TOP NEWS STORY: The FEI has mandated that all horses participating in the cross-country portion of the 2012 Olympic eventing competition at Greenwich Park must be fitted with appropriate attire, including flippers, snorkels and inflatable swim rings.
Eh, not really. In fact, The Telegraph is reporting that all systems are go despite the rain that drowned Badminton and resulted in waterlogged Gatcombe’s cancellation. Jeremy Edwards, equestrian venue manager for Locog, told the paper he was “particularly thrilled with the way the park drains” after three years of preparation from the Sports Turf Research Institute. If worse comes to worst, the competition schedule allows for eventing to be pushed back a day, and organizers note that spectators can watch on screens from the arena or move around the cross-country course wholly on tarmac if conditions are soggy. [The Telegraph]
As for Gatcombe, British Eventing’s Chief Executive Mike Etherington Smith says, “We will do all we can with regard to re-scheduling the British Championships later in the year at alternative venues and will keep members updated as and when we have plans in place.” [British Eventing]
Recalculating route: With Gatcombe off the table, Sinead Halpin is struggling to reformulate a plan for herself and her horse. She talks to the Star Ledger about her disappointment in not making the team, the selectors’ concerns, and the frustrations of not knowing what to do next. “I’m new at this,” she says, “and I’m trying to figure out how to get as much information as possible, based on my horse’s welfare, whether to stay on the road to the Olympics or make alternate plans.” [NJ.com]
U.S. Olympic Team Trivia: The USEF has compiled a roster with bios, videos and fascinating and/or fun facts about the horses and riders who will be representing the United States in London. For example, did you know that Mr. Medicott shares the same sire, the ISH stallion Cruising, as Rich Fellers’ showjumping ride Flexible? [USEF]
Young eventers in the news: They may not be Olympians, yet, but a team of teens headed to Stuart Horse Trials this weekend garnered some press from the Hunterdon County Democrat. The team is sponsored by Eastern States Dressage and Combined Training Association and includes Chef d’Equipe Patricia Lutfy and Team Coach Marcia Kulak. Have a great ride Christy, Jorgen, Alyssa, Jessica, Grace and Sofie! [NJ.com]
Happy Birthday Emily Beshear! Support Emily’s birthday wish to make it to the Blenheim this September. Somerset, Va.-based Brickland Eventing has announced a series of events throughout the summer to help raise the $30,000 needed to transport Emily and Quincy to England, including: a kids eventing camp (July 16-20), an adult eventing camp (July 25-28), two jumping derbies (July 29 and August 19), and a raffle (August 19). For more information on any of these events, visit the Brickland Eventing website.
Go Claire Go!: Paralyzed British event rider Claire Lomas, who recently completed the London Marathon in a bionic suit, will be the guest speaker at a lunch fundraising event at Blenheim on September 6. She has now set her sights on a new challenge of cycling from London to Paris on a specially constructed bicycle in aid of spinal research. [Horse Talk]
Phillip wants to thank the Academy: And also his horses, his owners, his team and his sponsors for their support as he prepares for his fifth Olympic Games. [Equifit]
Noted: The British foxhunting and eventing community lost one of its own in Jo Lomas, who succumbed to a severe chest injury likely incurred by a kick. [H&H]
Timewaster of the day: When the boss isn’t looking check out these humorous lists, including “Top 10 Ways to Get in Shape to Own a Horse,” “You Know You’re a Horseperson When…” and “Horse Terminology.” [Horse Forum]
Hot on Horse Nation: The latest installation of Intervention, “a series in which we identify horsepeople whose compulsive behaviors have brought them to a point of personal crisis.” [HN]
Best of the Blogs: Jennie Brannigan catches us up on her whirlwind life. [COTH]
Found on Facebook: From Rebecca Howard, “Having a cup of tea at our adorable cottage in Marlborough… Ponies are on way, will see them in a few hours”
