Everybody has made it through “hump” day! Now it should be easy, downhill sailing to the weekend. Today we see the start of dressage at Jersey. As usual, John has driven from his latest destination in Antarctica to cover the weekend. Be ready for up to date news, photos, and probably no gossip.
[Tentative Time Schedule PDF, Jersey Homepage]
We all know Jersey is happening now and the local press does too. New Jersey Newsroom gives eventing a little lovin’.
As a reminder, and as Annie mentioned yesterday, the Flora Lea Horse Trials in New Jersey, scheduled for May 22, is still accepting entries. [USEA]
Boyd Martin: All horses past first jog at Jersey
In exciting news, Smoke the donkey is will be flying from Iraq to JFK in route to his new life in Nebraska. Smoke was rescued in 2008 by a US Marine and has severed as an Iraqi US Marines unit mascot. Smoke, who was in poor health when rescued by Marine Corp Colonel John Folsom, will be the first animal to cross into Turkey since the start of the Iraq war. He will be accompanied on his journey by SPCA International rescue expert, Terri Crisp, on his journey. After a few days in quarantine, he will be reunited with old friend, and life saver, John Folson.
Young equestrians now have an opportunity to give back and potentially receive a $1500 grant:
“The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Equestrians in Action program tracks youth volunteer hours that are aimed at improving the welfare of the horse or positively promoting equestrian sport. Sponsored by The EQUUS Foundation, the program encourages youth to give back to equestrian sport – at horse shows, equine promotional events, equine businesses or organizations, trade fairs, therapeutic riding clinics, horse rescue and 4-H events.”
For more information, click {here}.
Are you living in the UK and want your horse to have the chance to be a super model? Well guess what? Now you can! Leading animal charity The Blue Cross is offering owners the chance for their horse, pony, donkey or mule to become the face of its National Equine Health Survey (NEHS), a twice-yearly survey designed to help improve the health of equines in the UK. The winner will receive a photo shoot with their horse. The photos will then be used to help promote the survey.
Green Mountain Horse Association launches major cross country update project
The Dressage Foundation has released the names of 10 riders who have been selected for the Dressage Foundations Olympic Dream Program. These riders will take part in a 10 day dressage training experience. Even better- this training happens in Frankfurt, Germany starting June 28. The riders were chosen by: “candidates’ essays, competitive record, recommendations, videos of riding technique and evidence of a commitment to the sport of dressage.” To find out who the chosen ones are, click {here}.
And the Queen is in the saddle….
24 year old jockey Michael Baze was found dead in his car. Baze was found slumped down in the car in the stable area of Churchill Downs on Tuesday afternoon. The police have ruled out any foul play. Baze, who hails from California, was from a racing back ground and is a relative to hall of fame jockey, Russell Baze. Thoughts go out to his family, friends and the entire racing community. [Paulick Report]
Rebecca Howard recaps her time in Kentucky
The other side of the Martin team has been out and about. Silva Martin and students hit up Morven Park for a bit of a dressage outing. They were joined by new student, Ashlea and her mount Mintie, who are trying to qualify for Young Rider Dressage World Championships in Frankfurt, Germany. Silva was also busy with 4 rides this weekend and several blue ribbons.
And because I can’t resist this stuff…
That is all for now. Happy Thursday. Go Eventing.
