Top of the Morning, Eventing Nation! I hope everyone had a great St. Patrick’s Day. It always surprises me how much people get excited about St. Patrick’s Day, most of them looking like they have as much Irish heritage as I have Mongolian, which is to say none. But regardless of yesterday’s festivities, today is looking to be an equally exciting day.
Without further ado, here are your news and notes:
–It has just been announced that Boyd will be partaking in a live call-in show on the Eventing Radio Network next Monday the 21st, from 7-8 pm EST. The show will give listeners from all across the globe a chance to ask their questions to a man who is quickly becoming one of America’s best known and most highly regarded event riders. I think part of Boyd’s appeal to the public comes from the way he voices his opinion only at the issues he really feels strongly, while the rest of the time remaining a politically subdued and humble competitor. He’s pretty effective as most of the time he gets across exactly what he wants to, and does so before any of his peers follow. [USEF]
–Robert Dover and Mark Bellissimo recently unveiled their ambitious new development plan for Wellington; with the goal being in Dover’s words to make “Wellington the epicenter of the dressage world.” The developments would take place on a 57 acre parcel that is currently a jumper field, revamping that area to include, “Six dressage arenas, 400 permanent stalls, spectator seating for thousands and an upscale hotel, condo and shopping development.” The plan was apparently very well received by many in attendance at the meeting. If progress goes according to plan, the ground breaking date could be as early as fall 2011. [COTH]
—USEA has just announced Nutrena as the title sponsor for American Eventing Championships for the next three years. Nutrena has been a great sponsor to the USEA and a leader in livestock feed and nutraceuticals for a good number of years now, the products they manufacture are known for being of high quality. It’s a tribute to the hard work of many that big name sponsors like Wellpride, Bit of Britain, Land Rover, and Nutrena keep coming back to support our events. [USEA]
–Here’s a headline you don’t get too often: A Student goes blonde to raise money for the Horse Trust Charity. Evidently the 18 year old Yaqin Khan created a personal fundraiser for friends and family, with the objective being that if he raised £125, as it is the trust’s 125th anniversary this year, he would dye his normally black hair, blonde. It seems like a slightly odd undertaking, but definitely comes from good intention. [Horsetalk]
–I always think its cool to hear stories of different members in the horse community, like this this retired racehorse spotlight/interview. For every ribbon won or accomplishment recorded, there are a thousand stories of that horse and rider’s relationship that can only be summed up in the story itself. The big heartbreaks, the little breakthroughs, the comical episodes along the way are what makes the journey worthwhile.
—The legendary race trainer, Henry Cecil, had the winning horse of yesterday’s St. Patrick’s Day Derby. We mentioned a couple days ago that the race was a fundraiser to benefit Cancer Research UK, with notable names like Alice Fox-Pitt (who finished 4th) competing. The horse of Cecil’s was ridden by Lorna Fowler, a notable jockey herself, but she said after the race, obviously quite thrilled, “That was excellent. I’ve never thought of having a winner at Cheltenham, but I’d follow Henry anywhere.” [Horse and Hound]
–If the hundred-some reasons you’ve heard about why you should attend a long-format haven’t been enough to convince you, maybe this article will. Southern Eights Farm, the host of the events, has been tremendous additions to to their facility including a 38-stall guest barn, RV hookups, a groomed Roads and Tracks course, and a Tremaine Cooper designed cross country track. According to the article: Adult amateur rider Briana Timmerman commented after riding in the event, “The Southern Eighths event exceeded all possible expectations in terms of organization, educational benefit, and …fun.”
Barnmice: What Makes a Good Event Horse?
—23,000 spectators came out to watch 200 riders from 11 countries and 25 states at Red Hills
—Crown Talisman is home
That’s all for now, Eventing Nation. See you soon and Go Eventing.
