Just because EN karma is always a good thing…
Well the week is officially underway. Here at the EN headquarters things are finally starting to cool off and rain has visited the ground. Hopefully where ever you are today, the weather is being some what nice to you. It’s a quiet week here at EN on the event reporting scene but that doesn’t mean we slow down. However, it does give me an excuse to share some random facts with you that have nothing to do with anything. So to start your Tuesday off, enjoy these completely random facts…
1. There are no ants in Iceland, Antarctica or Greenland.
2. City dwellers have longer, thicker and denser nose hairs than country folks do.
3. Farmers in England are required by law to give their pigs toys.
4. All 13 minerals necessary for human life can be found in alcohol beverages.
5. Flies are deaf (yes this means you can stop yelling at them every time they land on your horses rump).
Now that you are 5 facts smarter, you may continue on to the news and notes if you dare…
As we all know, being mentally prepared for an event is just as important as physical preparation. Often times it seems that many riders, across all levels, lose their focus at events. Whether it is nerves or distractions, it is never good. Sommer Christie, a Mental Performance Consultant, recently gave a clinic at a saddle shop in Canada. Her man idea was the circle of attention. In the center of the circle you have the ideal focus- you and the task at hand. As you move outside the circle, you have distractions that pull you away. Sommer worked with participants on identifying the distractions and working on a “distraction control plan.” [Get focused]
Katherine Erickson has done a nice blog on why it is great to volunteer. Of course, we all know that no event, clinic, or local show can run without the hard work of dedicated volunteers. Katherine lists 10 reasons it is a great idea to be a volunteer. A few of those reasons include- great food, great excuse to horse-gawk, judges are nice, free food, good hand writing practice, and a great learning experience. To learn more about why you should volunteer, check out Katherine’s blog. [Great reasons to volunteer]
Great Britain’s Young Rider team as arrived at Blair Castle (Scotland) and is getting ready for the start of their competition. [GB YR’s]
Best of Blogs: The Adventures of Jack and Jill
Boyd Martin’s mentor, Heath Ryan, is coming to the US to do a series of clinics. There is still time to sign up for this weekend’s clinic in Maryland. [Heath Ryan]
Sinead Halpin is Burghley ready! After a great weekend at Hartpury, Sinead is feeling more confident for her upcoming task. While she was disappointed in her dressage (do to some minor mistakes and not a great warm up plan), she was thrilled with her cross country and happy with her show jumping. Sinead shares with us that her nerves were out in full force for the cross country but she committed to a plan and got it done. Now, hold things together for a little longer and Burghley it will be! Thank goodness for Burghley TV allowing us to hopefully ride at Burghley with all the US riders. [Sinead Halpin]
As always, if you need a good laugh, read Meg’s blog. I will not do any paraphrasing as it is worth the read. She is having far too much fun in England. [Ladies and gentlemen, Meg Kep]
Pennfield has a new dealer in Lomita, California- Lomita Feed. If you are in the area be sure to check out Lomita Feed and, as always, go to the Pennfield dealer search to find a dealer near you. In addition to Lomita Feed, there are five new farm supply stores around California as well.
Entries haven’t been open long for Blenheim HT but already there is a great list of riders. Of course, the likes of William Fox-Pitt and Andrew Nicholson will be on hand. Should be a great competition. [Blenheim]
Not cool move of the day: Former Italian eventer, Andrea Verdina, has been banned from driving for 12 months following a drunk driving charge. Andrea claims he went to a hunt ball, planned to share a taxi, but his girlfriend got sick so he drove her. Bad move. Bad move. Let this be a reminder to all, if you plan to drive, plan to sip the Kool-Aide. [Fail]
Show jumping time…
Lastly, I want to give a huge shout out to John Michael Durr. JM had a big win at Woodside this past weekend (as John talked about) but I should also note he won the Advanced there last year. Well done JM.
Have a great day EN. Back at you soon. Go Eventing.
