Spring is so close now that I can practically taste it in the air. Here in the UK, our clocks change this week – but over the last 36 hours, everything’s turned green and the blossoms and blooms have reappeared with a vengeance. This off-season has felt like a long hibernation, and although competitions won’t start for another couple of weeks for us mere mortals, British Eventing’s ‘elite’ season openers are well underway. If I can’t get out eventing my own horse just yet, a full day of live-stream action from Oasby Elite OI – jam-packed with the country’s best horses – is a pretty good alternative.
National Holiday: It’s Daffodil Day. TBH, seeing a sea of yellow appear on the verges of the lanes over the past few days has been a huge moral boost, so thanks, lil’ dudes.
US Weekend Action:
Carolina International CCI and H.T.: [Website] [Results]
Ocala Winter II H.T.: [Website] [Results]
Pine Top Farm Spring H.T.: [Website] [Results]
Southern Arizona Eventing Association H.T.: [Website] [Results]
Global Eventing Round-Up:
It’s been another busy weekend Down Under, with The Horseland Australian Championships at Wandin Park hosting international classes from CCI2*-S to CCI4*-S, plus a CCI3*L. 23-year-old Samuel Jeffree took the four-star riding Woodmount Lolita, marking his first four-star win – and fourth international win with the mare – and becoming the Australian National Champion. Sam’s an impressive force to be reckoned with in his home country, having competed up to Intermediare in pure dressage, too – and if his name looks familiar, you might have come across him in 2019 when he spent six weeks working for Boyd Martin.
Your Monday Reading List:
New research has uncovered another chapter in the story of equine evolution. Come for the scintillating scientific intel, stay for the ‘stilt-legged horses’. Think we’ve seen a few of those in real life. [New revelations on the evolution of the horse revealed in fresh study]
Honestly, sometimes I think our horses exist solely to embarrass us in public in creative ways. You might remember this throwback, courtesy of Horse&Hound – it’s a real doozy. [Throwback to this ultimate ‘I can’t believe it’ equestrian competition moment…]
Fancy some footwork exercises this week? Canada’s Waylon Roberts has the layout you need to help prepare for the season to come. [Grid Pro Quo: Waylon Roberts]
Struggling to shorten your horse’s frame and manage true collection and connection? Dressage rider Charly Edwards‘s exercise will get you well on your way in your schooling sessions this week. [#SundaySchool: How to collect your horse]
“I guess it’s over. My relationship is over, and there’s nothing left to repair because I managed to end it. I killed it.” Showjumper Dani Waldman shares her story in Noelle Floyd‘s ongoing mental health series. [Dani G. Waldman: My Tipping Point]
The FutureTrack Follow:
If you love vintage photos and paintings of equestrians, Jodhpurs and Sons will tick all your boxes. Fascinating history, gorgeous sepia-toned snapshots, and lots of elephant ear breeches – it’s perfect escapism into the rich tapestry of equestrianism.
Morning Viewing:
Arena eventing is a huge part of many horses’ and riders’ off-season education in Europe – and if you want to steal some ideas for your own arena, this comprehensive video from a recent competition in Ireland’s Development Series will certainly inspire you.
