Happy birthday to Andrea Leatherman from everyone at EN! Students Sonja Bayer and Riley Gallagher with Andrea and Kristen Noble at a PA clinic Andrea taught last weekend. Thanks to Helene for sending us the photo.
Good morning EN! The great talents of our sport (of both the two-legged and four-legged variety) have converged in Lexington over the past few days in anticipation for today: the first official horse inspection for Rolex 2013. Samantha, John, and Jenni are all on hand to bring you coverage and photos from the festivities today. Of course it wouldn’t be a proper Rolex Kentucky jog without the annual Dubarry Best Dressed Contest. Dubarry will be judging stylish riders by their duds today and the winner will be announced at the Spindletop Party tonight. If you are lucky enough to actually be attending the event this weekend make sure to stop by the Dubarry booth in the vendor village to preview their brand new Longford Boot (and have the chance to purchase a pair before they become the next horse show staple) Follow Dubarry on Facebook both to find out the best dressed winner and other updates all weekend.
Weekend Preview:
Fresno County HT [Website] [Times]
UNH Spring HT [Website] [Times]
Loudoun Hunt PC [Website] [Times]
You are by now aware that Rolex is upon us, and you can find all information related to the event on the right hand side of the EN homepage, directly under the main banner. Keep checking back for updates, interviews, and photos.
The world is watching Andrew Nicholson. Andrew is defending his title as #1 on the 2012 HSBC FEI Rankings this weekend at the first four star of the year. While his top two mounts, Nereo and Avebury, have remained in the UK to contest Badminton, he has brought Quimbo and Calico Joe to the states this weekend. If Nicholson wins this weekend, he will head to Badminton already 1/3 of the way to winning the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. The 2012 FEI runner-up William Fox-Pitt only needs one final win at Badminton to become the second rider to ever win that title. No matter the outcome, the competition is fierce with a lot on the line. [NZ Herald]
Marilyn Little has suffered an injury after a fall from a young horse, but still plans to ride this weekend. As Jenni reported yesterday, she has been diagnosed with a Grade 3 separation of her right shoulder. She will meet with USOC Medical Consultant Dr Mark Hart on Thursday in Lexington to assess the injury, but remains optimistic and feels better by the day. [US Eventing]
Don’t forget to enter the annual Omega Alpha Pick ‘Em Contest before competition begins tomorrow! Send in your name along with the name of the horse/rider combination you think will win and your best guess at their overall score. As a tiebreaker, include your guess for who will finish 2nd (score not required). The contest entry with the correct horse/rider, closest score (and correct runner-up, if necessary) will win a prize package from Omega Alpha, worth at least $150! Email your entries to [email protected] with “Pick Em” in the title by 8AM Thursday morning. [Omega Alpha]
The Chronicle has posted a Q&A with William Fox-Pitt. In it he talks about his season, up-and-coming prospects (including his thoughts on his new ride Running Order, who was produced by Doug Payne), and life with his three children, including six-month-old Chloe Rose. [COTH]
Are you attending Rolex? Stop by the Bit of Britain tent and try on Tredstep Ireland’s new line of breeches! They are part of the new symphony clothing collection, inspired by the extraordinary beauty and precision of symphonic music. They have both full-seat and knee-patch styles in a variety of colors and are a perfect addition to your spring riding wardrobe. [Tredstep Ireland]
Listen to the Eventing Radio Show. This week covers Rolex and features NZ rider Jonelle Richards who will be riding The Deputy around the track this week. [Eventing Radio Show]
Best of Blogs:
Doug Payne’s new podcast and Fair Hill rundown
Boyd, Hawley, and Philip visit sick children in the hospital
While this week is all about Rolex, don’t forget that Badminton is just around the corner! Check out this video preview from the organizers.
