I don’t usually get myself in a tizzy about eventing opening and closing days, but then, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a day so chock full of big ones. Entries for both the Bicton Arena CCI5* and the AECs close today, while entries are now open for the Maryland Five-Star — and we’re predicting some seriously spicy entries there. Planning to put your name down for any of the aforementioned? Get moving!
National Holiday: It’s National Black Cat Appreciation Day! Did you know that black cats in animal shelters are less likely to be adopted than their colourful counterparts? Consider opening your home — or your cozy barn — to a dusky kitty today.
Events Opening Today: Spokane Sport Horse Seventh Annual Fall H.T., The Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm, Jump Start H.T., Sundance Farm H.T., Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T., Willow Draw Charity Show, Fleur de Leap H.T., Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, Moqui Meadows H.T.
Events Closing Today: Course Brook Farm Fall H.T., Bucks County Horse Park H.T., Woodland Stallion Station 1 Day H.T., Silverwood Farm Fall H.T., Chattahoochee Hills H.T., Equestrians’ Institute H.T., USEA AEC, $60,000 Adequan Advanced Final, and ATC Finals
News and Notes from Around the World:
In the aftermath of the Olympics, it’s not just the eventers who are disappointed in the new team format. It’s also been a major point of contention for the show jumpers, too, who’ve raised welfare and practicality concerns. Now, Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa is speaking out. [Rodrigo Pessoa on the Olympic Format: “I Hope the FEI will Listen this Time”]
New research is shedding further light on wobblers’ syndrome, and it might not be caused by what you’d expect. [Wobbly Horse: What’s Wrong with Him?]
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced an uptick in funding for British athletes ahead of the Paris Olympic cycle. They’ll now receive £232 million, distributed at various sums between all the sports. [Prime Minister announces £232m investment ahead of Paris 2024]
Spectators won’t be able to attend the Paralympics, which comes as no surprise as COVID cases continue to skyrocket in Japan. Exemptions will be made for this partaking in a school programme. [Tokyo 2020 announcement and guidelines regarding tickets following spectator capacity limit]
Listen: The Eventing Podcast’s Hartpury Review Show, which covers the thrills — and spills — of the weekend’s biggest British event.
Watch: Jon and Rick catch up with Doug Payne and Sam Watson post-Tokyo.
Enter: Planning to check out the inaugural Maryland CCI5* in October? (Of course you are!) Make your week even better by purchasing your tickets early — you could win a swish pair of Dubarries!
Buy tickets to the Maryland 5 Star to be entered to win a pair of Galway Boots, courtesy of @Dubarry_com!👢🐴 All ticket buyers who purchase before October 8, 2021 will be entered to win. Don’t wait, buy your tickets today!🎫🏇 #Dubarry #DubarryofIreland https://t.co/6mJPjZ36RG pic.twitter.com/HPEnU82tMQ
— Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill (@Maryland5Star) August 16, 2021