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I truly believe that if heaven exists, it’s probably quite a lot like a Monday at a winter circuit horse show – a day off to enjoy the sun and the sand, safe in the knowledge that you’re only ever a mere smattering of hours away from the next trip through the in gate. The Price family definitely seem to be making the most of it as they tackle Europe’s Sunshine Tour, an enviable pre-season tradition for the Kiwi superstars.
Events Opening Today: USEA MDHT FEH/YEH/NEH Qualifier, CDCTA Spring H.T., Pine Hill Spring H.T., The Fork at TIEC, Chattahoochee Hills International
Events Closing Today: SAzEA Spring H.T., Southern Pines H.T., Full Gallop Farm March I H.T., Meadowcreek Park-The Spring Social Event, Red Hills International H.T.
Black History Bit of the Day: We love it when equestrians make it into mainstream media, and when those equestrians are helping to shape the industry and make it a more inclusive space, we’re even more excited. ELLE’s profile of Shaquilla Blake might only count as very recent history, but we’re big fans of this changemaker, who’s been a valuable conduit for the voices of so many riders over the past few years.
Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:
An outbreak of EHV-1 in California has led to the cancellation of two shows, in a situation that feels eerily similar to the one in Southern Europe last year. One horse has been euthanised so far, and three of the eight cases have shown neurological symptoms. More on this story here.
With the Paris Olympics just a mere two and a half years away, the FEI is taking a closer look at France’s contribution to equestrian sport. And yes, they do go a bit deeper than just sharing multiple black-and-white portraits of Maxime Livio, as we might be tempted to do.
In the wake of an inconclusive autopsy on the racehorse Medina Spirit, the horse’s Kentucky Derby victory of last year has been posthumously revoked. Trainer Bob Baffert has also been banned for 90 days and served a $7,500 fine for contravention of equine drug-testing policies.
Fancy heading to Rebecca Farm to contest the CCI3*-L or CCI4*-L this year? Thanks to a new grant from Ocala Horse Properties and US Eventing, you could get some serious help to do so – as long as you’re a resident of Areas I, II, III, or VIII. Find out how to apply here.
Video Break:
What a round! What a horse! What a… oh. Click here to watch.
Also, some Thoroughbred Makeover stats:
