Words of wisdom at Steepleview HT. Photo by Lindsey Kahn
It was a hot and humid weekend at the Steepleview Horse Trials. Jean and Walter Kunz’s gorgeous Steepleview Farm in Delano, Minnesota was teeming with horses and riders from Starter to Training level, and the air was electric with camaraderie and good humor. I’m ecstatic to announce that Onyx and I placed fourth in Beginner Novice Rider, finishing on our dressage score. I’m still walking on air after our double clear cross-country and stadium rounds, because Onyx seemed to be enjoying himself as much as I was. It’s always a good sign whenever my little black pony shows the slightest enthusiasm for anything besides food, and I’d say that we both had fun flying over the jumps this weekend!
Be sure to check out Farm Girl Eventer’s blog about Team “Hot Dang,” coached by the one and only Ralph Hill at Steepleview! Anyone who has ridden with Ralph knows that this exclamation means that a horse and rider are on fire (in a good way), and these ladies certainly had their fair share of “hot dang” moments at Steepleview. Go Team Challenges. Go Eventing.
Events Opening Today: Course Brook Farm Fall Horse Trials (MA, A-1), Radnor Hunt H.T. (PA, A-2), The Maryland H.T. at Loch Moy Farm (MD, A-2), Middle Tennessee Pony Club Horse Trials (TN, A-3), Pine Top October HT (GA, A-3), Greenwood Farm Inc. Fall H.T. (TX, A-5)
Events Closing Today: GMHA September Horse Trials (VT, A-1), Bucks County Horse Park Fall H.T. (PA, A-2), Poplar Place Farm September H.T. (GA, A-3), Dunnabeck H.T. (IL, A-4), Feather Creek H.T. (OK, A-5), Flying Cross Farm H.T. (KY, A-8)
News and Notes:
This week, it’s all about WEG: Be sure to catch all of the WEG action here on EN, and check back often for social media roundups and scores and updates! [How to get the most out of EN during WEG]
Safe travels! The Saddle Up Safely partnership, a joint effort between University of Kentucky health programs and local Kentucky equine and medical organizations, has published two booklets covering various topics of traveling with horses. The inherent risks of horseback riding and traveling with horses has spurred this campaign, which aims to educate riders as well as medical personnel and first responders. [The Horse]
FEI vice-prez announces bid for presidency: Chinch has another opponent in the runnings for FEI president! John McEwen of Britain, has become the fourth European to announce their bid for the presidency when Princess Haya steps down in December. McEwen is currently Princess Haya’s first vice president and the FEI’s Veterinary Committee chairperson. [Horsetalk]
The outbreak of vesicular stomatitis continues to spread. 340 horses in Colorado and Texas have been affected since the spring. Eleven Texas counties have had cases and thirty facilities are under state quarantine. Insect control is one of the most important factors in preventing the spread of the disease. [More from ratemyhorsepro.com]
National Geographic recognizes Rebecca Farm: While Rebecca Farm’s beauty is no secret to the eventing community, it’s certainly newsworthy when environmental and travel giant National Geographic takes note of one of Montana’s best-known equestrian locations! National Geographic Traveler magazine selected The Event at Rebecca Farm as one of its top five Montana events. [NBC Montana]
Video of the Day: Because we can’t get enough of #WEG2014, here is the FEI’s recap of Day 1 events, including Reining, Para-Dressage, and Dressage. Go WEG.
