If this isn’t the perfect post-clear-cross-country photo I don’t know what is. Photo by JJ Sillman.
The grass is coming up since winter never really happened in Virginia, and the daffodils are fully popping out of the ground, and honestly I don’t trust it. I still can’t believe we are just going to slide right into spring without some kind of retribution in the form of a horrible snow storm in late March. Maybe in April I’ll stop being suspicious, but for now I’m waiting.
National Holiday: National Love Your Pet Day!
U.S. Weekend Preview:
Pine Top Farm Adanced H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Three Lakes Winter II H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Full Gallop February II [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
News from Around the Globe:
Important Bit Update: The FEI has confirmed that the French link mouthpiece is no longer permitted for FEI dressage tests. French link mouthpieces are still permitted for USEF National eventing competitions. Annex 1 of the USEF Rules for Eventing will be updated to include an illustration of the French link mouthpiece. Click here to view the full 2020 FEI Tack, Equipment & Dress FAQ.
As if you need another reason to go to Badminton this year, Valegro will be making an appearance! The 18-year-old superstar gelding will be leading the Parade of Champions on Thursday prior to the start of dressage for the event. [Valegro To Delight Fans at Badminton]
Florida Horse Park is on a quest to raise money for an Advanced course! They’ve raised something in the ballpark of $13,000 to date and are hoping to raise $75,000 by April 30, to go toward jumps, ground work and additional irrigation. Can you help? The Florida Horse Park is a non-profit 501(c)3, so every donation is tax deductible. They are also selling “jumps” for $2,000 — you (or your business!) can choose paint colors and perhaps even include a logo. Email [email protected] for more info. [Florida Horse Park]
Dating an equestrian can be an adventure to say the least. We can boggle your mind with our ability to back up a ridiculously huge trailer into a very small spot, we require little more than a beer and a pizza at the end of the day to keep us happy, and we can definitely help you move. However … there are some things about our lifestyle that might startle the muggles. [5 Reasons To Date an Equestrian, and 5 Reasons Not To]
High level hunter derby classes are amazing to watch, but the lower levels of that sport definitely get some flak for being, let’s say, less than exciting. Riders within the hunter world are even condemning the quest for the comatose hunter horse, and asking for a return of emphasis on learning to ride instead of only wanting to compete and win ribbons. [Hunters Past Present and Future]
Best of the Blogs: When Your Friend Stops Riding
Featured Video: The countdown is on … 49 days until the opening leg of ERM 2020, Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International (April 10-11). [Event Rider Masters]
