Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

Strides for Equality Equestrians is preparing to hand out its second Ever So Sweet Scholarship in partnership with the USEA Foundation, and you still have time to apply! The Ever So Sweet Scholarship is aimed at providing opportunity in the form of training with five-star rider Sara Kozumplik Murphy and her husband, international show jumper Brian Murphy. Applications for the upcoming period close on October 15 — you can learn more about the Ever So Sweet Scholarship and how to apply here.

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Tryon Fall H.T. (Tryon, Nc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

CDCTA Fall H.T.: (Berryville, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]

Chardon Valley H.T. (Decatur, Mi.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times]

Copper Meadows Fall H.T. (Ramona, Ca.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Flora Lea Fall H.T. (Medford, Nj.): [Website] [Entry Status]

Wednesday Reading List:

Should 11 penalties be given in every instance of breaking frangible pins? It’s a debate that’s taken on a life of its own as more riders incur penalties for instances that, in the court of public opinion at least, may not have prevented a fall. After several riders had a pin, or a part of it, down at Bicton this past weekend and after some of the instances in Tokyo, some riders are sharing their opinions on the implications the penalty has. Horse & Hound reports here.

Did you know what Virginia-area White Oak Stables offers a rolling Show Division Sponsorship as part of their Diversity Program? Aimed at being a source of opportunity for riders looking for a leg up, the Show Division Sponsorship is offered offset the cost of competing at a show. Recipients also receive a customized saddle pad. You can learn more and apply here.

Not all riders spend multiple hours in the saddle every day. Some spend most of their days at a desk or doing other work, so what are some ways to combat the accompanying devastation to one’s posture? Here are four in-office exercises all you “desk jockeys” out there can put to good use.

Does your horse get antsy or anxious when it’s time for the farrier to visit? It’s an issue that plagues horse owners all over, and while every horse is an individual there are some things to try if you’re dealing with farrier anxiety. Save these tips to try next time your horse is due.

Have you gotten your tickets for Equitana USA yet? The early October exhibition and education event promises to be all-out spectacular with a little something for everyone. Check out the schedule of events here — and mark your calendars!

Strides for Equality Equestrians leadership member Catherine Reddick was a recent guest with Chris Stafford on the Women in Sports podcast. Learn more about Strides for Equality’s DEI work, Catherine’s crossover experience between rowing and horse sports, and more in this conversation.

Wednesday Watch This:

If you’re new to H&C+, the video on-demand catalog available to you is easy to get lost in. Honestly, I’ve had my subscription for well into a year now and I’m still discovering new series! The vision behind H&C+’s vast library is to have a dedicated space for the involved equestrian to find entertainment, sport and education. This week, I’m getting caught up on the Eventing Masterclass series. In the most recent episode, Simon Grieve walks us through some ways to combat the omnipresent “rider frightener” fences. There are Masterclass episodes with Liz Halliday-Sharp, Will Coleman, Laura Collett, Oliver Townend and so many more to list — and they’re all included with your H&C+ membership! Here’s the page to learn more.

Haygain Social Shout: Watch how simple it can be to add hay steaming into your routine.