Guys, if the post-Olympic blues are hitting hard, then I would invite you to take a quick flick through these Olympic moments, which Adam Short – groom to JL Dublin and Tom McEwen – has kindly shared with the world. Have you seen a happier human? To be fair, Adam usually generates positive vibes to all who encounter him, but his reaction to JL Dublin’s Paris performance saw him take that to another level.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not ignorant enough to think that the Olympics were this successful for everyone involved – Jonelle Price sums up the disappointment of her Games in an achingly honest way here – but perhaps it is for that reason that we can all understand the sheer euphoria felt by those who did have one of those rare moments where the stars align, and it all comes right. It is such a rarity in our sport, and make celebrations like Adam’s more than justifiable. As Kiwi eventer Nick Brooks once said – “Eventing is like an Island of Happiness in an Ocean of Tears.”
Admittedly, now that the main focal point of our year thus far is over, it may seem like we’re all in that Ocean of Tears, but there is still much to look forward to before the season is over, not least of all another three 5*’s! So while it may not have come right for everyone in Paris, there is still time for fortunes to change – and plenty more sport for us to enjoy!
U.S. Weekend Preview
Fair Hill International Recognized H.T. (Elkton, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
GMHA Festival of Eventing August H.T. (South Woodstock, VT) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Masterson Equestrian Trust YEH/NEH Qualifier (Lexington, KY) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]
Otter Creek Summer H.T. (Wheeler, WI) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
WindRidge Farm Summer H.T. (Mooresboro, NC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Woodside Summer H.T (Woodside, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
UK International Events
Hartpury International Incorporating the British Championships (Gloucestershire) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Live Stream]
Friday News and Reading
Adam Short is providing A LOT of content right now, and well he should. Like I say, he is an all round great human, and so open to sharing his experiences with the wider public, offering a detailed glimpse of life behind the scenes as a top event groom. On the latest episode of the Equiratings Eventing Podcast, he speaks to Nicole Brown about his Paris experience, once again giving us access to an experience beyond our – and his – wildest imagination!
More podcast recommendations to fill your ears! This one is a new discovery for me, and as the proud owner of two OTTB, one that I am particularly keen to get stuck in to. The brain child of Louise Robson aka Thoroughbred Dressage, this podcast takes a deep dive into all aspects of racehorses – both pre and post retraining. A fascinating look into the world of racing, it offers a whole new perspective on the lives of Throughbreds, and what makes them tick. A must listen for anyone who has – or is considering becoming involved in – an OTTB.
I have waxed lyrical on many an occasion about how vital the team behind the scenes are, and I am not about to stop now. The FEI are jumping on the band wagon too, shining the spotlight on Super Groom, Jackie Potts Their 2014 Groom of the Year, Head Honcho at Fox Pitt Eventing, and latterly, the groom to Kazumo Tomoto and Vinci de la Vigne in Paris, Jackie has been in the sport since the beginning of time, and deserves all of the praise – and some more besides. A living legend, three cheers for Jackie!
He came, he saw, he conquered. And now he is leaving the country. That’s right – Australian eventer turned show jumper turned eventer (again), Chris Burton may have just won himself an individual Olympic medal, but he’s not sticking around for much longer. Instead, he and his family are returning ‘home’ to Australia, and as such, there is going to be a pretty big hole to fill at Chedington Equestrian, his current base. It is also home to Kiwi superstars Tim and Jonelle Price, and has everything that an ambitious competitior could ever want. Think indoor and outdoor arenas, stables that most of us could only ever dream of – and even a house for you too! If you, or someone you know would like to find out more, then why not drop them a line? Chedington’s loss could inadvertently be your gain!
Anyone keeping an eye on the Burghley entries will see that it is shaping up to be THE event to be at. The international contingent is growing steadily, and the latest all star competitor to join the list is former European Champion, and 2008 Badminton winner, Nicolas Touzaint. Given how long Nicolas has been competing – and winning – at the top level, it seems unbelievable that this will be Nicolas’ first time at the Stamford event, but he is bringing his Tokyo Olympic mount Absolut Gold HDC to the party, so his debut at the event could be a very successful one. Who said that we had nothing to look forward to beyond the Olympics?!
Sponsor Corner
The August Eventing Academy begins today! Couldn’t come this time? Mark your calendars for the October Eventing Academy on October 11th through the 13th. Haven’t heard of the Eventing Academy? You’re missing out on one of the area’s top schooling competitions. Check it out.
Weekend Watching
Ever wondered what sort of thing goes on behind the scenes for an Olympic Gold Medal winning team? All I am going to say is, you’d be surprised.
