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Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Feb 22, 2021 3:03 am -

It feels like most of the world has migrated either to Florida or Spain right now, while the rest of us are twiddling our thumbs and waiting for the worst of the winter weather (and lockdown restrictions) to pass. But chins up, folks – if you’re in the UK, at least, we’ll be on the receiving end of the roadmap out of lockdown today, and although previous experience suggests this won’t necessarily be the most gratifying announcement we’ll ever hear, it’s one step closer to normalcy resuming.

National Holiday: It’s National Margarita Day; a high holy day in my household. Bottoms up!

US Weekend Action:

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

Rocking Horse Winter II Advanced H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Global Eventing Roundup: 

The first CCI4*-S of 2021 took place at the RANDLAB Matamata Horse Trials in New Zealand over the weekend, where 24-year-old Abby Long took top honours riding Belmont Holy Smoke. Matamata is an event that truly embraces Thoroughbreds, with several national-level classes strictly reserved for the breed, and so Belmont Holy Smoke was a fitting winner of the showpiece class – and he took home the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association‘s Ready Teddy trophy, awarded to the best-placed Thoroughbred.

Donna Edwards-Smith made an impression in this section too, finishing with three horses in the top six. Our favourite part of the weekend, though? Living vicariously through photos of unmasked and undistanced competitors and connections enjoying a party in the sunshine, as New Zealand embraces life after coronavirus.

Your Monday Reading List:

The Equestrian Athlete Initiative (EqA), based out of the University of Kentucky’s Sports Medicine Research Institute (SMRI), has a mission to optimize health, wellness and performance for the equestrian athlete through research – but they need your help to do so. If you’re based in the US and aged 12 or over, pop on over and fill out their survey on physical fitness.  [Equestrian Athlete Survey Seeks to Learn More About Equestrians’ Activity Levels]

Feel like you spend, like, your entire life getting your grey horse clean? You might be in need of some tips from a life-long owner of wannabe pintos. [The Never-Ending Quest to Keep a Grey Horse Clean: Tips for Success]

Taking down the worst aspects of the horse world and building a safer, better place for all equestrians is a job for us all. And as Mallory McMaster points out in this excellent essay, your every effort is being noticed and appreciated. [Opinion: When You Speak Out Against Toxic Horse World Behavior, You’re Helping More Than You Know]

As if I’d leave you without a jumping exercise to take into your week. Today’s offering comes courtesy of Sinead Halpin Maynard, and I’m going to use it to finally crack my mare’s habit of landing on the right lead after every fence. [Grid Pro Quo with Sinead Halpin Maynard]

Oh, go on then, have another one – this time from Kiwi legend Blyth Tait. It’ll help you get your ducks in a row so you can skip through those tight and technical combinations, fault-free and fabulous. [#SundaySchool: how to improve control with Blyth Tait]

Donation Station:

The UK showing scene said goodbye to an extraordinary character when much-loved producer and general ray of sunshine Rory Gilsenan lost his long battle to a brain tumour at the age of 50 in 2020. Now, Charlotte Dujardin is at the forefront of a brilliant upcoming fundraiser for Brain Tumour Research.

Taking place on April 2, the Lockdown Lollop can be undertaken anywhere in the world. The only rules? You have to cover ten miles – and you can’t do it using a motor vehicle. Other than that? The world’s your oyster, baby – whether you fancy skijoring your way to glory, kayaking to the finish line, or simply taking your favourite horse and your best mates out for a good, long hack. By seeking sponsors for your trek, you’ll be contributing to vital research that’ll stop wonderful folks like Rory from being taken from us too soon. And to that we say a hearty giddy up!

The FutureTrack Follow:

Carmel Sage may be small, but her love for horses is enormous – and the young rider’s a busy bee, too. Though she’s battling a diagnosis of Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood, a rare genetic disorder, she’s hard at work spreading awareness and positivity – and, of course, getting in the saddle whenever she can, whether she’s hanging out with Fjord pony Princess Gigi or heading out to the ranch to see Mojo. Her story is heartwarming, inspiring, and guaranteed to reconnect you with the pony-mad little girl you are at heart. We’re huge fans.

Morning Viewing:

All I want on a Monday morning (besides a margarita) is some vintage eventing. Here’s a taste of England’s Cornbury Park Horse Trials, which was revived in 2020, all the way back in ’93 – and wait ’til you see the blast-from-the-past pair who kick the video off!

Friday Video from SmartPak: A Little Bit of ‘Normal’ from Down Under

By on Feb 19, 2021 6:50 pm -

If Wednesday’s video gave you a hankering for sunnier days, eventing friends and, of course, silly costumes, the latest video out of Australia’s Wallaby Hill will make you yearn. The Antipodeans are having a much better time than us Northern Hemisphere louts where this whole Covid thing is concerned, but rather than begrudging them the lovely, restriction-free time they’re having, I’m opting to live vicariously through it – starting with this eventers vs show jumpers challenge. My favourite? The scopey Mickey Mouse bouncing around the cross-country course, though the surprise appearance of The Bride from Kill Bill takes a close second. In any case, if you — like me — need a reminder today that more carefree times are just around the corner, this’ll put a smile on your face.

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Spooky Season at Holly Hill

By on Feb 17, 2021 6:30 pm -

There are two things I need from a good YouTube binge: the chance to snoop around an event or a barn I’ve never been to, and truly ludicrous outfits. This beautifully-shot video from October’s Holly Hill Horse Trials in Louisiana ticks both those boxes, with competitors taking to the cross-country course in an extraordinary array of Halloween costumes. And honestly? I love it. Sign me up for this year’s costume contest; I’ll be putting in a bid to borrow cute-as-a-button Fallon as a catch-ride and trying to sweet-talk my way into getting a Gator Bayou Pony Club pin, because honestly, Pony Clubs here in England have considerably less cool names.

(Also, can we talk about how beautifully produced this video is? Five-stars of the world, take note!)

Go Holly Hill — and Go Eventing!

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British 5* Eventer and Mental Health Awareness Advocate Matthew Wright Dies at 38

By on Feb 15, 2021 12:53 pm -

Matthew Wright and DHI Paparazzi. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We’re deeply saddened to report the death of British eventer Matthew Wright at the age of 38. His passing was announced in a statement on his official Facebook page today (February 15), which reads: “The horse world is a small and close community and we are aware that people are already starting to hear the sad news about Matthew. It is with great sadness that we have to confirm that this is true. Matthew has always been open with everyone about his own battles with mental health and has worked hard to support others through their own. Please could we ask that you respect the family’s privacy and give us the opportunity to grieve at this difficult time.”

Matthew has worn many hats within the eventing world: as a competitor, he represented Great Britain at the Junior, Young Rider, and Senior levels, taking a Young Rider silver medal in 2002 aboard Park Pilot, who would go on to be his first Senior mount. He was a familiar face at five-star, too, making his level debut at Burghley when he was eighteen and going on to compete at the event a further five times and at Badminton ten times.

In 2012, a testicular cancer diagnosis sent his world into a rapid tailspin, and his arduous fight against – and eventual recovery from – the disease became a beacon of hope for those with similar diagnoses. Following his all-clear, Matthew contested a charity race in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, and also enjoyed sharing his remarkable cooking skills on the programme Come Dine with Me.

Beyond his competitive pursuits, Matthew also took a great interest in sport horse breeding, standing four stallions at Caunton Manor Stud, the Nottinghamshire farm he shared with his wife, Victoria, and their children.

Most recently, he’s become an outspoken figurehead for increased mental health awareness in the equestrian world, documenting his own ups and downs with a remarkable frankness that has seen many riders follow suit.

And so, in the wake of Matthew’s tragic passing, it’s important that we continue to speak openly about mental health – a cause he championed wholeheartedly. His Riders Minds was established as a support system for anyone in the equestrian world who is feeling the struggle of a heavy emotional burden, and provides different levels of care – from self-care tips to 24/7 free hotlines – to anyone who needs help. Helmed by professionals and designed to accommodate the unique nuances of life with horses, it’s an excellent resource to keep bookmarked, even if you don’t think you’ll ever need it.

Though mental health awareness has come a long way over the last few years, helped enormously by efforts such as Matthew’s, it’s an unavoidable fact that the equestrian world glamourises and promotes ‘toughness’ and fortitude above almost all things. But just as ignoring a physical injury and climbing aboard your horse with gritted teeth can lead to long term complications, quashing emotions in fear of looking weak isn’t a functional long-term strategy. Whether you turn to a friend, family member, barn owner or trainer, online forum, or one of the many incredible round-the-clock support groups and hotlines available, speaking up about feeling down is one of the smartest and bravest things you’ll ever do – and you don’t have to wait until you feel as though you’ve hit rock bottom.

All of us at Team EN send our deepest sympathies to Matthew’s family, friends, and connections.

 

UK-based support:

Riders Minds: 0300 102 1540/ridersminds.org (24/7)

Samaritans: 116 123/[email protected] (24/7)

MIND: 0300 123 3393 to call, or text 86463 (9.00–18.00 Monday to Friday, except bank holidays)

SANEline: 0300 304 7000 (16.30–10.30 daily)

Papyrus HOPELINE (for un

der 35s): 0800 068 4141/[email protected] (10.00–22.00 weekdays; 14.00–22.00 weekends)

The Mix (for under 25s): 0808 808 4994 (14.00 – 23.00, Sunday – Friday)

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM – for those identifying as male): 0800 585 858 (17.00–00.00 daily)

Switchboard (for LGBTQ+ callers): 0300 330 0630/[email protected] (10.00–22.00 daily)

C.A.L.L. (for callers in Wales): 0800 132 737 (24/7)

SHOUT crisis line: text SHOUT to 85258 

 

US-based support:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to be directed to a crisis centre closest to you

National Hopeline: Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) to speak to a crisis counsellor

The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth): 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (1-866-488-7386)

Crisis Text Line – Text NAMI to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counsellor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message

 

Canada-based support: 

Canada Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or text 45645 (4 pm to 12 am ET)

Kids Help Phone (for 5–29 year olds): 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free) or text CONNECT to 686868

Hope for Wellness help line (for indigenous people in need of crisis support): 1-855-242-3310 (toll-free) or connect to the online Hope for Wellness chat

Transgender Crisis Line: 1-877-330-6366

Military Mental Health hotline: 1-800-268-7708

 

 

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Feb 15, 2021 7:49 am -

I know I shouldn’t moan after a decade of shivering my way through Maine winters, but England has been COLD lately, guys. Like, -8C cold (Okay, okay, that’s only 18F and I’m a wimp, I know), which is cold enough that my sojourns onto the yard have been trimmed down to the bare necessities: making warm mashes, adding an extra layer of rugs, sliding my icy fingers under said rugs, and simply laughing if anyone suggests doing any actual riding.

Luckily, our extra-wintery week is now behind us and I can resume normal service – but not without taking a moment to acknowledge all those intrepid eventers up and down the country who used their water jumps as temporary ice rinks. I salute you, you big weirdos.

National Holiday: It’s Singles Awareness Day, and you’d better believe I’m going to celebrate with some discounted chocolate selection boxes.

US Weekend Results:

Fresno County Horse Park H.T.: [Results]

Full Gallop Farm February H.T.: [Results]

Ocala Winter I H.T.: [Results]

Pine Top Intermediate H.T.: [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

Need a great page-turner for this week? The moving memoir Crossing the Line, penned by Kareem Rosser, is an absolute must-read. Poignant and powerful, it charts Kareem’s journey from the Work to Ride programme through to the polo field, and there’s so much we can learn from its pages. Here’s a little something to whet your appetite. [Kareem Rosser is the New Face of American Polo]

It wouldn’t be a Monday without some great jumping exercises for you to take into the week ahead. British Showjumping coach Mandy Frost shares her favourite exercises for those of us who live in fear of coloured poles. [Show Jumping Exercises for Event Horses]

Do you tend to skip sheath-cleaning? It’s one of the least glamorous parts of horse ownership, and there are compelling arguments for and against the practice – but after discovering grapefruit-sized melanomas in her horse’s sheath, one owner is raising awareness of the need for regular, thorough checks of the undercarriage. [Horse loses sheath and part of penis after major melanomas found during sheath clean]

Confidence crises are something every rider can relate to – even the pros. Middleburg-based trainer Brooke Bayley had to overcome just that last year – but the lessons she learned along the way have helped her to aid her students in their own tricky patches. [Everyone Struggles with Confidence]

If you’re grappling with new regulations for transporting horses in the wake of Brexit, you’re not alone. But add this to your bookmarks – showjumper Sarah Lewis has painstakingly put together a breakdown of costs and regulations, plus a list of useful contacts as the equestrian industry prepares to fight for the ability to carry on business as usual. [Helpful addresses and contacts for Brexit letters]

The Rather Exciting Vacancies Klaxon:

New Zealand-based and looking for a very, very cool job? Equestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ) is hiring a Communications Advisor – so if you’re a savvy writer, a dab hand at social media, and, of course, highly passionate about equestrian sport, get your application in before March 5. [ESNZ Communications Advisor]

The FutureTrack Follow:

I know you’re already following Kiwi superstar Tim Price, I just know it. But if not, do – if only for his occasional horror movie worthy artistic endeavours.

What I’m Listening To: Living in the UK as I do, I’ve never yet had the chance to check out the Kentucky Horse Park’s International Museum of the Horse. My FOMO was intensified by the launch of the remarkable permanent exhibition, Black Horsemen of the Kentucky Turf – and so I was beyond chuffed to learn that an online version of the exhibition has just been launched. I’ve prepped myself for a deep dive by listening to an audio interview with Amy Beisel, Director of the museum.

Donation Station: London’s Park Lane Stables is down to the final two weeks in its fundraising campaign to secure its premises, ensuring that local riders can continue to enjoy horses in the city. Park Lane is a crucial part of the local community and a busy Riding for the Disabled centre, providing  extraordinary opportunities for riders and volunteers alike. They have just over £600,000 left to raise before February 25 – and we all know how much money can be raised in a short period of time if the horse world bands together. [‘It has transformed our lives’: two weeks to save Park Lane Stables]

Morning Viewing: 

Great Britain’s Sophie Christiansen CBE isn’t just one of the greatest Paralympic dressage riders out there – she’s a dynamic and multitalented software developer. Get to know her here:

Friday Video from SmartPak: The Long-Awaited Debut of Celebs in the Saddle

By on Feb 12, 2021 5:48 pm -

If your web-browsing habits are anything like mine, you probably spend a lot of time checking in on the flurry of social media posts from the Leicestershire-based Urban Equestrian Academy, an inner-city riding school dedicated to helping its students embrace the far-reaching possibilities of a life on horseback.

Led by the enigmatic Urban Cowboy himself, Freedom Zampaladus, UEA’s mission is dynamic: it’s about providing access, of course, but it’s also about shaping the industry itself to allow everyone who wants to be involved a safe place to do so. And because Freedom’s own extraordinary life has been so heavily influenced by the horses he’s known and the opportunities he’s carved out, there’s no better man to spearhead a new and exciting project – a web-based series called Celebs in the Saddle.

Celebs in the Saddle made its long-awaited debut on YouTube tonight with boxing commentator and former Cruiserweight Champ Johnny Nelson saddling up to join Freedom for a chat and a hack through urban Leicester. We’re so excited to dive into this compelling new series, and can’t wait to see who’s next on the mounting block. In the meantime, if you’re enjoying the show, consider donating to the UEA’s ongoing efforts here.

Go Eventing — and even more importantly, go equity in equestrian sport!

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: The Ghost of Kentucky Past, Present, and Still to Come

By on Feb 10, 2021 4:30 pm -

As I write this, we’ve just received news that the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event will go forward after a massive outpour of donations over the last few days. While the process has been divisive in many ways – there are plenty of wholly valid questions circulating about whose responsibility the initial cancellation fell under, how the figure named will be used, and the apparent lack of financial support levied by USEF – one sentiment is universal: we all love our pioneering American five-star, and we all want to see it go from strength to strength.

It feels redundant to type the words ‘eventing is at a crossroads’ yet again, because it feels like I – and my colleagues and friends throughout the wider world of equestrian media – have done so innumerable times before. The past week has made it apparent that our industry needs increased transparency and more robust support systems to keep it afloat, and in the wake of Kentucky 2021, whatever may happen, these open discussions should be nurtured and taken into account. But in the meantime, in the midst of this whirlwind, I want to take a minute to reminisce about how special Kentucky has been, and to daydream about the extraordinary stories that will flourish in its grounds for many years to come.

Go Eventing.

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  • Preserves fluid motion and flexibility.
  • Supplies the building blocks necessary to support normal cartilage growth and the regeneration of damaged tissues.
  • Sustains ample high-quality synovial fluid, which lubricates and nourishes the joints.

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Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack Footing

By on Feb 8, 2021 6:13 am -

I can’t stop thinking about Phillip Dutton dressed as Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Who knew the man would rock a wig and a robe with such verve and pizzazz? I look forward to the Great Charity Challenge every year – and not just because the outfits are always on point. It’s so heartening to see how much money can be raised and distributed to charity in the course of an evening, and really speaks to the power of the horse world.

Speaking of fundraising within the horse world, you’d have to have spent the last few days living under a rock to have missed the ongoing colossal effort to save this year’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. A whopping $400k needed to be raised by close of play yesterday in order to put the event on something like solid footing, and as of this morning, it looks as though the grand total is sitting pretty at over $423,000. The total goal is $750,000, so do consider donating here. We all know the strength of our eventing community – and you can bet that your EN fam will be on hand to host the virtual tailgate party of dreams to accompany your epic week of live-streaming come April!

We’re also delighted to welcome FutureTrack Footing to the EN family this week as they bring you the news you need to know from across the eventing world every Monday morning. We replaced our arena surfaces at my yard last year and I can honestly say that upgrading your footing is one of the savviest investments you’ll ever make – so if you’re on the fence, give them a call to discuss your options!

National Holiday: It’s National Kite-Flying Day! Which is a sensible choice for February, really, because flying a kite in a blizzard is commonly regarded as being oodles of fun.

US Weekend Results:

Sporting Days Farm February H.T.: [Results]

Three Lakes Ranch H.T.: [Results]

Want your very own EN Yeti mug? Make sure you Become an EN Patreon by February 14th! We’ll help you feel the love, baby (and you’ll get access to lots of exclusive content, too!)

Your Monday Reading List:

If you’re anything like me, any minute of your childhood that wasn’t spent at the barn was spent buried in a horsey book. Honestly, I still keep a secret Kindle that’s just full of pony novels, and no, I’m not ashamed at all. Sometimes, a girl just needs a bit of the Saddle Club to unwind, right?! It was a hard job, but I narrowed down my eight favourite fictional horses for Horse&Rider magazine, and now I can never look at this article again because I already want to add more in. [Eight fictional horses we’ve always wanted to ride]

Speaking of Horse&Rider, their deep-dive into the horse’s of Netflix’s Bridgerton truly blew my mind. I can honestly say that dyeing a horse for a TV show would never, ever have occurred to me. [Rubber shoes and dye jobs – facts about Bridgerton’s equine stars that’ll powder your wig]

Want a simple but super effective grid for the week? Team Windchase’s Cindy Anderson-Blank has just what you need to fine-tune your horse’s adaptability and your eye for a stride, while honing the essentials – balance, power and a positive canter. [Grid Pro Quo with Cindy Anderson-Blank]

Brush up on your intel about Lynn Symansky with nine fast facts from Horse&Hound. Ever wondered why Donner’s nicknamed ‘the Deer’? The answer probably won’t surprise you, tbqh. [Pony Club plaudits, Donner ‘the deer’ and seven other things you didn’t know about Lynn Symansky]

This is the year I’ve decided I’m going to nail the dressage once and for all. So I found these snippets of wisdom from dressage legend Rosemarie Springer – plus the accompanying vintage photos – both inspiring and incredibly helpful. Here’s to a lot more final marks that begin with a ‘2’. [Wisdom from the Great Rosemarie Springer]

Want to get to know Mavis Spencer: showjumper, outspoken activist, and child of Hollywood? Of course you do, because she’s fascinating. [5 Questions with Show Jumping Star Mavis Spencer]

And finally, we say a sad goodbye to Anissa Cottongim, whose legacy lives on in the USA with its thriving Trakehner scene. You can read her obituary here to find out all the myriad ways she touched people’s lives.

The FutureTrack Follow:

If I’m honest with you, I’d never thought much about Wrangler – in my head, their target demographic was Western riders, so I never had much reason to pay attention to them. But hoo boy, I’m paying attention now. The staple denim brand has been using its platforms to share stories and incredible photographs of diversity within the horse world, and their refreshing and inspiring content has been an absolute tonic to break up all my doom-scrolling. Give them a follow for beautifully-curated feel-good content and the ultimate in high-waist jeans.

 

Morning Viewing:

Love to look through the keyhole at some of the world’s most glamorous equestrian facilities? Then you’ll be very into the Cotswold Equestrian Club, base of British dressage rider Spencer Wilton and, one must presume, a whole army of cleaning staff.

Friday Video from SmartPak: Piggy’s Polework Practice

By on Feb 5, 2021 5:00 pm -

Okay, hands up if the closest you ever get to polework practice is just trundling back and forth over whatever set-up was left in the arena by the last person? It can’t just be me who always feels a little blasé about the whole thing – like, if I’m going to go to all the trouble of pulling out all those poles, I want to at least leave the ground, you know? But polework is so useful for so many reasons; it’s a super strengthening tool, it helps improve your horse’s footwork, and it’s a seriously handy way to develop his paces, too.

Turns out that what I’ve been in need of is a bit of inspiration from a pro, and as is becoming her habit, Piggy March is on hand to deliver. In the latest installment of her vlog, you’ll see her put Badminton winner Vanir Kamira through her paces and explain how she uses the poles to reintroduce her horses to serious work ahead of the season. I’ve been talked around — you’ll find me lugging the cavaletti out this weekend, and I hope to have a more finely-tuned horse to show for it.

Go Eventing!

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Polish Your Performance with Caroline Moore

By on Feb 3, 2021 4:57 pm -

Caroline Moore needs little introduction for fans of the British eventing seen – the much-coveted trainer is World Champion Ros Canter‘s right-hand (wo)man, a part-owner of Allstar B,  and a pivotal part of the youth performance programme, too. Caroline’s valuable insights and coaching are highly sought-after – and luckily for all of us, she’s working with British Eventing on a series of short educational videos, each introducing an exercise you can tackle in your next schooling session.
We’ve collated the first batch to help you plan the rest of this week’s rides – a supple, adjustable, and rideable horse is just a few short exercises away.



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  • Sustains ample high-quality synovial fluid, which lubricates and nourishes the joints.

The horse that matters to you matters to us®.

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Monday News & Notes

By on Feb 1, 2021 7:00 am -

At the forefront of many of our minds is how we can create a more inclusive equestrian industry. If the magnitude of the question has left you with an uncomfortable feeling of inertia, try setting some actionable goals this month that’ll increase your awareness and allyship. While the onus is absolutely on all of us with a platform in the industry – whether that’s working in media, running stables, or sitting on the board of a governing body – to ensure we’re opening doors and creating a safe and welcoming space for every rider, individual actions are so important, too.

I found this Instagram post from the blackequestrians account so insightful and educational. Have you ever stumbled over the word ‘Black’? Are you unsure whether it’s a better choice than, for example, African-American? Does the thought of getting it wrong push you away from engaging in conversations in which it could come up? Take ten minutes this week to read an article or two penned by a Black writer, which will help you understand the nuances of terminology and make you that much more comfortable with it. Don’t be afraid of being corrected by someone who’d prefer you use different language. Accept it with grace, thank the person for letting you know, and commit to the change – that one small step will make a difference in creating a space that’s open to everyone. Oh, and while you’re at it, give this piece by John Eligon a read to learn about why we capitalise ‘Black’.

National Holiday: It’s National Freedom Day, which marks the anniversary of the formal abolition of slavery in 1865. It’s also the start of Black History Month – and we’re excited to bring you plenty of special content looking into the history of Black equestrians throughout February.

US Weekend Results:

Full Gallop Farm H.T.: [Results]

Galway Downs Winter H.T.: [Results]

Rocking Horse Winter I H.T.: [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

Have you joined the insanity yet? ICYMI, Eventing Nation is now on Patreon! We’ve created a private Facebook group just for Patrons and are giving out an EN Yeti mug or wine tumbler for anyone who signs up by February 14. Click here to learn more!

As the pandemic continues its reign of terror, an event rider has called for fellow equestrians to take risk management seriously. Many of us are continuing to ride and train our horses as normal – but when Sasha Hargreaves had an accident at home, she saw firsthand just how over-capacity the medical system is. [‘We must minimise risk’: eventer’s eight hours in hospital highlights scale of Covid pandemic]

There are some lucky folks out there who are in a position to get out competing right now. I enjoyed this reflection on the eight things you learn on returning to the ring – and not just because it gave me a chance to live vicariously through someone else’s far more exciting life. [Eight Things I Learned This Week]

Liz Halliday-Sharp certainly made the most of her 2020, winning the USEA Rider and Lady Rider of the Year titles. But she’s not the only member of her team to top the rankings – Cooley Stormwater has been named the USEA Seven-Year-Old of the Year. [Cooley Stormwater: 2020 USEA 7-Year-Old Horse of the Year]

How well do you know affable British star Alex Bragg? We’re willing to bet at least half of these fun facts about the rugby-player-turned-farrier-turned-rider will come as a surprise to even keen fans of Alex and his top horse, Zagreb. [Horseball, water treadmills and a French connection – nine things you didn’t know about Alex Bragg]

Opportunity of the Week: Want to take your horse to college, but don’t have the means to transport them across the country? Brook Ledge Horse Transportation can help. Their new scholar programme will award one student with a return trip for their horse – and you don’t have to be on an equestrian course or team to be eligible. Check it out here. 

Follow of the Week:

Celebrities who ride have been a major topic of conversation since Chrissy Teigen donned her first pair of tall boots and rolled around her living room floor in wholly relatable agony. But my attention’s been caught by Selma Blair, the noughties queen of film whose MS diagnosis in 2018 brought a new wave of attention to the nervous system disease. Nearly one million people in the US are affected by MS, which can cause pain, numbness, and loss of hearing and motor functions, and for which there’s not yet a cure. But Selma’s candour about her condition, and her outspoken hope and optimism, prove that your life doesn’t end at diagnosis – and we’re thrilled to see her back in the saddle, exactly as she’d hoped for when she first broke the news two years ago.

 

Looking for More Insanity In the Middle? Meet the New EN Patreon! We’re running a special launch promo: join as an EN Patron at any level by February 14 and receive a free EN Yeti tumbler or wine mug!

Morning Viewing: 

Irish Olympian Camilla Spiers is getting more than she bargained for from her tough new trainer…

Friday Video from SmartPak: Ginger Spice Rides Horses, Guys, and We’re Into It

By on Jan 29, 2021 6:08 pm -

 

Do I take my role as a purveyor of very serious equestrian news stories seriously? Totally. Have I been thinking about Geri Halliwell — the very best of the Spices — and her involvement with the horsey community ever since she wandered into the stables at Blenheim a year and a half ago and cuddled Oliver Townend? Honestly, nothing else has so much as flickered in my brainbox.

If you’re as much of a sucker for pointless celebrity non sequiturs as I am, you’ll love nothing more than diving into the sweet (and, okay, slightly bittersweet) story of Geri and her rescue horse Beauty, and how their relationship gave her the courage to embrace her inner Spice once again. If nothing else, it might make you really, really, really wanna zig-ah-zig-ah, whatever that means. Need me anytime soon? You can find me desperately trying to get Geri on board for an EN interview and horse box karaoke session and doing no other actual work.

British International Season Opener at Thoresby Cancelled in Face of Pandemic Uncertainty

By on Jan 29, 2021 12:00 pm -

The British international season was set to begin with new fixture Thoresby Park, the intended replacement for Belton, pictured. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The British eventing season has taken an early hit to its calendar after today’s announcement that the Eventing Spring Carnival at Thoresby, Notts., the intended opener for the year’s international roster, has been cancelled amid uncertainty around pandemic regulations.

Intended to run from April 1–3, the Carnival was set to host national classes from Novice to Advanced and international short-format sections from CCI2*-S to CCI4*-S. Its 2021 iteration was its second attempt to run as a new event on the calendar, and its second thwarting at the hands of COVID-19.

Stuart Buntine and his team at BEDE Events were forced to make the tough decision for the second year running as it became clear that there would be no immediate easing to Britain’s current lockdown, which will remain in place until at least March 8 but is expected to continue on beyond that date.

Though the fledgling fixture, which was intended to replace the much-loved Belton International after its last renewal in 2019, hasn’t yet had a chance to settle into its role as season opener, it was used as the host for 2020’s autumn British Young Horse Championships. Ordinarily hosted at nearby Osberton, the Championships gave riders and sport stakeholders the chance to see the venue’s enormous potential as an eventing hub.

“Thoresby Park is a fantastic venue and we were very relieved when we were able to re-route the autumn Osberton International Horse Trials [here],” said Buntine in a statement released this morning [January 29]. “We ran what quickly became known as ‘Thoresberton’ to much praise from riders, owners and sponsors thanks to the efforts of Thoresby Park’s Gregor Pierrepont and the team.”

Thoresby’s much-anticipated season opener will be shelved once again until 2022. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography for BEDE Events.

Stringent stay-at-home orders meant that the BEDE team’s preparation period was drastically reduced in the lead-up to the event, which would have served as a crucial run on the road to Badminton for many horses and riders.

“In order to run The Eventing Spring Carnival in April, work needed to start in early February, which has meant we have had to make the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event and plan towards a bigger and better 2022,” Buntine continued. “As ever at BEDE Events we are a positive team and are sure our busy calendar of fixtures will get underway before we know it, but in order for riders to plan their season we felt they needed to be kept in the loop.”

Buntine praised the support of the team at Thoresby Park and lamented the necessity of such a tough decision: “It is very sad for Gregor and the team at Thoresby Park as they have been a brilliant support and this is the second year that the virus has led to cancellation of the spring event, but let’s hope 2022 is third time lucky. Of course, we are very aware that whilst the sport is central to our lives and those of our competitors, it is vital that we support the efforts to rid the country of this pandemic.”

The striking backdrop of Thoresby House made its debut as the one-off home of the British Young Horse Championships in 2020. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography for BEDE Events.

Gregor Pierrepont of Thoresby Park supports Buntine’s call and remains optimistic about the event’s future.

“Over the last two years we’ve done everything that could be done to make the inaugural Eventing Spring Carnival at Thoresby Park the best it can be, and we remain determined it will launch in 2022 with a bang,” he said. “The autumn event at Thoresby really showcased our strengths as a venue, with massive potential to put on a truly international event. We are determined to get there and look forward to welcoming everyone as soon as we can.”

The BEDE team is in ongoing communication with British Eventing to find a suitable new date for their Oasby Horse Trials, which ordinarily runs on the second weekend of the season but was cancelled when the organisation pushed 2021’s start date to March 26. Oasby, which hosts classes from BE90 to Intermediate, is an early and comprehensive season opener for riders across the levels – and one that would be a significant boon for those with major international aims in the formative part of 2021.

Just one international remains on the British calendar prior to Badminton in early May: competitors will set their sights en masse on Norfolk’s Burnham Market International, which runs April 16-18.

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Heavenly Hell Week with Wofford

By on Jan 27, 2021 7:25 pm -

Oh my god, guys, it’s still January. I honestly feel like this is the 847th Wednesday video I’ve posted in 2021, but yet here we are, still in the slowest and sludgiest month of the year. I have had. enough.

Fortunately for me – okay, okay, and for you, too! – there’s still a chance to turn this around. January is wholly uninspiring and a bit bleak, unless of course you’ve escaped to Florida or Spain (which, like, maybe you should think carefully about with this whole pandemic thing) – but it doesn’t have to be. Hell Week is a much-loved tradition at Sharon White‘s Last Frontier Farm, where riders spend five days submitting to torture in the name of education under the watchful eye of the legendary Jimmy Wofford.

“This is Jimmy Wofford all the way. Hell week is his thing. I’ve done it with him the past four years. This is the first year I’ve done it on my own. Each year it has helped me so much with my position and the ability to know you can sit on a horse and do just about anything,” Sharon says.

A global pandemic might put a stop to a lot of our fun, but it certainly doesn’t put a stop to education – and this year, you can join in with a seriously education Woff lecture that’ll inspire you to get moving once again and be the best rider you can be. And those hours you put in now? They’ll pay dividends once we’re all released back into the real world.

Go Eventing (soon…)!

Fight back against an energy crisis that can impact condition and performance.

Equi-Jewel® is a high-fat, low-starch and -sugar formula developed to safely meet the energy needs of your horse.

