Wednesday News and Notes from SmartPak

Trees downed by a tornado. Photo via Kate Chadderton's FB page. Trees downed by a tornado. Photo via Kate Chadderton's FB page.

The fury of Mother Nature can be very intimidating, especially when said fury hits in unexpected places. Kate Chadderton’s farm in Maryland was hit last night by a small tornado, with Kate hauling her horses home only a few miles away. Despite being so close to home, it still took three hours for her and her crew to make it the final miles after the tornado hit. Luckily all structures are still intact, all animals and humans are uninjured, but others have not been so luckily. Let’s keep everyone affected by the storms in our thoughts today.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Groton House Farm H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Surefire H.T. [Website] [Entry Status]

Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

Shepherd Ranch SYVPC H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Inavale Farm Spring H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Arrowhead H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Midsouth Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Honey Run H.T. [Website] [Ride Times]

Abbe Ranch H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Lily, The Paintball Horse, has sadly passed away. The aged pony mare made headlines this spring when she was found abandoned at auction, covered in what appeared to be paintball marks, and clearly underweight. New Bolton treated and rehabilitated her, including removing an eye, and then Jon and Tracy Stewart (yes, THAT Jon Stewart) welcomed her home to their sanctuary. Sadly, she was discovered in the field with a broken neck earlier this week but at least had a few months to feel love and cherished. [‘Paintball’ Horse Passes Away]

Phillip is getting some show jumping practice in with his three Olympic prospects. If you thought you were experiencing deja vu when you saw him in the Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park, rest easy. Phillip brought Fernhill Cubalawn, Fernhill Fugitive, and Mighty Nice back to Lexington for the Country Heir show in order to sharpen their stadium skills. [Road to the Olympics]

Coral Cove has passed away at age 29. The mount of the late Polly Phillips, Coral Cove is best known for his superb performance at Burghley with her husband Vere, an eventing rookie who took over the ride upon her death. Previously a show jumper, Vere piloted the chestnut not only to a fourth place finish in 2000, but a 12th place finish at Burghley in 2001 and a Badminton completion in 2002. [Coral Cove Put Down]

Weekly Business Tip from Mythic Landing EnterprisesIf you have a lesson stable, a good option to help boost business is to offer a special deal through GroupOn or Living Social. But before you sign up, make sure that you can handle the extra business. And most importantly, make sure that your deal still covers your own costs.

SmartPak Product of the Day: Now that summer is in full swing, you’re likely to be tying to the side of a trailer quite often as you tack up for a trail ride or dressage lesson. These ties are safer and better looking than a loop of twine, and last forever! [SmartPak]

Great Meadow finished their first CIC3* one year ago, and now they are prepping for a World Cup event. Take a look at last year’s course to get your blood pumping for this year!