Thursday at Upperville
Friday, June 10 2011
With that old saying in mind that one picture is worth a thousand words, you all must make do with pixies as yesterday was a very long day and we collapsed as soon as we got home and fed our dog, who also collapsed after a long day accompanying us via golf cart on both sides of John Mosby Highway at Upperville. Because Upperville is too huge for one person to cover with a camera, we decided to concentrate on the jumpers on Thursday, because that’s part of the soul of Upperville and there is a committee to raise funds to improve the jumper rings similar to the hunter side which boasts great footing. Upperville show manager Tommy Lee Jones told us to speak with committee leader, rider/trainer Joe Fargis, and we caught up with him early Thursday evening. More on that later: if we don’t post photos and get out of here pdq we won’t get to ride our pony and that is one of our greatest joys… So, here are a few pix and ‘deep captions’ to describe Thursday at Upperville. Allen Richards and Copper Futures in the Adult Amateur Jumper class where they placed 2nd to Alison Wichman riding Mrs.
- Published in Lauren Gallops, Z-Blogs
Tissue Regeneration?
Thursday, June 09 2011
We’re doing it all wrong. To effectively treat lameness conditions in sport and race horses we need a paradigm shift in how these animals are managed by horsemen and veterinarians. Attending the North American Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Conference here in Lexington last week underscored that belief. Here is the quick and dirty of what I learned at that meeting: Stem cells injected into a joint are not magically finding their way to areas where the cartilage is worn off, and planting themselves there to generate new cartilage. Bummer. I was really hoping there was some possibility here, after other (non-equine) studies showed that stem cells might “home” to injured tissue.
- Published in Injecting Perspective, Z-Blogs
Upperville’s Oaks vs Heat Wave…
Thursday, June 09 2011
It’s tough for the oaks at Upperville to counteract this horribly muggy heat wave – like breathing underwater. We just don’t have much energy tonight
- Published in Lauren Gallops, Z-Blogs
How Do Horses Define Your Style?
Friday, June 03 2011
The Definition of Style Contest, sponsored by SmartPak Whether it’s the hay that’s decorating your hair when you rush into the office in the morning, or your favorite accessory with an equine twist, we know that somehow, horses define your style. So we partnered with SmartPak to ask you to show off your equestrian style! Read on: What stylish equestrian item can you not live without?
- Published in What's Happenin', Z-Blogs
Results of “Field Study” Prove Personal (Work) Theory
Thursday, May 26 2011
Okay, this is a quickie – have a CEQE about Lord Peter pending, but must finish deadlines first. This is all about why we stand up at our drafting table as if we are rock stars to write and edit pix. Sitting down broadens the bum, spreads the derriere, widens the caboose! We borrowed a wooden stool from dear friends who had a couple of extras. We liked the idea of the curved “saddle-seat” – yeah, well, there’s a reason why we got into the habit of standing up to work. It’s like standing in your irons in two-point or riding without irons: standing to work produces isometrics and movement.
- Published in Lauren Gallops, Z-Blogs
Bugs
Tuesday, May 24 2011
8% of all human DNA is viral in origin . Turns out, your little sister really does have cooties. Some of the genes she got from your parents that make her who she is: blue eyes and brown hair, started not entirely from human origin
- Published in Injecting Perspective, Z-Blogs
EHV-1: Making the Case for Universal Microchipping.
Sunday, May 22 2011
“If one of them have got it, then ten of them have got it now, and if one of them gets out . . . we have got a very interesting problem!” Dustin Hoffman, “Outbreak”, 1995 That very interesting problem was highly dramatized in Outbreak, a gem of a movie about an African monkey carrying a highly contagious flesh-eating disease that landed in the U.S. and caused an outbreak that threatened the existence of a small town, of the country, and of the very world we live in. Did I already say highly dramatized
- Published in On the Line, Z-Blogs
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