friend. Keep tuned to the U.S. Eventing site and their social pages for photos and updates throughout the competition, they take pretty good photos I guess. [All Horses Through First Jogs]

We’ve heard of event riders getting weird and becoming FEI level Dressage riders, but have you heard of one going the OTHER way? I’m pretty sure that Lauren Chumley is one-of-a-kind, as a USDF Gold Medal Dressage rider with a business in the dressage world, but also secretly eventing on the side. Lauren just won her first CCI2*-S in fact at the Horse Park of New Jersey, riding Rita Reynolds’ mare Atlanta B. [Lauren Chumley Dances on the Dark Side]

Everybody loves their trainer, but here are some things you need to know that they may not have told you. Number one personal pet peeve: please be on your horse and warmed up at the start of the agreed upon lesson time. Do not still be brushing your horse off! Early is on time. Riding with other people is fine, but be honest about it so you can work on a cohesive training program all together. [8 Things Your Trainer Will Never Tell You]

Best of Blogs: Who You’d Find in the Nine Equine Circles of Hell

I got goats. Photo by Kate Samuels.

So, at one point I had only two horses in my barn, and I needed a companion so you could take one horse away to a show and the other one wouldn’t be lonely. So I got a miniature donkey, because he seemed to be the lowest cost companion alternative, and he worked great for a few years. Now, however, I have a group of horses who are NOT nice to the donkey, and the poor donkey has to live alone in a paddock and he is quite sad. Also, side note, this donkey does not like other donkeys, so obviously he has to now have goats for companionship. Hence how I ended up with three goats as companions for my companion animal.

National Holiday: National IPA Day

Major Weekend Events:

Pan American Games: Website, Entries, Technical Manual, Order of Go for First Horse Inspection, Live Scores, Ultimate Guide, EN’s Coverage

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Millbrook H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Entry Status] [Scoring]

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

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

Catalpa Corner Charity Horse Trial [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

Olney Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Scoring]

News from Around the Globe: 

Heading to New York’s Millbrook Horse Trials? On Thursday evening at around 5 p.m., Emerald Valley Equine Nutrition, a Gold Medal MHT Sponsor, will host a Novice level course walk with 5* rider Ariel Grald. Open to all, and attendees will receive a free goodie bag of fantastic Emerald Valley samples. Walk your course and get advice on how to ride the course from Ariel! [Millbrook Horse Trials]

Oh, Mark Todd. How will we ever pay proper tribute to you? A storied career that spanned six Olympic medals, four World medals, five Burghley wins and four Badminton trophies, what can we really say? Nothing except treasure the times we’ve seen you in action, and maybe look at some really great photos from long ago when eventing was an entirely different sport and you still kicked ass. [Photo Tribute to Mark Todd]

Team USA is putting in good work already at the Pan Ams, with the dressage team landing team silver this week. The U.S. Dressage Team posted strong performances on the final day of team competition at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games, earning team silver with an overall score of 437.791 after two days of intense competition. Canada was presented with the gold medal after finishing on a 440.111, securing a coveted qualification for Tokyo 2020, alongside Brazil, who collected bronze with a score of 408.696. [US Team Garners Silver]

Ahhh … the Pre-Purchase Exam. Has there ever been anything so controversial in the world of horses? Probably not. While getting a PPE is recommended in all cases, the use of context, common sense, and perspective are all active ingredients in getting what you need out of the examination. Don’t go into the experience as a buyer without reading this article. [Putting the Perspective in the PPE]

Featured Video:

Millbrook Horse Trials 2019 from Marion Latta de Vogel on Vimeo.

Just another wild and crazy OTTB at 6 a.m. coming in from turnout. Photo by Kate Samuels.

National Holiday: National Get Gnarly Day

Major Weekend Events:

The Event at Rebecca Farm CCI, 3DE, & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Horse Park of New Jersey II CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Hunt Club Farms H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

News From around the Globe:

A handful of nations are sending riders to the test event in Tokyo next month to scope out the scene for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Dubbed “Ready Steady Tokyo”, the event runs on August 12-14, and participation will allow those countries to enter into their final preparations with more information about the climate, the facility, and other factors. England is sending William Fox-Pitt on Summer at Fernhill as well as Georgie Strang riding Halltown Harley. [British Team Sends 2 Top Riders to Tokyo]

How many horses can say they started eventing in 2018 and by 2019 are set to represent their country internationally? I think probably just one: Starr Witness. The “Ginga Ninja” began her life in the hunter ring, but it wasn’t really to her liking, so she went to Doug Payne last spring to try out eventing, and her career bloomed from there. With 1.20 meter jumper experience under her belt already, she was quick to move up the levels, and now is aimed to go to the Pan American Games in just a few weeks. [Pan Am Profile: Starr Witness]

Hickstead Eventing Challenge first-timers Nicky Hill and Kilrodan Sailorette went out of the box first and set a blistering pace that nobody else could catch. Though she is little, at 15.1 hands tall, the chestnut mare ate up the ground and has a huge jump. Unfortunately for previous winner Paul Tapner, he had to settle for second place as he came in 1.15 seconds behind the girl power pair. [Hickstead Debutante Wins it All]

Best of Blogs: 7 Skills Every Horse Should Have

Video of the Day: Tis the season to get abscesses!

Ready for NAYC! Photo by Earl McFall

If your farrier comes and does all the horses in the barn, and you agree that the new horse doesn’t need to be done for another two weeks, the general rule is that of COURSE the next day you bring the horses in and find that the exact same horse is missing a shoe. So, while I love seeing my farrier twice within twenty four hours, and he definitely doesn’t have better things to do, I find yourself texting him at 6:30 am. Thus, I also find myself going to town to pick up a pizza and a six pack of beer to thank my endlessly patient farrier for coming at the end of his day to tack a shoe on this dumb animal. Pizza and beer really does make the world go ’round.

National Holiday: National Wine and Cheese Day

Major Weekend Events:

The Event at Rebecca Farm CCI, 3DE, & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Horse Park of New Jersey II CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Hunt Club Farms H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

News From around the Globe:

The stage of the European Championships has changed quite a bit, with the withdrawal of three big British names. The very promising Little Fire partnered with William Fox-Pitt has been withdrawn due to an unfortunately timed bone bruise, and Harry Meade’s Away Cruising has missed too much fitness to make it to the event as well. Nicola Wilson withdrew her ride Bulana due to her own multiple neck fractures from a fall a few weeks ago on a young horse. [Three Top Riders Withdraw from European Championships]

When you are doing your first Advanced horse trials, your main goal is to jump all the jumps in the right order on cross country. What you would never expect is for your horse to lock on to the wrong fence, and in the process jump a seated photographer. That’s exactly what happened to Madison Penfound riding QEH Ocean Voyage, when the horse leapt into the water a little too enthusiastic and then decided a photographer was a good ground line. This is a photo you don’t want to miss. [When a Photographer Becomes a Jump]

Can Paul Tapner win a record third consecutive Hickstead Eventer’s Challenge today? Paul won the challenging class the past two years with the impressive grey Bonza King of Rouges, and the pair are returning this year for another crack, having practiced hard at home for the weeks leading up. Also entered is Gemma Tattersall and Chico Bella P, who won the Bolesworth Eventing Challenge this spring, and were runner-up last year at Hickstead. [Hickstead Eventer’s Challenge]

Best of Interviews with Pan Am Riders: Free Rein with Tamie Smith

Honestly I still do this. Photo courtesy of Horse Humor FB.

Ok outside workers here is my pro-tip for surviving what is turning out to be the worst season of 2019: electrolyte capsules. You know that feeling when you’ve literally had so much to drink and you still feel dehydrated but also super full and kinda sick from chugging water? Get yourself some electrolyte pills online, and take them when you wake up, in the middle of the day, and even right before bed. This will change your life, I promise. Sincerely, a person who has had heat stroke a few too many times and had to learn the hard way.

National Holiday: National Daiquiri Day

CCIO4*-S Aachen: Website, Ride Times/Results, EN’s Coverage

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Silverwood Farm Summer H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Penny Oaks H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Larkin Hill H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Moon Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe: 

Are you a mare person? If you have had the honor of being owned by a mare, you’ll know that it’s not quite like other equine relationships. Mares don’t tolerate ego in the saddle, and they have an innate sense of intuition about who is on their back. There are certainly people who swear off all mares, and personally I think they’re just afraid of a girlfriend holding them accountable for their mistakes, but a good mare is hard to beat. [I Am a Mare Person]

Speaking of heat survival, it’s not just about you! Even if you think you can cut it during the worst temperatures, it’s important to think about your horse’s heat tolerance as well, and provide him with an environment and post-ride rituals to help him feel his best. Even the most enthusiastic horse can feel unwell when it’s terribly hot, and longterm exposure to heat without respite can really sap them of their will to live. [How to Help Your Horse Beat The Heat]

Can my horse read my mind?? Yeah, I’m pretty sure mine can. A rider’s intentions are telegraphed from mind to muscle, even when the rider isn’t consciously aware of it. From the moment the rider’s brain thinks about changing speed or direction, that message is automatically transmitted through the nervous system to the muscles in preparation for action. Small changes in the position and tension of the rider’s muscles anywhere in the body—legs, hands, arms, seat, rhythm, and breathing—can get the horse’s attention and foreshadow a specific action. The more experienced the rider is, the more automatic the unconscious the intention movement will be. [Telepathic Horses]

Best of Blogs: Mucking: A Love Story

Get pumped for Great Meadow!

#ride4Ashley

We are deeply saddened to report the loss of a bright young eventer among us. Ashley Stout was a 13-year-old eventer who was getting ready to compete for Area II in the Young Rider Training Three-Day at The Event at Rebecca Farm in just two short weeks, when her horse, Avant Garde, took an unexpected tumble over a fence at home, resulting in a rotational fall that was fatal for both horse and rider. Please hold Ashley and all her family and friends in the light for the coming days. [Area II Young Rider Dies in Riding Accident]

National Holiday: National Pecan Pie Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Coconino Summer II Classic 3DE & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Maryland Summer II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Champagne Run at the Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Huntington Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Genesee Valley Hunt H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

The FEI has released more proposals to rule changes for cross country next year. Included in the proposal includes mandating that certain fences on course have frangible pin devices, changes to the 11-point pin activation rule, and, popularly, revoking the new flag rule. The proposal also includes new penalties for dangerous riding, including 25 penalties or possibly elimination. [New FEI Cross Country Rules]

More and more equestrians are turning to turmeric to supplement their horse’s diets, but what can it do for you? Turmeric has long been used in ancient asian medicine as a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant, and horse owners find that it is beneficial for joint support, healthy skin, and good digestion in their equine partners. However, some scientific research is still needed to establish the dosage and clinical effects for horses. [What’s The Deal with Turmeric?]

The operators of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (DMTC), in Southern California, have announced a series of initiatives to enhance safety protocols and procedures as the track prepares to begin its 80th season of racing on July 17. Last year, DMTC was recognized as one of the safest tracks in the US, according to the Jockey Club, and they’re keen to go even further. The new security includes extensive review of each horse before allowing entry to races, restrictions on medications, out-of-competition random drug testing, stable security, increased veterinary supervision during morning workouts, and a ban on the use of crops. [Del Mar Takes Safety Seriously]

If you think your horse is high maintenance, wait until you meet The Gambler. Gambler is an eight-year-old Gypsy Cob, and his mane and tail simply won’t stop growing. Owned by Andy Curtis and Caroline Barrett, Caroline says it can take up to TEN HOURS to properly bathe and braid all of Gambler’s hair. Once she took him for a hack with his locks flowing and he scared the bejesus out of other horses, so now she keeps it braided most of the time. [High Maintenance Hair]

Photo via Taylor Harris Insurance Services FB.

So, I’m going through a stage with my young horse where his bit for dressage is fine, but it’s not quiiiite as great as it used to be, and I think he would like something a little different and more wiggly to play with. This means I’m going through my fairly massive collection of bits and trying them one at a time to narrow it down, and OF COURSE the bits he likes best aren’t legal, because why should they? They’re all the snaffles that are illegal for silly reasons, so now I’m on a hunt to find the vaguely similar but legal versions. Ugh.

National Holiday: National Mojito Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Coconino Summer II Classic 3DE & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Maryland Summer II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Champagne Run at the Park H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Huntington Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Genesee Valley Hunt H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

This week we said goodbye to one of the most incredible event horses of our time, Armada. With a whopping 16 CCI5* completions on his record (and six of those top ten), this horse was nothing if not a beast. He was a cross country legend, and I feel honored to have been able to see him in action. Horse & Hound gathered some of their favorite photos of him throughout his 12 year career. [Remembering Armada]

Ready to get some cool stuff and support your fellow equestrians at the European Maccabi Games? In this auction, you can win (amongst other things): 8 tickets to Churchill Downs, an autograph from Laura Graves, a Hylofit, a Cee Coach System, sun shirts from Anique, dressage girths, equestrian jewelry and more! [Maccabi Games Fundraiser Auction]

When your prelim horse goes lame, and you’ve got a Dom Schramm clinic coming up, who do you call? Your friend with the small green Andalusian that’s trotted a few cross rails before, and plop him in a Beginner Novice group. Not only that, but this little horse came from an auction not too long ago, but he’s happy to participate anyway! [Auction Horse Meets Dom Schramm]

Seeking a job in the horse industry that lets you set your own schedule and go to shows? You could be an agent for Taylor Harris Insurance Services! With a time to ride your own horse, you can make your living in the horse industry without mucking stalls. Call them today to find out more about this unique opportunity! [THIS Horse Insurance]

Doug & Quinn at Pan Am practice sessions. Photo via US Eventing.

Hope your horses and dogs survived July 4th and all the fireworks! I celebrated America the best way I know how, by riding a whole pile of American thoroughbreds!! I did dressage, jumping, hacking, trotting, and splashing in rivers with all the Thoroughbreds, and it was a great holiday.

National Holiday:  National Apple Turnover Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Maryland CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

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

Coconino Summer I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

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

South Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Powder Basin H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe: 

Tamie Smith knows a thing or two about the highs and lows of the sport. This year she’s had a horse go magically lame walking to the jogs at Badminton, go sound two days later, re-routed to Burghley, been named to the Pan Am and Nations Cup Teams, withdrawn her Pan Am horse for a minor injury, substituted her previous 2016 Olympic horse after he’s come back from injury two years ago. A whirlwind to say the least. How does she deal with the mental game? [Learning To Let Go Has Changed The Way I Deal with Disappointment]

Paulank Brockagh galloped into our hearts at the 2014 Badminton, where she won in some of the worst conditions in recent memory. Brocks is a war horse of a mare, finishing in the top ten of all of the European five-star events, and she’s not slowing down at the age of 16, adding a 7th place recently at Luhmühlen. Her rider, Sam Griffiths, is keeping his eyes on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as her final goal, and treats her like the queen she is. [Behind the Stall Door: Paulank Brockagh]

Is scraping water off your horse *really* that important to cooling them down? One scientist says no, and you’re not going to make your horse boil by leaving water on them after you wash them off. In fact, he says that continuous application of cold water will do more to cool off a horse than washing and scraping. [Popular Washing Myth Busted]

Best of Blogs: Close Encounters of the Wild Kind

Give your geldings a big field, they say. Geldings say they’ll all eat the same plant at once. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Happy Fourth of July! For those of you lucky to have the day off work, I hope you enjoy a cookout, a pool, maybe some waterskiing, and most of all, the company of friends. Horses don’t know it’s a holiday though, so have a beverage in my name as I spend my day sweating and chugging water while covered in dirt.

National Holiday: Independence Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Maryland CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

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

Coconino Summer I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

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

South Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Round Top H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Powder Basin H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe: 

The Retired Racehorse Makeover Marketplace is open! As a previous competitor of the RRP and real lover of everything they do, I highly suggest you check it out if you’re horse shopping. You will find every size, shape, age, and experience level of thoroughbred on there, located all over the US! [Makeover Marketplace]

With the summer heat in full effect, it’s important to monitor your horse’s electrolyte intake with exercise. Electrolytes are minerals dissolved in the blood and tissues of the body, which carry a positive or negative charge and can bind with another ion to make a ‘salt’. They help to preserve the correct balance of fluids in the body’s cells and are involved in muscle function and the processing of wastes. You can mix electrolytes with your horse’s water, or feed it regularly with concentrated feed, or give tubes during competition. [Why Electrolytes are Important]

How does the best dressage rider in the world school at home? Charlotte DuJardin never schools her tests at home, and barely even schools her extensions except at the competitions. She also doesn’t believe in drilling, unlike many other dressage riders. [Be Like Charlotte]

This week we said goodbye to a 15h Connemara gelding who completed Badminton in 1992. Well Done was competed by Frances Hooper, and the diminutive chocolate dun also completed Blenheim and Bramham during his career, and retired at the age of 17. He passed away this week at the age of 38 after a long and happy retirement. [15 hand Badminton Pony]

Figuring out how to approach equine insurance can be daunting, but not so with THIS! With agents who are also horse people, and international experience across all disciplines, THIS knows how to protect your horse through anything life may bring. In five minutes, you can fill out their online quote request form, and be well on your way to peace of mind. [Request a Quote from THIS]

Troll loves her son, can’t you tell? Photo via Lauren Kieffer Eventing.

Guys, I was just checking out my mid-summer tan lines today, and dang they are rocking so hard. The criss-cross design across the top of my back is so clean and tidy, it’s really a marvel. You can always tell a horse girl by their tan lines, no matter how hard we try to conceal them, we’re just doomed to be multicolored forever.

National Holiday: National Paul Bunyan Day

U.S. Weekend Action:

Groton House Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Inavale Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

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

Horse Park of New Jersey H.T. I [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Summer H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

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

Cobblestone Farms H.T. I [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Looking for a last minute entry to a horse trials in July? The Genesee Valley Hunt Horse Trials will be accepting post entries after Tuesday, June 25 until Tuesday, July 2, with a $50 late fee.  This event boasts a team challenge with levels from Intro through Modified, as well as a town festival, so get your entries in! [Enter Genesee Valley Hunt H.T.]

Getting an 11.3 in dressage just shouldn’t be allowed. However, one rider in a BE100 class did just that, much to her own astonishment. Laura Fenwick and Rustenberg Diamond finished on a 12.1 at Alnwick Ford HT this week, adding just .8 too-fast time penalties to clear a win in their division. This gives Laura the lowest finishing score in British Eventing since 2017. [Rider Wins on a 12.1]

What’s it like to clinic with Olympian Will Coleman? Will recently travelled to Emerald Isles Eventing Center in Massachusetts to give a two-day clinic. He emphasized how the rideability on the flat for all horses and riders would greatly improve their ability to jump accurately, and gave them all simple exercises to practice at home to keep their horses attuned to their aids. [Teach Them The ABCs With Will Coleman]

Best of Blogs: Crucial Advice to Myself: Marcella & Nessi