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Sally Spickard
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Sally Spickard

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About Sally Spickard

Sally Spickard is a Korean adoptee living in San Diego, California. Sally joined the Eventing Nation team in 2013 and has subsequently written for Noelle Floyd, Heels Down Mag, and other publications both in and out of the equestrian world. Sally is an eventing fan through and through and enjoys telling the stories of riders who are not well-represented within equestrian media.

Latest Articles Written

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By on Feb 1, 2014 12:01 am -
We are feeling the EN love! Found by Kate Samuels on the Sporting Days cross country course. We are feeling the EN love! Found by Kate Samuels on the Sporting Days cross country course.

Good morning! I set my alarm a bit early today so that I could begin obsessively checking scores at Galway Downs today. Many of my favorites are out for the first time this season, and I also have a friend who is making her eventing debut this weekend so I of course have to keep tabs on that. Best of luck to riders around the country who are competing this weekend. I’ve also been stalking looking for working students who would like to be interviewed for a new series we are launching titled “Working Student Diaries.” Our first subject works for Phillip Dutton, and she’s got all the scoop on the quirks and personalities of our favorite Dutton horses (sneak preview: Mighty Nice definitely feels his oats every day!). Are you currently working hard for an upper level rider? If so, we’d love to get an insider’s perspective from you! Email [email protected] if you or someone you know would like to participate.

Events This Weekend:

Poplar Place February HT [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Sporting Days February HT [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Galway Downs Winter HT [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Eventing Nation has been nominated for two Equestrian Social Media Awards! Go vote for us in categories #14 and #15, Best Blog and Best Social Network. [ESMA Voting]

FLAIR Nasal Strips has announced a new award for Rolex this year. The annual award, called the “FLAIR Protect & Perform Award” will be awarded to the highest place horse and rider pair who use a FLAIR strip during both cross country and stadium. For more information on FLAIR strips and the numerous benefits they offer, click here.

Are you in need of a serious caffeine mix while traipsing around Aiken? One of our loyal readers tipped us off about the Ridgecrest Coffee Bar. Located at 2502 Wagner Road in Aiken, the drive-thru is even equipped to accommodate horse trailers! I’m sold. [Ridgecrest Coffee Bar]

What does your horse’s tail tell you?

South African race trainer uses the ocean as part of his training regimen.

A rider has passed away at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival.

The Symbolic Totilas.

A welfare group is rallying to prevent wild horses in Alberta from being rounded up.

Meet the British Nations Cup squad.

Eighteen horses passed away in a Georgia barn fire.

Saturday Video:

A true example of partnership and precision. Don’t try this at home!

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A Horse of a Different Color: D’Jion

By on Jan 31, 2014 4:30 pm -

"A Horse of a Different Color" features horses and ponies that have been successful in the sport of eventing while representing a unique breed. Do you have a horse that you think would be a great feature subject? If so, email [email protected].

Hanna and D'Jion celebrating at the CCI* at Ocala. Photo from Hanna Bundy. Hanna and D'Jion celebrating at the CCI* at Ocala. Photo from Hanna Bundy.

We know Mustangs are among the most versatile breeds, so a Mustang who has excelled in eventing comes as no surprise. This week, we meet D’Jion, a Canadian Mustang from British Columbia. In 2012, Hanna Bundy, a young rider from Toronto, was looking for a new mount to take her to the next level.

Hanna’s coach, Jessica Phoenix, found D’Jion, otherwise known as Mustard, at Dreamcrest Farm in Ontario. “His previous owner was going off to school and needed to sell him,” Hanna said. “We weren’t really sure exactly what he was capable of, but we definitely knew he could jump. It all happened very fast; within two days, I had sold my old (Preliminary) horse and purchased Mustard.”

Ten years old at the time, Mustard had already shown his chops for the sport. He had competed at NAJYRC at the CCI* level with his previous owner, but Hanna still wasn’t sure what to expect from her horse of a different color. “I definitely didn’t know what kind of horse I had until I took him to his first Intermediate event,” Hannah said. “His stride on cross country is crazy. He covers so much ground; it’s a pretty amazing feeling.”

Hanna and Mustard schooling at home with Jessie Phoenix. Photo from Hanna Bundy.

Hanna and Mustard schooling at home. Photo from Hanna Bundy.

Mustard’s toughest phase has been dressage, as he tends to get a bit tense. Hanna has spent a lot of time working with dressage trainer Jacquie Brooks and has seen a marked improvement since beginning this program. “Every day he just gets more and more solid,” Hannah said. “He definitely still has his days, but it has gotten way more manageable.”

Hanna and Mustard’s partnership progressed quickly, and in 2013 the pair finished seventh in the Ocala Horse Properties CCI* and also completed their first CIC2* at Jersey Fresh. This year, Hanna and Mustard will compete at the two-star level in order to qualify for NAJYRC. Hanna hopes to eventually move up to Advanced, and it’s her hope that Mustard will be the one to take her there. Best of luck to Hanna and D’Jion!

Friday News & Notes from FLAIR Nasal Strips

By on Jan 31, 2014 12:01 am -
Here's a Friday throwback for you. Area 8 Chair Cathy Wieschhoff and Kit the Mule grace the August 1983 issue of the USCTA Magazine. Here's a Friday throwback for you. Area 8 Chair Cathy Wieschhoff and Kit the Mule grace the August 1983 issue of the USCTA Magazine.

How goes it, EN? Our lead photo today got me thinking about how cool mules really are. I mean, they’re hardy, surefooted, sane, and pretty darn cute — what’s not to love? That got me wondering how many mules have successfully jumped around a cross country course or completed a dressage test. I think it would be a pretty cool story. Do you know of an eventing mule, past or present? If so, tip me at [email protected] to share your story.

Events This Weekend:

Poplar Place February HT [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Sporting Days February HT [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Galway Downs Winter HT [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Friday News:

Eventing Nation has been nominated for two Equestrian Social Media Awards! Go vote for us in categories #14 and #15, Best Blog and Best Social Network. [ESMA Voting]

Do you hate static as much as I do? If so, you’ll want to check out this informative article on The Horse. Tips for reducing static on your horse are quite valuable this time of year, as there truly is nothing more unpleasant than whisking your horse’s blanket off only to fall victim to static shock. [De-static Your Horse]

Today marks the Lunar New Year, meaning the Year of the Horse has officially kicked off. With the rocky start that 2014 has gotten off to, it is my hope that the officially beginning to the Year of the Horse marks the improvement of the health and safety of our friends, both human and equine, as the year continues. [What Does the Year of the Horse Mean?]

Yes, the Super Bowl is this weekend. How is Denver Broncos mascot, Thunder, spending the days leading up to the big game? The cute Arabian and his rider will be making appearances on both the NBC Today Show and the FOX morning show today. Talk about celebrity! [Thunder Makes His Media Rounds]

Ever wondered what Olympic riders would do if they were able to edit an equine magazine? Now you can find out! This year, Olympians William Fox-Pitt, Carl Hester, and Nick Skelton will be stepping in to guest-edit an issue of Horse & Hound that focuses on their individual disciplines (eventing, dressage, show jumping, respectively). Any guesses for what William Fox-Pitt’s issue will look like? My guess is a lot of ad space dedicated to Jelly Babies. [H&H To Have Olympic Guest Editors]
If you’re in Aiken, don’t forget to RSVP for the USET Foundation Olympic Gala benefiting the US Eventing Team. Scheduled for February 14, the event will be held at Stable View Farm in Aiken. Cocktails, silent auctions, and plenty of top riders to rub shoulders with? Count me in! [USET Gala]
Will O’Wind Farm will host the cross country portion of the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto. The facility is located about 30 kilometers away from the primary equestrian facility, the Caledon Pan Am Equestrian Centre, which will make for some interesting commutes between phases. The cross country course will be designed by Wayne Copping and will be a CCI2* level course. [Toronto 2015 XC Venue]
Best of the Blogs:
Friday Video:
On the subject of eventing mules, I dug up some footage of some show jumping. Enjoy!

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Throwback Thursday: And the Rider Is…

By on Jan 30, 2014 6:30 pm -

Welcome to Throwback Thursday! Each Thursday, we will be bringing you some vintage eventing photos and posts. Do you want to show us your first horse or a photo of your early riding days? Email [email protected].

A star in the making! A star in the making!

How did you fare this week in our guessing game? I hope I didn’t give it away with the hint earlier. We won’t keep you waiting anymore.

The rider pictured below is…

Did you guess correctly?

Did you guess correctly?

… Selena O’Hanlon! Kelsy Flewitt kindly sent us these photos of Selena and her very first event horse, Toby. Selena fondly called him “An angel on four legs.” Congratulations to all who played along this week! Stay tuned for a very special edition of Throwback Thursday next week.

Selena O'Hanlon and Bellaney Rock. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Selena O’Hanlon and Bellaney Rock. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Thursday Video: Automated Horse Training?

By on Jan 30, 2014 4:30 pm -

Liz Hall posted this video on Facebook yesterday, and after reading the comments I had to see it for myself. This is a new contraption geared towards reducing or eliminating human interference and error by exercising horses automatically. Built like a futuristic horse-drawn carriage, this fancy machine is designed to exercise horses at the walk, trot, canter and gallop. There are even additional machines that allow for multiple horses to be exercised at once (check out the 4:00-minute marker to see this). Here are the qualms I have about this device:

1. Safety. What if a horse trips and falls or throws a tantrum? I guarantee you not all horses will be as happy to be exercised by this machine as the demo horses are in this video.

2. Money. I’m not sure I want to know how much this contraption costs. My guess is that Sheikh Mohammed would be the only one who could afford it. Or perhaps Oprah Winfrey, if she was into that sort of thing.

3. “The feel.” A huge part of training a horse is the education of the horse to accept the aids. This machine does nothing to train the horse to respond to human contact.

I could add many more things to this list, but I’ll stop there. At the end of the day, my vote stays with human riders. What do you think?

Throwback Thursday: Guess the Rider

By on Jan 30, 2014 1:30 pm -

Welcome to Throwback Thursday! Each Thursday, we will be bringing you some vintage eventing photos and posts. Do you want to show us your first horse or a photo of your early riding days? Email [email protected].

Guess who! Guess who!

This week, we take a trip up to Canada for our Throwback Thursday rider. Did you get my hint there, EN? This rider has represented Canada at multiple events around the world, including the Olympics and the World Equestrian Games. So what do you think? Do you have the chops to guess our mystery rider this week?

Preparing for the big time.

Preparing for the big time.

Don’t forget to post your guess in the comments below. Happy guessing!

Forrest Nymph Thriving with Sinead Halpin

By on Jan 30, 2014 9:00 am -
Forrest Nymph kicking back at Rocking Horse. Photo from Black Dog Farm. Forrest Nymph kicking back at Rocking Horse. Photo from Black Dog Farm.

Last fall, we reported Sinead Halpin was taking over the ride on the talented pony Forrest Nymph. Affectionately known as Farrah around the barn, this red-headed pony has plenty of scope and talent to go far; with Sinead in the irons, there’s no telling what the limit is for Farrah. Most recently, Sinead had Farrah out for their first competition together at the Rocking Horse Winter I Horse Trials in Ocala. The pair scored a 30.5 in the dressage and added nothing to that score to finish in seventh overall.

Aside from competing smaller horses when she first began riding at the upper levels, Sinead has not had a lot of experience with ponies. “Maybe when I was 12!” she joked of the last time she had been on a horse as small as Farrah. Farrah’s 14.2-hand stature does not have an effect on the mare’s talent and power, though. “When you’re on her, you really forget that you’re on a pony,” Sinead said. “In fact, the first time I got on her, I thought, ‘Thank God this is only a pony,’ as she is the strongest horse in the barn.”

As is the case with many mares, Farrah thinks of herself as an alpha, and so Sinead has learned that she has to convince the redhead that everything is her idea. “You can never get mad at her,” Sinead said. “Nothing is ever her fault.” Sinead has had fun getting to know Farrah and said once she had her out jumping, she felt much more at home on the small mare. Farrah has a huge stride and an uphill build, so oftentimes Sinead even forgets she’s on a pony. “I had to jump her a few times to get used to the fact that I was looking up at the standards and rails rather than directly at them,” Sinead said.

Sinead has been impressed with Farrah’s bravery on cross country. “She’s a little like (Manoir de Carneville) in that if you don’t get her to the absolute perfect distance, she will still jump as if nothing was wrong,” Sinead said. “Sometimes if you make a mistake, you hold your breath; but in her case, she is pretty game no matter what.”

The plan is to take Farrah out at Preliminary next and then map out the rest of the year from there. Ideally, she will compete at Southern Pines and The Fork, and if this past weekend is any indication, it seems this pair is well on their way to success. Stay tuned for much more from Camp Halpin as Sinead and Farrah continue to get to know each other.

If you want to stay on top of any Farrah updates, you can follow Beth Davidson’s Pony Eventer blog and check out Sinead and Black Dog Farm‘s Facebook pages.

Go eventing ponies.

Update from Lynn Symansky: Waitangi Notebook Cleared to Leave Hospital

By on Jan 28, 2014 5:46 pm -
Waitangi Notebook at the Virginia CCI*. Photo by Kate Samuels. Waitangi Notebook at the Virginia CCI*. Photo by Kate Samuels.

We recently reported that Waitangi Notebook, or Mouse, had suffered a serious injury after a pasture accident. Lynn has kept news on the mare quiet as she battles back, understandably not wanting to jinx any good news. We are pleased to report that today Lynn said that Mouse has officially been given the go ahead to leave the hospital. This is wonderful news, and we wish Mouse the speediest of recoveries as she beats the odds.

From Lynn’s Facebook:

“I’ve been pretty quiet about Mouse since her accident over two weeks ago because she’s been beating all the odds and I haven’t wanted to jinx anything. She still has a long road to recovery ahead, but she got the OK to leave the hospital today  I owe a huge thank you to Dr. Sarah Dukti and everyone at Piedmont Equine for taking such great care of her, and to Po Tatham who will be taking her in and handling her care for awhile. And a GIANT thank you to everyone for all the well wishes and prayers, it’s been a sad time in our sport and I’m blessed that the power of positive thinking seems to be helping my little fighting Mouse.”

Horse Nation: 7 Reasons to Be Glad You’re Not in Aiken or Ocala

By on Jan 26, 2014 4:34 pm -
EN Horse of the Year, Donner, shows his appreciation of the warmer weather down south. Photo from the Lynn Symansky Eventing Facebook page. EN Horse of the Year, Donner, shows his appreciation of the warmer weather down south. Photo from the Lynn Symansky Eventing Facebook page.

So you aren’t packing the four legged kids up and high tailing it to Aiken or Ocala. Maybe it just wasn’t in the cards financially, or your boss simply didn’t understand the importance of wintering in Florida. Whatever your reasons, take comfort knowing that, while your peers may be soaking up the sun, you’re busy building your immune system and becoming a pro at keeping your footing on a sheet of ice, which will come in handy next winter when you’re stuck in another polar vortex. Who needs the sun anyway?

Our friends over at Horse Nation have come up with a handy list of reasons to be happy you aren’t heading to the land of the sun. Not to worry, after reading this list you will be glad you chose to stay and tough it out.

1. Forget palm trees and temperatures above freezing…really, how can you appreciate summer without days like this?

2. Stomping through snow, shoveling paths, breaking iced-over water troughs–this is the kind of exercise you just can’t get any other time of year.

3. And rather than renting a barn down south, you can save your money for more important things, like winter inventory liquidation sales at the tack shop.

To check out the list in its entirety, head on over to Horse Nation.

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Michael Pollard Talks About His Winning Weekend

By on Jan 26, 2014 3:00 pm -
Just one of Michael's winning rides this weekend, Songline. Photo via Pollard Eventing. Just one of Michael's winning rides this weekend, Songline. Photo via Pollard Eventing.

Michael Pollard certainly came to win this weekend at the Rocking Horse Winter I Horse Trials. Michael had six horses going this weekend, five of which finished third or better across the Intermediate and Preliminary divisions. Michael is understandably elated with the results this weekend, and is looking forward to beginning 2014 in earnest with a string of horses teeming with depth and talent.

Michael won the Intermediate B division this weekend quite handily aboard Halimey, a 9-year-old Trakehner stallion. “(Halimey) came to me about a year ago with some confidence issues on cross country, so I’ve taken it quite slow with him,” Michael said. “This time out, he was quite confident on cross country. He’s a great mover, and being half Anglo-Arab I hope to breed some stamina for distance into his offspring.” Halimey is beginning to show the makings of an Advanced horse if Michael can continue instilling confidence in the young stallion. “He has a lot of good blood, and if we can continue on this trajectory, he can be a top horse.” Michael hopes that selecting the right events will help Hamiley eventually get to the 2* and Advanced levels as their partnership continues to develop.

Songline was another winner this weekend in the Open Preliminary A division. Songline is stunning 10-year-old Trakehner stallion that Michael acquired the ride on last May. A talented horse, Songline was previously under the care of Andreas Dubowski, who took him to the CIC3* as well as a win in the Young Event Horse Championships as a 6-year-old. After being brought to the US, Songline had some downtime where he was not getting much in the way of training, and now he and Michael are forging a new relationship. “He’s getting back into full work now. He had an old injury, so we’ve spent a lot of time ensuring that his tendons and ligaments are strong,” Michael said. “He will hopefully move up to Intermediate next, and he is another possible Advanced horse for us.”

Kyra enjoying the sunshine. Photo via Pollard Eventing.

Kyra enjoying the sunshine. Photo via Pollard Eventing.

The third winner of the weekend was Kyra, who finished on her superb dressage score of 22.70 to win the Open Preliminary C divison. Kyra holds a special place with the Pollard Event Team, as she is sired by the late VDL Ulando H, who passed away in the tragic trailer accident that claimed several Pollard horses. Michael took over the ride on the now 7-year-old Kyra in 2013, and the “red dragon” has turned heads everywhere she goes.

“She’s beautiful on the flat, and she jumps just about as good if not better than anything else in the barn right now. I don’t know what more you could want in a good, young horse. She is a wonderful horse to ride every single day.”

Michael’s goal for Kyra this year is to have a solid season at Intermediate and possibly a 1*.

Michael’s had nothing but good things to say about the remaining three rides this weekend. Good Measure and Tsetserleg finished in second and third respectively in the Open Preliminary B division. Michael commented that both horses had better dressage tests in them, but was nonetheless pleased with their scores and their double clear cross country and stadium rounds. “They were probably the most improved on cross country out of the group, so I was really pleased,” he said of his more inexperienced rides.

Michael’s other Intermediate ride, Carmac, is a brand new partnership. This event was the pair’s first run together, and Carmac added only 2.00 time penalties to his dressage score to finish in 11th place overall. “He is very fun. There is still a lot of work to do there, but he seems to be making some good progress so I’m excited to see what will happen with him this year.” Carmac formerly campaigned at the Advanced and CIC3* level before coming to Michael. You can check out Carmac’s stadium round below.

Michael agrees with every other opinion that we’ve seen so far on the weekend: the courses were “fair and appropriate” and were just right for this time of the season. Many horses are coming out expecting to move up at the next event, so Rocking Horse is a perfect pipe opener for these horses and riders.

Michael plans to take his other uppel level horses such as Mensa, Schoensgreen Hanni, and Ballingowan Pizzaz on a spring campaign that includes Red Hills, Southern Pines, and The Fork. Mensa will aim for Rolex, if all goes according to plan, so never fear, Pollard fans — there may be a sighting in Kentucky this year!

Congratulations to the entire Pollard Eventing Team on their winning weekend at Rocking Horse. To keep up with the Pollards as they take 2014 by storm, check out their Facebook page.

Jorna Taylor: Ode to the Horse Show Mom

By on Jan 26, 2014 1:30 pm -
Jorna and her horse show mom, Jeri. Photo by Dan Ford. Jorna and her horse show mom, Jeri. Photo by Dan Ford.

Blogger Jorna Taylor recently wrote a heartwarming piece dedicated to hard working horse show moms everywhere. After our toast to our supportive significant others, we had to also pay homage to those horse show moms and dads who were always there to make sure we arrived on time with (relatively) clean clothes and shiny boots. Jorna has kindly agreed to let us repost her piece on EN. Enjoy, and thank you to all of the horse show moms (and dads!) who never gave up on our dreams. To follow Jorna’s blog, click here.

Ode to the Horse Show Mom

This is an ode to the horse show mom.

She’s not just any Dick, Harry or Tom.

Horse show moms are a special breed

Always around when you’re in need of

Some water, your spurs, or perhaps a crop.

With her help, you always come out on top.

 

She has made you and your horse her top priorities

(Mostly to keep you from the hands of the authorities!)

She’s dedicated to inhaling pounds of arena dust

And driving an aged truck covered with rust

So that it can pull your two horse trailer

Which she curses at like a drunken sailor.

 

Throughout the summer on any Friday night

She hooks up that rig, considering with foresight

She should have encouraged stamp collecting or chess

At least that would be far less of a mess.

 

You arrive back home woefully late

As your horse hated that blue and green gate

During a lengthy schooling session with your trainer

Who suggested, perhaps, he’d be better as a reiner.

 

On the night before a show she packs

A cooler full of drinks and snacks.

She knows you won’t take time eat or drink

Which will hinder your ability to clearly think

While on course guiding a thousand pound beast.

And that makes her worry, to say the least!

 

Then she has a choice to make,

Even though her bones quite ache,

Between a shower and some rest

Or to help you in your mighty quest

To remove the stain from your shad belly coat,

A remnant of last weekend’s root beer float.

 

You’ll lay your head to catch some zzz’s

Knowing she’s up scrubbing your custom Dees.

The alarm goes off at a quarter to four.

Before you know it, you’re out the door

And on your way to lunge him down

As he’s out to win the Triple Crown.

 

She’s the best at “hurry up and wait”

While cajoling poor souls guarding in-gates.

She stands and watches, seemingly tense

Until you’ve cleared every last fence.

Because she rode every stride with you,

Especially when you put a one in the two!

 

She claps the loudest, and without pause

Even when you don’t deserve applause.

She’s just glad you are safe and sound

Cuz he took that last oxer rather round.

 

She knows just where you left your tack

As they wait on you to start the hack.

Then she’ll wipe your boots three times for luck,

Admonishing you for walking in the muck

After she spent the hour that she had for sleep

Polishing, without a peep.

 

Your trainer says, “She needs a bat,

Do not let her go into the flat.”

But horse show mom’s been around a while,

And she tells you sweetly, with a smile,

“I’d like to leave before midnight

So get in that ring, let’s not fight.

If you can’t hack your horse by now

Perhaps it should be pulling a plow!”

 

Finally, she sits down for a moment of rest

Just as you’re called back for the medal test.

Quickly she produces your blue coat, not green,

Knowing that you’d make quite the scene.

 

Those times it doesn’t go your way

She won’t let you pack up and call it a day.

Instead she listens to you rant and rave

About how your competitor was given a “save”.

She congratulates you on a really nice trip

But will not tolerate your poor sportsmanship.

 

You’ll begin to complain how exhausted you are

And horse show mom is dreaming of hitting the bar.

Yet you have to get your pony put properly to bed

(or else your trainer will be seeing red!)

So once again she gets in the truck

To hook up the trailer – first time, what luck!

She packs your things and tells you to skedaddle

While you chat with friends, lazily cleaning your saddle.

 

Then of course your horse won’t load

Finally two hours later you’re on the road.

Horse show mom glances over at you

As you’ve nodded off, clutching that blue

Ribbon you got for a job well done.

And she has to admit, maybe today was indeed fun!

 

You crack open one eye and you catch her glowing

Then you’ll know she enjoyed your day of showing.

But it isn’t about the ribbons or glasses

Or how many people rode in all your classes.

Horse show mom is proud to be a part of your life,

Committed to all the struggle and strife

It takes to make your dreams come true.

So horse show moms, please know how much we love you!

 

Sunday Video: Peter Atkins’ Rocking Horse Helmet Cam

By on Jan 26, 2014 12:00 pm -

As promised, Peter Atkins wore his helmet cam during his Intermediate cross country trip at Rocking Horse yesterday. Peter was quite pleased with Henny’s weekend. “Rocking Horse put on a great event as usual. The courses were perfect for this time of year. Henny, who hasn’t seen a cross country jump since Rolex (last year), gave me a great ride and really seemed to enjoy himself.” Peter and Henny finished in third after adding nothing to their dressage score. Thank you, Peter, for providing such great entertainment!

Charlotte Dujardin Recaps Another Winning Weekend

By on Jan 26, 2014 10:30 am -

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro are back on the competition scene after crushing another world record at Olympia last month. This time, the pair competed in the fifth leg of the World Cup Dressage Western European League in Amsterdam, winning the Reem Acra World Cup Qualifier on a score of 91.275. While Charlotte and “Blueberry” did not break their own record this time (their score this weekend was 2.7 points short), the dazzling pair still plans to head to the final showdown of the World Cup tour in April in France. What makes this particular win even more impressive is that Charlotte was not even able to ride Valegro in the final weeks leading up to competition. Charlotte was out of the country traveling for several weeks, and Carl Hester kept Valegro in work. The bond that these two have is truly remarkable and a pleasure to watch.

To view Charlotte’s winning ride, click here. 

 

Videos from Rocking Horse HT

By on Jan 26, 2014 9:00 am -

Thehorsepesterer is on site this weekend at the Rocking Horse Winter I Horse Trials, and true to form there are many videos available to view on YouTube. Thehorsepesterer is one of EN’s favorite videographers, so you can imagine our delight to wake up to so much video fun this morning.

Here are a couple of other videos to jump start your morning. To see all of Thehorsepesterer’s videos from this weekend so far, check out this YouTube link.

Buck Davidson and Wiley Post – Stadium

Natalie Pollard and Driving Ambition – Stadium

Rocking Horse Social Media Wrap-up

By on Jan 25, 2014 4:30 pm -
Peter, Henny, and their new friend, Stowaway Chicken. Photo from the Run Henny Run Facebook page. Peter, Henny, and their new friend, Stowaway Chicken. Photo from the Run Henny Run Facebook page.

The Intermediate and Preliminary divisions are wrapping up in Ocala today at the Rocking Horse Winter I Horse Trials. Social media is buzzing with excitement as everyone opens the pipes and knocks the rust off the winter. Special shout out to Peter Atkins and Henny, who were out for their first outing of 2014 in the Intermediate B division. Henny finished on his dressage score to move up from eighth to third after show jumping. Here is a quick results summary:

Open Intermediate – A – Results 

1. Buck Davidson – The Apprentice – 27.70

2. Bonner Carpenter – Basco – 28.90

3. Buck Davidson – Ballynoecastle RM – 29.60

Open Intermediate – B – results

1. Michael Pollard – Halimey – 26.40

2. Buck Davidson – Petite Flower – 32.20

3. Peter Atkins – Henry Jota Hampton  – 37.80

For a look at the results and remaining live scores as they are posted, click here.

Charity Lucente Paashaus and Sinead Halpin with On Cue. Photo by Kim Havis.

Charity Lucente Paashaus and Sinead Halpin. Photo by Kim Havis.

Plenty of riders seem quite pleased with how their weekend went. Leah Lang-Gluscic excitedly posted about A.P. Prime’s first run of the season on her Facebook page. Leah and A.P. ended up 12th in the Open Intermediate A division.

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Elisa Wallace also had a couple of rides this weekend, both of which were superb as she posted updates throughout the day.

Elisa Wallace's rides, Simply Priceless and Corteo taking in the Rocking Horse scenery. Photo from Elisa's Facebook page.

Elisa Wallace’s rides, Simply Priceless and Corteo taking in the Rocking Horse scenery. Photo from Elisa’s Facebook page.

As we all know, Sinead Halpin and Forrest Nymph had their first competition together this weekend, and it was an all around success. Sinead and “Farrah” took home 7th place in the Open Training A division, adding nothing to their dressage score. Next stop, Preliminary!

Forrest Nymph says Training is too easy. Photo from the Black Dog Farm Facebook page.

Forrest Nymph says Training is too easy. Photo from the Black Dog Farm Facebook page.

Saturday Video: Getting the Most Out of Your XC Walk

By on Jan 25, 2014 3:00 pm -

What would we do without our weekly dose of Evention TV? Dom and Jimmie are back this week with ten tips on making the most out of your cross country walk. You can never be too prepared for an event, and a quality course walk is vital to success. Dom and Jimmie demonstrate several key factors to be aware of as you walk your course, such as using a meter wheel and finding your lines ahead of time. Thanks, Dom and Jimmie for continuing to bring the eventing community educational material.

A Tribute to Equestrian Significant Others

By on Jan 25, 2014 1:30 pm -
Gamal Awad, superstar husband to Hawley Bennett-Awad, demonstrates one way to score bonus points with eventers. Photo via Dragonfire Eventing. Gamal Awad, superstar husband to Hawley Bennett-Awad, demonstrates one way to score bonus points with eventers. Photo via Dragonfire Eventing.

We’ve all heard the numerous lists of signs that you’re dating an eventer. But what about those long suffering significant others? There are a precious few significant others that are just the right combination of supportive and sane. I’d like to propose a toast to these poor souls who got dragged into our crazy world so willingly, and in honor of these wonderful people here is a list of tell tale signs that your significant other is a keeper.

1. While they may put your horse’s bridle on backwards, they never stop trying. 

The first time I tried to show my boyfriend how to tack up a horse, I skipped over the bridle because I knew that was the most complicated thing for a newcomer to learn. I remember my first attempts at putting on a bridle solo, and I try to block those clumsy memories from my head so I thought I’d stick with the saddle to begin with. Bless his heart, the first time he tried to do it on his own he had a look of sheer embarrassment on his face as he showed me the finished product, complete with misplaced buckles and the bit hanging beneath my horse’s chin. I gave him an A for effort, though, and he still insists on trying so that he can perfect his skills.

2. They try to relate things that they are knowledgeable about to your horse adventures.

My boyfriend knows a lot about motorcycles and dirt bikes, among other things. So the first time he showed me a motocross video, he likened the riders’ positions to that of a cross country rider. As I watched the video, I couldn’t help but notice that he was exactly right and that watching motocross was a lot like watching a cross country round, except that there was a dirt bike and a bunch of other riders trying to bump you out of position at every turn. The efforts that these significant others make to draw parallels between our world and theirs is quite commendable, even if they think that you want to see every picture of every horse ever made. Ok, maybe we really do, but that’s beside the point.

3. They put in face time at your events and lessons. 

Let’s face it, a huge benefit of having a willing significant other is the potential for a free groom. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve loaded up an unwitting boyfriend with buckets, rags, boot polish, sweat scrapers, and a million other items and sent him on his way to the in gate while I do my warm up. Bonus points if they can provide some humor in your most nervous moments too. At a recent clinic at Dragonfire Farm with Hawley Bennett, super-husband Gamal Awad provided routine entertainment ranging from photo bombs to push up drills throughout the day, making the atmosphere even more relaxed and inviting. Major thumbs up, Gamal!

4. They turn a blind eye when your favorite horse movie comes on TV.

iPads are the best invention for significant other distraction while there is a horse related movie on TV. While you’re nestled on the couch watching marathons of Spirit and The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit, they happily browse the web and play video games while smiling and nodding at your running commentary. “Yes, she is totally holding the reins the wrong way,” or “Wow, Spirit really jumped that canyon?” are all acceptable things to say during such times.

5. They always have your back.

If you have an off day in the tack, you know that they will be there with a glass of wine and a listening ear. Barn gossip, commentary on the latest High Performance training list, or analysis of your Rolex shopping list are all on the table when discussion time comes. While they may not know the difference between jumping boots and bit keepers, they are still somehow able to feign interest as you agonize over what saddle pad will best match your cross country colors. If you had an unlucky stop on cross country or a rail dropped in stadium, they are ready for you with a pat on the back and an encouraging word to help you think positively.

Equestrian significant others are some of the hardest to find, as if dating isn’t difficult enough. I’ve always been quite vocal about my equestrian world when I first meet someone so that they can consider it fair warning for what they are getting themselves into. If they don’t go running for the hills at the first mention of half halts or the first whiff of manure, then I consider them well on their way to being a keeper. Let’s take a moment and thank those who keep us going through the ups and downs of the horse world. What about you, EN? What would you add to our list?

Rocking Horse HT Score Update

By on Jan 25, 2014 10:30 am -
Leah Lang-Gluscic's A.P. Prime getting ready for cross country at Rocking Horse. Photo via the LLG Eventing Facebook page. Leah Lang-Gluscic's A.P. Prime getting ready for cross country at Rocking Horse. Photo via the LLG Eventing Facebook page.

The first of the Rocking Horse Winter Horse Trials is well underway this weekend, and many top pairs are out to stretch their legs. The weather looks wonderful in Ocala, and it’s great to see everyone out prepping for the season. Buck Davidson is at it again with eleven rides across five divisions. Michael Pollard came out swinging this weekend, currently sitting in 2nd or better on five out of six horses competing. For those of us who are excitedly following Sinead Halpin and the super pony Forrest Nymph, this pair scored a 30.50 in the dressage and had a double clear stadium round to sit tied for eighth going into cross country in their first outing together at Preliminary. The Preliminary and Intermediate divisions did their dressage and show jumping yesterday and will wrap up with cross country today.

Leaderboard Updates

Open Intermediate – A

1. Buck Davidson – The Apprentice – 24.10

2. Bonner Carpenter – Basco – 28.90

3. Buck Davidson – Ballynoecastle RM – 29.60

Open Intermediate – B

1. Michael Pollard – Halimey – 24.40

2. Ashley Adams – Da Vinci Code – 30.00

3. Buck Davidson – Petite Flower – 32.20

For full live scores, click here. 

 

Kelsey Briggs and The Gentleman Pirate Continue Their Comeback

By on Jan 25, 2014 9:00 am -
One of our favorite rehab stories, Kelsey Briggs and The Gentleman Pirate. One of our favorite rehab stories, Kelsey Briggs and The Gentleman Pirate.

Last fall, we brought you the inspiring story of Kelsey Briggs and her OTTB, The Gentleman Pirate. Pirate, who will turn 11 this year, broke his neck in a horrible pasture accident a year ago in January and Kelsey was told that she would never be able to ride him again. Against all odds, Pirate miraculously healed and has shown no ill effects from his massive injury. Now, Kelsey and Pirate have set about training to make a comeback no one ever thought was possible.

Kelsey and Pirate previously competed at the Intermediate level with hopes to move up to Advanced. Now, they are building up fitness to be able to attempt a comeback at the Intermediate level. “I had to take it slow early on,” Kelsey said. “He just steps over a 3-foot fence, though, so I had to keep reminding myself to keep it slow.” After keeping the jumps small and working on Pirate’s flatwork for a few months, Kelsey gradually began raising the fences. Pirate did not show any hesitation or discomfort as the height progressed, instead cantering right up to the base of the jump and easily cantering away as it if were a ground pole.

Pirate happy to be back out galloping again.

Pirate happy to be back out galloping again.

One concern that Kelsey had bringing Pirate back was soft tissue damage or scar tissue forming around the location of the break. “The bigger the fence, the more concussion there is on the horse’s body as whole. Working in a higher, upper level frame can cause more strain on a horse,” Kelsey said. “These are all things you tend not to think about as much until your horse breaks his neck.” In taking Pirate’s comeback step by step, Kelsey has been nothing short of amazed at the ease with which her valiant horse undertakes each task.

While Pirate’s injury and subsequent recovery has put a hold on Kelsey’s ambition of competing at the Advanced level, she is also looking at this process as a blessing in disguise. “I’ve been really strict about doing everything correctly. I’ve had to do a lot more on my own than some others have, and while it’s not ideal, it’s just had to be that way for my situation,” Kelsey said of her independent operation. “Looking back, I realize that there may have been some gaps in this horse’s training that, coming back this time, I’ve been able to fill in.” Kelsey feels that Pirate is training better than ever, and she thinks that taking her training back to foundation level for awhile has really helped the pair prepare to come out swinging this season.

Pure happiness.

Pure happiness.

Kelsey plans to run Pirate in a Prelim-Training division first this spring. The end goal is to move back up to Intermediate, but Kelsey is going to let Pirate tell her what to do and when. “I certainly don’t want to rush him. But if I don’t make (Intermediate) my goal, then I won’t take the steps to make that happen.”

Kelsey and Pirate’s story is certainly one for the ages, and we look forward to checking in with this courageous pair as they get back into the groove of competition together. For more information on Kelsey and Pirate, visit her website or Facebook page.

 

Saturday Links from Tipperary

By on Jan 25, 2014 12:01 am -
Elise and Hawley out for a ride. Elise and Hawley out for a ride.

Welcome to another weekend, EN! We hope you enjoyed participating in our 2013 EN Horse and Rider of the Year awards, and we are sure that both Hawley Bennett and Donner the Deer will display their Golden Chinchillas with pride. After all, who needs a gold medal when you have a Golden Chinchilla? Ok, that may be a bit of a stretch. Even so, we are so pleased that we could bring you a true “people’s choice” award for our favorite sport. We can’t wait to until the riders get out and about this season so that we can start planning ahead for next year.

Rocking Horse Winter I HT  [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times][Live Scores]

Full Gallop January HT [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Saturday Links:

If you’re in Ocala next month, be sure to stop by the ICP Ocala Symposium on February 10 and 11. The USEA encourages attendance at these educational seminars, as there are numerous teaching tips and tricks that can be used by instructors and riders alike. Don’t miss out on this valuable information presented by Jacquie Brooks and Aaron Vale. [USEA ICP Symposium]

Kauto Star’s owner has purchased a new event horse for Laura Collett.

Event Organizers! Make sure to send in your interest in hosting YEH/FEH competitions this year.

The syndicate for Shamwari 4 is now complete. 

Iowa man pleads guilty to shooting three horses. 

Hollywood Park’s assets are being auctioned off this weekend.

Harry Meade delivers his second child at home.

Saturday Video:

Doug Payne’s ride, Crown Talisman, is stretching his legs at HITS in Ocala. Here is some footage of him competing in the Level 5 jumpers. Tali finished 5th in a huge class of 80 horses.

Tipperary-Eventing-Nation-Horizontel-Banner225

 

Kelsey Wilkins: Madeira, My Horse of a Different Color

By on Jan 24, 2014 4:30 pm -

Our new series A Horse of a Different Color has been a hit so far, so we are back this week with a reader submitted feature on Madeira, a Morgan/Welsh/Arab cross campaigned by Kelsey Wilkins. We will be featuring horses and ponies that have been successful in the sport of eventing while representing a unique breed. Do you have a horse that you think would be a great feature subject? If so, email [email protected]. Thank you to Kelsey for writing, and thank you for reading.

Kelsey and Madeira competing at Plantation Field. Photo by Dan Wilkins. Kelsey and Madeira competing at Plantation Field. Photo by Dan Wilkins.

From Kelsey:

Plenty of eventers have a story about the horse that got them hooked and took them up through the levels. But most of them didn’t get handed that horse by the universe in the form of an evil, homebred mutt pony when they were 13 years old.

My first pony was a slightly psychotic, but very sweet, athletic and talented Welsh/Arab cross named Chablis who my parents found for me when I was 9. At first, she would dump me about the same amount of times we actually got around a course. Once I learned how to stick and got her out of a hunter ring, Chablis and I evented through Training level. After all this, my Dad went along with my brilliant idea to breed her for a baby to raise and train. After finding a great Morgan sire named Severn Hill Gabriel through some family friends, little Madeira was born.

Kelsey and baby Maddie.

Kelsey and baby Maddie.

Maddie completed her first unrecognized Beginner Novice event, completely unimpressed, at age 4, and by age 5, she was going Novice. I took her from Southern Maryland to college in Baltimore with me, and she moved up from Novice to Preliminary in a single season at age 6. She never grew taller than pony-sized, at 14.2 on the nose, but we went on to do seven solid seasons of Prelim at most of the Area II events and the AECs, a handful of CCI*s and a half-dozen Intermediates. I imagine if a pro had ridden her, she might have been even better, but we were a team from the first ride to the last, which also meant all of her problems are mine alone!

Maddie has never done anything in her life that wasn’t, in her opinion at least, her idea. Much of my strategy in our relationship together has been how to assert my dominance over her alpha-mare mentality while still negotiating so she thinks she’s doing what she wants. If she didn’t love cross country, I doubt I would have gotten her over a crossrail. Even with completely mediocre dressage (and no interest in improvement on her part), that mare will jump anything if given a fair shot.

Her most redeeming quality is her sense of self preservation. She has never attempted an unsafe fence. When subjected to a pilot error, you almost feel her roll her eyes as she politely stops then spins around to re-approach. She has never refused a fence I gave her a decent chance to jump. She can get her little legs tucked up so tight that she has been known to pull show jump rails with her belly when stretching to make the distance in a combination with her short legs.

Kelsey and Madeira competing at CDCTA. Photo courtesy of Brant Gamma Photography.

Kelsey and Madeira competing at CDCTA. Photo courtesy of Brant Gamma Photography.

Her cooperation is drawn at work. She hates being brushed and will kick out if you toss a blanket on wrong. She occasionally decides she doesn’t want to be caught and will stay just out of reach for hours. She is a magician, and my tack room door now has a special cage over the latch because she learned how to flip it open. She has broken in and eaten nearly 50 pounds of sweet feed with inexplicably no ill effects. She has an uncanny ability to know the second you aren’t holding the reins or the lead rope and will bolt.

She slipped under a stall guard at the Virginia Horse Center and ran around the grounds for two hours, letting no one anywhere near her until she decided she’d had enough time out. She then jogged completely sound for the CCI* the next day. She pins her ears at every horse she passes in warm up and every person that walks by while she’s in the cross ties. She rakes her teeth across the stall grill if a horse walks by too close. The bigger the horse, the more she hates them (Napoleon Complex, anyone?)

The guaranteed ear pricks come only from food, peppermint wrappers and a jump in front of her — she knows her name and the word “cookie” like a dog. She is the bravest horse I’ve ever met; she was sandwiched between a marching band and a float in a Christmas parade, yet she will spook at a log, rock, or Beginner Novice jump as she gallops by. I theorize this is more for fun than out of fear.

Just one of Madeira's many talents: jousting!

Just one of Madeira’s many talents: jousting!

Since she has nothing left to prove to me as an event horse, Maddie and I have spent a lot of time dabbling in every other discipline I can think to throw at her. To date, her accomplishments include: games pony, capture the flag champion, jumper classes, pulling two people at once on sleds in the snow, skijoring, polocrosse games, jousting, Christmas parades, ponying green horses, swimming and even teaching lessons to my younger students. We spend more time in the summer bareback in a halter than we do with tack, and it irritates me how much better her lateral work is!

Maddie has excelled at everything I have ever asked of her, with the distinct exception of getting pregnant. Two stallions, vets, methods and years later, I have spent my savings and Maddie has refused to get knocked up. I’m saving my pennies for a specialist, but part of me wonders if Maddie is the only horse like her the world is ever meant to have. I dream of a Maddie/Thoroughbred cross and wonder if it will either kill me or be my Advanced horse! She turns 15 this year and is still going strong. She has the best feet my farrier has ever seen and never took a lame step in her eventing career.

Maddie has taught me so much about being a horsewoman and a person. She taught me all the lessons about reward and humility every teenager should know.  You can’t force her into anything, you have to ask. Even with her idiosyncrasies and wicked tendencies, I wouldn’t trade her for the world. She is truly a one of a kind “boing-boing mutt pony.”

EN’s Got Talent: Lindsay Kelley and Baileymenta Z

By on Jan 24, 2014 1:30 pm -

We hear all the time about horses at the top of the sport, but what about the next generation of equine talent? EN’s Got Talent introduces the future superstars of the sport, interviewing riders about how they’re tackling training with these youngsters. Have you spotted a spectacular young horse at an event you think should be highlighted in this column? Tip me at [email protected].

Lindsay Kelley and Baileymenta Z. Photo courtesy of Brant Gamma Photography. Lindsay Kelley and Baileymenta Z. Photo courtesy of Brant Gamma Photography.

Lindsay Kelley of Phase2 Performance Horses was shopping for her next up and coming horse for what seemed like ages. “I wanted the real deal like everyone does,” she said. “I didn’t want to import because I think we have a lot of talent here that is overlooked.” After sitting on a multitude of horses, she never truly got that “this is the one” feeling, so she kept searching.

Her home base in Middleburg, Va., borders a show hunter barn where trainer Evan Culcuccio had an interesting mare who was showing a lack of interest in her career as a hunter. One day while out hacking, Lindsay saw the mare, at the time named Breathless Z, schooling and wanted to know more. Imported from England as a 5-year old, Bailey had been in training with Evan for about nine months. In talking to Evan, she found that Bailey may have been exactly what she was looking for.

“She was a show hunter and had competed on the winter circuit in Wellington, but she really hated her job,” Lindsay said. “Evan told me that she was a little too hot and could be on the lunge line for hours. He said that she wasn’t afraid of anything and that he couldn’t get her to back off the fences.” While Evan was seeing downfalls as a show hunter, Lindsay was seeing a superstar event horse in the making. Evan told her that Bailey would likely make a perfect event horse. “He said, ‘Literally I cannot scare her. I also can’t get her tired. She just hates her job.'” So he invited Lindsay over to try her out.

From the moment Lindsay got on Bailey, she knew she was onto something special. “I got on her and the jumps just kept building. I probably jumped her 4-foot-6 by the end,” Lindsay said. “She was completely unfazed. The bigger the jumps got, the better she was. There was literally nothing she couldn’t do. I asked Evan if she had ever been out of the ring, and he said, ‘No, but I promise you won’t scare her, we should go school her on cross country.'”

Lindsay on her trial ride with Bailey. Photo by Evan Coluccio.

Lindsay on her trial ride with Bailey. Photo by Evan Coluccio.

So Lindsay took Bailey to Jan Byyny’s Surefire Farm to test the waters on cross country. She started out jumping a few Novice fences, and by the end of the schooling session, she had jumped an Intermediate table. “You could see her expression brighten up on cross country,” Lindsay said. “The only thing she peeked at was the water because she thought she was supposed to jump over it. She studied it, but she still went.”

Once her cross country ability was confirmed, Lindsay knew she had to have this mare. Unfortunately, the price tags on top quality hunters can be quite a bit steeper than what the average eventer is used to. Knowing how much talent Bailey possessed, Lindsay set about campaigning for an owner to support her. Soon enough, her excitement was caught by Shannon Stinson, who would go on to become Bailey’s new owner. Bailey left the hunter world for good and entered the event world as a promising star in the making.

Since acquiring Bailey and changing her name to Baileymenta Z, Lindsay has been working hard with Will Coleman and Allison Springer to transition the mare to her new career. The first order of business was to get Bailey a bit leaner than the show hunter form she had been carrying for the past few months. “She prefers to be a bit more on the lean side, which is good considering her weight was something I was a bit worried about coming into my first warmblood after having primarily Thoroughbreds,” Lindsay said.

Next week on EN’s Got Talent: Bailey is progressing quickly and shows no fear when it comes to new steps in her training. But while Bailey has immeasurable talent, she still has had to learn the basics of her new career. Next week, we will find out what methods Lindsay has used to help Bailey transition the most efficiently and what her plans are for the upcoming season.

Friday News & Notes from FLAIR Nasal Strips

By on Jan 24, 2014 12:01 am -
Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man during the Eventing 25 Training Session. Photo from the USEF High Performance Eventing Facebook page. Katy Groesbeck and Oz the Tin Man during the Eventing 25 Training Session. Photo from the USEF High Performance Eventing Facebook page.

Good morning! The Eventing 25 training session is underway this week, and we’ve seen some great performances thanks to the USEF Eventing High Performance Facebook page. Stay tuned for a full report, but it seems safe to say that these promising riders are well on their way to an even better 2014. We are so relieved that the season is getting closer and closer to being in full swing; personally I can’t wait to wave goodbye to another freezing cold winter.

Events This Weekend:

Rocking Horse Winter I HT  [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times][Live Scores]

Full Gallop January HT [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Friday News:

Attention Area II eventers! The annual area meeting will be taking place tomorrow, January 25, and there is still space to sign up to attend. Also, there is a silent auction being held and you have until 7 pm tonight to get your bids in. Make sure to let the meeting organizers know that you plan to attend, and don’t miss a speech given by the Schramm’s at the awards luncheon on Saturday. All information can be found on the Area II website. [Area II Eventing]

Zara Phillips’ new bundle of joy has a name. Mia Grace was officially announced as the royal daughter’s name via Twitter yesterday. Zara and Mike certainly know how to create a buzz! Now, what we all want to know is how soon Mia Grace will be seeing saddle time. [Mia Grace Announced on Twitter]

Standlee Hay has been announced as the USEA’s newest sponsor. Based in Idaho, this family owned business manages alfalfa, timothy grass, and orchard grass to market to horse owners all over the country. As “The Official Forage Sponsor of the USEA,” Standlee prides itself on delivering quality and satisfaction with every crop. [USEA Announces Newest Sponsor]

Looking for a way to jump start those fitness resolutions? What better motivator than Michael Pollard? Chris Stafford spoke with Michael this week for the USEA Podcast Channel to get his take on rider fitness. Michael is quite into fitness himself, to put it mildly, and has put a lot of time into spreading the word about the importance of fitness for our sport. [USEA Podcast]

There are so many different options of leg protection for your beloved equine. Frankly the sheer number of choices sometimes makes my head spin. The Horse recently came out with some suggestions on choosing front leg protection for your horse. Nicole Carroll made an informative video with lots of useful information to arm yourself with for your next boot purchase. [How to Choose Front Leg Protection]

Best of the Blogs:

Check out this blog on a Young Rider’s quest to compete at NAJYRC.

Friday Video Break:

I will admit it, I am not a Broncos fan. However, this video that features the Super Bowl bound team’s mascot, Thunder, may have melted my cold, cold heart just a bit. I still refuse to wear orange, though.

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