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!

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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!