Festive! Photo by Emma Lockwood.
Every year around this time, I tell myself that I’m going to get a bunch of silly crap like Santa hats and tinsel for my horses and embarrass the hell out of them with a proper holiday photo shoot. And every year, without fail, I reach the week of Christmas having completely forgotten to do so in the chaos of the season, and I am filled with deep regret. So, for Christmas this year, if somebody would like to send me a hat with holes for horse ears, I would really appreciate it, and will return the favor with an absurd 2024 photo shoot.
News From Around the Globe:
The 2024 USEA Emerging Athletes U21 National Camp is just a few weeks away, and all over the country, young riders are preparing for their trip to Temecula, California, to participate in this year’s prestigious week-long academy led by U.S. eventing legend David O’Connor from Jan. 2-6. After five regional camps took place over the course of the summer of 2023, the EA21 Task Force sat down and hand-selected 18 participants from across all five camps to attend this year’s national camp. [Meet The 2024 EA21 Riders]
People who are living my holiday photo shoot dream: A Full Gallery of Holiday Pets
Hot on Horse Nation: Thoroughbred Logic — Making Productive Accommodations
Who loads up their 25-year-old Thoroughbred and their 10-year-old chestnut Thoroughbred mare and embarks on a ride across the country? Sixty-seven-year-old Valerie Ashker, that’s who. This isn’t her first ride across the United States either, as she undertook her first ride across the country in 2016 alongside partner Peter Friedman to raise awareness of the versatility of the off-track Thoroughbred. The journey was 3,000 miles, mostly along U.S. 50, and took roughly six months. They’re planning to do it again in spring 2024. [Across The Country on an OTTB]
Do you enjoy the incredible content from Noelle Floyd? We know we do, and in order to help them learn more about their equestrian fans to make more incredible articles and learning opportunities for the future, we have a short quiz for you to fill out. [NF Quiz]
Sponsor Corner: Ever wonder what the functions of each of a horse’s legs are? Well take a listen 
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