No moose have been sighted at Bromont, yet, but I’m holding out hope. As a random bit of eventing triva, horses registered with the USEA bearing Moose-themed names include: Chocolate Moose, Moose Tracks, Moose on the Loose, Minnie Moose, Magic Moose, Mr. Moose and Pine Top Moose. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
6/10: Genessee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring Horse Trials (NY) [Website] [Live Scoring]
And, of course, Bromont is underway in Quebec. After Day 1 of the dressage, Jon Holling is leading the CCI*** aboard Downtown Harrison while Allison Springer leads the CCI* riding Eclipse. The CIC*** dressage begins today at 8 a.m., and the CCI** at 9. John is there all weekend bringing us the latest. [Website] [Live Scoring]
Samantha is in the UK covering Bramham–you can keep up with her coverage throughout the weekend via SamanthaLClark.com and Eventing Nation. [Bramham Results]
Ireland has named an Olympic shortlist of 10 riders and 11 horses. At present Ireland is assured of a team of at least three riders at the Games, but their allotment could increase to four or five depending on whether other countries who have secured places have sufficient eligible combinations to take up the places. A final selection decision will be made on July 2 following the event at Barbury Castle. The shortlist includes: Aoife Clark/Master Crusoe, Capt. Geoff Curran/Shanaclough Crecora and The Jump Jet, Jayne Doherty/Ravenstar, Sarah Ennis/Sugar Brown Babe, Mark Kyle/Coolio, Joseph Murphy/Electric Cruise, Elizabeth Power/September Bliss, Michael Ryan/Ballylynch Adventure, Camilla Speirs/Portersize Just a Jiff, and Sam Watson/Horseware Bushman. [Horse Sport IE]
Every month, SmartPak tallies customer reviews from eventers like you to find its customers’ favorite products. Check out this month’s Top-10 Eventing Products to find some great picks for you and your horse. [SmartPak]
In recognition of their participation in International Helmet Awareness Day 2012, the folks at Gatehouse Hats are offering UK residents the chance to win a Gatehouse Blouson Jacket or one of four Gatehouse Baseball Caps. To win, enter the caption contest on the Riders4Helmets website. The photo, of a very shirtless Paul Tapner, happens to have been taken by EN’s very own ESJ. The competition will run until June 30th, after which time the winners will be decided by none other than Paul Tapner himself. [Riders4Helmets]
A petition in support of reduced journey times for animals going to slaughter in Europe garnered over a million signatures. The charity that organized the petition, World Horse Welfare, says current European Union legislation makes it possible for animals, including horses, to be transported for days on end in cramped conditions with little food or water. The petition was handed to the European Commission. [Horse Talk NZ]
Hot on Horse Nation: Anita Marchesani helps us understand the function of gag bits; McKenna Oxenden cheers on her buddies at Waradaca; and Abby Gibbon explains why this is a great weekend to paint your toenails purple.
Best of the Blogs: Doug Payne picked a fine day to have his first dressage error of the year, and he’s kicking himself for it. His score of 45 was still good enough to be tied for second place in the Bromont CCI* aboard Tribute. [DP Equestrian]
Video: Secretariat winning the 1973 Belmont by a whopping 31 lengths. Go I’ll Have Another!!!
