Title: Exciting Weekend Ahead: Hobby Horse Competition and Major Equestrian Events in the UK and US
In case you’ve just been DYING to try Hobby Horse(-ing?), you’ll get your shot if you’re in the UK and heading to Bicton International and Nations Cup this weekend! On Saturday and Sunday, May 24-25, you’ll be able to tackle a Hobby Horse course that’s fun for all (except maybe try not to twist an ankle on landing). Who will be the newly-crowned champion? We’ll have to wait and find out.
U.S. Weekend Preview
VHC Eventing (VA): Website | Entries/Ride Times | Scoring | Volunteer
Woodside Spring H.T. (VA): Website | Entries/Ride Times/Scoring | Volunteer
Spring Coconino H.T. (AZ): Website | Entries/Ride Times/Scoring | Volunteer
Willow Draw Charity H.T. (TX): Website | Entries/Ride Times/Scoring | Volunteer
Flora Lea Spring H.T. (NJ): Website | Entries/Ride Times | Scoring
Major International Events
Bicton International (UK): Website | Entries | Schedule | Timing & Scoring | Live Stream
Equestrian Festival Baborówko (Poland): Website | Schedule | Timing & Scoring | Live Stream
News & Reading
What does it take for a 15.1-hand off-track Thoroughbred to storm around the Kentucky Three-Day Event and win the crowd’s heart? In this episode of OTTB On Tap, hear from eventer Ali Kuhn to hear the incredible story of Little Hail, her pink-wearing OTTB who went from years in a pasture to galloping across one of the sport’s biggest 4* stages.
What makes a trainer qualified to coach? Could it be a master’s degree in psychology from Harvard University? A career as a five-star event rider? Being an ‘A’ rated Pony Club graduate? Getting your license as a U.S. Equestrian Federation ‘R’ judge and technical delegate for eventing? Ashley Johnson has all of these qualifications but feels she can always further her education as a coach. Read about her philosophy and why good quality coaching matters so much.
Merck Animal Health (makers of commonly-known equine products such as Regu-Mate, Panacur, and Banamine) and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly recently announced the $895-million expansion of Merck Animal Health’s manufacturing facility in De Soto, KS. Site preparation and facility design is starting immediately, creating 2,500 construction jobs. Commercial manufacturing is expected to begin in 2030, creating more than 200 full-time roles.
Braiding for crossrails? For Chronicle blogger Tracy Gold, it wasn’t just about the show—it was a full-on family operation. Between kid logistics, yarn scavenger hunts, and a husband adjusting his gym schedule, getting those braids in took teamwork. But it was worth it: her green OTTB Royal looked the part and even packed around Tracy’s daughter in the leadline class at the MidAtlantic Horse Rescue All Thoroughbred Benefit Show. They took home the “Green as Grass” championship—wrong leads and all. As Tracy writes, “A pro could braid or train her better and faster. But I want to do it myself.”
Sponsor Corner: Maryland International CCI & H.T.
The Maryland International CCI & H.T., which will also feature the USEF Young Rider Eventing Championships, is just around the corner! Among many other exciting happenings, there’s a new cross country designer in the house, taking over for the great Ian Stark, in the Netherlands’ Andrew Heffernan. The Loch Moy Farm team caught up with Andrew to hear all about his upcoming courses, which we can’t wait to unveil! The Maryland International CCI & H.T. takes place in Adamstown, MD June 27-29. Don’t forget to secure your Highland Club tickets for the best seat in the house!
Video Break
See what eventing is like in Poland ahead of this week’s Equestrian Festival Baborówko!
