Doug Payne & Vandiver, co-leaders after dressage day one at Millbrook. Photo by Kate Samuels.
Millbrook day two is underway, and my nose is already sunburnt. My horse was good-ish yesterday, but he’s a magical unicorn and scores well even when he feels like a soon-to-be-imploding-firecracker. Actually, he held it together pretty well. At the age of fifteen, maybe he is finally coming into his own? Tomorrow I’ll be doing some more coverage of the upper level dressage, as well as some course walks, so stay tuned!
The Jersey Fresh International Organizing Committee is pleased to announce that they will expand competition access to additional acreage abutting its present Cross-Country courses. The area has most recently been available to JFI for competitor hacking during the Event but will now be readied for 2017 competition. The arrangement making this property available is intended to be a precursor of longer-term plans to obtain additional space for future events. [Jersey Fresh Expands]
Tryon International Equestrian Center is ready for the AECs in just four short weeks! With over 500 entries for the competition, people are chomping at the bit to get down there. Next week Tryon is going to release drone footage of each cross country course, so that everyone can have a look-see at the courses. The USPC Championships a week ago were a good test run of the Prelim, Training, Novice and Beginner Novice levels, and Tryon is confident in their ability to provide a unique experience for the AECs. [Tryon International Prepares for AEC Domination]
Don’t forget Jenni and The Team in Rio!! She’s down there getting pecked at by mosquitos for all of us, and keeping us up to date with the behind the scenes action as all the best riders in the world prepare for the ultimate test. [Behind the Scenes in Rio]
My horse has really sensitive leg skin, and he’s always getting rubs and weird skin situations from boots when I ride. However, I always bring these Dressage Sport Boots to shows, because I know in the most important of times, these boots will not rub him at all, and they actually protect his legs should he make a bad decision and whack himself spooking at the 10,000th port-a-potty. [SmartPak Product of the Day]
Leaders Kim Severson & Fernhill Fearless. Photo by Kate Samuels
Dressage got underway today at Millbrook Horse Trials, with four rings of various different levels running throughout the day. The Advanced began this afternoon, with 16 of the total 43 combinations performing their dressage tests today. Millbrook is the unofficial start to the fall season, so many horses are doing their first Advanced competition here, but most experienced pairs are just getting their mojo going for the fall season.
After a spring season that was admittedly uncertain, Kim feels that she’s finally really getting to know “Sparky” on the flat, and he’s stronger than ever in the quality of his movement. “He was really excellent,” she said to me in the stables afterwards. “I feel like he’s able to relax and perform more than last year. I’ve seen parts of the cross country, and it all looks really good, and I just have to stay out of his way on Saturday. He’s always an amazing cross country horse, and all I have to do is put the pieces together.”
Doug Payne & Vandiver. Photo by Kate Samuels.
Doug Payne came in later in the day to even the score with Kim and Sparky, notching a 28.4 with Vandiver. “Quinn” is showing signs of great improvement on the flat under Doug’s tutelage, and we are seeing signs of brilliance as he comes along. “I was very happy with him today,” said Doug. “The plan is to make the most of the fall events in order to solidify our partnership and improve his performance all around. He’s the most genuine horse I’ve worked with to date, and can’t wait to see what develops in the coming months and years.” Doug was also quick to thank Debi Crowley, who partners in ownership with Doug on the horse, but also bred him and started him under saddle.
Buck Davidson sits in third place on The Apprentice after a fluid and accurate test on the very experienced gelding to score a 29.3, as well as fifth place on Park Trader with a 32.9, who will be the trailblazer for the weekend. Kristen Bond slips into fourth place on a 30.4 riding her own I’m Sew Ready. The scores are already incredibly close, and we are excited for more action tomorrow, with several big names on the entry list.
Will Coleman & Butch Cassidy. Photo by Photography In Stride.
Intermediate A completed their dressage today, with twenty-two pairs in the division. Will Coleman leads with way with Butch Cassidy (but no Sundance Kid…) on a 26.3, closely followed by Randy Ward riding Grando on a 28.3. Yours truly is nipping at their heels with a 29 on my fat pony, who was kind enough to focus for a few minutes to show some moments of good behavior. This division waits until Saturday to do cross country, while some of the lower levels put on their air vests tomorrow at the same time as the remainder of upper level dressage divisions continue.
