A heartbreaking plea has been made following the burglary of the late Richard Meade’s family home, where two of his cherished Olympic gold medals from the 1972 Munich Games were stolen. These medals, symbolizing Great Britain’s historic eventing victories, hold immense sentimental value for his family. Having been previously stolen in the 1980s and later recovered, the medals have since been used to inspire countless young riders through school visits and exhibitions. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police to help return these irreplaceable pieces of British equestrian history.
U.S. Weekend Preview
Virginia Horse Center Eventing Fall H.T & International (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
River Glen Fall H.T. (TN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]
Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
News & Reading
In the latest episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast, Lillian Heard Wood reflects on her equestrian journey, including her decision to retire her 18-year-old partner, LCC Barnaby, from five-star competition. She discusses handling setbacks in the sport and the importance of celebrating personal milestones. With 16 CCI5* completions and top-10 finishes at events like the Maryland 5 Star, Lillian offers valuable insights into the highs and lows of eventing. Listen to the episode here.
In a classic episode of the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast, host Nicole Brown sits down with European Champion, Olympic medalist, and five-star winner Ian Stark to reflect on his remarkable career. They discuss his early days, standout horses, pivotal moments, and future plans, offering a deep dive into the journey of one of the sport’s most esteemed cross-country riders. Listen here.
Ontario Equestrian is setting new standards for innovation and community growth in Canada’s equestrian world. Horse Sport details their efforts to increase accessibility, support local equestrian businesses, and invest in training and education programs for riders of all levels. From tech-forward initiatives to enhanced membership benefits, Ontario Equestrian is dedicated to fostering a stronger, more inclusive community. Read the full article here to see how they’re making a difference.
A recent study has linked poor working conditions to increased levels of anxiety and depression among grooms, highlighting mental health concerns in the equestrian industry. Horse & Hound reports that long hours, low pay, and limited job security contribute to significant stress among these essential workers. The findings underscore the need for improved support and conditions to ensure grooms’ well-being. Check out the full article here for an in-depth look at the challenges faced by grooms and the steps being taken toward positive change.
Sponsor Corner: Stable View
Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.
Have you signed up for an Eventing Academy at Stable View yet? There are two opportunities left in 2024 to take part in this inclusive, low-pressure environment that involves cross country schooling and a chance to compete in a three-phase unrecognized show. The Eventing Academy is friendly to your wallet and gives both horses and riders the opportunity to learn and improve — plus, you can earn ranking points toward year end awards throughout each season. Learn more about this series here.
Video Break
Relive some of the moments from Ballaghmor Class and Oliver Townend’s win at the MARS Maryland 5 Star last month:
