Hello Eventing Nation! Well the time has come and I have returned from 8 weeks away in the sunny south training chinchillas horses. It’s really great to be back from the great state of Aiken. Yes, I did refer to Aiken as a state. But you see, while at the infamous Hotel Aiken, getting my sing on, I met a really nice local guy. He kept telling me he loved Aiken and what a great state it was. This was news to me, but then again, I always thought something was wrong with my 5th grade teacher’s ability to teach. That or something happens to people’s mental capacity while drinking “adult beverages.” Regardless, my 5th grade beverage allowed me to learn about a new state. Anyway, none of this actually matters. What really matters is after days of pestering John, he has finally agreed to let me write again. So, it’s great to be back in action here on Eventing Nation!
Now for some news and possible notes…
-Don’t forget this weekend is Poplar Place and Southern Pines. Check out the ride times and be sure to get your cameras ready to watch some really great action! If you aren’t able to attend, stay glued to Eventing Nation as we will be sure to give you the scoop as soon as we have it.
–Stephen Bradly has been busy teaching a clinic at Flying Cross Farm in Kentucky. Flying Cross is a beautiful farm and Stephen is a fantastic clinician. Anyone who has the chance to ride with him should. And for those of you who want to learn more about clinicing with Stephen, check out Kelly Gage’s report.
-Only 40 days left to Kentucky! Have you gotten your tickets yet? Are you excited to tailgate? Should be a fantastic weekend with some nice foreigners to check out 😉 –just had to use a winky face because I have always wanted to here on EN.
-The FEI has approved a points system for the HSBC FEI Classics in 2011. The new system has been” brought in line” with other rankings and standards in eventing. HSBC has supported the series since 2008 and will continue to give over $1 million over the next three years. At the end of the season, the five riders with the highest number of points collected among the HSBC FEI Classicsâ„¢ events will be awarded prize money as follows:
1st – US$ 150,000 (Series Champion)
2nd – US$ 75,000
3rd – US$ 50,000
4th – US$ 33,000
5th – US$ 25,000
-Horseshoeing school farrier, Paul Dorris, Jr., was select again for the 15th consecutive year as the official farrier for Rolex Kentucky. Unfortunately he will not be able to attend due to other commitments.
-Who will save the horses? ESPN has posted an interesting article discussing what happens to horses after their racing career. Bill Finley writes:
“Every day, horses come off the racetrack that aren’t talented enough to become sires or broodmares. They are too old, too slow or too infirm to keep racing. There are thousands a year that fall into this category. Some find good homes. Some get neglected. A lot get slaughtered. How many? No one is quite sure, but the number is no doubt in the thousands.”
This article is heartbreaking in so many ways and leaves you wanting to point fingers. Finley talks about wanting to make a change stating, “It will take money, but it will more so take a monumental shift in attitude.”
-Jessica Pye is Poplar Place bound. Check out her blog to hear more of the ups and downs she faces while continuing through her spring season.
-Redcliffe Pony Club in Australia has raised $140,000 for a new cross country course. The club spent more than 5 years raising funds and successfully apply for government grants. The track is at the one star level and has already boosted membership. Go Pony Club!
-Because I can’t resist talking about them, (and deep down inside you know you can’t either) I have to mention Kate and William. The royal wedding carriage is revealed!
–I know everyone has seen Ben Hobday’s blog on Horse and Hound, but I thought I would share his website for those who have not seen it. Ben does a fantastic job of marketing. I highly recommend his site for anyone wanting to work on their marketing skills. And hey, he isn’t bad looking either.
Go Eventing.
