Good morning EN! Our American riders across the Atlantic in Germany are making their final preparations for their weekend at Luhmuhlen. Marilyn Little posted the following update on her Facebook page yesterday: “Demi and Pearl have arrived safely at their layover location in Bavendorf where we met with David O’Connor today for a dressage school before the girls head over to the Luhmuhlen event grounds tomorrow. Smoke came along for the ride too, so that he can stay with me to prepare for Aachen in two weeks. Still, somehow he knows it’s his week to relax and let the girls do the work…” Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda have also made the trip, and we are looking forward to reading about their experience via Jennie’s groom Jackie Imholte. Jackie kindly agreed to send us updates and photos throughout the weekend. Read about her flight with Ping, and keep checking back for more updates and coverage. [Luhmuhlen Website] [Entries] [Schedule]
Weekend Preview:
Aspen Farms [Website] [Entry Status/Times]
Golden Spike HT [Website] [Entry Status/Times]
Silverwood Farm Spring HT [Website]
Round Top HT [Omnibus]
Seneca Valley Pony Club [Website] [Entry Status]
Lost Hounds HT [Website] [Entry Status]
Valinor Farm [Website] [Entry Status]
Full Gallop [Website] [Entry Status]
Larkin Hill [Website]
Bucks County [Website] [Entry Status]
Help a team of Pony Clubbers raise money to participate in the USPC Inter-Pacific Exchange. Each rider has to raise about $4,000, and in order to reach their fundraising goal the team members have put together a silent auction that will take place at Seneca Valley HT this weekend. In addition, individuals can make tax-deductible donations through the USPC website. The team of four riders were selected by Pony Club and will be spending two weeks representing the US in Australia. Check out their team Facebook page for more information. [USPC Inter-Pacific Exchange Donations] [Team Facebook]
William Fox-Pitt set a new record last weekend, when he won the Bramham CCI3* for a record seventh time. After coming in second to Pippa Funnell after dressage, William and Chilli Morning put down a double clear cross country round that secured them the lead going into show jumping. The pair jumped double clear even though they had a rail to spare. [Horse & Country]
Mark Todd and Leonidas 2 also had a stellar weekend, coming in second behind William. Mark also put down two double clear jumping phases, but it was not enough to catch William. He finished behind by 5.2 penalties. France’s Didier Dhennin and his mount Opi de Saint Leo pulled one rail to finish in third. [3 News]
As was reported last week, Karen O’Connor’s former mount RF Amber Eyes is now enjoying a second career in the hunter ring as “Commentary.” However, her career and name change has raised some questions about USEF registration numbers. It appears that when the mare’s name was changed, she was registered under a new USEF number, which is expressly illegal under USEF rules. The Chronicle asked her new rider about the incident, and it appears that the entire incident was just a case of misunderstandings. [COTH]
The 24th Cosequin Stuart Horse Trials takes place next month, and the organizers have announced that this year there will be significant prizes in both the Intermediate and Preliminary divisions. The Intermediate division will have $7,000 in prize money, and the Preliminary $3,000. In addition, first place winners will receive Maui Jim sunglasses, Ariat breeches, and an embroidered Stuart sheet. The Irish Draught Sport Horse Award and Thoroughbred Incentive Program Award will also be offered. [USEA]
Below is a video of Obos O’Reilly’s winning CCI3* show jumping round from Bromont, courtesy of Will Coleman’s YouTube page. Thanks for reading EN, enjoy your Wednesday.
