Wabbit and Jessica Phoenix looking stylish at Burghley. Photo by Nico Morgan.
There are always more stories after a big event than just who won, and really there are lots of versions of winning. I would say that feisty little OTTB Wabbit had a pretty winning weekend, finishing in 11th place after storming around the notoriously tough cross country, you could just tell that he’s been waiting for the challenge. However, Jessica didn’t start her weekend on a good note, because the airlines lost her luggage. The stress of competing overseas at a five-star has to be overwhelming, and then the annoyance of losing all your stuff…I can hardly imagine. Luckily, Holland & Cooper UK stepped right up to the plate and outfitted Jessica for all occasions, and we think they did good.
U.S. Weekend Preview
Applewood Farm YEH & Mini Event (Califon, NJ) [Website] [YEH Ride Times] [Mini Event Ride Times]
CDCTA Fall H.T. (Berryville, VA) [Website] [Volunteer]
Five Points H.T. (Raeford, NC) [Website] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Flora Lea Fall H.T. (Medford, NJ) [Website] [Entries][Ride Times]
Larkin Hill Fall H.T. (North Chatham, NY) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
News From Around the Globe:
We will miss you, Tilly-Bean! (No, don’t worry, that’s not our nickname for Tilly Berendt and we would never allow her to leave anyway). Vanir Kamira, aka Tilly, enjoyed her last lap around the show jumping arena at Burghley, but this time for her retirement ceremony. Piloted by Piggy March to both a Badminton and Burghley victory, the unconventional little brown mare has always been nothing but heart. She retires at the age of 18, and we will deeply miss her. [Vanir Kamira Retires at Burghley]
There’s nothing quite like your first Burghley, unless it’s winning best first-timer as well. Jenny Saville has always said that FE Lifestyle is the best cross country horse she’s ever ridden, and that’s certainly the one you take to Burghley. The pair finished in 12th place, thanks in part to a different approach to dressage warm-up, aka, not really doing the warmup. Read more to find out Jenny’s reflections on the week and details from behind the scenes. [Ringside Chat with Jenny Saville]
Hot on Horse Nation: The Burrito Metaphor
Can’t get enough of the upcoming documentary about Kim Walnes and The Grey? Yeah, we’re pretty pumped about it too. Much beloved Virginia rider and trainer Skyeler Voss, who happens to have a thing for grey horses, was cast in the main role with her 4* OTTB, Argyle. Handily, she trains not far away from the fields where Kim and Grey galloped all those years ago, so recreating accurate scenes is no trouble for this movie. [Voss & Argyle Channel Legendary Partnership]
Sponsor Corner: Throwback to this course preview of the 2022 CCI4*-L course at Morven Park International! Have you entered this year’s event? Sign up now on evententries.com.
Never have I seen a more perfect video:
View this post on Instagram
