This weekend I had the chance to coach some of the greatest kids I have ever met at show jumping rally. Weekends like this are a hugely fun. Watching these kids work their butts off and seeing them finish with huge smiles was something that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I think I shed more tears (of happiness) this weekend than I have in the past year. These kids are the future of eventing (and all other disciplines) and to get to be a part of their lives so early on is really rewarding. Next time you are out at an event, take a second to watch a youngster- they truly know what fun is about when it comes to horses. Thank you Mountain Skyline Pony Club for lots of laughter, joy, and a one seriously painful sunburn.
Now for those of you who missed this weekends events do to holiday in Scandinavia…
Shepherd Ranch SYVPC H.T. I [Live Scores]
Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T. [Live Scores]
Inavale Farm HT and Gallops Saddlery Classic 3-Day [Live Scores]
Groton House Farm H.T [Website]
Abbe Ranch H.T. [Live Scores]
Surefire H.T. [Live Scores]
Midsouth Pony Club H.T. [Website]
Encore H.T. [Website]
Tina Cook’s famous mount, Minor’s Frolic, is in an equine hospital fighting for his life. Minor’s Frolic had a infected bump under his saddle area that caused him to miss out on Badminton this year. After weeks of prolonged antibiotics, Minor’s Frolic had an adverse reaction to the antibiotics causing him to become seriously ill. We wish him the speediest of recoveries.
For the first time since 1973, the Hickstead Derby has been won by a female! Tina Fletcher and Promised Land scored the only clear round to win the 40,000 pound prize. Fletcher finished second in 2010 so victory in 2011 was easily anticipated. Fletcher shares the Promised Land is an extremely brave horse but at home he lives out and she hardly rides him. Congratulations to Fletcher and thank you for breaking the male streak!
As Annie mentioned yesterday, the benefit for Boyd and the fire victims held Saturday night went really well. On Saturday Boyd gave an emotional talk about the events that happened the night of the fire. While I am sure it was very hard for Boyd to discuss, I am sure he, and everyone else involved, have greatly appreciated the support of the entire eventing community and beyond. A picture of Boyd speaking:
Fair well to equestrian solicitor, Jane Phillips
Over 130,000 more people now have tickets to the London Olympics. Just under 90% of the people who applied for tickets received them. Twenty four sports were offered in this second round and 18 of those sports sold out by the evening. Some selling out in as fast as 15 minutes. A million more tickets will be offered to the British public over the next year. So all of you non Brits, good luck.
Best of Blogs: TEAM CEO
This weekend at rally, we were discussing what people who don’t have horses do in their free time and this is what we came up with… This is what you do with your free time during the winter. Thank you two Charlotte, Hunter, and Mary Margaret for this wonderful video.
