Friday News & Notes from SmartPak

Just having some fun in the snow! Photo courtesy of Jen Vanover.

I just booked a ticket to Flooooorrriiiiddaaaa! OK, so it’s only for three days in Wellington, but I’m hyped about it. Honestly, the biggest problem right now is trying to find clothes that would be OK in the 80 degree weather. Do I even own summer clothes anymore? Right now I’m inside and I’m still wearing three layers. I’m sitting directly in front of my gas stove, and I’m glad I have thermal tights on. This is my life, you guys.

National Holiday: National Popcorn Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Grand Oaks H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

News From Around the Globe:

The USEF Annual Meeting is underway Jan. 17-20 in Lexington, Kentucky. The highlight of today’s proceedings will be this evening’s Horse of the Year Awards Dinner, and a big congrats to McLain Ward on his 2o17 Equestrian of the Year honor received at last night’s Pegasus Awards. We’ll be keeping an ear out for any eventing news! [Website] [Live Stream] [Meeting News] [Schedule]

Waredaca is adding a Preliminary Three Day to their roster for 2018. With the addition of the Prelim level, Waredaca becomes one of only three venues to host Novice, Training and Prelim in the classic format. The Classic is a formative experience for young riders, amateurs and professionals alike. Led by Eventing legend Eric Smiley, Waredaca Classic competitors are treated to three days filled with instruction, insight and inspiration. Eric, with the help of an experienced team of dressage judges, event organizers, technical delegates, vets and more walk riders through every piece of the long format. We’re talking dressage test demos, cross country and show jumping course walks, mini steeplechase clinics, Q&As with vets, top riders and more! [Waredaca Upgrades]

Hot on Horse Nation: Pam Hardin, Para Equestrian: A Little Spice & A Whole Lot of Purpose

New Bolton is under a self imposed quarantine after a horse at the hospital tested positive for equine herpes myeloencephalitis (EHM). The vet practice has cancelled all elective equine appointments pending further instruction from the state veterinarian. On Jan. 16, a horse recently admitted to the hospital for non-neurologic signs tested positive for EHV-1 and ultimately displayed signs compatible with EHM. Of particular relevance to the larger equine community, this horse had a non-traditional presentation for EHM, including a low-grade fever and several days of normal temperature prior to developing neurologic signs. [New Bolton on Lockdown]

Waradaca Classic Preliminary 3 Day!