Good morning Eventing Nation!
And what a good morning it is in Holland. Boyd is in 4th after dressage day one at Boekelo, if you haven’t checked EN since yesterday morning. Zara Phillips is in first with a 40.6. Unfortunately, there is no live video of the dressage, but the entire EN team is scouring Youtube for any uploads, including the chinchillas, which John’s not happy about since he has to pay them overtime. You can keep up to date with [results here].
The Friday US ride times are:
Tamra Smith and Mar De Amor at 10:36am local time (4:36am ET)
Boyd Martin and Otis Barbotiere at 1:38pm local (7:38am ET)
Michael Pollard and DV8 at 3:23pm local (9:23am ET)
This weekend back in the States, we’ve got 9 horse trials going on.
Woodside International HT [Website] [Times & Results]
Radnor Hunt HT [Website] [Times]
The Maryland HT at Loch Moy Farm [Website] [Times]
Middle TN PC HT [Website] [Times]
Fall HT at the Ark [Website] [Times]
Pine Top October HT [Website] [Times & Results]
Course Brook Farm Fall HT [Website]
Roebke’s Run HT [Website] [Times] [Results]
Kent School Fall HT [Website]
I know it’s all about Boekelo this weekend, and their parties are legendary. But, Fairhill is next weekend, and it’s not too late to get your tailgating spots! [Their new blog]
The USEF has a Boekelo press release. Boyd says Remi’s test was good, but wasn’t his best, still putting in a workmanlike test. He notes that with such a large field, making time on cross country is going to be important, stating that fast riding will be required between fences. [USEF]
Lauren Shannon gave us a shout out in her latest blog. She writes about Osberton, where her horse, Lux, was apparently very excited. Lux jumped well to finish up in 8th. Lauren also got a new Jack Russell. [H&H]
Lesley Law updates us on all things Law Eventing. She talks about their unfortunate August with one* freakish tumble on the flat for Rehy Lux at Millbrook, resulting in him being on stall rest for a few months. She then goes on to update about how well the other horses are doing. Truth be told, I skimmed through all of that, but I am glad I read the last few paragraphs. Lesley talks about the partnership between horse and rider. I found it very interesting. She muses, “I guess I spent a long time working riding for others where I was never asked whether I loved the horse or not but expected to produce them to the best of my ability.” Personally, I’m big on the whole partnership thing, but I had never considered it from a professional’s standpoint. Thought-provoking. In the last paragraph she talks about money in horses, and makes a very valid point that I think many people lose sight of, “we can compete is with a good business and in good riding“. You don’t need millions if you’re good and hard working. [Read on]
Jennie Brannigan’s latest blog has some ups and downs. She had a wonderful Morven on all her mounts. She is so happy for her team as they did super well, showing off their skills in the arena. However, her grandfather recently passed away, as well as her friend, Rachael Dwyer’s boyfriend. Our thoughts go out to to all of you. [COTH]
Molly Rosin is now sponsored by Fair Hill Equine Therapy Center. She shares in her latest blog about how the Aqua treadmill has helped her horses. She’s very excited to have such a facility at her fingertips. I find all the water aerobics for horses pretty fascinating. [Havarah Eq]
I leave you with a recap from Boekelo:
Go eventing, wherever you may be this weekend.
