via Colleen
Well hello Eventing Nation! It has been a while since I have seen all your smiling faces (or imagined them). I hope the holidays treated everyone well. Mine were filled with food, more food, wine, more wine, and good family fun–??. It is hard for me to believe that the season is already under way. I am still stuck in “get motivated” mode. Hopefully some of you are too- I’m starting to feel left behind. However, the weather has been freakishly lovely, so I can’t complain. This is my first winter not heading south and I intend to enjoy it (maybe). OK, enough rambling about nothing. I wish I had an exciting video of John’s recent dancekapades, but I don’t. Hang tight though, I’m working on it.
Well known, CCI**** eventer, Mazetto has officially retired. “Eric” as he is know to many, had a great career finishing Badminton and Luhmuhlen with former rider Jonelle Richards. Eric has had many talented riders on his back (Eleanor Brennan and Lainey Ashker) and finished his career with Ashley Kehoe in the tack. Ashley had many top finishes with Eric. After a minor ligament strain, it was decided Eric would be retired. It is rumored that Eric has returned to his former jockey, Lainey Ashker, to enjoy his retirement.
After nearly a year away from competing, Jessica Pye and Bounder are back at it. Jessica ran Bounder at last weekends Ocala Horse Trials. Thought she wasn’t thrilled with her dressage, the jumping phases were great. Jessica felt as thought she and Bounder has a less than stellar performance due to lack of practice, poor ground, nerves and just plain rust that has coated the pair of the past year. Jessica and Bounder are headed for the Intermediate at Rocking Horse in two weeks and are sure to be on fine form. [Pye Equestrian]
Doug Payne- always ahead of the game. Check him out on iTunes. [DPEquestrian]
One of Great Britain’s most talented up and coming riders has had a great wrap up to her 2011 season. Emily Llewellyn has wrapped up her season and has some exciting new changes. New horses have arrived, she has made the move to live with her boyfriend (a show jumper) and is trying her hand in the Grand Prix ring. Emily is excited for the upcoming season with a great string of horses ready to have some top placings. [Emily Llewellyn]
Check out pictures from the High Point Farm Candy Cane Derby. With festive jumps and great fun, it was a fun event for all. [Candy Canes]
Course Brook Farm is starting a new blog series to allow people to get to know the people behind the farm. The first blog post is a question and answers session with resident trainer, Erika Hawkes. Erika shared about getting starting, wanting to be a novelist (and Kate Middleton) and living in Singapore. [Get to know Erika]
Tests are complete and the footing is chosen. Olympic riders will be riding on a non-waxed sand, felt and fiber while showing off their skills in London. With many top professionals on hand to test and observe the footing, the choice is likely to be a good one. Testing concluded on December 21. [Olympic footing]
Professional Equine Grooms has created a new series of awards for grooms that will be presented in Fall 2012. The awards will go to honor grooms who have gone above and beyond in their jobs. “The mission of PEG is to acknowledge grooms as skilled individuals in their respective disciplines and to provide growth and educational opportunities across the horse world.” [PEG awards]
There is no bull about Elisabeth Iorio because she has gone bull crazy. A four start eventer, polo player and so much more, Beth has taken to a bucking bronco business- Platinum Pistols Bucking Bulls. Beth has gained her knowledge from well known people in the industry and is eagerly expanding that knowledge as her business grows. So go on, read about this exciting ride for yourself! [Platinum Pistols]
And don’t forget, with the new year comes a new contest. Get out your Nunn Finer gear folks and get creative! Make Friday the 13 your lucky day. [EN contest]
From Ali-
Go eventing.
