Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Fun fact: Aside from its annual equestrian event, probably the most exciting thing the Dutch village of Boekelo has going for it is beer. Boekelo, population 2,500, is the home of Grolsch, the second largest brewer in the Netherlands after Heineken. Grolsch enjoys worldwide distribution and is fairly commonplace in the States. Boekelo is also known for its salt industry; Bad Boekelo, a resort in the area, was once renowned for its saltwater pools.
Now, go impress your friends.
Events Opening Today
Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T. (GA, A-3)
Events Closing Today
Waredaca H.T. and Classic Training 3 Day Event (MD, A-2), Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (GA, A-3), Heritage Park H.T. (KS, A-4), Holly Hill Fall H.T. (LA, A-5)
Fair Hill Prep: The Maryland Horse Trials just added a “Get ready for Fair Hill” CT for Sunday afternoon, Oct. 14. Competitors can run through their CCI** B test in two different rings before two different judges ($75 for the CT, $25 for a second test). Extra SJ rounds are $20. Submit a filled-out USEA CT entry form, signature page and current Coggins to the Maryland Horse Trials by e-mail or fax: [email protected], 240-489-7885. Pay through PayPal at www.themarylandhorsetrials.com
Stepping Down: U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation President and CEO Jane Clark has resigned her post after giving British Olympic showjumping team gold medalist Ben Maher the ride on some of her horses. Although she sponsors several American riders, Clark said she was unable to connect the jumpers with a suitable U.S. rider. She compared her situation to that of David O’Connor’s as coach of the Canadian team: “His loyalty to the U.S. didn’t change; my loyalties to the U.S. haven’t changed,” but added, “I don’t ever want to put the foundation in an awkward situation.” [equisearch]
Moving Up: Elysian Hills is hosting a “Move Up” Schooling Horse Trial on Oct. 21 designed to let riders and horses get their feet wet at the next level in a safe, no-pressure environment. After completing cross-country, rider can opt to take a ride around the next higher level at no additional cost–Take the jumps you want, and pass on the jumps you’re not quite ready for! [Elysian Hills]
License to ride: The FEI’s eventing committee has proposed a new rule that riders contesting international events may first have to obtain a license proving “a reliable and consistent competence” at the level. The initiative was set forth in hope of improving the standard of combinations at each level. [H&H]
Found on Facebook: An update on Karen from the O’Connor Event Team, “Karen is doing great – she hopes to have her brace tomorrow and to be home later this week! Veronica is enjoying her time in the field and is very sound and happy being covered in mud. David returned home late yesterday afternoon to see Karen and is going to try and make it back in time to coach Team USA this weekend at Boekelo… we will keep you posted!”
Top of the Tweets: From eventfulifebook, “The biggest teams event since London is brimming with stars at Boekelo #eventinglive“
Video: Check out the new YouTube instructional series “Evention,” created by Schramm Equestrian and filmed/directed by Right Start Photography. There are tutorials, like this one on “The Perfect Stud Kit,” as well as eventing news and specials. [EventionTV]
