Horses are so majestic! Photo by Kate Samuels.
We’ve had a brisk fall week here in Virginia, and so accordingly, some of my horses are acting like fools. Notably, and perhaps not surprisingly, my 19-year-old retired Advanced horse is snorting and passaging in from the field every morning, despite having already grown plenty of coat to handle 50 degrees overnight. The otherwise quiet horses seem to have taken up awkward horse ballet, as evidenced above. Sweater weather is my favorite, and seems like they’re enjoying it as well.
U.S. Weekend Preview
Morven Park Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]
Genesee Valley Riding and Driving Club Spring H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Heritage Park H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]
Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks: [Website] [Entry Status] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]
Poplar Place Farm H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]
Spokane Sport Horse Sixth Annual Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]
WindRidge Farm Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]
News From Around the Globe:
Mare lovers, rejoice! Science has now come to your aid in your long battle for equine gender equality, concluding that mares are no more difficult than geldings. Studying 1,200 horses, they found less than a 5% difference in responses between mares and geldings both on the ground and under saddle. Debunking stereotypes about equine genders improves horse welfare, so don’t cross a mare off your list! [Mares Aren’t More Difficult]
Looking to squeeze one more recognized horse trial into your 2020 show schedule? You’re in luck! Silverwood Farm in Camp Lake, WI has added an October 17 horse trial and entries are being accepted now through the date of the event. Check out the details here.
In 2008, the YEH program was just in it’s infancy, but many of those first horses went on to fulfill their upper level potential. With 36 horses qualified for the championships, and only 15 that went on to compete that year, the program was starting to get some interest from riders in the US. The USEA looks back on ten of those horses that were incredibly successful, including Who’s A Star, El Cid, Simba, Crimson Tide, Airlington, Fleeceworks Fernhill, Picante, Chiron, Ballyquinn, and Rave Review. [2008 YEH Grad Class]
The recent and tragic death of cherished young eventer, Zara Buren, has touched so many lives, especially those who knew her and rode with her at events in Ontario. She was a well-liked and respected competitor, and a talented rider with a bright equestrian future ahead. The Buren Family, with the Ontario Eventing Association, is honored to announce a new award in Zara’s memory: The Zara Buren Memorial Award will be conferred annually to an Ontario rider, preferably 15 years of age or under, who has competed at the Training Level or below, and who exhibits a passion for eventing as well as commitment to their horse. [Zara Buren Memorial Award]
A little Morven flashback to get you in the mood for this weekend:
