A website every show jumper should know...

World of Show Jumping

This website is really fun, pretty much gives you the show jumping results by the next day at the latest. What I really love about it is how easy it is to read the articles, straight to the point, and they always have rider interviews post show.

http://www.worldofshowjumping.com/.

On Facebook and on Twitter

John Pearce, he wins everything.

I watched the Estes Park Grand Prix last month (I live 20 minutes away!), of course John Pearce won again.  It was kind of a sad turnout though, they ended up opening the Prix to a 1.30m division as well. So the jumps went down, then they went up again.  BUT, I think it was a great way to give the opportunity to some younger riders to be exposed to the Grand Prix ring.

In the long run, it doesn't really matter if no one showed up because John Pearce would have won either way!

And it looks like he won again in the SmartPak $25,000 Grand Prix yesterday too!

John Pearce on Son of Gun $25k SmartPak Grand Prix @ESI Photography.

Can't hate the guy for winning.

Hampton Classic Grand Prix Tomorrow!! YAY!!

McLain Ward rode to a 1st place and 3rd place finish at the Hampton Classic Grand Prix Qualifier.  His first place mount, Rothchild, had the fastest jump off time. McLain has won this Grand Prix six times!

64 horses started out in the $50,000 Spy Coast Farm Grand Prix qualifier, but only 30 will proceed on to the $250,000 Grand Prix FEI final/World Cup Qualifter tomorrow, September 1st.  

Watch and follow tomorrow with these links on twitter and video.

Ward should be a fun one to watch!!

Shawn McMillen Photography

McLain in the $50,000 Spy Coast Grand Prix Qualifier at Hampton Classic

Who will be riding in the Prix tomorrow (yay Beezie Madden too!):

entry #	horse / owner	rider
136	LACAROLUS MRN FAMILY CORP	DEREK BRAUN
137	CYRANEIKY SPLIT ROCK FARM, INC.	DEREK BRAUN
158	SANDOR DE LA POMME MARY TYREE	CATHERINE TYREE
205	SLIEVEANORRA EQUINIMITY LLC	RICHIE MOLONEY
232	HH DARK DE LA HART DOUBLE H FARM	QUENTIN JUDGE
240	MARK Q KEVIN BABINGTON	KEVIN BABINGTON
320	EVENING STAR RALPH CARISTO	HEATHER CARISTO WILLIAMS
366	OLYMPIC DE CHAMANT SAGAMORE FARMS	JOHNATHAN CORRIGAN
402	JUVINA GOTHAM ENTERPRIZES, LLC	GEORGINA BLOOMBERG
411	COLORADO CANDY TRIBBLE & WINDSOR STABLES	JONATHAN MCCREA
478	DYNAMO AMALAYA INVESTMENTS	MEAGAN NUSZ
595	VOYEUR AMALAYA INVESTMENTS	KENT FARRINGTON
634	NICE DE PRISSEY REMARKABLE FARMS LP	BRIANNE GOUTAL
830	BONANZA VAN PAEMEL PASMORE STABLES, LLC	CATHERINE PASMORE
838	CHILL R Z PONY LANE FARM	CHARLIE JAYNE
841	WOKLAHOMA ARK PARTNERS LLC	ROBERTO TERAN
853	BOTTOM LINE KAREN POLLE	KAREN POLLE
865	UBRIS CHARTWELL	SARAH SEGAL
897	ARAGON ROUET WALSTIB STABLES LLC	MEG O'MARA
904	PICOLO OAKLAND VENTURES LLC	DARRAGH KENNY
911	LASKARA R MR & MRS BERTRAM FIRESTONE	ALISON ROBITAILLE
934	KISMET 50 BELLISSIMO LLC	CANDICE KING
957	ASLAN LJUBOV KOCHETOVA	LJUBOV KOCHETOVA
970	S & L SLINGBACK ADRIENNE STERNLICHT	ADRIENNE STERNLICHT
1017	ROTHCHILD SAGAMORE FARMS	MCLAIN WARD
1027	URAGUAY LEGACY STABLES, LLC	TODD MINIKUS
1065	CORAL REEF VIA VOLO CORAL REEF RANCH	BEEZIE MADDEN
1100	THE MAN TO SEE FAIR PLAY FARM	JAMES NORTH
1147	GLORY DAYS GRANT ROAD PARTNERS LLC	KATIE DINAN
1178	WHITNEY ST. BRIDE'S FARM	RAMIRO QUINTANA
1306	CYKLON 1083 SPY COAST FARM, LLC	SHANE SWEETNAM
1307	DIKTATOR VAN DE BOSLANDHOEVE SPY COAST FARM, LLC	SHANE SWEETNAM
1311	FINE MAN SWEET OAK FARM	SHANE SWEETNAM
1348	VDL TORLANDO TORLANDO GROUP	CALLAN SOLEM
1555	NOVEMBER WINDSOR FARM SALES	ALEXA LOWE-WISEMAN
1675	AMIGO HOLLOW CREEK FARM	ANGEL KAROLYI
1747	ZERLY CANDY TRIBBLE & WINDSOR STABLES	CHRISTINE MCCREA

I am not the only one...

This may better explain me...in fact this is me!  Lol, courtesy of Animo.

Bikes and horse stuff, YES!

I just love bikes, horses...and men!  

And yes, I do have another blog dedicated to cycling http://girlbikes.blogspot.com/

Gijon Nations Cup Today!

Gijon Nations Cup today and all ladies!

USA's Riders:

Reed Kessler on Wolf

Saer Coulter on Springtime
Lucy Davis on Barron

Lauren Hough on Tackeray

FEI TV is $34/month to watch these types of events online, you can sign up here.

You can also follow on twitter for free updates or check the Youtube FEI channel.

Animo, Pikeur, and Spooks Popular And We Can See Why...

If you want to look like you belong in that show ring, consider buying a Spooks, Animo, or Pikeur riding jacket.  Even some of the hunters are wearing them.  Finally, a riding jacket that compliments a figure not make us look like a box.  No overheating and throw in the washer.  Remember when riding jackets only came in like 2 colors and were made of wool, yuck...say good by to those days!

Consider buying from overseas, it may save you a few bucks.  Most of the stuff is cheaper in the UK. For example, a Spooks riding jacket could cost you as little as $300 (see elbow patch below), but at a tack store you could spend up to $450 on that same jacket!

Pikeur Jackets.  Note, you can find some on dover.com in the $200 range.

This is my favorite Pikeur, called the Epsom, comes in 36 different combinations.  You can switch out the velvet collar and piping!  $400.00

Pikeur Irina Show Jacket in Bronze and black.  More affordable options on ebay for $324.00!

Check out more styles on their trailer...

Animo An Italy based equestrian company, they also have golf clothes...and cute pockets!  Some of the offerings are not found in the US very easily so if you find something you really like the best way is to order from a UK based company like Equiporium.

This Animo jacket is my favorite, the Lasal, it's just stylish enough but remains traditional.

Animo Lenny Jacket comes with crystal detailing in black, grey, navy, and red.

Animo Lorely Jacket, with some cute zippers and detailing

Animo has some very pretty color options

The 2013 Video Promo Video.  Besides their jackets, they have the cutest breeches.

Spooks, an Australian based company and really popular in America.  Their jackets run between $300-$500.

One of my favorites, the brown.  This would look so cute with a brown velvet helmet

They tend to stay a little more traditional then Animo, but still have some fun colors.

 Love the pink piping!

If I bought one it most certainly would have the elbow patch!  $308, not bad!

Gijon FEI Nations Cup Tomorrow

Gijon FEI Nations Cup tomorrow, Saturday Aug 31st.

USA's Riders:

Reed Kessler on Wolf

Saer Coulter on Springtime
Lucy Davis on Barron

Lauren Hough on Tackeray

FEI TV is $34/month to watch these types of events online, you can sign up here.

You can also follow on twitter for free updates or check the Youtube FEI channel.

Would you like to have a seat?

Clever.

Compression for horsies

How a human athlete recovers from hard work-out is an insight as to how we should care for our athletic equine partner.

I run and cycle, among other sports I have tried, compression socks are amazing! They work especially well when you are on your feet all day so consider for post-horse show work.  People use them during their workouts as well and boost their athletic performance, however, I think the key time to use is post-exercise to assist in recovery. 

Compression Socks Benefits:

• Improve circulation, therefore, improving recovery time
• The microfibers support the muscles in the leg, offering support and giving your muscles a break 
• Helps relieve pain
• Helps with edema and swelling
• Reduces the risk of blood clots and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) 
• Helps with fatigue of muscles

2XU would be my choice in human compression socks, also they have compression items for other body parts like arms, full upper body, shoulders, full legs, and thighs.  Same with Equifit, which has compression items for other joints of the horse.

Human compression sock, comes in cute colors buy here

So if it helps with all that on humans, why wouldn't it help our best equine friend?!  Equifit seems to think so, they have a huge product line of compression type items that also emit mineral oil. Some riders use it after heavy work or during.  (people also wear compression socks during workout, but I personal feel like the difference is recovery so just throw them on after your ride).  It's the same thought concept as a standing wrap but these socks are more advance and will yield better results.

Another use for these would be to place under your brush boots to add extra protecting out on the cross country course, fox hunt, or hack through tall grass.  Also great for bed sore protection!

Gel Sock by Equifit

Recovery compression pumps would be a step up from just the compression socks, they provide all the benefits of the compression socks plus some.  In addition they assist in removing waste from the body (free radicals that form after heavy exercise) to aide in recovery.  Most pumps have a hand held or electronic piece that actually pumps you or your horse's legs.  They kind of slowly compression until hey are squeezing your left for about 1-2 minutes then release, then repeat again.  Very effective and relaxing.  

Recovery Pump For People

And the equine version, which also provides ice therapy (feasibly you could buy the equine version and use it on you!)

Equifit has ton's of other recovery and support products, so check it out.

Who uses these horse compression items, well some big names like Karen O'Conner, McLain Ward, Phillip Dutton, and much more! 

Sale This Weekend!

Adam's Saddlery online is having a Labor Day Weekend Sale!  Save up to $150 and free shipping over $100!!

Some Good Deals

Hi All!

I started a new page on my blog where I will share weekly tack deals I find online.  I do a lot of bargain shopping, I like nice things, but I need to be reasonable with money.  I decided to share the knowledge.

Check out the page here (also tabbed on top of this page).

Enjoy and check back weekly!

Rebecca Farms Helmet Cam 2013

From this past month's Rebecca Farms Event in Montana.; helmet cam strapped on Snap Decision and Jeanine Allred on their CIC*** cross country run.

A run out is included for excitement purposes!  She ended up coming in 9th overall.

Adopt An Ex-racehorse

Why you should rescue a horse or racehorse?  Well check out the below stories and you will be amazed at what these off-the-track TB's can do!  I have had one and they are great hunters, jumpers, and eventers (over 24 OTTBs have shown in the Rolex)!  There are plenty of wonderful, affordable horses out there that need homes please consider before breeding.

My friend, Elizabeth Hund, and her Truman $750 TB competing in hunter classes .  Read More.

Of course I have to add in my horse, Golden Child, adopted from MidAtlantic Horse Rescue.  He did the hunters, 4th place Equitation Year End VHSA.  First Level Rocky Mt Dressage Championships Qualifier and now teaches lessons at Triple Creek Ranch!

Expotential, a Canada ex-racehorse in the 2012 Olympics Eventing  Read More

Becky Holder and Courageous Comet, a grey off the track TB competing at multiple events I can't even keep track.  Read More.

AP, a $750 off-the-track TB at Richland Event CIC***  Read More

Megan Donahoe on Pirate just made their first Rolex appearance this year.  I was there and stunned by how great a pair these two were!  Read More

Now the tricky part...where do you find the good ones?  Below are a couple sites, including one I purchased by TB from.  Hint:  Most of the good TBs are found in Kentucky and East of Kentucky.  The below links will adopt out to other states.  Typically you have to provide references as well as photos of where you will be keeping the horse.

MidAtlantic Horse Rescue

Kentucky Equine Humane Rescue

CANTER USA (multiple states)

Not all the Cyrus Kids Are Crazy...

Did anyone see the VMA and Miley Cyrus's performance...gross is all I have to say!

She should of stuck to equestrian sports like her siblings, who seem to have it together...check out Noah and Brandi Cyrus and there horses!  Don't worry there is a clip of the VMA disaster too.

Miley so sweet and innocent and then there was the VMA's (sigh)...

 Noah and Brandi, still doing the good kid thing...

Dreamhorse.com's Most Expensive Warmblood

I thought this would be fun to look up on dreamhorse.com, the most expensive warmblood (based off those with the price listed in the ad) And the winner is...

First of all, I have to say...go figure it's a dressage horse!

A 11 year old Oldenburg stallion by Jazzman/Rubinstein.  17H chestnut located in Germany.  He is at St George level and winner of many Intermediate tests, including PSG wins.  Being advertised for young riders or junior for $270,000.00

Oddly enough, there are no pictures or videos on the dreamhorse ad, but I manage to find some on an internet search and he is pretty!  You would think with that money the horse would have it's own commercial!  Go here for the ad.

Richland Park Last Weekend Highlights

Check out Richland Park's Event Highlights on Vimeo.  A great video of the weekend's action. A horse event in Richland, Michigan offering Novice through Advance, CIC2*, CIC3*

Watch Vimeo

Check out their facebook page (it has a lot of great photos)

More Hampton Classic...

Tomorrow at 8am, the Hampton Classic has a $10k Jumper class in the grand prix arena, 1.40m followed by another Open Jumper class 1.45m.

GO TO THE SCHEDULE AND WHERE TO WATCH.

Fixdesign Pretty

Came across this image of Fixdesign show room (in Italy, darn-it too far).  Those helmets are gorgeous! They came out with a vanilla line, which is beautiful.  Fixdesign is an Italian based equestrian apparel company, the bow is their symbol and on most of their gear.  Really cute bow by the way. They also have a line of everyday clothing, which is also pretty.

Wanna look at some more cute helmet's? Check out my previous post with tons of options here.

Stop what you are doing right now...and look at these pictures of ponies in sweaters.

Giggles.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/donnad/stop-what-you-are-doing-and-look-at-ponies-in-swea

Pessoa Bridle on Closeout

Pessoa bridle on closeout!!  Great leather, usually it retails for about $350, but it is at $189.00 at Adams Saddlery.  Get one before they are out!

I bought mine!

14-year old Win's Hampton Classic Derby

I love a big, fancy, derby!  Lot's of prize money and beautiful horses with braided manes and high, tight knees! The opening day of the Hampton Classic featured a $50k derby and the winner was an excellent rider and horse combo.  Victoria, a 14-year old, won on board her horse, Mayfair, a 8 year old Hanoverian.

Read The Press Release Here

Victoria Press and Mayfair.

Photo © Shawn McMillen

More bling

How in the world would this stay clean?  These feet look better than my nails!

Watch The Hampton Classic Today

ShowNet ($10/show) will be broadcasting all classes held in the Grand Prix ring.  This site also has a link for results.  Access to the video is available via hamptonclassic.com or shownet.biz

WVVH-TV (free) will provide live coverage everyday 1-5p and recaps nightly 8-10p, online available as well.

Today the Hampton Classic Hunter Derby rides at Noon.!

Another cool link, rider bio's found here

Follow Hampton Classic on Twitter