Eleven years ago today, a beautiful September morning was overshadowed by the horrific news of a terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. As you begin your day, be sure to take a moment to remember those whose lives were lost and their families, and to honor our nation’s service men and women, law enforcement and fire personnel.
9/11 Tribute: The Horses in the Morning radio show has prepared a special 9/11 tribute sharing various horse people’s experiences on Sept. 11, 2001. Listen live from 9-10:30 a.m. ET or catch a recording of the broadcast later in the day. [HITM]
A Gift: Since Sept. 11, 2001, Gerry Hoover, Field Master for Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds, has hunted with a small flag on the front of his helmet cover. Upon returning from the Olympics, Boyd Martin gifted the saddle pad he used during the Games to Mr. Hoover, age 82, who responded, “I am humbled.” [Sidelines]
Events Opening Today: Waredaca H.T. and Classic Training 3 Day Event (MD, A-2), Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (GA, A-3), Heritage Park H.T. (KS, A-4), Holly Hill Fall H.T. (LA, A-5)
Events Closing Today: University of New Hampshire H.T. (NH, A-1), The Middleburg H.T. (MD, A-2), Flora Lea Fall H.T. (NJ, A-2), Tryon Riding & Hunt Club H.T. (SC, A-3), MeadowCreek Park H.T – The Fall Social Event (TX, A-5), Jump Start H.T. (KY, A-8), Colorado Horse Park Fall H.T. (CO, A-9)
AEC Paparazzi: If you didn’t get a chance to view your photos before you left, you can check them online via the two official event photographers’ websites. Mark Lehner of Hoofclix has already got about two-thirds of his photos uploaded; see if yours are among them here. Shannon Brinkman Photography will begin uploading its photos on Sept. 12, with all photos expected to be up by Sept. 20. Keep an eye on the website here and watch for updates on Shannon’s Facebook page. In addition to the event photographers, the USEA has some great photo galleries and videos posted as well–have a look if you haven’t already here.
Plantation Field’s New and Improved Jog-up Strip: Horses at this year’s event, to be held Sept. 21-23, may find that they have a little extra spring in their step thanks to the event’s being-installed-as-we-speak jog-up strip, made of red rubber brick PaveSafe Equine Pavers. The upgrade is courtesy of ECORE International. [Boyd & Silva Martin]
2015 Pan Ams: When it comes to international competition venues, there’s no rest for the weary–someone is always working on something somewhere. And while the 2015 Pan Am Games may seem like they’re in the distant future, work is already set to begin on the equestrian venue at Caledon Equestrian Park in Ontario early next month. [Horse Talk NZ]
West Nile is on the Rise: The number of West Nile cases in the U.S. has increased dramatically this year, with cases having been diagnosed in 33 states. The best strategy for avoiding this mosquito-born virus in your horse is to vaccinate, eliminate standing water around the barn, and adjust turnout to decrease exposure to mosquitoes. [COTH]
Best of the Blogs: Talking Horse was on site cross-country day at Blenheim and posted some thoughtful commentary. His observations with regard to the U.S. contingent: “The American’s have been creeping up on us over here in the last few year’s and not just because of any prep for the Olympics. Two pretty fresh names to appear in the UK this year are Marilyn Little-Meredith & Emily Beshear. Marilyn sadly didn’t finish on either of her rides, despite some impressive results on home turf earlier in the year, but Emily produced a credible 24th jumping double clear in her first CCI*** in Europe.” Yep! [Talking Horse]
Video: The Budweiser Clydesdales’ 9/11 tribute.
