Photo courtesy of Saddle Up and Read.
Happy National Read Across American Day! Books are such a powerful tool and no one knows that better than Caitlin Gooch, the founder of Saddle Up and Read. Shocked at her home sate of North Carolina’s abysmal literacy rates, Caitlin set out to encourage more kids to read. First she teamed up with a local library where she offered a day a her father’s horse farm as a prize for checking out three or more books.
This project, which earned 501(c)(3) in 2019, also champions representation of minorities in equestrian media. With the help of the community and supporters around the country, SUAR has created a library of books that feature Black equestrians.
SUAR accepts monetary donations and book donations. Books featuring diverse characters or horses are accepted and SUAR has an Amazon wishlist which can be found here. Monetary donations can be made through saddleupandread.org – simply click the donate button and it’ll take you to PayPal. They’re also running a GoFundMe. Those based near Wendell, NC who wish to volunteer can email Caitlin Gooch at [email protected] to coordinate.
Events Opening This Week: Unionville April H.T., Longleaf Pine H.T., USEA MDHT FEH/YEH/NEH Qualifier, Ocala International Festival of Eventing, FENCE H.T., Sporting Days Farm April H.T. III, Holly Hill H.T.
Events Closing This Week: Carolina International CCI and H.T., Ocala Winter II H.T., Pine Top Spring H.T., Southern Arizona Spring H.T.
Tuesday News:
Badminton Horse Trials has been canceled. After coordinating with local public health officials, the organizers determined that, “due to the scale and location of the horse trials, it is not possible to secure the surrounding area in the proximity of the event site.” [Badminton Horse Trials 2021 cancelled: ‘Everyone is desperately disappointed’]
Cancellations continue as FEI has pulled the plug on International events in 10 countries due to an EHV-1 outbreak. The outbreak, which originated in Spain, has already proved deadly and is the most serious strain seen in decades. The event cancellation has extended through March 28th. [FEI Cancels European Mainland Events Due to EHV-1 Outbreak]
Mark your calendars! Top female equestrian athletes are sitting down in International Women’s Day, to discuss participating in the only Olympic sports where men and women compete alongside one another. The panel will talk about the challenges, benefits and idiosyncrasies that these leading female show jumpers navigate in this elegant, demanding and uniquely gender neutral sport. Featuring riders such as Laura Kraut and Georgina Bloomberg, the panel is to feature Women’s Sports Foundation. [Women in Show Jumping: A Panel in Honor of International Women’s Day]
Tuesday Video: Donna Smith was the first rider on a CCI4* course in 2021 Matamata Horse Trials in New Zealand.
Our first rider is out on course in the Randlab Pty Ltd 4*. Donna Smith through the Dunstan Splash with ease.
Posted by Matamata Equestrian Group on Saturday, February 20, 2021