Whether you have a hard keeper that needs extra calories to maintain his weight, or a top performance horse that needs cool energy to perform at her peak, Equi-Jewel can meet your horse’s energy needs. Equi-Jewel reduces the risk of digestive upset, supports optimal muscle function, maintains stamina, and helps horses recover faster after hard work, all while providing the calories your horse needs to thrive.

The horse that matters to you matters to us®.

Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? Kentucky Performance Products, LLC is here to help. Call 859-873-2974 or visit KPPusa.com.

Monday News & Notes

By on Jan 25, 2021 5:21 am -

After having lived in rural Maine for nearly ten years, I shouldn’t be excited about snow – I certainly wasn’t back then, anyway. But it’s been a decade since I relocated back to the UK, and in that time, I’ve probably seen four significant snowfalls (which is to say, snow that sticks — not the Maine definition of ‘significant’, which is snow that piles up so high you can’t even leave your house). So waking up yesterday morning to a few inches of the white stuff felt like such a special treat. I wrapped up in plenty of layers, stopped by my horse’s field to dust the white stuff off her ears, and stomped my way up to the local pub at the top of our lane, which has been allowed to operate a takeaway service. Sausage bap in one hand and a fully-loaded hot choc in the other, I went meandering around town and realised why it is I love the white stuff now.

Snow in England is never an inevitability – it’s a treat, even if it’s a bit inconvenient. Rather than batten down the hatches and ignore it, everyone had had the same idea as me, and the parks and roadsides were crammed with oversized snowmen and small children with sleds. One of our yard’s liveries unpacked her skis from the attack and found the nearest reasonable slope to careen down for much of the afternoon. It all felt like a really good excuse to put real life on hold for a while and embrace whatever came our way – including the inconveniences.

As someone who can get a bit OTT about planning training and fitness regimes – with all the accompanying guilt if I miss a day of riding because of, like, life – it was a healthy reminder to just open the door in the morning and take whatever I find on my doorstep. I reckon my mare, Bella, probably quite enjoyed being left alone to play with her field mates, too.

National Holiday: It’s Opposite Day. Ugh, I HATE eventing.

US Weekend Results:

Grand Oaks H.T.: [Results]

Stable View Aiken Opener H.T.: [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

Jumping on an angle has plenty of benefits to your riding – it increases accuracy, improves your ability to stick to a line, and helps your adaptability on course, too. Here, British eventer Francis Whittington gives you a super exercise – and a mini riding lesson – to help you incorporate all these skills and benefits into your next jumping session. [#SundaySchool: Jumping a horse on an angle with Francis Whittington]

A new study indicates that a blood test could identify racehorses at risk of a catastrophic breakdown. This is, of course, huge news for equine welfare, as these horses could be treated or retired as necessary, avoiding a traumatic injury or death. The rest of the equine industry tends to benefit from racing developments in a sort of trickle-down effect, so we’ll be keeping a close eye on this one. [Progress Made on Blood Test to Identify At-Risk Horses]

Team GB has announced the Juniors and Young Riders who’ll be joining the Youth Development Squad in 2021. This super programme helps to identify combinations who could represent their country on youth teams, and provides invaluable support, mentorship and training. Congratulations to these budding young superstars! [Youth Development Squad Supports the Next Generation]

How often are you incorporating cavaletti into your schooling regime? If you’re anything like me, it’s probably not often enough – and that’s a shame, because they’re incredibly useful for a variety of reasons. Check out Caroline Martin‘s excellent exercise to readopt them into your routine. [Grid Pro Quo: Caroline Martin]

I could spend hours looking at beautiful equine art. Fortunately for me – and everyone else with a sweet spot for expressive brushstrokes – Anthony Robinson has been busy in the studio, bringing a touch of the renaissance to his paintings of horses. Meet the artist, and find out more about his work and inspiration, in this piece from Sidelines. [Anthony Robinson: A Modern Master of Equine Art]

Monday Viewing:

Stuck in the arena but need to knock the rust off your cross-country performance? British eventer Alex Bragg has plenty of great exercises for you to try:

Friday Video from SmartPak: A Year On, Megan Jones Remembers the Fire

By on Jan 22, 2021 5:43 pm -

It’s almost impossible to believe that it’s been a year since the wildfires that raged through Australia were the biggest crisis unfolding on our radars – but time means nothing anymore, and so we really are that far removed from this tragic catastrophe.

Olympic eventer Megan Jones was one of countless people whose lives were affected by the fires, and in this video from FEITV, she looks back at her experience of escaping the blaze with her horses and family. It’s tough watching, certainly, and the realisation of just how much devastation we’ve seen over the last year isn’t an easy pill to swallow – but it’s a poignant bit of perspective in these funny old times.

We are Once Again Asking You to Look at These Memes

By on Jan 21, 2021 6:00 pm -

At this point in the year – yes, a whole 21 days – our little brains are so frazzled by, well, *gestures vaguely at everything*, and so the only way we can interact with the world or parse any usable information is by injecting it straight into our serotonin-makers via increasingly ridiculous memes. Fortunately for the dim whirring noise that’s going on behind our collective eyes, this week has been a particular goldmine for the memery, courtesy of classique Vermonter Bernie Sanders and his cozy, efficient approach to popping by an inauguration. Talk about an instant classic, folks – poor old Bernie has since wormed his way into just about every album cover, film poster, and piece of priceless artwork ever made.

And so it was inevitable that he’d eventually be co-opted by the rabid horsey masses, whose extraordinarily niche memes add an extra layer of weird and wonderful to the whole thing. Far be it from us to simply share our favourite funnies in our EN group chat, though. Nay, dear readers – like Bernie himself, we’re all about sharing the wealth and adding to it, too.

As always, Eat the Rich! Oh, um, sorry, we mean…Go Eventing!

As tends to be the nature of memes, some of those included in this post have been passed around without attribution – so if you’re the creator, or you know who is, give us a heads-up in the comments and we’ll be sure to include a linked credit!

Wednesday Video from Kentucky Performance Products: Ride Around Sunny Majestic Oaks

By on Jan 20, 2021 7:40 pm -

Blessed are the helmetcam owners, for they give us life and vicarious cross-country trips in our gloomiest of off-seasons. Sometimes you want high-stakes five-star action that leaves you clenching your glutes on every approach; other days, you just want to enjoy a cheeky spin around a Novice course with a lovely young horse (even if they, too, sometimes offer up the odd glute-clencher). We’ve all had a pretty big day – yes, it’s okay to still be happy-crying right now – so kudos to Elisa Wallace for another educational and entertaining instalment in her YouTube oeuvre. 5-4-3-2-1 — have a great ride, folks!

Fight back against an energy crisis that can impact condition and performance.

Equi-Jewel® is a high-fat, low-starch and -sugar formula developed to safely meet the energy needs of your horse.

Whether you have a hard keeper that needs extra calories to maintain his weight, or a top performance horse that needs cool energy to perform at her peak, Equi-Jewel can meet your horse’s energy needs. Equi-Jewel reduces the risk of digestive upset, supports optimal muscle function, maintains stamina, and helps horses recover faster after hard work, all while providing the calories your horse needs to thrive.

The horse that matters to you matters to us®.

Not sure which horse supplement best meets your horse’s needs? Kentucky Performance Products, LLC is here to help. Call 859-873-2974 or visit KPPusa.com.

Three Venues Come Forward in Bid for 2021 European Eventing Championships

By on Jan 19, 2021 2:31 pm -

Boekelo – which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2021, and was last won by Laura Collett and London 52, is among the bids for the rescheduled European Championships this year. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The topsy-turvy saga of the 2021 FEI European Eventing Championships rages on afresh after news that three venues’ organising teams have made bids to host the competition, tentatively scheduled for this autumn. Italy’s Montelibretti, Switzerland’s Avenches, and the Netherlands’ Boekelo have all registered their interest in hosting the championship.

This isn’t, of course, the first time we’ve seen the European Championships pencilled into this year’s calendar. Both the eventing championship – originally scheduled to take place at France’s Haras du Pin from August 11–15 – and the showjumping and dressage championships, intended to run in Budapest, Hungary from August 23–30, were initially cancelled after the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. But a successful push for reconsideration saw the latter two disciplines granted relocated and rescheduled dates for their championships – while eventing remained firmly off the table throughout the latter half of 2020.

The bidding process was reopened in December after a campaign, spearheaded by reigning Reserve European Champion Michael Jung, built up a considerable head of steam across social media. Jung cited the new Olympic format, which will see just three horses and riders to a team, as one of the primary motivators for the reinstatement of the Championships, which provide essential mileage to developing nations and inexperienced combinations.

Michael Jung, Ingrid Klimke and Cathal Daniels celebrate their individual medals at the 2019 Longines FEI European Eventing Championships in Luhmühlen. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

A spokesman for the FEI told Horse&Hound that an initial bidding process had been opened with a July 21, 2020 deadline, and three venues had applied to host the Championships through that process – Haras du Pin, Ireland’s Millstreet, and an unnamed third venue.

“Due to the third organising committee’s relative inexperience of hosting an event on the scale of the European Championships, this expression of interest did not proceed to the formal bidding/applicant stage,” the spokesman said, continuing on to explain that the other two bids had been reviewed, with the FEI offering significant financial support to ease the burden on the organisers.

But, the spokesman explained, “ultimately, Haras du Pin and Millstreet voluntarily withdrew from the process, due to their limitation to hold the championships on the selected dates and ongoing concerns around Covid-19. Following the withdrawal, and on the understanding that the Olympics would go ahead in 2021, the FEI board agreed not to re-open the bidding process for the eventing Europeans.”

Tim Lips and Bayro at the 2019 European Championships. Photo by William Carey.

The FEI made a U-turn on their decision on December 17, reopening the bidding process for a shortened window from December 18 through January 15, 2021. The three venues to come forward have proposed their own set of dates, all falling well after the Tokyo Games.

Switzerland’s Avenches has submitted a bid for September 22–26 after Jung cited them as a “a motivated and experienced team […] which has shown it has what is needed: very good facilities, experience, financial strength and more essential key criteria you need to host an event like this.” Though the venue ordinarily hosts competitions up to CCI4*-S, it has considerable infrastructure to support an event of this scale, and in 2008 was the host of the Pony European Championships.

Rome’s Montelibretti is set to host three international fixtures in 2021, and has proposed to host the Championship separately, from September 22–26. Though the Italian fixture hasn’t hosted a Senior Championship, it was the home of the 2016 Junior and Young Rider European Championships, and hosted the rescheduled finale of the 2020 Nations Cup series.

Military Boekelo has proposed to run the Championship from October 6–10, coinciding with the event’s confirmed dates in the 2021 FEI calendar. The venue, which hosts the Nations Cup series finale and is based an hour from Amsterdam, had originally bid to host the full spectrum of FEI Championships in 2023 in conjunction with Geesteren, though that joint bid was subsequently withdrawn.

The final decision will be made in March via teleconference.

Monday News & Notes

By on Jan 18, 2021 9:18 am -

The third Monday of the year is commonly referred to as ‘Blue Monday’ – the most depressing day of the year. I’ll admit, I’ve always been a little skeptical about this; it’s a concept that was introduced by a travel company with some slightly wishy-washy equation to back it up, and also, I’m not convinced that telling people they’re going to feel rubbish on a particular day is that helpful to anyone.

Having said that, though, January can be a really tough time for a lot of people. Everyone’s broke, the weather’s pretty crap, and, like, we’re in a bloody pandemic, so that’s a bummer. As someone who can struggle with depression and feelings of isolation, I absolutely feel you if you’re having a rough time of it today. Here’s my advice, which you can take, leave, or adapt to suit your own situation:

  • Either go easy on yourself or set yourself an achievable challenge, depending on where you’re at. If you’re feeling low and you’ve got that horrible full-body, full-brain tiredness, know that your horse really won’t mind if you take a day off riding, or just go for a mooch around the farm. On the other hand, if your brain will. Not. Shut. Up. and you’ve got a bad case of Monday anxiety, stick on a YouTube workout class, go for a long run to a noughties pop-punk playlist, or go attempt to ride the 5* dressage test just because you can.
  • Plan a luxury evening in tonight, as opposed to the usual evening in because you can’t legally go anywhere. Pick your boxset or film of choice now so you can get excited about it, daydream about your take-away order, make your bed and lay out the comfiest PJs you own. Go get yourself a bottle of wine that costs more than eight bucks. You’ve got this, baby.
  • Don’t let your brain convince you that you’re fighting any battles alone, or that you’ll inconvenience anyone or embarrass yourself if you reach out for help. There will be days when you think you have no one. That’s just a nasty little trick your insecurities are playing on you. The bravest thing you’ll ever do is send a text asking for a little bit of extra support or just a bit of good banter to fill the void – and I guarantee the person you reach out to will be just as glad to hear from you.
  • If all else fails and you’re just in a slump, sack off your to-do list for now and take a nap if you can. Sometimes a little brain reset is just the ticket.

Ultimately, folks, it’s always worth remembering – if you’re surrounded by horseshit, then there must be a pony.

National Holiday: It’s Martin Luther King Jr Day – here’s some ideas for how you can honour it despite the pandemic.

US Weekend Results:

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks: [Results]

Fresno County Horse Park Combined Test: [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

Give it up for the west coast – they’ve got sun, surf, and now, the 2020 SmartPak USEA Stallion of the Year. Rose Sullivan’s M Crème De La Crème, an 8-year-old Belgian Warmblood piloted by Alexis Helffrich, took the honours – click through to find out more about this exciting up-and-comer. [YEH Graduate M Crème De La Crème SE Clinches 2020 SmartPak USEA Stallion of the Year]

Actress and keen amateur showjumper Kaley Cuoco has retired her top horse Bionetty, and honestly, I read this article pretty much solely for the barn chandeliers and the golden tendon boots, and I’m not sorry about it. [Kaley Cuoco Retires Her Show Horse Bionetty: ‘There Will Never Be Another Like You’]

You’ve probably heard people waffle on about how Pilates has transformed their riding – but what does it actually do, and how can you tap into those benefits yourself? This comprehensive piece will answer all your questions (and honestly, folks, it really does make you more secure, more balanced, and more effective in the tack – SO annoying that working out does actually seem to be the answer to everything!) [Fit to Ride: Pilates]

Some Mondays you want hard-hitting news, some Mondays you want a zebra foal going REAL FAST. I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely feeling the kind of brain-mush vibes that require immediate cavorting videos. It would be rude of me not to share the wealth. [Newborn zebra foal delighting zoo staff with his ‘zoomies’]

Those folks who jump the poles have swept the board in the USEF Equestrian of the Year stakes. Honestly, though, I’ll never forget abusing my press pass at Aachen to photograph Kent’s win in the Grand Prix from inside the ring, so I shan’t begrudge him this at all. [Kent Farrington And Tracy Fenney Named 2020 Equestrians Of The Year]

The Monday Follow:

Mollie Summerland isn’t just one of Britain’s most exciting up-and-coming talents, she’s also an outspoken advocate for mental health and incredibly candid about her own ups and downs on her path to becoming the next big thing. We’re a big fan of her honesty, positivity, and hard work – and obsessed with Charly van ter Heiden, the spicy gelding she’s produced through the ranks to finishing in the top ten at their CCI5* debut.

Morning Viewing:

I’ll admit it – for me, when it comes to men riding horses, ability definitely impacts fanciability. They either have to be really, REALLY good, or totally incapable of identifying a horse in a field of cows. I didn’t think there was any wiggle room there, but now I’ve seen this video of Bridgerton‘s Regé-Jean Page bumbling around with his feet through the stirrups and a hoodie tied around his waist and you know what? I still would. Now, who do I call to volunteer as his coach for season two?

Friday Video from SmartPak: Vanir Kamira Gets the Big Shave

By on Jan 15, 2021 3:55 pm -

The barren period from the end of the season through Christmas or so sees many top eventers stagger holiday time for their horses – and Piggy March is no different.

Now, with the 2021 season looming (well, kind of – it’s been delayed, but it’s coming), Piggy’s busy bringing her extensive string of horses back into work. The latest to get back under saddle? None other than 2019 Badminton winner Vanir Kamira. Known at home as ‘Tillybean’, the sixteen-year-old Irish Sports Horse mare enjoys a longer winter holiday than the rest of Piggy’s string, as she goes home to stud with owner Trevor Dickens to make use of the multiple embryo transfers she tends to win each season.

But the holidays are over, even if you are a five-star winner — and Tilly, who’s a typically sparky type, has some work ahead of her to shed her winter tummy (and a shedload of fluff, too). Step one in the transformation? A full clip from head girl Amy Phillips. The latest instalment of Piggy’s vlog gives you a closer look at her process (and some rather delightful up-close-and-personal quality time with Tillybean) – perfect if you’re struggling to get crisp lines and smooth clips. Tune in, oil up, and guarantee your best clipping job yet!

Monday News & Notes

By on Jan 11, 2021 8:22 am -

This might feel like the longest year ever (how has it taken 482 days, approximately, to reach the second Monday of 2021?!) but there’s some hope on the horizon. Many major international events are already busily planning their return to the calendar, including the SsangYong Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, which will be back with a new organising team at the helm this year. Things might still be a bit different to the norm this year, but if we can get some great sporting action in, it’ll be a step up in our eyes.

National Holiday: It’s National Clean Your Desk Day, to which I say an emphatic no.

US Weekend Results:

Barnstaple South H.T.: [Results]

Monday Reading List:

In need of a grid to get your horse’s mind back on his job? Top British rider – and queen of quirky horses – Sarah Bullimore has just what you need to succeed this week. [#SundaySchool: Sarah Bullimore’s figure-of-eight jumping exercise for focus]

Or perhaps you’d like to try a simple, adaptive polework exercise, suitable for youngsters all the way to Advanced competitors? If so, Tik Maynard‘s set-up will tick your boxes – you can even use it as an in-hand exercise to really take it back to basics. [Grid Pro Quo with Tik Maynard]

Sick of your two-legged family members behaving with less decorum than the four-legged ones? This cheeky little bit of satire from Horse Network might give you just the tools you need to turn the situation around… [Horsewoman Clicker Trains Husband and Kids to Help Out More Around the House]

Competitive goals can create some much-needed terra firma if you’re struggling with your mental health. But how can you cope when something out of your control – like, say, a global pandemic – wipes them all from the calendar? One rider shares her story. [Equestrian vs Depression: Embracing a New Pace in Life]

We all pour so much time, effort, and money into our riding that a setback can feel like the end of the world. But a bit of perspective from a much-venerated coach can change everything. [What I Wish I Knew Then: Words That Stick]

Donation Station:

City riding schools offer an extraordinary amount to their local community, but with rising rent prices and constant urban development, their existence is rarely guaranteed. Such is the case for Park Lane Stables in London, which is working to raise funds to purchase its premises after the non-renewal of their long-standing lease. If you’d like to contribute to the much-loved riding school and Riding for the Disabled centre’s crowdfunding efforts, click here.

Morning Viewing:

Missing a mooch around a major event? Join tiny William as he explores his favourite haunt — the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials.

Friday Video from SmartPak: Why’s Piggy Vlogging? Total Geekery, As It Turns Out

By on Jan 8, 2021 6:58 pm -

It feels like a special treat this year to enjoy regular vlogs from British eventer Piggy March, particularly as — by her own admission — she’s never been particularly into the social media ‘thing’. But, as she explains in her latest instalment, she’s always been totally obsessed by the minutiae of eventing, and keen to absorb as much extra information as she can, by working on yards at the start of her career, watching other riders, and quizzing them about their methods.

And so now, the record-holder for the most wins in a season wants to give back, by sharing all the nerdy little details of a year in her life with all of us. Whether it’s rider fitness, bringing horses into work, structuring schooling sessions or hacks, preparing for competitions or — we predict — winning a few big ones, all the highs, lows, and educational moments will be shared on her new vlog. We reckon there’s rather a lot we could all learn from the superstar competitor — so we’ll be taking notes.