Wednesday News & Notes from Ecovet

A view worth lots of envy! Photo by JJ Sillman.

She’s probably going to hate me for doing this, but I wanted to dedicate this morning’s intro to our friend and eventing’s biggest fan, JJ Sillman. For those of you who don’t know JJ, you’ve likely seen some of her famous photos floating around your social media. Chances are, she’s even snagged a candid photo of you at some point. JJ is currently on the adventure of a lifetime, on a road trip across the country in her beloved Kia Soul, Simon.

I wanted to take a moment to talk about JJ. I don’t know JJ very well, but what I do see is how so very loved this girl is. She makes friends and fans everywhere she goes, she even boosts small businesses without even trying (Bourbon Chicken, anyone?), and she goes out of her way to make eventing a better place. To be as loved as JJ is for as simple of traits as a good eye for photos and a beautiful personality is something we could all aspire to achieve. Her love for the sport and for the horses and people in it is evident in every photo she captures. When we get caught up in worrying about show schedules, scores, and whatever other stressors we encounter on the daily, may we all take a moment to approach life with as much love and enthusiasm as JJ Sillman. We’re all better for knowing you, friend.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Cobblestone Farms HT: [Website] [Entry Status & Ride Times]

River Glen Summer HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Olney Farm HT: [Website] [Entry Status]

Wednesday Reading List

You may recall reading Lauren Kardel’s opinion editorial on The Plaid Horse last month regarding the ongoing much needed discussion around race and equestrian sport. “I believe one thing our sport needs in this time of upheaval is honest conversation,” Lauren wrote. “So, though many of you already know me, I would like to introduce myself as I wish I had possessed the strength to do so many years ago.” Her piece is well worth a read – and so is her discussion with PH Editor-In-Chief Piper Klemm on the most recent episode of the Plaidcast. Pop this one in for your next trot set; I know voices such as Lauren’s have helped expand my worldview and I hope it does yours, too.

A new initiative, the Equestrian Diversity Alliance, has been headed up by several riders hoping to effect a shift in conversation within our sport. They’ve created a Facebook group to share and promote voices of color. Their social media has been active in promoting new projects and initiatives within the equestrian community — worth a follow to be in the know on what’s developing and how you can be involved, too!

Donkeys are life, am I right? Popular leather cleaning brand Sterling Essentials recently sat down with Liz Beeson Evans, owner of the non-profit, Caring Cowgirl. The Caring Cowgirl’s mission is to provide therapeutic mini-equine visits in the San Francisco Bay Area. Having a lasting impact has become Liz’s personal mission, and this blog provides great perspective on her work and how important it is.

Our thoughts are with Buck Davidson, who is recovering from surgery after being kicked in the face last week. The laundry list of injuries includes a broken jaw, missing teeth, and a newly installed plate in his face — but Buck told the Chronicle of the Horse he planned to start riding this week. Very dedicated, a little crazy, or a little of both (doesn’t that describe every eventer?), we’re wishing Buck and his family well and are above all grateful that he’s still with us.

Wits End Eventing and Copper Meadows Eventing have released updates to their upcoming horse trials schedules. Get up to speed on Wits End here and Copper here.

The USEA has started highlighting the 300+ ICP-certified trainers who are currently teaching all around the country. Dividing the series up by Area, we visit with Area IV (California and Hawaii) trainers such as Auburn Excell Brady, Jennifer Wooten Macouzet, Shannon Lilley, and many more.

Wednesday Video Break:

The Work to Ride kids got a special treat last week: a schooling session at Boyd and Silva Martin’s Windurra USA facility. Have a look!

Thanks Anastasia for taking the kids to school at Windurra USA  They had a blast !

Posted by Work To Ride on Thursday, July 23, 2020

Ecovet is an entirely different type of fly spray … and you apply it to your horse in a different way, too. With fly season upon us, we’re sharing some tips for how to best apply Ecovet: