EN's own Leslie Threlkeld and Cindy DePorter causing trouble down at Southern 8ths Three Day.
We are in the midst of a crazy three week cycle right now, with Rolex gone, Badminton underway and Jersey Fresh just around the corner. I can’t even imagine the riders who compete at all three! I’m just tired keeping up with it all and watching it from home, but to ride two four-stars and a three-star back to back to back (and some on multiple horses, ahem, Boyd) just seems like a superhuman feat.
Anytime somebody tells you that “the horse does most of the work,” you now officially have legal license to punch them. (Note from Jenni: EN’s lawyers do not recommend that you actually punch someone.)
U.S. Weekend Preview:
The Event at Skyline H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]
King Oak Farm Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]
MCTA H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]
Heart of the Carolinas 3D & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Poplar Place Farm May H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]
Greenwood Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]
Penny Oaks H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]
News from Around the Globe:
Attention Jersey Fresh competitors! Due to a record number of entries this year, some of the dressage will run on Wednesday, May 11. The complete CCI2* division will do dressage on Wednesday, May 11, starting around 1 p.m. A portion of the CCI3* division will also do dressage on Wednesday. The first horse inspection for the CCI2* and CCI3* will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday started with the CCI2*. The briefing will most likely be held Wednesday evening after dressage in the Member Tent. Full schedule (tentative) and updates available at www.jfi3d.com.
Hoping to watch Badminton action this weekend? If you’re in the states, you’ll need the free live stream link (or an FEI TV subscription), iron will and strong coffee to wake up that early, but that will give you total access to the weekend’s events. (All times below are Eastern Standard Time.) [FEI TV] [Free Live Stream]
- Friday May 6: 4:50 am – 1:00 pm dressage day 2
- Saturday May 7: 7:20 am – 1:00 pm cross-country
- Sunday May 8: 7:20 am (morning session) and 10:35 am (top 20 riders) show jumping
The competition at Badminton is tougher than the Olympics, says director Hugh Thomas. A bold statement, for sure, but probably not far off the mark. Despite the withdrawal of several top riders, the quality of the field is enormous, as are the cross country jumps. “It is an individual event for the best whereas the Olympics is a team competition and some of those team members would not get into the starting line-up at Badminton.” [Badminton Tougher Than Olympics]
Not only can you live stream Badminton this weekend, but you can also cheer on friends at The Heart of the Carolina’s Three Day Event with their live streaming! All three phases will be available on demand, as well as replays and individual videos with commentary from Sally O’Connor and announcer Charles Pinnell. Tune in! [HOTC Live Stream]
The Kentucky Derby is upon us! Along with all the eventing excitement, we have the first leg of the Triple Crown kicking off this weekend. Are you all read up on your contenders? ESPN did a great little video on past Derby contenders and their barnyard buds. Think goats, chickens, cats and pigs. You won’t regret this. [Thoroughbreds & Companions]
Bonnets: they’re all the rage nowadays. I think we should start auctioning off Michael Jung’s dressage bonnets, honestly, because those things must be magical. Speaking of magical, have you heard of the Schockemohle Silent Ear Bonnet? The ears are lined with neoprene to help block out buzzing distractions while you are fancy prancing. It’s a bit more pricey than your average fly protectors, but can you really put a price on a better dressage score? [SmartPak Product of the Day]
Badminton 2014 highlights:
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