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

Photo via THIS Facebook Page.

We’re delighted to have Taylor Harris Insurance Services on board with Eventing Nation, as they are already big sponsors of the Eventing world at Great Meadow, Plantation Field, Millbrook, and more. Founded by horse people for horse people, THIS knows what it’s like to be a rider and an owner in any part of the world, and hopes to be part of your journey while helping you protect your horse.

National Holiday: National Goof Off Day

Major Events:

Carolina International CIC & H.T.  WebsiteRide TimesScheduleLive StreamLive ScoresEN’s CoverageEN’s InstagramEN’s Twitter

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Poplar Place H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Results]

Southern Arizona H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

News From Around the Globe:

Carolina International! One of our favorite events of the year! This year there are a whopping 62 entries in the CIC3*, second only to 2016 when we had 75 entrants. The competition is fierce with last year’s winner The Apprentice, Blenheim winner Cooley Cross Border, and last year’s CIC2* winner Deniro Z all vying for the top spot alongside countless other top contenders. Over 30 vendors will be in attendance too, so be sure to bring your wallet! [Carolina International: Fast Facts]

Andrew Hoy’s longtime partner Rutherglen is stepping down from four-stars, and helping a young rider transition from ponies in the role of a schoolmaster. He competed in 10 CCI4* events with Andrew, and at 15, they decided it was time for him to take a step down from top level, and found a perfect match with young student Isabel Finemore. They just recently competed in their first event at BE100 and finished on their dressage score of 31.8 with double clear jumping. Rutherglen is loving his new role, and Isabel is one lucky girl. [From Four Star to Schoolmaster]

Two intrepid eventers have taken up the challenge of running the 2018 London Marathon in April to raise funds for Africa’s rhinos. Did you know that the horse’s closest genetic relative is the rhino? Me neither. Pierre Colin and Paul Swart have decided to run 26 miles representing Rhino Conservation Botswana a non-profit organization that monitors and protects rhinos that have been relocated to Botswana from heavily poached areas in other countries such as South Africa and Zimbabwe. Near the brink of extinction due to poaching for their horns, the rhinos can use some help. Check out their fundraising page to learn more. [Running for Rhinos]

Northern Virginia riders, get ready for the spring season by attending this free helmet fitting and head safety educational clinic on Saturday in Middleburg! Experts from INOVA Health System’s Concussion Team will be on hand from 8-1 to discuss brain injuries, how to prevent them, and how to heal from them. Charles Owen representatives will also be there to check the fit of any helmet from 8-11, as well as fitting body protectors. Inspiring individual Forrest Stone Allen will also give a speech at 12:30 on his own personal journey from a massive traumatic brain injury that left him unable to move or speak. The event will be held at the Middleburg Community Center. [Middleburg Head Safety Clinic]