Gorgeous foal alert – and what better way to start a drizzly Badminton week, frankly? Hot Bobo, the 2023 Kentucky CCI4*-S-winning partner of Canada’s Karl Slezak, has now got a redheaded baby on the ground, and while the filly was born a month prematurely, her bloodwork’s looking promising and, as Karl’s partner Katlyn reports, she’s a little fighter like her mother. No names have been decided upon yet, but they’re thinking of ‘Hot Tamale’ for this star of the future, who was born on Cinco de Mayo. There’ll be a long journey ahead for the little one, and her devoted team of people, but we reckon we could see this one lighting up the prize giving at Kentucky 2034!
U.S. Weekend Action
Riga Meadow at Coole Park Combined Test (Millbrook, NY): [Website] [Results]
Stable View Local Charities H.T. + USEA Interscholastic/Intercollegiate Eventing Championships (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Results]
Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (Tyler, TX): [Website] [Results]
The Event at Skyline (Mount Pleasant, UT): [Website] [Results]
Waredaca H.T. (Laytonsville, MD): [Website] [Results]
Windridge Farm Spring H.T. (NC): [Website] [Results]
UK International Events
Osberton International I (Worksop, Notts.): [Info / Schedule] [Results]
European FEI Events
Jardy Standard Show (France): [Info / Entries]
Pratoni del Vivaro Standard Show (Italy): [Info / Entries]
Sopot Standard Show (Poland): [Info / Entries]
Your Monday Reading List:
In the world of horses in sport, often the story of those who don’t finish atop the podium is even more fascinating than that of those who do. At this year’s Kentucky Derby, the story that most piqued my interest – and I’m far from alone in that – is the tale of West Saratoga and trainer Larry Demeritte, who is just the second Black trainer to have a horse in the Derby since the ’50s. The 74-year-old is also fighting a battle with cancer and a rare heart disease, but isn’t letting anything slow his roll as he chases his dreams. Dive into the pair’s remarkable story in this piece from The Atlantic.
There are so many ways to get yourself into legal trouble in the horse world. Could a red ribbon in your horse’s tail be one of them? Tying one in has, for as long as anyone can remember, been an easy and visible way to let other riders know that their horse may kick – in effect, it’s a little sign saying ‘give me a bit of space, please’. But could acknowledging your horse’s tendency to reactiveness be the same as admitting guilt if something were to happen to another horse or rider? Horse & Hound caught up with legal experts to find out.
How does it feel when you sit the trot? Do you feel like you’re made of rubber bands, and every part of your body is on the move? Or do you feel tough and hard and still, impervious to any bouncing? And actually, which of those is the right feeling – or is it neither? Dressage pro Amelia Newcomb’s back to help you get the measure of this tough, but essential, skill.
High-flying multi-hyphenate Valerie Pride is Sideline’s newest eventing columnist, and we can’t wait to follow along with her season, her thoughts, and her stories as she continues to navigate balancing judging, coaching, and top-level competition. Here’s her debut column.
Have you got a few dollars or pounds to spare? Here’s a seriously worthy cause for you to consider sharing it with. Stepney Bank Stables, in the northern English enclave of Newcastle, has existed as a pillar of the community for many years, working as a charity to provide support and access to ponies and riding for kids from all sorts of backgrounds. It’s been a lifeline for kids from low-income households, kids struggling with school, neurodivergent kids, and anyone who has a passion and needs a bit of help to see it through. In fact, it was the starting point into horses for Adam Short, best known for being Tom McEwen’s loveable, bloody hilarious, and incredibly talented travelling groom – but now, it’s facing potential closure due to finances. Check out their story, and help them reach their fundraising goal and keep kids in the saddle, here.
Deadline alert! Applications for the 2024 MARS Bromont Rising grant program close today. Click here for all the info and to apply.
Morning Viewing:
As we head into Badminton week, get to know reigning champ Ros Canter in the latest of LeMieux’s Journey to the Top short documentary features.
