Photo swiped from Erin’s recap post– definitely the coolest shot I’ve seen so far!
Good morning EN! Can you believe the (eventing) Olympics are already over for another four years? The past few days have passed in a complete internet whirlwind that doesn’t seem to be slowing down even after the medal ceremony. I’m still waiting for my boss to haul me in to ask why I was watching the live video feed instead of doing work for the past two days. Take it from an intern: you never look as sneaky switching tabs when you hear footsteps coming towards your desk as you think. And just when you thought your job was safe, the gymnastic finals begin…obviously this week will not be the most productive.
Kate did a good job rounding up most of the Olympic links in her afternoon post, but we have an update on Hawley Bennett straight from her Twitter account saying that she is resting well and will be released from the hospital tomorrow. Big cheers for Hawley and fingers crossed for a quick recovery! [HBEventing]
Horsetalk picked up the news of Hawley’s improvement, and also posted an update on Ireland’s Portersize Just a Jif (Camilla Speirs’s mount), saying that he is resting comfortably under observation at the Olympic Veterinary Clinic. The horse suffered some bruising to his ribs and chest in the fall, and will be moved to another clinic to “make absolutely sure he is fine” tomorrow. Camilla was not injured in the fall. [Horsetalk]
General Olympic links:
The London Telegraph posted a video interview with Zara, who says she was relieved to win silver.
The Montreal Gazette’s Photo of the Day features Thailand’s only Olympic eventer, Nina Ligon
The USEA breaks down the final day
Never fear, dressage starts tomorrow!
Eventing has garnered itself quite a bit of mainstream media coverage in the past week on major media outlets, and surprise! not all of it is annoyingly uninformed or biased against equestrian sport. The New York Times posted an article yesterday that gave a nice picture of what it was like to attend cross country at Greenwich and explained the sport in layman’s terms, highlighting the fact that this year’s competition was of historic significance because of the setting (in the middle of the city, not 40 miles outside) and Britain’s rich equestrian tradition. While many in attendance were experts in equine affairs (one “lamented” that “Burghley is much harder”), the reporter also brought attention to eventing’s mainstream appeal. “We don’t speak posh like the horsy people,” one attendee told her. This article was followed by another that reported on the outcome of the team competition (can you find the KOC quote??)- and of course Zara’s royal connections. Big thumbs up for the NYT! [The New York Times]
Speaking of mainstream media coverage, another Rafalca story is brewing: and once again this one actually tries to be fair to horse sports and the athletes. In the wake of Stephen Colbert’s good-natured declaration that dressage would be the “Sport of the Summer,” and other less-good-natured reviews of the sport and the cost of Rafalca, owned by Anne Romney, NBC is attempting to set the record straight with a profile of Team USA and Jan Ebeling, Rafalca’s rider. NBC’s Health correspondent Dr. Nancy Snyderman, a dressage rider herself, will conduct the interview, which will be posted on the NBC olympic site. Dr. Snyderman is an amateur rider who has successfully competed through Prix St. Georges. [Horsetalk]
For those who follow the latest barn fashion trends, prepare to get out your credit card: Joules has launched an official Burghley 2012 collection of that includes polos, sweatshirts, hats, jackets, vets, and even silk scarves. If you are trying to save money, definitely don’t click on this link, and don’t even think about looking at the all-weather jacket. [Joules]
The USEA posted a nice wrap-up of the games, including quotes from all five US riders. Each evaluates their performance this weekend, and all seem to have come out of the experience a little wiser. At the end of the article, Karen gives her thoughts on what we need to do to bring our team up to international par: spend more time overseas. “It’s really important to spend time here and on the continent – the Germans have an incredible program. I know that in the United States we have the talent and horse power, we have the hunger but it’s still in my opinion slightly fragmented and it needs to all come together and utilize that talent and really get on a program with the best young talent and young riders and give them a way forward.” [USEA]
Also from the USEA: Flair has renewed its AEC sponsorship for 2012. All riders will receive a Flair strip before cross country, applied at the Flair booth by a company representative. Top six finishers will take home Flair strips in their prize packs. Thanks to companies like Flair, our events stay funded and running- make sure to stop by the tent if you attend in September! [USEA]
The first 2012 case of West Nile has been reported in Stanislaus County in California. An two-year-old filly was diagnosed and subsequently euthanized. She was not vaccinated. [Horsetalk]
Equestrian Sports Psychologist Daniel Steward posted his sixth “Tip of the Month” for the USEA. This time, he highlights the importance of “mental multi-tasking.” [USEA]
Best of Blogs:
SmarkPak recaps the end of the Eventing, and gears up for dressage and show jumping.
The US Show Jumpers prepare for London- with ping pong.
The following video is also from the SmartPak blog, where Colby and Sarah are staying on their toes bringing us updates from across the pond. Thank you all for reading, happy live-streaming!
