Werner Geven gives the camera a grin on his way to the Open Novice win at Bouckaert. Photo by Shelby Allen.
Isn’t it nice to find ourselves back in that whirlwind time of year, wherein every weekend is chock-full of events and preparations for our two (two!!) traditional spring five-stars? I’m heading to Badminton tomorrow on behalf of EN to get a first look at the course to come, and suddenly, life feels so full of possibility again. Spring has sprung after a two-year winter – and yes, I’ve really had to stop myself from writing ‘winter of the soul’ there – and it’s a joy now to bask in the sunshine of everyone’s palpable excitement. Roll on the adventures!
National Holiday: It’s National Barbershop Quartet Day. It’s probably best to stay at home today, just in case of celebratory flash mobs.
US Weekend Action:
The Fork at TIEC (Tryon, Nc.): [Website] [Results] [EN’s Coverage]
Chattahoochee Hills International H.T. (Fairburn, Ga.): [Website] [Results] [EN’s Coverage]
CDCTA Spring H.T. (Berryville, Va.): [Website] [Results]
Pine Hill Spring H.T. (Bellville, Tx.): [Website] [Results]
UK Weekend Results:
Breckenbrough (1): [Results]
Kirriemuir (1): [Results]
Larkhill: [Results]
Norton Disney (1): [Results]
South of England (1): [Results]
Weston Park (1): [Results]
Global Eventing Round-Up:
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Though the USA’s two four-stars over the weekend dominated eventing headlines, Europe was well-represented too, with Poland’s popular Strzegom Horse Trials hosting its (admittedly chilly) Spring Open. The feature CCI4*-S class was ably taken by Sweden’s Christoffer Forsberg (a strong contender for the tallest man on the circuit, quite frankly) and Hippo’s Sapporo, pinching the win from Germany’s Nicholai Aldinger and Timmo after delivering the only clear inside the time on the cross-country course. Sweden also rounded out the top three, with Frida Andersen taking third on Box Leo.
Meanwhile, the CCI3*-S podium was wholly filled by Dutch women: Olympic stalwart Merel Blom took first and second place, riding Corminta Vom Gwick and Vesuve d’Aveyron, respectively, while Sanne de Jong took third with her Le Lion ride Jersey MBF.
Are you attending this year’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event? Join EN and Ride iQ for a ridiculously epic course walk led by Kyle Carter and Buck Davidson on Friday, April 29. If you register ahead of time, you’ll be entered to win prizes such as a limited edition signed tote bag and goodies from our sponsors. Click here to learn more.
Your Monday Reading List
Fancy jumping out of a plane in support of Ukrainian relief efforts (and Team GB)? Your chance is here, you utter lunatic – and you could find yourself in a plane with some of your idols, too.
A lot of us horsey folks put some serious pressure on ourselves to be everything to everyone, all the time. But life — and output — isn’t that straightforward, particularly if your headspace doesn’t always play ball. Blogger Laura Adriaanse shares her story of a breakthrough day in which she let herself just co-exist with her horse and found her mental health all the better for it.
An electronic queue system has been created to help facilitate the evacuation of Ukrainian horses. This is the latest great initiative from the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation, which has been created to streamline the aid process for horses in the country.
Head behind the scenes at Southern Belle Thoroughbreds, a thriving business designed to help transition horses from the track to their second careers.
Ever wondered what life is like as a roving equestrian photojournalist? Meet Melissa Fuller, who travels to major shows around the US for Sidelines magazine.
The FutureTrack Follow:
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What’s life like for a young up-and-coming professional in the Netherlands? Follow Sanne de Jong‘s journey with her exciting team of horses and find out!
Morning Viewing:
In memory of the exceptional Arctic Soul, who sadly died over the weekend, we’re looking back fondly on old memories — including his lightning fast effort at Gatcombe in 2017, where he and Gemma became the British Open Champions.
