Friday News & Notes Presented by Zoetis

Baby season! Photo courtesy of Coldspring Nurse Mares.

Is there anything more heartwarming than a nurse mare saving the life of a young foal? Spring brings baby season, and unfortunately sometimes the first parts of life are hard for foals that lose their moms, so I love following Coldspring Nurse Mares on Facebook to see all the stories of her mares saving lives. Not only is this an incredible service, but the mares are brought into milk using hormones, so there are no rejected foals as a side effect. Keep them in mind for all your breeding friends this year!

Black History Bit of the Day:

In 1984, Patricia Kelly, a US Marine Corp Vietnam-era veteran and African-American cowgirl, founded Ebony Horsewomen (EHI). Horses always had a place in Patricia’s life. From early childhood riding the neighbor’s horses, to adult life, riding with other women as a way to relax. In each case, the horse owners (and horses) were grateful for the time, exercise, and care she and her friends provided.

Her inspiration for starting EHI came from an inner-city child who asked her, “is that a real horse?” Her dream was to level the playing field for inner-city youth, to give them access to the same opportunities, resources, equine-based programming, and equine-assisted therapy as their suburban counterparts. She knew this would be life-altering and enriching for those who became involved. [Learn More about Ebony Horsewomen]

Weekend Preview:

Full Gallop Farm Mid February H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Pine Top Advanced H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Three Lakes Winter II at Caudle Ranch [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

News From Around the Globe:

Young rider Alexandra Baugh has had a stand-out year by anyone’s account. The 20-year-old athlete is not only competing horses at the two, three, and four-star levels, but she also earned herself the title of 2021 RevitaVet USEA Young Rider of the Year. Baugh is based out of Lexington, Kentucky with her four top mounts and was the runner-up of the same title the year prior, but her successes with this year’s team proved unbeatable. Her string includes Altorac Farm’s 15-year-old Holsteiner gelding Mr. Candyman, her own 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding I Spye, Altorac Farm’s 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding MHS Fernhill Finale, and Altorac Farm’s 9-year-old Selle Francais gelding Dogano de L’Oiseliere. [Alexandra Baugh Wins 2021 USEA Young Rider of the Year]

As part of their inter-species legislation, which aims to combat animal abuse and strengthen the bond between humans and companion animals, the French Parliament has introduced three laws that affect horse owners. They were published in the Official Journal of the French Republic on December 1, 2021 and include a requirement for all horse owners to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of equine-specific needs; the registration of neurectomies in horse passports; and safeguards for training facilities against unpaid fees. [Knowledge Certificate Required for French Horse Owners]

Fan favorites Emily Hamel and Corvett are hoping to compete abroad this year. With either Badminton and/or Burghley on their horizon, Emily and Barry need your help to get to one or both of these prestigious events. Just imagine the British announcers reactions when they see Barry jump! [Help Emily & Barry Travel Abroad]

Riding anxiety can be crippling. Maybe you have anxiety around doing a scary jump or you’re afraid of your horse misbehaving. Maybe you’re afraid of cantering or afraid to get back on your horse or do a jump after a big fall. If allowed to get the best of you, anxiety can have you saying goodbye to riding forever. You may be told that your anxiety is “all in your head” and that you should “just get over it.” You may be encouraged to do something easier to work your way up, or told to breathe through the exercise as a way of calming your mind. While these solutions may work for some or give temporary relief, it’s important to realize that rider’s anxiety is much deeper than one may originally think. [Overcoming Riding Anxiety]

Video: From Team Australia’s Kevin Mcnab … knees up!