Classic Eventing Nation

LRK3DE Announces Official Scavenger Hunt

By on Feb 27, 2022 10:00 am -

Photo by Shelby Allen.

The Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ (LRK3DE) will host the inaugural LRK3DE Official Scavenger Hunt sponsored by The Foundation for the Horse. The Scavenger Hunt for everyone in attendance at the 2022 event will take place via the GooseChase mobile app and feature many great prizes, including the grand prize of a two-horse trailer from 4-Star Trailers, the new Official Horse Trailer of the LRK3DE and Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix.

Organized by Equestrian Events Inc. (EEI), the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 28-May 1. Known as the “Best Weekend All Year,” the event hosts the prestigious Five Star three-day event (CCI5*-L), a CCI4*-S plus the $225,000 Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

“We wanted to create a new, out-of-the-box way for everyone in attendance to experience and enjoy the Best Weekend All Year,” said Mike Cooper, Executive Director of EEI. “We greatly appreciate The Foundation for the Horse, 4-Star Trailers, and our other sponsors for their support in bringing the new Official Scavenger Hunt to life.”

Established in 1994, The Foundation for the Horse is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving horse welfare through education, research, and help for horses at risk. Governed and stewarded by world-renowned equine veterinarians and equine stakeholders, The Foundation awarded over $1 million in scholarships and grants in 2021 to impact equine health and well-being throughout the U.S. and developing countries.

“We are delighted to sponsor the inaugural Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event Official Scavenger Hunt,” said David Foley, Executive Director of The Foundation for the Horse. “The Scavenger Hunt will bring together dedicated horse lovers attending the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. Uniting supporters of the equine industry is vital to The Foundation’s mission.”

The Scavenger Hunt is open to everyone in attendance at the 2022 event including all spectators and volunteers. It will feature over 100 individual tasks, each with an assigned point value listed in the GooseChase app. The ten participants collecting the most points will receive an assortment of amazing prizes, including a brand new 2023 4-Star Trailers two-horse trailer for the grand prize winner.

4-Star Trailers has been the leading manufacturer of custom-built horse trailers since 1984, focusing on their trailers’ beauty, durability, safety, and ease of maintenance. They have constantly improved and refined their designs, features, and options by working alongside customers and dealers to customize each trailer for its owner.

“We’re thrilled to be the Official Horse Trailer of the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event and the Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix,” said Forrest Shifflett, General Manager of 4-Star Trailers. “We’re always looking to incorporate state-of-the-art features in our trailers while maintaining our traditions. Hosting this Scavenger Hunt will help the event do just that for everyone attending.”

More information about the Scavenger Hunt will be shared on the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event website and social media in the coming weeks.

The Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ is a thrilling multi-day competition featuring Olympic-level riders and horses in what can best be described as an equestrian triathlon. Horse and rider pairs compete in three phases of the competition – Dressage, Cross-Country and Show Jumping. Two distinct Eventing competitions are held, a CCI5*-L and a CCI4*-S. The Five Star riders compete for their share of $375,000 in prize money as well as a shot at the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, which is awarded to any rider who wins the Land Rover Kentucky, Badminton and Land Rover Burghley Five Star Events in succession. LRK3DE is the longest-running Five Star event in the Americas and as the United States’ premier event, it also serves as the Land Rover/USEF CCI-5*-L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian™ for the U.S. athletes.

The $225,000 Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute will take place on Saturday afternoon, April 30, after the cross-country portion of the LRK3DE. As part of the competition, there will also be a $36,500 Welcome Speed Cup Ranking Class on Friday in the Rolex Stadium, after the day’s LRK3DE dressage competition.

Tickets for the 2022 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian and the $225,000 Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute are now on sale! Single-Day and Multi-Day tickets are available. All grounds admission tickets to the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event include general parking and admission to the Kentucky Horse Park and International Trade Fair, but do not include access to the competition in Rolex Stadium on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Reserved grandstand seating is sold separately from grounds admission and traditionally the best seats sell out, so everyone is encouraged to place orders as early as possible. Grounds admission is free for children 12 years and under with adult ticket purchases.

For a unique world-class Kentucky experience, exclusive Ringside Hospitality Packages are also available, including Patron Plus, Patron Club, and Kentucky Club (Saturday only). Tickets can be ordered online at https://kentuckythreedayevent.com/tickets/ or over the phone (859-254-8123). Further information on the Land Rover Kentucky is available at www.KentuckyThreeDayEvent.com.

Sunday Links

By on Feb 27, 2022 12:01 am -

How fun is this? In your most recent copy of US Eventing magazine, you can find a collage of the lowest finishing scores of each division in 2021. If you need a little jolt of motivation or some inspiration for a challenging goal ti set your sights on this season, here it is.

Black History Bit of the Day:

Who is Selika Lazevski? Truth be told, we don’t really know — but she could have been the first Black woman to ride classical dressage. All that’s left of Selika Lazevski — which is likely a stage name — are six negatives of black-and-white photographs taken in 1891 that now reside in the collection of the French Ministry of Culture. In a time where most Black women in France were depicted as enslaved or sexualized individuals, if they were depicted in portraiture at all, Selika Lazevski appears in her portraits wearing a respectable riding habit and fierce gaze. The notes accompanying the photograph’s negatives state that Selika was a horsewomen who rode haute école — the most prestigious role for a female performer — at the Nouveau Cirque on the rue Saint Honoré in Paris, which was the circus of choice for French high society up until World War I.

U.S. Weekend (and Wednesday) Action:

Pine Top Advanced H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Three Lakes Winter II at Caudle Ranch [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm Mid February H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Sunday Links:

Desert International Horse Park Cancels Remainder Of Show Season

Study Shows Hosing Legs An Effective Cool-Down Strategy 

15 Business Insights from Leading Equestrian Professionals

At last, a course that grooms “horse husbands” for their role

Podcast Pick: Sally Philippo and Hyperion Stud, LLC owner Vicky Castegren join The Plaid Horse‘s Piper  Klemm and Michael Tokaruk to talk about breeding sport horses in Canada and the United States.

Sunday Video: Can your vet do that? Dr. Kim Keeton and Keysoe make easy work of the Advanced water at Pine Top yesterday. (Granted, if your vet is Dr. Kevin Keane then your answer will be yes — he was riding in this division too!)

 

Pine Top Advanced Social + Photo Update

By on Feb 26, 2022 11:00 pm -

Pine Top Advanced H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

It was a busy day of jumping at Pine Top and we’ve crowned the Advanced and Intermediate winners following the conclusion of cross country.

Ariel Grald and Annie Eldridge’s Forrest Gump 124 (Fuerst Nymphenburg – Amaterasu, by Amerigo Vespucci xx) maintained their dressage lead to take the wire-to-wire win in the Advanced division, ending the weekend with a handful of cross country time penalties and a final score of 35.1. Planned and/or educational time would shuffle the remainder of the leaderboard as most riders are setting up for bigger destinations later this spring. Booli Selmayr and her 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Millfield Lancando, moved from 22nd after show jumping into second thanks to a quicker turn of foot, ending their weekend on a score of 37.8. Allie Knowles and Katherine O’Brien’s Ms. Poppins (Congress – Copa Cabana, by Champion du Lys maintained their third place throughout all three phases to finish on a 41.3.

Looking to the Intermediate divisions, your winners are:

OI-Horse: Courtney Cooper and the Dare to Dream Team’s Excel Star Time to Shine (Luidam – Lismore Bella, by Cavalier Royale) – 33.0
OI-Rider: Morgan Batton and her own I’m Sew Ready (Lupicor – Jarda, by Elcaro) – 29.6
OI-A: Will Faudree and Jennifer Mosing/Sterling Silver Stables’ Pfun (Tadmus – Celerina, by Cento) – 32.2
OI-B: Will Faudree and Jennifer Mosing/Sterling Silver Stables’ Mama’s Magic Way (Mighty Magic – Straightaway, by Star Regent xx) – 32.0
OI-C: Ariel Grald and Annie Eldridge’s Caballe (Cliostro – Sierra, by Lansing) – 32.4

Saturday Links

By on Feb 25, 2022 11:30 pm -

Anna’s skull cap split on the inside and outside. Photo via Anna Loschiavo on Facebook.

Here’s your friendly reminder of how important it is to mind your melon! Anna Loschiavo shared this photo of the helmet that she was wearing when she and her horse, Fernhill That Guy Jack, sustained a fall on cross country at Rocking Horse Winter II Advanced H.T. last weekend. We’re so happy to hear that “Jack” is perfectly fine and that Anna is on the mend, though she sustained a concussion, and fractures to the back of her skull, lower left eye socket, and T6 vertebrae. We’re wishing you speedy healing, Anna! Thank goodness for helmets and protective vests!

Black History Bit of the Day:

Last weekend, we got to know Neku Atawodi-Edun, the first Black woman to play polo professionally. This week let’s meet Shariah Harris, who, fresh off the back playing her first year of Varsity polo at Cornell as a freshman, became the first Black woman to play high-goal polo at one of the most prestigious polo clubs in the U.S.

U.S. Weekend (and next Wednesday) Action:

Pine Top Advanced H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Three Lakes Winter II at Caudle Ranch [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm Mid February H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Saturday Links:

Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event to Host Inaugural Scavenger Hunt

World Championships Chatter: The Who, When, and Where

A polo champion from West Philadelphia?

What I’ve Learned from Taking Horseback Riding Lessons with Ten-Year-Olds

6 Counties Now Involved, 3 Horses Euthanized In SoCal EHV-1 Outbreak

Saturday Video: Doug Payne and his 2019 Pan Am partner Starr Witness are sitting in second — behind Ariel Grald and Forrest Gump 124 — after the dressage in the Advanced division at Pine Top this weekend. Here’s their test!

2022 Pine Top Advanced: Dressage Leaders + XC Preview

By on Feb 25, 2022 11:20 pm -

Ariel Grald and Forrest Gump 124. Photo by Liz Crawley Photography.

Pine Top Advanced H.T. [Website] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

The close of February brings us closer to the thick of the spring eventing season, and Pine Top (Area III) is the latest on the Advanced calendar this weekend, providing an early season glimpse at both some top pairs as well as debutantes. It’s a beefy Advanced division, starting a 43-strong mixture of experienced and younger horses and riders. We’ll see the first eventing return of a Tokyo Olympian in Doug Payne and Vandiver, who is aimed at the Grand-Prix Eventing next weekend in Aiken.

Leading the way after Friday’s Advanced is Ariel Grald, teamed up with Annie Eldridge’s Forrest Gump 124 (Fuerst Nymphenburg – Amaterasu, by Amerigo Vespucci xx), who you may recognize as the USEF CCI3*-L National Champion crowned at Tryon last fall. The 11-year-old gelding earned a 25.9 in his Advanced debut.

Doug Payne and Starr Witness. Photo by Liz Crawley Photography.

Doug Payne also brings forward his 2019 Pan American Games partner, Laurie McRee and Catherine Winter’s Starr Witness (Chello III VDL – Carmen, by Veneur) for her first eventing start since May of 2021. Doug’s spent the winter working on the 11-year-old mare’s flatwork and is also aiming at the Grand-Prix Eventing next weekend. This pair got their weekend off to a competitive start, sitting second following dressage on a score of 27.5.

Allie Knowles and Ms. Poppins. Photo by Liz Crawley Photography.

Allie Knowles and Katherine O’brien’s Ms. Poppins (Congress – Copa Cabana, by Champion du Lys) complete the top three, earning a score of 28.9 from judge Cindy DePorter.

The Intermediate pairs have completed their dressage and show jumping and will tackle the cross country later on today. Courtney Cooper and the Dare to Dream Team’s Excel Star Time to Shine (Luidam – Lismore Bella, by Cavalier Royale) moved into first place in the Intermediate Horse, adding no show jumping penalties to their dressage mark of 31.0. Morgan Batton and her own I’m Sew Ready (Lupicor – Jarda, by Elcaro), the former Kristen Bond and Phillip Dutton ride, lead the Intermediate Rider also remaining on their dressage score of 29.6. Dan Clasing and the MW Gangster’s Gang Syndicate’s MW Gangster’s Game (Solitair – Fernhill City Girl, by Ghareeb) kick off their season in the Open Intermediate A, leading following two phases on a 26.0, while Australia’s Dom Schramm and the Quadrocana Syndycate’s Quadrocana (Quadrofino – Rocana II, by Ituango xx), a half-sister to Michael Jung’s famous fischerRocana FST, lead the B division on a two-phase score of 31.2. Emily Beshear and Grace Fiedler’s Cayr Della Caccia (Canturo – Babelle, Acobat II) lead the Open Intermediate C on a score of 22.8.

Derek di Grazia has designed the Preliminary through Advanced cross country, which we’ll see results from today (the Advanced pairs will show jump first this morning). As is par for the early parts of the season, this weekend’s run will primarily be for leg-stretching or educational purposes. Thanks to show photographer Liz Crawley, we’ve got a peek at this pipe-opener track for the Advanced pairs:

We’ll be back later today with a report from cross country day! In the meantime, safe rides to all and #goeventing.

Friday Video from SmartPak: Out on Course with the Paris 2024 Designer

By on Feb 25, 2022 5:29 pm -

There’s been a major announcement on the airwaves ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will see the equestrian disciplines unfold at the stunning Palace of Versailles. Pierre le Goupil, best known for designing and building tracks at Le Grand Complet at Haras du Pin, will take on the coveted role of course designer at the Games – and that’s been an announcement that’s left more than a few fans of the sport puzzling over where they might have come across this prolific designer.

The former Olympian has designed in a number of developing eventing nations, including Brazil, Bulgaria, Belarus, China, Hungary, India, Japan, Russia and Chile, and he’s also been appointed the role of designer at the 2023 Pan-American Games and European Championships, which will be a brilliant opportunity for all of us to get a better idea of the kind of track he likes to build.

But for those of us who aren’t quite so patient, rejoice: the Nations Cup at Le Grand Complet has been filmed in its entirety by FEI TV/Clip My Horse, and I spent this evening rewatching it with beady eyes to try to get a sense of the man who’ll be at the forefront of everyone’s minds in a couple of short years. Rewind to 2019 (would that we could!) and enjoy wall-to-wall le Goupil action from the heart of Normandy – you can thank us when you’re collecting your medals.

Ramping back up into full work for the spring? SmartPak has everything you need to make the transition back to show season. Click here for more.

Hagyard Midsouth to Host 2022 CC2*-L National Championships; Maryland 5* to Host CCI3*-L Championships

By on Feb 25, 2022 3:00 pm -

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the host locations and dates for the 2022 USEF CCI2*-L and CCI3*-L Eventing National Championships. The CCI2*-L will move to the Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event in Lexington, Ky., October 19-23, and the CCI3*-L will return to the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill in Elkton, Md., October 12-16.

In addition to the CCI2*-L Eventing National Championship, Hagyard Midsouth will host divisions from Beginner Novice through CCI3*-L, including a Training Three-Day as part of the USEA Classic Series.

“We are very excited to be hosting the USEF CCI2*-L Eventing National Championships and will do everything we can to make it a memorable competition for the riders,” said Mary Fike, Event Director of Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event and Team Challenge. “We appreciate the opportunity from USEF to offer this championship and are excited to get to work. Our team is looking forward to welcoming everyone to Kentucky this fall.”

Learn more at kyevents.net.

The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill made its debut in 2021, and for the second year will host the USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship alongside its CCI5*-L.

“On behalf of The Fair Hill Organizing Committee (FHOC), an affiliate of the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland, and our partner Fair Hill International, we are honored to be selected to host the USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship as part of the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill,” said Jeff Newman, President and CEO of FHOC. “We are proud to showcase the highest caliber of eventing competition across multiple levels in beautiful Cecil County, Maryland, and look forward to again providing the opportunity for three-star athletes and horses to compete on the same grounds as our elite CCI5*-L competitors.”

Learn more at maryland5star.us.

Find out more about the USEF Eventing National Championships here.

Introducing ‘Tailgate on the Turf’ & Other Notes for the Stable View Spring 2/3/4*

By on Feb 25, 2022 11:00 am -

Photo by Shelby Allen.

We here at EN are big fans of tailgating — watching the action at close range with a drink in hand and buffet of snacks within reach is second only to being in the saddle ourselves. With that in mind, Stable View is for the first time devoting areas at the perimeter of its Pavilion to 50 reserved tailgate spots for its big spring event in Aiken, SC (April 1-3, 2022).

Tickets for “Tailgate on the Turf” will go on sale soon, so keep an eye on Stable View’s email and social media (Facebook, Instagram). We’ll be bringing you all the latest previews of Stable View’s Spring 2/3/4* event, for which entries are still open through March 15. Entry info here! Only 350 entries will be accepted; others will be placed on a waiting list.

