Wednesday News & Notes

Did you rock the vote yesterday? It’s been incredibly inspiring to see the efforts of athletes all around the country encouraging their peers to register and cast their votes in yesterday’s general election. Thanks to some vocal groups within our own equestrian community, voter engagement seemed to be at a high as we hurtled toward the election. No matter what, this is a right that each citizen is granted, and it’s important to use it. I learned a lot during this election cycle and hope you did, too. Onwards.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Full Moon Farms H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

Majestic Oaks H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

River Glen H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Texas Rose Horse Park Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times]

War Horse Event Series November H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status]

Wednesday Reading List:

“In a lot of ways, Jay Robinson was your average competitive collegiate rider…But the barn had a special meaning for him: It was a safe environment where he could fully express himself as a transgender man.” Learn Jay’s story in this piece by the Chronicle‘s Mollie Bailey, as his story is one that many in our small world can relate to. May we live in a world in which all riders can live in their own individual identities, without judgement or harassment, and may we all be better allies through listening and education.

Many congratulations are in order for Milan Berry, the very first recipient of the Optimum Youth Equestrian Scholarship. We recently featured this scholarship program designed to assist young riders with lesser financial means to support their riding – and if you missed this quarter’s deadline to apply, you can get into the next application period by clicking here.

Queeny Park in St. Louis, Missouri is having a work day on Sunday, November 15. Join the fun for updating jumps and other odds and ends needed to maintain one of Area IV’s staple events. Visit the Queeny Park Equestrian Events Facebook page for more information.

Want to school the competition courses at Loch Moy Farm? Schooling is now available by appointment for a fee of $75. To reserve your time, text Carolyn at 301-514-0111.

Not all practice needs to be physical. There is much we can rehearse, so to speak, before it comes time to put it into practice. In this month’s sport psychology tip from Daniel Stewart, some food for thought on different forms of visualization and how they can help riders improve.

The use of Non-Disclosure Agreements in the equestrian industry has been on the rise of late. There is a lot of gray area around the idea of using an NDA, so before you present or sign one it’s useful to know the ins and outs. This primer from Horse Network is a good place to start.

Why are so many athletes taking a stand for issues that affect all of us? The fact is that athletes are among the most influential individuals in the world, with some of the largest platforms. This deep dive by ESPN looks into the ways in which athletes from multiple sports have joined to rally their peers for causes that matter.

Wednesday Video Break: Ride around the Rocking Horse Preliminary cross country with Elisa Wallace and Sharp Decision.