Amy and Gallerone at the 2011 AECs. (Photo by Leslie Threlkeld, courtesy of USEA.)

As Amy Barrington continues to recover, the eventing community has once again bonded together in a show of determination and support to aid the recovery of a fellow eventer. The outpouring of support continues to grow, and it is truly heartwarming to see how close knit of a community we are.

On September 21st and 22nd, Tamra Smith will be the featured rider for the USEA Area IX Eventing Symposium. Tamra will be giving lessons to small groups of riders, and there will also be an opportunity for yoga and pilates classes as well as lectures on topics such as equine sports medicine. Saturday evening will feature a reception hosted by Grand Meadows Equine Supplements, which will also include a silent auction.

Black Dog Eventing’s Erin Hoffman is hoping that this symposium will become an annual event, and has announced that this year’s event will donate all proceeds to the Amy Barrington Recovery Fund. Tamra Smith will be donating her time and has encouraged other coaches to do the same.

From Tamra: “Eventing is such a tight family. The outpouring of support so far has been amazing. I think we can all give a little of our time to make sure one of our teammates and her family are taken care of.”

Auditors are welcomed and encouraged for a $25 per day audit fee, which will also be donated to Amy’s Recovery Fund. If you are in the area, be sure to stop by and check out what promises to be a great event for an even better cause.

For more information about riding in or auditing the USEA Area IX Eventing Symposium featuring Tamra Smith, or to donate an item to the silent auction, please contact Erin Hofmann at [email protected]

For more information on how to contribute to the Barrington Family, please visit the “Amy Barrington Recovery Page” on Facebook, or visit the Amy Barrington Recovery Fund.

Everyone has ridden their share of tests that look something like this!

Hello there! I spent this past weekend thinking about all of the good news that one of our favorite Kiwi’s received after crushing the field at Burghley. Here is my comprehensive list of the things that we eventers simply love to hear (sarcasm may or may not be included).

1. That little rear/buck/scoot combination during your test was quite spectacular!

Yes, yes, thank you very much. We worked quite hard on our aerial pirouettes at home, and even brought in some growling flower boxes and horse eating dressage letters to complete the atmosphere. As long as we can bring in a score under 85, I’ll consider it a success!

2. Trainer: Your 20 meter circle actually somewhat resembled a circle! 

After realizing that my horse has a preference for octagons and triangles and basically every other shape besides a circle, these words are quite well received after successfully navigating something resembling a 20 meter circle. I pity those who have to tackle the 15 and 10 meter circles – the horror!

3. How do you keep your white breeches so clean??

I find I can usually measure my turnout success by comparing the amount of green slime and dirt that covers me to the amounts found on my peers. I’ve tried almost everything I can think of to preserve the white on dressage day. I’ve found that scrub pants work the best, although I can’t say they give me much help in the style department.

4. Your braids turned out textbook!

Why, thank you! I’ve been here since 2:30 am braiding, undoing, and re-braiding while my horse caught some more beauty shut eye. Now if you’ll excuse me while I go and apply copious amounts of under eye concealer so that I can look as bright eyed and well rested as my fine, well braided steed.

5. Jackets have been waived!

Nothing sounds less appealing on a hot summer weekend than wearing your jacket, especially considering the fact that you haven’t upgraded to one of the super cool new breathable jackets. Not that donning your Under Armour and cross country vest is much better, but at least you can sweat freely now and not hide under your jacket!

6. There are only 3 upper level riders in your Open Novice class!

Personally, if I saw a big name in my division, I would probably be too star struck to be able to ride coherently. If the likes of Lainey Ashker and Kim Severson were in my division, I might spend my warm up time harassing them for autographs and Instagram-ing photos instead of actually getting ready for my own dressage test.

7. Your cross country colors match so well!

I’ve harped on color coordination I don’t know how many times, so it only makes sense to put this little nugget on this list. Currently, I am trying to scheme up a good combination that does not primarily involve navy blue (trying to be original here) but considering everything I own is already navy it’s hard to justify buying everything again just to have different colors. Plus, what if my next horse is a chestnut? That makes color combinations that much more difficult!

8. You have qualified for AECs!

YES! That email is always a welcome one as it helps you feel better about the countless amounts of money and time you have spent competing that year. What is not welcome is trying to figure out the logistics of making the trek down to Texas. But hey, it’s all worth it because there are cowboys in Texas, right?!

9. You have 2 rails in hand going into stadium jumping.

Thank you, eventing gods! Now my crash and burn technique for stadium may actually come in handy! The last time I had rails in hand going into stadium jumping, I tripled that number. I think it’s the added pressure, or maybe I was just going for the entertainment/shock factor. I still have the video, too, and let’s just say my trainer was not buying the whole entertainment approach.

10. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… Have a great ride!

Every eventer’s favorite phrase. What I love about this the most is that you can find it at every single event, even the big 4* events. It is truly the eventer’s catchphrase and it encompasses everything that we love about the sport.

Burghley dressage winners Jock Paget and Clifton Promise.
Photo courtesy of Nico Morgan Photography.

Well, I hope you all had a more thrilling Friday night than I did. Mine was spent with a bowl of popcorn, a bottle of cheap wine, and Burghley TV and while I’m not complaining I’m sure my neighbors (and boyfriend) think I have officially become a recluse. That said, it’s been an exciting Burghley so far, as should be expected, and it did not come as a shock  to see Jock and Promise atop the leaderboard once again. It is very exciting to see riders coming up to challenge the greats, and Jock has already proven multiple times that he deserves to be exactly where he is at the moment. As we all know, Burghley is not  a dressage competition, so be on the lookout for plenty of leaderboard shakeups after cross country completes today. We will be bringing you updates as they come in, and in the meantime here are your Burghley links.

Burghley Links: [Official Burghley Website]  [Entry List] [Watch FREE Burghley TV] [Live Scores & Ride Times] [Schedule]

Events This Weekend

Copper Meadows HT: [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Aspen Farms HT: [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

The Maryland HT at Loch Moy Farm: [Website] [Entry Status] [Results]

King Oak Farm Fall HT: [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Five Points HT: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Bucks County Horse Park HT: [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Camelot HT [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores]

Bucks County Horse Park HT [Website] [Ride Times]

Dreamcrest HT [Website] [Live Scores]

Links

Want to win a Deluxe Cross Country No-Slip Saddle Pad from Success Equestrian? Enter the “How Do You Spell Success?” Contest! Click here to view last year’s entries for a little inspiration, and click here to view all the contest entry details. Entries are extended to Wednesday, Sept. 11! [Success Equestrian]

Amy Barrington continues to recover, but well wishes are encouraged and welcomed. You can send free Cheer Cards her way, and they will be printed out and hung on the wall in her hospital room. I’m sure she would love to see everyone’s good thoughts each day as she continues her recovery. [Cheer Cards for Amy]

William Fox-Pitt will be doing a rare clinic at Morningside Training Farm in The Plains, VA. The clinic will be held November 5 and 6 and will be open to 16 combinations. Auditing will be offered for $20 per day. For more information, email Kelly Gage or check out Team EnGaged’s Facebook page. [William Fox-Pitt Clinic]

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to lesson with Eric Lamaze? Me too.

The USEA will have a booth at the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium on October 4 and 5.

Are you as excited as I am for Blenheim? Check out the latest news here. 

Get out the tissues and check out this heartwarming story from Horsetalk. 

Sara Algottson-Ostholt and Reality 39 at Aachen. Photo by Jenni Autry.

If you are headed out to the Plantation Field Horse Trials later this month, you will be in for a wonderful surprise. In a gesture of goodwill and camaraderie, event organizer Denis Glaccum has invited some European eventing stars to compete at the event this year, and 2012 Olympic individual silver medalist Sara Algotsson-Ostholt will be competing in the CIC* division. While we will not get to see her gorgeous Olympic mount Wega, she will be catch riding George and Gretchen Wintersteen’s Ballyneety.

From the Chronicle of the Horse: “Everyone’s trying to make this one of the best CICs in America,” (Boyd) Martin added. “There have been huge improvements to the course; the jumping and dressage rings are now world class. Bringing in some medalists to catch-ride in the CIC* will only create more interest in an event we all hope is going to be world-renowned.” 

This is wonderful news and a great opportunity to see a talented Olympian in action over here on our side of the pond. Many thanks to the Plantation Field organizers and to Sara for making this possible!

For more information from the Chronicle, go here.

Dana Diemer from the Carolina Horse Park was gracious enough to chat with me for a few moments this week, and she enthusiastically updated me on the new developments that the eventing scene is undergoing. Carolina Horse Park has recently come under new management, and Dana has been working closely with renowned show jumping course designer Marc Donovan to improve and expand upon the current schedule. Dana and Marc must be running IVs filled with Red Bull as they are prepping for what promises to be an enormous weekend at Five Points Horse Trials.

Five Points is CHP’s final recognized event of the season, and entries this year are up 50 percent from last year, so the weekend is sure to be a busy one. The event runs divisions from Beginner Novice through Advanced, and Dana has thrown a wine and cheese competitor’s party each night and an on-site massage therapist into the mix to make this event even more special. Sign me up for the massage therapist, please! Sponsors such as Cabin Branch Tack, Hamilton BioVet, Cavalor and Aberdeen Feed and Supply will be providing decorations and prizes for competitors in each division, so the winning goody bags are sure to be filled with some great items.

In addition to increased entries and massage therapists (I am currently weighing the pros and cons of flying to North Carolina just for the free massage, can you tell?), Dana and Marc have been working on a new smartphone app tailored for the Carolina Horse Park. Set to release by spring of 2014, the app will provide wonderfully convenient options such as course maps, stabling layouts, ride times and hotel and restaurant recommendations for the out of towners. The app, called Event Day, is sure to be a big hit and should be available just in time for the return of life spring eventing.

Speaking of spring eventing, Dana informed me that the Southern Pines II event next year is expected to host CIC* through CIC*** divisions, so stay tuned for more information on that as it becomes available.

All in all, Five Points HT promises to be a great weekend. Competition begins tomorrow, so if you’re in the area be sure to stop by and show them some love. We can’t wait to see what else Dana and Marc have up their sleeves for the events to come, and best of luck to all participants this weekend! And as always, a big thank you to Dana for taking the time to talk with me.

Five Points Horse Trials Links: [Website] [Live Scores] [Ride Times]

Steph Butts and Brazilian Wedding at Fair Hill last month. Photo courtesy of Lori Brown.

You may remember last year’s Retired Racehorse Training Project Trainer Challenge, which pitted several top trainers and some talented OTTBs in a competition to decide who had taken to their new career the best in a short amount of time. The lovely Brazilian Wedding, a gorgeous 6 year old gray mare, came out on top thanks to the eagle eye of Pat Dale, owner of Three Plain Bays, and Eric Dierks, the man in the saddle.

After winning the RRTP Trainer Challenge, Brazilian Wedding was sold to Lara Schwartz of Washington, D.C. The Chronicle of the Horse recently caught up with Lara as she embarks on a new journey with her new steal of a deal.

From the Chronicle:

Schwartz couldn’t get the video of the gray mare out of her head. “She was the whole package,” she said. “She has an uphill build and I really liked her gaits. I think the ‘x’ factor is incredibly important. What really nailed it for me was a moment in the video where she just stood for a conformation shot and she was looking out and she had ‘the look.’ She has very expressive eyes and ears.”

Lara kept tabs on the mare after the RRTP Trainer Challenge when she was returned to Three Plain Bays in Maryland for some more let down time. “Brazil,” as she is known around the barn, was then moved to her new home with Lara and trainer Stephanie Butts. Butts has competed the mare and both seem very pleased with their find, saying that the mare seems to be quite keen on her new career.

We all know my strong penchant for OTTBs, so finding stories like these is all the more heartwarming. Now, you’ll have to excuse me while I try to find my own stalk-worthy OTTB.

You can read the full write-up from the Chronicle on Lara and Brazil here.

One of my personal 2012 Burghley pairs - Sinead Halpin and Tate. Photo by Samantha Clark.

Ahhh, Burghley week is finally upon us! I will reiterate my “kid on Christmas” statement from a couple of weeks ago when I describe the excitement I feel for these big 4* events. While I am slightly disappointed that Sinead and Tate and Allison and Arthur will not be contesting for the top spot again this year, my excitement is nonetheless reaching its full fervor as the first inspection draws closer. I thought it appropriate this week to bring you a few facts about Burghley to get your mania up to my level – crazy does love company, after all!

1. The entries.

First and foremost, here is the entry list for this year. The US contingent this year is small with many pairs aiming for Pau instead this year. Buck Davidson and Park Trader will wear the US colors this year. Park Trader completed Rolex this year, placing 22nd, and Burghley will be his second 4* attempt. Aside from that, the field is (as per the usual) stacked with heavyweights such as Badminton winner Jock Paget, William Fox-Pit (duh), and Andrew Nicholson (double duh). Canadian Olympian Rebecca Howard and the beautiful Riddle Master are also on the list and will be looking for a competitive outing here after a great summer.

2. The cross country course.

Here it is, folks, the fabled Burghley course. Course designer Mark Phillips certainly has some tricky questions on this notoriously large and challenging course. Be on the lookout for a jump or two from the Olympics to make their appearance here as well. For all of you competitors who may be reading this: I expect helmet cam footage!

3. We all love first timers.

This year there will be 13 first timers contesting Burghley for the first time. I always secretly root for the first timers at Rolex each year, and Burghley is no different. You can find more information on these brave souls here.

4. This year, you can actually ride the course!

Ok well, minus the jumping efforts. If I were there, I can’t promise I wouldn’t get kicked off the grounds for trying to jump the Cottesmore Leap. It would make a great YouTube video, I guarantee it. I digress though. What I was saying is that Burghley is sponsoring a charity ride on the final day of competition that will take you throughout the grounds and around the cross country course. A great opportunity and a good cause – can we do this at Rolex please? Are you riding along this year? If so, send us your pictures and video!

5. You can follow along on your smartphone or tablet.

Burghley has improved the existing iPhone app and added an Android and iPad compatible app for 2013. The app features course maps, timetables, results, and audio/video. It also has a nifty little feature that allows you to find your friends around the grounds. What do you think the chances are that Jock Paget also has the app…?

6. Even more prize money is up for grabs this year.

Over the last two years, prize money for the top three owners has increased 20%. This year, an additional £15,000 will also be added to the pool for distribution among the top five finishing riders. It’s great to see the added support for eventing as time goes on – let’s hope this trend expands to cover us lowly Novice riders. I could do a lot with £15,000 (that’s a little over $23,000, by the way)!

7. Burghley TV

Literally my favorite part of not being able to see this event in person is the availability of Burghley TV. In case you haven’t heard, Burghley TV is a wonderful little website that allows you to watch all riders on demand – for free! It was my lifeline last year, I think I wore out the Refresh button watching Sinead’s mind blowing XC round. Check out this life saver here.

8. A couple of famous steeplechasers will be on hand on the final day of Burghley.

Kauto Star (who you may be familiar with for this reason) will be joined by 2012 Grand National winer Neptune Collonges, who has also been in dressage training at Burghley this year. The two former race stars will be competing in a qualifying event for the Horse of the Year show, to be held in October.

9. Rider blogs. 

You can follow along with Burghley riders Sam Griffiths, Jock Paget and Chloe Newton on Burghley’s website. Similar to the Rolex Featured Riders, these three have been chronicling their journey to Burghley this year. Reading Jock’s blog makes me very excited at the prospect of seeing him compete for the Grand Slam at Rolex next year should he take the top honors this weekend.

10. You now have a good reason to shamelessly Google past Burghley rides.

Not that I needed a “good” reason in the first place. Unfortunately, I could not find a video of Sinead’s 2012 ride, but I did find this lovely little compilation of shots from last year’s event. It includes plenty of footage of my two favorite Burghley fences: The Leaf Pit and the Cottesmore Leap. Enjoy, and Go Burghley!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b75gtsdOmY0

Lynn Symansky's Fundraising Event included Donner's very own Carrot Fund! Photo from Lynn Symansky's Facebook.

Well, by now we have all heard about Michael Jung’s shocking domination of the dressage at the European Eventing Championships. Ze Terminator scored a whopping 28.6 to take the lead over a very strong field of contenders at the completion of dressage. He is trailed by William Fox-Pitt, who scored a 36.6 to take second. Cross country kicks off today at 10 am local time with Dirk Schrade and Hop and Skip the designated trailblazers.

European Championships Links: [Malmö Eventing Website] [FEI TV] [Malmo XC Course Walk]

Events This Weekend:

KY Classique HT: [Website] [Ride Times]

Town Hill Farm Horse Trials: [Website] [Ride Times] [Entry Status]

Steepleview Labor Day Horse Trials: [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Fall HT:[Website] [Entry Status/Times] [Live Scores]

Corona Del Sol HT: [Entry Status/Times] [Live Scores]

Chattahoochee Hills HT:[Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]

Stanton Farms HT: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Champlain Valley Horse Trials [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Silverwood Farm Fall HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Moqui Meadows 1 Day HT [Live Scores]

Queeny Park Mini Horse Trial [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Links

Check out Horse & Country’s Recap from the European Eventing Championships

Chatt Hills is opening its doors to the rave generation September 27-29. 

Will Haras du Pin be the best WEG site yet? Liz Halliday reports her experiences.

Lynn Symansky’s Fundraising Event was a rousing success – check out the photos here.

Nick Skelton’s Olympic Mount Big Star has sustained an injury.

CANTER Colorado has received funding from Arapahoe Park. Go OTTBs! 

Zenyatta’s first foal is prepping for yearling sales – they grow up fast, don’t they? 

Want to win a Deluxe Cross Country No-Slip Saddle Pad from Success Equestrian? Enter the “How Do You Spell Success?” Contest! Click here to view last year’s entries for a little inspiration, and click here to view all the contest entry details. Entries are due Wednesday, Sept. 4! [Success Equestrian]

One Tuff Storm, or "Tuff", enjoys his new life at Bit of Hope Farm in St. Louis. Photo from Ashley K.

Happy week before Burghley, everyone! I found it quite difficult to not write a Burghley themed post this week, but I think I landed on a topic that’s just as good, if not better. I think I speak for the vast majority of Eventing Nation (and really, all of Horse Nation) when I say that we all have a big soft spot in our heart for the wonderful creature that is the OTTB. Whether we own one, aspire to own one, have owned one in the past, or simply admire them from afar, there are so many things that make these horses among the best in the world. Here are just a few reasons why:

1. OTTBs are a bargain shopper’s dream.

I don’t mean that statement to be demeaning in the least. I am the first one to admit that my bank account suffers from acute anemia, and window shopping for OTTBs seems to make it more plausible that I will once again become a horse owner at some point. While the costs of vetting, letdown, and re-training can pile up, OTTBs are nonetheless a great opportunity for someone to really take on a project and reap the potential benefits.

2. Thoroughbreds ooze athleticism.

Even at a small little track like local Fairmount Park here, it is hard not to see the athletic potential in these horses. While a racing fit horse is not the best way to be able to see what an event/jumper/hunter fit horse will look like, it’s easy to spot the athletic potential. I have stood many a time at the saddling paddock and kept a mental running list of those that I would gladly take home with me. If only there were a trailer big enough…

3. OTTBs are constantly inspiring us.

After venturing so many times to Rolex and watching the likes of Courageous Comet and Anthony Patch storm around the big track like it were a crossrail class, it is hard not to imagine yourself taking cross country by storm aboard your very own OTTB. At every event, every weekend, there are countless OTTBs who have transitioned so easily into their new careers. It is truly inspiring to see the patience and hard work that has been put into each and every horse that was at one point a “racetrack reject,” and it is even more inspiring to see the smiles of pure joy as these hard working horses never stop amazing their riders.

4. There are endless opportunities for support and recognition as an OTTB owner.

The Jockey Club recently introduced the Thoroughbred Incentive Program, which provides awards for ex-racehorses who have transitioned to a new career. This program, and others like it, have been met with rousing success and support from the masses, and I would hope that it only continues to grow.

5. Bloodlines and breeding are always fun with OTTBs.

I used to be a huge racing fan. Back in the days of Skip Away and Silver Charm (yes, I loved dappled grays too), I was all about the Thoroughbred industry. Now, it’s surreal to see horses with the blood of my teen horse idols coursing through their veins. I saw an Afleet Alex gelding on CANTER awhile ago and loved him right away – if he had half of the heart that Alex did when he won that Preakness Stakes, I’d take it in a heartbeat. Idolization aside, there are many prominent Thoroughbred stallions who are known for infusing their offspring with good sporthorse potential. If you see a Fappiano horse out there somewhere, drop me a line and I’ll find a way to buy it!

6. It’s all about attitude.

While we have all dealt with our fair of crazies, I have observed that Thoroughbreds in general tend to have wonderful brains and work ethics. Bred for athleticism, these horses know how to buckle down and work. I’ve heard so many people remark about the great mind and kind eye that their horses off the track possess, a quality that is invaluable and not to be taken lightly.

7. CANTER, New Vocations, Three Plain Bays…. the window shopping options are endless.

I hope no one from my place of employment reads this as I say (with no shame) that I peruse the listings on these and many other websites on an almost daily basis. I usually hover somewhere in between wishing I was actually shopping and being thankful for my lack of resources that will most surely help keep me from going on an insane and unhealthy horse buying spree. Kidding aside, though, there are so many countless opportunities to find quality horses that are looking for a new career. Major probs to these organizations that keep our dreams fueled!

8. The Retired Racehorse Training Project.

EN guest blogger Jessica Bortner-Harris, Rolex competitor Allie Knowles, and the always friendly Erin Sylvester are among the 26 trainers participating in this year’s challenge. This exciting venture provides an opportunity for ex-racehorses to benefit from quality training as they transition from life on the track. This project is yet another great opportunity to increase exposure and opportunities for OTTBs.

9. There is no better reward than seeing your hard work pay off.

This may fall under the inspiring category, but I think it deserves its own. Remember that old, beat up car that your boyfriend loved so much in high school? He spent hours upon hours transforming it from a seemingly useless hunk of metal into a gorgeous, restored beauty. A friend of mine has spent months rehabilitating the horse pictured above, Tuff, bringing him back from a near starvation state and she is finally able to begin retraining him. It is so encouraging to see these horses taking to their new jobs with such enthusiasm, and I look forward to seeing my friend reap the benefits of the work she is putting into her cute young project.

10. OTTBs are an opportunity for us to give back and give a horse a new lease on life. 

There are far too many horses in this world that have drawn the unlucky card of enduring a tough life. Racehorses are no different, and while many have long and successful careers, followed by equally successful and lucrative breeding careers, countless others find themselves in a situation that does not breed success. Race trainers have long held a partnership with CANTER and other organizations, understanding that sometimes their horses need a different career path. As an OTTB enthusiast, I am eternally grateful to the race trainers and owners who give their horses the best possible care and who will help their charges find a new home if racing turns out to not be their forte. These horses deserve the world, and I hope I speak for every OTTB owner or aspiring owner when I say that the new leases on life that we are able to give ex-racehorses are the perfect way to give back to those who would give us everything in return.

Your overnight Richland Park CIC*** leaders, Boyd Martin and Trading Aces. Photo by Samantha Clark.

It’s Richland Park cross country day! I swear, I still feel like a kid on Christmas when it’s cross country day for a big event. Richland Park never fails to bring the heat with stacked divisions and beautiful courses each year. Intermediate, Advanced, CIC2*, CIC3*, and a handful of Prelim divisions will all be running cross country today. Boyd Martin and Trading Aces will be looking for a clean cross country trip after turning in one of only 7 double clear stadium rounds yesterday. Lauren Kieffer and RF Cosima sit atop the CIC2*, Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville lead the Advanced, and Julia Spatt and Ginnetts Manricko lead the Intermediate going into cross country. Stay tuned for many updates throughout the day.

[Richland Website] [Entry List] [2013 Schedule] [Live Scores] [Cross Country Preview]

Events This Weekend

Shepherd Ranch SYVPC HT: [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Caber Farm HT:[Website] [Entry Status]

Valinor Farm HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Difficult Run Fall HT: [Website]

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club HT: [Website] [Entry Status/Times]

Links

Barring cloned horses brings AQHA under federal antitrust investigation.

Derby winner Orb faces some old foes in the Travers Stakes today.

Kristine Burgess wins the dressage tiara for lowest score at Richland….scoring a 20.9 in Novice!!

A horse in Oregon is confirmed to have West Nile Virus.

Five pairs have been named to the USEF’s Nation’s Cup Jumping Final Team.

Have you started your WEG 2014 one year countdown yet?

In case you’re too excited to wait for Jenni and Samantha’s videos (like me), here is some 2012 CIC3* footage to hold you over, for 4 minutes anyway.

Charlotte Dujardin and her 11 year old Dutch Warmblood, Valegro, have grabbed equestrian headlines once again, setting a new record in the Grand Prix team test at the Blue Hors FEI European Dressage Championships with a 85.942%. Team GB went on to win bronze in the team competition. Familiar with record setting already, having set a new Olympic record in 2012 with a 83.784%, the stunning pair danced and floated their way around the rectangle in true style. I, for one, am simply utterly amazed that anyone can possibly memorize that many movements. Do they allow you to have a reader at European Championships?

Editor’s Note: Unfortunately, the European Dressage Championship video has been removed from Youtube by its user. Please enjoy this video of Charlotte and Valegro performing their gold medal winning freestyle at the 2012 London Olympics.

Everyone loves having a pony best friend.

I got to thinking about friendships this weekend, and how they seem to come and go at times. Everyone tends to have their designated “BFF,” or whatever modern abbreviations you kids are using these days, and for the most part these best friend roles are pretty standard. Be there as the default person on your call log, the first person you talk to when you’ve had a bad day, the one who will come pick you up at 3 am when you’re not really sure which way is up, etc. We all have, or have had, one. But what about our four legged friends? I’ve reason to believe that our horses are indeed our best friends, and here is my list to back it up.

1. Those big fuzzy ears sure are good for listening.

While they seem to tune out when you are trying to do something productive, like go forward or bend, they sure seem to listen with rapt attention while you entrust them with your deepest, darkest secrets. I know my horse was privy to some pretty personal stuff, and I’ve spent a lot of time over the years conversing in a horse’s stall while watching those ears flick towards me with empathy (disdain?). Nothing like a best friend who will listen without judgement, although truth be told you know they are just listening for the words “food,” “turnout,” or “retirement.”

2. They are there to help you learn about yourself.

I’ll tell you what, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned as an equestrian is that you never really know how high you are until you fall. That is, you never truly know what it feels like to clear a 3’6″ obstacle until you learn how it feels to meet the ground from that high up. Talk about humbling. I think the horse I learned that lesson on trotted off gleefully thinking about the life lesson he had just instilled in me, not to mention the lessening of his workload for the day as I hobbled out of the arena.

3. Working with horses instills a strong work ethic.

Having done my fair share of barn chores over the years, I credit the calories burned and pounds lost to those that blinked at me sleepily as I stumbled into their stall in the early morning hours, graciously spreading their gifts to me throughout the entire stall to ensure that I got the most thorough workout possible. I also became the master of balance after I worked at a barn that used a narrow ramp to push the wheelbarrows up the side of the manure spreader – trust me, after falling off of that, with your full wheelbarrow close behind, enough times you learn to have the balance of Wallenda pretty darn quick.

4. Horses make for a perfect shopping outlet.

We’ve all heard the term “retail therapy,” and this term has never come in more handy as justification for buying curry combs in every possible color and enough Stud Muffins to feed a cavalry. I swear that tack stores purposely spray a leather scented air freshener that wafts oh so invitingly out into the street like a cookie shop just to get you to come in “just to look.” You know, if I had a dime for every time I’ve uttered those fateful words…

5. They always know how to entertain.

I don’t know about you, but one of my all time favorite games is “Catch Me If You Can.” It’s really a game of strategy and endurance, a form of cat and mouse, if you will. I’ve traipsed naively out to a pasture to catch a new horse many times, expecting him to come galloping in happily and place his head in the waiting halter when I stand at the gate and whistle. Let’s just say I’ve learned the hard way that you must always come prepared with some grain and a whole lot of patience when it comes to this game. Gotta hand it to them for keeping things interesting though!

6. Best friends don’t judge when you’re not looking your best.

If I show up to the barn in a completely non-George Morris-approved outfit not limited to muck boots and a tie dyed t-shirt, I know that none of my equine friends will give me a haughty once over. It’s a good feeling, really, knowing that while I may end up on People of Walmart if I were to set foot in public, I can confidently stride into the barn and immerse myself in that big, non-judging bubble.

7. Horses make up a large part of your social circle.

I won’t lie, my “barn girl” friends have always been my best friends. Throughout the years, I’ve made some lifelong friends with girls who share the same interests and passion as me. Even though most of us don’t ride together anymore, we maintain friendships that were solidified over late nights cleaning tack or summer afternoon jump-painting parties. As exemplified by the photo above, our horses are always best of friends as well, although I’m sure if you ask the pony in the middle he’d say they were just using him as a head rest.

8. Horses instill confidence.

When you establish an emotional connection with a horse, you quickly notice things about yourself that may become more evident. I, for one, began riding as a timid and introverted 13-year-old, barely capable of making eye contact with my scary trainer (in hindsight, she wasn’t scary at all, just tall). As I began to learn more and become more confident in my abilities, I began to come out of my shell and truly show interest in my surroundings. I credit my time on horseback for a lot of the self confidence that has aided me throughout other aspects of my life, as there is no better way to build confidence than to watch yourself progress and grow as a rider.

9. Horses also teach patience. 

As exemplified by the “Catch Me If You Can” game, patience is an oh so important virtue with all things equine. From patiently learning to post the trot to patiently bringing your partner back into work from an injury and everything in between, you learn to let the horse tell you when it is time to move on to the next step. Rushing and bullying is the wrong approach with everything in life, and while I am admittedly quite impatient, I am quickly brought back down to earth by spending some time in the saddle and realizing that two brains are at work in this equation, not just mine.

10. They pick you up when you are down.

I had a green OTTB on trial a few years ago, and we were trotting over some poles and small cross rails during one of our rides. He decided that the cross rail was terrifying and proceeded to awkwardly goat leap over it, unseating me and causing me to hit the dirt. Instead of running off, he immediately stopped, turned around and walked over to me, his concern over my safety very evident. I grabbed ahold of the reins and hoisted myself up, dusting off my breeches and dignity. While this is a quite literal example, I have lost count of how many times a horse has helped heal all sorts of emotional wounds that I carried with me. It doesn’t take more than a few minutes inside the barn for my spirits to lift and for my positive outlook to return. I don’t know how they do it (must be something in the water), but it’s surreal and a feeling I know that none of us would trade for the world.

Megan Moore's view of Team CEO Eventing's newly built digs

Good morning, Eventing Nation! Happy weekend! I am (enviously) sharing a photo posted by Team CEO Eventing yesterday of Megan Moore’s beautiful new barn that is nearing completion in Kentucky. Best wishes to Megan and Team CEO, and I know I’m not the only one who is itching to move their horse into that beautiful barn of yours!

Events This Weekend:

Colorado Horse Park One Day HT: [Website] [Entry Status] [Times]

The Event at Santa Fe: [Website] [Entry Status] [Times]

Waredaca Farm HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Great Vista HT: [Website]

Erie Hunt and Saddle Club HT:  [Website] [Entry Status] [Times]

Huntington Farm HT:  [Website]

Links

Lynn Symansky is hosting an Equestrian Party and Fundraiser to support her and Donner’s trip to Pau 2013 this weekend.

William Fox Pitt’s Olympic mount, Lionheart, has been withdrawn from the European Eventing Championships and will redirect to Pau.

Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum will also miss the European Show Jumping Championships due to a spinal compression.

The world class endurance horses strutted their stuff at the WEG test event yesterday.

Turns out you can deliver pizza from horseback! See the evidence on HN.

Availability for the oh-so-comfortable Tipperary Eventer Pro 3015 vest is rapidly approaching – you might have to fight me for my spot in line though.

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend; personally I spent mine slicing and dicing myself at the lake as I had a bit of a run in with the boat propeller. Nothing serious but enough to warrant a few no stirrup rides since putting weight on the ball of my foot is not all that fun currently!

At the lake this weekend, I reflected on the lack of summer “vacation” that those of us who are past the days of school have. I remember counting down the days, oh who I am kidding – MINUTES, until the last day of school and dancing through summer without a care in the world. Who wouldn’t love spending every waking moment of every day at the barn? I know there’s a few of you out there! Once August comes around, the sobering reality of homework and responsibilities hits you like a wall, and the countdown to summer begins all over again.

Fast forward a few years, when you are slaving away at the good ol’ 9-5 and wondering where these forehead creases and tiny laugh lines are coming from. I myself still look forward to summer each year, although Missouri has notoriously miserable ones. The thoughts of tank tops and awkward tan lines and days where the sun seemingly never sets are just too good to pass up. If you’re anything like me, you too dread the impending cold that is sure to at least put a stall on your winter conditioning plans and sense of fashion. I know the Oompa Loompa look is totally out, but it does wonders for a cold day at the barn!

Anyway, before I get too sidetracked, I have here for you some tips on how to best prolong your summer. Enjoy!

1. Invest in a sweat suit.

Sweat suits come in handy when pro wrestlers need to drop weight, but in reality they serve the best purpose for reliving the glory days of summer, complete with eyeball sweat and straggly helmet hair.

2. Refuse to layer up and continue riding in your summer clothes.

On the flip side of the sweat suit idea, you can always attempt to recreate the feeling of freedom brought about by loose clothing or tank tops  and continue wearing these clothing items in the dead of winter. I guarantee that the numbness brought about by cold temperatures will help you feel invincible when you inevitably bite the dust!

3. Take those summer clothes to the tanning bed and keep those tan lines going!

As I’ve said many a time, tan lines are an integral part of being an equestrian in the summertime. It’s like a mark of membership, what with pale lines where your gloves end and where your tank top begins. What better way to preserve your favorite part of summer than by ensuring that these tan lines don’t fade? You might get a few raised eyebrows when you waltz into the tanning salon all decked out in your schooling gear, but hey it’s for your own personal gain so don’t worry about them!

4. Continue to religiously apply fly spray to yourself and your horse.

Yes, I fly spray myself, and I know you do too! I swear, DEET doesn’t work as well as my fly spray so why would I use anything else? Even when the flies are gone for the year, continuing your daily fly spray regimen will only help bring them back sooner.

5. Speaking of flies, fly masks and sheets come in great handy during the winter.

If nothing else, they make your horse feel dignified and elegant when they go out for turnout, so why stop just because it’s a little cooler out?

6. Layer some sunscreen underneath your fly spray.

You can never be too careful with sun damage (tan lines aside), so a good, healthy application of SPF Sweatshirt is never a bad idea, even when the forecast calls for nothing but snow and ice for the next 14 days straight. Yes, I know you have an indoor arena but those UV rays will get you every time!

7. Continue riding during the coolest times of day, aka early morning or late evening.

Your horse will surely not mind a bit when you drag him out of his cozy stall in the wee hours of the morning for a ride. After all, this is the healthiest time of day to exercise when the temperatures are expected to climb throughout the day. Perhaps maintaining this routine will coax the warm temperatures to return sooner, although I get the feeling you’ll just end up with a cranky horse and no feeling in your toes.

8. After a long ride, cool your horse off with a nice shower.

I know that rinsing the sweat and grime off of myself after a good ride is one of the best feelings in the world, so shouldn’t my horse feel the same way?

9. Wear sunglasses at all times.

I have always associated sunglasses with summer, even though the sun clearly shines during the winter too. Keeping with this thought process, keeping your shades handy at the barn will most certainly bring about happy thoughts of warm weather. Plus, you’ll look really cool at the same time, which is always a bonus.

10. Turn your horse into an anatomy painting once a week in honor of summer camp.

You may want to keep an eye on the local ads for coupons for your local craft store as you will be purchasing large quantities of tempura paint and glitter for this project. As a former summer camp counselor, painting anatomy on a horse is a staple summer activity, and once you are done you can revert back to tip #8 for cleanliness’ sake.

Hello everyone! I apologize for your Tuesdays being even more depressing due to my lack of WordPress skills, but better late than never I say! I hope the week after Millbrook finds you well. I myself have no idea where the weekend went, as I was too busy refreshing the live scores for Millbrook and Catalpa Corner. What did we do before iPhones?

I was able to get back out on a cross country course this week for the first time in over a year, and it felt good to knock some rust off! There is still a whole lot of rust on these wheels, but I came back motivated to get stronger and go back again. I took along my trusty GoPro, as I have been anxious to use it ever since I bought it for my boyfriend for Christmas last year. I’ve come to realize that these little cameras are an absolute must have for eventers and really all action athletes. I then progressed to thinking about all of the various avenues of communication that are readily available to us now and how these technological advances have helped (or hurt?) our sport. So, without further ado, I present the top 10 list of the ways technology has changed the face of eventing.

1. Helmet cams

Unless you’ve been living under a large rock for the past few years, you are more than familiar with Peter Atkins and his lovable Henny. I can honestly say that Peter’s helmet cams were the first time I’d ever really seen firsthand how handy the cameras are. I remember watching his video from WEG and being hooked on the concept from that point forward. I couldn’t tell you half of the movements in a 4* dressage test, but I sure can recite the cross country course on command! It’s a great opportunity to live vicariously through these brave souls as they master the fabled courses at Rolex and Badminton. Now, my next proposal is to get Michael Jung to wear one once Sam is back in action. Maybe then he will let us in on his secrets!

2. Video apps and cameras

I am not going to bore you with the helmet cam video from yesterday, however suffice to say that many mistakes were made and I am very thankful that I have this video to watch. Similar to a baseball player reviewing game tape after a game, I find that video is the best way to really review your technique and find out what mistakes you made. Even for my GoPro being a POV camera, it is easy to see where I needed more pace or when I was going to miss a distance (or the jump completely) because of said lack of pace. Over the winter, we read about David O’Connor’s affinity for the iPad app Dartfish. This handy little app can be used in conjunction with the video camera on the iPad to record and analyze movement. I have not had the opportunity to play around with it a lot, but I can definitely see the merits of using such a technical program when you are trying to really get a good look at what opportunities for improvement you have.

3. Live scoring

One aspect of eventing that I absolutely love is the availability of scores. While I can usually find at least a time table and order of go for a jumper show, it’s really difficult to keep up with scores as they come in. Live scoring is such a great tool for us spectators because it really lends itself well to the stalking habits those like myself employ. I can be stuck here in Missouri and be tracking live scores on the East or West Coast and feel like I am there! Well, almost. Either way, I wish that more disciplines would adopt this system. It’s simple and efficient and keeps everyone happy.

4. Course walk apps

There are a few of these floating around now. CourseWalk, CrossCountry App and MyCourseWalk are all options for the savvy eventer, depending on your whereabouts. These are a great tool to have when approaching an unfamiliar course or an especially technical one. Also, if you are anything like me and have difficulty remembering your name sometimes, let alone a whole course, it’s a great way to memorize without having to walk the darn thing 20 times. In the words of Sweet Brown, “Ain’t nobody got time for that!”

