Classic Eventing Nation

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Dec 14, 2022 12:01 am -

I somehow missed out on National Day of the Horse yesterday like a dummy, so I’ll just share one of my favorite posts from yesterday here to make up for it. I’ve really enjoyed following the McFall family adventures as they tackle the sport with several of their own homebreds. This family is one that does it all, from breeding sport horses to competing at the upper levels to providing coaching to riders in northern California — they’re fun to follow!

U.S. Weekend Preview

We have arrived at that weird time of year in which there aren’t many events to be found. Enjoy a weekend off, friends!

Wednesday News & Reading

One of the greatest services we can do for our horses is to seek to understand them. In his new book, For the Love of the Horse, Mark Rashid muses on the concept of understanding horse behavior and how these clues can give us a broader picture of how our partner is feeling. [Read more here]

After the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab released its first helmet rankings, opinions swirled. One voice added to the mix is that of the group behind the MIPS technology that has become commonplace in our helmets. They’ve issued a statement addressing the results of the study, and you can read more about it here.

If you’re a fan of the Equestrian Voices podcast, you can show your support by voting for it as the best Sports podcast in this year’s 1st Annual Listener’s Choice Signal Awards. [Cast your vote]

We can all relate to the…er…fun…that is a winter riding lesson. This play-by-play from The Plaid Horse had me rolling (and feeling extremely called out, if I’m being honest…).

Several rule changes were approved or moved forward to the USEF for final consideration at last weekend’s USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in Savannah, GA. More information on the pending rule changes will be released in the coming days, but you can read a summary of the final USEA Board of Governors meeting here.

I’m getting pretty pumped for the London International Horse Show, which kicks off in earnest this week and always signals the true beginning of holiday season, in my opinion. Our friends at Horse & Country will carry the live stream from this year’s competition, and you can view the schedule, subscribe, or buy a one-time pass to watch the action here.

Tack Facts with Sterling Essentials: I think this review from Anna S. of Sterling Essentials (and honestly, what the brand teaches in terms of how to actually care for tack) puts how we feel perfectly: “I have to say, Sterling Essentials will forever change the way I care for my saddles. I was taught to use oils to care and condition my tack, which I never tried anything else because that’s how I was taught! When I tried this… My mind was blown! The cleaner pulled off all the oils that were just sitting on the top of my saddles. Then when I used the conditioner… It truly works itself into the leather to make it soft and restore it and no residue remains. I’m so impressed with this that I will never use anything else on my tack. Thank you for creating an amazing product!”

Sponsor Corner: Don’t forget to snag your holiday deal from Haygain!

Wednesday Video Break

K, I want to see the full camera footage from this — talk about cross country with even more adrenaline, if that was even possible!

Inside EN’s Holiday Gift Guide: Ideas for the Competitive Eventer

By on Dec 13, 2022 2:19 pm -

Does your loved one love nothing more than the feeling of galloping out of the start box? Your shopping list for the competitive equestrian may look a little different than for the casual rider. Here’s our list of everything we think competitive eventers need this holiday season, plucked from our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide.

Workout Shorts & Seamless Underwear in One

Photo courtesy of Eques Pante.

The struggle to put together a beautiful show outfit and avoid panty lines is real. Eques Pantes are unique equestrian underwear that’s designed to give a seamless look, plus all the benefits of athletic underwear. You could even wear these knee-length pants to a yoga class or on a run!

Lightweight Leg Protection

Photo courtesy of World Equestrian Brands.

Eventers are known for protecting their horse’s with intense gear– from heavy duty brushing boots to bell boots made from ballistic material. But sometimes, what you really need is a lightweight breathable wrap that protects from knocks and is breathable in hot weather.
That’s where these Equilibrium Stretch & Flex Flatwork Wraps from World Equestrian Brands come in. These leg wraps are made from unique breathable Stomatex that regulates the skin temperature during work.

A Unique Cooler for the Rider Who Has Everything

Photo courtesy of Horseware.

If there’s one thing to know about horse people, it’s that one hill we will die on is protecting our fave brands. Horseware has a cult following of equestrians who love their blankets (me included!). If you’re shopping for an equestrian who is all about Horseware, this Embossed Jersey Cooler will keep their horse looking sharp in between phases at their next event.

