Equestriad 2001: a game so old that it features Phillip Dutton in just 2.5 dimensions (and as an Aussie, too).
I’m going to be frank with you — after a few weeks of feverish productivity on lockdown, I hit a wall the other day. It’s not that I had a slump, as such, it’s just that, well, I found Equestriad 2001.
If you’re part of a certain generation, you’ll know exactly what I mean — you’ll remember the unbelievably crap graphics, the theme music, the slightly horrifying way the horses launched themselves into mid-air, and Lucinda Green’s commentary on an endless loop. It’s peak pony-mad kid nostalgia, and I was determined to figure out if my CD-ROM — nearly two decades old and more scratch than disc — still worked. To do so, I was going to need to MacGuyver my MacBook. There’s nothing you can’t learn from a hasty Google, right?
Anyway, to cut a long story short, I made it work, I poured a very large glass of Savvy B, and I set to work on making my eyes go square. And honestly? You can lock my doors, baby — I’m off to win the Sydney Olympics (once I stop falling at the first fence).
National Holiday: National Lookalike Day. Mine’s Emilie de Ravin from LOST.
Your Monday reading list:
There’s nothing better than a bit of nostalgia. In lieu of a trip to Vegas for the World Cup Final this year, the Chronicle of the Horse has collated the big US wins at this ultra-prestigious competition for the showjumping and dressage sets. It’s chock full of Flexible, Ravel, and so many more of the horses we’ve all gone a bit heart-eyed over in years past – not a shabby way to pass your morning coffee break. [Underdogs and Long-Awaited Victories: A Look Back at US World Cup Final Winners]
Sometimes you just need a bit of escapism – and it doesn’t get better than an Indonesian island full of horses. Take your Monday morning on tour and enjoy rose gold beaches, turquoise surf, and a selection of local horses living better lives than most travel influencers. We’ll meet you there for the post-‘Rona celebration. [Nihi Sumba: A Horse’s Paradise]
Shoulder-in? Pfft, amateur stuff. Swedish Olympian Ludwig Svennerstål likes to jazz things up a bit by putting this lateral movement on a circle. As someone who absolutely cannot nail a shoulder-in on a straight line, the very thought of it makes me feel a bit queasy, but with his handy explanation of the benefits, and a walk-through of how to ride it, it’s top of my list for the next time I’m able to ride. [#SundaySchool: Ludwig Svennerstål — the benefits of practising shoulder-in on a circle (after lockdown lifts)]
An outbreak of African Horse Sickness is spreading across Thailand at the moment. But what is AHS? How is it transmitted? And what are the next steps in curtailing the spread? A global webcast from the World Organisation for Animal Health sheds some light on the issue, neatly summarised in this article. [African Horse Sickness: OIE Webcast Offers Sobering Reality]
Consider yourself an equestrian fashionista? Are you based in the UK? Then this opportunity might be for you. Yorkshire-based retailer Matchy Horsey is looking for a ‘Matchy Executive’ to promote the latest collections from brands including HKM, Eskadron, and more. You’ll get a whole new wardrobe and £10,000 in exchange for creating social media promotions starring yourself and your horse. Not too shabby. [Now Hiring: Matchy Executive]
Many eventers are struggling to process the sudden halt to their season. “It’s okay to be really disappointed. All of us had the season mapped out and knew what we wanted to accomplish.”Andrea Monsarrat Waldo, author of Brain Training for Riders, talked with STRIDER to share insight to help riders navigate these unprecedented times, lessons learned along her journey to the Advanced level, and strategies for rider development. [Featured Clinician: Andrea Waldo]
Monday Video from Fleeceworks: Honestly, just the weirdest thing you’ll see this week.
Lockdown’s getting to Team Jung. U ok, huns? xoxo
