Photo via Blair Castle
Just a few months ago, Rolex Kentucky and Badminton were the source of nerves for many riders. This week? Burghley and Blenheim. With several of our top riders in England, we should be nervous too. Not nervous with fear, but nervous with excitement. The US has some very capable riders over there. Lets hope they can show England and the rest of Europe just what kind of talent we’ve got.
I have to admit, despite the Burghley course walk video being out for a few days now, I hadn’t watch it. Then, while making guacamole, I decided I needed some entertainment. Burghley course walk it was. At fence two, with knife in hand, I stop “cooking.” Burghley, and any other four star, is nothing to joke about. But this year, Mark Philips has stepped it up. If I were to imagine a 5*, this would be it. I cannot wait to see every fence jumped. This is going to be a Burghley to remember.
Blenheim has put out a statement saying that they have received over 200 entries. They will be accepting 110 entries in the CCI*** and 65 in the 8 and 9 year old CIC***. The chosen entries will be based on points in the HSBC series over the current year and two preceding years. Any unqualified entry will not be accepted and a wait list will be kept. [200 entries?!?!?!]
Now, leaving the future and heading to the present.
Here are the live scores for the weekend events that are currently available:
Caber Farm HT starts today [Live Scores]
The Event at Goose Downs starts today [Live Scores]
Erie Hunt and Saddle Club HT starts on Saturday [Times/Scores]
Difficult Run, Huntington Farm, and Great Vista are all running this weekend as well so stay tuned for updates on those events.
Boyd and Silva have been busy. During Heath Ryan’s 14 day trip to the states, he stopped at True Prospect Farm to do a little teaching. Boyd rode his Pan Am hopeful, Cold Harbor. Heath hopped on the horse and gave Boyd a little talk about needing to ride him better. Heath was Boyd’s first coach and mentor. Always nice for a familiar yet fresh perspective. [Heath and Boyd]
But it was just Boyd who was getting some extra help lately, Silva was too. Silva rode Faye Woolf’s, Aesthete with Steffen Peters. Silva said Peters was spot on in everything he said and “Stately” was a real good boy. Silva also shares what a fantastic owner Faye is. Faye is one of the nicest people out there and her love and passion for eventing, and now dressage, are what help to make the sports better. [Steffen and Silva]
And sticking with the Martin love… Boyd has a new mount! Long time owner and supporter, Anne Hennessey, has purchased an exciting new prospect for Boyd to ride. According to Boyd, New Cadet moves like Totilas and jumps like Sapphire. [New Cadet]
The Horse Radio Network is excited to announce it’s new segment with the USEA. Each month, the USEA will give a news update on the Eventing Radio Show. Listeners will be updated on events, clinics, rule changes, educational programs and many more exciting things. This will be a fantastic way for everyone to keep up with the news at the USEA and more importantly, news in our sport. The new segment begins on Episode 154. [Eventing Radio Show]
Three Days Three Ways: Peonies, Ponies and Flowers in Our Hair
FLAIR is excited to announce the FLAIR Masterclass Series. This series will be tutorial videos the feature top riders across different disciplines. There will be a weekly new video release for the first few months. Check out the first video [here].
Learn how to halt and rein back with Laura Collett [Do it]
Dani Evans is the over night leader for the Young Rider Europeans which are currently going on in Scotland. Check out Dani on British Eventing’s Twitter [BE Twitter]
For full Blair Castle scores including YR results, go [here].
The British have made history. For the first time in the 25-year history of the FEI European Dressage Championships, Great Britain has taken the gold medal. Carl Hester had a dream performance producing a 82.56 on his stallion, Uthopia. This team result is going to give other European countries something to worry about come 2012. An excited Hester stated, “Some of us have seen Great Britain through the dark days- 20 years ago this would never have seemed possible- so it’s a truly historic moment for us, and London should be a sell-out now!” Germany took the silver medal and The Netherlands took bronze. Does this leave you asking, Totalis who? [Historic medal]
Eventing Nation would like to send it’s sincere condolences to Alyce Hinkle’s family. Alyce, of Conroe, TX, passed away from a car accident on Wednesday when her car left the road and hit a utility pole. Alyce was a dedicated horsewoman and made countless contributions to the USEA and Area V. Alyce was an ICP Level III certified instructor, served on the USEA Young Event Horse Committee, and was a Area V Council Member for several years. She was also a huge contributor to the Area V Annual Awards Silent Auction fundraiser each year. Thank you to Abbie and Area V for sharing the information about Alyce’s service to eventing.
Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials- Best Memories