A few other notes for the upcoming Spring FEI CCI-S 2/3/4* & USEF/USEA H.T.:

  • PLEASE note the new FEI arrivals protocols. Details can be found on the Omnibus, including that riders must download the FEI HorseApp and start monitoring temperatures three days prior to arrival.
  • SV is accepting up to 350 entries, then opening a wait list.
  • Stadium will take place in SV’s “Tree” Arena near the Boyd Martin/ETB XC Schooling Field, and Dressage will be held in the Outdoor and Hunter Arenas.
  • SV’s two Rider Lounges (Hunt Boxes and Springfield Church Road) will be open with snacks and beverages.
  • All paddocks have been reserved. All on-site accommodations are sold out. There is a discounted rate partnership with the Fairfield Inn & Suites Aiken.
  • For those stabling along Springfield Church Road, your stall numbers correspond with your numbered overnight parking. After unloading, PLEASE reverse into your numbered parking spot. Trucks and trailers should NOT park horizontally across parking spots.
  • Stabling Entrance is via Gates 2 or 3.
  • Don’t forget to join SV for its signature Graze & Gaze Thursday through Saturday evenings from 5pm until 7pm in the Pavilion.
  • Early arrivals and late departures can be accommodated by contacting the Stable View Office.
  • SV welcomes veteran Olympic Officials: TD Alec Lochore (Great Britain) and Chairman of the Ground Jury Christian Landolt (Switzerland).
  • All Dressage and Stadium feature Attwood Equestrian Surfaces.
  • Golf Carts are available for rent through The Golf Cart Lady at 706-940-6056.
  • Event photography is provided by GRC Photo.
  • Prize money will be distributed as follows: 4* $30,000, 3* $20,000, and 2* $10,000. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes will be awarded for all national divisions.

Learn more about Stable View and view its complete 2022 Calendar of Events at the website here.

Pierre Le Goupil Appointed as Paris 2024 Eventing Course Designer

By on Feb 25, 2022 9:00 am -

Pierre Le Goupil appointed Eventing Course Designer for Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Photo © Pierre Le Goupil.

The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) has confirmed the appointment of Pierre Le Goupil (FRA) as Course Designer for Eventing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

A master in his field and highly respected by his peers in a role that requires enormous skill, Pierre Le Goupil (59) knows the sport from both sides of the fence. Born in a family entirely dedicated to horse sport and breeding, his father Andre Le Goupil had been a member of the French Eventing squad at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City – a memory that Le Goupil still has clear in his mind.

“Taking part in the Olympic Games, somehow or other and whatever your role, can be seen as an absolute dream or the pinnacle in a career. I feel honoured to be appointed for the Paris Olympic Games as the Eventing Course Designer of a cross-country course held in the park of Versailles palace,” Pierre Le Goupil said.

“It is truly something like getting the “job of a life”! But it is also and above all a huge challenge that I am totally aware of. The fabulous opportunity of running the Olympic Equestrian Sports in such an iconic venue also commits all those who will be in charge of the event, to the highest level of responsibility.

“I am extremely thankful to those who trust and support me and I am excited to start racking my brains in that inspirational playground,” Le Goupil concluded.

A former top-level Eventing athlete, he competed up to five star level at international events from 1975 to 2002. He has been involved in organising events since 1995, and with his family created « Le Grand Complet », the biggest equestrian event in Normandy (FRA) and one of the most important in France and Europe. The event moved in 2010 to the Haras National du Pin.

His skill and proficiency in course designing has taken him to many parts of the world, working in ten different countries including Brazil, Bulgaria, Belarus, China, Hungary, India, Japan, Russia and Chile. His appointment for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is an endorsement of his accomplishments and a true reflection of his wealth of experience which has also recently led him to being appointed as Course Designer for the upcoming Pan American Games to be held in Santiago (CHI) in 2023 and the FEI European Championships 2023 which will take place in Haras du Pin (FRA).

Le Goupil continues designing and building courses for international events in France. His expertise in consulting, cross country building and designing for all levels will make equestrian sport shine, not only in his home country, one of the world’s greatest equestrian nations, but to a global audience during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, in the most exhilarating and prestigious setting at the Château de Versailles, an iconic symbol recognised worldwide.

“I am very happy that a French representative has been chosen to build the Olympic Cross Country course, in his home country, on a site with such historic value”, David O’Connor Chair of the FEI Eventing Committee said.

“Le Goupil has travelled the world designing courses at top international shows and the Olympics is the pinnacle of any sporting achievement. There is enormous pride in representing your country in a sport and profession you have dedicated your life to, and to be recognised on the greatest sporting international stage.

