Valerie Pride an Favian at the Maryland 5 Star. Photo by Abby Powell.
The countdown to Blenheim Palace Horse Trials, which takes place from September 15-18th, has begun for our contingent of U.S. representatives — and so has the fundraising! One such Blenheim-bound pair is Valerie Pride and Favian, who will be basing and training with William Fox-Pitt upon arrival in England and until the big event.
Actually, it’s a trio who’s looking to make the trip — Valerie is hoping to be able to fly Favian’s faithful mini companion, Theodore, over as well! Valerie has set up an online auction help fund the travels and there’s lots of lessons and schooling opportunities available to bid on, plus a couple other neat items like Favian’s 5* shoes! Check it out here.
U.S. Weekend Preview
Horse Park of New Jersey H.T. (Allentown, NJ): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Hunt Club Farms H.T. (Berryville, VA): [Website] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Major International Events
Hambro Sport Horses Burgham International CCI4*-S (Morpeth, UK): [Entries/Times/Scoring]
FEI Eventing European Championships for Young Riders (Hartpury, UK): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scoring] [Live Stream – FEI YouTube] [Live Stream – ClipMyHorse.TV]
Kilguilkey House International CCI4*-L/CCI4*-S (Cork Co, Ireland): [Website] [Entries/Times]
News from Around the Globe:
According to a new study, there are ten types of cross country fences that increase the risk of a fall. The research, an FEI-funded retrospective study which was published this month in the Equine Veterinary Journal, used data from every horse start worldwide in all international, championship, Olympics, and World Equestrian Games eventing competitions between January 2008 and December 2018. The researchers recognize that this does not mean that these fence types should not necessarily be used, but rather the study may be the beginning of quantifying the risk level of individual cross country courses. [10 Fence Types at Increased Odds of a Fall for Horse and Rider]
It looks like we’re creeping up on another heatwave, so here’s a fun DIY treat for your horse that will also help keep them cool. The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon, England has been making “ice lollies” a.k.a popsicles to help keep their equine cool and entertained during the scorching weather. All you need are some carrots or apples, water, and a freezer! [Cool ponies: Ice blocks great entertainment for hot horses]
Congratulations to five-star rider Georgie Spence and her newly-minted husband, Toby Goss! The happy couple tied the knot last weekend at their local village church in Wiltshire, England and afterwards posed for a photo-op with Georgie’s event horses. [Five-star rider gets married – and her two ‘best boys’ join in for the photos]
Hot on Horse Nation: Mythbuster Monday: Gelding a Horse Early Stunts Development
