Wednesday News & Notes from Morven Park

We’re very saddened to report this morning that Susie Berry (IRL) has announced the sudden passing of her Paris Olympics horse, Wellfields Lincoln, due to a tragic field accident. Susie announced the news on her Instagram page yesterday.

“Heartbroken to say that we very sadly lost Lincoln yesterday in a tragic field accident,” Susie wrote. “Anyone who knows me will know how much we all adored him. He’ll leave a huge hole in our hearts. Thank you Slinky for all the opportunities and memories. You really were one in a million.”

“Slinky” partnered with Susie for her first Olympic appearance for the Irish. They finished 31st individually for the team. This was a horse Susie had produced from his young horse days, having taken the ride over from Jonty Evans after his life-altering fall in 2018.

We’re sending our most heartfelt condolences to Susie and her team, as well as Slinky’s owners and connections.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Heritage Park H.T. (Olathe, KS): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Honey Run H.T. (Ann Arbor, MI): [Website] [Ride Times]

Meadowcreek Park Fall Social Event H.T. (Kosse, TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Twin Rivers Fall International (Paso Robles, CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Unionville H.T. (Unionville, PA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

University of New Hampshire H.T. (Durham, NH): [Website] [Volunteer]

Major International Events

Blenheim Palace International H.T. (UK): [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [H&C+ Live Stream]

News & Reading

Some news from the show jumping space, where the upcoming Las Vegas leg of the Longines FEI World Cup series was suddenly canceled after a change in management companies. The show will still host national classes as the management shifts from Blenheim to Desert International Horse Park. [More on this story on The Chronicle of the Horse]

A Willy Wonka themed freestyle cemented Elisa Wallace’s latest mustang win, earning the English competition win at the inaugural Mustang Magic. “The goal has been to really get these horses out, and he’s an amazing ambassador for the breed,” Elisa told Practical Horseman. “[Mustangs are] fantastic. They are really fun horses with really nice qualities.” Read more on Elisa and her fellow competitors here.

Horse Sport brings forward some questions for Equestrian Canada at their upcoming Annual General Meeting. The publication reviewed EC’s Annual Report and dives into their top six questions, most of them relating to finance and promised by-law changes, here.

Sponsor Corner: Morven Park Fall International & H.T.

Dana Cooke and FE Quattro. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The entries are flowing in and Northern Virginia’s most historic horse park is gearing up for competition! The Morven Park Fall International & Horse Trials are less than a month away. Pack a picnic and come #playlearndiscover the exciting sport of eventing on October 10th through the 13th.

Tailgate spaces are located in the center of the cross country course, awarding spectators prime viewing of world-class eventing against the scenic backdrop of the Davis Mansion. Or take advantage of the best seats in the park for 4*-S and 4*-L dressage and show jumping with passes to the VIP Hospitality Tent.

Buy your tailgate pass here. Buy your VIP tickets here.

For competitors, don’t forget that MARS Equestrian is generously funding an award for the top American-bred horse in the 4*-L division (or, if no horses qualify in this division, the 4*-S) at this event. The USEF/USEA Developing Horse National Championships for 6- and 7-year-olds will also be held at Morven Park.

Video Break

A fun helmet cam from GMHA last month. This one comes from Jane Kreppein and Sport, who finished on their dressage score in fifth place in the Training Rider division.