Coming up this weekend in the States, Galway Downs International, which features divisions from Novice through 4*-S. Last year’s 4* winner came in the form of eventing hero Tamie Smith with the equally heroic Mai Baum just four weeks before they were crowned Kentucky champs at The Best Weekend All Year. Tamie’s back for another spin ’round Galway Downs – will she also return to defend her title at Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event? Entries are imminent – eyes on!
Galway Downs has put a call-out for volunteers. If you’re able to help out, here’s the link.
Galway Downs International H.T. (Temecula, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring] [Tickets]
On the other side of the pond, eventers, course designers, judges, crew, volunteers and eventing fans are all thinking sunny thoughts ahead of this weekend’s BEDE Events’ Thoresby Eventing Spring Carnival. Hailed as the starting point for this season’s pathway to Paris, the 4*-S has drawn a whopping 126 entries as riders clamor to be at the top of the pack to break into the most elite of teams. The competition is hot, hot, hot, that’s for sure – fingers crossed for the weather to match. The entry list is basically straight out of the who’s who of British and Irish eventing – with an Olympic gold medalist, the World Champion, the European Champion, and the reigning Badminton, Burghley, Maryland, Luhmuhlen and Pau winners all in the line up. There’s also representation for New Zealand, the Netherlands, France, Italy, South Africa and Japan, with Cosby Green and Grace Taylor flying the Stars and Stripes for the States. If you’re not able to be there to witness all this eventing glory in the flesh, you can follow along with what’s sure to be a superb competition with H&C+ (subscription required). And if you just can’t wait to find out what the cross country course has in store for this truly world-class bunch, here’s a teaser from Captain Mark Philips.
Last year’s Carnival was a very, very wet one. If Galway Downs could send us some California sunshine, we’d be most grateful!
BEDE Events’ Thoresby Eventing Spring Carnival (UK) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Live Stream]
As ever, we’ll be bringing you all of the eventing news from this week’s competitions, so keep it locked on to EN and go eventing!
U.S. Weekend Preview
Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (Fairburn, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]
Galway Downs International H.T. (Temecula, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]
Jumping Branch Farm Spring H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Morven Park Spring H.T. (Leesburg, VA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
The Event at TerraNova (Myakka City, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring] [Live Stream]
International Events
BEDE Events’ Thoresby Eventing Spring Carnival (UK) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Live Stream]
Wednesday News and Reading
Eventing hits the Sydney mainstream media thanks to this pair of Aussie legends. Eight-time Olympian Andrew Hoy made his Olympic debut four decades ago, and he’s hoping to make it nine this summer. At 65, he’s determined not to let his age get in the way of constant improvement – he’s just along for the ride and focusing on putting one hoof in front of the other. The story also covers Shane Rose’s recent accident and recovery, and despite extensive breaks and fractures, Shane’s still hoping to be alongside Andrew on the Australian team in Paris.
In the market for a new best friend but want to make sure you’re swiping right on the right horse for you before handing over the cash? Then don’t leave the house before you’ve checked out this Ultimate Guide to Buying Your Dream Horse, which covers all the questions you should be asking, all the things to watch out for when viewing horses, all the red flags you’ll probably come across and all the pro tips you’ll need when it comes to selecting the perfect partner.
Construction worker has “real shock” as he uncovers “a face”. Eventing news? Well, yes, actually. The face turned out to be belong to an ancient statue, thought to be from the First or Second Century, and it’s had a ring-side seat to all the Burghley eventing action since the first running of the event in 1961 (well, kind of – it’s been buried under a parking lot). The artifact has now been conserved and is on display in Burghley House.
Hot on Horse Nation: Five historic horsewomen you should know. Equestrian history is full of famous women working in every discipline you can imagine, from rodeo to the racetrack, and even a few disciplines you haven’t thought of – like fortunetelling! Check out these five unsung women equestrians who blazed their own trails.
The Gay Polo League has teamed up with the Elton John AIDS foundation for their Florida fundraiser. The 2024 Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament starts on Thursday April 4th in Wellington, Florida and runs through Saturday. Initiated to raise money “to help LGBTQ+ organizations better serve our communities”, the flagship event will host a ‘Wigstock’ extravaganza on the Friday night with celebrations – and wigs – in aid of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Sponsor Corner
Looking for a minifarm to call home? 6861 NW 54TH Loop, Ocala could be it! This 4+ acre farm is located just 4 miles from the World Equestrian Center. Amenities include a 3-stall center aisle barn, access to community bridle paths, outdoor riding ring, and beautiful pastures. Check it out.
Video Break
I was totally glued to this year’s edition of Road to the Horse and hollered with the best of them when eventing reigned supreme in the Western world thanks to horseman extraordinaire – and our hero – Tik Maynard.
If you were as inspired as me by the awesome display put on by the World Championship competitors, join me in trying out these three simple groundwork exercises, as explained by Road to the Horse competitor and recipient of the Jack Brainard Horsemanship Award Donal Hancock.
