Where was this photo taken? Hint: An event will be held there two weekends from now.
Events Opening Today:
The Virginia CCI * and H.T. (VA, A-2); Rocking Horse Classic 3-day & H.T. (FL, A-3); Pine Hill Fall H.T. (TX, A-5); Galway Downs International Three-Day Event & H.T. (CA, A-6)
Events Closing Today:
Kent School Fall H.T. (CT, A-1); Morven Park Fall H.T. (VA, A-2); WindRidge Farm Fall Horse Trials (NC, A-3); Roebke’s Run H.T. (MN, A-4); Woodside International Horse Trials (CA, A-6); Northern Colorado H.T. (CO, A-9)
Clayton Fredericks has a Florida address: The Australian Olympian announced yesterday that he’ll be opening the doors of Team Frederick’s training facility in Ocala next month. He’ll be setting up shop at Oak Lane Farm, owned by Chuck and Anne Koch and located on County Road 441. Fredericks intends to move four horses to Ocala following Fair Hill, Oct. 19-21, and hopes to have 10 horses in training by January. “I’m extremely fortunate to have found this perfect setting on which to establish my U.S. training operation here in Ocala,” Clayton said in a press release. “I have been exploring several options for expansion of my eventing program along with Southern Stars Saddlery into the U.S. market and this location will enable me to fully explore the potential of both businesses.” The other half of Team Fredericks, Lucinda, will remain in England to continue their European operation. [Team Fredericks]
Plantation Field Silent Auction: If you’re heading to Plantation Field Horse Trials this weekend, be sure to take advantage of the event’s amazing silent option. Tons of items are up for grabs, including items donated by Bit of Britain, a custom Stubben saddle, Phillip Dutton’s signed Olympic helmet, Boyd Martin’s signed Olympic shirt and much, much more. The auction benefits the Plantation Field Equestrian Events, the Barn at Spring Brook Farm and the Cheshire Land Preservation Fund and is open Friday-Sunday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. [PFHT]
Know a friend of the sport who deserves a little recognition?: Nominate them for a 2012 USEA Appreciation Award. From course builders and designers to volunteers and organizers to riders young and not-so-young, there’s a category for everybody. The deadline for nominations is October 15. [USEA]
Condolences: Pippa Funnell’s rideChamrock, with whom she competed through the three-star level, was put down last Friday at age 16 following persistent chronic lameness. [Horse & Hound]
Best of the Blogs: If you haven’t ridden vicariously around a cross-country course via a Team Wallace helmet cam yet, you’re missing out. The Wallace gang was recently interviewed for a story in Eventing USA Magazine about their social media efforts–check it out here. [Team Wallace]
Let the Pre-Plantation Bareback Puissance smack talk begin: It sounds like Boyd has his money on Dominick Schramm, the “Thunder from Down Under,” to take down defending champion Jennie Brannigan in this year’s high jump competition. Boyd adds, “Ladies, take note: there is some rumor of Dominick jumping shirtless with an Aussie flag as a cape if it comes down to a record-breaking attempt.” [Boyd & Silva]
Here’s a video of Dom practicing:
Go eventing.
