Automatic Release FTW
This week has been rough for all of us in the Eventing community. Not only did Memorial Day weekend remind us of the anniversary of the tragedy at Boyd’s barn, but presented us with a new horror in the form of the losses sustained at Pollard Eventing. There are literally not enough words in the dictionary to express the pain and suffering, and yet I have faith in the toughness of our kind, and the resilient and supportive nature of the people that we surround ourselves with. I am a firm believer in the healing power of horses, and even when they are the cause of our suffering, there is no more powerful tonic than the touch of a soft muzzle after a long day, or the silent comfort that they offer us effortlessly.
For me, the week has been extremely humbling. I had what would usually be a big disappointment with my big horse, but instead of feeling self pity or airing my woes to my friends and family, I was simply grateful that it was nothing worse. My faith in the eventing community has been rejuvenated by the outpouring of love to the Pollards, and I am once again reminded that not only do I love this sport, but I love the people that gravitate towards it. So, cheers Eventing Nation, and let’s grow stronger because of the struggles we have experienced.
In other news, in Colorado this weekend, we have both a CCI* and a CCI** running, as well as Beginner Novice through Intermediate. I’ve never been to the Colorado event, but I hear wonderful things about it. After day one in dressage, Maria Schatz and Joe lead the CCI* on a 47.5, followed closely by Claire Parker riding Hope Cove and Vicky Koss on Isabeau who are tied for second on a 52.8. The CCI** is a small division of three horse and rider combinations being led by Sydney Conley Elliott on Pancho Villa on a 50.6. [Scores] [Website]
All your other event scores for the weekend:
GMHA June Horse Trials: [Scores] [Website]
Poplar Place Farm June HT: [Scores] [Website]
Waredaca Horse Trials: [Scores] [Website]
Indiana Eventing Assoc. T3D Event & HT: [Website]
The BEST equestrian news from across the web, gathered lovingly by yours truly:
Half of Canada’s slaughterhouses are refusing to accept Thoroughbreds
What salamanders can teach us about joint repair in horses [via Horse Collaborative]
A Lusitano stallion does Brooklyn in style
Beezie Madden is excited about her new Thoroughbred project
The Queen plans to kick off her Diamond Jubilee celebrations by attending the Epsom Derby
Ruth Edge absolutely kills it at Tattersalls in Ireland, leading both the CCI*** and the CIC***
Several Happy Mouth bits were recalled due to breakage issues
Arguably the biggest BA in Eventing, Andrew Nicholson, saddles up for a 7th Olympic Games
A positively excellent collection of Derby winners on the cover of Sports Illustrated
Here’s a video explanation of why I’ll Have Another cannot use a Flair Strip for the Belmont
Penny Chenery thinks he can, and that lady knows her stuff [via HN]
Found on Facebook: Silva seeks a new working student!
Best of Blogs: Trapped in an office, would rather be at the barn…is it 5 o’clock yet??
The USEF created this video to honor Sapphire in her retirement:
