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Oh okay, Thibault Fournier, we see you. There’s clipping for a five-star, and then there is literally clipping the five-star’s logo onto your horse. Thibault isn’t competing at Pau this weekend but that didn’t stop him from showing a little pride in France’s only five-star, and hopes that his skilled clip job will bring luck to the home team all weekend long.
U.S. Weekend Preview
The VHT International & H.T. (Lexington, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]
FEH & YEH Young Event Horse Last Chance Qualifier & West Coast Championship (Paso Robles, Ca.): [Website] [Entry Status/Times] [Volunteer]
Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (Fairburn, Ga.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]
Course Brook Farm Fall H.T. (Sherborn, Ma.): [Website] [Entry Status]
Major International Events
Les Etoiles de Pau CCI5* (France) : [Website] [Schedule & Start Lists] [Live Stream]
News From Around the Globe:
As winter approaches, it’s time to evaluate your equestrian goals for next year. We should take a moment and think about what we want out of the next few months with our horses. Do we want a blue ribbon or do we want our horses—and our riding—to improve? Are we just riders or are we horsemen? For sure, all of us are drawn together by our love of horses. It amazes me how my life is guided by my consuming love for horses. If you are like me, it is a rare day that goes by that you don’t pause for a moment and lovingly stroke a horse standing next to you or touch that warm velvet just above his muzzle. [Are You A Rider, or a Horseman?]
We have a big week ahead at Les Etoiles de Pau CCI5*, which kicks off with the first horse inspection on Wednesday. Tilly Berendt is on the grounds at Pau for EN and will be bringing you full reports each day. An additional asset for those of us following from afar: Horse&CountryTV will be exclusively broadcasting all three phases of the competition. For H&C+ and H&C+ Gold Members: The event is free to watch– simply log in to your account to gain access. Non-Members: Click here to purchase a pass, good for 90 days, for just $7.99. OR click here to sign up to H&C+ from as little as $9.99 to watch the entire event and enjoy all the benefits of a membership.
Dressage riders have failed a second time to persuade the FEI to allow top hats to be worn at major shows. Despite formal proposals from stakeholder groups and the European Equestrian Federation, the FEI has decided the multi-discipline, pro-helmet vote of the 2019 General Assembly will stand. Fans of the top hat suggest it should be allowed for over-25s only, at 4* and 5* level shows, major championships and the Olympic Games. It would be worn during the test only by those who prefer it, with the safety helmet worn at all other times including prize-givings. My personal hot take? Don’t you dressage riders have anything more important to care about than an ancient fashion ritual? [Mind Your Melon]
Podcast of the Day: Interview with Jessica Halliday + Tribute
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