Friday News & Notes from World Equestrian Brands

Chestnuts roasting by an open fire! Photo by Emma Massingale.

Let it be known that yesterday I rode my thoroughbred after six weeks off and I did, in fact, survive. I’ll admit, I did put him on a rope for a while and let him bronc and rear and fling his legs about, because he needs to do that and I don’t really need to be involved. But I rode him and lived to tell the tale! Hope springs eternal.

National Holiday: National Cocoa Day

Weekend Preview: Don’t miss the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention, happening Friday through Sunday in Boston, Massachusetts. For those who are unable to attend, don’t forget to tune in to the live stream that is generously being offered once again. #USEAConvention: USEA Convention PageScheduleProgramLive Stream, USEA’s Coverage, EN’s Coverage

News From Around the Globe: 

Working with a horse with separation anxiety can be one of the most challenging things for any trainer. Your horse isn’t with you mentally, because he’s constantly distracted by the thought of his friends, and certainly for eventing it’s important that he learns to be okay alone, or he won’t be going out on a cross country course. With time and conscientious training, you can make a difference in his confidence, and your work will improve. [What To Do With Separation Anxiety]

Ready for some award-winning equestrian films for your long winter nights? Check out these British produced films that won awards at the Equus Film Festival in Kentucky this week. Ranging from a light-hearted Christmas ad to an in depth excursion into winning in the world of racing, these films are sure to warm your heart. [Watch Great Horse Films]

In a day and age where many riders have access to highly trained grooms, some horsemanship and knowledge around the barn has gone to the wayside. The only way to cure this is to demand horsemanship before riding, and encourage barns and parents to emphasize that as equal part of their equestrian education. [Real Riders Don’t Hand-Off Horsemanship]

Best of Blogs: I Got It From My Mother