Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night in the CCI4*-S. Brant Gamma Photography Photo.
Liz Halliday-Sharp and Fernhill By Night in the CCI4*-S. Brant Gamma Photography Photo.
As Carolina International takes place this weekend, Liz Halliday-Sharp has announced the official retirement of her longtime partner, Fernhill By Night, or Blackie. She wrote a touching tribute on her Instagram this week:
“As the Carolina International is happening this week, I felt that it was fitting to announce the official retirement of one of its previous winners, Fernhill By Night, from competition ❤️ “Blackie” has been my long term friend and partner for 10 years and we have been through so much in our time together. We have enjoyed multiple FEI wins and placings through 4* level, took on our first CCI5* together, and also competed at Prix St George level in dressage. Last year, Blackie finished second at Carolina in the 4* in what would be the last big competitive appearance of his career. At 19 years old Blackie and I have had an amazing journey together and he owes me absolutely nothing. He is enjoying being spoiled at the farms, going on hacks and spending time in the field with his miniature friend, Bubbles. A thank you to Blackie for all that he has has taught me and for being my friend for all of these years – he will remain a special part of our family until the end of his days ❤️❤️
U.S. Weekend Preview
Carolina International CCI & H.T. (Raeford, Nc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Live Stream] [Volunteer]
Full Gallop Farm March II H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]
March H.T. at Majestic Oaks (Reddick, Fl.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (Tyler, Tx.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]
News From Around the Globe:
Jeanie Clarke describes herself as a life-long horsewoman and an educator. An accredited instructor with the USEA Instructors’ Certification Program (ICP) and Advanced level eventer, Clarke’s program has produced five-star riders, “A” level pony clubbers, top grooms and barn managers, and so much more. While Clarke’s focus has been on educating others, she has also pursued continuous education for herself, an effort that the funds from the Broussard Charitable Foundation Going Forward Grant helped make possible.“It feels meaningful to have received the Going Forward Grant because, like the best of the sport of eventing, this is a team effort,” Clarke shared with the USEA. “I want to contribute to the future of the sport in a meaningful way. Earlier in my career, I did this through teaching, developing good riders and good horses, fostering a sense of responsibility to the sport amongst my students and owners, and volunteering as much as possible. Now, with more experience and expertise to offer, I also want to design courses that will support the future and the quality of eventing. Good courses should give horses and riders positive educational experiences at the lower levels. At the upper levels they should foster great competition.” [Jeanie Clark is Enriching Eventing]
If you love a sparkling-clean horse as much as I do, you might be tempted to bathe your horse frequently, even when you’re not showing. This can be beneficial: Dried sweat can lead to skin irritations, and really dirty, dusty horses tend to rub their manes and tails, breaking off hairs. But washing your horse too frequently or with caustic products can lead to dry skin and even cause hairs to fall out. During the hottest, stickiest part of the summer, it’s OK to rinse your horse off daily, but try to limit shampooing to just a few times per month, if possible. [Banish Mud Season with Bathing Secrets]
Shopping for a Multi-Directional Impact Protection System helmet this year? With more and more helmet companies incorporating this exciting technology into their product line, you now have lots of choices. Luckily, we found the ultimate guide. [Your Guide to MIPS Helmets]
When Mary Sawyer, 76, first decided she wanted to complete a “century ride” in eventing, such a distinction honoring horse-and-rider pairs with a combined age of 100 or more didn’t even exist. That didn’t deter her. Thanks to her determination, coupled with the support of a local farm owner and the U.S. Eventing Association, it does now. Last year, the East Wenatchee, Washington, resident became the first recipient of the newly established USEA Century Ride Achievement Award, sponsored by Spokane Sport Horse Farm. [Mary Sawyer’s Ride of the Century]
