Photo via Ashley Johnson on Facebook.
If you’re in the Ocala area and looking for a way to help the local community, you might consider the Ocala Horse Alliance’s Black Stallion Reading Project. The University of Florida’s eventing team, helmed by 5* rider Ashley Johnson, recently donated their time to serve as referees for a kickoff fundraiser at the World Equestrian Center. The Black Stallion Reading Project kicks off in earnest now, aiming to encourage local kids to read, set goals, and learn about futures in the equestrian industry. The program will also provide links between local schools and local farms or equestrian centers.
U.S. Weekend Preview
Galway Downs 2023 Kickoff H.T. (Temecula, CA): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Sporting Days Farm February H.T. (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Three Lakes Winter I H.T. at Caudle Ranch (Groveland, FL): [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Wednesday News & Reading
Zoe Crawford has certainly not hung up her airvest, but she did toss on her dressage shad and take a spin in the hunter derby at Tryon recently. Seeing riders take a spin in a different discipline for mostly fun is always really cool to see — and it looks like her former eventer-turned-jumper, KBS Quick Strike, took to the gig well (despite a spook at the hay bales, bless those “brave” event horses). The pair took second in the derby, with a bit of cash to add to the pile. [Zoe Crawford Takes on the Hunters]
We’re keeping British rider Jeanette Brakewell in our thoughts as she recovers at home after a nasty fall from a younger horse. Despite losing consciousness in the fall onto hard, frozen ground, Jeanette did not sustain any head or neck injuries. She will spend some time recovering from several broken ribs and a compromised lung. [Jeanette Brakewell Recovering]
Leading musculoskeletal injury and biomechanics researcher Dr. Sue Stover presented findings of a study done on racehorse injuries recently at the American Association of Equine Practitioners conference. The results of the study show that we still have much to learn when it comes to reducing injuries, but Dr. Stover shares some interesting conclusions about the bone structures and repair efforts of the body. [Don’t Blame the Racing Surface]
We’re sad to say goodbye to legendary show jumper Shutterfly, the longtime partner of Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, who passed away at the age of 30. Meredith and “Petey” experienced much success despite many of the gelding’s quirks, which would in the end work to solidify their partnership through mutual understanding. In his honor, here’s a piece I worked on with Meredith for Noelle Floyd a few years ago — it was incredible to hear her talk about him and their bond, and it’s a story worth remembering.
Sponsor Corner
Doug Payne and Starr Witness. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.
Have you sent in your entry for the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International? We can’t wait to see you there! And if you plan to compete at both Southern Pines as well as Carolina International, you’ll receive free stabling between events to make life a little easier. More here.
Video Break
Just some moody scenes from this week’s USEF Elite and Pre-Elite training sessions:
