Cobblestone Farm, which hosts an event each year near Ann Arbor, Michigan, is applying for a local “greenbelt” land conservation program. Jim and Darlyn Daratony, owners of the 100 acre Cobblestone farm, are asking the Ann Arbor Greenbelt Commission to have land adjacent to their property preserved and protected to use for their event. The greenbelt land program protects land by purchasing the development rights but allowing the land to remain in private ownership. Nearly 200 horses participated in Cobbletone’s 2010 event and we’d love to see the Ann Arbor community support Cobblestone’s bid for land conservation in the name of eventing. [Ann Arbor Chronicle] Now for some quick eventing news and notes:
–In all of the discussion about David’s application to coach the US team yesterday, I forgot to mention that it was David’s birthday. David turned 49 on Tuesday, which gives him at least two or three more good sound years before it’s time to turn him out to pasture. Happy birthday ‘Larry,’ and here’s to another 49.
–Our good friend Sara Lieser at the Chronicle interviewed David on Tuesday, and it sounded like David wasn’t in the mood to talk about Phillip and Bobby’s application. David said “I think those guys have their reasons for doing it. There are different philosophies.” [Sara’s article]
–Speaking of the Chronicle, the great John Strassburg has written an article about the California Appeal Court’s decision to continue the Eriksson case against Kristi Nunnink alleging negligence in the tragic death of Mia Eriksson at Galway in 2006. The article contains some additional details, including that “[Mia] Eriksson did not heed course officials attempting to stop her, as she’d already exceeded the maximum number of refusals allowed on course.” and explains that the Erikssons had previously filed suits against the USEA, USEF, and event officials, all of which have been since dismissed. Our EN post about the court’s decision last Wednesday has 58 comments to date and the issue is obviously very polarizing because it involves the tragic death of a young lady. Ultimately, no court action will bring Mia back and I hope that cooler heads will prevail in court. [COTH]
—3D3W interviews Clark Montgomery, part 1
–In classic FEI form, the FEI has sent out a press release announcing that an “extraordinary general assembly” will be held May 6th to “restructure the current FEI governance model.” Of course, the press release says nothing about what the “restructuring” will actually entail, and just says that the newly restructured board will be elected in November. I confess that my imagination turns to the possibility of Princess Haya “restructuring” into nonexistence those who opposed her in the 2010 FEI presidential election. I wonder if The Carrot was “restructured”–posts from EN’s favorite blog stopped mid-way through the WEGs and have not resumed. [FEI Press Release]
–Our Tennessee readers will be glad to learn that Cavalor has added a new feed company in Knoxville to their expanding list of distributors. Check out Agri Feed Pet Supply Company in Knoxville for their full line of Cavalor. And, as always, check out the Cavalor dealer directory for a store near you.
—Are horses or humans fatter? Scientists estimate that as many as 54% of leisure horses are overweight/obese, which means that horses edge out humans for the title of fattest. Clearly no one at Science Daily watches New York Jets press conferences. [Science Daily]
—The Holling Event Team is now 100% helmet safe. As of last Sunday anyone on a horse at the Holling farm must be wearing an approved helmet with the chin strap done up at all times. Take the example from Jon and Jen folks and make your eventing program 100% helmet safe. Also, one of our commenters mentioned Jon Holling as a possible name to replace David at Team Canada if David moves on to the US job. I have no idea if Jon would be interested in applying, but I feel strongly that he will coach big international teams someday. Jon is still in his 30’s and coaching Canada might be a few years away still, but he’s someone to keep an eye on for the future.
—The next time you think your life with horses is hard, try doing it with no arms [Horse and Man via Andrea]
—The USEA has a big push going to remind everyone to renew your membership. If you live in the US, it’s just common sense to be a USEA member. Your membership fee helps pay for competitions, USEA functions, the USEA magazine and website, and generally supports eventing in the United States. Renew your membership Eventing Nation! [USEA]
–In some sad news, we’d like to extend our condolences to the family of Mr. Jeff Keffer, who passed away from a heart attack while foxhunting earlier this week. I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Keffer, but he was a big supporter of eventing in the Northern Virginia area and he will be missed by many in the eventing community.
–Be sure to show our friends at Ecogold some love by voting for them in the Equestrian Social Media Awards. The video below explains everything:
That’s all for now. I’ll be traveling much of the next few days, but of course we’ll keep up a steady stream of eventing news and ridiculousness. We have an exciting new announcement from Samantha Clark coming as soon as the news cycle gives us a moment to breathe so stay tuned for that. Now, more than ever, go eventing.
