The latest I Am US Equestrian feature is a great story about a rising star on the show jumping circuit, Zozo Brogden. From the Compton Jr. Posse Youth Equestrian Camp to a growing spotlight of attention thanks to her natural talent and competitiveness, Zozo maintains a calm confidence beyond her years. “I have a passion for leaping barriers, gaining ground in record time, and doing so with poise and grace,” she writes. “Not just because I’m a competitive equestrian, but because that’s how I aspire to live my life.”
You can read more about Zozo here.
Women’s History Bit of the Day:
Let’s take another dive into some of the fabulous females who have changed the face and trajectory of equestrian sports in this article from the FEI. Women equestrians were first allowed to compete in the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, but only in dressage at first — women would not begin competing in jumping until 1956 and, finally, in eventing until 1964. Denmarkâs Lis Hartel became the first female equestrian Olympic medalist, winning individual silver in the dressage competition.
Photo courtesy of the FEI.
U.S. Weekend Preview
Red Hills International CCI4*-S (Tallahassee, Fl): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Volunteer]
Full Gallop Farm March H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]
Meadowcreek Park Spring Social Event (Kosse, Tx.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]
SAzEA Spring H.T. (Tucson, Az.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Southern Pines H.T. (Raeford, Nc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer]
Wednesday News & Reading
Rule reminder: All competitors at FEI competitions must now fulfill Horse Health Requirements using the FEIHorseApp. Read this breakdown for more information before your next event!
As EHV-1 continues to rage, particularly in California, Galway Downs is keeping competitors abreast of any changes to its entry policies. As of now, Galway Downs’ early April FEI event will go forward, but the decision could still change. Stay tuned here for the latest updates.
When Peruvian rider Diego Farje asked Pan American Games gold medalist Boyd Martin for a photo in Lima a few years ago, he didn’t know their paths would cross again. Now, Diego finds himself working full-time as a member of Boyd’s operation in Aiken and he took The Chronicle of the Horse along for the ride for a glimpse behind the scenes.
I can’t get enough of Mackenzie Clark’s absolutely stunning work while on assignment at the Andalucia Sunshine Tour in Spain. Check out her gorgeous photo essay on World of Show Jumping here.
Hot on Horse Nation: The latest in the “Equine Girl Bosses” series introduces us to Empress Elizabeth of Austria, affectionately known as Sisi, who embraced horseback riding as both a respite from court life and as a rigorous athletic pursuit.
Wednesday Video Break:
In celebration of badass women, I recently went back on a YouTube dive to find videos of Bettina Hoy, so enjoy this look back at her record-breaking test at WEG in 2002 with the legendary Ringwood Cockatoo:
