Is it just me or are those accreditation badges ridiculously large? Photo via USEF High Performance FB Page.
Olympics, Olympics, Olympics. It’s on my brain, it’s on the television, it’s on my Facebook feed and Buzzfeed and CNN and Yahoo. The world has gone mad with Olympic frenzy, and with good reason, as the Opening Ceremonies are in only two days and the Eventing competition begins even before that with the jog on Friday afternoon. Our fearless leader has begun her voyage to the land of Zika and contaminated water as we speak, and the chinchillas left behind would be plotting pranks galore if we weren’t already up to our eyeballs in preparing our own Olympic coverage. Meanwhile, J.K. Rowling released a new Harry Potter screenplay this week of all weeks, there’s a presidential election that is impossible to ignore, and I still have to read 12 Drool-Worth Ways to Eat Chocolate for Breakfast articles, because of course. The point is, no one’s getting much sleep for the next ten days. Oh and by the way, there are other events running this weekend too.
U.S. Weekend Preview:
Millbrook H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]
Olney Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]
River Glen Summer H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]
Catalpa Corner Charity H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]
Cobblestone Farms H.T. [Website]
Speaking of events running this weekend, Elysian Hills is offering a Starter Horse Trials this Saturday. The entries are open through today, so it’s not too late if you have a baby who has turned into a genius in the past few days and is unexpectedly ready to give it a go. [Enter Online]
If you haven’t read this article about Charlotte and Valegro, you should drop everything and read it now. The New York Times has created a feature piece on the pair, delving into their history, their relationship with Carl Hester, and why they’ve revolutionized the sport. Eloquently written, you’ll find yourself transported into Charlotte’s world. [The Duo that Dominates Dressage]
Road to the Olympics: Kasey Perry-Glass is headed to her first Olympics. After being picked to represent on the U.S. Dressage team with her horse Goerklintgaards Dublet, Kasey is letting herself feel the excitement. She tried on the team shadbelly for the first time and is preparing for the flight to Rio. [Road to the Olympics]
If you’re watching or following the Olympic equestrian coverage, talk about it! The IOC is measuring interest in each sport and as usual, equestrian is on the cusp. Use the hashtags #JointheJourney and #TwoHearts on social media to indicate your interest in eventing, dressage, or show jumping and help let the IOC know that our sport has a huge fan base. [Fans Urged to Support Equestrian Sport]
SmartPak Product of the Day: Eager to show off your patriotic vibe this weekend? Ariat has you covered with this long-sleeve sunstopper shirt. Similar to their popular soft-shell jacket, this shirt will give you a chance to root for Team U.S.A. while still getting your own horses ridden during the Games. [SmartPak]
Buzzterbrown released one of his fabulous cross country recaps last week, this time of Great Meadow CICO3*.
