Full disclosure: I’m a bit of a biomechanics nerd these days. I fully believe that we as riders should understand the workings of our bodies as they relate to our horse. It’s really not about being “fit” or “strong” (both things I think should be a part of lives, to be fair), but rather about understanding how we affect our horses. In my mind, learning about these relationships and strengthening the body parts we use in the saddle is about bettering our relationships to our horses. Of course, the happy side effects are greater levels of fitness, body awareness and, relatedly, body control. I’ve recently discovered the @ifa.fit Instagram page, which is chock full of fitness and body awareness education. There are several fitness pages catering to equestrians, but you can start here for some great pointers!
U.S. Weekend Preview
Full Gallop Farm January H.T. (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Volunteer]
Rocking Horse Winter I H.T. (Altoona, FL): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Wednesday News & Reading
If you’re like, well, most people reading this, you’ve likely dealt with performance anxiety and all around nerves. Well, Boyd Martin wants to help you work through those, and he’s launching a new webinar series aimed at working through those nerves that tend to show up at the most inopportune time. This first webinar in the series is happening January 31, at 7 p.m. EST. Tickets are available for purchase here.
Waredaca got a facelift in the off-season! We’re big fans of all the opportunity Waredaca provides to eventers of all levels, and this new indoor is sure to make the regulars quite happy! [An Indoor Facelift at Waredaca]
Essex Horse Trials will shift its date once more in 2023, this time scheduling its popular competition June 3-4. Key for this special event is its recent relocation of the dressage and show jumping phases to the storied USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone. Like competing in Yankee Stadium, Nancy Jaffer writes, and it’s true! Make sure to mark this event on your schedule. More on the new dates and what’s coming in 2023 here.
Key takeaways from this year’s USEF Annual Meeting have been published on the US Equestrian website, offering summaries of important sessions held throughout the week. I found this summary of recent safety equipment surveys to be interesting, and you can read more of the reports here.
It’s been awhile since we caught up with RF Demeter — and given her stunning presence in the first phase of competition it’s hardly a surprise she’s rocking it in the dressage world these days! Catch up with “Demi” and her current partner, Amira Cooney, here.
Sponsor Corner: You can experience this year’s Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International from a whole new angle with reservation of Carolina Club tickets! Premier ringside viewing, provided daily breakfast and lunch, and an open bar?? You had me at, well, open bar, if I’m being honest… Click here to join the Carolina Club!
Wednesday Video Break
When your 5* horse is scared of….things…
