Classic Eventing Nation

This Week in Horse Health News Presented by MediVet Equine

By on Aug 16, 2019 1:30 pm -

We have an eclectic mix of tidbits for you this week in Horse Health News brought to us by our friends at MediVet Equine. Let’s get to it:

A half-brother to the late great Theodore O’Connor was saved by the surgical team at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Equine Hospital earlier this year. Three-year-old “Henry,” who is by the Cornell Equine Park’s Dutch Warmblood stallion Waterford and out of the 13.1-hand Chelsea’s Melody, who was also Theodore O’Connor’s dam, somehow impaled himself on a fence shortly after being turned out one day. His owner, Dr. Sonja Lawlis, herself a Cornell-educated veterinarian, immediately called the team at Cornell’s Equine Hospital. After removing the piece of wood, they performed surgery to clean and repair the wound, then provided months-long intensive supportive care and fought an antibiotic-resistant infection. [Cornell Chronicle]

Equine influenza has wreaked havoc in several areas of the world this year, but the hardest hit is likely West Africa. The outbreak, which spanned from January through June of this year, took the lives of nearly 60,000 in the countries of Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Burkina Faso. The outbreak was initially thought to be strangles, but veterinarians from the international animal charity Spana were able to finally submit samples to the Animal Health Trust in June leading to a confirmed diagnosis of equine flu. The diagnosis should help veterinary professionals and local communities better manage the aftermath of the epidemic and future outbreak scenarios. [HorseTalk]

Aloe vera is commonly used in barns as a supplement to help soothe and/or prevent ulcers, but is it really safe and is it really effective? Dr. Anthony Blikslager, a professor of equine surgery and gastroenterology at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, weighs in and says maybe not, but really it’s hard to know since there have been no peer-reviewed studies involving the use of aloe vera in horses. [The Horse]

Jon Holling’s OTTB Blog: Ragtime Rebel’s Show Jumping Dress Rehearsal

By on Aug 16, 2019 10:00 am -

EN is delighted to follow Jon Holling’s blog chronicling his journey with upper-level prospect Ragtime Rebel, a 5-year-old OTTB gelding he found through the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center. Ragtime Rebel (Union Rags X A.P. Elegance, by A.P. Indy) is Kentucky-bred and last raced in April 2018. Click here for his Equibase profile, and here for his introduction post. Take it away, Jon!

Jon Holling and Ragtime Rebel. Photo by Lisa Madren.

We are in the count down to Rebel’s next recognized horse trial. He heads out to the Ocala Horse trials on August 17 and 18th. So with that in mind we took Rebel over to jump around at Chris Barnard and Justine Dutton’s Nottinghill jumper show.

It was a great experience for Rebel. His first course was pretty good but he was a little tight and nervous. The great part about taking these young horses like Rebel to the jumper shows is that you can go in and jump multiple rounds. So after his first trip around, Rebel and I patiently waited for our second course. As luck would have it during that break that the neighbors across the street decided it was time to breeze their Thoroughbred on the track.

Poor Rebel hardly knew what to do with himself. The flashback was almost too much for his little 5-year-old self to handle. However, after he was informed that he would not in fact be going out for a race around the track, he actually put in an even better second course. He gave me pretty consistent jumping efforts and tried his hardest to make good shapes over the jumps. I did get one cannonball over the oxer before the double of verticals, and then at the butterflies of doom, just two fences from the finish, we had an unfortunate rail.

All in all I was really pleased with his effort all day. Here is the video from Rebel’s second round. Wish us luck at the Horse Trial!

Your FEI European Championships for Ponies Live Stream Hook Up

By on Aug 16, 2019 8:00 am -

Rocket blasters: engaged! Derda Agata of Poland and Kosma compete in FEI European Championships for Ponies jumping. Photo by Leszek Wójcik / FEI.

It’s pocket rockets on parade at the FEI European Championships for Ponies, which is underway this week at Strzegom in Poland. These are SERIOUS ponies, y’all. If these young riders were old enough to drive cars, they’d have bumper stickers that say “My pony could beat up your horse.”

All three Olympic disciplines are represented. Denmark won gold in the dressage competition, with individual tests taking place through the weekend. Jumping is underway, with the team final taking place this morning and individual rounds continuing on Saturday and Sunday. You can find live streams of both dressage and jumping at the FEI European Championships for Ponies Youtube playlist here.

Eventing dressage, run as a CCI2*-L, has concluded, with 15-year-old Sophia Rössel of Germany and Camillo WE holding the overnight lead on a score of 25.4. Cross country takes place tomorrow beginning at 15:00 local time (9 a.m. EST) with show jumping to follow on Sunday at 10:00 local time (4 a.m. EST).

The FEI knows what we want — PONIES!!! — and when we want it — NOW!!! — and so they’re kindly live streaming all three eventing phases. Re-watch eventing dressage and set your alarms this weekend to watch these tiny titans of our sport do their thing.

FEI European Championships for Ponies: Website, Entries, Schedule, Cross Country Order of Go, Live Scores, Team Results, Live Stream

Friday News & Notes from World Equestrian Brands

By on Aug 16, 2019 12:03 am -

Motivation for your weekend.

I like to mix my riding with my other hobbies, one of which is baking. I had three birthdays this week of family and friends, so I’m really on overdrive for baking. If anybody here has heard of Momofuku Milk Bar, I’m embarking on making one of her famous multilayered birthday cakes, and since I ride all day, I have to make several pieces each night and then assemble on the birthday. Yesterday I made two parts, today I’ll make two more, and tomorrow I’ll make the cake and assemble! It’s good to have hobbies.

National Holiday: World Honey Bee Day

Major Weekend Events:

Bromont CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Waredaca H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm August H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Ocala Summer H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Huntington Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Unfortunately we won’t get to see the great Classic Moet rock around Burghley this fall. Molly picked up a small puncture on her knee during cross country at Gatcombe earlier this summer, and it required surgery to flush the joint to ensure her recovery. She’s doing well and on the mend, but won’t make it to Burghley, which is too bad because it’s a course made for a mare like her! [Classic Moet to Miss Burghley]

Michael Barisone was denied bail in his recent attempted murder court case. The judge ruled that he was a threat to both himself and the community, marking that he was disturbed by Barisone repeating “I’ve had a good life” on the day of his arrest. Lauren Kanareck’s family released a statement yesterday saying that she was in stable but serious condition. [Olympic Rider Remains in Jail]

Boarding your horse is a constant struggle in many areas of the country. Not having your horse at home means you’re trusting other people with the daily care of your beloved friend, and sometimes it’s not quite the right match. Knowing how to determine if the care is good quality is an important skill, and seeing the signs of a bad boarding situation is imperative to your horse’s wellbeing. [8 Warning Signs You’re In A Bad Boarding Barn]

Has your horse used Kinesiology tape yet? Mine has! Kinesiology tape is more than just a way to look like an athlete; it has a number of therapeutic properties. It decreases pain, increases muscle strength, improves blood and lymph circulation and adds stability to joints by increasing proprioception. Unlike conventional athletic tape, which applies pressure and acts like a brace, kinesiology tape stretches along the longitudinal axis of the muscles, which allows it to provide support during exercise without restricting motion. [How to Use Equine Kinesiology Tape]

Video: Kristin Starr sent us this video of her student, 17-year-old Jr. Novice Rider Hannah Boucher, doing the viral “The Git Up Dance” challenge at a cross country derby this past weekend. Git it, girl.

 

Thursday Video from Ecovet: Behind the Scenes at Windurra

By on Aug 15, 2019 5:00 pm -

Unlike many sprawling equestrian estates, Boyd and Silva Martin’s farm Windurra might feel more at home to the everyday rider. With workmanlike shed row barns and ample turnout, horses are allowed to be horses.

Picking a favorite part of the farm is difficult, but you could choose between the 30 acres of pristine cross country schooling, a mile-long synthetic gallop for all weather conditioning and 3,000 acres of protected hacking land as a next door neighbor.

Many thanks to our dear friends at Noëlle Floyd for sharing this — be sure to subscribe, both to their gorgeous magazine and to their YouTube channel for more fantastic content.

Ecovet is the only fly repellent that improves insect-related skin sensitivity. Learn more at eco-vet.com.

In Memory of Jeffie Wilkins Chapin: 1987-2019

By on Aug 15, 2019 4:34 pm -

Jeffie Chapin and Joinem at the GMHA Festival of Eventing. Photo by Joan Davis / Flatlandsfoto.

We continue to grieve the loss — and celebrate the life — of Jeffie Chapin, who suffered a fatal accident on Sunday at the Green Mountain Horse Association Festival of Eventing in South Woodstock, Vermont.

Jeffie’s passion and spirit are beautifully articulated in her obituary:

“What is most important to understand is that Jeffie lived her dream, a dream she had from her earliest days, to be surrounded by horses. She had her own horses, she lived on a beautiful horse farm in Wenham, MA, she worked hard every day for her horses, donkey, dogs, and cats, and she found a husband in Deacon who shared these loves with her. Few of us actually know our life dream. From her earliest days as a child, she actually knew precisely what her dream was, and she achieved it. On her last day, Jeffie was doing exactly what her life dream had in store: she was in an equestrian competition with her horses alongside of her husband and her dogs. Jeffie’s dream has now become eternal.

“Jeffie was a teacher. She possessed deep insights into her students in the classroom and in the riding ring. Her humility, kindness, tenacity, honesty, love, and intelligence caused her to be remarkably successful helping children. She taught at the Carroll School in Lincoln, MA, Brookwood School in Manchester, MA, and Bentley Academy Charter School in Salem, MA. Additionally, she helped hundreds of young children acquire a love of horses and all the work and satisfaction that derives from helping animals.”

You can read the full obituary, as well as send flowers, sign her memory book and view memorial arrangements, here. Services will be held on Friday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m. at The Myopia Hunt Club at 435 Bay Road in South Hamilton, MA.

Jeffie’s family and close connections have responded to the tragedy of her passing with an enormous grace that is befitting of the Jeffie’s own nature. In a touching effort to continue Jeffie’s legacy, the Chapin and Wilkins families have established the Jennifer Wilkins Chapin Foundation, which will award grants and stipends in support of deserving young riders in the Northeastern U.S. Tax-deductible charitable contributions in memory of Jeffie can be made by check and mailed to: Jennifer Wilkins Chapin Foundation / 110 Larch Row / Wenham, MA 01984.

On behalf of the eventing community, we extend our deepest condolences to Jeffie’s friends and family. And a thank-you to Jeffie for exemplifying what is special about our sport and our community — the expression on her face while tackling these jumps at GMHA says it all.

Jeffie Chapin and Joinem at the GMHA Festival of Eventing. Photo by Joan Davis / Flatlandsfoto.

Jeffie Chapin and Joinem at GMHA in 2018. Photo by Morgan Mindrebo / Flatlandsfoto.

Jeffie Chapin and Joinem at GMHA in 2018. Photo by Joan Davis / Flatlandsfoto.

Jeffie Chapin and Joinem at GMHA in June 2019. Photo by Joan Davis / Flatlandsfoto.

Go Jeffie. Go Eventing.

Who Jumped It Best: The Ultimate Rider-Frightener at Hartpury

By on Aug 15, 2019 2:00 pm -

Who Jumped It Best?

There are certain fences that every rider wants a photo over. At the uppermost levels, Burghley’s Cottesmore Leap and Kentucky’s Head of the Lake top the bill, while Withington Manor’s iconic ditch-and-table has been the subject of many a Brit’s profile picture. While covering the NAF International Hartpury Horse Trials last weekend, I came across a new addition to my own (admittedly extensive) wish-list.

Fence 16, the Birketts Bunker, came two-thirds of the way around Hartpury’s CCI4*-S track. Set just two fences after the influential corner question at 13 and 14, it provided a short reprieve from accuracy questions – instead, the focus here was on forward, bold riding. Like Belton in the spring, Hartpury is a CCI4*-S that’s designed to be a funnel to a five-star. And, like Burghley to come, it relies on enormous galloping fences interspersed with tough combinations – and a clever use of terrain – to do so.

This fence is a classic rider-frightener: it’s objectively enormous, with an almost bottomless ditch that I couldn’t even fit in my photos. Its hefty timber lends it a timeless feel, although I can guarantee that not a single one of the 90 or so riders who tackled it on Saturday were thinking too much about its aesthetics. Instead, it was all about the attack. We saw a couple of different rides to this fence – there were the final-stride fixers, who turned to the fence and upped the impulsion dramatically, and there were the cool and collected types, who maintained their pace throughout the turn and popped the fence out of stride. (We also saw plenty of helicopter horses, who couldn’t resist the opportunity to bascule their way into another galaxy…!) Despite its dimensions and its general vibe of “thanks, but no thanks”, the Birketts Bunker, like many rider-frighteners, didn’t cause any issues. And boy, oh boy, did it make for some fun photos.

I couldn’t resist hunkering down against the wind here to snap a few horses and riders inspecting the ozone layer. So now it’s over to you, readers – take a look at the photos below, and then scroll down to vote on the pair that you think makes the best overall impression.

Lauren Blades (GB) and Jemilla. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Holly Needham (GB) and Forever Noble. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Millie Dumas (GB) and KEC Deakon. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Bubby Upton (GB) and Cannavaro. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Sarah Bullimore (GB) and Corouet. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Tim Price (NZ) and Bango. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

James Avery (NZ) and Aloha. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Tina Cook (GB) and Billy the Red. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Kevin McNab (AUS) and Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Lexi Scovil (USA) and Chico’s Man VDF Z. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Hartpury: Website, Ride Times, Course Preview, Live Scores, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Previewing the Bromont CCI4*-S Entry List

By on Aug 15, 2019 11:30 am -

Boyd Martin and Contestor, winners of the Bromont CCI4*-S last year. Photo by Cealy Tetley.

After Bromont CCI and Little Bromont in June, the final installation of Bromont’s summer event series — Bromont CCI-S — takes place this weekend, Aug. 16-19, in Bromont, Quebec. The event offers CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S, CCIU253*-S, CCI2*-S, CCIU252*-S and Open Training divisions, as well as a new-for-2019 Open Preliminary division.

Bromont is a destination event — where would you rather spend the dog days of summer than a cool, charming mountain village in Canada? And of course the venue, with its great footing and inspired courses, is a draw in and of itself. Derek Di Grazia has been Bromont’s cross country course designer since 2009 and we can expect him to set a challenging track with the help of builder Jay Hambly and his team, utilizing the spectacular hills and natural water features Bromont has to offer. Sue Ockendon, the event organizer, spares nothing to bring in the best officiating from around the world. Prizes for a win at Bromont CCI-S include a free entry in any of the FEI divisions in 2020, including the Under 25 divisions.

Let’s have a look at this year’s CCI4*-S field, a mix of horses making their debut at the level as well as more seasoned combinations.

  • Matt Brown & Big Berry
  • Lillian Heard & LCC Barnaby
  • Holly Jacks-Smither & More Inspiration
  • Holly Jacks-Smither & Candy King
  • Brooke Massie & Serendipity
  • Michael Nolan & SBT Good Guy
  • Jessica Phoenix & Wabbit
  • Jessica Phoenix & Dr. Sheldon Cooper
  • Jessica Phoenix & Bogue Sound
  • Jessica Phoenix & Watson GS
  • Dom Schramm & Bolytair B
  • Ronald Zabala-Goetschel & Wundermaske
  • Ronald Zabala-Goetschel & Pats Jester
  • Ronald Zabala-Goetschel & The Apprentice

A few notes of interest:

The Apprentice — previously owned by Caroline Martin and campaigned through the five-star level by Buck Davidson — is a relatively new ride for Ronald Zabala, who purchased the horse this year. This is second international start together, the first being Jersey Fresh where they finished 9th in the CCI3*-S.

Matt Brown seems to have a good thing going with Big Berry, who will be making his four-star debut. The horse, formerly competed by Piggy French, was 11th in the Bromont CCI3*-S earlier this summer. Matt also has Super Socks BCF, who had an extended layup after finishing 6th at Kentucky in 2017, entered in the Open Prelim. It’s their second horse trial back — we’ve missed you, Super Socks!

Dom Schramm and Bolytair B are hitting up Bromont on the homestretch to Burghley, where they’ll be making their second five-star start.

Jessica Phoenix is the busiest rider of the division, with four horses entered, all of whom have experience at the four-star level. Her show jumping ride times: 9:30, 9:45, 9:59, 10:19 — boom, boom, boom, boom.

Dressage for all divisions takes place on Friday, with show jumping to follow on Saturday and cross country on Sunday.

Go Eventing.

Bromont CCI-S: Website, Entries, Ride Times, Live Scores

The Netherlands, Spain and Poland Reveal European Championships Teams [Updated 23/08]

By on Aug 15, 2019 9:00 am -

Pawel Spisak and Banderas. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

And then there were three. The final teams have been revealed for the Longines FEI European Championships at Luhmühlen, where we’ll be heading from the 28th of August to the 1st of September. Both Spain and the Netherlands will be on the hunt for Tokyo qualification, a quest that sees eight nations battle it out for two available spaces. Poland, on the other hand, can rest a little bit more easily as they head into the Championships – with their Tokyo ticket secured in the special Group C qualifier at Baborowko this summer, they can focus on using Luhmühlen as a way to solidify their squad and gain valuable experience on the world stage.

Congratulations to the following riders, who have been named to Poland’s team:

  • Malgorzata Cybulska and Chenaro 2, owned by Marzenna Walden
  • Jan Kaminski and Jard, owned by Marcin Kaminski
  • Mateusz Kiempa and Grand Supreme, owned by Paula Mancak
  • Pawel Spisak and Banderas, owned by Marek Jodko

The squad is led by the enormously experienced Pawel Spisak, a former Young Rider team member who has since been to four European Championships (2005, 2007, 2009, and 2017), two World Cup Finals (2005 and 2009), two World Equestrian Games (2006 and 2018), and four Olympics (2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016). Based with German superhuman Michael Jung, Pawel Spisak and Banderas have plenty of experience competing against a world-class field: they finished 15th at Kentucky in 2018, 22nd at Tryon last year, and they won the qualifier at Baborowko before heading to Aachen, where they jumped a classy clear round to finish 24th.

Malgorzata Cybulska makes her senior squad debut after a fruitful under-21s career, which saw her contest two Young Rider Europeans (2017 and 2018) and two Junior Europeans (2015 and 2016). She and Chenaro 2 made the move up to CCI4* last season, recording two clears out of two runs at the level, and have spent this season solidifying. They’re inexperienced, sure, but with her squad experience, 21-year-old Malgorzata knows how to deal with pressure.

Jan Kaminski, too, will be heading to Luhmühlen with just Young Rider team appearances behind him – though his call-ups were back in 2012 and 2013. He finished third in the Baborowko qualifier with Jard, a nine-year-old Polish Half-Bred.

Mateusz Kiempa has just one championship appearance under his belt, but he notched it up in tandem with his partner for Luhmühlen, Grand Supreme. They contested the 2017 Strzegom Europeans, finishing 45th after nine rails slightly negated their clear round across the country.

[Update 23/08: The Polish team is down to three riders after the unfortunate withdrawal of Pawel Spisak, who has suffered an injury in the lead-up to the event. In a statement on Facebook, the rider said: “Unfortunately, this year’s European Championships in Luhmühlen are not for me. After many visits to medical clinics, and endless tests, an oblique abdominal muscle tear has been confirmed. I hope that the rehabilitation and recovery will run smoothly, and that I will get back in the saddle as soon as possible. I would like to thank Marek Jodko for his support, as well as Michael Jung in helping with Banderas’ preparation up to the last minute. I would further like to thank Marcin Konarski along withthe horses owners who entrusted me in their training, as well as PZJ for understanding and trying to help me at a difficult time. I am sorry that I will not be able to support my teammates during this start. At the same time, I have my fingers crossed and wish them the best results and scores.”]

Maria Pinedo Sendagorta and Carriem van Colen Z. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Just three riders will come forward for Spain, and so all three will need to start – and, ideally, finish – if the up-and-coming eventing nation is to remain in the hunt for a Tokyo ticket. Congratulations to:

  • Esteban Benitez Valle and Milana 23, owned by Jose Canedo Angoso and the rider
  • Maria Pinedo Sendagorta and Carriem Van Colen Z, owned by Santillana Paddocks S.L.
  • Manuel Senra Chova and Cruising, owned by Yeguada la Horcajada

Two of the three named combinations went to last year’s World Equestrian Games: Maria Pinedo Sendagorta and Carriem Van Colen Z finished 54th after delivering a slow clear, while Manuel Senra Chova and Cruising finished just behind them in 55th after doing much the same. Both pairs competed at the Strzegom Europeans, too, where they were joined by Esteban Benitez Valle, who rode Pizarra 28 50. That was Esteban’s first senior Championship experience – he’d ridden at the Junior Europeans in 2007 and 2008, and the Young Rider Europeans in 2010. Now, his fifteen-year-old mare Milana 23 will make her own championship debut after jumping a quick and classy clear around the CCIO4*-S at Strzegom in June. Manuel and Maria both return to Luhmühlen having contested its last European Championships in 2011, while Maria also competed at the Blair iteration in 2015 and Normandy’s World Equestrian Games in 2014.

Tim Lips and Bayro. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The Netherlands are one of the hot favourites to take one of those two coveted Tokyo tickets, although their line-up does yield a couple of surprises – namely, that the incredibly experienced Merel Blom isn’t named with her usual partner-in-crime, Rumour Has It N.O.P. Instead, the rider who at just 33 has competed at three senior Europeans (2011, 2015, and 2017), two World Equestrian Games (2014 and 2018), and the Rio Olympics, is named with Chiccolino, who will make his championship debut after returning from injury in the latter half of 2018. Congratulations to the full Dutch line-up, featuring:

  • Merel Blom and Chiccolino, owned by M.C. Blom-Muilwijk and J.M.J. Blom
  • Laura Hoogeveen and Wicro Quibus N.O.P., owned by Crimould B.V. and the rider
  • Ilonka Kluytmans and Image of Roses, owned by V.H.C. Erkamp
  • Raf Kooremans and Henri Z, owned by Pol Colpaert and Nina Tuytelaers-Kooremans
  • Tim Lips and Bayro, owned by Lips Stables, H.Meulendijks, C.V. Ham, N.V. Splunder, and W. Holvoet
  • Aliene Ruyter and Bomba, owned by A. J. Ruyter

In Tim Lips and Bayro, the Dutch team has a real asset: this combination have earned themselves the title of Dutch National Champions for the last two years on the trot, and they finished just outside the top twenty at the Rio Olympics, too. Before Bayro, Tim represented the Netherlands at four senior Europeans (2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015) and two World Equestrian Games (2010 and 2014, the second of which saw the team earn a bronze medal). He also went to two Olympics prior to Rio – he was on the team for London 2012 and rode as an individual at Beijing 2008. As a pair, Tim and Bayro head to Luhmühlen with two international wins already under their belts in 2019 – they took top honours in the CCI4*-S at Strzegom and the CCI4*-L at Strzegom.

Raf Kooremans and Henri Z finished 41st at last year’s World Equestrian Games, and this will be a fourth senior Europeans appearance for the former rider and producer of Hannah-Sue Burnett’s RF Demeter. He contested the 2005, 2009, and 2011 championships. Both Aliene Ruyter and Laura Hoogeveen will be making their senior championships debuts after Junior and Young Rider team appearances (2016 and 2017, and 2012 and 2015, respectively), while Ilonka Kluytmans receives her first championship call-up.

Thursday News & Notes from Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS)

By on Aug 15, 2019 12:03 am -

Is there anything better than a baby’s first cross country school? Photo by Kate Samuels.

I took my horse with a student and her new OTTB down the road this week for a little cross country schooling. This OTTB has been in retraining for about two or three weeks, and he’s popped a caveletti in the ring, but he’s pretty unflappable and brave, so I figured why not go cross country and see what he thinks? This little guy blew me away and was so brave about ditches, banks, water, all the different kinds of baby jumps. He walked INTO the ditch a few times happily before we explained that he had to go OVER it. Is there anything better than baby horses?? No.

National Holiday: National Relaxation Day

Major Weekend Events:

Bromont CCI & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Waredaca H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm August H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Ocala Summer H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Huntington Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Don’t let anybody tell you a one-eyed horse won’t do the upper levels, as we’ve got one heading to the European Championships. Irish eventer Tony Kennedy will make his senior championship squad debut at this month’s Europeans on a one-eyed horse he has produced from a three-year-old. Tony, 25, received the call-up last week with his father Con Kennedy’s Wisteria Lane due to Clare Abbott’s ride Euro Prince sustaining an injury. [One Eyed Horse Competing in European Championships]

The science behind feeding horses has made leaps and bounds over the years, and with more choices than ever, it’s important to learn what is right for your horse and your program. How do you balance fats, proteins, minerals, probiotics and prebiotics, to name a few? We got it all explained here. [The Science Behind Your Horse’s Nutrition]

Scientists are exploring the relationship between horses and their memories relating to sound, specifically particular voices. Researchers showed that horses not only discriminate between individual human voices, but have a recollection of whether their past experiences centered around each voice was positive or negative. In other words, past experiences dictate whether your horse is happy to hear you, and presumably see you, each day. [Happy Horses Need Positive Relationships]

Actually knowing how to ride a horse is literally only half the battle: the other half is mental. Building your confidence is a life-long battle, and knowing the sports psychology behind the work is helpful for your whole career. Horse & Hound compiled eight quick exercises you can use on a daily basis to build your confidence on the horse. [8 Easy Ways to Build Confidence]