Matt Brown, Tamie Smith, and Jennie Brannigan threaten to kidnap Sally O'Connor if David doesn't put them on the team. Photo via Tamie Smith's FB page.
The U.S. riders know how to have fun, particularly those West Coasters. During the training camp, Tamie Smith, Matt Brown, and Jennie Brannigan united in their quest to represent America by kidnapping Sally O’Connor herself and ransoming her for a position on the team. It must have worked, because Jennie landed a traveling alternate spot after her decisive win in the CIC3*. Either that, or the trio were caught red-handed by the camera and then went on to shine during Great Meadows and earned their spots in that manner.
U.S. Weekend Preview:
Groton House Farm H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]
Genesee Valley Hunt H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]
Horse Park of New Jersey I H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]
Chattahoochee Hills H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]
Inavale Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]
Encore H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]
Abbe Ranch H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]
Reed Kessler is giving me some serious barn envy. Not that I own a barn, but if I did, I wish it could look just like Reed’s new facility in the Netherlands. Reed gives insight into what her current and future plans are as well as some interesting commentary as to how she has gotten where she is now. Also, photos of her property will probably keep you spellbound. [Reed Kessler Talks Fear]
Sadly, another event horse has been euthanized due to an injury sustained on cross country. Easy Tiger IV, who competed at the CCI4* level with Kate Wood at Adelaide in 2011 and Luhmuhlen in 2014, has been euthanized. The Advanced level event horse sustained a leg fracture on the third fence from home at Houghton Hall CCI2* with Pixie Thomas aboard. Sadly, the fracture worsened two weeks later. Easy Tiger IV was competed by many riders, including Zara Phillips and Clarke Johnstone. [Advanced Event Horse Put Down Following Leg Injury]
Galways Downs and Fair Hill International will again play host to Young Event Horse Championships. After a few successful years hosting the YEH Championships, the two venues have been confirmed to remain for 2015. Prominent judges Judy Bradwell, Bea di Grazia, and Cathy Tucker-Slaterbeck will be on hand to judge both championships. The overall winner of the 5 Year Old Championships will be in a position to utilize the Holekamp/Turner YEH Lion d’Angers Grant as a 7-year old. [Young Event Horse Championships Return]
Pregnancy can turn into a difficult choice for equestrians. Women riders have to make a decision that men are never forced to, and that is whether to ride while pregnant. Even if you do decide to ride, you need to figure out if you plan to jump, compete, or even represent your country. For everyone, it’s a personal choice, and Sara Leiser of COTH discusses her feelings on the matter. [Making Healthy Choices]
It’s Throwback Thursday, and so I bring to you a definite scene from one of the favorite movies of my childhood, The Black Stallion.
