Wednesday News & Notes from SmartPak

Peggy Sue is making herself at home at Gavilan Farm. Photo via Will Faudree Eventing FB page.

It seems like there are more and more esoteric pets to accompany the pack of dogs and cats in every barn. Jennie Brannigan has a pet goat who accompanies her staff in their yoga sessions while Will Faudree has picked up this adorable little pig companion. What will come next, a llama? An emu? Personally, I think some nice chinchillas would liven a barn right up.

National Holiday: Ride the Wind Day

Major Events This Week:

Richland Park: WebsiteScheduleRide TimesLive ScoresEN’s Coverage

Millstreet: Website, Entries, Ride Times & Live Scoring, EN’s Coverage

Blair Castle ERM: Website, Ride Times, Live StreamERM Leaderboard

U.S. Weekend Preview:

Town Hill Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Loudoun Hunt Pony Club H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Feather Creek Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Shepherd Ranch SYVPC H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Caber Farm H.T. [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

The Event at Archer H.T. [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]

Your Wednesday News & Notes:

Don’t miss the newest episode of the Eventing Podcast, which features a full breakdown of the exciting weekend at the European Championships in Strzegom. You can download on iTunes for free or listen at this link. [Listen Here]

Wylie, our Mongolian Princess, has begun to spin her tale. My eyes were about to pop out of my head as Wylie spun a yarn of her first day, all the more compelling because it’s true. As mesmerizing as it was to see her catch the lead in the Mongolian Derby after the first day, hearing the tale is beyond compare. [Wait, I’m Winning?]

Courtney Carson has degrees in chemistry, mathematics and journalism but can’t tear herself away from the horse industry. After riding through Intermediate with the O’Donoughues and Jan Bynny while in college, Courtney decided to have a go at grooming professionally. She spent a summer grooming for a jumper t the Vermont Summer Festival before hooking up with Doug and Jessica Payne’s operation. Now balancing eventers and jumpers every week, Carson has become an integral part of the Paynes’ success. [Courtney Carson Has Found Her Calling]

Chris Bartle is already working his magic in Britain. After coaching the German team to undeniable success over the past decade, Christopher Bartle has returned to help his home country return to success. He’s off to a swell start with a win at the Europeans for GBR. [9 Facts About Christopher Bartle]

The American Trakehner Association (ATA) is pleased to announce its 2017 Convention to be held Nov. 8-12 at Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Tryon, North Carolina. The ATA convention will once again be held in conjunction with the Young Horse Show Series. The ATA convention will feature an array of activities from board meetings to stallion inspections, mare inspections, the mare performance test, branding, a jumping derby and much more – all showcasing the versatile Trakehner horse. A complete schedule of events and registration information is available on the ATA website. [American Trakehner Association]

SmartPak Product of the Day: It’s the end of summer, so most people are longing for the day they can put away their fly masks. However, if your horse is the type to go through them, now is the time to stock up in Smart Pak’s end of summer sale. [SmartPak]