Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

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 FarmJump Start H.T.Sundance Farm H.T.Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T.Willow Draw Charity ShowFleur de Leap H.T.Maryland 5 Star at Fair HillMoqui 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!