Thursday News & Notes from Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS)

Tom Crisp and Coolys Luxury. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Have an Advanced horse? British eventer Tom Crisp wants to ride it! Specifically, he’d like to borrow it for the Wellington Eventing Showcase. The event takes place Feb. 8-9 at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida, and we’re all very much looking forward to it. Except for Tom, who is entered but may have to canter round the course on foot unless he finds a catch ride. Which would actually be quite entertaining.

First held in 2015, the Wellington Eventing Showcase offered one of the largest prize pots on the North American eventing circuit, with $100,000 awarded in 2017. Boyd Martin won the showcase all three years it ran, from 2015-2017. After taking 2018-2019 off, the competition returns next month with an all star lineup of riders.

Tom is a good friend of EN’s — he’s a fun guy to drink a beer with (though not near as much fun as his head girl, the inimitable Amy Akehurst) and a helluva rider. Fun fact: in 2018, the year he finished 6th at Pau, he was the only rider to complete all four of the European four-stars. So, he probably won’t screw up your horse too badly. In fact, he might even do quite well — remember when William Fox-Pitt piloted his catch ride, Sandro’s Star, handily into the top three at last year’s $50,000 LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field?

Alright already, EN, somebody out there pony up a pony for Tom!

National Holiday: National Pie Day

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Rocking Horse Winter I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Full Gallop Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

Kailey Giancola continues to make progress at the Shepherd Center. The 25-year-old eventer suffered a severe brain stem injury in a horse-related accident on Dec. 16. Yesterday’s update: “Kailey started off the day with a big surprise for staff as the morning nurse came in and was shocked to see Kailey lying in her bed with her eyes open. There have now been several instances where Kailey opens her eyes spontaneously without associated stimulus. Kailey’s lead physician has been very pleased with this development and stated that this is exactly what they would like to see prior to her progressing to a higher level of consciousness.” Keep kicking, Kailey! [Kailey’s CaringBridge Journal] [GoFundMe]

We are also rooting for Hanna Kittrell, a 16-year-old Indiana eventer who is facing medical challenges after a car accident on Dec. 30. Described as “a spunky rider and friendly soul” by those who know her, Hanna suffered damage to her organs and multiple broken bones, and underwent amputation of her lower leg last week. She is being transferred to Mary Free Bed Rehab Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI, for rehabilitation, and a GoFundMe has been set up to help defray medical expenses. Let’s show both of these young ladies lots of love and support as they tackle the tough roads that lie ahead ahead. [Hanna’s CaringBridge Journal] [GoFundMe]

The Pacific Northwest eventing community community lost a good one earlier this month. Jean Moyer of Gig Harbor, Washington, was an an accomplished rider and beloved coach. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, Feb. 8, at 1 p.m. at Aspen Farms in Yelm, Washington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to USPC-NW Region. [In Memoriam: Jean Moyer]

Is your horse new to eventing? A USEA New Event Horse (NEH) competition is a cost-effective, low-pressure way to introduce the sport. Its structure is similar to the USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) Series with two phases: dressage and jumping. The 2020 NEH calendar is now available. [The 2020 New Event Horse Calendar is Now Available]

How are those New Year’s fitness resolutions going? Janice Dulak, author of “Pilates for Dressage,” will be teaching her trademark equestrian Pilates Mat classes every Monday and Wednesday from 5:30-7 p.m. now through March 18th at the Clubhouse at the Ocala Jockey Club. Perfect for equestrians of all disciplines! Try one class or sign up for the season. Can’t beat the serene setting and the fantastic view. Sunsets included at no extra charge. [Ocala Jockey Club]

Today is your last chance to enter our Fab Freebie for a full Hylofit System! Included with the Hylofit System are a horse and a rider heart rate monitor, a girth attachment, and a rider chest strap — a $249 value. [Enter Now]

Hot on Horse Nation: 5 Reasons I Bought an Already-Restarted OTTB for My Next Horse

Just in on Jumper Nation: Time For Change: Why We Shouldn’t Be Teaching Riders To ‘Up-Down’

Featured Video: Mmmm … delicious, delicious Christmas tree.