Just one week left before the next USEA Grooms Program meeting! This meeting, set for July 28 at 6:30 p.m. ET, will be held virtually via Zoom and features Dr. Tyler Murray, Emma Ford and Stephanie Simpson speaking in a panel about harmony with horses in terms of proper management. After all, it’s important that horses are given the space and time to, well, be horses, and setting a program up for success includes a balance that encourages both horse and rider (and groom!) mental health. You can register for this event at no cost here.
U.S. Weekend Preview
Millbrook H.T. (NY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]
Hunt Club Farms H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Stone Gate Farm Mini Trial (OH): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]
Major International Events
Burgham International (UK): [Website] [Timetable] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]
News & Reading
We all know that eventing is a high-risk sport. To ensure the safety of horses and riders at every event, there are several officials in place who specialize in managing risk. Do you know the ins and outs of the Safety Coordinator role? There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes, and you can get a close-up look through the eyes of a well-respected event organizer here.
A very special story out of Maine: the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals has expanded its offerings to assist animals and their owners who may have been displaced or otherwise impacted by domestic violence. Statistically speaking, over 35% of women and over 28% of men have experienced some form of domestic violence here in the U.S., but the ripple effects of this have to date not been heavily addressed when it comes to pets and, particularly, horses. A team of people in a collaborative effort are working to change that, and you can read more here.
In her nearly decade-long tenure working for sisters Benita and Lucia Strini, #supergroom Sarah Choate has learned that empathy and understanding toward the emotional state of the horses in her care is just as important—if not more so—than their physical well-being. Only when they feel safe and secure are they ready to offer their best selves. Read more about Sarah’s mission for a better life for horses and grooms here.
Sponsor Corner: Loch Moy Farm and the Maryland International Equestrian Foundation
Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.
Did you know that the Maryland International Equestrian Foundation offers several grants and scholarships across the levels of eventing each and every year? This important mission serves to expand access to the sport and its competitions through financial assistance. You can learn more about applying for a future scholarship or donating to the cause here.
Video Break
Learn about the Thoroughbred Aftercare Programme (TAP) and how its team members are working to support former racehorses in their second careers:
