Karen O’Connor and Biko, owned by Richard and Vita Thompson. Image via the USEA Hall of Fame.
Hearts are heavy this morning with the loss of two venerable horsemen: Richard Thompson and Jim Ligon both shared a love of announcing and were influential figures in equestrian sports. Thompson, owner of several international eventers, passed away Tuesday morning, and Ligon, a past president of the United States Pony Clubs, died Monday evening. Our thoughts are with their families, friends and connections. We’ll update you with additional memorial details and tributes as they arise.
While the Olympic dreams of our North American riders are on the line at Bromont (expect John’s Bromont Bonanza to resume shortly), Bramham hosts a similar scene for the coveted fifth spot on Team GB: “Received wisdom is that four of the five [Olympic] eventers will be William Fox-Pitt (exact horse t.b.d. as he has so many), Mary King (Imperial Cavalier), Nicola Wilson (Opposition Buzz) and Piggy French (Jakata, who won confidently at Houghton Hall last week), with the remaining slot between five riders.” [Telegraph] [Bramham]
Tattersalls that was: Relive the weekend’s Irish three-day adventure via video recap, including behind-the-scenes footage, a course walk with Captain Geoff Curran, an interview with William Fox-Pitt and more. [RTE]
Twenty years ago in Barcelona, young Andrew Nicholson pulled nine rails and cost his team an Olympic gold medal. But he’s matured since then, and his hopes for Nereo in London are somewhat higher. Alongside Mark Todd, Nicholson’s also set to become one of the first New Zealanders to compete in seven Olympic Games. [Herald]
The last time Dieke Dresch, 25, rode in a classic format event, she got bucked off on roads and tracks and lost control in the vet box. But this weekend she redeemed herself, winning the Indiana Eventing Association’s Training Three-Day aboard her own Razor’s Edge. [USEA]
The June 5 closing date of Area 8’s Encore Horse Trials might’ve passed, but organizers assure us post entries are being accepted through the 15th with a $25 late fee. Get in! [Encore]
The China National Equestrian Team has been formed with a focus on show jumping, dressage and eventing and will aim for the 2014 Asian Games and 2016 Olympics. [Horsetalk]
SmartPak for Positive Riding: Up your mental game with three attitude-adjusting tips. [SmartPak]
Infections, reactions, arteries: Familiarize yourself with the risks before administering your horse’s injections. [COTH]
Skeletons, plascitine, puzzle pieces: Teaching (and learning) equine anatomy, past and present. [Jurga Report]
Most Ridiculous Headline: Jubileetion as royal racehorse takes top prize
HN Today: For Chelsea Alexander, 20, equestrian and student at Queen Mary University of London, an anonymous gesture of kindness made riding dreams a reality—and changed the course of her life in the process. [A Very Generous Benefactor]
Found on Facebook: I’ll Have Another Pedicure. That’s right: “By the kind generosity of Paul and Zillah Reddam, Team O’Neill, and jockey Mario Gutierrez, $20 (about the price of a pedicure) will… be donated FOR EACH PHOTO POSTED HERE of purple pedicures to Thoroughbred Charities of America (www.tca.org). Only posts here will count towards this fundraising effort.” [Paint Your Toes Purple]
Best of the Blogs: “The track where the 2012 Belmont Stakes will be run is affectionately known as ‘Big Sandy,’ and since the opening of Belmont Park, Big Sandy has been making horse racing history. History can be dry at times, but Belmont Park — as you are about to see — is a site where it comes alive.” [The Vault]
