Classic Eventing Nation

This post from 2014 is such a Christmas reader favorite, we can’t resist sharing it again! Here we go …

Is that Donner the Reindeer? Read on to find out!

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the farm

not an event horse was stirring in Lynn Symansky’s barn.

All the bridles were hung on their racks with care

horses wondering, “We’re getting tomorrow off, right? That only seems fair.”

Donner was nestled all snug in his stall

dreaming of four-stars and his scheme to conquer them all

and maybe, just maybe, if all goes according to plan

on an Olympic podium in Rio his mom could stand.

When out on the roof there arose such a clatter

Donner sprang up from the ground to see what was the matter.

The barn lights clicked on and Donner peered out his stall

to see a gang of reindeer marching down the hall.

“Yeah, that’s him,” said the one with the glowing red nose.

“Hey Donner!” he exclaimed, and Donner’s heart froze.

“There’s been a mistake!” Donner neighed in desperate plea.

“I’ve heard of the guy you’re looking for — it’s not me!”

But Rudolph, he wouldn’t take no for an answer

nor would Vixen, Cupid, Blitzen, Dasher or Dancer.

Donner followed them outside, his head hung low.

“Mom’s gonna kill me,” he sighed as he walked through the snow.

But then, to his surprise, what did he spot?

A familiar face among Rudolph’s flock!

“Courageous Comet, is that you, dude?” Donner neighed

to a familiar looking, confused-faced gray.

Comet said, “Yeah man, I guess they needed a sub …

a couple of the reindeer have abscesses or something, welcome to the club.”

They stood motionless as Santa hooked them onto the sled

staring up at the sky with a terrible dread.

But Santa, he knew how to make this crowd fly:

“3, 2, 1 … Have a great ride!”

They took off galloping and at the moment when Santa clucked

They gathered their courage, rocked back on their haunches and jumped.

“Hey,” Donner said, “this almost feels like a dream”

Comet snorted: “I guess you could say we made the team!”

For hours they ran and jumped with no regrets

and it made them thankful for all those long trot sets.

At the end of the night Santa dropped them back at the farm

just before the sound of Lynn and Becky’s alarms.

They dozed off, happy memories filling their heads …

saving Christmas was (almost) as fun as country country at WEG!

Merry Christmas and Go Eventing!

Your inner child is waiting for you to apply for this job. Don’t let her down! PC: Alissa King

Have you ever dreamed of writing about your sport for a living? Do you have a perspective and a direction for the hunter jumper universe that you want to share? Are you a self-motivated, well-spoken individual who isn’t afraid to put in the hours for a dream and a paycheck?

Jumper Nation — the newest member of the Nation Media tripod — is looking for a unicorn Assistant Editor who could handle day-to-day operations that include writing articles, coordinating and editing submissions, wielding the power of our awesome social media networks, and being a deciding voice in growing what JN is and what it will become.

This position has the potential to operate as a full or 25-30 hour part-time role for the right person, and is 100% remote. Some travel and coverage of events is possible depending on your location. Salary will be commensurate to experience.

Duties:

• Writing news, features, editorials, show reports and other content for JumperNation.com
• Interviewing experts and developing content from those interviews
• Product Reviews
• Connecting to leaders, companies, and event organizers to bring in outside content and contributors.
• Coordinate with other Nation Media Editors to maintain strong voice and cross-post breaking and universal news.

Requirements:

• Champion Jumper Nation’s mission, vision and values
• Experience in journalism and writing
• Exceptional proofreading and editing skills
• Experience and savvy in both the hunter and jumper rings
• Skills in social media for businesses

Preferred Abilities:

• WordPress Experience
• Interest in / talent for photography helpful
• Knowledge of AP Style
• Knowledge of the US High Performance show jumping program and elite athletes

About Jumper Nation:

Established in 2015, Jumper Nation mission and identity in the Hunter/Jumper community is twofold:

• We are the informed, cheeky friend of the dedicated fan
• The invaluable resource and voice of the hardworking competitor at all levels and every income.

In a sport where the attention can be so focused on only the richest and best, the average amateur and professional riders who are truly the financial and emotional backbone of the H/J world are often overlooked.

We strive to help define the best moments of the elite, widely distribute the captivating stories of the underdog, and generate content that enriches every reader’s connection to their horse, their barnmates, and their discipline.

Come help us tell stories that people will want to talk about in the barn aisle — stories that ultimately betters the sport and the people in it.

To Apply:

Please send a resume and two writing samples (or links to writing samples) to our editor-in-chief, Lorraine Jackson at [email protected] with “Assistant Editor” in the subject line.