I’ll admit that it feels quite odd and backwards to be pulling together dressage tips and horse show news for today’s round-up, considering everything else that’s going in the world right now. But on the other hand, there’s a part of me that thinks, ‘enjoy this – enjoy the normal stuff, the trivial things, because they might not be around forever.’ Is that a doom-and-gloom way of looking at things? I don’t think so; I think the conflict in Ukraine has been a sharp reminder of how shaky the ground our societies are built upon really is.
I don’t pretend to know the best way to deal with it all, but the balance I’ve settled on here is to engage as much as possible by learning everything I can, donating what I’m able to, and lobbying my own MP and Parliament to allow a safe passage for refugees, which is something I’ve always believed in wholeheartedly. Alongside that, I’m not going to disregard the little things, good or bad, in my own life, because as human beings, we’re all capable of emotional multitasking. I will, however, make space for perspective.
If you, too, want to contribute in some way to the ongoing war efforts in Ukraine, or the safe evacuation of its civilians, here is a useful list of resources to guide you. Many Ukrainians are fleeing with pets, and there are efforts being made to move horses out of the country, too. For a list of charities aiding in these efforts, click here.
National Holiday: It’s Taiwanese Peace Memorial Day today. This holiday serves as a somber reminder of the huge loss of life in the country in 1947 after a civilian uprising against the Chinese government. Up to an estimated 28,000 people were killed in a violent suppression by the National Revolutionary Army, and for 38 years thereafter, Taiwan would live within the iron shackles of martial law in a period known as the White Terror. In today’s political climate, it’s a useful moment in history to learn about.
Black History Bit of the Day: Some modern history in the spotlight today, this time courtesy of the Hatley family from Texas. The first Black family to race Quarter Horses in their state, they’ve recently picked up their first win with a striking stallion aptly named Black Lives Matter. “With all the police brutality and awareness of Black Lives Matter movement, I think it was the best time ever to keep it going so it would never, ever be forgotten,” Keelronn Hatley said. “To see it printed out, and hear it called was like, ‘Okay, we really in business now.”
U.S. Weekend (and Wednesday!) Action:
Pine Top Advanced H.T. [Website] [Results]
Three Lakes Winter II at Caudle Ranch [Website] [Results]
Full Gallop Farm Mid February H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]
Your Monday Reading List:
It’s training crunch time as the start of the season (in Europe, anyway!) draws ever closer. Get your head in the game – and nab some inspiration for your flatwork – with this look back at the International Eventing Forum in 2020, where dressage rider and trainer Adam Kemp shared his insights.
Karen Bartlett, part-owner of Laura Collett’s London 52, has seen many of her dreams come true over the last few seasons. She shares her incredible experiences with British Eventing Life.
Exciting news for young showjumpers as the Youth Olympic Games, rescheduled for 2026, has a worthy interim competition for this year. The Youth Equestrian Games will be structured around the same principles as the Youth Olympics, and will see the participants compete on unfamiliar horses after a three-day training period. 30 nations will take place in this historic competition, which will be held during CHIO Aachen from June 28 to July 3, and we’re excited to see the first-time participation of six nations, including Palestine.
Exciting Opportunity of the Day: Are you an FEI jumping or dressage steward (minimum Level 1), and keen to gain experience at a championship event? The Pony European Championships in Strzegom, Poland is looking for stewards for its dressage, showjumping, and eventing competitions this summer. Email [email protected] for more information.
The FutureTrack Follow:
Australian CCI5* winner Hazel Shannon is making a strong bid for an exciting 2022 season in the Northern Hemisphere, basing herself with fellow Aussie expats Kevin and Emma McNab in the UK. Give her a follow and join in with the adventure!
Morning Viewing:
Prepare for early-season cross-country schooling with help from Piggy March!
