It seems to be peak scholarship season, and the opportunities are ample if you’re looking for some help developing your riding or horse career. One opportunity worth exploring is the Optimum Youth Equestrian Scholarship, which is currently accepting applications for its Fall cycle through October 15. Young equestrians age 17-27 who are facing challenges in becoming involved or staying involved in horse sports are invited to apply for the OYES scholarship. The scholarship is valued at $1,000 and is proudly sponsored by the Pittsburgh Polo Club, Mare Goods, and ‘Straight from the Horse Doctor’s Mouth’ Podcast by Springhill Equine Veterinary Clinic.
[Learn more about Optimum Youth Equestrian Scholarship]
U.S. Weekend Preview
Apple Knoll Farm H.T. (Millis, MA): [Website]
Fleur de Leap H.T. (Folsom, LA): [Website] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Jump Start H.T. (Lexington, KY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Maryland H.T. at Loch Moy Farm (Adamstown, MD): [Website] [Entries] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Spokane Sport Horse 8th Annual Fall H.T. (Spokane, WA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]
Sundance Farm H.T. (Plymouth, WI): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]
Tomora H.T. (Greeley, CO): [Website] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Wednesday News & Reading
Virginia Horse Trials has run for the final time at Virginia Horse Center in Lexington after event organizer Andy Bowles and the venue ownership were unable to reach new terms. While Andy hopes to continue running the event at a different venue, the Virginia Horse Center has also made moves to host an event on the same dates. More developments are yet to come with this story. [VHT and Virginia Horse Center Part Ways]
Longstanding equestrian publication The Chronicle of the Horse has come under new ownership after the company was sold to Global Equestrian Group. The Danish-based GEG has been steadily expanding its equestrian holdings in the U.S. and now owns a portfolio that includes Wellington International, Helgstrand Dressage, Beerbaum Stables, ShowGroundsLive, and other entities. Development of the publication’s digital offerings will be top of mind, GEG representatives said. [Global Equestrian Group Acquires COTH]
What matters most when it comes to producing a young horse? Their happiness, health, and longevity, naturally — but what are the things you should prioritize in order to cultivate those factors? Burghley winner Piggy March knows a thing or two about producing young horses not only to competitive success but to peak mental health, as well. She’s Caroline Culbertson’s latest guest on the excellent Noelle Floyd podcast, Equestrian Voices. [Staying Focused on What Matters with Young Horses]
It’s about that time to begin thinking about moving your horses onto a more supplemented diet as pastures begin to thin ahead of colder weather. But switching from primary pasture to more hay does require some considerations so as not to tilt the scales of the often-sensitive equine digestive system. [Safely Switching from Pasture Grass to Hay with KPP]
#TackFacts from Sterling Essentials: I remember having to just grit my teeth and deal with “helmet smell” when I was growing up, given the sad lack of options there were at the time for proper helmet de-smelling. I was all about the dryer sheets and Febreeze — kids, you’re lucky these days to have so many options to keep your helmet funk-free! Sterling Essentials recently added a helmet spray to their line-up of fresh-smelling natural products and let me tell you: I am HERE for it.
Hot on Horse Nation: In a new series, “Barn Aisle Chats”, Horse Nation is getting to know equestrians from all types of backgrounds. In the latest edition, HN writer Amanda Uechi Ronan sits down with Numa about (re) learning to ride as an adult and removing systemic barriers at the barn. [Barn Aisle Chats: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with Numa]
Sponsor Corner: Keep an eye out for a new ebook from Haygain all about optimizing your barn for the cold months.
Wednesday Video Break
Amelia Newcomb’s YouTube channel is full of gems, like this one on developing following elbows (a struggle I know all too well!).
