Michael and Hanni Photo via Pollard Eventing FB page
Good morning Eventing Nation!
In some happier news for the Pollard Eventing family, Michael had Hanni out for her first ride since the accident that rocked the eventing world only 5 days ago. It feels like a lifetime since the news was reported. You can hear Nathalie, Michael, and Katie talk about it in an interview here. Michael and Nathalie remember the horses while Katie gives an account of the entire accident.
In more good news, Clayton Fredericks was back on a horse yesterday riding with his wife, Lucinda. He was released from the hospital in France over the weekend. He was admitted due to his fall in the CCI3* at Saumur when his horse stepped on his stomach. He’s looking forward to London and is feeling fit and healthy. [H&H]
As we know, Bromont is the last selection trial on North American soil for those US and Canadian riders to make their respective eventing teams for London. Competition commences in eight days. We know some pairs have been given passes not to compete, and some are just doing certain phases. Check the entry list here. What I want to know is why Hawley Bennett-Awad has a “:)” after her name. I like it. [Horsetalk]
Bramham is the same weekend as Bromont and our friends across the pond will be contesting what will be no doubt a challenging and beautiful cross country course. Ian Stark is designing for the third year in a row, and it being an Olympic year, and he being a former Olympian, has designed a stellar course. The preparations at Bramham Park are underway. There’s a course description and some of Ian’s comments on the course. [EventingWorldWide]
The FEI and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) have teamed up to find way to make travel abroad easier for high health, high performance horses. Most governmental laws in place to guard against infecting the general horse population of disease do not take into account the meticulous veterinary attention given to these horses. They are hoping to make a “sub-population” of these elite horses and being in this group would make traveling easier on the horses. [Horsetalk]
The British won the second leg of the FEI Nations’ Cup on home turf at Houghton over the weekend. Australia was second and Germany came in third. The Germans still lead the series while the French are in second and third is a tie between the Brits and Spain. Yogi Breisner, the British team coach is pleased with the outcome, especially being a home venue. He said the British team was out in full force considering they’ve had two months off. Piggy French won the CIC3* division and is hoping that this effort will help secure a spot for her on the London team. [FEI press release from Canada or the US]
Hot on HN: Equestrian Hipsters. I will never even be cool enough to call myself even a wannabe poser, but this handy guide from HN will show you how to be hip, equestrian style. [HN]
Move over horse racing, trail riding is the most common use of horses in Kentucky. Ginny Grulke, the executive director of the Kentucky Horse Council, says, “It is our suspicion that there are more horses used for trail riding than any other use”. They are taking a survey to better analyze the uses and breeds in the state. If trail riding is the most common use of horses, this could increase the funding for trail development and maintenance as well as other benefits. [Horsetalk]
Watch Oliver Townend race Jason Sharp in a Subaru! The video is pretty cool actually. What I really want to know is where are they?! That’s where I’m heading.
BEST OF THE BLOGS:
Emily Beshear is apologetic for not updating her blog. But, she’s been figuring out her summer plans, and they are taking her to Blenheim CCI3* in September! She’s hosting some events at her farm to help fundraise. [Check it out]
Honorable Mention:
Team CEO Eventing is having their own Young Event Horse challenge. They bred 6 horses 4 years ago. Now that the horses are three, they came in from the field, had their manes pulled, bridles on and walked over poles and tarps. Super exciting for day 1! [Team CEO]
Let’s cover the three phases in eventing around the world:
Dressage at Saumur in France:
Cross country and show jumping at the Eventing Equestriad in Australia:
Go eventing.
From Horse Quencher: Human athletes experience an average 2% performance loss per 1% loss in water weight, which is likely similar in horses. But unlike people, horses lose salt evenly with water as they sweat, so their thirst reflex isn’t triggered. Until you add Horse Quencher to the bucket. Proper hydration = maximum performance.
