We often get criticised if we post articles celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments of women in our sport. Those opposed to this ‘special treatment’ cite eventing’s gender equality as proof that we’ve reached a higher plane than other sports, which is a fair argument – but we’re delighted to continue championing women anyway, because their achievements set an impressive precedent, both for other sports and for aspiring athletes to follow. And in a cutthroat world where power imbalances aren’t always reflected in participation statistics, we’ll always be ready to celebrate a victory for female riders, grooms, event organisers, vets, and so on, ad infinitum.
Keep an eye on EN today for your chance to join in with the celebrations – and in the meantime, dive into our round-up of eight of the most influential women in the sport.
National Holiday: It’s International Women’s Day, baby. Big up the gals!
US Weekend Results:
$50,000 Liftmaster Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field: [Website] [Entry Status] [Course Preview] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]
Chattahoochee Hills H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Full Gallop Farm March H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Stabling] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Rocking Horse Winter III H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Sporting Days Farm March H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Southern Pines H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Global Round-Up:
Just one FEI competition took place over the weekend: Tonimbuk International Horse Trials in Victoria, Australia hosted classes from CCI2*-S through CCI4*-S, with national classes on the menu too. We were delighted to cheer on Megan Jones from afar as she took top honours in the four-star with Kirby Park Impress – after battling through a tough year, which began with her forced evacuation in early 2020 due to the wildfires that ravaged southern Australia, it’s great to see her kicking the proverbial you-know-what and taking names in her striking rainbow cross-country colours.
Your Monday Reading List:
The National Sporting Library and Museum has put in some serious work to ensure that female artists are represented in its exhibitions – take a peek at some of the art and find out about the process in this piece from the Chronicle. [Filling The Gaps: Women’s History Month And Museum Collections]
Ever wondered what it’s like to put on the biggest show of all? Tokyo Eventing Organiser Carola Brighenti takes us behind the scenes of her fast-paced life. [What’s It Really Like To Be… an Olympic Eventing Organiser?]
British superstars Nicola Wilson and Bulana are a force to be reckoned with – but they had to tackle a tricky period to build the ultra-reliable partnership they have now. [‘We were getting faster and faster… I had to address this braking problem’: Nicola Wilson on building a partnership with Bulana]
Hidalgo is a modern classic of the horse film oeuvre, but did you know that (human) star Viggo Mortensen is a real-life horse lover? EqLife delves into the man behind the movie. [Viggo Mortensen Saves the Day!]
Your arena plan for the week is sorted thanks to Will Coleman, who helps you make the most of a single upright and talks you through a handy square formation, too. [Grid Pro Quo with Will Coleman]
And finally – are you daydreaming about tackling the 2032 Olympics? Aussie star Heath Ryan‘s put together a plan of action that’ll help you give it a seriously good shot. [Start Planning for Brisbane 2032]
What I’m Listening To:
If you’ve ever thought “I can’t be a feminist, because…” then Deborah Frances-White‘s Guilty Feminist podcast is going to get you through many a morning muck-out sesh this week. Smart, honest, and seriously funny, the Guilty Feminist tackles all the complexities of what it is to be a woman – and how it’s okay if your actions don’t always match your lofty principles.
The FutureTrack Follow:
Young showjumper Evie Toombes isn’t defined by her spinal cord injury – instead, she’s making the best of it while she chases down her dreams and works to dispel stigma around disabilities. She’ll bring you the extra dose of inspiration you need on your feed.
Morning Viewing:
Meet young British talent Bubby Upton and get the inside scoop before she becomes one of the sport’s biggest names…
