We are now officially under 100 days out from The Best Weekend All Year, so I thought it was an opportune time to check in with reigning champ and eventing hero Tamie Smith, and contemplate some of the sage advice she imparts through her social media – this week, don’t half-ass it, for half-assing it does not bring 5* wins, that’s for sure.
A relevant aside:
Me: For my first horse in a good while, I’ll look for a nice quiet schoolmaster I can toddle round the lanes on.
Also me: Buys a 7-year-old project pony.
I obviously don’t condone my behavior, and would in no way encourage anyone to take a leaf out of my book, however, there are two key factors at play in my specific situation: firstly, I was totally selling my capabilities short when I thought about opting for the ‘easy’ / ‘safe’ / ‘half-assed’ option; also, I’m aware of – and absolutely OK admitting – my deficiencies, and ask for expert help where needed, going all in and doing the necessary work 100%. If, like me, you’re inclined to making the odd blatantly reckless somewhat frivolous decision when it comes to horses, be smart, be sensible, but don’t half-ass it.
On another note, today is National Thesaurus Day – word nerds unite! As such, I thought I’d include a brief update on the horsey vocab I shared last week. Yes, I have referred to an equine dentist as the tooth farrier – to their face. I owned it (to a degree), not sure if he’ll show up for my pony’s checkup though.
Go all in, and go eventing!
U.S. Weekend Preview
Ram Tap Combined Test (Fresno, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Stable View Aiken Opener H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Thursday News and Reading
New FEI dressage tests alert. It’s getting around that time to don your white breeches and start practising for this year’s events. No one wants to hear the bell ring for an error of course, so make sure you’ve swatted up on the new FEI dressage tests which have come into play this year across all levels. Check them out here.
Call out for equestrian photographers with Paris in their sights. Equestrian Australia is accepting Expressions of Interest to cover the dressage, eventing and show jumping at the Paris Olympics this summer. Obviously this is a role for experienced professional equestrian photographers, so if you’re one of those, this info’s for you.
Happening today – “Conversations with Team Canada”. Eventers Kendal Lehari, Katie Malensek, Jessica Phoenix and Hanna Bundy will talk about their experiences in the sport as well as answering viewers’ questions. Get to know Team Canada as they continue their Pathway to Paris campaign. The webinar starts at 5pm EST and you’ll need to register beforehand, which you can do right here.
Meet the inspirational OTTBs who’ve made it to the finals of the Retraining of Racehorses Awards 2024, and cast your vote for the winners. The Community Impact Award celebrates racehorses who have gone onto second careers within the community, from working with young people to improve their mental health and wellbeing and going on school trips, to a Gold Cup winner who’s no stranger to visiting time at the hospital – all worthy finalists in the category and deserving of a vote. The finalists for the RoR Horse of the Year include a winner in eight different disciplines since leaving the track, a family hack who’s also adept at dressage and side-saddle, and an eventer who turns a hoof to dressage and team chasing too. Voting closes tomorrow. Watch their finalist videos and cast your votes here.
Ros Canter’s 5* mare Pencos Crown Jewel has a new rider. ‘Jasmine’ burst onto the 5* scene with a fourth place at the pop-up event at Bicton in 2021; since then she’s finished just outside the top-10 at Burghley, just inside at Badminton and completed at Pau. British Young Rider team gold medalist Millie Juleff has now taken over the reins and is looking forward to continuing her career with the “sweet” mare. We look forward to watching their journey together and wish Millie luck with her new ride.
World No. 1 Oliver Townend is the new Ambassador for Air Ambulances UK. The organization supports and champions the work done by the UK’s air ambulance charities, which are funded almost entirely by donations and provide emergency lifesaving care every day. As people who choose to take part in what is undoubtedly a dangerous sport, it’s so important that we support these kinds of services, so good on you Oliver.
Sponsor Corner
Steph Simpson and Fedarman B. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
The Achieve Equine #Supergrooms are back! This time, they’ve got winter grooming tips and their biggest winter pet peeves. Are you accidentally committing one of these common winter grooming mistakes? Find out: More Winter Grooming Tips from the #Supergrooms.
Video Break
Grab a cuppa and join trainers James and Sarah Oakden for a chat about making plans, staying focused, and what to do if things go awry. (Unless you want to watch their knees, which is fine by us if that’s your jam, click the Facebook icon at the bottom right of the video.)
Posted by Team Oakden on Monday, January 15, 2024
