My Soapbox for Equestrian Writings
The days of the traditional top hat are numbered. Dressage riders must wear protective headgear at all times, in the show ring and out, at FEI events as of January 1, 2021. In addition, helmets are required during the marathon phase of combined driving events. The delay in implementation is to allow time for education […]
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This dressage test from Adiah HP and Jim Koford at the US Dressage Finals is stunning. The pair are so fluid, so focused and so elegant. But is the commentary that really makes the whole experience so remarkable. Kathy Connelly explains what the judges are looking for and how the pair executes the movements. With […]
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I’m sure that many of you, like me, couldn’t get enough carousel rides. In our imaginations, those horses took us on wonderful adventures, no longer tethered by their poles and always accompanied by cheerful music. Of course, I only rode the “jumpers” (the standing horses were for babies), and we traveled great distances during those […]
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Dressage is hard enough when you can see, but I can’t imagine trying to keep my horse straight or ride perfect circles while being blind. Nicola Naylor competes nationally and internationally. And not just in para- events. Naylor Blind dressage rider, Nicola Naylor, competes nationally and internationally in para and non-disabled events. But how does […]
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Oliver Townend has pulled of another first: He’s the first to be sitting in first and second place after dressage at Badminton. Yesterday, Townend scored the lowest score ever recorded at Badminton –19.7– on riding Cillnabradden Evo. Today he laid down a 21.1 with his 2017 Burghley winner Ballaghmor Class. He earned three perfect 10’s […]
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Fresh off his win at the Land Rover Kentucky Rolex event, Oliver Townend is again sitting in first place after the first day of Dressage at the Badminton Horse Trials on his first ride, Cillnabradden Evo. The two logged an incredible 19.7 — the lowest score in Badminton history and a personal best for both […]
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Last year’s winners, Oliver Townend and Cooly Master Class had a fabulous test today, springing four points into the lead with a final score of 24.1. I had the chance to watch a few of the tests today, and many of those riders were sitting on powder kegs. I was quite impressed they kept their […]
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