Wednesday News and Notes from MDBarnmaster

David teaches at Tamie Smith's facility. Photo via USEF High Performance FB. David teaches at Tamie Smith's facility. Photo via USEF High Performance FB.

And to no one’s surprise, everyone in California is back to wearing short sleeves with the Florida crew while the rest of the country huddles inside their giant, poofy jackets. I noticed the other day that there is literally less room for people on the elevator as everyone approximately doubles in size once donning our eighteen layers of clothes.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Poplar Place January H.T.  [Website] [Entry Status]

Doug Payne is making good use of his sale funds from Crown Talisman. Doug made the tough decision to sell Tali to fund the purchase of a farm in North Carolina. Purchased just under the wire to avoid a capital gains tax, the farm is now in the development phase, with a farm, apartment, house, ring and other amenities coming soon. In the meantime, Doug has a string of young horses to play with, some of which he hopes will step into Tali’s shoes. [Tali’s Farm Update]

These six horsey homes are too quaint for words. All located in England, these six homes are properties that any horse person would happily sign their souls away for. They all have a very English flair and are way, way, way over my budget. Still, it’s fun to window shop. [Six Heavenly Horsey Homes]

Andrew Hoy has taken on the ride on Algebra. Algebra completed Luhmuhlen in 13th place with Natalie Blundell last year, but failed to finish at Burghley or Badminton. Originally slated to retire from the upper levels and become a schoolmaster, the 17-year old gelding was feeling so good with Andrew that the owners have decided to cautiously compete him this year, taking it one step at a time. [Andrew Hoy Gains New Ride]

Podcast from the USEA: This episode, Caitlin Silliman joins to discuss her plans with her new ride on the YEH 4-yr Reserve East Coast Champion, Vagabon de Champdoux. Rob Burke, the Director of Operations at the USEA talks shows, programs, and awards planned for 2015. [USEA Podcast]

This week on the Eventing Radio Show: Wintering in Florida and Wellington’s CIC. Michael Pollard discusses the advantages of wintering in Ocala (besides the fact that it’s warm!). Next up, Eric Bull has been building fences for a surprise CIC down in Wellington. Ginny Elliott pops in with a training tip. [Eventing Radio Show]

SmartPak Product of the Day: I have a terrible habit of purchasing horse clothing to wear in the so-called ‘real world.’ Then I get weird looks because I’m doing the equestrian fad, but too authentic to be fashionable. However, this hat from Kerrits is pretty cute and totally looks like I could get away without the side eye from the non-horsey, equestrian wearing masses. [SmartPak]

Elissa Wallace and her adorable mustang Hwin tackled the Novice course at Ocala I last weekend. Who doesn’t want to watch a mustang?