One year after her fatal accident at Bramham International Horse Trials, Katherine O’Brien’s Ms. Poppins has finally been brought home. Allie Knowles picked up the mare’s ashes on Friday and released this statement commemorating her friend and partner, “Poppy”.
We’ve had a rather dismal year in terms of equine mortalities (from the accidents at Blenheim International to WSF Carthago to Solaguayre California), and in the midst of all these tragic accidents, the support offered by our eventing community to those affected has been heartwarming and inspiring. While it can be hard, it is important that we address these occurrences and talk about them so that we more fully open ourselves up to some of the difficult realities of this sport. Eventing is hard on both human and equine participants, and the dedication and commitment brought by both parties to this challenging lifestyle is what makes us the people that we are. I think it’s when we are at our lowest that we are most able to feel the strength and encouragement of our own support systems and the close-knit network that exists within this sport, so I hope that the owners and riders of these horses are able to find the strength and healing they need from their teams and our community.
U.S. Weekend Action
Millbrook H.T. (Millbrook, NY) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Hunt Club Farms H.T. (Berryville, VA) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Major International Events
FEI Eventing European Championships for Ponies (Le Mans, France): [Definite Entries]
Burgham International (United Kingdom): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Live Stream]
Links to Start Your Sunday:
Help support Lyndsey Smith, Area VI eventer, after sustaining many injuries from a riding accident
Liz Halliday-Sharp is hiring for a groom/working student
Permission To Post: A Case For Allowing Rising Trot Through Fourth Level
Weekly Pick from SmartPak: Looking for a horsey summer activity that doesn’t involve going out in the heat? SmartPak has you covered with this no-bake horse treat recipe.
Morning Viewing: This past Wednesday was the annual Chincoteague Pony Swim — if you’ve never made it out yourself, here’s a video of the whole thing!
