Not eventing but a great event all the same, the Gay Polo League‘s Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament begins tomorrow (Friday) with ‘Wigstock’ in support of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, where revelry, dancing, an open bar and fancy hors’ d’oeuvres will set the mood to true Gay Polo League style before the serious business of polo gets underway on Saturday, when four teams will chukka it out in a display of sport, solidarity and celebration. You can keep up with all the joie-de-vivre of the league by following @gaypololeague.
If you’re lucky enough to be in the vicinity (Wellington, FL) and want to get in on the action, here’s everything you need to know about ticket options. If you’re curious about how a gay polo league came into being, here you go.
Whether you’re on the polo pitch or the cross country course this weekend, go eventing!
International Day of Note (particularly if you’re a horse, or a rabbit): Today is International Carrot Day, which, as far as I can deduce, means it’s the law to give your horse an extra carrot or two. My equine buddy says three (bags).
U.S. Weekend Preview
CDCTA Spring H.T. (Ruckersville, VA) [Website] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Pine Hill Spring H.T. (Bellville, TX) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Rocking Horse Spring H.T. (Altoona, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Stable View Spring 2/3/4* and H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Thursday News and Reading
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Got big B eventing dreams on your ultimate wishlist but want to start with something a little less, well, big? The Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships at Badminton may be more in your wheelhouse. I’m eternally envious of anyone who has the experience and steed for such a cool event – if you’re one of the lucky ones you’ll be interested to know that entries are now open.
A supportive network is one of the wonderful things about equestrian life. You know, those people who pick you up, cheer you on and celebrate all the good times. But there’s a fine line between being grateful for having so many supporters and feeling the weight of letting them down. If your worries are affecting your performance, here’s some help with taking the pressure off.
Rider position is really important if we want to communicate the aids clearly to our horses. Whatever discipline you ride, it’s always handy to check-in with yourself once in a while to ensure that you’re sitting pretty. Give yourself a tune-up with these tips.
You know what they say about all work and no play. No matter how old you are, nurturing your playful side is good for you, and it’s no different for horses. As well as being a great learning aid that can help alleviate boredom and frustration (and the resulting behaviors) when training, playing with your horse is also an effective way to deepen your bond with them. Not sure what playtime with your horse might look like? Try out these ideas for some horsey fun and games.
And finally, this horsegirl is serious about multi-tasking. If, say, you wanted to be a professional roper competing on the rodeo circuit, volleyball coach, rancher and full-time science teacher, how would you go about extending the number of hours in the day to at least one hundred sixty-five? Here’s a woman who’s doing all of that – and yes, she’s got the same 24-hour days we do.
Sponsor Corner
Evil ponies beware, the Ecogold Pony Saddle Pad Collection is here 😈 These pads have the same non-slip technology and high quality materials found in Ecogold’s performance saddle pads, so your saddle stays secure no matter what your pony throws your way. Shop here.
Video Break
Coming soon to the show jumping ring? We’ve seen bull riding at the rodeo but this guy’s taking things to the next level. Free jumping can be a fun activity in the school for horses, all the more so when you get to do it with your pals, as this somewhat unlikely duo demonstrate:
