So this give me serious grass envy. It feels like so long since I saw actual grass in real life, having been drenched by the British rain for so many months, and now having frozen mud to contend with. Whilst many of us are breaking the ice on water buckets and wondering whether to add another blanket to our horses’ layered look, over in Portugal it’s blue skies overhead and green grass underfoot.
I’ve spent a bit of time talking about the big stuff to come this year in the eventing calendar (hello Olympics), so today I’m giving a shout-out to the early events which are so important in the lead-up to the rest of the season. Over in the sunnier states, 5* riders the likes of Sydney Elliott, Emily Hamel, Lillian Heard Wood, Sarah Kuhn, Bobby Meyerhoff, Booli Selmayr, Ryan Wood and Boyd Martin (who has nine horses entered) are getting in a run at the Stable View Opener this weekend. Meanwhile, over in Europe, things are moving along in preparation for the Portuguese Spring Tour, which starts on February 17th, with the opportunity to bank a valuable MER result as we start thinking about goals for the season, or indeed, Olympic selection. Read all about it here.
Whether you’re knee-deep in snow (or mud), or in sunnier climes, go eventing!
U.S. Weekend Preview
Ram Tap Combined Test (Fresno, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Stable View Aiken Opener H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Friday News and Reading
Even more Olympics – count us in. We can look forward to a more personalized view of the Paris Olympics thanks to new rules covering what athletes are allowed to share via social media. The IOC have acknowledged that the original restrictions didn’t really take into account today’s sharing society and so amendments have been made regarding the type of content athletes can share and when and where video footage can be taken. Whilst it won’t be a free-for-all type situation due to media and privacy rights, we can surely expect a wider view of the athletes’ Games experience.
5* eventer Doug Payne is offering a jumping clinic at his training facility in North Carolina. It’s due to run on Saturday January 27th. Here’s what you need to know. To be honest, if to-die-for farms are your jam, it’s worth booking a spot just for a glimpse of Doug’s stunning set-up.
Progress update from Britain’s Bubby Upton! Bubby has been making steady progress since a fall on the flat in August left her with a complete burst fracture of L3 and a horizontal fracture of L2. This week saw her hit a major milestone in her comeback journey — not only is she back where she belongs, in the saddle, she’s back in the training ring.
This award-winning research is a game-changer in the fight against wormer resistance. Drug resistance is something we should all be aware of when it comes to the products we use for our horses and the ways we use them, and worming is an area where we can make a real difference. Testing before treating is something we should all be getting on board with. Also, if you don’t already, get those gloves on and head out to the field – poop picking is vital when it comes to protection. Arm yourself with the facts you need to know here.
Meet Alan, the jumping mule who’s so cool he has his own Breyer model. This little guy is really making his mark on the equestrian world — recognized by fans and famous riders alike, he was instrumental in helping to bring about the rule changes which have allowed other jumping mules to compete in USEF jumper and hunter divisions. And now this inspirational little guy has been formally inducted into the Breyer hall of fame as part of this year’s ‘Against All Odds’ BreyerFest, which is happening July 12th – 14th at Kentucky Horse Park. Go Alan!
And finally, it turns out chaps aren’t just for equestrians (and strippers). Not if the latest collection from Louis Vuitton is anything to go by. Here’s a bit of fashion news for your Friday.
Sponsor Corner
Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.
Registration is open for the February Eventing Academy! Door close 2/09. Start the season right– register on EventEntries.com. More info here.
Video Break
Hallmark horse girl Amber Marshall is reunited with on-screen husband Graham Wardle to chat acting, animals, and authenticity. If you still haven’t got over Ty’s untimely demise, have at the real-life version of this horse-loving duo.
