Classic Eventing Nation

Nupafeed Weekend Winners: EquiRatings Crowns 2019 Horse of the Year

By on Jan 6, 2020 1:00 pm -

Cathal Daniels and Rioghan Rua make easy work of the final line. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Just one more week until eventing begins anew in the U.S. and our Nupafeed Weekend Winners column returns to business as usual. In the interim, however, the EquiRatings Horse of the Year prize is one that diehard eventing fans all over the world anxiously await at the end of each season. True to the concept of fan engagement, EquiRatings involves a social media vote each year to help decide the eventual winner. The tournament style voting pits top horses against one another, making for a truly agonizing decision on the part of the voters. Just look at the agony pulled from the comments on each poll!

“How can you pitch these pair of amazing horses against each other???!!!”
“This is like choosing between oxygen and food.”
“Man, this one is just mean.”
“No, this is too much stress for Boxing Day. We’re all too fragile.”

The final round of voting pitted Ingrid Klimke’s SAP Hale Bob OLD against Cathal Daniels’ Rioghan Rua. But, one horse must prevail over the rest, and the eventual crowned #ERHOTY19 is none other than the red princess, Rioghan Rua, piloted for Ireland by the immensely talented Cathal Daniels.

She has done it. In the fifth year of #ERHOTY we have our first ever Irish winner – Rioghan Rua. A hugely popular mare,…

Posted by EquiRatings on Monday, December 30, 2019

Rioghan Rua needs little introduction. The 13 year old Irish Sport Horse mare (Highland Destiny x Jack of Diamonds) owned and bred by Margaret and Frank Kinsella has spent her entire FEI career with Cathal and burst onto the five-star radar with a top-15 placing at Pau in 2016. The pair followed this up with a smashing Badminton debut, making short work of a demanding cross country course despite the mare’s diminutive size. Rioghan Rua and Cathal Daniels went on to represent Ireland at WEG in 2018 and capped off an incredible 2019 season with an Under 25 CCI4*-L win at Bramham and an individual bronze at the European Eventing Championships at Luhmühlen in August.

Cathal Daniels and Rioghan Rua speed across the finish. Photo by William Carey.

We’ve certainly not seen the last (or, likely, the greatest) from this Irish super-duo, and we’re equally thrilled to see the chestnut mare well represented with such a classic example of where pure heart, determination, grit, and talent can get you. We wish Cathal and the newly crowned #ERHOTY19 the best of luck as the 2020 season draws closer! Go Eventing.

Dreaming of a Three Day? Here Are Your USEA Classic Series Dates for 2020

By on Jan 6, 2020 11:00 am -

The three-day vet box at The Event at Rebecca Farm. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The classic long format event is one that many of us have always wanted to complete. The challenge of getting a horse traditionally “three day fit” has evolved over time with the changing of formats, but one thing the USEA has done throughout the years is stay true to the sport’s roots with the USEA Classic Series.

Returning for the 2020 calendar, riders at levels from Beginner Novice through Preliminary will have several opportunities around the country to compete in a long format three-day event. Take a look at the full schedule here.

Why Do a Three Day?

Aside from the requisite “cool factor” that comes with completing a three day, there are endless learning opportunities during the process. For starters, learning how to get a horse fit and keep it sound during the process is something we should all be well-versed in, at any level. Fitness for both horse and rider is something that varies from breed to breed and from level to level. However, your horse (and you!) should be fit enough for the challenge that is a long format event, so taking your conditioning work seriously is great practice, no matter what level you plan to compete at.

In addition, competing in a three day allows riders to experience all four phases of cross country, from the warm-up Roads and Tracks phase to the 10 minute vet box. Learning the basics of temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate will serve you well as you prepare for a Classic Series event.

How Do I Qualify?

You can check the qualification requirements for each level here. Brushing up on requirements should be something that is done at the start of each season as you map out your competition plans. Don’t get caught unaware of you and your horse’s qualification status!

Good luck to all, and Go Eventing! Which Classic Series event are you targeting this year?

USEA Announces Classic Series Dates for 2020

Leg On and Watch Your Distance: A Group of Crazy Horse Ladies Create a Cross Country Venue

By on Jan 6, 2020 9:00 am -

What do you get when you cross Women, Wine, and Whinnies? A big leap of faith and a brand new event coming to Area V in 2020. Don’t miss part two of the Horses for Healing blog as the team continues to build their dream into a reality. You can read part one of this series here.

“So at the Rose they have…” “I saw this at Holly Hill…” “I don’t think one Land Rover duck is too much to ask.” “Look what I found on Pinterest!” These are all comments heard at Horses for Healing since receiving the green light for the ambitious-but-not-at-all-insane cross country project.

Ok, so maybe those statements were from one particular person (ahem, not that it matters). Our enthusiasm for the project made it hard to think beyond our vision of the finished project. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Patience and fortitude conquer all things. Don’t put the cart before the horse. These and other words of wisdom we felt free to ignore initially but as we launched into full swing we were quickly reminded to incorporate step four into our plan.

Step 4: Manage Expectations and Slow Your Roll

We took a lot of learnings away from our first meeting with USEA-certified course designer Andy Bowles. Things that perhaps some of us knew and had forgotten or things the more amateurish amateurs just didn’t know – like the best colors to use to make sure jumps are the most visible to horses. With these things in mind we refocused and took a hard look at our order of go.

There’s a lot of clean up that needs to happen. Old jumps have been removed, the road through the woods widened and cleared, and the tall reeds where the lions hide (according to some the more observant equines on the farm) have been cleaned out. Of course, sometimes you first have to mess up in order to clean up, which means we now have a giant pile of brush and discarded jumps to dispose of. Maybe our next WWW (Women, Wine and Whinnies) meeting will be our own barn equivalent of Burning Man – functional and fun!

Because HFH is a nonprofit we rely on non-horsey volunteers to do a lot of the work around the farm. Volunteers bring a good mix of much needed skills and time and have produced some spectacular results. We have a local Eagle Scout group to thank for our beautiful new jump standards hopefully some of you will see in stadium! Designs for the jumps we decided to keep had to be simple enough that our volunteers could understand the direction and produce the end-product we were looking for. Simple sanding and painting and following a diagram. No complex rebuilds or adding too much flair or drama – we’ll count on our competitors for that.

Some of us are more, shall we say, nimble than others! Photo courtesy of Megan Smits.

Believe it or not, there are some major (and I mean major) corporations based in the Bentonville area who regularly provide volunteer groups. Thanks to these wonderful volunteers, most of our ‘keeper’ jumps have successfully completed rehab. A handful still need some handiwork which will be completed as the weather gets warmer, and rumor has it – more than 20 brand new jumps built by Andy’s team will be delivered starting the week of January 13!

The WWW crew had recently scheduled a hack around the property to check out the progress; however, on a 40-degree day with 25+ mph winds we opted for the safety of the indoor and time to bat around a few ideas to get our project out in the community. Okay fine, so, some of us opted for the indoor. The nimble 20-somethings, those show-offs rode out back. The more wise, mature, breakable of us opted for the indoor.

The not-so-nimble group. Photo courtesy of Megan Smits.

Show software has been picked out and we are taking note of every little detail we can possibly imagine to make sure our events run smoothly. Anything from making sure volunteers are properly outfitted to the logistics of parking and everything in between. We want to make sure we create the best possible experience and are open to ideas. What makes for a great show experience and what are the details you love to see? Fancy ribbons and fun prizes? No stall clean-up after the show? Rider tailgating on Saturday night? Let us know your suggestions soon because the date for our first event has been decided – March 14 and 15!

Our eyes are up and legs are on tight, our distance is only a few short months away. And we can’t wait! Go eventing!

Monday News & Notes from Fleeceworks

By on Jan 6, 2020 12:01 am -

🏆 Auction Item 🏆2012 London Olympics Rug AND framed, signed photo with personal note from Andrew Hoy.Kindly donated…

Posted by Equestrian Fundraising for Fire Relief on Sunday, January 5, 2020

Here’s your chance to own a pretty cool piece of eventing memorabilia AND, most importantly, help the victims of the Australian brushfires. Andrew Hoy has very generously donated Rutherglen’s official 2012 Olympic blanket plus a signed photo and personal note from Andrew. The auction is currently active and bids can be placed by clicking here and commenting on the post on Facebook. The auction closes on Sunday, January 12th at 9 PM Sydney/Melbourne time. Keep your eye out for more items on the Equestrian Fundraising for Fire Relief Facebook page which has been set up specifically to raise money for  Blaze Aid, a volunteer driven organization that works with farmers and people in rural areas to rebuild fencing and other infrastructure after catastrophic fires.

National Holiday: National Thank God It’s Monday Day

Your Monday News  Notes:

Speaking of the Australian bushfires, ICMYI we posted a summary over the weekend of what’s happening, why you need to be paying attention to it, and how you can help. Please join us in sending good thoughts and useful contributions to the people and animals in the affected areas. [The Australian Bushfires: An Update from Eventer Megan Jones, and How to Help]

Areas I and II hosted their annual meetings and year end awards banquets this weekend. Congratulations to everyone who went home with a big shiny end of year ribbon! [Area I] [Area II]

The first foal from 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify was born on January 3 at  at Amaroo Farm near Lexington, Kentucky and it’s a girl! The darling bay filly is out of Foreign Affair by Exchange Rate and, in a bit of a full circle story, the darling bay filly is owned by Audley Farm Equine, who were the first to stand a Triple Crown Winner after Sir Barton won in 1919. And yes, there’s a cute baby picture in this article! [It’s a Girl: First Foal by Justify Born in Kentucky]

Monday Featured Video: The FEI is counting down their top 15 moments of 2019. Oliver Townend’s Kentucky win aboard Cooley Master Class takes the #12 spot.

 

Grooming with Emma Ford: The Winter Survival Guide

By on Jan 5, 2020 5:03 pm -

Emma Ford needs little introduction. As head groom for Phillip Dutton, she’s groomed at almost every five-star event in the world, and has been a crucial part of the US Eventing Team at Pan-Ams, World Championships, and Olympics. She’s also worked in the showjumping industry, the dressage world, and the hunt field. There’s not an awful lot she doesn’t know how to do – and we’re very excited that she’s sharing some of her formidable back-catalogue of knowledge as an Andis Animal Educator. First up? Her advice on how to get your horse looking his best in these tricky winter months.

A little bit of bad weather doesn’t stop a super groom! Emma Ford grazes Mr. Candyman. Photo by Jenni Autry.

During winter, depending on the state you live in, taking care of your horse’s coat can mean a routine consisting of a lot of mud removal from fully-grown coats, or a lot of currying for the clipped horse starting its competition season early.

I say it time and time again that effective grooming, after good nutrition, is the number one skill required to maintain a healthy coat. Scheduling time before or after riding to actively use some ‘elbow grease’ to curry, brush and repeat is a must in your daily horse care routine. Grooming is a great way to bond with your horse. Actively look at their expression as you work over their body; ears and eyes are a great tell if you are hitting a spot that may be sore or if they have a particular area that they really like being rubbed down.

Make sure you also spend time with your bare hands feeling over your horse’s entire body for any lumps, scratches, swellings or cuts that may have appeared since the last time you were in contact with them. Touch is your best guide for catching early signs of issues that could become problematic if not dealt with early on. The following are my three must-haves for the winter season to keep my competition horses looking their best, whilst defending some of the issues that come from moving from Pennsylvania to South Carolina to Florida and back during the beginning part of the season.

Emma Ford and Z. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

First are the Andis Pulse ZRII Clippers. These are my go-to clippers for any job that needs doing in the winter. By attaching a T84 blade, you can do the perfect body, blanket or trace clip regardless of the coat type. If you need to do some trimming use the Andis Ceramic 10, trimming at 1.5mm. This blade will give you neat and tidy ears, muzzles and jawline that blends in well with a winter coat, rather than taking too much hair off. These clippers are very efficient when you need to trim around wounds as they are cordless and allow you to reach all the hard to reach or moving target areas!

For show clips, I might use the Andis T10 blades to do the whole body. For heads I would change to the smaller regular 10 blade to maneuver around the eye sockets and facial crevices.

Next, Witch Hazel is a must have in all barns. It is a mild antiseptic that is great to apply as a final rub down to lift off that last layer of dust. It does not dry out the horse’s skin and can also aid in reducing skin irritations such as hives and bug bites, due to its natural astringent properties. If you are clipping with no time for a bath afterwards you can use this to wipe over their bodies and remove excess clipper oil. It can be used to clean minor wounds and is safe to use under bandages. I also apply it to legs as a liniment after a hard workout to aid in circulation and reduce swelling. A lot of store brands contain isopropyl alcohol so I suggest removing the lid and letting it sit for a while to help this evaporate before using.

Finally, I always have Shapley’s MTG on hand. From helping to grow and thicken manes and tails, to applying as a skin protectant, this product is my go to for the early start of skin funk. It can be applied to any areas of hair loss, like blanket rubs. It can be applied to healed wounds to aid in preventing scars and can be rubbed into legs that are susceptible to cannon crud. It will act as a barrier against moisture and therefore reduce the fungal build-up. If you already have a bad case of rain rot or leg crud, rub a healthy amount into the area to aid in softening and removing the scabs and getting back down to healthy skin. Like with any new product, always do a small test area to ensure your horse doesn’t react to it.

Want more expert grooming tips from Emma? Pick up a copy of her book, World Class Grooming for Horses: The English Rider’s Complete Guide to Daily Care and Competition, published by Trafalgar Square Books.

 

The Australian Bushfires: An Update from Eventer Megan Jones, and How to Help

By on Jan 5, 2020 2:59 pm -

Megan Jones’ cross-country course represented a community hub for eventers in South Australia – until it was destroyed by bushfires. Photo by PYT Equine Photography.

If you’ve had any access to social – or, indeed, regular – media over the last week or so, you’ll be well aware of the ongoing chaos inflicted by one of the world’s most significant climate crises thus far. And if you haven’t? Allow us to break it down for you.

Over 14.8 million acres of land in Australia have been destroyed by bushfires, which are raging out of control across New South Wales and Victoria. Since the fires began in September, at least 20 people have been killed, another 28 have gone missing, and over 1,500 homes have been destroyed in the steadily worsening blaze, which has seen innumerable displaced families evacuated to a smoky coastline in the hopes of salvation. Even there, the air temperatures can reach up to 120 Fahrenheit – an almost unbearable condition to live in.

For those who have animals, particularly livestock, the situation is especially complicated. Half a billion animals have died so far, both wild and domesticated, and several species are feared to have been wiped out as a result. 8,000 of these are koalas, now considered ‘functionally extinct’ – though this might sound like an optimistic turn of phrase, it actually means that there aren’t any breeding pairs left in the wild, or that the gene pool is so diminished that it can’t sustain the species.

Social media has been flooded with photos of animals left behind or turned loose to escape the fires – horses with phone numbers scrawled on their hooves; dogs skulking through smouldering wreckage.

Five-star eventer Megan Jones is one of many Australians effected by the ongoing crisis. Her Hallmark Farm, located near Adelaide in South Australia, was hit by the fires just prior to Christmas. Though her house and all the property’s human, equine, and canine denizens were spared, her stables, paddocks, cross-country field, and an array of farm machinery were destroyed.

Despite the trauma of losing part of her home base, Megan and husband James have been vigilant in documenting their experience and sharing with the wider world the reality of living in these afflicted areas. Now, they’re diving into the rebuilding process, chasing some semblance of normality on uncertain ground.


 

What Can You Do?

Though you might feel as though Australia’s bushfire crisis a situation you can only watch from afar, helpless to assist in any way, there are plenty of ways to support the efforts of those on the ground and help the affected rebuild.

Want to help Megan and James rebuild their training facilities, which have become a valuable asset for local riders? Check out this GoFundMe.

To support the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, which is largely volunteer-led, donate here.

Want to help with the rehabilitation of wild animals? WIRES Wildlife Rescue is on the ground helping injured wildlife, while WWF Australia has pledged to restore the homes of koalas, giving the species a chance of survival. Finally, the Australian Red Cross is providing emergency relief for those affected by the devastation.

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: More Than Just Horses

By on Jan 5, 2020 12:06 pm -

In the market for a new four-legged partner? You may find your unicorn on our sister site, Sport Horse Nation. To help with the search, we’re going to feature a selection of current listings here on EN. We include the ad copy provided; click the links for videos, pricing and contact information.

You know Sport Horse Nation is the place to find your next horse, but we’re more than that! Listings include campers, saddles, professional services and more. Here’s a few listings you might not have expected:

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Camper- Sunline Solaris in Ocala FL

2003 Sunline Solaris T280SR. 28′ with one slide out. Sleeps 4. Everything works great and she’s ready to roll. New tires last year. Original Owners Booklet. Well cared for and always winterized. Located in Ocala, Florida.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Let us sell your horse in Aiken this winter!

Our sales barn is gearing up for the move to Aiken for the winter season, and we have room to take in more horses into our sales program. Aiken is a great place to sell horses, and we typically sell upwards of 12 each year while we’re there for the 3 months.

With 3 horses sold this week alone, and in an average of 60 days over the past 10 years, Courtney Cooper and her C Square Farm team are one of the leading sales barns in the country. If you are frustrated with the sales process, but also want the best home for your horse … Courtney can help!

We pride ourselves on being transparent in our sales process, economical, and values driven. We try to set ourselves apart by giving individual attention to both the seller, buyer AND horse, and making the process uncomplicated and straightforward. Our barn has placed a variety of horses ranging from young off-the-track Thoroughbreds to select imported horses, and we’d love to add your horse to our program.

From youngsters just starting out to experienced competitors, from eventers to hunters and jumpers, we have success selling a wide range of horses and we look forward to being of service to you.

Contact Courtney Cooper at [email protected] or (610) 932 – 5832 or here on Facebook to learn more about her sales program today!

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

CWD Jumping Saddle 2015

Great saddle with few “miles”, used on client horses. Buyer pays shipping and PayPal fees. Final Price negotiable, make an offer! 🙂

Saddle model: SE02 (semi deep seat saddle). Seat depth: TR. Flaps: 2C. Panel configuration (PA): 705 210 305 (pro panel) 2015 16”. Located in California.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Black Country Quantum Saddle 17.5 MW

Selling this nice saddle since I no longer own the horse it was fitted for. It’s in really good condition and very comfy. It has seen very little use over the last few years. It was originally fitted for a horse with significant withers and large shoulders. Since it’s wool flocked with wither gussets, it can easily be customized for your horse. Located in Florida.

Photo via Sport Horse Nation.

Windchase – Full service Eventing facility in VA

Does your horse need schooling? Would you like to be more competitive? Do you have a green horse that needs experience? Do you have a horse you need to sell? Windchase offers top quality training and schooling for Event horses of all levels, under the supervision of Olympic rider Phyllis Dawson. We also sell horses on consignment; we can sell your horse for you, or help you find a new one. We have top notch facilities and a professional staff, and can help your horse reach his top potential. We are located in the heart of Virginia eventing and hunt country.
Visit www.teamwindchase.com for more information about Windchase. Contact me at [email protected]. Phyllis Dawson, Windchase, Hillsboro, VA (540} 454-3834 cell, (540) 668-6548 – home, (540) 668-6024 – stable, E-mail: [email protected].

Listings included in this article are randomly selected and confirmed to be current and active before inclusion. Sport Horse Nation features user-generated content and therefore cannot verify or make any warranty as to the validity or reliability of information.

Dates for the Diary: The 2020 British Eventing FEI and Advanced Calendar

By on Jan 5, 2020 9:00 am -

The British international season will begin with new fixture Thoresby Park, which replaces Belton, pictured. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We’re on the right side of the new year now, folks, and that means we’re heading swiftly towards the start of the 2020 British eventing season. Aiming high this season, or want to start planning your weekend spectating trips? We’ve collated all the FEI and Advanced-level events happening in the United Kingdom this year for your perusing pleasure. Time to start getting that shiny new diary broken in.

Useful links:

MARCH

  • CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S, Advanced and Au25: 27-29 March – Thoresby Park International (Nottinghamshire)

APRIL

  • Advanced: 4-5 April – Weston Park (Shropshire)
  • CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S, Advanced: 9-11 April – Burnham Market International (Norfolk)
  • CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S: 17-19 April – Kelsall Hill International (Cheshire)
  • CCI2*-S, CCIP2*-S, Advanced, Au25: 25-26 April – Withington Manor International (Gloucestershire)

MAY

  • CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S: 1-3 May – Fairfax and Favor Rockingham International (Leicestershire)
  • CCI5*-L: 6-10 May – Badminton Horse Trials (Gloucestershire)
  • CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S: 15-17 May – Floors Castle International (Roxburghshire)
  • CCI4*-S, CCI2*-S, Advanced: 16-17 May – Dodson and Horrell Chatsworth International (Derbyshire)
  • CCIO4*-S, CCI3*-L, CCIYR3*-L, CCI2*-L: 21-24 May – Houghton International (Norfolk)
  • CCI2*-S: 28-30 May – Belsay International (Northumberland)
  • Advanced: 29-31 May – Childeric Saddles Little Downham (Cambridgeshire)
  • CCI-Intro 1*: 30-31 May – Brand Hall (Shropshire)

JUNE

  • CCI4*-L, CCIu254*-L CCI4*-S: 4-7 June – Bramham International (West Yorkshire)
  • CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S: 12-14 June – Nunney International (Somerset)
  • CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S: 20-21 June – Alnwick Ford International (Northumberland)
  • CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S: 27-28 June – Keysoe International (Bedfordshire)

JULY

  • CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S: 2-5 July – Barbury International (Wiltshire)
  • Advanced, Au25: 17-19 July – Aston-le-Walls (Northamptonshire)
  • CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S: 24-26 July – Burgham International (Northumberland)
  • CCIYR2*-L, CCIJ2*-L: 24-26 July – Bishop Burton International Youth Championships (East Yorkshire)
  • CCI-Intro 1*: 25-26 July – Chilham Castle (Kent)
  • CCIYR3*-L, CCIJ2*-L: 27 July – 2 August – Hartpury Junior and Young Rider European Championships (Gloucestershire)

AUGUST

  • CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L, CCI2*-L: 13-16 August – NAF Hartpury International (Gloucestershire)
  • CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S: 21-23 August – Somerford Park International (Cheshire)
  • CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L, CCI2*-L: 26-30 August – Land Rover Blair Castle International (Perthshire)
  • CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S, Advanced: 29-31 August – Wellington International (Hampshire)

SEPTEMBER

  • CCI5*-L: 2-6 September – Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials (Lincolnshire)
  • CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S: 11-13 September – Cornbury Park (Oxfordshire)
  • CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S (8/9yo): 16-20 September – SsangYong Blenheim Palace International (Oxfordshire)
  • Advanced: 19-20 September – Allerton Park (North Yorkshire)
  • CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S, CCIP2*-S: 26-27 September – South of England International (West Sussex)

OCTOBER

  • CCI4*-S: 3-6 October – Childeric Saddles Little Downham International (Cambridgeshire)
  • CCI3*-L, CCI2*-L, CCIYH3*-S, CCIYH2*-S: 8-11 October – Osberton International (Nottinghamshire)
  • CCI3*-S, CCI2*-L, CCI2*-S: 22-25 October – Bicton Arena International (Devon)

Let’s get this ball rolling. We’ll catch you on course, EN.

Sunday Links from One K Helmets

By on Jan 5, 2020 12:01 am -

View this post on Instagram

Aachen doesn’t just deal in top-end equestrian sport – it’s a display of theatrics, as well. From the novelty ride and drive class, which teams up showjumpers, eventers, and combined drivers under the lights in the cavernous main arena to the opening and closing ceremonies, it’s all designed to be a spectacle. • Instead of leaving after the eventing wrapped, I stuck around for the final day of the show – after all, who can resist the opportunity to stand in that main arena for the Aachen Grand Prix, one of the most coveted prizes in showjumping? Not could I resist the inherent madness of the closing ceremony, in which dozens of excitable competition horses are piled into the arena and everyone – riders and spectators alike – is given a hanky to wave in order to bid the show farewell for another year. Truly odd but absolutely excellent. • Honestly, when I finally cork it – probably as a result of too much caffeine, too little sleep, and a wildly overexciting five-star result – chuck a handful of my ashes out at Aachen. And then tip a free mojito over them, just for good measure. • (Worth noting, I think, that Aachen provided plenty of worthy additions to “To All the Sausages I’ve Loved Before”, though I did find I was starting to base my diet around increasingly ludicrous-looking bratwurst. The jewel in Aachen’s culinary crown was surely the half-metre of meat tube, a sausage so visually repellent that I sent photos of it to approximately everyone I’ve ever met, before merrily wolfing it down – avoiding eye contact, of course.) • #chioaachen #tillygetshergrooveback #justhashtaggedmyselfinthethirdperson #someonestopme #journoontour #eventinglife #nikond500 #eventersofinstagram

A post shared by Tilly Berendt (@tillyberendt) on

Looking for more colorful stories on your Instagram feed? Follow our UK correspondent, Tilly Berendt. Right now she’s chronicling her experiences traveling around the UK and Europe covering eventing with her signature captivating, colorful tone. Behind the scenes insights and beautiful photos — what more could you want?

National Holiday: National Whipped Cream Day

Sunday Links: 

The Art Of The Half-Halt: Day 1 Of Robert Dover Horsemastership Week

Farewell to Olympic stallion of ‘indescribable importance’

Daniel Stewart’s Tip of the Month: Resolution Reminders

‘I feel like Eddie the Eagle!’ Geoff Billington recovering after breaking heel

What Top Riders Said About Failure Will Change the Way You View Your Next Round

Sunday Video: 

You’re Invited to the Biggest Party of the Winter

By on Jan 4, 2020 5:24 pm -

This is fine. Everything’s fine.

This is not a drill. Clear your schedule for Saturday, January 19th. Tease your hair. Put a cassette in your boombox and put on those acid-washed jeans. Most importantly, grab your friends. There’s an 80s party in your future, man. And while any time is a good time for an 80s party, this one also happens to be for an excellent cause.

Jon and Jenn Holling are hosting an 80s themed fundraising party at their farm in Ocala, Fla to help the Florida Horse Park raise money to build an Advanced cross-country course. And you better be there ’cause it’s gonna be fun to the max.

“The idea came up when I posted a picture of me in gold parachute pants on Facebook,” Jon said. “It seemed like a fun party idea. Then we were talking to Emily Holmes and our good friend Stacey Emory and we decided it might be a good way to help the park.”

Radical!

“The area needs more advanced events to choose from and the park is always willing to step up and help the riders so we thought this would be a good chance for us to do something for the park. The goal is 75k, so we are encouraging people to donate as much as they can. That will get us the jumps, ground work for new features, and help finish off the irrigation for the course.”

There will be food (if there is baby corn, everyone is required by law to eat it like Tom Hanks in Big. Sorry, those are the rules). There will be music. There will be dancing. There will be drinks. All that’s missing is you. Doors open at 7:00 and stay open until the hairspray gives out. It’s gonna be tubular.

Just $50 gets you into the party with a DJ, open bar and heavy hor d’oeuvres. You can email Emily Homes at [email protected] or text her at (603) 970-0023 to buy a ticket ahead of time. Or, if you’re someone who can’t plan that far ahead, you can pay the exact same amount at the door. And if you’re super upset because you can’t go to the party, but still want to help the FHP, take a chill pill – you can send a donation via PayPal here.

The best dressed guest will receive a free entry to an event at the FHP, so get going on those outfits! Rumor has it that Jon and his wife, Jenn, have decided to be big hair band rockers…but you’ll just have to go the party to find out!

And for you children who are all “I was born in 2000. I don’t even really know what the 80s is. It was, like, a long time ago,” this fundraiser party extravaganza is a vital part of your education. (Also, LEG WARMERS AND HIGH-WAISTED JEANS WERE OUR THING. YOU’RE WELCOME.)

All of the details can be found here. C’mon people. Let’s help build this course and have a frickin’ blast while doing it.