Friday News & Notes from SmartPak

Boyd giving lessons in Japan with a very average backdrop. Photo via Boyd’s Facebook.

Well, it’s the last day of November, and I stepped up my game this year and got a tree yesterday, then got home and decorated it, while watching Elf. So, my holiday spirit is very much intact. Although sadly I found out that most of my Christmas lights had died in their box over the year, so I have to go get all new ones because I’m not a maniac and I’m not trying to find that one bulb that ruined the whole strand. Ain’t nobody got time for that!

National Holiday: National Mason Jar Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Sporting Days Farm Horse Trials IV [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

News From Around the Globe: 

Hey y’all, today we are treated to a new and improved USEA website! Promising a completely revamped website that features a streamlined and simplified design, improved functionality, and enriched content areas to help all members and eventing enthusiasts find the information they need. Thanks USEA!! [Check out the USEA]

Jonty Evans continues his amazing recovery with the help of an animatronic horse. After suffering a fall this spring, Jonty was in a six week coma that left him with a head injury that caused doctors to wonder if he would ever walk again. But Jonty wants back on a horse! So he’s been practicing his skills and balance and position by using a horse simulator at Hartpury University. [Jonty’s Back in the Saddle]

While the Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event only happens once a year, it’s definitely a destination competition for many. As the oldest team eventing competition in the United States, this event was created in the early 1980s by the Midsouth Eventing and Dressage Association and The Eventing Association of Michigan, and has only grown in popularity through the years. Not only does it offer BN-P with the option to compete as a team with your friends, but also has both Preliminary and Training level old school long format three-days. [USEA Events A-Z: Hagyard Midsouth]

Sorry, just having a quick #FlashbackFriday moment with these photos from Fair Hill. It feels like yesterday and also a million years ago all in one. Beautiful photos of fall and horses that aren’t hairy and covered in mud! [Through The Lens: 2018 Fair Hill International]