Everybody needs some horsey smooches this week. Photo via Skyeler Icke Voss
Well folks, this week is a testing one for the old United States of America, and I can’t really say more than that, as our futures right now are largely unknown in a lot of ways. We are so fortunate to be able to access our emotional support animals on a regular basis, and it’s no surprise that horses are used worldwide for therapy. My best advice is to follow the lead of young Brinley here and smooch a horse today, and wear a princess dress if it pleases you.
U.S. Weekend Preview:
Full Moon Farms H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]
Majestic Oaks H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]
River Glen H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]
Texas Rose Horse Park Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
War Horse Event Series November H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]
News From Around the Globe:
Remember 2014 in Kentucky, there was a small bay thoroughbred with a white face that galloped around the now 5* by the name of Ziggy. Partnered with his owner Rachel Jurgens, Ziggy added just a handful of time to his dressage score, and moved up 27 places to finish in 24th place. After deciding to focus on her business Pony Espresso, Rachel handed the reins to Andrew McConnon, who competed with Ziggy up to the Advanced level, before moving to England and in turn passing him to Rachel King, who competed through Preliminary with him until he was 21. And now, unexpectedly, after a lifetime of distinctly not enjoying the first phase, Ziggy finds himself a willing partner in the journey to Grand Prix dressage at the age of 25. [From Trakehners to Tempi Changes]
Low back pain getting you down? That’s basically a rhetorical question, I think most riders have some kind of lower back pain on a semi regular basis. There are lots of ways of managing it, from strengthening exercises to regular body work, we’ve all got our systems. If you’re looking for new hot tips, check out this pod with Tony Sandoval, joined by Dr. Jenni Douglas from Event Fit Rider Performance, Natasha Gunston from The Eventing Physiologist, and Lisa Bauman from Om Riding for a conversation moderated by Nicole Brown of the Equiratings Eventing Podcast and USEA Official Podcast for a discussion on the topic of low back pain in riders. [Low Back Pain Management for Riders]
With the deep, deep joy of horses, comes the equally deep and even more difficult decision to euthanize a horse. No giving it a euphemism, such as “putting down,” because it is unpleasant. No, this action needs to be done with a clear and concise decision. We spend our lives taking care of animals, putting their needs in front of ours. You thirsty after riding? Tough, take care of your horse first. You don’t want to go out in the cold? Not an option because the animals need to be fed. Knowing when it’s time is part of caring for them. [When It’s Time]
Dover Saddlery’s HorsePower has been created to bring awareness to positive actions that further unify our equestrian community, support differences, and enrich lives through experiences with horses. Check out their new page to explore the journey of amazing foundations, groups, and individuals who all provide hope, inspiration, education, and healing, to people through the power and passion of horses. [Dover Saddlery’s HorsePower]
