Say hello to your overnight leaders in the Defender Blair Horse Trials CCI4*L : FEI World Number One, and Olympic Gold Medallist, Tom McEwen and MHS Brown Jack. The cross-country takes place on Saturday, with several other international sections taking place over the weekend as well. This year there will be a somewhat sombre atmosphere to this great Scottish event, as it will be the last ever running of a fixture that has been a staple of the British Eventing calendar for what seems like forever. Host to several Junior and Young Rider European Championships, as well as the Senior Europeans in 2015, Blair holds a special place in many a heart, and will be sorely missed. Social media is awash with memories of Blair from years gone by, with Holly Woodhead amongst those sharing their special moments. Thank you for all you have given the sport, Blair. We will miss you!
US Weekend Preview
Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. International (Fairburn, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]
Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T. II (Santa Ynez, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Town Hill Farm H.T. (Lakeville, CT) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
UK International Events
Blair Castle International (Perthshire, Scotland) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
European International Events
Lisgarvan House International (County Carlow, Ireland) [Website] [Entries] [Scoring]
Friday News and Reading
Burghley may be just around the corner, but it is not the only big Autumn 5* we can look froward to! October boasts not one, but TWO 5*’s, with both Maryland and Pau, and if you’re thinking of buying tickets for Maryland, then you might want to take a trip to The Fair Hill Saddlery x Maryland 5 Star Ticket Sales Event this weekend. Not only will you receive a 10% discount on General Admission tickets for the event, but you could also win exclusive prizes and if that’s not enough, there is also a chance to meet Hannah Sue Holberg, who will be there signing autographs. Run, don’t walk!
Speaking of Hannah Sue Holberg, she is the latest guest on the ‘Riders Unscripted’ podcast. She joins Natalie to discuss the work that she has done on her own mindset and nervous system, to enhance her performance, and that of her horses, as a result. A really fascinating listen!
More top rider podcast content! This time, it is the turn of Jessica Phoenix, on the In Stride podcast. She and Sinead Halpin Maynard discuss a whole array of different topics, including Jessica’s career thus far, how she maintains her competitive edge without losing her love for the sport, the future of eventing in Canada, and much, much more!
Much has been said about the future of horse sports, and especially when it comes to their inclusion in future Olympics. Sam Watson of EquiRatings delves deeper into the subject, suggesting that greater public engagement could be the way forward, and that rather than focusing solely on changing the narrative surrounding social license, we could do more to garner an interest in the sport itself. A fascinating read, from one of the greatest minds within the sport. Sam certainly provides food for thought, daring to speak out on a subject that is at the forefront of all of our minds, as the question mark over the future grows ever greater.
On a happier note, it is Lisvargen House International Horse Trials this weekend, over in Ireland. You can hear more from Sam, who joins Nicole on the EquiRatings Eventing podcast to take a look at the 4* entry list, and make their predictions on who will top the podium. A fun listen, and a great addition to the eventing calendar in recent years!
Hoping to make it to Burghley next month? Then you might want to enter this fantastic competition that Piggy March is running! All you have to do is tag a pal, and you could win 2 tickets for Saturday AND a free car pass. All you really have to do is choose the friend you most want to take with you!
Headed to the AmericanEventing Championships this year?! Erin Gilmore Photography is the official photographer for 2024; all rounds, all divisions will be photographed with high resolution photos available after the conclusion of your division. No waiting weeks for photos! Visit http://www.eringilmorephotos.com to get yours!
Sport Horse Nation is expanding, and they’re on the look out for some part time team members! As the world’s largest event horse marketplace run by chinchillas, Sport Horse Nation has changed little since its founding just after the invention of the internet. The SHN team is working on some exciting upgrades including a redesign to fulfill its mission of helping eventers everywhere find their unicorn. If you are familiar with newfangled human toys like YouTok and FaceTube, or have other suitable skills to aid our internet takeover, please shoot us an email with subject “Big Chinchin” to [email protected].
Sponsor Corner
Everyone looks good in SunHeist 😎☀ SunHeist is now an official sponsor of Stable View’s Oktoberfest! If you’re looking for a great pair of sunnies that can stand up to the daily wear and tear of working and riding horses, you need a pair of SunHeist sunglasses. Personally, I’m in love with the Alder Sunglasses in grey turquoise. Shop for your next pair of sunnies here.
Weekend Watching
The countdown is on, with less than two weeks to go until the Defender Burghley Horse Trials! Who will be adding their name to Winner’s Avenue this year? Take a trip down memory lane with last year’s winner Oliver Townend. With a 5* winner entered this year in Cooley Rosalent, perhaps Oli can pull of another win, and put himself back in contention for the coveted Rolex Grand Slam…watch this space!
