Many happy returns are in order for Lordships Graffalo, the HORSE OF ALL HORSES who has shown us just how incredible of an era we are currently in AND has just won the title of EquiRatings Horse of the Year to boot. Together with Ros Canter, “Walter” has won both Badminton and Burghley this year, adding to his pile of 5* wins and becoming a repeat winner at both. In his last four 5* starts, he’s undefeated, and in his first run at the level back in 2022, he was second. He then went on to win the European Championships in 2023 and helped Great Britain to a team gold medal at the Paris Olympics. We’re very likely to see Ros and Walter competing at Aachen for this coming year’s World Championships, so who’s to say what’s still to come for this special little horse that could?
News & Reading
Don’t miss a fresh new chat with Austrian Olympic rider Lea Siegl on the latest “When Nicole Met…” edition of the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast. Hear from Lea, who’s represented Austria at multiple Olympics, European and World Championships, here.
Alignment with potential new FEI rules on flag penalties, a loosening of requirements for stock ties in dressage, adjustments to the specs for Modified level and other changes are on the docket for the coming seasons. Don’t forget: you have the opportunity to submit your own feedback on rules, whether they are General Rules or Eventing-specific Rules. Read more on the changes currently proposed here.
Would you try goggles to address headshaking? One rider in the jumper ring did just that — and the results are astounding. After light sensitivity was identified as a root cause of headshaking that plagued CE Roberto Z, or “Beans” as he’s known at home, both at home and in the show ring. Thanks to some useful modifications (and understanding stewards), Beans is backing to doing what he does best, albeit with an unconventional look that’s sure to win him many fans. Read the full story here.
Video Break
Some quick tips on entering the dressage arena from pro rider Marten Luiten:
