Monday News & Notes

How cute is this shot of 23-year-old Algebra, the ex-racehorse who partnered Australia’s Natalie Blundell and latterly Andrew Hoy to success at the top of the sport? He enjoyed a photoshoot to celebrate his birthday – and if you didn’t know how old he is, we reckon you’d struggle to guess. What a star.

National Holiday: It’s National Fast Food Day. Skip the chains and opt for a take-out from your favourite local burger joint to celebrate.

US Weekend Results:

MARS Tryon International Three-Day Event: [Website] [Results] [EN’s Coverage]

Morven Park H.T.: [Website] [Results] [Show Photographer]

Twin Rivers November H.T.: [Website] [Results] [Show Photographer]

Global Round-Up:

  • Other than Tryon, just one four-star took place over the weekend – a CCI4*-S at Australia’s Albury Wodonga International Horse TrialsKatie Taliana and Trevalgar II moved up from second after dressage to take the win – you can take a look at the results here.

Your Monday Reading List:

Some drama from the racing world, as a 100/30 shot finished seventh of eight in a handicap hurdle at Fontwell – but was awarded the win after every other horse was disqualified. The decision was made after a half-hour long inquiry and now jockeys and trainers are calling for better handling of similar situations in the future. [Fontwell fiasco as seventh home is awarded race after mass disqualifications]

Things are looking promising for fans hoping to attend the postponed Tokyo Olympics in 2021. That’s come from Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, ahead of the first delegation visit to the venue since the outbreak of the pandemic. [Hopes grow for allowing fans in as organisers are confident Olympics will run next year]

How do you narrow down an illustrious career full of memories down to a handful of special favourites? British dressage superstar Carl Hester was faced with this tricky proposition when invited onto Horse&Hound‘s podcast, but he gamely managed to pick a winner nonetheless. You can read about it here and listen to the pod, too. [‘Winning that medal meant so much — we drank until 4am’: Carl Hester on the milestone moment that became one of his best memories]

Struggling to commit your tests to memory? There’s nothing that’ll send your scores plummeting more quickly than being insecure in your knowledge of the floorplan – that’s when you’ll find yourself rushing from one movement to the next, dropping marks for accuracy and expression as you try to find your way to the final halt and salute. These tips will make sure your next test is firmly lodged in your head. [8 Ways to Memorize a Dressage Test]

Strangulating lipoma is a type of colic that your older horse may be at risk of. But how much do you actually know about it? EQUUS gives you three fast facts you need to know. [3 important facts about strangulating lipoma]

What I’m Listening To: I’ve been deep-diving into You’re Wrong About…, which hones in on topics that have taken on lives of their own while part of the popular discourse. Fun and conversational, it’s nonetheless well-researched by its journalist hosts and makes for a great one to sink your teeth into while you’re mucking out. In honour of The Crown returning to our screens (now with added Princess Anne!), I’ve been working my way through the multi-part series on Princess Diana. I’m not generally that interested in the royal family, but this really is good listening.

Morning Viewing: