Classic Eventing Nation

A Grand Passion

By on Jul 18, 2018 12:00 pm -

My favorite view. Photo by Kate Boggan

Horse people are different.

Recently a good friend reminded me of one of my favorite quotes: “Riding a horse is not a gentle hobby, to be picked up and laid down like a game of solitaire. It is a grand passion. It seizes a person whole and once it has done so, he/she will have to accept that his life will be radically changed.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Last week I made a regular run to the local co-op to pick up wormer and grain. Walking back out to my truck I bumped into a friend from high school who was working in the loading docks for the summer. We chatted for a bit and he asked me what I had been up to recently. I gave the answer I always give when anyone asks me how I’ve been and said, “Just busy with the horses as usual.” I’ve been the crazy horse girl for as long as I can remember and was known as that by all my peers. My answer didn’t surprise my friend, but his next question caught me off guard: “Oh, so that continues after college?” To tell you the truth I didn’t know how to respond. In my head I thought, “Well duh!” but I politely told him yes. We parted ways and I was left befuddled.

It’s more than just a sport. Photo by Kate Boggan

This strange encounter got me thinking and I did some research when I got home. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), of nearly 8 million students currently participating in high school sports, only 480,000 of them will continue to play on school teams in college*. Roughly 6% of high school athletes will play at the collegiate level. My friend was a football player, (high school boy in Texas, shocking I know) so I looked up the football statistics. Football, which has the largest participation of any NCAA sport, has an estimated 1,057,382 high school athletes and 73,063 collegiate athletes. Only 6.9% of athletes in the most popular sport in the US go on to play in college. Beyond college the percentage declines to 1.6% of those that played in college going on to play professionally.

I had one or two friends in high school that went on to play their sport in college. Those friends that played sports in high school but didn’t make it onto a collegiate team might have played on a club team their freshman year. But by this point in my life (still a poor broke college student pursuing her master’s degree) all of my friends who were athletes in high school have stopped playing their sport with any type of regularity.

It’s a lifestyle. Photo by Kate Boggan

How many of your friends that played soccer in high school still play on soccer teams? How many people do you know that started playing softball at age 30? How many former high school football players are still working with a coach and playing in games on the weekends? It is not at all uncommon to meet adult amateurs in the equestrian world that didn’t get to realize their childhood dreams of owning and riding horses until they were well out of school. It’s completely normal for the weekend warriors that haul to shows and clinics whenever they scrape up the money to do so, to have been riding since before they can remember.  I can’t think of any other sport where a 71-year-old still competes at the Olympics.

Way too often I find myself taking my life with horses for granted. I think because I have never known life without horses I sometimes forget it could be anyway else. This run in with my high school friend reminded me again just how lucky I am to be one of those crazy horse people. How lucky are we that we love a sport that we can be a part of for the rest of our lives? Horses truly are an obsession that seizes a person and causes them to do crazy things like wake up at 4 am to watch an event live-stream across the world or spend every last penny on dried grass to feed a bottomless pit of hunger. It’s impossible to understand if you aren’t one of the lucky ones, so cheers to those of us blessed with a grand passion.

Photo by Kate Boggan

*NCAA women’s equestrian programs were not included in this study.

Grade 1 Winner Ring Weekend in Training with Phillip Dutton

By on Jul 18, 2018 9:38 am -

Phillip Dutton and Ring Weekend. Photo by Maggie Kimmitt.

Grade I winner Ring Weekend has retired from the racetrack and started training for a second career in eventing with Phillip Dutton. The 7-year-old gelding (Tapit X Free The Weekend, by Cryptoclearance) arrived at True Prospect Farm in West Grove, Pennsylvania last week and has started schooling over small fences.

Under trainer Graham Motion, Ring Weekend won six graded stakes races and more then $1.5 million in 33 career starts. He finished fifth in the Preakness Stakes in 2014, the year California Chrome made his bid for the Triple Crown.

Phillip and Evie Dutton with Ring Weekend. Photo courtesy of Anita Motion.

Phillip and his wife, Evie, joined the West Point Thoroughbreds partnership group that owns the horse in 2016. When Ring Weekend retired sound and happy from the track following his last race at Woodbine on June 30, the owners saw it as a natural transition to have Phillip take the ride.

“It’s really cool that Phillip was able to be part of Ring’s racing career, and now has him for the next phase of his life,” Graham said. “He’s a special horse who knows he’s a good one, and we’ll miss having him in the barn.”

Phillip Dutton and Ring Weekend. Photo by Maggie Kimmitt.

Phillip is no stranger to retraining Thoroughbreds for eventing, having successfully transitioned horses like Icabad Crane, Sea of Clouds, Quadrivium and Water Cube over the past few years alone.

“Ring Weekend is incredibly athletic and already showing a lot of promise as an event horse in the short time he’s been with me,” Phillip said. “We hope he will be just as successful in his new career as he was on the racetrack.”

[Grade One Winner Ring Weekend Retired]

Tom’s Trailering Tips: 20 Rules of The Road for Hauling Horses

By on Jul 18, 2018 9:00 am -

Have wheels, will travel: Esther Roberts shares her wise grandfather’s trailering tips that every equestrian should master before they hitch the trailer and hit the road with their horses. This originally appeared on our sister site, HorseNation.com. 

Photo by Esther Roberts.

Owning a horse trailer, for me, meant keeping a covenant I made to my first horse, Sam. My hometown is at the base of a mountain festooned with the ribbon of road known as Interstate 40. One day, a tanker carrying bromine gas wrecked on the interstate. Bromine gas is heavier than air. The entire valley filled up with acrid, orange fumes. The National Guard was called in and everyone was forced to evacuate. I was 14. My schoolteacher mother could not afford a truck nor a trailer. (She had cashed out my college bonds to buy the horse!) When the soldiers arrived at our house, they assured me Sam would be fine outside in the orange fog. I argued back that, since Sam was a mammal, and I, too, am a mammal, then I should also be fine and I would not leave my horse behind.

While I argued and begged and pleaded with one of the officers, another guardsman checked Sam’s water trough and tossed out a whole bale of hay to Sam. Then, with my mother’s consent, two guardsmen picked me up and — as gently as one can when fighting a hysterical horseowner — stuffed me in mom’s car alongside my sister and my sister’s dog, and we were escorted for miles to make sure my mother didn’t turn around and take her shrieking daughter back to her beloved scruffy paint mustang. As Sam disappeared in the rear window, I swore to him I would never, ever again be in a position where I could not load him up and haul him to safety.

After an excruciatingly long 48 hours staying 40 miles away with my grandparents, we were allowed to go home. There stood Sam, hungry, but otherwise just fine. The incident, however, set a resolve in my heart that is steadfast to this day — I want ready access to a horse trailer that has enough space for me to load every horse I own — even if the smallest one must ride in the living quarters in an emergency.

So, as soon as I could, I saved up some money and bought first a truck and next a bumper pull two-horse trailer.  I’ve up-sized my rig over the years, as evidenced by the trailer in these photographs.

Photo by Esther Roberts.

But back then, when I got my first trailer, my beloved and wise grandfather, Tom “T.E.” Crowder, taught me a few things about buying, driving, and maintaining a trailer that are relevant no matter if you’re pulling new or used, bumper or goose, empty or loaded.

Tip 1: Insofar as your budget allows, buy exactly what you want without compromise. Otherwise, you’ll wind up trading and buying and selling trailers, and wasting money in the long run.

Tip 2: If you take out a loan, pay it off as quickly as you can.

Tip 3: Take excellent care of both your trailer and your tow vehicle. Don’t scrimp on basic maintenance like regular oil changes, fuel filters, or brakes. Your life, and the lives of your animals, depend on this.

Tip 4: When you get your trailer, plan on at least a month’s time before you haul anything live in it. Why? See Tips 5-7.

Tip 5: Following up on tip #4, when you get your trailer, hook it to your truck and leave it hooked up (empty) for at least three weeks. Everywhere you go, the trailer goes. Work, grocery, church, school, doesn’t matter. You’ll learn how wide to swing your turns, how much lead time you need to brake gently and slowly, and all the nuances of how your particular rig hauls.

Tip 6: After three weeks of hauling your rig empty, you’re still not ready to haul your horse (In my case, as I was learning these tips, my horse was my dear Sam, and I was so eager to haul him to the Smoky Mountains and trail ride! But Granddaddy said, “not yet…” because… )

Tip 7: After three weeks of hauling your rig empty, now put a glass of ice water (no lid) in your truck’s cupholder. Every day. For one week. When you can haul your rig without spilling a drop of the ice water, you’re ready to give your horse the gentlest and safest ride possible. As Granddaddy taught me, “always pull your trailer with the horse’s safety and comfort in mind. Standing in the back of the trailer, horses cannot see the road ahead, so they cannot prepare for the next turn or stop or whatever. They are depending on you to be a careful, responsible driver, so think about every move you make at the wheel relative to how it impacts the animals in the back.”

Tip 8: Parking lots of large churches or malls or shopping centers make great places to learn to back up and park and those sorts of things. Practice in daylight, dark, and dusk.

Tip 9: Do not be too proud to use orange safety cones to help you learn to back your rig in a straight line. Hay bales can work, too. Pride versus crunching your trailer? You decide.

Tip 10: Speaking of orange cones, always carry a couple with you, in case of a breakdown.

Tip 11: Speaking of breakdowns, always carry at least two gallons of water per animal when hauling. Keep extra lead ropes in the trailer as well.

Tip 12: Speaking of extra lead ropes, a thoughtful horseman (or woman) always keeps a spare halter and lead rope in her pickup; that way, you can be of use to someone when their animal is loose. (Footnote: I have followed this advice religiously and keep a halter and lead in every truck I’ve ever owned. Over the years, those tools have helped catch horses, goats, cattle, and dogs at various times and in various states across the country.)

Tip 13: Always carry one of these:

Photo via SmartPak.

Tip 14: Develop a system for hooking your rig, whether it’s counting the steps (e.g., 1. hitch the ball, 2. hitch lock, 3. right chain, 4. left chain, 5. brake breakaway, etc.) or whatever works for you. Never vary that system. Check every hitch, lock, chain, and door latch before you start to roll. Even if someone you trust helped you hook up, you check behind them. Then, after everyone’s loaded and you’re about to hop in the cab, do one more walk around and check everything again.

Tip 15: Check your rig’s tire pressure, brakes, lights, and grease on a regular basis.

Tip 16: Remember to drop your tailgate. Drop your tailgate. Drop your tailgate.

Tip 17: Remember to raise the trailer foot. Note: Using a block of 6″x6″ wood on the ground under the foot keeps the foot clean, out of ground that might freeze, and minimizes the time you spend raising or lowering the foot. (Especially handy for manual crank feet!)

Tip 18: If you can’t park it, don’t drive it.

Tip 19: Add extra time to your travel schedule so you can drive relaxed and focused.

Tip 20: Take frequent breaks, even if only five or ten minutes. You’ll stay more alert and the animals will appreciate a few minutes to relax the muscles they’ve been using to balance while moving.

Wednesday News & Notes from Attwood Equestrian Surfaces

By on Jul 18, 2018 12:01 am -

Area V is ready to rock and roll up in Montana. Photo via Area V Young Riders Facebook page.

Tuesdays for me are often the hardest day of the week to get through, particularly on weeks with big events going on. For those of us getting ready to watch, stalk scores, or just follow along on social media, Tuesdays tend to drag as we wait for Wednesday In contrast, Wednesdays are bustling, anticipatory, full of jogs and hope and open hearts. Anything can happen, and Wednesday are the only day of the event where no one’s heart has yet been broken.

National Holiday: National Hot Dog Day

Major Weekend Events:

The Event at Rebecca Farm C.I.C., 3DE, & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

NAYC @ Rebecca Farms [Live Stream] [Schedule] [Live Scores]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Fitch’s Corner H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Moon Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Silverwood Farm Summer H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Penny Oaks H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes

Cross Country schooling at Surefire Farm will be open on Saturday and Sunday, July 21-22, from 8:00-4:00. The schooling fee will be $60, and all must sign a waiver. See you then! [Surefire Farm]

There’s only a few spots left to get in on the Area VIII Young Rider Camp North! The camp will be held August 7-9 at Cobblestone Farm in Dexter, Michigan, and will feature clinicians Hannah Sue Burnett, Pierre St. Jacques and Dorothy Crowell! The camp is open to ALL riders, adults and non-YR-members. [Area VIII YR Camp]

The 2018 USEA American Eventing Championships are officially open for entry! Held at the Colorado Horse Park, the AECs will offer not only championship and Adult Team Challenge divisions, but also ‘festival’ divisions to allow those out west to participate in the festivities even if they aren’t qualified for the prize-winning divisions. [Opening Day Has Arrived]

New Zealand is weighing in on tight nosebands. Previously the rule stated that the nosebands had to be able to fit one finger comfortably on the side of the nose, but now new studies have shown that one finger is required between the bridle and the top of the nose in order to prevent damage to the horse. [New Zealand Acts to End Tight Nosebands]

For years the debate has raged on as to whether dogs belong at events. The FEI has now weighed in on the debate, with a proposal to require dogs on leashes attached to people or solid objects at all times or risk a hefty fine. Several notorious incidents over the years of loose dogs chasing horses on course have led to this rule proposal. [FEI Proposes Fines for Loose Dogs]

Have you entered Majyk Equipe’s #WearGreenForJonty giveaway? To enter to win the prize pack, all you need to do is make a donation to the David Foster Injured Riders Fund. We have raised more than €400 so far in support of Jonty’s recovery. [#WearGreenForJonty Giveaway]

Attwood Wisdom of the Week — safety | performance | innovation

We’re not like other equestrian surface suppliers and installers.

Our background is in science and technology, and this has enabled us to create and develop carefully balanced products that perform consistently in any climate. We continue to invest in research and development to provide riding surfaces that perform day after day, week after week.

We use innovative scientific testing to characterize these properties so we can use objective assessment to create truly exceptional footing for the safety and well being of your horse.

We collaborate with the world’s leading independent equestrian surface academics to ensure we remain at the forefront of both technical and governance developments.

We are chem nerds and we are proud of it.

But we’re not just scientists. We have been an integral part of the equestrian community for over 25 years, working with amateurs and professionals, Olympians and Pan Am medal winners, and equine assisted therapy programs.

Hundreds and hundreds of installations later, from dressage courts to jump arenas, round pens and gallops, we believe we have the best and safest footing solutions available today.

Good footing is an investment in the health and well being of your horse. Have a question? Shoot us an email at [email protected] or call 888-461-7788.

Tuesday Video from SpectraVet: Loch Moy Intermediate Cross Country

By on Jul 17, 2018 4:45 pm -

The Maryland Horse Trials was chock full of competitors this weekend, including a few of the members of the U.S. WEG Team. Carolyn Mackintosh’s special Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, MD, hosted competitors for their second of two summer series shows. Emma Hinke made her way around the facility to catch some of the action.

Why SpectraVET?

Reliable. Effective. Affordable.

SpectraVET is committed to providing only the highest-quality products and services to our customers, and to educating the world in the science and art of laser therapy.

We design and manufacture the broadest range of clinically-proven veterinary therapeutic laser products, which are represented and supported worldwide by our network of specialist distributors and authorized service centers.

Cooley Rorkes Drift to Remain in Work with Andrew Downes

By on Jul 17, 2018 3:55 pm -

Jonty Evans and Cooley Rorkes Drift. Photo by Libby Law.

The team behind Cooley Rorkes Drift announced today that the 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding has gone to British rider Andrew Downes to remain in work while Jonty Evans continues his recovery from a traumatic brain injury.

Andrew will not compete “Art” but instead will keep the horse in full work at his yard in Staffordshire, England.

Jonty has started showing “some early signs of progress in regaining consciousness” following his fall at Tattersalls on June 3 and faces a long road to recovery. Click here to read the latest update on his recovery.

Read on for the full update “written” by Art himself and shared in the Art’s Amazing Family Facebook group:

Hello everyone, I’ve been very quiet over the last month so thought I should give you all an update on what I’ve been up to.

Since Jonty fell off me back in June I have been working on my tan in the field at home. I must say it’s been going rather well! You guys are amazing because I’ve also had an endless supply of polos! This is all very good news but Jonty would not be happy to see the size of my tummy.

So in the last week I’ve been on a small road trip up to Staffordshire (where they all talk funny)! I’m up here to be with an experienced rider called Andrew Downes.

Jonty knows and respects Andrew as an eventer and my team believe that Jonty would back this decision. I am not here to be competed but to be kept in work until Jonty is better. Andrew has a very nice yard and I’ve started making some new friends already.

The plan will always be to get back home with Jonty and the team but until then this is the best place for me. Andrew is going to be super busy looking after me so please continue to monitor this Facebook page for updates on me.

I ask you all to please continue to support #weargreenforJonty I really do miss him! You guys are an incredible family and I can’t wait to see you all at events again.

Lots of love

Art

If you haven’t yet ordered your own #WearGreenForJonty wristband, EN can confirm that the good people at weargreenforjonty.co.uk are shipping orders to North America. You can also buy polo shirts, stickers, dog bandanas and belts. All proceeds go to the David Foster Injured Riders Fund.

You can also support Jonty’s recovery by entering Majyk Equipe’s #WearGreenForJonty giveaway. To enter to win this special green-themed prize pack, all you need to do is make a donation to the David Foster Injured Riders Fund. EN has raised more than €450 so far in support of Jonty’s recovery. Click here for details.

Please continue to join the EN team in putting every possible positive vibe into the universe as Jonty fights hard in his recovery.

#EventerProblems Vol. 151 from Ecovet: Hang in There, Horse Show Boyfriend

By on Jul 17, 2018 1:38 pm -

A new presence on Instagram caught my eye this week, @thehorseshowboyfriend.

I don’t know who he is or what lady eventer he belongs to (good job dragging him to Kentucky!), but as the proud owner of a #horseshowboyfriend turned #horseshowhusband myself (look at him go!) …

#1 horse show husband

A post shared by Leslie Wylie (@lesliewylie1) on

… I feel compelled to officially welcome this guy into the community and cheer him on.

Hang in there, #horseshowboyfriend. With hard work and patience, and some more patience, you’ll go far. Take it away, boys!

Brant Flanagan, horse show husband extraordinaire 😘.

A post shared by Emily Flanagan (@emilyarline7231) on

Yep, pretty much! Go Eventing.

Take Part in Something Great: BYOWB at Rebecca Farm

By on Jul 17, 2018 11:00 am -

Are you headed to The Event at Rebecca Farm this week? Make sure to pack your own refillable water bottle because it’s BYOWB this year.

As thousands of competitors, volunteers and spectators flock to Kalispell, MT, the Broussard family is placing more emphasis on the sustainability of their destination event with their “Bring Your Own Water Bottle” incentive.

“We host thousands of people every year – it’s a privilege and we love doing it. It’s also a big responsibility. That many folks in one place for a relatively short amount of time can have a big impact on the community. In every way possible, we want to ensure it’s a positive impact,” said event organizer, Sarah Broussard. “That’s why you’re going to hear a lot more this year about BYOWB – bring your own water bottle, that is, and we’re inviting the community to jump in with both feet.”

Photo by Sara Broussard.

The event has installed water bottle filling stations around the competition venue, in addition to the traditional recycling stations for plastic, aluminum and cardboard.

“We’re providing water bottle filling stations around the grounds and hoping to promote healthy habits, increased water intake, and sustainability among our guests. This is a huge event and if everybody reduces plastic waste, even just a little bit, we can make a big difference,” Sara said. “Keep an eye out for recycling stations and please take a moment to separate out your recyclables. Your partnership helps our volunteers who will be sorting at the end of each day.”

EN applauds this effort for sustainability in our sport. If you are going to Rebecca Farm this week, join in and BYOWB!

The Event at Rebecca Farm kicks off this week, July 18-22, in Kalispell, MT. In addition to competition from Novice through CCI3* level, the event will also host the prestigious FEI North American Youth Championships (NAYC). Our own Leslie Wylie will be the boots on the ground this week, so stay tuned for much more from beautiful Rebecca Farm.

The Event at Rebecca Farm: Website, Schedule, Entries/Ride Times, EN’s Coverage

[It’s BYOWB at The 2018 Event at Rebecca Farm]

The Wonders of WEG: Dr. Anne Baskett on Caring for The Stars of The Show

By on Jul 17, 2018 8:50 am -

Photo courtesy of Dr. Anne Baskett.

Coordinating the veterinary care of an estimated 900 of the world’s most elite performance horses is an unimaginable job – and an eventer took it on.

Dr. Anne Baskett, who evented through the Intermediate level in her native Canada, is co-managing the veterinary services operations at the World Equestrian Games alongside her husband, veterinary surgeon Dr. Bill Hay. Anne has over 15 years of experience as an FEI eventing, dressage, and show jumping veterinary delegate and was a selector vet for the Canadian Eventing Team when they won the silver medal at WEG in 2010.

Constructing the plan for WEG started over a year ago. Today, less than two months before the first horses arrive in Tryon, every conceivable detail is outlined in the official WEG 2018 vet services and bio-security manuals, and plans are underway for constructing a temporary on-site vet clinic.

I talked to Anne at Tryon Equine Hospital, the facility she runs with Bill.

What are you and Bill responsible for in this role?

As Veterinary Services Operations Managers, we coordinate care for all WEG horses from the time they arrive until they leave the TIEC grounds. I’ve identified all the vets needed at the site – about 80 from around the world who are volunteering their time. And that number doesn’t even include team vets, FEI vet delegates, regulatory USDA and NCDA vets, volunteer specialists for illness and bio-security, and on-course vets for endurance and cross-country. We work closely with the team vets to handle any injuries during the games and are organizing equipment, meds, bio-security, treatments, and on-course vet presence.  

You’re an eventer. How will that help you navigate your role at WEG?

I’ve competed in eventing and been an FEI treating vet and official so I know, because of cross-country, event horses (and endurance horses) will likely require the most post-competition care of all the WEG horses.

Eventing is a sport where everyone wants to help, in spite of all the moving parts. I’ve always gravitated to the eventing community. Eventers are passionate about their horses and it makes it easier to treat their equine partners. Eventers tend to have a good knowledge of horsemanship because they have to. Dealing with a range of treatment scenarios from eventing has given me a template for the three-phase driving event and endurance.

You’ve worked on this for over a year. When do you start working directly with the WEG horses?

The first horses touch down on September 2nd. They’ll arrive at different airports depending on where they’re coming from. Ten flights from Europe will fly into Greenville-Spartanburg airport, about 45 minutes from the venue. These horses will do their pre-arrival quarantine in a specially constructed barn at TIEC. Horse ambulances and veterinarians will escort the horses from the airport. Other horses from South America and Asia/Australia will fly into Miami or Chicago and arrive by van at TIEC.

Each plane ships 50-75 horses and arrives on different days so horses don’t have to wait at the airport and can rotate through quarantine.

What do you say to people who worry about bio-security?

Actually, the overall disease risk is assessed as very low because of the extraordinary health and fitness of these horses. They are the most elite athletes treated with the highest standards of preventive medicine and veterinary care. They are so closely monitored . . . every movement and contact is tracked long before they arrive. These horses come healthy and fit. The bio-security plan is similar to the London 2012 Olympics, just on a bigger scale.

Dr. Baskett watches intently during a horse inspection at the Bromont International Three-Day Event. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

What plans are in place for treatment?

The team vet is the first line of treatment, although not every team will have its own vet and we’ll provide veterinary care if a team needs it. Whenever a horse is in training or competition, vets are on the field of play and at the rings.

We’ll also have a clinic set up at TIEC with experts in imaging, surgery, and internal medicine. It’s essentially a full-on temporary facility complete with stalls, onsite radiology and ultrasound, a pharmacy, lab services, tech support, and imaging. Tryon Equine Hospital, University of Georgia, and NC State will serve as referral centers for emergencies.

Are there different approaches to caring for horses in non-eventing disciplines?

Different disciplines have different challenges. One thing I’m convinced of after all these years of treating horses and keeping them well, is how much fitness plays a part in keeping any horse healthy and sound. And WEG horses are certainly fit.

What excites you most about your role?

Having this level of competition here in our hometown and being up close to the top horses in the world. Compared to the Olympics, WEG is much bigger in scope because of the multiple disciplines. It will be an incredible experience being behind the scenes and working with vets from all over the world.

