Cross says, “When do I get to do the fun stuff already?” Photo by Andi Lawrence.
October is the month where it’s suddenly 40 degrees at night (read: blankets for horses and a sweater/vest/jacket combo with a chance of scarf for humans) and then about 70-80 during the day, which changes more than a few things about daily life at the barn. First, the back seat of my car becomes something like a rummage bin for discarded clothes that become too hot as the day wears on. Second, the barn aisle is suddenly way more crowded, because the blankets have been brought out from storage. Third, I pull out my oh-so-attractive rain suit and start clipping horses! That’s not an ironic exclamation point, I actually like clipping. I listen to Harry Potter on audiobook and clip clip clip away!
Pau Links: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores
U.S. Weekend Preview:
#DuttaFHI: Website, Entries, Draw Order, Ride Times, Live Scores, YEH Scores, EN’s Coverage, Twitter, Instagram
Paradise Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]
Ocala Fall Event H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]
News From Around the Globe:
Following up on yesterday’s link to Part 1 of Taylor Flury’s COTH blog, we bring you Part 2 of “Three Lessons for Young Horses”. Part 1 was “Teaching Them to Think”, which is the basis for all good partnerships, and Part 2 is “Teaching Them To Love”, which is equally and undeniably important in the upbringing of a young horse. I really enjoyed this series on how to intentionally craft the mind and body of an athlete that will bring you years of happiness and success. [Three Lessons for Young Horses: Part 2]
Ever since the FEI started demanding microchips for passports for upper level horses, it was only a matter of time before other national federations followed suit for registration. Microchipping horses not only is an easy way to keep track of points and ownership, but it helps in situations between veterinarians, breeders, and in the unfortunate case of neglect, abuse, or theft. Beginning in December of 2017, all horses registered with the USEF must be microchipped, and the Jockey Club has also announced that in 2017 they are switching to microchips for Thoroughbred registration. [The New Reality: Microchipping Horses]
The Virginia Horse Trials is running in two weeks, and they need able bodied volunteers! Not only is VAHT a great place to volunteer and watch incredible horses in action through the CCI2* level, you earn $20 a day if you work four hours or more towards your favorite non profit! You can sign up really easily through Eventing Volunteers online. [Volunteer on Halloween]
Hot on Horse Nation: How To Train Your Horse Show Spouse
Honorable HN Mention: Best of Craigslist, Volume 48
Time to update your winter wardrobe for the upcoming months in the barn. I was perusing SmartPak the other day, just thinking about how some of my hardy winter clothes for the barn have entered the death zone, and I fell in love with this Ariat Ideal Tiro Vest. The cut is so flattering, and with Ariat you know it’s good quality, and I love wearing a vest underneath a bigger jacket for some extra core warmth that doesn’t overheat you when you get going on a horse. This is a must buy! [SmartPak Product of the Day]
