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You know what, this video above made my whole week. Pippa Funnel, Tim Price, and Gemma Stevens taking their horses into the lake at Badminton, after the prize giving ceremony, and letting them splash off the mud. Tim’s horse is a menace and I love it, and his splashes make everyone giggle and realize in our hearts that this is the moment when you remember the reason for this entire horse obsession. All the long hours, the money, the hard work, the tears, the blood, the money you should have spent on a therapist, the ramen noodles, the sweat, the poop, all of it; this is what it’s about. Love. And if it’s not for the love of the horse, and with happiness at the forefront of your mission as a rider, then this is not the sport for you.
U.S. Weekend Preview
Tryon International Three Day Event (Mill Spring, NC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]
Galway Downs Spring H.T. (Temecula, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Hitching Post Farm H.T. (South Royalton, VT) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring][Volunteer]
Majestic Oaks Ocala H.T. (Reddick, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Plantation Field H.T. (Coatesville, PA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Spokane Sport Horse Spring H.T. (Spokane, WA) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring][Volunteer]
Winona Horse Trials (Hanoverton, OH) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times / Scoring] [Volunteer]
News From Around the Globe:
High level competition horses are older than ever, with more than a handful peaking at 15 or older. With that, comes a new challenge, of managing a horse of that age, at that level. Obviously this starts with management at home, and consistency throughout their lives in as many aspects as possible. This fascinatingly science based article details just how to keep your horse performing at his best for as long as possible, and feeling great. [Keeping the Older Horse Performance-Ready]
In April 2023, the USEF announced that beginning in September, foreign participants will no longer be permitted to participate in USEF national competitions unless they join USEF as Competing Members. As well, individuals 18 and older must take SafeSport Training to be eligible to participate in national USEF shows. This news was understandably met with a barrage of questions from riders across the globe, so Horse Sport got some answers for you. [Clarifications on New USEF Rule]
Tamie Smith is a name that is known in the eventing world, especially after her recent win with Mai Baum at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ CCI5*-L. Following in her mother’s footsteps and making a name for herself is Kaylawna Smith-Cook. This talented mother-daughter duo is taking eventing’s international stage by storm and helping one another along the way. The pair are competing against one another in the CCI4*-L at Tryon this weekend, but I guarantee they’re each others biggest cheerleader. [Mother Daughter Power Duo]
The MARS Bromont Rising U25 scholarship program has announced the first recipients of this year’s grant funding for riders aiming to compete in the MARS Bromont CCI. Each will receive $2,500 toward their travel and competition costs and participate in an extensive educational program during the event. The brainchild of Bromont organizer Sue Ockendon and the late Steve Blauner, the scholarship program was first offered in 2019 for riders competing at Bromont and at the time Ocala, and was expanded to include Galway Downs in 2022. Highlighting this year’s program is the return of three-time German Olympic team member Bettina Hoy as a guest coach for 2023. Hoy will be coaching athletes on dressage days as well as providing course walks for cross-country and show jumping. [Bromont Rising Scholarship Recipients]
