Hat tip to Dom Schramm for finding this gem on the internet.
Day two of the official new website launch!! I hope you are all adjusting to the new format, because we’re really excited about it. Don’t forget that if you want to hang on to the old scrolling version for a little longer, you can always click the button on the top bar that says “Classic EN” and return to what you know. As always, we value your feedback and want you to let us know if you find any glitches, bugs or weird things while we sort through our first few days, so don’t be afraid to email us with comments!
Events This Weekend:
Ocala Horse Properties Winter HT: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]
News From Around The Globe:
The FEI calendar starts early this year, with Pine Top Spring Advanced HT running a CIC* and CIC** on February 21-23. John Williams’ infamous cross country courses have been upgraded and have several new jumps on course, and show jumping design has been taken over by Chris Barnard. Competitors will be glad to know that some work has been done on the show jumping arena, and topsoil has been added to make a better footing. If you can volunteer please email organizer Janet Wilson. [Pine Top Advanced]
Ian Stark is opening a new equestrian center on the Scottish Borders. Ian hopes that creating the center will help local equestrians, as the area has the highest number of horse owners per capita yet has never had access to a proper equestrian facility. So far, the farm has an indoor arena and stables, and they are building an outdoor arena and a cross country course too. The facility will be used for education, therapy, and to harbor Ian’s project of working with a small group of wild ponies that came from an elderly farmer who had over 100 in a field. [Ian Stark’s New Digs]
Area you in Area II and looking for a way to knock off some dust in the dressage ring this weekend? You’re in luck for two reasons. 1) It is forecasted to be in the 60’s this weekend, finally defrosting the ground. 2) Difficult Run Pony Club is hosting a schooling dressage show, with all the new 2014 tests! They are accepting late entries, and you can enter in a snap online. [DRPC Dressage Show]
Eventing 18 riders started the new year off on the right foot, thanks to Team USA coach David O’Connor. When he wasn’t whipping them into shape by forcing them to do push ups in puddles, David was very helpful with their riding and hopes to shape their budding careers into useful team material in a few years time. Twelve riders participated in the camp, learning a lot about David’s detail oriented approach to riding and training the event horse and rider. “It was an amazing opportunity. He stressed establishing a core foundation for riders to advance in equestrian sport, because when you have good basics things more advanced questions become easier. It was great to meet other riders and make connections that will hopefully last a really long time” says Nicole Doolittle. [Eventing 18 Riders Rock]
If you used to be a jockey, but due to an accident you are now paraplegic, what do you do? Ride across Dartmoor on a pony to raise money for the Injured Jockey Fund, of course. Sarah Gaisford is taking part in the Liberty Trails Challenge on March 29 to raise money for the fund, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Before her accident in 2007, Sarah won 50 point-to-point races and 15 other races, and only returned to the saddle in 2012. [Paraplegic Jockey Treks Across Dartmoor]
This amazing little horse rocks out at reining and cow horse competitions, AND competes at Prix St Georges. Haidaseeker Playboy and Andrea Caudill play both sides of the coin, as this cool quarter horse masters both worlds at once. Originally from the western world, Andrea and Matt tried dressage one weekend at a schooling show, and decided to take it on in earnest. They have moved through the dressage levels, and earned their USDF silver medal at Prix St Georges, while still competing in reining competitions on the side. [Haidaseeker Playboy Wears Different Shoes]
