Monday News and Notes from Success Equestrian

Boyd Martin just couldn't resist playing to the camera on his last of several Intermediate rides on Sunday at Pine Top. Pictured is Boyd and Master Frisky, who finished second in Intermediate-1. Photo by LT/Hoofclix.com Boyd Martin just couldn't resist playing to the camera on his last of several Intermediate rides on Sunday at Pine Top. Pictured is Boyd and Master Frisky, who finished second in Intermediate-1. Photo by LT/Hoofclix.com

Pine Top holds a special place in my heart. It was the second event I ever did when I was 12 years old, and the Wilsons has always been good to me. This weekend we definitely ran the gamut of weather conditions: freezing cold Friday, sunny but windy Saturday and on Sunday it just rained all. day. long. Yet thanks to the great staff and invaluable volunteers, the event ran smoothly. The footing was spectacular and both the show jumping and cross-country courses were simply gorgeous. See you there again in three weeks!

Weekend Results:

Pine Top Advanced CIC and HT: WebsiteFinal ScoresEN’s Coverage@eventingnation

Monday News and Notes:

The Sporting Days’ Splendid Night is a fundraiser to benefit the Aiken Equine Rescue and Young Riders program. It will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Tod’s Hill on Friday, Feb. 27, kicking off the Sporting Days Horse Trials in style. The fundraiser will feature cocktails, music and heavy hors d’oeuvres to set you up for an exciting raffle. Come as you are from the course walk!

Sporting Days is hosting a “Cross Border Young Rider Team Challenge” at the February 28-March 1 Event. Open to all riders 21 and under, and FREE to enter. Extra prizes and lots of fun! Please contact Chris Donovan at [email protected] with your team or to be put on a team.

Barns have been evacuated as heavy snow has been wreaking havoc on Boston area eventers. According to an article by Horsetalk, Massachusetts alone has reported more than 100 full or partial roof collapses. Unfortunately, one of these led to the death of two horses.  [Two horses killed in barn collapse]

Will Connell has been adjusting to the American way of eventing the last several months as USEF’s new Director of Sport. One thing he has noticed at that the many equestrian sports and organizations don’t all seem to be “pulling in the same direction.” He aims to change that. [New USEF sport director wants equestrians to pull together]

A study reveals genetic differences in racing versus cutting horses. I find this article interesting because our Quarter Horse was bred to be a cutting horse but grew too big. He found great success, however, as an eventer, children’s hunter and now is now the perfect foxhunter. Of course, I think he’s perfect, but what sort of science sets these “sub-breeds” apart? [Genetic Differences in Racing, Cutting Quarter Horses]

Liz Halliday-Sharp has availability at Horsepower Equestrian in northwest Ocala for training, lessons and more! The state-of-the-art facility has top class stabling, a purpose built dressage arena with mirrors, a large jumping arena and a grass arena. There is also a six-horse walker, multiple fields and more than 100 acres for riding. Contact Liz at 858-504-1151 or [email protected].

Monday Video: Congratulations to Abby Hamblin and Silver Flash for completing their first Advanced this weekend at Pine Top!