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Before we consign the 2023 edition of Defender Burghley to the record books and look forward to the rest of the eventing season, I’d just like to take a hot minute to celebrate the runners-up, David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed, who won the Avebury Award for the best cross country round after storming home nine seconds under the optimum time, one of only two combinations make the time this year.
In a week that saw Tim Price and Vitali put down the best dressage score Burghley has ever seen, and Ballaghmor Class adding another win to his accolades, continuing his form of never being outside the top-5 in his nine 5* runs, David Doel and his lovely gelding joined an exclusive club of their own.
Since 2008, 974 combinations have trotted-up at Burghley, and just nine of those combinations have managed that elusive eventing score — finishing on their dressage, and David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed are one of them.
At Burghley, it’s an achievement more rare than winning.
U.S. Weekend Preview
Applewood Farm YEH & Mini Event (Califon, NJ) [Website] [YEH Ride Times] [Mini Event Ride Times]
CDCTA Fall H.T. (Berryville, VA) [Website] [Volunteer]
Five Points H.T. (Raeford, NC) [Website] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Flora Lea Fall H.T. (Medford, NJ) [Website] [Entries][Ride Times]
Larkin Hill Fall H.T. (North Chatham, NY) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Wednesday News and Reading
There’s the opportunity to join Phillip Dutton’s team right now. Based in Florida through the winter, and Pennsylvania the rest of the year, Dutton Eventing is looking for a traveling groom. If you fancy being part of the Dutton action, check out how to apply. [Cool Opportunity]
The Real Rider Cup hit a fundraising milestone recently – having raised over half a million dollars for OTTB organizations. This unique show jumping competition sees jockeys and their Thoroughbreds compete to raise awareness and funds for retired racehorses to have fulfilling careers post track. [Fundraising for Futures]
We know that horses are super-sensitive to our stress – it seems that they are drawn to our joy too. Research has found that our equine pals are able to associate our facial expressions with our vocal tone, and are confused if the two are at odds. They’re also more drawn to happy faces than sad ones, showing their preference in the increased amount of time they look at us for if we’re smiley. So, whilst it’s absolutely OK for you to sniffle into your horse’s shoulder when you feel sad, when you’re not, make sure you cash in on the extra time your horse will want to spend with you by turning those corners up and breaking out your cheery voice. [Smiley Happy People]
TIME explores the enduring legacy of the horsewoman through this intergenerational story of strength and resilience found in horses. It’s a history that spans decades and continents, and is fueled by defiance in the face of violence, with Caspian horses – and the women who rode them – at its very core. [In Their Veins]
Staying with the mainstream media, The New Yorker considers choosing horses over babies. There are undoubtedly pros and cons on both sides of this argument, and this illustrated look at filling your barn – rather than your house – with family, goes deeper than first impressions may suggest. Reading it, I was reminded of the Walt Whitman poem ‘I Think I Could Turn and Live With Animals’, a refrain I’ve repeated so often since I first read it as a child that it’s a familiar soundtrack in my life. Anyhoo, this is clearly a deceptively thought-provoking piece, so have at it. [Stable Vs Nursery]
And finally, if you have a foot fetish, this is the one for you. This article looks at the history of horses’ feet – from the toes they once had, to busting the myth that those same toes are now encased in the hoof. It’s toe-curling stuff, that’s for sure. [Hoof History]
Sponsor Corner
Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C. USEA/Meagan DeLisle photo.
Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C, owned by Ocala Horse Properties and Deborah Palmer, took a nail-biting win at the AECs over the weekend! Get all the details here.
Video Break
It’s twenty years since eventing legend Pippa Funnell became the first (and only in the long format) winner of the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. Here’s a throwback to the Kentucky, Badminton and Burghley wins that culminated in her taking this most elusive and prestigious eventing title.
