Friday News & Notes from World Equestrian Brands

Can I get a collective yearning sigh for this kind of weather again soon? Photo by Kate.

I think that my thoroughbred, Turkey, has a split personality disorder. I’ve never had a horse that can be the sweetest, cuddliest, quietest little angel one day and then the next day just be the absolute most obnoxious animal you’ve ever seen. It doesn’t seem to be related to the weather, his work schedule, the moon cycle … I just can’t find the pattern. He’s a bit the same to ride — either you have the best ride of your life and you’re dying to tell everyone about how amazing he is, or he’s just a complete moron about something really small and insignificant for an entire hour.

Does anybody else have a horse like this? Please tell me he will grow out of it.

National Holiday: National No One Eats Alone Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Full Gallop February H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Ocala Winter I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Pine Top I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

New this year: Bring your pooch to Great Meadow International! GMI has announced a redesigned and repackaged experience for spectators and competitors, as well as their canine companions. Held on Aug. 23-25, 2019, the event has an expected attendance of 200 horse and rider combinations across three levels of international competition. Leashed dogs are welcome and can enjoy amenities including cooling tents, treat samples and more. Additions to the event schedule include canine demonstrations and dog-friendly programming, with more details available in the coming months. [All Dogs Go to Great Meadow]

Also new in 2019, USEA’s Horse of the Month competition. February’s winner is Eluca, a 10-year-old KWPN gelding owned and ridden by Dierdre Stoker Vailancourt. Luca earned his place on the podium by finishing on a 23.9 in the BNR division at Stable View in January, making him the lowest score for the first competition of the year. [Meet Luca]

Interested in improving your horse’s trot? Horse & Hound has this great interview with dressage rider Sarah Millis explaining how to improve the quality and rhythm of the trot by using 10-meter circles and shoulder-in. This exercise works great for teaching young horses about shoulder-in, but is also excellent for maintaining suppleness in all levels of horses. [Improve Your Trot]

I tried to be artsy this year with my clip jobs (sorry ponies) but I can’t really stand up to the pros. A Batman symbol on a butt? I mean, come on, what kind of precision clippers do these people have!? Game of Thrones clips?! I especially enjoy the backwards clips on white horses, something about their color makes it really pop. [Artful Clips with Horse Nation]