View this post on Instagram
I’ve long followed content creator Kate Kosnoff ā better known by her Insta handle, kateattheingate ā first, because I loved her eye for a photo and her perspective on the hunter-jumper shows she worked at. Now, though, I’m enjoying her pivot in front of the camera, where she’s getting real about being an enthusiastic amateur with a mid-size body and a journey of her own that’s just as valid as those of the high-flyers she used to photograph. While the conversation about rider weight and fitness must continue on in order to further equine welfare considerations, it’s such a thorny subject that so often results in anyone who isn’t whippet-thin getting vilified for their bodies. In the US hunter-jumper scene, particularly, this has historically led to young girls battling with eating disorders; for all of us, it can take the joy out of riding. There’s a balance to be struck between personal responsibility and also just letting people exist in their perfectly imperfect bodies, and sometimes, you just need to know that you’re not the only person who occasionally curses the existence of show whites. Kate’s bringing the in-gate back down to earth, and I’m into it.
EventsĀ Opening Today:Ā GMHA September H.T.,Ā The Fork at Tryon,Ā Aspen Farm H.T.,Ā The Event at Skyline,Ā Flying Cross Farm H.T.-Modified Pending USEF Approval,Ā Otter Creek Fall H.T.,Ā Marlborough H.T,Ā USEA MDHT YEH Qualifier,Ā The Vista Spring YEH/NEH Qualifier
Events ClosingĀ Today:Ā Caber Farm H.T.,Ā The Event at Archer,Ā Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club H.T.,Ā Waredaca Farm H.T.,Ā Ocala Summer H.T. II
News & Notes fromĀ Around the World:
One of the foundationsĀ of good dressage is rhythm.Ā In fact, you’ll find it right down at the bottom of the scales of training ā which means that nothing can come after it until it’s been established. Whether you’re having your first-ever rides on a young horse or warming up an Advanced campaigner, you need to make sure there’s a cadence to your horse’s movement before you even think about the fancy stuff. This piece from Eckart Meyners has some great advice on doing just that, tailored specifically to young horses and their tendency towards wiggliness. Check it out.
At this point, I’m basically just a fizzing little ballĀ of excitement about next week’s FEI European Eventing Championships.Ā We’ll have SO much preview content coming for you this week, and if you’re planning to follow along from home (which you totally should be, even if you’re not based in Europe, because it’ll be your first chance to check out next year’s Olympic course designer’s work!), you’ll be delighted to hear that a high-octane team of commentators has been brought in to lead the livestream, which will be broadcast via ClipMyHorse. See who’s got the job here.
The AECs are coming upĀ fast.Ā Are you prepared for the competition of the year? This super-handy primer from USEA will help you get there, with livestream info, qualification notes, photographer links, and much, much more.Ā Let’s do this thang.
Best of Horse Nation:Ā When it comes to training, what’s the difference between ‘right’ and ‘competitive’? How important is natural talent, really? And how can we reward correct, horse-first foundations? All this and more is pondered in this smart piece from Gwyneth McPherson.
Sponsor Corner:Ā Are you tearing your hair out trying to get your horse to eat low-sugar supplements? You’re not alone. Whether you’ve got a Dumper or a Drama Queen, Kentucky Performance Products has tips that might help.
Watch This:Ā
Eventing Weekly is quickly becoming my favorite horsey podcast. This clip, of a couple of rather well-known folks calling in while groom Kerryn Edmans is in the hot seat, is why.
View this post on Instagram