O’Connor continues, “as a former Olympian myself, I can only reiterate the feeling of pride when competing for your country – it exudes from within. It’s a unique experience for athletes, for fans and everyone involved in the Games. There is nothing that compares to the nostalgia you get when you walk onto the Olympic site knowing all that you have worked for to get there. Your roots, your heritage, your culture, and your place of living all on display to the world, the expectations are high but such an honour is irreplaceable.

“Working alongside the Paris 2024 Organising Committee and supported by an exceptional team, there is no doubt Le Goupil will pay homage to his great nation through the creation of the cross country course – demanding, technical and spectacular, but always with the horse welfare at the fore, showcasing key features of Versailles as the centre stage of the equestrian competitions”.

Le Goupil was elected a member of the FEI Eventing Committee in 2020 for a four year term.

Friday News & Notes Presented by Zoetis

By on Feb 25, 2022 12:03 am -

Baby season! Photo courtesy of Coldspring Nurse Mares.

Is there anything more heartwarming than a nurse mare saving the life of a young foal? Spring brings baby season, and unfortunately sometimes the first parts of life are hard for foals that lose their moms, so I love following Coldspring Nurse Mares on Facebook to see all the stories of her mares saving lives. Not only is this an incredible service, but the mares are brought into milk using hormones, so there are no rejected foals as a side effect. Keep them in mind for all your breeding friends this year!

Black History Bit of the Day:

In 1984, Patricia Kelly, a US Marine Corp Vietnam-era veteran and African-American cowgirl, founded Ebony Horsewomen (EHI). Horses always had a place in Patricia’s life. From early childhood riding the neighbor’s horses, to adult life, riding with other women as a way to relax. In each case, the horse owners (and horses) were grateful for the time, exercise, and care she and her friends provided.

Her inspiration for starting EHI came from an inner-city child who asked her, “is that a real horse?” Her dream was to level the playing field for inner-city youth, to give them access to the same opportunities, resources, equine-based programming, and equine-assisted therapy as their suburban counterparts. She knew this would be life-altering and enriching for those who became involved. [Learn More about Ebony Horsewomen]

Weekend Preview:

Full Gallop Farm Mid February H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Pine Top Advanced H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Three Lakes Winter II at Caudle Ranch [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

News From Around the Globe:

Young rider Alexandra Baugh has had a stand-out year by anyone’s account. The 20-year-old athlete is not only competing horses at the two, three, and four-star levels, but she also earned herself the title of 2021 RevitaVet USEA Young Rider of the Year. Baugh is based out of Lexington, Kentucky with her four top mounts and was the runner-up of the same title the year prior, but her successes with this year’s team proved unbeatable. Her string includes Altorac Farm’s 15-year-old Holsteiner gelding Mr. Candyman, her own 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding I Spye, Altorac Farm’s 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding MHS Fernhill Finale, and Altorac Farm’s 9-year-old Selle Francais gelding Dogano de L’Oiseliere. [Alexandra Baugh Wins 2021 USEA Young Rider of the Year]

As part of their inter-species legislation, which aims to combat animal abuse and strengthen the bond between humans and companion animals, the French Parliament has introduced three laws that affect horse owners. They were published in the Official Journal of the French Republic on December 1, 2021 and include a requirement for all horse owners to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of equine-specific needs; the registration of neurectomies in horse passports; and safeguards for training facilities against unpaid fees. [Knowledge Certificate Required for French Horse Owners]

Fan favorites Emily Hamel and Corvett are hoping to compete abroad this year. With either Badminton and/or Burghley on their horizon, Emily and Barry need your help to get to one or both of these prestigious events. Just imagine the British announcers reactions when they see Barry jump! [Help Emily & Barry Travel Abroad]

Riding anxiety can be crippling. Maybe you have anxiety around doing a scary jump or you’re afraid of your horse misbehaving. Maybe you’re afraid of cantering or afraid to get back on your horse or do a jump after a big fall. If allowed to get the best of you, anxiety can have you saying goodbye to riding forever. You may be told that your anxiety is “all in your head” and that you should “just get over it.” You may be encouraged to do something easier to work your way up, or told to breathe through the exercise as a way of calming your mind. While these solutions may work for some or give temporary relief, it’s important to realize that rider’s anxiety is much deeper than one may originally think. [Overcoming Riding Anxiety]

Video: From Team Australia’s Kevin Mcnab … knees up!