If you’ve been on the fence about whether or not to enter the 2012 AECs, you only have a few hours left to make the big decision because the closing date is TODAY. Here, we’ve made you a pros and cons list:
PROS
-$70,000 in cash and $100,000 in prizes are up for grabs.
-This is the last year the AECs will be held at Chattahoochee Hills, as it’s heading to Texas in 2013.
-Amazing facility and awesome trade fair.
-Bragging rights–Win, lose or draw, just competing at the AECs is a big deal.
CONS
-We couldn’t think of any.
Entry information is available on the AEC Omnibus page. [US Eventing]
Other events closing today: King Oak Fall H.T., Five Points H.T., The Maryland H.T. at Loch Moy Farm, Bucks County Horse Park H.T., Copper Meadows H.T. and Area VI Championships, Aspen Farms H.T.
On a sad note, British-based Chinese rider Alex Hua Tian’s four-star horse Magenta was put down over the weekend, due to complications associated with colitis and lymphangitis. The mare was 13 years old and had numerous upper-level notches on her belt, with results to include an 11th at Saumur in 2008, 12th at Blenheim CCI*** in 2009, an advanced win at Aston-le-Walls in 2010 and seventh at Hartpury CIC*** that year. She also carried Alex around his first four-star, finishing 26th at Badminton in 2010 with a clear cross-country. [H&H]
Thirteen-year-old Hannah Jessica Wiley died in a riding accident in Northern Ireland on Friday evening while taking part in an equestrian club event. Reports indicate that her mount fell on her after a jump. [Horse Talk NZ]
Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials is coming up soon, September 6-9, and the entry list is posted. Among the star-studded entry list, the British Olympic team in its entirety will be represented. For the United States, Emily Beshear is riding Here’s To You in the CCI***; Sharon White with Rafferty’s Rules is on the wait list. [Entries]
How fearsome is Burghley’s cross-country course this year? Take a tour with Alice Plunkett and Captain Mark Phillips. [Eventing Worldwide]
Entries are now being accepted for the Thoroughbred Horse Show Association’s Fall Show on October 6-7 at the Kentucky Horse Park. The show is TBHS’s second event following its successful inaugural show in April. Forty-five dressage, hunter, jumper, showmanship, English/western pleasure and combined training classes will be offered, along with up to $3,000 in prize money. [TBHS]
A man on his stag party jumped a fence at a New Zealand racetrack and ran alongside the horses for a few meters before falling on his face. The severely inebriated man was wearing a blonde wig, black skirt and no underwear. He has been banned from three racetracks and awaits further punishment. [Stuff.co.nz]
Found on Facebook: “Enter to win a premium dressage evaluation from Judge My Ride, exclusively for SmartPak fans! This week’s winner will receive an evaluation from our guest judge, USDF Gold Medalist and Grand Prix dressage rider, Heather Beachum. We will open our premium evaluation contest on Wednesday, 8/22, so watch our wall for details and get your dressage photos ready!”–SmartPak
Video: Leslie Threlkeld chats with Chattahoochee Hills cross-country course designer Hugh Lochore and event organizer JJ Johnson about advancements to the venue in preparation for the 2012 American Eventing Championships.
