FRIDAYFRIDAYFRIDAY! Well it’s here, folks. With Friday comes not only the end of the work week, but the excitement of more happenings in Nashvegas. I am sure John is living it up to the fullest but I only hope he remembers why he went there in the first place. For those of us who didn’t get the chance to join our fellow hooligans in Nashvegas, take some time on this day to do something fun- like watch your dog chase a laser pointer.
After taking home a nice $150,000 for becoming this years FEI HSBC Classics Champion, Mary King has received an extra $50,000 for becoming the HSBC’s Rankings leader at the end of 2011. Many thought William Fox-Pitt was set for the 2011 in September. But with his Pau 2010 points not counting, Mary was pushed into the lead. HSBC’s Group Head of Sponsorship, Giles Morgan talks about the two riders- “It was neck and neck between Mary King and William Fox-Pitt this season, with both of them putting in really impressive performances, demonstrating the strategic, physical and mental abilities necessary to compete in Eventing at this level. But it was Mary who eventually came out on top and we are delighted to be able to acknowledge and reward her incredible achievement as leader of the HSBC Rankings.” [Mary King]
Just in case anyone forgot, or didn’t see it the first time, our own, Boyd Martin, made it into Sports Illustrated. [Boyd Martin]
For those of you who missed John’s recaps of today’s events at the convention, the USEA has done a recap, discussing the different meetings that went on. Assuming John makes it through the night, he will be live and on form with more convention coverage. Make sure to check here 30 times more often than you already do. [USEA coverage]
Watch the Bettina Hoy clinic video. Bettina discusses several things. But first and foremost she talks about leg protection for your horse. Bettina rides in Kentucky boots and so should you! I, first hand, have gotten to experience how great these boots are when a good friend showed me a pair. Let’s just say, next season, I’ll be supporting Kentucky boots. [LEO]
A mild fall has helped the cross country course revamp at GMHA. Highlights of the features include, improved drainage and footing in wet areas, new ditches and banks, terraced hillside crossings that are safer for everyone, new water crossings and renovation of many of the jumps. GMHA has announced the inaugural “Festival of Eventing” in conjunction with the course upgrade. Organizers are hard at work planning the Festival of Eventing, which will take place August 6-12, 2012. The week-long affair will include a Novice and Training Three-Day event Monday through Thursday, a sanctioned Beginner Novice and Novice one-day horse trial scheduled for Friday, and a two-day horse trial over the weekend which will offer Beginner Novice through Intermediate levels.” There is still fundraising to be done and items needed to help complete the project. GMHA has done a fantastic job and the end result is sure to be incredible. [GMHA]
The Queen has bought a three year old filly from part owner, Elizabeth Hurley. The Queen who paid a reported 500,000GBP will use the filly for breeding at the royal stud at Sandringham. [Queen’s filly]
In sad news, one of eventing’s top stallions, Brandenburg’s Windstar, has been euthanized due to a spinal injury that caused a deteriorating arthritic condition and neurological symptoms. Windstar has been one of the leading eventing sires in the US for the last few years, and was the sire of such well known Advanced eventers as Arthur and Polar Storm, and the up-and-coming youngsters Quinn Himself and Polaris. Our thoughts go to Phyllis and all those who were connected to this lovely horse.
Thank you to my dear friend Hans. You have taught me so many things, but I am so glad you have finally taught me to ride a horse…
