Now is the time to get a little sappy over some ‘where it all started photos’! US Eventing posted the above photos for Throwback Thursday last week, and I bet you can guess each of the US team members on their tiny ponies. As they trot down the center line in Paris this weekend, they’ll become (clockwise) a two-time Olympian, first-time Olympian, and four-time Olympian. And don’t miss these adorable pony-days photos of Laura Collett who, aboard London 52, will be headed back for their second consecutive Olympic Games and looking to defend their team gold medal.
Events Opening Today: Flora Lea Fall H.T., USEA MDHT YEH/NEH Qualifier, Five Points H.T., CDCTA Fall H.T.,
Events Closing Today: GMHA Festival of Eventing August H.T., Fair Hill International Recognized H.T., WindRidge Farm Summer H.T., Masterson Equestrian Trust YEH/NEH Qualifier, Otter Creek Summer H.T., Woodside Summer H.T.
Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:
In general Olympic news: LeBron James has been selected as one of the flag bearers for the US in the opening ceremony. A female flag bearer will be announced sometime today. Also, Snoop Dogg got his official Team USA headshots taken. We’re still awaiting word on whether he’ll get to meet the Rave Horse.
Beloved New England event rider and coach Anna Welch is in the ICU. Anna suffered severe injuries last week when a client’s horse landed on top of her and has since undergone surgery. Though her surgeons are happy with out the procedures went, it’s unclear how long Anna’s recovery will be and as a rider and coach how much income she will lose. Here’s how you can help her out.
Just a few years ago the USEF eventing program was completely restructured. As part of that restructuring, Bobby Costello was pinged to apply for the chef d’equipe/technical advisor position. Bobby had once thought he’d never, ever want to do that job and yet … here he is, leading a very strong US team to Paris this weekend. Get to know Bobby, his background, and his current duties as chef in this excellent COTH article.
Take your pick of Paris podcasts — there’s plenty of time to listen before the Games begin! The most recent Heels Down Happy Hour covers tips for learning from the watching the livestream, what it’s like to actually be an Olympic team, and more. And then there’s the EquiRatings podcast, they’ve got two Paris Preview Shows out right now: one for the teams and one for the individuals.
Dream job alert! Into academics and the equestrian industry? Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts is hiring a new Director of Equestrian center, after their previous director of 20 years is stepping down. More details here.
Sponsor Corner: What is the best way to store your supplements in this heat and humidity? Will they lose their effectiveness? Powders and pellets tend to be more stable and can withstand environmental extremes better than pastes and liquids. Here’s how to store all of your supplements to maintain their efficacy.
Watch This: How to embarrass an event rider 101.
