[via 3shoes]
Good morning Eventing Nation, and what a big morning it is! For many Rolex horses, this weekend is the second to last competition before Kentucky, and this weekend is a major stepping stone for the spring three-days at every level here in the US. Let’s get right to the competition previews and notes:
–The third of seven 2011 events at Poplar Place farm in Georgia start today. The event is hosting beginner novice through advanced horse trials as well as a CIC* and CIC2*. Dressage starts at 8am with beautiful weather expected throughout the day. Annie is competing at Poplar this weekend and she will be stopping by with a few updates. [Poplar Place Live Scores, Weather, Ride Times PDF]
–Just over 400 miles away in Southern Pines, North Carolina, the Carolina Horse Park is hosting the rest of the east coast horses for a training level through advanced horse trials. Like Poplar, Southern Pines offers a great course and great facilities, but the weather looks like it could be a bit more temperamental than in Georgia. Coren is riding at SoPo, and we will get a report from her as well during the weekend. Good luck and major EN Karma at the events this weekend. [Weather, Live Scores, Ride Times PDF]
–In Australian eventing news, the Melbourne CCI3* is preparing for another great competition in June. Melbourne is the oldest eventing competition in the southern hemisphere, and it is one of just 4 CCI3*’s in Australia. [Press Release]
—The USEA shows some love to Bromont
–Here are a few fun facts about your Badminton entries [via Gazette]:
1) 40 time three-day winner WFP can choose two of his 4 entered horses to compete.
2) Badminton has entries from 12 nations
3) Andrew Nicholson has competed at Badminton 29 times
4) 3 time Badminton winner Pippa Funnell returns for the first time since 2008
5) Amateur James Robinson will help Comanche make his 9th start at Badminton
–You could compete for Team GB in South Africa…if you are a tentpegger…and if you are British. No, against all odds, tentpegging is not a euphamism, it is an equestrian sport. [H&C]
—Ecogold rider and Badminton entrant Kristin Schmolze
–Lansko Products Inc. has recalled box fans because they light on fire. I guess no one is perfect, but if you produce and market box fans for barns and homes, you’d think you would at the very least make sure they don’t catch fire! A fan that ignites is like headache medicine that causes heart attacks. [TheHorse.com]
–In a touching story from Texas, a pony named Midnite has been given a second chance in life with the donation of a prosthetic leg. A team of generous supporters donated a great deal of time to saving Midnite’s life and the story is an inspiration for all of us. [Horsetalk]
—Ben Hobday’s Badminton blog
[via @carrotsandbute]
That’s all for now. I want to give a huge good luck to all the competitors this weekend. Wherever you may be, thanks for making Eventing Nation part of your day and go eventing.
