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Good Morning Eventing Nation! The fleets are assembling in Canada now, some having arrived already while others still en route, all in preparation for the Bromont Three-Day Event this weekend. I know several riders doubled up to share a rig for the long trip north, definitely a wise choice economically with the cost of fuel these days, and also a good way to catch up with friends and share in some lively conversation. I wish I could have been an ant on the wall in Jon Holling’s truck as he, Leslie Law, and Kyle Carter made the drive down together, as I am sure there was some interesting, and certainly entertaining conversation going on in that truck during those 28 hours! Even our fearless leader John, who usually travels with only the companionship of his GPS and bad rap music, told me that he is driving down with ‘some other people’ which is, in effect, like leaving nameless your partners in crime. The rest of the week will be full of coverage of the happenings up in Canada, be sure to check back regularly for updates on our favorite Canadian Three-Day. [Bromont Entries]
Kim blogs about horse shopping in Ireland
If you are headed to Bromont, or even if you’re not, be sure to check out Patricia from Ecogold’s Guide to Bromont, full of tips to successfully negotiate through the french language, cuisine, currency, and everything else that will be unfamiliar during your stay in Canada.
Speaking of Three-Days, the American contingent is shipping out for Luhmuhlen today. Jennie Brannigan, who’s entered in the CCI**** with Cambalda, wrote one of her better blog posts yesterday talking about keeping the spirit up in the wake of the tragic fire. She also included that Boyd gave her his helmet cover to take to Germany, which is certainly a touching action on Boyd’s part and demonstrates the closeness of the True Prospect circle, which I’m sure Jennie will be feeling come next Saturday. [Jennie’s blog]
Will Faudree’s groom for Luhmuhlen, Nat, also wrote a blog for the Chronicle about the pre-travel preparations. Nat is probably one of the five best grooms we have in this country and certainly is the most entertaining, some of which can be seen in her blog post. The sizable headache caused by packing for travel internationally is made somewhat larger for Nat as first off, she has two horses making the the journey, and second is that Luhmuhlen marks the start of what will be a three month stay for Will in Europe, certainly a logistical nightmare now, but not so much as to dampen the spirits for the excitement that will follow in next three months for Will and Nat. [Nat’s blog]
And now for some more of the day’s news:
In yet another heartwarming display of the generosity of our community, Full Gallop Farm in Aiken, South Carolina will be hosting a Combined Test on Saturday, June 18th to benefit the True Prospect gang. The combined test will be offering Amoeba through Intermediate Combined Tests and Dressage tests of choice. Cross Country Schooling will also be offered to competitors at a reduced rate throughout that weekend. All proceeds will be donated directly to Boyd and those affected by the fire. For more information and the entry form, click here.
The Horse Trust in Britain will celebrate its 125 year anniversary this year, and in doing so, they have launched a research fund with the lofty goal of two million pounds. As a background, the Horse Trust was founded in 1886 to provide care to working horses in London in need of either retirement or rehabilitation from injury. Fast forward 125 years since those first days tending to the broken down souls of the London cab industry, the Horse Trust still plays a vital role in fostering knowledge about the care of horses and creating a standard at which that care should meet. [Horsetalk]
The organizers of the Burgham Horse Trials in England have added an Advanced section to their event this year, falling on March 24-25. It may not seem like much of a big deal to those of us in America, but it is a big deal for the Europeans as now they have an added option of Advanced level runs before Badminton Horse Trials. Because the Brits generally spend less time in their spring four star preparations than Americans, largely because of the weather and limited travel options, they have limited flexibility in choosing which preparatory events to compete at. It’s a well known fact that the big injuries aren’t always what keeps horses from the target competition, but rather the minor ones that can pop up a just the wrong time, often times wrecking havoc in your show calendar, and sometimes emerging at such a time as to keep you from a big competition like Badminton. With that in mind, the added flexibility that comes from having another Advanced competition on the calendar during the spring season will be huge for the riders. [Horse and Hound]
Marylanders at MCTA
That’s all I have for you now. John will be in-and-out of reception all day while he travels to Canada, so I will try to keep this show running the best I can in his absence. That being said, there will be a lot happening in the next fews days (including the introduction of a guest blogger of my picking!) so check back soon so you don’t miss out.
Go Eventing.
