Good morning Eventing Nation! I have been scouring the world to being you today’s news and notes. I just want to mention that because of this post, I am now in the Guinness Book of World Records for “Longest EN N&N Post”. Take that Annie. There’s so much to catch up on, I won’t bother you anymore with my babble, but I hope you weren’t planning on getting any work done today.
Equestrian Australia has announced their 2012 National Eventing Squads. Big names Bill Levitt, Chris Burton, Clayton Fredericks, Craig Barrett, Emma Mason, Natalie Blundell,Sam Griffiths, Sonja Johnson and Stuart Tinney all made the Elite Eventing Squad, and what a fine list to be able to compile!. US based Australian rider, Kadi Eykamp made the National A Squad with Double Rivers Dillon. EN’s favorite Hamish Cargill made the Futures squad with Tahoe.I must say, I really like how they have a significant tiered system with horse and rider named. Congrats to all. [EA Full List]
In very sad news, there was a fire on Sunday at Pleasant Ridge Farm in Pennsylvania. This farm was home to fellow eventer Rebecca Greene. Nine horses have perished in the fire including Becky’s two mounts, Scooby Who and Cassidy Blue. The farm owner lost her four horses as well as three horses of other boarders. One pig also perished, but another survived. The cause is yet to be determined. You can see in the pictures that absolutely nothing is left. Becky’s friends have put together a Facebook page, and you can donate directly through Becky’s website as well. EN sends its condolences to all those affected from this tragic barn fire. [News story] [Becky’s website] [FB page]
Mary King has a new 4* ride, Chilli Morning. Nick Gauntlett has had the stallion for the last six years, including a ride around Burghley last September. Chris and Lisa Stone, Chilli’s owners have moved him to Mary King’s. Many thanks to JER for the tip! [Gauntlett Eventing]
McClain Ward talks about his fall and surgery to the Chronicle. Apparently, breaking his knee cap into 22 pieces “didn’t hurt”. He was riding Oh d’Eole when she jumped in huge over the A element of the one stride. McLain tried to pull her out of the line, but she had already taken off the ground, and his knee smashed in to the metal bar on the standard that holds the breakaway jump cups. As he was falling, he saw it all pretty graphically, knew what happened, motioned for help, then waited. He had surgery that night leaving only 4 of the 22 pieces of knee. His wife Lauren, and staff will continue to keep the horses in shape, and he thanks his wonderful support group of friends many times. EN wishes McLain a speedy recovery as it seems it will be May before he can get back in the saddle. [COTH]
British rising star, Willa Newton, has her sights set on Badminton in the spring. It’ll be the European team gold and individual silver medalist’s first four star. She’s part of BEF World Class Education Programme, getting instruction from the best. She also graduates from Leeds University this summer with a degree in Business Management. [EMR]
Aptly titled, Kim Severson’s latest blog sure does sound like life is great! The crew’s in Aiken, the horses are ahead of schedule, and SV, their Aiken home, sounds to die for! Even the dressage horses are galloping around the property by choice! [KSE blog]
Debora from Non Invasive Equine Therapy is now in Aiken! Debora, a good EN friend, uses new technology (the instrument looks like a rake) the sends micro electric charges into your horse’s body. Any breakdown of the charge can show sore muscles, soft tissue damage, joint damage and more. After scanning, she heals affected area with infared. For our trusty EN community, :if you recite “Eventing Nation” 3 times and compliment Debora on her hat, you’ll receive $25 off the $75 two hour treatment! Fabulous! [NIET]
KC from Thunder Moon Farm writes a lovely blog bout the Area I Annual meeting. She reminds us that annual meetings with, “the education, camaraderie and friendships that grow and flourish by seeing each other in the dead of winter just gives a sense of community and support.” Exactly. And, you’ll always take away a pearl of wisdom from the guest speaker, like Peter Gray’s answer on how to reach the top levels of our sport, “Love your horse.”. [Thunder Moon Farm]
Global Animal has reprinted the NYT article featuring Neville. They did add their own intro about, “the strong-willed horse that was able to cheat death twice and who is now on his way to becoming a legend, thanks, in part, to his guardians who did not give up on him“. [Global Animal]
Denny writes about Connemaras in his latest blog about breeds. I have to agree, Connemaras are one of the best pony breeds out there, and not just because I was envious of the Pony Clubber with the cute Connemara xc machine growing up…[How Good Riders Get Good]
A valiant effort was made to save a pony that fell down a 50 foot cliff into a gully. She was trapped on a small sand beach. There’s helmet cam footage of the rescue. And, yet, all I can think while I watch is how much I want to teach them how to rope a horse. The pony did give them some trouble, and one or two of the men get full on trampled in the water. Huge thanks go out to his team for this incredible save. [H&H]
A high school eventer got a PERFECT SCORE on her ACT. Don’t be jealous. Congratulations!
LisaB sent us this tidbit about using the Jaws of Life to save a horse from a trailering accident.
That’s all folks! Go eventing.
