We’re very excited to see Boyd Martin’s Luke 140 back in action, competing in the Preliminary division at Morven Park over the weekend. After navigating some injuries following his fourth place finish at Luhmühlen in 2023, Luke returned this summer and definitely expressed that trademark “enthusiasm” in his dressage test at Morven Park. Now we want to know who draws straws to trot this horse at home, as we know he’s well-known for a good spook and spin! “Well, that was exciting at least!” Boyd wryly remarked after his test.
Events Opening This Week
Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T. (GA)
Events Closing Today
The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs (CA); Rocking Horse Fall H.T. (FL); Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (TX)
News & Reading
There are four USEA Young Event Horse program graduates competing this year at the MARS Maryland 5 Star. The development of the young event horse is a system that produces top horses for the future, and each year we see some of these graduates stepping up to the upper levels. [Meet the YEH Graduates at Maryland 5 Star]
Many eventing levels will require riders to drop off a bank of some sort on cross country. This is often paired at higher levels with some sort of narrow fence following the drop, which means you’d better have your balance and control back quickly to make the line. Phillip Dutton checks in with some advice on landing off the drop, finding the right lead on landing, and what you can set up to practice this concept. [Master the Drop with a Narrow Fence]
Grooms heading to Maryland this week! There are several things on tap just for you, including a Grooms’ Dinner and Groom Orientation hosted by the USEA Grooms’ Committee. The Dinner will be held on Tuesday, October 15 starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Athletes’ Lounge by FEI stabling. The Orientation will be held on Wednesday, October 16 at 6:00 p.m. at the Stabling Office. We’re also seeking nominations for our Supergroom Superlative awards, and you can make your nomination here.
Happening tonight! Join the Ride iQ team this evening at 5 p.m. EST for a live session with Jon Holling all about safety and keeping it in focus. Jon will provide his perspective as a Safety Committee member on how to keep safety first in your mind while still being able to enjoy your riding and your horses. [More information on this session]
Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products
It’s that time of year to start thinking about the switch that occurs when your horse has less pasture forage and more hay in the winter. Kentucky Performance Products is here to help to mitigate the risk here.
Video Break
Watch Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy clinch the CCI4*-L victory at Morven Park this past weekend: