This looks awfully familiar....
Morven is this weekend, and like clockwork, that means rain. The forecast doesn’t seem as dire as last year, when the remnants of Hurricane Joaquin dumped six-plus inches of rain on Morven Park, but as usual, it’s time to dig out the wellies and raincoat. On the plus side, the ground may in fact soften up a bit, desperately needed after an uncharacteristically dry fall up in the Northeast.
U.S. Weekend Preview:
Stoneleigh-Burnham School Fall H.T. [Website]
Morven Park Fall CIC & H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]
ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. [Website]
Fleur de Leap H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]
Stable View Advanced Oktoberfest H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]
Woodland Stallion Station H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]
Jump Start H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]
Your Wednesday News & Notes:
How many Olympic gold medalist horses would be ok surrounded by an entire crowd of unknown people? Valegro proved why he is once again one in a million, as he calmly handled an entire mass of people petting and touching him in New York City. After Valegro performed his freestyle, Charlotte invited spectators to come right into the ring to get a chance to touch the legendary horse. [“I Was Shaking”]
Speaking of Valegro’s freestyle, let’s watch it again. And again, and again, and again. I was so glad that Charlotte chose to do her ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ freestyle instead of the Rio freestyle. The music is soaring and free, dramatic and delicate, perfectly blending with Valegro’s style of movement. It’s my favorite freestyle of all time. [Watch It Again]
Oh, and in case you are tired of Valegro, here’s some more Valegro! Valegro earned his name Blueberry because he was part of a set of yearlings that Hester named after fruits and vegetables, including Tomato and Radish. Blueberry seems adorable, Radish? Not so much. [Behind the Stall Door]
In other news, the walk is the most important gait for FEH competitions. As most people know, the trot can be improved, but the walk and canter often are what they are. Since the horses cannot canter in-hand for the judges, they tend to be judged primarily on the walk. [The Importance of the Walk]
SmartPak Product of the Day: I’m not sure there’s anything quicker and more effective for getting snarls out of tails like a good paddle brush. Spray on the Showsheen, arm yourself with patience, and go at that matted tail with this Tail Tamer paddle brush. If you’re looking for a bit of fun, it also comes in rainbow colors! [SmartPak]
