Could this be the official teaser for London 52’s annual – iconic – first jump post-holiday video?
We admire him through the eventing season as the classy, talented, 5* winner that he is, but Laura Collett needs her sticky bum pants on when she brings him back into work after his break, that’s for sure.
If you missed last year’s video, you’ll find it here. Sound on for squeaks.
We wait in anticipation for this year’s edition…
In the meantime, we can’t wait to see what Laura’s going as for the ‘Fancy Dress Party Relay’ on Sunday at London International Horse Show, where she’ll ride Dacapo dressed in something “outrageous”. Details of how to watch below.
PS – It’s National Day of the Horse today, so extra treats for our equine pals is like, the law.
U.S. Weekend Preview
It’s that time of year – nothing to add here.
Major International Events
London International Horse Show (Wednesday December 13th – Monday December 18th) [Website] [Tickets] [Program] [Scoring]
How to Watch: [UK] [FEI Classes: FEI TV (via ClipMyHorse.TV)] [Non-FEI Classes: H&C+]
Wednesday News and Reading
Grooms are the essential workers without whom eventing couldn’t function. We’ve partnered with Achieve Equine this year to spotlight the incredible efforts of supergrooms across the industry — and now, we want to know who you think is the greatest of them all. Drop your nominations here by December 27 and your favorite groom could win a ton of great prizes plus bragging rights that’ll sustain them through the off-season.
The story of a mom, a life-size model of a horse, a long hack, and Prince William. Emma Webb is due to arrive at London International Horse Show today after walking 160 miles in 19 days – a journey she’s making in memory of her daughter Brodie, who died in 2020. She hopes to raise awareness of mental ill health by pulling the life-size model of a horse all the way from Chepstow in Wales to the London show venue. A keen rider, Brodie used to attend London International with her mom. Along the way, Emma’s fundraising for charities Riders Minds, which supports the mental health and wellbeing of equestrians, and Papyrus, which works for the prevention of young suicide. There was a royal surprise on the thirteenth day of her trip when Prince William joined the walk to support Emma’s efforts, and to give the horse a pat. You can find out more about Emma’s journey by following Doitforbrodie, and if you’d like to donate, you’ll find the JustGiving page here. [Prince of Wales Joins Fundraising Horse Walk]
After almost a century of campaigning by World Horse Welfare, the live export of horses for slaughter is finally set to end. The Bill has been introduced into UK Parliament and covers cattle, sheep and pigs as well as horses. It’s a huge milestone for World Horse Welfare, whose Chief Executive is “delighted” that the charity’s longstanding work is finally coming to fruition. UK readers can support the Bill by contacting their MP via this easy to use link. The campaign continues in the EU, but animal lovers can celebrate this very clear step in the right direction. [The Long Road to Positive Change]
In celebrity horse dad news, Mark Wahlberg’s been sharing the stress of watching his daughter take to the show jumping ring. It only takes a glance at thirteen-year-old Grace’s IG account to see that she’s a horse girl through and through, and whilst Mark is sweating in the stands, Grace has her sights set on Olympic call- up in the future. You go girl! [Dream Big]
A throwback to a horse who truly was the star of the show. Incomparable in his ability to play a wild horse in the movies (because he was, frankly, uncontrollable), Rex was the first horse to be given the star billing, with his name topping the cast heading above his human co-stars. Described as “the smartest horse” his handler had ever worked with (and he’d worked with a bunch of very smart horses), Rex was as talented as he was vicious. Here’s the fascinating story of this one-of-a-kind actor. [Action!]
Sponsor Corner
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Video Break
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl’s been getting into the Christmas spirit with her little daughter and Olympic champion TSF Dalera, prancing along in passage as they giddy up around the indoor school together. There may not be sleigh bells jingle-ing as they ride in a wonderland of snow, but it’s a pretty darn cute video all the same.
