Ellen Walker and Pippi. Photo by Morgan Newey.
The woman in this photo is the person who 20 years ago invited me into her barn and redirected my whole path. She was, has always been, and still is an all-volunteer coach of the Sanpete County English 4-H Program — a thankless job in cowboy country. But her students have done their best to thank her by going on to have varied careers and ambitions in the eventing world as competitors, vets, farriers, trainers, event organizers and yes as eventing journalists.
Today she is fighting for her life after an accident. If you’re the praying sort, say one for this heart of our sport. If you’re not the praying sort, go for a beautiful ride in the sunshine and just send your joy into the sky. I promise it’ll make its way to her.
Events Opening This Week:
Silverwood Farm Fall H.T. (WI, A-4) Nutrena USEA AEC, Adequan Gold Cup Finals, and ATC Finals (NC, A-2) KY Classique H.T. (KY, A-8) Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. (MD, A-2) Woodland Stallion Station H.T. (CA, A-6)
Events Closing Soon:
Applewood Farm YEH/FEH & Mini Event (NJ, A-2) Catalpa Corner Charity Horse Trial (IA, A-4) Cobblestone Farms H.T. (MI, A-8) Olney Farm H.T. (MD, A-2) River Glen Summer H.T. (TN, A-3) Millbrook H.T. (NY, A-1)
News and Notes:
Fitch’s Corner Horse Trials, being held this weekend in Millbrook, NY, is featuring a $2,000 Novice Masters Challenge sponsored by Stubben North America. The winner of the Challenge will receive a Stubben Portos saddle, $1,000 cash, a silver julep cup, and the Fitch’s Corner blue rosette. All competitors and spectators are also invited to the Blue Jean Ball, which this year will be Rio Nights themed. [Fitch’s Corner Website]
Canadian Selena O’Hanlon is holding a raffle fundraiser for her trip to Rio. The deadline is July 30, and organizers are going to be drawing for several prizes, including the grand prize of a custom Foxwood High inspired jump. [O’Hanlon Eventing Facebook]
Have a Horse with Kissing Spines? A recent report states that a new treatment known as “The Coomer Method” (named for the vet who invented it) is proving to be overwhelmingly successful in treating the issue. Even better, it’s a minimally invasive surgery with a fraction of the recovery time as other methods. [Horse Talk New Zealand]
Tuesday Video: An adorable Fjord named Blonde Bombshell doing intro XC at Shepherd Ranch
