Otter Creek’s famous bonfire. Courtesy the lovely Ashley Keller
Good morning Eventing Nation!
Just a personal shout out to start things off this morning. I’m loving PA and all, but this is the first time in 11 years that I am missing out on the Otter Creek Farm Spring Horse Trials. And, an especially big shout out to Jenny Warner of Otter Creek Farm, who is the xc controller, volunteer coordinator, and so much more for the event. She broke her foot, I believe, a few weeks back. Heal quickly, and try to stay off of it.. that was in vain, I know you’re up and running around to make Otter run smoothly! So, Area IV represent. You know I love you! [Go Otter Creek]
Saumur is underway! (Or, in a few hours, if you’re a night owl). There are 72 entries in the CIC2* and 52 entries in the CCI3* ready to start tomorrow. Unfortunately, the only pair not to pass the first horse inspection were CIC2* entrants Sofia Corsini Furhmann and Urbanis M from Spain.
They’ve got a cool “Encouragements” section where you can email the riders. We’ve got three US pairs technically speaking: Jules Stiller and Chapel Amble, Jules Stiller and Enjoy Me, and Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister. Show em love Eventing Nation!
You can preview Saumur’s CCI3* and CIC2* courses here. There are some terrific photos courtesy of Uptown Eventing: click here.
The competition starts with CIC 2* dressage test at 10.00 am local and the CCI 3* starts at 14.30 pm. **Saumur is 6 hours ahead of us. So, 10am in France will be 4am EST. [Saumur Results]
The New Zealand team is “pretty confident” Mark Todd and NZB Grass Valley will qualify for London at Saumur this weekend. Calling it a “funny old rule”, Sarah Harris, the team director, Todd and NZB Grass Valley need to qualify by running the CCI3*. Andrew Nicholson and Caroline Powell are also competing this weekend on Quimbo, and Boston Two Tip, respectively. The Kiwis have had additional training sessions in England after the cancellations of Badminton and Chastworth “to basically give them something to do”. Because, let’s face it, they’re pretty awesome. [Go NZ]
For the Kiwis not competing in France this weekend, they’re more than likely at Taupo Three Day. It’s the most prestigious three day in New Zealand, with CCI3* to Pre-Novice divisions. They’ve increased the prize money this year, and will also run the CCI1* and Pre-Novice tracks concurrently. It’s worked in the past. [Go Taupo]
Twenty-two year old Kristy Smyth and her horse, Skibbereen, have their sights set on the CCI2* at Taupo this weekend in New Zealand. Smith’s been riding the 9 year old mare for four years, and their hard work is coming to fruition. Says Smyth, “Realistically we should be in the top ten, but horses are very unpredictable. Anything can go wrong”. Well, here’s a big dose of EN karma for you. We’re lovers of great partnerships! [Go Kristy and Skibbereen]
No stone unturned. Famous sports photographer Bob Martin is out in London making sure all the best shots aren’t going to be marred by portable toilets or other unwanted scenery. He’s famous for several shots like this one from the Barcelona Olympics. [Go pictures]
Alright Eventing Nation, let’s do what you do best: VOTE. The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation has been selected as one of 500 nonprofits to win a Toyota Tundra truck by Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program. The Park is in a tight financial budget and it’s the first year they have applied. This Sunday, May 20, from 10 a.m. EDT to 11:59 p.m. EDT, the KHPF will be up against 4 other nonprofits to win a truck. Runners up will receive $1000. [VOTE here on Sunday] [COTH]
Domestic horses know who you are if you’ve been with them for a period of time. I know that’s right. I yell “baby horse!” across the field and pony comes on a-running. A study at the University of Sussex in England completed in 2008 on 24 horses has offered insight on how horses differentiate and recognize the humans in their lives. Tests were performed with loud speakers and familiar and unfamiliar handlers. [Horsetalk]
IN THE BLOGOSPHERE:
Caitlin Silliman recaps her first CIC3* at Jersey last weekend. They finished 9th in a competitive division. She says Hoku was jumping very confidently and they look forward to the CCI3* at Bromont in a few weeks time. [Go Caitlin & Hoku]
Lauren Lambert is stepping out on her own. In her very entertaining PRO blog, she regales us with her move back north, her new barn, and her awesome supporters as she looks towards the next event: Maydaze at the Park. [Good luck Lauren!]
Ryan Wood recaps his outing at Plantation Field last weekend. The youngsters were out and about strutting their stuff, and by the looks of the photos, jumping really well. [Go Ryan]
That’s all for now Eventing Nation! Looks like it’s ramping up to be an exciting weekend of eventing!
Go eventing, wherever you are this weekend.
