Thursday News from Devoucoux

In the feel good story of the day, which is a little bit reminiscent of Black Beauty, a fifteen year old Suffolk Punch gelding by the name of Saxon, finally found his way back to his birthplace (which coincidentally is an amazing castle)after a few years of living life in somewhat of an abused way. Saxon was sold from the gorgeous Somerleyton estate as a two year old, but was recently surrendered to the RSPCA after the owners of Saxon admitted they really couldn’t take care of  him any longer.  The RSPCA contacted a different rescue agency about the placement of Saxon and after a few calls and traced bloodwork, Somerleyton was reached about potentially taking Saxon back, and agreed immediately. Saxon will live out his days with his mother, siblings, and an attentive staff to wait on his every need. What a lucky horse! [Horsetalk]

The winter season is a time for, among other things, Training Lists and Training Sessions, even for those New Zealanders, although technically speaking I guess it’s summer down there. Caroline Powell (ranked 15th in the world) was left off the New Zealand Training List much to her dismay, even with her great performances last year. As the story goes, the owners of Lenamore, Caroline’s diminutive partner of over 10 years, privately asked that she be left off the list until after Badminton this spring. The reasoning being to make sure the 19-year old Lenamore is still fit and ready for the job before any talk about the London Games. However, according to the NZ High Performance Director Sarah Harris: “If Lenamore is full of running and looking really good [after Badminton], then his owners will definitely make him available for London and Powell would absolutely then be added to the high performance squad.” So although the pair is a bit in the background now, don’t discard Lenamore as a potential for London. [Stuff NZ]

A blogger for the Chronicle wrote a great article on the ‘how’s’ and ‘why’s of co-owning a horse. According to Janis Chang, the most important thing before going in with someone (or several people) on a horse is to have a clear understanding of what exactly the terms of the co-ownership will be once the horse is purchased. It’s the best, although not completely surefire way of avoiding problems between the other owners before they arise. [COTH]

Jessie Phoenix got a nice write up in a local Canadian newspaper about her Canadian Equestrian of the Year award. Check it out here.

In probably one of the funniest and most potentially useful articles of the year, one blogger discusses modifications to make taking care of horses easier while pregnant. From squatting instead of kneeling to pick out feet, to not using one’s core while sleeping, this blogger has covered all the finer points of pregnancy and horses. [Regarding Horses]

 

Full Gallop Farm’s one-day horse trial was yesterday, 2/8.  Scores here.

Emily King, Mary’s daughter, blogs about her winter season

Eric Dierks gives some cross country insight, presented by FLAIR:

And feel free to check out more videos from Eric here

That’s it for your Morning News and Notes, keep checking back during the day for more from the coolest website in Eventing!