Just when you think it’s all work and no play at a 5*, these two show up. Photo courtesy of Boyd Martin
Burghley has always been my favorite five-star, mostly because when I was a child playing Mary King’s Riding Star (IYKYK), it was the scariest course. It’s also probably the scariest set of jumps to walk directly up to, I mean, nobody does big and bad and rider frightener like Burghley. Why is it that I’ve latched my affections to the one that frightens me the most? You’d probably have to ask my therapist…but in the meantime, get yourselves ready for a hell of a weekend!!
The USA’s Burghley hopes come in the form of Boyd Martin (who has two rides), Jennie Saville, Will Faudree, Tiana Coudray and Grace Taylor. As the chilly non-summer continues in the UK, let’s hope Boyd’s packed something especially cozy to slip into after his ice bath.
If you haven’t checked out EN’s Guide To Following Defender Burghley and thoroughly reviewed EN’s Ultimate Defender Burghley Form Guide, I honestly don’t know what you’re doing with your life.
Defender Burghley: [Website] [Entries] [Program] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [Ride Times]
EN is going eventing Stateside too this week, with the American Eventing Championships happening in Lexington, Kentucky. We’ll be bringing you all you need to know – so stay tuned, and go eventing!
#AEC2023 (Lexington, KY): [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Official Program] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage]
U.S. Weekend Preview
Bucks County Horse Park H.T. (Revere, PA) [Website]
Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (Fairburn, GA) [Website] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Equestrians’ Institute H.T. (Cle Elum, WA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Seneca Valley PC H.T. (Poolesville, MD) [Website] [Volunteer]
Silverwood Farm Fall H.T. (Trevor, WI) [Website] [Ride Times] [Scoring]
News From Around the Globe:
Breaking your hand at the second jump on cross country during your first AEC’s isn’t exactly what anyone hopes for. But Kathryn Maynard completed that course, drove herself to the hospital, and doubled down on plans to return. Kathryn, 41, of Huntersville, North Carolina, is back and out for redemption at this year’s USEA American Eventing Championships in Lexington, Kentucky, this time riding Caballo Oscuro, an 18-year-old Shire-Appaloosa cross, in the novice rider division. “My expectations are low, but my hopes are high,” Maynard said. “For me, it’s the experience: Who doesn’t want to run around the Kentucky Horse Park and jump into the Head of the Lake?” Indeed my friend, indeed. [AEC’s Are Icing on The Cake]
The final entry list for the 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium is complete! I always look back on my RRP experience with warmth, and definitely hope to once again partake in it’s magic. You can check out all 404 final entries today, as well as the details on how and where all the horses were sourced, where they last raced, and average number of races. If you’re a thoroughbred junkie, and a statistics geek, don’t miss this article. [Meet the Horses of the 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover Class]
From the kill pen to the winners circle is always a delightful story to hear, and eventing is the sport for underdogs if we’re being honest. Three years ago, Talia Czapski put a skinny, depressed, sick hony on her trailer, and went to work bringing him back to life. She named him Gimmie A Chance, and these days he has his own little girl, and jumps confidently around courses. We love a comeback story, and even better when it has a big white face with flaxen mane and tail. [From Rescue to Ribbons]
Hot on Horse Nation: 3 Ways to Squeeze Fitness into Your Busy Life
Amongst all the recent tragedy and talk in thoroughbred racing, I keep coming back to this one article. I read this article when it came out five years ago, and unfortunately it’s still extremely relevant in fact and feeling. The thoroughbred breed in America is in dire straights, and the entire sport rightfully faces recrimination from many sides, but what is the cause, and how do we begin to ameliorate the damage? [Eight Belles’ Breakdown: A Predictable Tragedy]
Sponsor Corner: Entries are open for the Morven Park Fall Horse Trials! Offering Novice through CCI4*-L, there’s something for everyone at Morven Park. Spectators can enjoy the sight of Olympic-level competitors galloping through scenic fall leaves from their very own VIP tents. [Sign up at EventEntries.com]