Dr. Baskett enjoys a light-hearted moment during The Fork at Tryon. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

What are the biggest challenges?

One challenge is keeping everything organized at such a big venue. We’re lucky that Dr. Yves Rossier will share the role of managing the veterinary aspects of all the different competitions and the onsite clinic. It would be impossible with just one person.

It’s always challenging from a people perspective, because team vets, riders, and everyone involved with a horse’s success – they all care very deeply about treating their own horse. I understand where the competitors are coming from in terms of managing the rules and regulations . . . and balancing that with the ultimate responsibility to the horse.

Hopefully there won’t be any emergent issues that prevent competitors from participating, and that any injuries to horses are treatable. I know the heartbreak that can come with all that.

You and Bill spent 20 years together building a practice, constructing a facility, and raising two girls. How do you make it work?

Somehow we come to a division of labor without much need for a discussion. I guess we gravitate toward the things we’re good at. Bill is bricks and mortar and foundation. Everything on top, how it’s presented, turns out to be my domain. Bill has more of a role in the design and building of things like the vet clinic, and I focus more on the vets and staffing. For WEG, we will continue as we did during the test events, dividing up tasks as they come along.

What do you look forward to most after the last horse leaves the grounds?

Sleep! And eventing my young homebred, Blue Rodeo (aka Stanley). I hope I remember how to ride! I’ll also be happy to get back to treating horses.

Tuesday News & Notes from Chillax

By on Jul 17, 2018 12:01 am -

William Slater with Bruce Davidson.

Did you catch yesterday’s talent spot? 6-year-old William Slater is ready to take the eventing world by storm—with help from his super pony named Mark Twain. This kid has all the natural ability and he just seems to love it. If you see him around at an event near you be sure to cheer him on! Check out his 2028 Olympic Talent Watch here. Go William.

National Holiday: National Peach Ice Cream Day

Events Opening This Week:  FEH/YEH/NEH Qualifier (MD, A-2) Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (GA, A-3) Silverwood Farm Fall H.T. (WI, A-4) Woodland Stallion Station H.T. (CA, A-6) USEA AEC, Adequan Gold Cup Finals, and ATC Finals (CO, A-9) Park Equine KY Classique H.T. (KY, A-8)

Events Closing This Week:  FEH/YEH/NEH Qualifier (MD, A-2) Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (GA, A-3) Silverwood Farm Fall H.T. (WI, A-4) Woodland Stallion Station H.T. (CA, A-6) USEA AEC, Adequan Gold Cup Finals, and ATC Finals (CO, A-9) Park Equine KY Classique H.T. (KY, A-8) FEH/YEH/NEH Qualifier (MD, A-2) Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (GA, A-3) Silverwood Farm Fall H.T. (WI, A-4) Woodland Stallion Station H.T. (CA, A-6) USEA AEC, Adequan Gold Cup Finals, and ATC Finals (CO, A-9) Park Equine KY Classique H.T. (KY, A-8)

Tuesday News: 

A recent study revealed that many popular helmets offer poor side impact protection. A Swedish insurance company, Folksam, tested 15 helmet types and found that many only protected against perpendicular impact. Each of the helmets tested meet current industry standards. [15 Helmets Tested Reveal Poor Side Impact Protection]

Dog owners: Keep Fido on a leash! The FEI has proposed a fine of 100 Swiss Franc ($100 USD) for any loose dogs at International competition. This would be the first dog-related rule from FEI. Honestly, it’s a safety issue, so continue to keep a close eye on your pups. [Fines for loose dogs at major horse events]

Have you entered Majyk Equipe’s #WearGreenForJonty giveaway? To enter to win the prize pack, all you need to do is make a donation to the David Foster Injured Riders Fund. We have raised more than €400 so far in support of Jonty’s recovery. [#WearGreenForJonty Giveaway]

Surefire Farm is offering another cross country schooling day, Saturday, July 21st 8am-4pm.  The schooling fee is $60 and all riders must sign a waiver. [Website]

Tuesday Video: 

Which product does Olympic medalist Phillip Dutton trust to keep his horses calm and focused at the biggest events in the world? Chillax. Learn more.

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