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This time next week, the Defender Burghley Horse Trials will be in full swing, with the second day of dressage well underway. Hopefully, we will also have been treated to yet another expert analysis of all of the best (and worst) ‘lewks’ on the jog strip by the ever observant Chinch and his able assistant, Tilly Berendt, following the first horse inspection on Wednesday 4th September. How will this year’s fashion show compare to that of years gone by, I wonder? There is nothing better than a throwback to years gone by, and the trends that dominated way back when. Let’s face it, some of the trends from those days are probably de rigeur once again, such is the cyclical nature of fashion. Whether that is a good thing or not is all down to personal opinion, so we will leave you to make your own mind up – who wore it best?!
If you want to take another dander down memory lane, then enjoy these snaps from 50 years ago, thanks to Juliet Graham – or rather her mom, Nicky! That was the year that Burghley held the World Championships, with Team USA winning both Team and Individual Gold, with Bruce Davidson Sr. topping the podium. What a throwback – things have definitely changed a little since then!
US Weekend Preview
USEA American Eventing Championships: [Website] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Timing & Scoring] [Volunteer] [Official Photographer] [XC Courses]
Equestrians’ Institute H.T.: [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T.: [Website] [Timing & Scoring] [Volunteer]
Bucks County Horse Park H.T.: [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring]
Friday News & Reading
Would it be a Friday News & Notes without a podcast recommendation?! Of course not! As is expected then, here is the latest recommendation from me, to you! Once again, it is our pals at the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast that are coming up with the goods, with the Inside Burghley 2024 show providing the perfect appetiser for the 5* action that will unfold next week. Nicole Brown has managed to track down not only the Director of the Defender Burghley Horse Trials, Martyn Johnson, but also marketing expert Lucy Higginson, as well as racing personality Hayley Moore, who will head up all of the action at the Insights stage, where she will be interrogating various riders and industry experts throughout the week. With so much available, and tickets still on sale take this as your sign to buy a ticket if you can, and if not, then treat yourself to a Burghley TV Subscription. So much of the action will be available on the livestream, including the Burghley Young Event Horse Final as well as various behind the scenes previews and interviews. Well worth the $27 (ish) annual fee!
Podcast fans are in for a treat this week, as I am thrilled to report that I have another incredible episode of the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast for you. There’s not really all that much I need to say to convince you to go ahead and give it a listen, other than that it is with none other than three time Olympic champion, Michael Jung. Yes, really.
We also have news of another Olympic medal winner this week, this time from Tom McEwen’s stable. He shared a video over on his Instagram of both of his Olympic rides, Toledo de Kerser – with whom he won Team Gold and Individual Silver in Tokyo – and JL Dublin, who of course has just helped Team GB to their second consecutive Olympic Team Gold. According to Tom’s wife, Harriet, Toledo de Kerser, who was sadly injured at Burghley last year, is slowly being brought back into ridden work, though not with the view to event, but simply to have him back in work and enjoying himself. Glorious news to all Toledo fans out there, and I’m sure to Tom and his team, too!
Staying with Team McEwen, they have a team vacancy. Fancy joining an Olympic medal and 5* winning team? Then go ahead and drop them a line! An incredible opportunity for anyone serious about a career in the equestrian industry!
More news from one of our favourite Olympic superstars. One of the brightest stars of our sport – and indeed, one of the longest serving members, with a career spanning over 13 years – Virgil, the 19 year old ride of Australia’s Shane Rose, has finally made it back to his homeland, where he will enjoy a retirement from the sport. What a horse – and still looking every inch a superstar, even in his twilight years.
Feeling lucky?! Excellent, because there’s a whole load of brilliant prizes up for grabs (mainly for UK based readers though, sorry!) First up, the chance to win a course walk at the upcoming Defender Burghley Horse Trials, with 5* winning rider, Gemma Stevens. As if that’s not enough, Insights Magazine are offering you the chance to win tickets to the event, too. All you need to do is sign up at the link. Simples. Finally, if you’re feeling extraordinarily lucky, then why not grab the chance to win tickets to yet another great event, Cornbury House Horse Trials, which runs the week after Burghley. Again, nothing too taxing, just a few clicks and you’re in the mix!
More prizes up for grabs here, although this time they’re not for you! Instead, it is that time of year again; the nominations for the annual Horse & Hound awards, in collaboration with Agria Equine and NAF. Categories include Horse of the Year, Professional and Amateur rider of the year, Groom of the Year and the Horse of a Lifetime award. Nominations close on September 19th, so head on over and make your nominations now!
Final one from me before I go and dive head first into Burghley TV in preparation for next week… If you are already wondering how to fill your free time in the rapidly approaching – and much dreaded – off season, then why not get your glad rags on and buy a ticket for the British Eventing Support Trust Ball? Tables are all but sold out, and there are only a few tickets remaining, so if you are able to get to London on November 30th, then why not give yourself something to look forward to?! With a live band, champagne reception and the most incredible prizes on offer in both the silent auction and the raffle, it will certainly be a night to remember – and all contributing to the most incredible cause. What are you waiting for?!
Sponsor Corner
Looking for a reason to visit Stable View in Aiken? Here’s 10 of them! As part of Eventing Nation’s team of reporters, I’ve been lucky enough to visit Stable View several times now, and it’s become a dream of mine to go with one of my horses, just for fun. Here’s why it’s on my bucket list and why it should be on yours, too.
Weekend Watching
Remember I suggested you go sign up for Burghley TV?! Well, if you need a little more convincing then here is a sneak peak of the exclusive course preview that you will be privy to, should you take the plunge. Told you it was worth it…
