As you might have read last week, the days of Rolex are over- at least when it comes to the FEI. The federation has officially signed a deal with the Swiss watch maker Longines worth a nine-digit sum over the next 10 years. This is the biggest partnership ever brokered by the FEI, and Longines will become the official timekeeper and watch of the federation. Horsetalk writes, “A key element of the partnership is a significant investment by Longines in the development – together with the FEI – of cutting-edge time-keeping and data-handling services…the development of these services will be for multimedia applications use, giant screens, scoreboards, and for broadcasters as part of the presentation of FEI events around the world.” Longines has been a supporter of equestrian sports for many years- read more about its sponsorships on the company website. [Horsetalk]
The newly-knighted Sir Mark Todd will compete at the New Zealand Horse of the Year show as a special guest of honor. He will ride in the New Zealand Speed Championships, a timed show jumping trial. He will also give a speech at the Hall of Fame Gala Dinner on Saturday night of the show. [Hawke’s Bay News]
Live in Virginia? You can now get a Equine Interstate Event Permit in lieu of a 30-day travel certificate that allows you to transport your horse across state lines for six months without a renewal. Virginia has signed an agreement with 14 states that will recognize the permit as valid. [COTH]
The Eventing Radio Show has released its 231st episode, featuring Laine Ashker discussing how to survive the long winter months without losing the competitive [Eventing Radio]
Equine Canada has announced its new “One Vision” strategic plan that will be the organization’s guide until 2018. The overall goal of the program is to ensure that “Equine Canada will be widely recognized as a world-leading sport and equine federation committed to excellence, fair play and equine welfare; a model organization providing an inclusive environment where innovation, partnership and creativity flourish.” This strategic planning process began way back in 2011, and from the looks of things it was worth the wait. [Go Canada]
British thoroughbred Frankel has been rated the world’s best thoroughbred in recent history, achieving a rating of 140 after an undefeated 2012 season. This year he became the first horse to be officially a champion (or joint champion) at two, three and four years since 1977, when the ranking system was implemented. Frankel is now retired at age 4. [Horsetalk]
Area II’s January report was posted on the USEA Website. [US Eventing]
A new Irish TV channel is launching in February and will feature coverage of equestrian competitions across a variety of disciplines. Horse Racing Ireland and Horse Sport Ireland are both founding partners of the channel. [Horse and Hound]
Best of Blogs: Talking Horse discusses OTTB advice
Across the pond, the second leg of the 2013 British Eventing Baileys Jumping and Style indoor eventing series took place over the weekend. Combinations are judged on style and technique, and then the style mark is converted to penalty points and added to any cross country or jumping penalties for the final score. The video below is of a novice-level (US: prelim) round. Enjoy your Wednesday, thanks for reading!
http://youtu.be/IaFCg5vbXTc
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