A Half Pad in Their Custom Cross Country Colors

Photo courtesy of World Equestrian Brands.

Eventers are die-hard color enthusiasts. Each rider has their own cross country colors and are constantly looking for more gear in those colors. This Mattes Platinum Half Pad from World Equestrian Brands can be customized into any color combination under the sun!

Keep Your Rider Safe this Holiday Season

Photo courtesy of SmartPak.

If your loved one is an eventer, then you’re probably familiar with that sinking feeling you get when your rider is on course and you hear there’s a hold due to a fall. If that sounds like you, consider this a present for your loved one and for yourself. The Hit Air Advantage Air Vest is the perfect compromise between comfort and security, as it activates only in the event of a fall.

A Saddle Pad That Always Looks Brand New

Photo courtesy of Iconic Equestrian.

Is your rider always washing those big, bulky saddle pads? The Iconic Equestrian 2-in-1 Saddle Pad will save them some effort. This unique saddle part has a breathable and shock absorbing top pad and a removable inner liner pad. This design keeps your horse’s back dry and comfortable while protecting your saddle pad from sweat or dirt build-up. The end result: a saddle pad that stays cleaner for longer.

Boot Crowns for the Dressage Queen

Photo courtesy of Boot Crowns.

The dressage phase of every horse trial gets a bad reputation for being boring. But there are eventers out there, like me, who love the dressage phase. For us eventing Dressage Queens, these boot crowns would be the cherry on top of our show outfits. These Boot Crowns offer the same fancy, big bucks style as custom tall boots for half the cost.

Cozy Winter Breeches

Photo courtesy of LG Moena.

For those equestrians who aren’t lucky enough to head down South for the winter, we scrape through the cold months with the help of warm winter breeches, like the LG Moena Silicone Full Seat Breeches. These highly insulated breeches have a softshell outer layer that even helps to block the wind!

The holidays are stressful enough. Get all of your holiday shopping done in one place thanks to our Nation Media Holiday Gift Guide! Click here to view the Gift Guide in full.

Rest and Recovery: The Secret Weapon You Need to Utilize

By on Dec 13, 2022 1:39 pm -

Rest is crucial – and a good dog or two helps, too! Photo courtesy of Laura Crump Anderson.

When I was writing my book, I wanted to make rest and recovery the first pillar of any rider fitness program. I was talked out of this by more than one person, so eventually, I caved — but it’s still one of the four pillars of a successful exercise program. (Those pillars, in all, are Riding, Strength Training, Flexibility, and, finally Rest and Recovery).

There are only 24 hours in a day and 365 days in a year — and so you’d better be making time for rest and recovery, or injury will sneak up on you. However, most equestrians wear the number of days they have gone without a day off like a badge of honor. That’s especially true currently, when the season in the United States only seems to slow down in November and December, rather than giving way to a true off-season like it used to, and as we still see in other countries. But even with that constant pull to get out and perform, it’s important to incorporate proper rest and recovery techniques through out the year. Down time is when the most growth happens: it is not the strength training session that builds muscle; it actually causes micro tears to the muscle tissue, and through rest and recovery, these micro tears are rebuilt stronger.

 

Rest and Recovery technique #1: Sleep

You need eight hours of sleep at night, and the more active you are, the more sleep you actually need. There are so many physiological processes that are directly impacted by sleep that in this article, I’m going to only scratch the service. Sleep has an impact on muscle growth but also your cardiovascular system, your hormones, your respiratory and immune system, your metabolism, and the way you think and form memories. (Looking for more information? Check out this NIH article!) Your mind and body need to sleep in order to function properly, and there are a couple of simple ways you can improve sleep hygiene: limit screen time one hour before bed, and try to fall asleep and wake up at the same time every day.

Rest and Recovery technique #2: Stop Scrolling Mindlessly

I would rather you sit down and watch a tv show, play a board game, bake a loaf of bread, go for a walk, do a workout, clean tack, clean a stall, journal — anything other than the doom scroll. Do something mindless that gets your brain into the present moment. Using social media as a decompression technique is not only not helpful; it can be quite harmful for your overall wellbeing. That negative impact goes further than the widely maligned mental health issues it can cause — it’s also probably affecting your body, too. Let’s just talk about the impact that “tech neck” is having on the workforce: it comes from bad posture looking at your phone. Your spine has a natural S curve that you want to support with good posture. Since 2020 physical therapy practices across the country have seen a great increase of this issue. If you are going to scroll, set a timer and don’t get lost for more than 20 minutes. There are so many better uses for your time.

Rest and Recovery technique #3: Take Time Off

I am all for a good vacation — but that said, I haven’t taken one since my honeymoon in 2017! It’s important to schedule time off throughout the year and not just save the rest and recovery for a vacation. If you haven’t had a day off in more than ten days, you seriously need to consider rearranging your priorities. Don’t you want to be riding into your 90s like the Queen did? You won’t be if you suffer a major overtraining injury that keeps you out of the tack. This is not just solid advice for those eventers who are 30+, like me. I was actually told by an orthopaedic surgeon that I had the spine of a 90-year-old at the age of 14: this was from heavy wheel barrows, lifting waterbuckets and not respecting the importance of rest and recovery as a working student. It took months to reduce the pain and tingling I was experiencing, and after three months out of the tack and with a lot of physical therapy, I was able to get safely back in the saddle — but I have done damage to my body that I will live with for the rest of my life.

So, when you are sitting around a fire contemplating what you want for your year in 2023, seriously consider making rest and recovery a priority — it’s the most achievable, and probably the most beneficial, resolution you’ll make.

US Equestrian Announces 2023 Eventing Pathway Pre-Elite and Development Program Members

By on Dec 13, 2022 9:00 am -

Allie Knowles and Morswood. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the athletes named to the 2023 Eventing Pre-Elite and Developing Programs. The programs are part of the U.S. Eventing Pathway, which is focused on developing combinations to deliver sustainable success in team competition at the championship level. Learn more about the Eventing Pathway Programs here.

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The following combinations have been approved for the Pre-Elite Program and are listed in alphabetical order:

• Will Coleman (Gordonsville, Va.) with Chin Tonic HS, a 2012 Holsteiner gelding owned by Hyperion Stud, LLC; and Dondante, a 2010 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Team Rebecca, LLC
• Buck Davidson (Unionville, Pa.) with Carlevo, a 2007 Holsteiner gelding owned by Katherine O’Brien
• Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) with Sea of Clouds, a 2011 Thoroughbred gelding owned by Sea of Clouds Partnership
• Liz Halliday-Sharp (Lexington, Ky.) with Cooley Quicksilver, a 2011 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by The Monster Partnership; and Miks Master C, a 2012 Swedish Warmblood gelding owned by Deborah Palmer and Ocala Horse Properties, LLC. The following horses have met the objective criteria for the Development Program: Cooley Nutcracker, a 2014 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Liz Halliday-Sharp, Deborah Halliday, and Ocala Horse Properties, LLC; and Shanroe Cooley, a 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Ocala Horse Properties, LLC
• Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Tsetserleg TSF, a 2007 Trakehner gelding owned by Christine, Thomas, and Tommie Turner

Mia Farley and BGS Firecracker. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The following combinations have been approved for the Development Program and are listed in alphabetical order:

• James Alliston (San Ramon, Calif.) with Nemesis, a 2014 Canadian Warmblood gelding owned by Alliston Equestrian
• Cornelia Dorr (Manchester By The Sea, Mass.) with Daytona Beach 8, a 2010 Oldenburg mare owned by HCS Syndicate
• Mia Farley (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) with BGS Firecracker, her own 2010 Irish Sport Horse mare; and Phelps, a 2013 Thoroughbred gelding owned by David O’Connor
• Gillian Beale King (Malvern, Pa.) with Rebeliant, a 2011 Polish Warmblood gelding owned by Richard Ames
• Allie Knowles (Lexington, Ky.) with Morswood, a 2008 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Katherine O’Brien
• Caroline Martin (Miami Beach, Fla.) with HSH Blake, a 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Caroline Martin, Sherrie Martin, and Mollie Hoff; and Redfield Champion, a 2014 Hanoverian gelding owned by Caroline Martin and Sherrie Martin
• Andrew McConnon (Vass, N.C.) with Ferrie’s Cello, a 2012 Warmblood gelding owned by Jeanne Shigo
• Alexander O’Neal (Reddick, Fla.) with Redtail Penumbra, a 2015 Westphalian mare owned by Elinor MacPhail O’Neal
• Alyssa Phillips (Fort Worth, Texas) with Cornelius Bo, her own 2014 Hanoverian gelding; Oskar, a 2009 Holsteiner gelding owned by Julie Phillips and Alyssa Phillips
• Jenny Caras Roberts (Buckhead, Ga.) with Sommersby, a 2012 Holsteiner gelding owned by Jenny Caras Roberts and Jerry Hollis
• Caitlin Silliman (Paoli, Pa.) with Luska Candy Clover, a 2013 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Besty Curtis
• Elisa Wallace (Reddick, Fla.) with Renkum Corsair, a 2010 Holsteiner gelding owned by Corsair Syndicate, LLC

This announcement follows an earlier list of combinations named to US Equestrian’s Elite Program for 2023.

Tuesday News & Notes from Ocala Horse Properties

By on Dec 13, 2022 2:39 am -

Oh, you thought we didn’t do winter over here in the UK? Our current snowfall would beg to differ. Okay, okay, so it’s nothing on the enormous piles we’d get when I lived in Maine or Virginia, but our little island is ill-prepared for this sort of thing and so we’re all hunkering down and waiting for it to go away, mostly. I’m about to put my tenth layer on to go and muck out and honestly, I’m dreaming of Florida today.

Events Opening Today: Rocking Horse Winter I H.T., Full Gallop Farm January H.T

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:

How do you choose your horse’s supplements? Do you go by anecdotal evidence from your trusted friends, opt for what your barn owner recommends, or pick supplements that are promoted by riders you respect? For one writer and equestrian, getting a nutritionist involved ended up being a game changer in so many ways. Here’s what she learned.

Most barn-related items cost, well, everything. All of it. Even your soul. But there are plenty of ways you can creatively incorporate the items you see at the dollar store into your system with huge rewards — from pool noodles to petroleum jelly. Steal some ideas and go shopping.

There’s nothing like winter, is there, particularly if you’re a busy amateur rider. You probably won’t see the sun while you’re riding for the next few months, but on the flip side, you’ll earn plenty of brownie points for your dedication – even if those after-work lessons feel a bit like this.

Plenty of amendments to rules and new initiatives have come out of the USEA Meeting & Convention. Get the broad overview here.

And finally, horses have been helping people with memory loss and dementia. I’m beginning to think there’s nothing that they can’t do. Check out the story here.

OHP Dream Farm of the Week:

Today’s property pick of the week doesn’t actually come with any equestrian facilities — but its close proximity to WEC means you won’t struggle to find a please to keep your horses, and it’s a rare gem of a thing in that it’s a seasonal rental that you can move into for the winter season! It’s got three bedrooms and three bathrooms, so you can bring along your favorite barn pals and make this a winter to remember.

Watch This:

Thoroughbreds — they’re the best! But after some time off, they can also be the spiciest. We can all relate to British vlogger Lucy Robinson‘s gentle trepidation at getting the ball rolling again.

Monday Video: You’re Going to Hate This Video

By on Dec 12, 2022 5:00 pm -

In a bit of a sick coincidence after Tilly presented you with a bunch of satisfying horsey TikToks just days ago, I’ve now found what might be the most unsatisfying horsey Instagram ever. I’m kind of sorry to share it here with you, but I do feel the need to share my suffering now.

Warning: This video may raise your blood pressure. I’m sorry to your doctor in advance, but also I claim no medical liability and all that, okay?

Click here if you can’t see the embedded video above.

Weekend Winners: Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells Horse Trials

By on Dec 12, 2022 2:38 pm -

The holidays might be swiftly approaching, but resourceful eventers will always find time to go eventing – and plenty of you did so at Full Gallop Farm in Aiken over the weekend! Here’s who topped the leaderboards across the divisions, plus some snaps from across social media to recap the weekend that was.

Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Results]

Preliminary: Nilson Moreira da Silva and Elmo (34.5)

Preliminary/Training: Randy Lander and Deputy Flash (44.3)

Training: Jessica Schulz and Unfolding Blame (29.7)

Training/Novice: Margaret Schneck and Sky Road (33.6)

Novice: Kaitlin Clark and SLE Happy Hour (25.3)

Beginner Novice A: Jessica Schulz and Firefly (22.4)

Beginner Novice B: Jessica Schulz and FGF Margie Darest (31.8)

Starter: Laurie Michelle Wettstone and Redemption Song (24)

 

 

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Five Eventing Legends Inducted into USEA Hall of Fame

By on Dec 12, 2022 9:00 am -

USEA/Meagan DeLisle photo

Attendees of the 2022 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention gathered together on Saturday, December 10 for a celebration of some of the sport’s most influential key players that takes place only once every four years: the USEA Eventing Hall of Fame Gala. This year the USEA Eventing Hall of Fame welcomed five new inductees into its class of esteemed riders, horses, and influencers of the sport. While only one of the inductees could be present themselves this year, the other four were well-represented with acceptance speeches on their behalf from family and close friends.

USEA/Meagan DeLisle photo

The first inductee to be honored was Janie Atkinson. Atkinson is most well known for her contributions to the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event, now Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event, serving as the Executive Vice President of Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) and Event Director from 1984 to 2010. The success and scale of the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event today are thanks in large part to Atkinson’s work. Throughout her career, Atkinson also served as Industry Liaison for the American Horse Council, the Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Council, and Eventing Discipline Director for the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games. Atkinson accepted her trophy while sharing many personal stories from the history of the Horse Park and the development of the Kentucky Three-Day Event.

USEA/Meagan DeLisle photo

Second to be recognized was three-time Olympian and prolific author, the late Brigadier General Harry Chamberlin. Warren Matha accepted the award on the behalf of Chamberlin’s family while taking a look back at Chamberlin’s astounding influence on equestrian sport in the U.S. Chamberlin was a graduate of the American, French and Italian calvary schools for advanced equitation and rode in the 1920, 1928 and 1932 Olympic Games. His top accolades include a Team Gold for the Military, the predecessor to the modern form of eventing, and an individual Silver Medal for the Prix de Nations in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. Col. Chamberlin also wrote two classic and still influential books: Riding and Schooling Horses (1934) and Training Hunters, Jumpers and Hacks (1937), the former a guide for developing “a good rider,” the latter for educating that rider in “breaking and training the horse.”

USEA/Meagan DeLisle photo

Turning the attention to the horses that have made an impact on the history of eventing over the years, Dougie Hannum accepted the trophy on behalf of all of the connections of the esteemed Eagle Lion. Hannum shared many personal accounts of working alongside “Eagle,” including the origin of his nickname of “the flying pig.” Piloted by Bruce Davidson, Sr. throughout his astonishing career, Eagle Lion was the first of only two American horses to ever win the Badminton Horse Trials, and one of few, if not the only, to complete the four-star cross-country course at Badminton double clear four times. Davidson and Eagle Lion collected top five placings at Fair Hill, Burghley, and other attempts at Badminton throughout their partnership and are now memorialized as a bronze statue at the Kentucky Horse Park, where the artist depicted the pair jumping the “Head of the Lake” obstacle of at the Rolex Kentucky Three Day.

USEA/Meagan DeLisle photo

Rumsey Keefe took to the stage to honor the fourth inductee of the evening, her mother Trish Gilbert. Gilbert has worn many hats in the sport of the eventing throughout her lifetime, but perhaps the most influential was her role in bringing the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, only the second five-star event in the U.S. and seventh worldwide, to fruition. Gilbert has been involved with Fair Hill International, Inc., the organizers of eventing competitions at the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, since the beginning as their event director. After successfully hosting the 2003 Pan American Games Eventing Championships and over 30 years of upper-level eventing competitions at the venue, Fair Hill was awarded the five-star designation, in many ways thanks to Gilbert’s work. Gilbert also served as the director of the Blue Ridge Horse Trials, organized the spring three-day U.S. Equestrian Team Championships, was a team selector, the young rider chairman, and served on many USEA boards throughout her career. Keefe shared a letter from Gilbert expressing her gratitude for being honored through this induction and took a trip down memory lane, sharing the influence her mother had on her own life growing up and still has today.

USEA/Meagan DeLisle photo

Perhaps the most comedic acceptance of the evening was that of Brian and David O’Connor’s on behalf of their mother Sally O’Connor. The brothers shared tales of their cross-country trek on horseback organized by Sally and what life was like growing up under her influence. O’Connor has enjoyed a lifetime of involvement in both eventing and dressage, serving in several official roles, including as an FEI Judge (USEF “I” dressage judge and an eventing “R” judge), an eventing steward, the voice of the dressage tests at the then Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event for over 15 years, and press liaison during the 2004 Olympics. Also, an accomplished writer, O’Connor has influenced riders all over the country with her works Practical Eventing and Common Sense Dressage, as well as numerous articles on both disciplines. She has served on the boards of many equestrian institutions including the United States Dressage Association, the United States Pony Club, and as Vice President of Education for the United States Eventing Association.

The USEA thanks these five inductees for their tremendous impact on the sport and congratulates them on their induction into the USEA Eventing Hall of Fame.

12 Days of Giveaways, Day 12: Win a Private Lesson with Liz Halliday-Sharp

By on Dec 12, 2022 9:00 am -

We’re celebrating the final month of 2022 with some free stuff — everyone’s favorite! This year, we’ve partnered with a whole slew of brands for these 12 (or more!) giveaways. There will be plenty you won’t want to miss out on, so remember to check back on Eventing Nation (and also, there are giveaways happening daily over on Horse Nation!) each day through December 12.

It’s the grand finale of our 12 Days of Giveaways, and we’ve saved a very special prize for last! We’ve teamed up with Ocala Horse Properties and Liz Halliday-Sharp to give away a private lesson with Liz at either her Lexington or Ocala home base!

One lucky winner will win the opportunity to take their horse to HS Eventing’s beautiful Ocala, FL or Lexington, KY facility at a mutually agreed upon date for a private lesson with Liz. With the most international wins in the world for three years running, Liz is one of the best riders to learn from. For those unable to transport their horse to Liz in person, a video lesson may also be coordinated.

Congratulations to Leslie M. — you’re our winner!

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Dec 12, 2022 7:42 am -

 

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My favourite thing about December is the abundance of balls and galas on the calendar — and although I had to miss the British Eventing Support Trust ball at the Savoy in London the other day, I’ve gotten nearly as much joy from looking at everyone’s photos and outfits as I would have done if I was actually there dancing on the tables. Look at Piggy and Nic! Aren’t they a delight! A pair of angels atop the Christmas tree! Nothing gives me the warm and fuzzies more than a good eventing friendship, tbh.

National Holiday: It’s Gingerbread House Decorating Day. I’ll personally send a prize to anyone who can make a gingerbread replica of Badminton or Burghley.

US Weekend Action:

Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

Every horse has a different capacity for pain, and that can make it really hard to gauge whether a problem is behavioural or pain-related. Learning how to read even the most stoic of horses, though, will only level you up as a horseman — and allow you to spot those little issues before they become really big ones. [How horses perceive pain]

New research has shown that riding can benefit people with cerebral palsy. 343 patients in total spent time using a mechanical riding simulator across ten different studies, with marked improvements in overall gross motor function as a result. Though getting kids into riding for the disabled programs can be tricky if there isn’t one locally, or there are funding issues, riding simulators could provide a seriously helpful workaround in a physical therapist’s arsenal. [One more tangible use for our favorite animal]

Incoming USEA President, Louise Leslie, brings lots to the table: she’s a proud West Coaster, for one, and she understands the amateur perspective, too. Get to know her with this Q&A from COTH. [Meet the new Pres]

Want stables of your own, but don’t have the budget? Follow this resourceful owner’s lead — she built a beautiful set of internal boxes using pallets and screws. It might take a little while, but what a result! [DIY barns for the win]

The FutureTrack Follow:

 

I’m loving the look back at great horses past that Lucinda Green’s XC Academy is currently in the midst of. If you fancy learning about Regal Realm, Beagle Bay, Wide Awake, and the rest of Lucinda’s horsey heroes — plus learning lots of useful cross country tips in the process — you should definitely give the account a follow!

Morning Viewing:

Check out Boyd’s hatcam footage from his catch ride at the Sweden International Horse Show indoor eventing this month!