While my brain has decided to play “Les Champs-Elysées” on repeat, life does indeed go on outside of the Olympics. A fact that I have had to strongly remind myself of several times this week. What can I say? I feel as excited as a kid counting down the days until summer break, which doesn’t lend itself nicely to sitting down at my desk and working.
Anyways, outside of thinking about the Olympics and getting “Les Champs-Elysées” stuck in my head, I’ve been on the hunt for exercises to teach my clumsy OTTB how to use her brain in the pasture instead of racking up vet bills for dear old mum (aka me, how lucky am I?). The most recent interesting exercise I’ve found is “Pick Up Sticks” for horses. While Gen Z may not remember this game, I’ve certainly played it a time or two growing up, Victorian Child that I am. Essentially, the idea is you drop some sticks on the ground and try to pick up a stick without touching or moving the other sticks. Whoever has the most sticks, wins. The horse version is a little different. Here’s the long and short of it from Centaurus Osteopathy for your perusing pleasure.
U.S. Weekend Preview
Millbrook H.T. (Millbrook NY) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Hunt Club Farms H.T. (Berryville, VA) [Website] [Entries] [Scoring]
Major International Events
#Paris2024: [Website] [Equestrian Schedule, Timing, Scoring] [Peacock for U.S. Viewers] [How to Watch Guide] [Ticket Resale Market] [Spectator Guides] [EN’s Coverage]
Thursday News & Reading
Last minute changes made to the Olympic lineup. Whoever makes the decisions for these teams obviously have no respect for the EN form guide. We’re back to editing it once again, as Will Coleman substitutes Off the Record for Diabolo and Sandra Auffarth is out, while Julia Krajewski is in for the German team. Get the full scoop here.
Just because they’re Olympic athletes, doesn’t necessarily mean they’re graceful… Irish eventer Susie Berry takes behind the scenes of the taking of this adorable photo. Never have I ever related more to professional athletes. This needs to be one of those memes. Which Irish Olympian best describes how you’re feeling today?
Trainer Lockie Phillips has a thoughtful take on Charlotte Dujardin’s suspension and the video that has been circulating around the internet faster than a wildfire. In an era where equestrian sports is under a microscope, it’s more important than ever that we all refrain from fighting amongst each other and take a moment to do some introspection. How can you make a difference in the future of equestrian sports right now? Read Lockie Phillips’ take on the controversy here.
Our very own Tilly Berendt is on the ground and ready to ruuuuuuuuumble! First up, she’s bringing us some of our first looks at Versailles from the ground. Fun fact: apparently, they did not tell the audience why they were being rearranged for the photo of the stands. See Versailles through Tilly’s eyes here.
No access to a cross country course? No excuses allowed. Bec Braitling has released some thoughts on how we can be creative when working on cross country skills in an arena setting. Plus, some recommended reading: the USEA Eventing Handbook by the Levels. Find out how Bec prepared for the Nations Cup at Haras de Jardy with the help of zip ties and ferns.
Video Break
Throwback to this video showing how the horses and all of their equipment traveled to Paris:
