Happy Turkey Day, y’all!! Much of the east coast experienced the first snow fall of the season, which pretty much solidifies the feelings of the holidays. My hat is off to those riders who persevered and continued to ride through the snow, because my horses certainly enjoyed a day off while I sat inside next to the fire. I decided that my time was better spent perfecting my biscuits and sausage gravy recipe, binge watching shows on HBO, and baking chocolate bourbon pecan pie for tomorrow. Plus, I think that my horses work hard enough during the rest of the season that they can afford the occasional vacation, to the benefit of my culinary skills.
North American Weekend Preview:
Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has become the first recipient of the FEI lifetime achievement award. Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II has been presented with the first FEI Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of her leading role as supporter of equestrian sport throughout her reign as British monarch. The Queen has long been a champion of horse sports, with her daughter competing in Eventing at the highest levels, and with her involvement in the Thoroughbred industry in England. She also breeds Shetland, Highland and Fell ponies to insure that bloodlines are preserved and enhanced. [Queen Elizabeth Receives Lifetime Award]
Don’t worry! The Budweiser Clydesdales aren’t going anywhere!! Social media was aflame this week with rumors that Budweiser had effectively fired all of their clydesdales, and millions of sappy horse people everywhere wept at their computer screens, remembering all of the touching moments of Christmas ads past. Never fear, it was all just a panic induced rumor. [Budweiser Clydesdales NOT Fired]
At 16 years old, Chris Megahey has won his first Puissance, clearing 6.7 feet in Ireland. After winning the Emerald International Puissance, Chris’ thirst for puissance is only just beginning. He partners with Seapatrick’s Cruise Cavalier, who was competed at the three-star level in Eventing by his older brother Harold before becoming Chris’ top show jumper. [16 Year Old Puissance Winner]
Do horses learn by watching one another? Mostly we become concerned about this when it comes to bad habits, such as cribbing, weaving, or pawing. However, there is no statistical evidence that observing another horse complete a task expedites the learning curve of another for the same task. Sometimes what we see is social facilitation, which is completely different than learning a new skill. [Horses Don’t Learn by Watching]
Ah, the winning Whitakers. What would we do for a family dynasty like that in the sport of Eventing? They just can’t stop taking over the world. Newest and brightest star: William Whitaker. At the age of 25 he’s already making a name for himself, and looking pretty handsome doing it. [9 Fun Facts About William Whitaker]
Completely not horse related, but amazing nonetheless:
