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The Wesko Equestrian Foundation, which provides a comprehensive education in becoming a professional eventers to a hand-picked group of young riders each year, just returned from the trip of a lifetime to France, where they got to ride with the Cadre Noir, Franke Sloothak, and their mentor, Pippa Funnell. I’m envious beyond words but have been enjoying living vicariously through the gang on social media — and now you can, too.
National Holiday: It’s Odd Socks Day! Frankly, I celebrate this year ’round. Where does the other sock go in the washing machine?
US Weekend Action:
Ram Tap H.T. (Fresno, CA): [Website] [Results]
SAzEA Fall H.T. (Tucson, AZ): [Website] [Results]
Global Eventing Round-Up:
Le Pouget CCI4*-S (Montpellier, France): [Website] [Results]
Your Monday Reading List:
Have you background-checked your practitioner? Okay, so you don’t have to do a full deep-dive — but if you’ve hired someone, for example an osteopath or massage therapist, to work on your horse, are you confident that they’ve been properly trained and qualified for the job at hand? The spread of unqualified, unregistered paraprofessionals in the UK has become so significant that experts are speaking out about it — finally. [Protect your horse; check your professional]
Ahh, blanketing season. I know I’m not alone in second-guessing my decision every time I throw a rug over my horse for the night, even this year, when I’m leaving her unclipped until the new year. Too hot? Too cold? Is there, god forbid, a leak in the outer layer? Ease your winter wear stress with this funny throwback from COTH. [The blanket clause]
Showjumping fans, this one’s for you: Martin Fuch’s extraordinary Clooney 51 will be officially retired in a ceremony at Switzerland’s CHI Geneva next month. If, like me, you followed the dramatic, sad saga of his return from Tokyo and subsequent injury in the field just days later, which nearly ended the special gelding’s life, you, too, will be watching this with tears in your eyes and a lump in your throat. [Farewell to Clooney]
The OTTB lovers among us know that there’s something extra special in retraining an ex-racehorse. Whether it’s their endearing personalities, their enviable athleticism, or the little bit of extra something-something that comes from having been the purveyor of a second chance, it’s always a memorable experience that changes you as a horseman. [Thoroughbred fans, unite]
The FutureTrack Follow:
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I love these folksy, Yves Klein-esque horse paintings by Maggie Robertson, whose work I’ll be gobbling up once I make my millions from *checks notes* writing about eventing for a living. Gorgeous.
Morning Viewing:
Ever fancied watching a reality TV competition show — for horse people? The LeMieux All Star Academy is back on Horse&Country TV, and it’s just that. Check out the first episode of season four:
