FRENCH STILL IN FRONT AS SERIES ARRIVES IN FALSTERBO
Falsterbo (SWE), 6 July 2010 – The defending champions from France still hold the whip hand as the 2010 Meydan FEI Nations Cup series moves to Falsterbo in Sweden this Friday. Full of flair and confidence they blazed a trail through the first-half of the season with a spectacular hat-trick of wins, and they hold an eight-point lead over Great Britain in second place going into the last four rounds of the eight-leg series.
After a superb victory from the all-girl team in Rotterdam three weeks ago the USA has improved to third with just 3.5 points separating them from the British, while Germany lies fourth, just 0.5 points further adrift. The Spanish team, newcomers to this top level of team jumping, have shown themselves more than equal to the task and in fifth place hold a single-point advantage over the Irish in sixth. But neither of these nations can afford to rest on their laurels.
July 5, 2010 – CHICAGO (EWA) – The recent appointment of Dr. Douglas Corey to the top spot of the Washington lobby group, The Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC), has made their loudly proclaimed stance of being neutral on the contentious issue of horse slaughter difficult to swallow.
Corey follows Dr. Tom Lenz, former head of American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). Both Lenz and Corey pull no punches on their enthusiastic support of horse slaughter. The two veterinarians with close ties to animal agriculture refer to horse slaughter as an end-of-life option that is needed. Regrettably, with the UHC parent group, The American Horse Council, this front for unscrupulous breeders and the meat industry, often has the ear of Congress and is considered a respected and respectable humanitarian organization.
The daring hypocrisy of both organizations is stunning and Corey’s own words prove it. Few equine rescue organizations are members of the UHC, shunning the prohibitive cost of membership to join. Rescue groups, dependent upon donations, would prefer to spend their funds on feed and hay.
Tami Hoag aboard Fhilosopher who will soon be at the head of the class at the University of Findlay Equestrian Studies Program in Ohio. (Photo courtesy of Tami Hoag)
Wellington, FL (July 6, 2010) – Fifteen-time New York Times bestselling mystery writer and professional Grand Prix dressage rider Tami Hoag has donated Fhilosopher, her 11-year-old Westfalian gelding by Fidermark, to take midterm tests instead of dressage tests at the University of Findlay in Ohio. Hoag describes him as a “wonderful horse with an incredible character and a lot of quality.”
While Fhilosopher will be an asset to the college, Hoag explained he has limitations that will not allow him to be a top FEI horse. Therefore, her loss will be the gain of Findlay students. In fact, instead of the judge’s bell Fhil will start his day to the school bell. Hoag said, “with Fhilosopher the students will learn what it feels like to ride a truly world class mover, and how to maintain a soft consistent contact with the bridle with a horse that sometimes like to play hide-and-seek with the bit! He will make any student who mounts him a better rider with a greater awareness for quality of gaits.”
We are excited to report that this is our biggest show ever, with 251 riders entered!
It’s going to be more than busy; it looks like it’s also going to be hot. Be prepared! Bring a fan for your horse, lots of water for you both, and a ready attitude. I would plan on not wearing a coat in competition. Remember unlike at recognized shows we allow you to compete in colored polo shirts (maybe team shirts).
Check the YDF prizelist for the dress rules. It’s always harder to stay focused and have fun when it’s hot, so remember the important things: sportsmanship, horsemanship, and camaraderie. If we go in set and excited, we should all be able to enjoy some fun in the sun.
In the final lead-up to the Dressage Festival, there are a few important notes and changes of which you should be aware. Stabling has been arranged as requested on your entry forms whenever possible. Much effort was put into making these assignments successful and they are now immovable. You will not be allowed to change stalls; please do not ask!
On Thursday horses and trailers may arrive between 3:00 and 8:00 pm. If you have a problem arriving between those times, call the stable manager Bill Davis (845-399-5478) in advance. DO NOT come earlier – you don’t want to have to leave your horse on the trailer when it is so hot.
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