I never really understood the meaning of that much quoted proverb, All Roads Lead to Rome. No matter, because this year, all roads actually lead to Paris, and one horse starting out on that road is Pippa Funnell’s 2019 Burghley winner, MGH Grafton Street, who was recently sold to Japanese rider Yoshiaki Oiwa . Yoshi and his family are moving close to Pippa’s yard, so that ‘Squirrel,’ as he is known to his pals, can stay in the same routine – a deal breaker for Pippa and his connections, who were keen to do what was best for the 16 year old 5* winner. Certainly one to watch in the build up to Paris, and an amazing opportunity for Yoshi to benefit from Pippa’s tutelage, too. Smart move!
U.S. Weekend Preview
Jumping Branch Farm H.T. (Aiken, SC)[Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Ocala Winter I (Ocala, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Ram Tap H.T. (Fresno, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
International Events
Portuguese Spring Tour (Mata do Duque) (Feb 17 – 20 and Feb 28 – Mar 3) [Timetable] [Entries] [Scoring] [Portuguese Eventing Association Facebook Page] [More Info]
Friday News and Reading
Sticking with the Paris theme, the brains behind EquiRatings and The Eventing Podcast have taken a deep dive into who we should be keeping an eye on in 2024. Their ‘Riders to Watch’ podcast starts out with a really interesting discussion as to who the predicted front runners are for Paris, and provides a nice insight into who they think might shine this season – including some up and coming names that you may not heard of….yet. Will they get it right? Who knows, but it’s all starting to getting very exciting.
Speaking of rising stars, Cosby Green is certainly one of the brightest out there. Currently enjoying her second season based with Tim and Jonelle Price in the UK, Cosby is making the most of the opportunities available over the pond, not least of all a jaunt across to Spain for the Spanish Sunshine Tour. Not only has she been able to develop her own and her horses’ training while she has been with the Prices, but she has also benefited from a mindset shift, too. Set to return to the US at the end of this year, this young lady has her eyes on big things, and I defy anyone to stand in her way.
Well this is a wonderful initiative. In what seems to be an increasingly scary and difficult world, the good guys over at World Horse Welfare have launched a Help for Horse Owners support service. Lord knows we need all the help we can get, but this is aimed specifically at those struggling with the rising costs of keeping and caring for horses, and the mental health implications that may follow. A shining light in what seems to be a constant barrage of doom and gloom.
Want to support a good cause, while having fun with other horsey folks? Well, look no further. The British Eventing Support Trust have organised a virtual online quiz, aimed at raising funds that will allow them to continue to provide mental and physical health support to their members. There are prizes on offer too, so why not get a team together and settle down for an hour or two of fun and frolics, all in the name of charity. Who knows, you might even learn something new.
Last one from me before I sign off for the weekend, and I will leave you with another much quoted saying, though this one is a lot easier to understand than the first. Ever heard the old chestnut ‘No foot no horse?’ Well even if you haven’t, it’s certainly one worth remembering. Luckily, February is International Hoof Care Month, and for that very reason, farrier Chris Martelli has provided some advice as to how to keep your horses hooves as healthy as possible. Farrier to the stars, including none other than Lauren Nicholson, Chris certainly knows his stuff, and the tips he offers here are easily digestible, and serve as a good reminder as to the little things that we can do to help our horses stay in as good a condition as possible, from head to toe.
Sponsor Corner
What is the Stable View staff up to now? Go behind the scenes with the staff to see what it’s like to handle the day-to-day organization of the iconic venue.
Weekend Watching
Just in case you had forgotten this absolute show of horsemanship from Harriet Biddick, here you go. It would be remiss of me not to give Eventing Nation’s very own Tilly Berendt a shout out for capturing this iconic moment on her own camera too. That particular photograph earned her the Kit Houghton Photo of the Year Award at the 2023 BEMA Awards – and rightly so I am sure you will agree. All that remains for me to do now is to wish you a very happy weekend. Go Eventing – though please do check your tack first…!
