Megan Sykes and Kaylawna Smith-Cook both completed their first Advanced at Twin Rivers this weekend. Congratulations, ladies! Photo via Heather Morris.
There are numerous reasons that we chose to pursue this crazy sport, and each and every one of us has our own. Primarily, I think it’s a love and a deep respect for the amazing, trusting animals that are our partners, but the human friendships are another very beautiful thing that come from this sport. Many of the friendships that I have made through eventing and through horses in general are ones that I’ll carry with me forever.
I lost a friend last year to a cross country accident, so I’m thinking especially of Katharine’s friends and family right now. It’s very hard, if not impossible to find solace at this time, but may it be a very small consolation to know that the greater eventing community stands by you right now and even though we have experienced several horrible, heartbreaking tragedies within the past year, there is still beauty to be found in this sport.
National Holiday: World Teen Mental Wellness Day
U.S. Weekend Results:
Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field [Website] [Final Scores]
Twin River Winter H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]
Rocking Horse III H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]
Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]
Sporting Days Farm March H.T. [Website] [Final Scores]
Your Monday News & Notes:
We want the mainstream news to shine the limelight on our sport more, but not for this reason. USA Today reports on the death of Katharine Morel and her horse Kerry On, who passed away as a result of a rotational at Rocking Horse this weekend and we are deeply mourning. They spoke with Equestrian Canada high performance director James Hoold. [Canadian equestrian rider Katharine Morel, horse Kerry On die following fall in competition]
Last chance to show your support for Kailey Giancola with a #RideForKailey shirt, saddle pad or C4 belt! Ordering closes on Monday, March 2, at midnight. We are all rooting for 25-year-old Kailey, who is in rehabilitation at The Shepherd Center in Atlanta after suffering a severe brain stem injury in mid-December. We are very thankful for the daily updates via her CaringBridge online journal here. Other ways to support Kailey and her family in this difficult time include making a donation to her medical expense fund GoFundMe here.
The 2020 Land Rover Horse of the Year Show, one of New Zealand’s largest equestrian events, kicks off at the beginning of next week. Three kiwi Olympic great will be taking part in the competition — Blyth Tait, Jock Paget and Clarke Johnstone — will all be competing, but only Clarke will be making a push to represent his country in Tokyo. Clarke has already qualified Balmoral Sensation, and will be looking to qualify a second mount: High Aces. [Kiwi eventer Clarke Johnstone launches Olympic campaign from Land Rover Horse of the year show]
Monday Featured Video: Because who could resist a horse named Appletini? Great ride, Anna!
