Horses are so majestic. Photo by Sarah Western.
I have a neighbor across the river from me who’s house looks out over one of my fields, and a while back she mentioned just how MAJESTIC my horses looked frolicking in the field. Now, I don’t know if she is just near-sighted, or she’s never really paid attention, but I can tell you that my horses are very rarely majestic. If they are frolicking, they’re probably also bucking and farting and slipping in very dorky ways. Muggles really are delightfully mesmerized by what we know darn well is a goofy, dramatic, poop machine that is more often than not afraid of a weird stump in the woods.
U.S. Weekend Preview:
Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]
News From Around the Globe:
Have you tried any regenerative therapies on your horse? Regenerative therapy is an umbrella term encompassing any method that encourages the body to self- heal. Because it is drawing on its own properties, healing tissue more closely resembles native tissue than weak, disorganized scar tissue typically seen post-injury. Therapies include platelet rich plasma (PRP), autologous conditioned serum (ACS), and stem cell therapy (SCT). [Regenerative Therapies Help Horses Heal]
Maryland is going all in on big equestrian events next year. The Washington International Horse Show has announced that the storied and prestigious equestrian event has officially applied to the USEF and FEI for a change of venue to return home to the greater Washington, D.C. area and to upgrade the show to the FEI 5* level, continuing as a member of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League in 2022. Pending FEI and USEF final approval, the 64th edition of the historic competition will be held October 25-30 at The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro. The Show Place Arena will be transformed with the support of Prince George’s County, The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission, and the State of Maryland to provide the outstanding exhibitor and unique spectator experience WIHS has always provided, including world-class footing, hospitality, entertainment, food, and shopping. [WIHS Relocates to Maryland]
Along with the startling removal of Erik Duvander as US Eventing coach, we will say goodbye to Peter Wylde. Peter has been helping coach the US Eventing team in the showjumping phase for the past two years, and was informed via email that his contract would not be renewed. However, Peter has formed some genuine connections in our Eventing world, and hopes to keep working individually with several of the riders. However, he believes that US Eventing is due for a reorganization: “What I’m hoping is that rather than paying a big salary to us trainers, they are going to give grants to top riders to help them pay us trainers. Then they can choose who they want to use.” [Peter Wylde’s Contract Not Renewed]
How is it already December?!?! For those of you, like me, who wait to the last minute to shop for the holidays, here’s a gift guide for your favorite English rider. Because sometimes it’s hard not to be biased when writing gift guides, you can trust that these are coming to you from a trainer’s mouth – they are all things that have been approved by Nation Media writers across the board. Oh, and there’s a last-minute guide at the bottom, so don’t panic – there are options, even if you’re reading this on December 24th! [Equestrian Gift Guide]
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