Eventing 25 participants enjoying an Equine Anatomy lecture from Dr. Kuesis today in Temecula, CA. Photo courtesy of Joanie Morris.
Good morning EN! The Eventing 25/Developing Riders California sessions are underway this week at Tucalota Creek Ranch in Temecula. On Monday participants worked on dressage with David, and yesterday all had a jumping session. Make sure to check out the USEF Eventing High Performance Facebook page to see photos of the riding sessions as well as more photos like the one above, which features Matt Brown’s Super Sox BCF as the equine assistant.
Weekend Preview:
Poplar Place Farm [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]
Got some extra cash this month? You can get yourself down to Wellington to attend the USET’s “Soirée du Cheval” party and auction that will take place next Friday, January 24. Items that will be on the block include a VIP package to WEG, passes to the Final Sunday at the Masters, a lesson on world dressage champion Ravel, and a 4-night cruise on a private yacht in the Caribbean. All proceeds will benefit the USET in order to benefit athletes as they prepare to compete in Normandy later this year. [USET Press Release]
This week on the Eventing Radio Show: The OTTB training series. Laine Ashker and Alison Stackpole join hosts Jess and Samantha to catch up, and Alison gives them an update on Molly, her OTTB. Jon Holling also opens the show to tell everyone about his recent visit to Red Hills. [Eventing Radio Show]
New research could revolutionize equine drug testing. According to Horsetalk, there is a group of researchers in Northern Ireland that plans to develop a new way to test for drugs in horses and cattle by monitoring the biological effects of the banned substance instead of looking for the substance itself. Researchers also hope the test will allow for larger numbers of animals to be tested more quickly, further improving testing protocols in the future. According to the project coordinator Mark Sherry “the new test will allow testers to identify the presence of performance or presentation enhancing drugs as soon as their desired effect becomes apparent.” [Horsetalk]
The 2014 Fiscal Bill could defund USDA horsemeat inspections, meaning horse slaughter in the US could be off the table for now. Though two horse slaughter plants are pending approval in New Mexico and Missouri, this new development could once again mean horse slaughter will be essentially outlawed in the US. Blair Dunn, the lawyer who represents Vally Meat Co, the owner of the potential plants, says that the fiscal bill fails to answer the question of unwanted horses. “Still the bill does not contain the funding needed for the rescues for these horses, or to feed them, or to put them on the welfare they need,” she said. [The Horse]
Interested in becoming an eventing “r” dressage judge? Attend the first Dressage Session One Training Program in Ocala next month. The program will last for four days, from February 3-6, and all auditors and those who wish to participate are welcome to attend. Click to find out more information about registration, schedule, and accommodations. [USEA]