5. SmartPak free shipping

Everyone knows that online shopping is probably the best idea ever. I don’t know how I ever shopped without being able to do it in my PJs from the comfort of my own bed. Add in the fact that SmartPak offers free shipping on orders over $75 and, well, you’ve got yourself a deal! Between all of the great SmartPak brand items — Breeches, anyone? Yes I am obsessed with them — and the quality tack and supplements available, it’s a wonder they don’t offer a credit card yet. Wait, that is the most terrible idea ever, so let’s not go there.

6. Eventer watches

You know you’re ready for cross country when you affix the giant monstrosity of a watch to your wrist, complete with your permanent marker chicken scratch of halfway points, optimum times, pep talks and prayers. Personally, I wear mine out when I go out on the town; I feel it adds a certain touch of glam to my outfits. Plus, I can perfectly time my Power Hours, and that is quite a handy skill!

7. Air vests

After watching videos of eventing before safety equipment was used and when a crash on cross country did not disqualify you, I breathe sighs of relief that so many safety options are available now. Even while I compete at the lower levels, I still believe in the benefits of having an air vest. You never know when an emergency dismount situation may occur, and the air vest can help reduce damage done during a fall. Plus, the entertainment factor when you forget to detach your cord prior to dismounting is just priceless. Everyone needs a laugh now and then.

8. Live streaming

Similar to live scoring, live streaming is also a wonderful invention. Thanks to some great companies such as USEF Network and FEI TV, we are able to watch events from all over the world as they happen. My personal favorite, though, is Burghley TV, as it is sortable by rider and by horse and is therefore extremely easy to navigate. Now, if we can just work on getting cameras into William Fox-Pitt’s yard so we can get some daily glimpses of Chilli Morning …

9. Training headsets

These handy little devices allow your coach to yell speak directly into your ear instead of having to strain their voice or use a megaphone across the arena or field. This also comes in handy in a busy warm-up arena when there are a lot of other voices to tune out. I would, however, like to petition Silva Martin to stop using a headset when she is coaching riders pre-Rolex dressage. How am I supposed to hear what she is saying when she is talking so quietly into her headset?

10. CANTER

I know it’s saved to your bookmark list too! I am not quite sure what I did with my spare time before CANTER came around, but it sure is a great way to spend a day now. All jokes aside, CANTER and other similar Thoroughbred placement programs are fantastic avenues for finding racehorses new homes. These horses deserve a chance at a more fulfilling life, and we all know how successful they can be in the event world. I’ve said it before, but if I could I’d have a whole string of OTTBs in my barn and would still be perusing CANTER for the next one!

So, there you have it! Technology has really changed the sport, and I can’t help but think that it’s been an overall good thing. While some of us wince at the mention of a smartphone, it seems that we are becoming more and more reliant on them. My outlook is just to embrace technology for the benefits it provides. How about you? What gadgets do you swear by as an eventer?

Why aren't we getting paid for being so inspiring for the fashion world?

Today it occurred to me that I inadvertently elected to post on Tuesdays, which statistically are the most depressing day of the week. Go me. On the bright side, though, now we get to share in our collective depression while productively reading my weekly Top 10 list. Just keep that Excel spreadsheet handy just in case your boss walks by and wonders why you’re researching the best ways to emulate William Fox-Pitt instead of crunching numbers.

I hope you all are nursing your Rebecca Farm hangover and setting your eyes on the next fix: Burghley! I know I am. This week, I got to thinking about all of the fashion trends and unfortunate decisions we have all made when it comes to our “horsey” apparel and equipment. Now, I must insert a disclaimer here and say that I in no way find myself innocent of many of the following faux pas, so please don’t think I am above the rest. At one point in time, I was the proud of owner of some very neon colors and animal print saddle pads. Trust me when I say I am just as guilty as anyone! I digress, however, and bring you this week’s list of the top 10 equestrian fashion faux pas. Feel free to email me if you’d like an interactive checklist for yourself.

1. Neon and/or reflective colors.

I harped on this in my very first Blogger Contest entry so you all know how I feel on this topic already. I think my trainer at the time about lost her marbles when I walked proudly into the arena with my brand new orange polos on. I believe my friend also owned a set of cow print polos as well, and we all made sure to put them on for lessons. After being chased from the arena on multiple occasions due to my trainer’s sheer embarrassment, I put the orange to bed and stuck with basic colors from that point on. I understand that cross-country colors especially are an opportunity to get creative and express yourself, but neon ranks on my list right around where I put camo – very near the bottom. Reflective strips I can understand if you are somewhere where it is vital that you are visible, but trust me, I can see you coming from a mile away (in bright sunlight, mind you) on that cross-country course! Perhaps it’s a distraction technique. After all, if I am jump judging and you gallop past in a blur of neon and reflecting light, maybe I won’t see that you actually galloped around that skinny and not over it.

2. Glitter

Again, I must raise my hand as guilty on this one. I believe the stuff is called Twinkle Toes? Basically, it’s glitter that you can put on virtually any body part that your horse possesses. I used to think it was a great idea to match my horse’s hooves to my nail art at the time. I’m not sure he agreed, but really he couldn’t do anything about it.

3. Those First Lady helmets – the ones with the giant sun visor.

Props to Reed Kessler for being able to pull this one off, however I just can’t seem to get over how unsightly they are. All practicality aside, I’d rather not have a giant visor on my face when I am already having trouble focusing my eyes up and not down on the ground where I will eventually end up. They may have one function perhaps, if I decide to go full on equestrian for next year’s Derby.

4. Stock ties

Yes, I know, they are a traditional part of dressage wear, and yes I spent hours picking out the perfect stock pin, only to stick myself with it multiple times in the mad scramble to be ready on time. But let’s be honest here, nothing about a stock tie is particularly attractive nor is even remotely comfortable. And, after all of the times I have purchased a new “easy to tie” stock tie I find myself feeling less than dextrous as I struggle to find the perfect combination of not suffocating and somewhat fashionable. If anyone has any tips, please send them my way.

5.  Odd-patterned Sleazies

We have all used those handy little blanket liners, but I know my horse wasn’t the only one embarrassed when I broke out the catalog and ogled the never ending list of colors. Who knew I could order hot pink giraffe print? I didn’t even know that was a thing!

6. Riding pants as high end fashion

Ok, we’ve all seen these lurking about on shelves and clothing racks everywhere. I saw a particularly hideous pair on the rack at an American Apparel store this past weekend. If we are going to model “real” clothes after riding clothes, can we at least make them somewhat appealing? I find my SmartPak breeches to be quite flattering and I would appreciate if all of these expert designers took note and designed their wares after something a bit more attractive. These corduroy-looking riding pant wannabes can’t hold a candle to what us real equestrians wear!

7. Horse hoof shoes

Yes, these are a real thing. And apparently they are worn by actual people. I hope they made a lot of money modeling these for these shots. I’m a high heel snob myself, but don’t think I’ll be caught dead wearing these creepy horse shoes. I will however, donate money to the person who is brave enough to sport them on jog day at their next three day! Any volunteers? (I was kidding about the money part, but I will donate generously in my head if you do it!)

8. Bright orange leather

I know it’s a Hermes thing, but if you aren’t the proud owner of a Hermes anything, please don’t sport the orange tack from hell. Especially if your horse is a chestnut. Perhaps you are going for the inconspicuous look, but trust me, it’s not a good one.

9. Muck boots

Ok, this is going to be a friendly add on to the faux pas list because I proudly wear my (purple) muck boots whenever I am doing barn chores. They are great for wading in manure mucking stalls and generally participating in activities that will inevitably cover you in filth. I put them on this list only because they tend to make even the most petite and lady like person look more like a lumberjack than an equestrian and they seem to carry their smell wherever they go. Personally, I haven’t taken the leap and gone for the more fashionably attractive Dubarry’s, but I just grin and bear the looks of shame when I wear my muck boots to Wal-Mart. It’s Wal-Mart, after all, there is always someone more odd looking than you there, I guarantee it.

10. Awkward tan lines

The final bullet point on this list is the dreaded summer enemy – the glove/tank top/t-shirt/etc tan line. It’s a beautiful thing, isn’t it? I swear, every summer I find my arms and shoulders to be impossibly brown while the rest of me emits a not so subtle glow. I’ve tried to tan to even out the lines only to find that the brown gets browner and the white gets slightly less white. Evenness seems to be out of the question, so I’ve given up for the time being. I tried going glove-less once and learned that lesson quickly. Tan lines > blisters any day. Maybe I should actually go invest in some fashion riding pants – at least they will hide the translucence!

How about you, Eventing Nation? I know I’ve got some of you thinking about some of the fashion crimes we’ve committed in our lives as dedicated horse people., and I know we would all just love to hear your stories.

Sally Spickard is 27 years old from St. Louis, Mo. She currently spends her free time stalking Eventing Nation for the latest Cooley Cross Border news (have you SEEN that horse yet?) and writing for We Are Cardinal Nation, a St. Louis Cardinals sports blog.  Sally was one of four finalists in this year’s EN Blogger Contest, and we are excited for her continued contributions!

———-

Sharon White and Rafferty's Rules at Rebecca Farm 2011. Photo courtesy of Kerrits.

Happy Rebecca Farm week, Eventing Nation! I don’t know about you but I look forward to this event almost as much as I do the big 4* events each year. There is just something about Rebecca Farm that feels special to me, and each year I peruse the internet for plane ticket deals to Kalispell, only to despair at the prospect of shelling out $600 for a ticket. I then pull out my old trusty Rand McNally Google Map and find out if I can justify the road trip, then quickly dismiss that idea at the thought of driving over 3000 miles round trip. So, alas, I have not yet made it out to this fabled event, but I do have some excellent reasons why we should all put this event at the top of our lists to see. If anyone decides to go, pick me up in St. Louis, will you?

1. Everyone loves a road trip.

Please disregard what I said earlier about not wanting to go on a 3000 mile road trip. I will agree to ride along with you if you don’t mind that I like to play obnoxious games like the license plate game or P’Diddle the whole way there. No, really though, I do love road trips. I would even road trip all the way to Montana if I could take enough time to get there and back; I’m sure there’s some pretty fantastic shopping landmarks to  hit along the way.

2. Rebecca Farm is on a cozy 640 acre property, framed by mountains and lush green grass as far as the eye can see.

From what I have seen, the farm is absolutely gorgeous. I also read rider tweets and Facebook updates as they arrive at the farm, and they never fail to comment on the absolutely breathtaking grounds. Plus, if I ever make it there to compete, I will point to the mountains in the distance and tell my horse “I could have made you an endurance horse, and we could be running up and down those, but instead I simply ask you to jump over a few logs so please oblige me.”

3. Rubbing elbows with the who’s who of eventing is my kind of thing.

Rebecca Farm is a perfect blend of West and East coast eventers, plus everyone else in between. I bet the competitor’s parties are the place to be!

4. The water in the water complexes is BLUE!

When I think of blue water, I think of The Fork, Rebecca Farm, and AECs at Chattahoochee Hills. It might look a bit artificial, but I think it adds a certain artistic element to the photos when you see the bright blue splash as you tumble into the water. If I compete at one of these events, I might take a RF and make sure to point my toes and do a neat little arabesque into the water if I can think that fast. The photo ops are endless!

5. The cross country jumps are fun and creative.

Jumping through the swinging doors of a saloon or a friendly looking crocodile? Sign me up! Course designer Ian Stark has done a fantastic job creating a course that looks inviting as well as technical and challenging – all in all, what cross country should be! Plus, if all else fails, I think it could be converted into an extreme putt putt course in a pinch.

6. Rebecca Farm offers a Novice and Training Three Day.

As a current lower level rider, the opportunity to compete in a Three Day is fantastic. More and more events are offering lower level three day events now, and I applaud these events. Now, give me a Cross Rail Three Day (C3D) and I will dominate!

7. There are fun things to see in Kalispell, such as the Wild Horse Island State Park.

This island is only accessible by boat and is home to many wild animals, including wild horses. Definitely not something you see every day! If I attempt to recreate a Misty of Chincoteague style pony swim, please don’t judge me.

8. Speaking of movie recreations, how about The Horse Whisperer?

Good old Tom Booker lived in Montana, so add that to the list of reasons to visit. I remember seeing that movie when I was younger and wanting to go and gallop my horse across the seemingly unpopulated state as soon as Annie and Tom did on screen. Maybe I will move to Kalispell and become their resident horse whisperer.

9. Someone at Rebecca Farm owns a REALLY cool remote controlled helicopter that they use to do course flyovers.

I really want to get my hands on that helicopter. I mean, there are so many more ways to use it! You could use it as an extra motivator to make time on cross country – you’d better believe your horse will focus on completing as soon as possible if he had a helicopter chasing him! Or better yet, you can earn extra recognition for your dressage test if you complete with no aerial maneuvers caused by the hovering device of terror that sits right above A during your test.

10. And finally, I must pay a respectful and thankful homage to the late Rebecca Broussard and her surviving family, who have done unspeakable amounts of good for our sport.

Just to name a few, the fantastic event that is put on each year, the Halt Cancer at X initiative, and the Rebecca Broussard Travel Grant are all examples of the wonderful things this family has done for eventing. We are all indebted to them for being such loyal supporters and I can only hope that we continue to be supported by such generous and sincere people.

A big thank you goes out to the organizers, stewards, judges, designers, volunteers, and sponsors of the Event at Rebecca Farm. Good luck to all of you competing this weekend. Go Rebecca Farm and Go Eventing!