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Though the subsequent announcement of SAP Hale Bob OLD‘s retirement comes as no surprise after his tendon injury at Pratoni, it’s still a huge moment for eventing — particularly as he’d have headed to Italy this September as one of the hot favourites to take a gold medal with Ingrid Klimke aboard. More importantly, though, he’s been such a cultural rallying point for fans of the sport, who’ve so enjoyed following his adventures with Ingrid and his team, and we’ll miss seeing his happy face out and about at events across Europe. We’ll be looking back at his career highlights this week but in the meantime, thank you, Bobby. You’ve been a real once-in-a-generation sort of horse.
Events Opening This Weekend: Woodloch Stable Young Event Horse Qualifier, Genesee Valley Hunt H.T., Round Top H.T., Huntington Farm H.T., The Maryland International + Horse Trials, Summer Coconino HT and Western Underground, Inc. TR,N,BN 3 Day Event
Events Closing This Weekend: Cobblestone Farms H.T. I, Golden Spike H.T., River Glen June H.T., Queeny Park H.T., Middleburg H.T., Unionville H.T., Aspen Farm H.T.
Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:
Planning a trip out in the trailer to get some schooling in ahead of your next event? It doesn’t have to feel like a big deal, and you can absolutely keep the whole experience a low-pressure one — with a bit of planning ahead. [Get ready to rock and roll(tops)]
I happily embrace slob life at the barn – or at the very least, I’m terrified of colourful clothing, so I stick to my navy, tan, and black outfits. But a lot of the people who also keep their horses at my yard are a bit younger than me and absolutely committed to getting the latest matchy-matchy set – much to the detriment of their bank accounts, and often, their self-esteem if they feel like they aren’t keeping up with the trends. [Here’s why none of it actually matters]
In a groundbreaking idea I’m absolutely going to steal, Icelandic office workers are calling on the services of freelance horses to craft their out-of-office replies. Absolutely none of this makes any sense, and I’m pretty sure it’s a fever dream I’m having right now, but I’m very into it. [Hwldlfhjsdlr to you too, sir]
With the hottest months fast approaching — and the most intense segment of the season coming with them — do you know how to spot the signs of exhaustion in your horse? And perhaps more importantly, do you know how to tackle it when it happens? [Brush up on your knowledge]
Listen to This: Catch up with what’s been going on in this year’s US eventing season — plus updates on the road to Pratoni — with the latest USEA Podcast.
Video Break:
Take a ride around Britain’s BE100 (Training) championship track at Badminton:
