Happy Thanksgiving EN! I hope your holiday is filled with joy (and good food) wherever you may be. Obviously today is the day to remember the important things in life and this year more than others I have been thinking about our Eventing community and the horses that propel the crazy game we play. Both are blessings that scarcely need describing so I won’t get too sappy on you guys but I just want to say it out loud since it’s Thanksgiving and all: Thank you for supporting this sport. Through thick and thin I have yet to see this community fail one of its own in a moment of need, be it a forgotten saddle pad or a true tragedy. So today EN, I am thankful for you.
Moving forward, John did a post yesterday with his analysis of the much discussed Training Lists, though I hardly doubt that those will be the last words on the topic. As he said, the London run-up is going to be a roller coaster of surprises and twists that competition always creates so making predictions at this stage is a bit premature. That said I want to give a shout out to the my three fellow Area V riders who were named to the Developing Rider lists: Heather Morris, Angela Grzywinski, and Sydney Elliott. All three are very talented and very deserving of the honor. A while ago I interviewed Sydney for the Area V spotlight and she mentioned making the list was one of her goals for this year. Congrats ladies!
The man, myth, and legend Mark Todd traveled to Canada to compete in the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair’s Good Crop Services Indoor Eventing competition and came in third behind Waylon Roberts riding Evil Munchkin (great name). After the competition Todd stayed for an extra two days to teach a clinic for riders on the Canadian National Senior and Young Rider teams. Jealous much? Oh and they donated a portion of the proceeds of the clinic and Todd’s prize money from the competition to a charitable riding program that works with at-risk youth. Thumbs up Canada. [Horsetalk]
Looking for a change of scene? The British Horse Society has worked out a new deal with the UK border agency that will smooth the way for international equestrians to secure a visa. The BHS will now recommend candidates with an “endorsement status” that UK officials will understand to mean that the candidate has met basic requirements for a visa. Start packing. [Horsetalk]
The BHS is all over the place today: they are hosting an online auction of 15 celebrity-donated items, including a one of a kind Headley Britannia rocking horse for the young eventing enthusiast. Other equestrians have also donated, including Piggy French. Simon Cowell donated a signed headshot and I’m sure you’re all dying to have that on your mantel so start bidding. All proceeds will benefit the “Drawing the Line” campaign which aims to educate the public about the merits of responsible breeding. [Auction] [BHS]
The debate rages on about wild horses and their impact on the natural landscape, but this time it’s in a new locale: the Cumberland Island, off the coast of Georgia. The horses there are descended from domesticated stock that arrived on the island over 100 years ago and serve as a major tourist attraction but are causing extensive damage to the natural shoreline. A new survey has provided insight into methods of controlling the animals while still protecting their safety and public appeal. [Horsetalk]
The Chronicle did a great article about adult amateurs- you know, those over 18 who jump higher than 3’6″, and the difference between riding at home and at shows. I’m not doing the article justice but this is definitely worth a click for anyone who ever gets nervous at a show. Three words: You’re not alone. [COTH]
Best of Blogs:
Lilybridge Eventing wraps up the season
Uptown Eventing’s video of the Gatcombe CIC**
I hope your day is filled with family, friends, and lots of turkey and pie. As always, thanks for reading and happy Thanksgiving!
