With the thrills and spills of Badminton still fresh in all of our minds, complete with stories of both heartache and triumph, these words from last year’s Kentucky 5* winner, the wonderful Tamie Smith, seem particularly pertinent. With horses, as we all know, there is a low to accompany every high, and nothing can ever be taken for granted. But, as Tamie says, that’s what makes the big results even more special, and one lady who knows that all too well is Lucy Latta, the latest darling of our sport. A one horse girl, with a full time job to juggle alongside her eventing career, all of the long hours and sacrifices finally paid off for her and RCA Patron Saint – Paddy – this last weekend, with 2nd place at their first 5*. A dream come true, indeed, and one that most definitely needs celebrating, not just for being an amazing result in itself, but also because, as Tamie says – and has first hand experience of herself – you really never know what is around the corner….
U.S. Weekend Preview
Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (Fairburn, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times]
Fair Hill International Recognized H.T. (Elkton, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Hitching Post Farm H.T. (South Royalton, VT) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Hunt Club Farms H.T. (Berryville, VA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Otter Creek Spring H.T. (Wheeler, WI) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Spokane Sport Horse Spring H.T. (Spokane, WA) [Website] [Entries][Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Spring Gulch H.T. (Highlands Ranch, CO) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
The Vista Spring YEH/NEH Qualifier (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]
European International Events
LONGINES Whitsun Tournament Wiesbaden (Germany) [Website] [Times] [Scoring] [Live Stream]
Friday News and Reading
Some good news from this side of the pond to start your weekend right. After much to-ing and fro-ing, the live export of horses for slaughter is finally going to be banned. As Roly Owers, Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare, says, this is an historic moment in the welfare of equestrian friends, and a massive step in the right direction. Three cheers for those who have campaigned tirelessly to reach this point: it’s been a long road, but the end is in sight.
I know Badminton reached it’s climatic finale over a week ago, but I am still soaking up all the related content, and boy is there plenty still out there. Horse & Hound are doing a sterling job of providing even more information about the prestigious event and its competitors, just when you think you know it all. Like this roll call of all of the prize winners you might not know about – shout out to Emily Gibson and Lily Wilson, Pippa Funnell’s grooms, who won the grooms’ award. Alex Bragg came away with a pretty big haul, too. If that isn’t enough, then here’s a few extra deets about the winning mare, Greenacres Special Cavalier. A mare you have to sweet talk?! Hands up who isn’t surprised.
Speaking of Badminton, as I am sure you are all well aware by now, this year’s competition marked yet another 5* completion for Boyd Martin. In adding this one to his incredible roster of 5* completions, Mr Martin has of course done what only one other rider has before him (Tim Price in case you were wondering): ridden around all of the 7 current 5*’s in the world. But another combination hot on his heels is that of Jessica Phoenix and the much beloved Wabbit. With four of the seven top events under their belt, Jessie and Wabbit are well on their way to pulling off the same feat, and no offence Tim and Boyd, but to complete all seven on the same horse is a new level of awesome.
Missed your chance to get your hands on Olympic tickets?! Well, I have some excellent news for you; the official resale ticket platform is LIVE. But be quick if you want to grab your ringside pass – I reckon any available tickets will be snapped up like hotcakes, even for the more obscure sports. Paris is the only place to be this Summer.
Sponsor Corner
Have you entered the USEF/USEA Summer Horse Trials at Stable View yet? Registration closes on 6/04! All levels welcome, from Beginner Novice through Advanced. Register soon to beat the late fees. Register now.
Weekend Watching
Before I leave you to enjoy your weekend, just a bit of wisdom from one of the Greatest of All Time: Queen Lucinda Green. So that’s why my OTTB spends hours stood stock still with his head up in the air…
