Wednesday News & Notes

Graphic courtesy of Strides for Equality Equestrians.

When Matt Brown approached me earlier this year after I had expressed interest in helping further diversity in our sport, I was thrilled to accept his invitation to join the steering committee of Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE), which announced its launch yesterday. It is the far-reaching vision of this organization to help bridge the gap that many riders from a variety of backgrounds experience.

Whether its a riding grant or scholarship, apprenticeship or internship, or simply just a mentor and a visible ally to help navigate the horse industry, SEE hopes to provide a way for the equestrian community to band together and create a more inclusive world for all. To learn more about Strides for Equality Equestrians, click here.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

MARS Tryon International Three-Day Event: [Website] [Schedule] [Drawn Order] [Volunteer] [Show Photographer]

Morven Park H.T.: [Website] [Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer]

Twin Rivers November H.T.: [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Show Photographer]

Wednesday Reading List:

Please take a moment today to pay respects to our veterans on Veterans Day. To learn about equine assisted therapy and how it has helped many veterans recovering from PTSD – and to find an organization to help – click here.

Today on Veterans Day, take a look through the lens at the funeral of Major General Jonathan R. Burton, a decorated member of the cavalry through World War II and the Vietnam War who also spent time as an Olympic eventer and show jumper. Major General Burton was also responsible for starting the first continuous horse trials in the U.S., along with Margaret Lindsley Warden and William Haggard. His impact on both our country and our sport will long be remembered. He served as Executive Vice President for the U.S. Equestrian Team for 10 years and as President of the U.S. Combined Training Association. Late last month, Major General Burton was buried at Arlington National Cemetary in Washington, D.C. – take a look at the photo gallery and memorial here.

How were horses transported for war duties during World War I? Horse & Hound takes a dive into the history books.

“Growing up in Compton wasn’t easy,” says Compton Cowboys founding member Keiara Wade in this interview with Atlas Obscura. “But once I got on a horse, nothing mattered. I always felt free.” The ongoing mission of the California-based Compton Cowboys is to provide an option for urban youth to reclaim their heritage and turn away from a life of crime. Inspiring empathy and engagement is the main goal, and it’s all accomplished on the back of a horse.

The Equestrians of Color Photography Project continues to add more stories to its page, complete with gorgeous photos voluntarily taken by talented photographers from all over the country. Take a look and read through the stories of the riders represented in these essays.

Ready to get your shop on for Day 3 of SmartPak’s 12 Days of Deals? Today is a big one: 20% off SmartPak Ultimate Blankets and Sheets. I’ve always been a fan of SmartPak blankets for their cost-efficiency; you don’t have to tell me twice! Shop today’s deal here.

Do horses still experience the same biological response to the calls of predators? Sure, your horse may be a few generations removed from her predecessors who roamed the land, but instinct is still instinct. Researchers from Poland tackled this topic, and you can read about their findings here.

EN’s own Tilly Berendt, whose work can be found in a myriad of publications, penned the latest Behind the Stall Door column focusing on Tim Price’s beloved Ringwood Sky Boy. Get to know the 17-year-old Irish Sport Horse here.

Fantastic news for Area VI! After longtime owner John Marshall announced that he would no longer be running Fresno County Horse Park Horse Trials, supporters stepped up to buy him out and will continue running events at the beloved Northern California venue. Many thanks to John for his longtime support of West coast eventing, and we can’t wait to see what’s to come in the future at Fresno.

Wednesday Video Break: I recently learned about the T.C. Williams Youth Sports Camps International, which hosts mini day camps for youth to foster a sense of inclusion as well as provide opportunity to experience a variety of sports. Involvement with horses has led to the creation of a children’s book centering around a steeplechase horse, and you can see the idea come to life below.