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As the weekend rolls around once more, I hope you all have wonderful things planned; some of you may even be taking a little time to recharge your batteries ahead of another hectic week. I know that I did just that last weekend, taking myself off on a little ‘staycation,’ and reconnecting with my non-equine interests. As Andrew Hoy points out, it’s not always easy to find the much talked about ‘balance’ in life, especially where horses are concerned. But just like our beloved equine counterparts, ‘Recovery and Rest’ days play their part in the path to achieving our goals, too. I doubt many of us are as lucky as Mr Hoy, and get to enjoy said rest days sunning ourselves in Dubai – I know I certainly didn’t need my passport last weekend! – but even just a day out of your normal routine can work wonders, both mentally and physically. So why not take some time for you this weekend, and head into Monday refreshed and raring to go. And if you get the chance to do that in Dubai, even better!
U.S. Weekend Preview
Full Gallop Farm Mid February H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Pine Top Advanced (Thomson, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Three Lakes Winter II H.T. at Caudle Ranch (Groveland, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Friday News and Reading
We eventing fans sure do love a live stream and EN’s one-stop hub is where they’re all at. We’ve compiled this list and its accompanying global map to assist you and cut down on confusion and frustration when it comes to eventing live streams. We’ll be updating this as new live streams are added and you can request the addition of a live stream by emailing [email protected]. Eyes on, and go eventing!
It was Ian Stark’s birthday yesterday. You know the one: all round eventing legend, and designer of some of the world’s best – and toughest – cross country courses, including Maryland. Take a trip down memory lane courtesy of Horse & Hound, who have managed to condense his remarkable life and career in an easily digestible article. Happy (belated) Birthday Ian!
In the build-up to competition, so much of our time is spent focussing on the physical side of training, and mindset is often neglected as a result. However, as Nicky Pennie points out on the latest edition of the Grassroots Show from the Eventing Podcast, it is just as important to have a strong mental attitude as well. In learning how to harness your nerves in the correct way, you will not only improve your results, but inevitably add to the overall enjoyment of the experience. A really great listen for anyone that has ever suffered from nerves or self doubt (I will put my hand up on that one), full of useful tips and tricks for turning the negative thoughts around – and there’s even a discount code for Nicky’s ‘Supercharge Your Riding Masterclass, if you want to delve even deeper into your mental approach.
5* season is almost upon us, and no doubt selectors will have their attention firmly fixed on the entries list, ahead of the Paris Olympics. Riders lucky enough to have more than one potential Olympic star in their stable have an added opportunity to showcase them at Badminton this year, as the entries system has been altered slightly, to allow riders the chance to ride three horses, rather than two, as in previous years. Burghley Horse Trials allows riders to enter three horses, but Badminton has previously been so oversubscribed, it was only fair to limit riders to two horses. But last year, there was no waiting list – a first time for the event – hence the new entry system. How wonderful it must be to have three 5* runners in your stable – I’m sure most of us would be happy with just one!
On a more sombre note, the Kiwi Eventing Community suffered a big loss this week. Helen Thomson, an integral part of the Eventing Taranki committee, and a great contributor to our sport over the years, died in hospital on February 2nd. Contributing to many events as a judge, she was a much relied on volunteer, and one that New Zealand Eventing were more than aware they were lucky to have. Indeed, volunteers like Helen are few and far between, both overseas and closer to home, and selfless characters like Helen are a gift to our sport. Without them, it would be hard to run any events at all. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her, and the Kiwi Eventing community as a whole. Rest in Peace, Helen – our thoughts are with your family and loved ones.
Just when we thought it was all over… As most of you will be aware, Shane Rose caused a little bit of a furore last weekend when he chose to showjumping in a mankini. Cue eventing making national news, albeit for all of the wrong reasons, and Shane having to ‘step down’ from competition while he was investigated (for what, exactly, I am still not sure). Anyway, after an overwhelming rally of support for Shane from fans all over the world, the ‘case(?!)’ against him was inevitably dropped, and normality resumed. But for Tim Palmer, the whole situation should never have come to pass and he has decided to resign from his position as chairman of Equestrian Australia’s integrity committee as a result. Who knew that such a scrappy piece of material could cause such upheaval?!
In this ever changing world we live in, climate change is an increasingly hot topic (no pun intended, honest). So if you are concerned about the impact that you – or your horse – are having on the environment, why not work out their carbon footprint?! The brains behind Agria Equine Insurance have developed a handy little tool to allow you to do just that – and if you want a point of comparison, then their brand ambassador, current European and former World Champion, Ros Canter, has shared her own results. Every little helps!
Sponsor Corner
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We don’t usually highlight winners of dressage competitions on Eventing Nation… but how can we not congratulate the winner of the highest Dressage Score for Thoroughbreds during the USEF/USDF “I LOVE Dressage” Show at Stable View when he has a show name like Why is the Rum Gone? Congratulations to Bridgette Miller and her wonderfully named horse on their win at Stable View.
Weekend Watching
It’s not eventing, but it is still one hell of a story, and one hell of a winning round, and it never fails to make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, and bring a tear to my eye. A fantastic display of horsemanship, the culmination of a long career characterised by grit and determination, and proof that dreams really can come true, no matter how may setbacks you encounter along the way. A fairytale ending for Nick and Big Star, I for one can’t wait to see how many more of these we will encounter in Paris, but for now, I hope you enjoy this throwback to Rio 2016. Keep dreaming, keep fighting, and as ever, Go Eventing!
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