Why Super Thursday you ask? C’mon folks, ain’t it obvious? Today marks the beginning of the 2012 American Eventing Championships AND the first day of Blenheim! How much more excitement could you ask for? I’m looking forward to a busy weekend of stalking scores on two separate continents, and cheering on everyone I know. This year’s AEC’s is super packed with amazing Eventing pairs, and promises to be *extra* exciting. Also, John will be on site, so be sure to keep an eye out for a tall blond kid trying to hide in the bushes, taking poorly focused pictures, and scribbling notes hastily.
Weekend Events:
AEC’s: [Website] [Live Scores] [Ride Times]
Blenheim: [Website] [Live Scores] [Entries]
Maryland HT: [Website] [Entry Status]
Aspen Farms HT: [Website] [Entry Status]
Copper Meadows HT: [Website] [Entry Status]
King Oak Farm HT: [Website] [Entry Status]
Five Points HT: [Website] [Entry Status]
Bucks County Horse Park HT: [Website]
Lovely Links:
Inspirational British rider Claire Lomas is now the first person to personally own a robotic exoskeleton that enables her to walk. Paralyzed in a riding accident, Claire used the suit earlier this year to complete the London Marathon in 17 days, but says that more regular tasks are equally exciting. “One of the best experiences was standing at a bar”, says Claire. [Claire Lomas is First Person to Own a Robot Exoskeleton]
Stone Gate Farm HT (Sept 22-23) is accepting late entries, and if you’re in the area, I would seriously consider it. They are welcoming new sponsor FLAIR, and have a whole buttload of amazing prizes for all the levels, including Electrolytes, Poultice and Saddlepads! [SGF Late Entries Welcome]
Going to the AEC’s?? Check out this awesome timetable for PRO Riders Coursewalks for all the levels! [PRO Coursewalk @ AEC]
Speaking of PRO…have you seen their new updated website? It’s worth checking out. They did some serious upgrading! [New PRO Website]
AEC Advanced coursewalk with Michael Pollard and course designer Hugh Lochore. Stay tuned to watch Michael and Hanni, who are first to go tomorrow in the Advanced! [AEC Coursewalk with Pollard Eventing]
Olympians at Blenheim: Zara, WFP, Tina Cook, Nicola Wilson, Mark Todd, Andrew Nicholson, Jonelle Richards, Caroline Powell, Chris Burton, Susanna Bordonne, Ingrid Klimke…and probably some others. Also included: Greenwich cross country fences “The Altar” and “The Saxon Village”. [Olympians at Blenheim]
In an ongoing response to Tiffany Foster’s elimination at the Olympic Showjumping test due to a controversial hypersensitivity ruling, Equine Canada has formed a Hypersensitivity Task Force. The purpose of the new task force is to review hypersensitivity protocol, and decide if it is fair and effective. They hope to work closely with the FEI to explore the issue on an international level. [Equine Canada Hypersensitivity Task Force]
In some slightly scary news, a man in Vermont has died from the mosquito borne equine disease Eastern Equine Encephalitis. There have been two confirmed cases, but only one has resulted in death. Health and agriculture officials are considering an aerial spraying program for the area.[EEE Causes Human Death in Vermont]
Even Eventing Princesses like to use their non-competition weekends to hang out with friends at a local pub/bar, catch up on chores and movies, and eat Italian food full of carbs. Sound familiar?? [Zara Enjoys Quiet Weekends]
Poland’s Chrcynno-Palace Stud held an open house recently, one of only three public openings since the inception 12 years ago. Like really fancy wine, deserts, waiters and beautiful Arabians? Chrcynno-Palace Stud is the place for you. Have a look-see (vide0). [Chrcynno-Palace Stud]
In German news, Monica Theodorescu has been named the new head German Dressage coach, which makes her the very first woman to serve as head coach for ANY equestrian discipline in Germany. After head coach Holger Schmezer died suddenly in April, Jonny Hilberath helped prepare the team for London, but stated afterwards that he preferred to have more freedom to concentrate on his own training, and thus will serve as co-assistant trainer along with Jürgen Koschel. [Monica Theodorescu Named Head of German Dressage]
A little bit of Blenheim 2011 to get you excited:
