It’s A Whole New World
Friday, May 13 2011
HorseShow.com ‘s online network opens a world of possibilities for dressage enthusiasts of all ages and abilities In today’s uncertain economy, times are tough for almost everyone, and horse enthusiasts are no exception. With increasing membership dues and entry fees, rising costs for feed and supplies, and skyrocketing fuel prices, equine budgets are stretched to the max. As a result of these increasing expenses, many riders are forced to make difficult decisions as to whether or not they can even afford to compete in horse shows; and if making the financial commitment to compete, exhibitors must be more certain than ever that they are truly ready for the level of competition they will face, and maximize that showing opportunity to gain the most points towards year-end awards, or the required qualifying score for championships. HorseShow.com , an online horse show network, offers a revolutionary way to assess a horse and rider’s readiness for competition and receive expert feedback without the expense of actually traveling to a live show. Video entries are now being accepted for HorseShow.com ‘s Spring Dressage Festival, which offers classes for Training through Fourth Level and the FEI tests, and will be judged by renowned USEF and FEI official Natalie Lamping. In addition, HorseShow.com is offering a “Focus on Dressage Equitation” division, open to all age riders. “I think this is a tremendous opportunity for dressage riders to get a judge’s feedback about where they stand,” said Lamping. “Do you feel solid at your level but want to get extra practice and feedback before your next big show? Are you thinking about moving up a level but want to be sure you’re ready? Or maybe you live in an area without many dressage shows. For all of these riders, the HorseShow.com network can be an invaluable resource.” Entering a digital horse show is easy. By visiting the HorseShow.com website, a rider can sign up for a free membership and set up a profile for her horse. As a bonus, new members receive enough online “credits” so that their first class entry is free. Competitors can then upload a video of their test of choice, filmed from the comfort of their own facility.
- Published in What's Happenin', Z-Blogs
Spring Reveal at Spruce Meadows!
Wednesday, May 11 2011
(SPRUCE MEADOWS, Calgary, AB): There are a few sure indications of the arrival of spring: the swelling of buds on the trees, tulips poking up through the newly thawed ground, street sweepers out gathering up all the gravel that was spread on the icy, winter roads. There are a few additional signs at Spruce Meadows that usher in spring: new foals, construction and the removal of the tarps from the grass of the International Ring.
- Published in What's Happenin', Z-Blogs
Now I Know Why.
Wednesday, May 11 2011
It’s all about who you know. It’s all about working those connections
- Published in On the Line, Z-Blogs
Rolex Part IV: The Wrap.
Tuesday, May 03 2011
The interwebs are awash with photo galleries of this past weekend’s exciting events in Kentucky. How did we ever live without instant access everything? No matter where you were in the world over the weekend, you could almost instantly sift through endless photos of your favorite rider jumping through the Head of the Lake, relive every ride via the excellent www.USEFnetwork.com , or read detailed analysis of each phase by a herd of eventing-obsessed equestrian journalists the world over.
- Published in On the Line, Z-Blogs
Role Part III: Reining Meets Eventing
Sunday, May 01 2011
Here’a a few quick photos from the eveinings reining events at the Kentucky Horse Park last night. Karen O’Connor must not have been too tired after riding two horses around a 4* cross country track yesterday…. because she gave the Alltech Arena a hell of a show when she picked up the reins and rode a reining pattern. And not to be outdone, David reined as well -bridleless- Check out Cheval Photos’ online store for more shots and a growing library from the weekend. Stadium jumping begins today at 1pmEST – MUCH more to come! Her breeches and tall boots are an excellent touch.
- Published in On the Line, Z-Blogs
Rolex Part II: Flatwork Takes Many Forms.
Saturday, April 30 2011
It was all about the flatwork Friday at the Kentucky Horse Park. Flatwork, in the form of the Rolex KY 3-Day Event’s dressage phase, and flatwork in the form of sleek and shiny reiners inside the Alltech Arena. On the Line has a great appreciation for reining , enough so that even after staying awake (kidding, kidding, it was all excellent) through the eventing dressage, I was motivated to watch today’s reining competition via USEFnetwork’s excellent live online coverage. For those of us who can’t be onsite in KY this weekend, USEF’s online stream has provided a great window into Rolex and now the Kentucky Reining Cup, so three cheers for them. I plan on parking myself in front of the computer tomorrow morning at 10:00amEST for the broadcast of cross country day, to watch 45 riders much braver than I navigate the soggy footing that’s been the topic of so much conversation this week.
- Published in On the Line, Z-Blogs
Rolex Part I: Where Luck and Talent Coincide.
Friday, April 29 2011
On the Line has every excuse for dropping off the Internet blogosphere for a week or so. First of all, there is very little that could top John French’s epic save , as featured in the previous post. Second of all, post-WEF recovery takes up a significant amount of one’s time. Pools need laying next to, cocktails need sipping. . . .well, actually, it seems that it doesn’t matter whether or not it’s season, certain equine bloggers are perpetually buried in “real” work. And most importantly, just what has been happening in the horse world these past two weeks?
- Published in On the Line, Z-Blogs
The Close Call Fall.
Saturday, April 16 2011
Who among us hasn’t had one of those am-I-or-aren’t-I, eyeballing the ground, thrown up the neck, hanging on for dear life close calls? You know what I’m talking about – when you’re very, very close to ending up with your butt in the dirt, but at the last possible second, you pull your shoulders back with a mighty effort, your horse puts his neck back up instead of farther down, and you’re saved -this time- from picking sand out of your shirt collar. It’s the close call fall. John French experienced a very public close call fall yesterday afternoon during the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby class at the Blenheim Spring Classic III in San Juan Capistrano, CA. With six mounts entered in the class, and being the freakishly consistent competitor that he is, John rarely leaves a high level derby without a ribbon in hand. And yesterday was no different; he placed 4th with Pimm’s Cup, owned by Whitney Miller. But after fence 1 during the handy round, a big, bright white wall going towards a crowd of spectators, his round on Oscany Inc.’s Clooney took a surprise turn. ”I don’t know what happened,” said John after the class.
- Published in On the Line, Z-Blogs
Mainstream In All the Wrong Ways.
Thursday, April 14 2011
Guess what? Horse sports are making mainstream headlines this week! Is it all that On the Line was hoping and dreaming for in the previous, heartwarming post about stellar horseman Buck Brannaman’s big-screen debut? Are previously uninterested riders considering taking up riding themselves, and spreading love for horse sports around the globe? Sadly, no. This horse news is, in fact, the opposite of what On the Line was hoping for. The shining spotlight of the mainstream news media has been squarely focused on one event that has caught attention in all the wrong ways: The Grand National.
- Published in On the Line, Z-Blogs