Monday News and Notes from SmartPak

This is what Pine Top officials do after they finish their duties, they fence judge the rest of the afternoon! We have the best officials ever! What a great way to support volunteering.

Posted by Pine Top Eventing on Friday, March 18, 2016

We talk often about the importance of volunteerism and giving back to the sport. This weekend at Pine Top’s final event of the early 2016 season, we saw a great example of that from none other than the event’s officials! Pictured above is dressage judge Nancy Pope and show jumping course designer Chris Barnard fence judging during Friday’s Preliminary one-day horse trials. Chris also fence judged all day on Sunday, and dressage judge Amanda Miller Atkins scribed for dressage on Friday. Bonnie Kibbie, a pathfinder for the budding Volunteer Incentive Program, ran scores and jumped judged in between ride times (she finished second in Preliminary Rider with Loki). There were others, I don’t doubt, and Pine Top has a very dedicated and longstanding group of volunteers who help everything run smoothly. Thanks to the officials for their extra time and the volunteers for everything they do for the sport. We couldn’t do any of this without you!

U.S. Weekend Events:

Pine Top Spring H.T. [Results]

Feather Creek Farm H.T. [Results]

Copper Meadows H.T. [Results]

Monday News and Notes:

While we’re on the subject of volunteers, did you see that USEA President-elect Carol Kozlowski is working her way through a volunteer bucket list? A longtime competitor, coach, organizer and judge, Carol is determined to experience every aspect of the sport. Leading by example, Carol says, “As I step into the Presidency, I think it’s going to give me credibility when I say ‘I understand your issues.’” [A Volunteer’s Bucket List]

Many of us know the remarkable story of The Gentleman Pirate, the OTTB who made a miraculous full recovery after breaking his neck in a pasture accident. He and his owner/rider Kelsey Briggs, who is immeasurably dedicated to her talented horse, have returned to competing and are making their move up to Advanced this year. [Horse of a Lifetime]

Spring may be on it’s way, but I wouldn’t say mud season is over quite yet. Your pastures may be suffering the effects of long-term saturation, but fear not! There are solutions to your soggy problem and techniques to prepare for a luscious spring. [My Winter Fields Are Trashed]

Kentucky Equine Research and EN are teaming up to host the Great KER Fitness Challenge this spring! Download the free KER ClockIt Sport app for your phone and record your rides for a chance to win a $100 gift card to shop.kerx.com, an EcoGold Secure XC Saddle Pad, a lesson with your choice of Bruce Davidson, Liz Halliday-Sharp, or Dom or Jimmie Schramm; and feature story about you and your horse on EN. [Contest Details]

Does your horse have an inspiring story about coming back from a serious injury or illness? OCD Pellets wants to hear all about it! Send in your rehab to [email protected] for a chance to win an OCD prize pack (2-month supply of OCD Pellets, 1-month supply of COS Canine, and an OCD Pellets hat and T-shirt). Entries close Monday, May 2, 2016, and the story that receives the most views on EN will win. [Contest Details]

Our world (by that I mean, the horse world) is the most beautiful. Here’s proof. [Spectacular Horse Show Skies]

One of my favorite ever Rolex rounds!