We are lucky enough to have Miranda Akins of Photography In Stride assisting us here at Millbrook, as sometimes schedule conflicts make it a bit difficult to compete and do proper coverage at the same time! Keep checking back for more updates tomorrow, including a course walk and a finale on the dressage action.
Buck Davidson & Park Trader. Photo by Kate Samuels.
Erin Sylvester & Mettraise. Photo by Kate Samuels.
Sharon White & Cooley On Show. Photo by Kate Samuels.
Leaders Kim Severson & Fernhill Fearless. Photo by Kate Samuels.
Kim Severson & Fernhill Fearless. Photo by Kate Samuels.
Holly Payne Caravella & Never Outfoxed. Photo by Kate Samuels.
Will Coleman & Tight Lines. Photo by Kate Samuels.
Kelly Prather & Truly Wiley. Photo by Kate Samuels.
Booli Selmayr & Jaeda. Photo by Kate Samuels.
Buck Davidson & The Apprentice. Photo by Kate Samuels.
Caroline Martin & Spring Easy. Photo by Kate Samuels
Doug Payne & Vandiver. Photo by Kate Samuels.
Erin Sylvester & Paddy The Caddy. Photo by Kate Samuels.
Will Coleman & Butch Cassidy. Photo by Photography In Stride.
Randy Ward & Grando. Photo by Photography In Stride.
Kate Samuels & Nyls du Terroir. Photo by In Stride Photography.
Holly Payne Caravella & Bruisyard Hall. Photo by In Stride Photography.
Sara Kozumplik Murphy & Catchascatchcan. Photo by In Stride Photography.
And many thanks to Marion Latta de Vogel for this Millbrook day 1 highlight video.
Phillip Dutton and Boyd Martin hack back to stabling following this afternoon's ring familiarization. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Bom dia from Rio! We’re counting down the hours to tomorrow’s early morning first horse inspection, and with the competition about to kick off, there’s definitely a perceptible air of anticipation at the Olympic Equestrian Center in Deodoro.
All the members of Team USA, from the riders and support crew to the owners and grooms, are pumped to be here; it’s an infectious excitement you feel as soon as you walk into the venue. Lauren Kieffer succinctly summarized the feeling: “We’re at the Olympics, man!”
Indeed, we’re finally here. The team has had all week to settle in since arriving on Saturday night, and we caught up with each of them to hear their impressions of Rio and the equestrian venue, plus their thoughts on seeing Pierre Michelet’s cross country course for the first time today.
Clark Montgomery, who comes into these Games as a strong contender to win an individual medal with Loughan Glen, really encapsulated the intensity of competing in the Olympics when he said that Glen’s season has been all about peaking at precisely the correct time in Rio.
“The whole year has been about continually increasing his work and prepping him so he peaked at the right moment. We definitely are getting there. We’re right on track,” he said.
“The venue is gorgeous, and we’re really starting to feel the pressure of the competition now that we’re getting to the day before the jog. The course is very beefy, not necessarily in that all the jumps are huge, but it’s extremely technical. It’s a lot more twisty than I expected, with even more terrain that I expected. The time is going to be hard to make as well. I believe cross country is going to be very influential.”
Clark Montgomery and Loughan Glen. Photo by Jenni Autry.
‘A Serious Course’
We’ll be posting a fence-by-fence preview of the course from a variety of different angles tomorrow, and in the meantime you can check out photos courtesy of our good friends at Horse & Hound. Lauren Kieffer agreed with Clark on two key fronts: The facility is lovely and cross country is poised to shake up the leaderboard come Monday.
“The venue is great, and the footing is amazing. It feels like the Olympics. The course is serious; it’s not soft by any means. We brought good cross country horses to Rio, so we just need to go out and do our jobs,” she said.
“It feels like a Pierre track for sure. We didn’t necessarily know what to expect, but we know what he tends to do because we’ve been around Pau and some of his other courses. We’ve been schooling those types of questions, so hopefully we’ve dotted all our i’s and crossed all our t’s coming into this.”
As for how Team Rebecca’s Veronica has settled into her home away from home in Rio, “Troll” is thriving in the beautiful weather conditions, with low humidity and temperatures hovering comfortably in the 70s.
“She loves Brazil. She’s such a good traveler. I’ve never met a horse that loves traveling as much as she does. She came off the plane with her ears pricked,” Lauren said.
“I think going to Ocala was a great prep to prepare the horses for the weather. It’s warm here, but there’s a great breeze. The horses feel so fresh, and they really like it here. The grass areas around the venue also have really great footing. We got to go on a gallop yesterday on the same footing that will be on cross country, and it feels super.”
Emma Ford, Joanie Morris and Shannon Kinsley on the move. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Super Grooming
As for Veronica’s head honcho Shannon Kinsley, she said the grooms have also been very pleased with everything from the roomy stalls for the horses to the quality of their accommodations, which have them staying just a stone’s throw from the venue.
(It’s worth noting that the housing conditions at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio are somewhat legendary due to the fact that the grooms lived in shipping containers. Rio has come a long way since then!)
“The venue is set up really well, and the USEF and USOC went all out to make sure we have everything we need,” Shannon said. “The stalls are monstrous, and the horses are happy because the weather is better than what we came from in Florida. I flew over with them, and they all shipped great.”
With the Olympic dressage horses now moved into the venue and the show jumpers scheduled to move in soon, Shannon said the venue has a real international feel to it, similar to what you see in Aachen with so many different disciplines running simultanously.
Super groom Emma Ford agreed what that assessment. “For us grooms the big thing is having the dressage horses at the venue with us, and soon the jumpers will arrive too,” Emma said. “Now we’ve got the dressage grooms to add to the mix, which has been great. You get to chat with them and meet new people while you’re out hand grazing the horses.”
Having a spacious grassy area at the venue to hand graze the horses is another major improvement over the 2007 Pan American Games, Emma said. “We weren’t allowed to hand graze the horses at all then, so this has been so much better. The horses are also really relaxed in stabling.”
In fact, Emma said this is just about the most relaxed she’s ever seen HND Group’s Mighty Nice, who cheerfully cruised through his flat school and ring familiarization this afternoon. (I really can’t emphasize enough how happy and relaxed all the U.S. team horses look. Rio has been very good to them thus far, and we also have to give a shout out to team sports therapist Jo-Ann Wilson for working her magic with massages.)
Lauren Kieffer and Veronica. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Trailblazer and Anchor
If you missed EN’s interview with Phillip Dutton and Boyd Martin that went up earlier in the day on our Facebook page, you can click here to watch it, or read on for their comments on what they think of the whole Rio experience this far.
“The facilities are much much better than I expected, Phillip said. “The horses are really happy in the big stalls. The weather is perfect. As far as how Happy’s doing, he lost a bit of weight coming over, but he’s put it all back on now. He’s gained 20 pounds since we’ve been here.”
Phillip schooled different parts of his dressage test today and has more time than any of his teammates to put on the final bits of polish, as he is currently slated to be the last out of the startbox as the team’s anchor on cross country. If that plan stands, Phillip will do his dressage test Sunday afternoon.
As for Phillip’s first impressions of the course (remember he’s about to compete in his sixth Oympic Games): “It’s tough. I think it’s the toughest Olympic course since Sydney (in 2000) that I’ve been to. I definitely think that if you win a medal here, you’re going to deserve it. It’s a proper four-star.”
In contrast to Phillip’s anchor status on the team, Boyd is currently slated to be the trailblazer with the Blackfoot Mystery Syndicate’s Blackfoot Mystery, who also looks to be in beautiful condition. (I promise I’m not exaggerating when I say the horses look fantastic. All credit goes to the super grooms!)
“He trained really well in Ocala and he got here in one piece. He lost a bit of weight, but we seemed to have got that back on him pretty quickly. He’s been working well. We did a gallop yesterday and have done a bit of dressage every day. He’s going as well as he’s ever gone on the flat, so I’m quite pumped,” Boyd said.
“The word is I’ll be going out first for the team, which is a bit nerve-wracking for me just because we walked the cross country today and it’s a proper, proper test. It’s probably the toughest course I’ve seen since (the 2014 World Equestrian Games in) Normandy. I’m quietly nervous, but the moment’s nearly here, and it’s time to execute.”
Boyd Martin and Blackfoot Mystery. Photo by Jenni Autry.
‘Get the Job Done’
Coach David O’Connor said the team’s strategy this week has been progressively building to the final day before the competition begins. “We had a quiet couple days early in the week literally playing around. The horses had a little jump and then had a dressage day today, like we would on a normal week. I think they all look happy,” David said.
“I think everyone is comfortable with what they’re doing. The big thing is you don’t go over the top. That’s why in the first few days we keep it simple. We go for a hack in jumping saddles, then we get the riders to do some tourist things. Yesterday we started to focus and narrow it down more. I feel very comfortable mentally with where we are.”
A strong mental game will be critically important considering the steep task Pierre has laid out for these horses and riders. “It’s going to be very technical. The time is going to be very tough. It’s very Pierre Michelet with a lot of three-stride combinations and a lot of forward distances to a big angle. Getting the horses’ eyes on the jump and getting them understanding it is the number one job,” David said.
“I agree with Phillip that it’s probably the toughest Olympic course since Sydney as far as how much influence it will have. And that’s a good thing. It’s a good thing for us, and it’s a good thing for the competition. You’re going to have to be very smart and very much in the moment the whole way around and know what your strengths and weaknesses are.”
As for how David feels about being at his first Olympics as U.S. coach: “You force yourself to think of it as just another show. I couldn’t be more honored to be here with these people. It’s special to coach your own team after your athletic career,” he said.
“But now it’s a job. It’s a job for all of us. We realize that job, and we take that job very seriously. We know the responsibility, and we take that responsibility very seriously. Everybody in this group has the respect of everyone else. That’s why you see the camaraderie — because they respect each other. They’re here representing the country, but they’re also here to get the job done.”
Phillip Dutton and Mighty Nice. Photo by Jenni Autry.
Back to the Olympic Village
If the horses seem happy and relaxed, then Team USA seems to be in an equally good place mentally. One has to wonder how much of that has to do with the fact that the team is staying in the Olympic Village this year for the first time since Atlanta in 1996.
While Joanie Morris, USEF Managing Director for Eventing, said the logistics of navigating a traffic-burdened Rio largely influenced the decision to have the team stay in the Olympic Village , it also has the added advantage of ensuring the riders have the full athlete experience.
“We felt like there could be some real challenges with transportation, so it was a decision we made after London,” she said. “But you also have to consider that it’s the Olympics. It should feel a little different. It’s not a normal horse show when you stay in a hotel and have the same routine you always do. The Olympic Village is a huge part of the experience.”
Having stayed in a hotel for his Olympic debut in London, Boyd said he has really enjoyed the experience of staying in the village with the other Olympic athletes.
“I’ve been playing beach volleyball at night with the New Zealand team and going to the gym and keeping an eye on the weightlifters and boxers,” Boyd said. “It’s been very inspiring watching everyone prepare for their events.”
U.S. team traveling reserve Lynn Symansky and Donner. Photo by Jenni Autry.
‘The Ultimate’
“Inspiring” is a good word to sum up the whole experience of being in Rio so far. There’s something almost sacred about an Olympic Games. As riders, it’s something we all dream about at some point in our lives. This common competitive drive and love for these amazing animals binds us together.
Caroline Moran, one of the members of the HND Group that owns Mighty Nice, candidly captured the emotions we’re all feeling on the eve of the first horse inspection here in Rio.
“To be here not just with the top riders in eventing but also the top riders from the other disciplines that I’ve only ever read about makes it a totally different experience,” Caroline said. “As someone who came into eventing not that long ago, Rolex was always the ultimate for me, and I never thought that I would be at an Olympics. This is definitely the ultimate.”
I’ll be adding more photos to this post, so keep checking back. The first horse inspection starts at 8:30 a.m. local time, 7:30 a.m. EST. There is no live stream, but EN will be live tweeting @eventingnation. Orders of go will be released following the first horse inspection, so keep checking back to EN. Go Eventing.
FEI, you guys have had some weird ideas before (the whole “equestrian triathlon” debacle springs to mind) but we think you guys have truly outdone yourselves this time. Don’t worry, readers. It’s just the global governing body of horse sport that created this masterpiece. If the world didn’t find the equestrian sports confusing before, they sure as hell will now.
Best Twitter comment on the video:
FB: “It seems there must not be much drug testing in FEI’s marketing department. Nobody came up with that sober.” https://t.co/A23Xu6uCwy
Olympic madness is upon us and excitement is building as the riders and horses settle in for the event ahead. With the first horse inspection scheduled for Friday, let’s take a closer look at the equine competitors for these Olympic Games.
Stay tuned for more editions of ‘At a Glance’ as the Games go on!
Dressage begins today at New York’s Millbrook Horse Trials, and as the sun set on the eve of the competition the show grounds were bustling with horses and riders getting their game faces in place.
Photographer Miranda Akins of Photography In Stride is on the scene with her lens and kindly sent us a few candids capturing the atmosphere. Be sure to follow Photography In Stride on Instagram here!
I just arrived at Millbrook yesterday, one of my very favorite events to attend! It takes me about eight hours to get here, which wasn’t that bad really, and the weather is glorious. This event is hands down one of the best run, most picturesque event venues that I have ever been to, which is why I keep coming back every year! I’m excited to compete as well as bring you updates as I can, while Jenni is off to Rio to do your full Olympic coverage. Also, if you’re here at Millbrook with me, they’re providing a live stream of Olympic action that you can enjoy once it gets underway!
If you’re watching or following the Olympic equestrian coverage, talk about it! The IOC is measuring interest in each sport and as usual, equestrian is on the cusp. Use the hashtags #JointheJourney and #TwoHearts on social media to indicate your interest in eventing, dressage, or show jumping and help let the IOC know that our sport has a huge fan base. [Fans Urged to Support Equestrian Sport]
Remember that awesome boot of Lauren Kieffer’s that got made into a glorious piece of art to benefit The Brooke? We told you about it a little while ago, and now that Lauren is down in Rio getting ready to bring home glory for Team USA, the boot is on display at Millbrook, with a silent auction active now through Saturday. You can even bid online if you’re not here in person. The winner of the boot will be announced Saturday night, so get your bids in! [Lauren Kieffer’s Rolex Boot]
Help a fellow eventer out! EN reader and eventing enthusiast Emma Hinke is running an online questionnaire regarding the relative safety of different disciplines and different helmets. She has a short ten question survey, incentivized by a random drawing for a $25 gift card to Riding Warehouse, so take two seconds and fill out her online poll! [‘Fraidy Cat Eventing Survey]
Did you know that most horses doing typical arena work aren’t getting into the heart-rate zone needed to improve their fitness? Are you looking to get your horse into the conditioning zone and best shape of its life?
The KER ClockIt™ Sport mobile app, developed by Kentucky Equine Research (KER), is a smartphone mobile app that thousands of equestrians worldwide use to track their horse’s exercise and conditioning progress. The app tracks the duration and intensity of exercise in conjunction with an equine heart-rate monitor. Horse owners and trainers can use this data to condition and feed each horse appropriately for the work they are doing.Using KER ClockIt Sport to record your rides not only gives you valuable insights into your horse’s fitness, but you can now win a prize! Share your ClockIt sessions for a chance to win the KER and Eventing Nation Show Us Your Sessions Sweepstakes.
Between now and October 28, use the GPS on your KER ClockIt™ Sport app to draw or write something fun and submit your sessions for chances to win. Draw a horse, a flower, the KER logo or, if you dare, a self-portrait. Be silly, be creative, and most importantly, have fun riding! For more information, visit the website.
Interested in downloading the app? It’s free and available for both iPhones and Androids.
While all eyes are on Team USA down in Rio this week, the sun continues to rise and set on national-level events here in the states. One we’ll certainly be keeping tabs on is Millbrook Advanced Horse Trials in Dutchess County, New York.
Millbrook is a fantastic summer event that draws entries from near and far, and it’s easy to see why. As Jenni put it when she covered the event last year, “From the beautiful scenery to the quality of the competition and the hospitality to the support of the local community, Millbrook is an event everyone should attend at least once. Or, if you’re like me, you keep coming back year after year.”
The 2015 Advanced title was won, for the fourth time, by Buck Davidson and Ballynoe Castle RM — featured along with other top riders in this promo video by Marion Latta de Vogel. Who’ll follow in their footsteps for 2016? Check out Maggie’s “By the Numbers: Millbrook Advanced” post for some clues about who the smart money is on, and keep it locked here throughout the weekend to find out!
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Wiser Concepts supplements are available only through your veterinarian. Learn more at KPPvet.com.
Photo by Shannon Brinkman, official photographer of The Event at Rebecca Farm.
The numbers have been crunched, and a grand total has been produced: an incredible sum of $120,000 was raised for Halt Cancer at X at last week’s The Event at Rebecca Farm.
“I’m absolutely blown away by the support. At $120,000, that’s almost twice what was raised last year,” said event organizer Sarah Broussard. “In the past we’ve raised between $50,000 and $80,000 so when I checked the board this weekend and saw we were over the $100,000 mark, I was thinking, ‘you’ve got to be kidding me.’ To see this huge outpouring of support has been incredible.”
Bobby Stevenson, member of the ground jury, in the Halt Cancer for X Challenge. Photo by Shannon Brinkman, official photographer of The Event at Rebecca Farm.
Her gratitude makes sense because the Halt Cancer at X initiative is very personal for Broussard. She founded Halt Cancer at X in 2012 after her mother, the late Rebecca ‘Becky’ Broussard (for whom Rebecca Farm is named) passed away from breast cancer. Since 2012, the Halt Cancer at X initiative has raised and contributed approximately $250,000 in funds to national cancer research and local support services for cancer. The Halt Cancer at X’s primary focus is breast cancer but in the Flathead Valley, with a close-knit community of medical services, funds for breast cancer often serve a dual role by providing resources to those with other forms of cancer.
“When we started Halt Cancer, a lot of people gathered pledges or gave because they knew and loved my mom,” Broussard shares. “I think the fact that $120,000 was raised this weekend is a testament to the fact that a wider network of support is growing, not only in the eventing community, but here in the Flathead. Seeing people from all walks of life take pride in Halt Cancer at X is encouraging.”
Broussard credits the increased engagement to a diversified approach to Halt Cancer at X at the 2016 event.
This article has been edited from a press release.
USEA CEO Robert Burk in the Halt Cancer at X Challenge. Photo by Shannon Brinkman, official photographer of The Event at Rebecca Farm.
She explains: “As Halt Cancer has grown we’ve recognized the need to give people a variety of ways to participate. There are so many different kinds of people who have been impacted by cancer, and we want to be part of the solution. When I started Halt Cancer, it was pretty much just pledges and donations. Today, there’s a place for everyone to participate in Halt Cancer at X, whether it’s by participating in the Rebecca Farm to Market 5k Fun Run, making a $10 parking donation, or bidding for a Halt Cancer at X saddle pad. There truly is a chance for everyone to take part in something great.”
One of the 2016 additions to Halt Cancer at X highlights a national partnership with an eventing-circuit favorite, Fleeceworks. This year, as part of The Event at Rebecca Farm, Fleeceworks rolled out its “Pads with a Purpose,” partnering with Halt Cancer at X to develop saddle pads for those who “Ride for a Cause.” Fleeceworks’ saddlepads were customized with Halt Cancer at X branding and used by top international-level riders during The Event. They were then donated as auction items at an evening gathering. The 33 pads auctioned garnered an impressive total of $7,500.
Photo by Shannon Brinkman, official photographer of The Event at Rebecca Farm.
The local community also came out in force, both to attend The Event at Rebecca Farm and support Halt Cancer at X. A total of $20,000 in parking donations was collected from the 10,000 spectators who took in the four-day event. An additional $2,500 was raised through the Rebecca Farm to Market 5k entry fees. Beyond generous monetary donations, The Event also enjoyed another year of incredible volunteer support, with more than 300 volunteers filling 550 positions.
“I’m incredibly humbled. And not just by the financial contributions, but also by all the volunteers and staff who have worked so hard to grow this initiative. They are the lifeblood of Halt Cancer and The Event,” Broussard said.
Bunny Sexton and her Fleeceworks pad. Photo by Studio Photography 406.
With The 2016 Event at Rebecca Farm now complete, Broussard turns her attentions to the fall and incoming grant applications for the monies raised. In 2015, local grant recipients of Halt Cancer at X included Cancer Support Community Kalispell, Flathead Valley Cancer Chicks, and Flathead Cancer Aid Services. An additional $50,000 was awarded to the Telomere study, a national research project that strives to prevent breast cancer progression through the study of mammary tumor cells.
“It’s exciting to see that the money we raised is going to make a difference, both in our community and at a worldwide level through the support of research,” shares Broussard. “Through Halt Cancer at X, we’re able to ensure that 100% of what is raised goes to programs that are making a difference. I think that’s one of the reasons so many people are getting on board to help.”
To learn more about Halt Cancer at X and The Event at Rebecca Farm visit www.rebeccafarm.org.
This article has been edited from a press release.
Everybody handles stress the differently. For Team USA’s equine athletes, it’s all about keeping those legs stretched and muscles loose:
Happy horses after a little gallop and jump at Deodoro today Phillip Dutton Eventing Boyd Martin Clark Montgomery Lauren Kieffer Eventing Lynn Symansky Equestrian #rio2016
A photo posted by Phillip Dutton Eventing (@duttoneventing) on
When it comes to our human athletes, on the other hand, everybody has their own pre-competition strategies. Personally, I’m a fan of Clark Montgomery’s approach — no shirt, no shoes, no problem.
