Ponies wearing sweaters? Yes, please.
Happy Thursday, Eventing Nation! As 2013 progresses, it seems to be getting colder and colder. I am inundated with updates throughout the states of sub-zero working conditions, frozen water buckets, and proclamations about giving up horses for skiing. I personally like everything to be tropical, and tend to sleep in a giant cashmere sweater and socks, with the heat on. I was not made for the cold, hence I migrate south like a wuss. However, if it makes you northerners feel any better, my buckets were frozen this morning anyway.
Events This Weekend:
Rocking Horse Winter HT I: [Website] [Entry Status]
Full Gallop HT: [Website] [Entry Status]
Fresno County Horse Park CT: [Website] [Entry Status]
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News From Around The Globe:
In 2013, the USEA and PRO will be forming a partnership to create a greater promotion of the sport through combining the Adequan USEA Gold Cup and the PRO Tour Series. Rather than running in separate divisions at the Advanced and CIC3* level, now both of the programs will be available in one division. The Adequan USEA Gold Cup series will now consist of 11 qualifying competitions, culminating with the $40,000 AEC Advanced division. The Pro Tour Series has expanded to 13 competitions, including many exciting mini competitions such as the popular bareback jumping competitions. [USEA & PRO Form Partnership]
The Masters of Foxhounds Association has announced a new prize for hunt clubs that use registered Thoroughbreds. The MFHA is offering $750 in cash as well as four awards for Staff Horse of the Year, Field Member Horse of the Year, Adult Essay Contest Winner, and Junior Essay Contest Winner. Executive Director Dennis Foster noted that some of his best hunting horses have been off-the-track Thoroughbreds. “They are one-of-a-kind and the only breed that has that second wind when other breeds give out. The Thoroughbred contribution to foxhunting goes beyond just ex-race horses. Their influence on other breeds makes them the most important horse in foxhunting,” he said. [MFHA Offers TB Incentive] [Applications]
Ian Millar takes top prizes in the Equine Canada year-end awards yet again. Known as “Captain Canada,” Millar made his Olympic debut in 1972 and has been named to every Canadian Olympic Team since. The 2012 London Olympic Games were a record-setting event for Millar as he became the first Olympian in history to participate in a world-record 10 Olympic Games, finishing in ninth place in the overall standings as Canada’s top show jumping rider. [Canadian Year End Equestrian Awards]
Military horses are benefitting from a new retirement and adoption program in Virginia. Hard working horses in the Caisson platoon, who transport the remains of fallen service members to their final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, are now considered available for adoption after reaching the age of 17, or having 10 years of service under their belts. Some are adopted by civilians, and some are adopted by the soldiers that have spent years with them in the saddle. [Soldier Horses Find Retirement]
Well-known Thoroughbred promoter CANTER is celebrating a year of booming business, transitioning over 350 racehorses into second careers through their online sales. The CANTER sales website listings, including all chapters, receive between 35,000 and 55,000 visits each month. CANTER volunteers made over 200 visits to Charles Town Races, Pimlico Race Track, Bowie Training Center, and Laurel Park to meet trainers and owners of horses finished with their racing careers but capable of fresh starts in new homes. [CANTER Celebrates Big Year]
Best of Blogs: Kristin Schmolze Eventing has arrived in Aiken, finally!
You’ve seen this Houdini horse, right? I thought my horse was good at escaping…
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