Right?? Of all the upper level people in the US I would entrust a horse to, Doug would be at the tippy top of the list.
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I would also assume that it books very early for Kentucky as well - it’s a super easy drive to the HP without getting on the highway.
I stay there every year for the USDF Dressage Finals, including last year, very clean and quiet, and they did have their continental breakfast up and running.
Perf thanks for the recommendation. I tried to book online, but it’s so far out it won’t let me book it yet. So I’ll wait another week or so and then try again.
Somehow I am just putting two and two together that the title sponsor MARS Equestrian is the same MARS who produces M&Ms and the sort. They also own Buckeye and have their foot in the equestrian door in many other ways.
This probably isn’t new news to anyone else, but interesting to me!
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To be fair I don’t think @Xctrygirl has been deep in an FEI dressage program, despite her extensive experience in many equestrian things. She knows much more than I do about many things related to horses. She’s extremely knowledgeable about equestrian sport. I am sure she’s regretting that post.
Those one tempis were drool worthy. I don’t think many people understand just how HARD dressage is. As a former upper level jumper rider who switched, the accuracy and training required for dressage is far more difficult. My GP coach was here today for me and my FEI trainer, and he rightly commented (related to a discussion about the many kinds of half halts) that a rider without feel can take a GP schoolmaster and turn it into a First Level horse in a month. He’s not wrong.
Depending on the horse it’s easy to ruin a jumper too, but not to the same extent with such “minor” things like feel in the contact, not recognizing use of each leg, or whatever. A couple of crashes, easy to get…not being equally supple in the reins, not so much! I’ve been learning a LOT since I took up dressage.
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Does anyone know who won “Best Shod Horse”? I didn’t hear the announcement at the final inspection.
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Erm…I just saw an Instagram comment on a post about Fleeceworks Royal and Emporium being alright after their respective scares, that said (regarding Emporium) “he had a hilarious ride up to falling which had to be expected due to his crazy takeoffs” followed by a laughing and heart emoji.
Kinda turns my stomach to think that someone saw a very hairy round with multiple near misses and thought it was “hilarious” and endearing. Blech.
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They also own Blue Pearl, Banfield, VCA, and several other veterinary clinic groups, as well as Antech diagnostic labs, and Eukanuba, Royal Cainin, etc. pet foods.
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Not to mention entry #37.
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For the record, I wasn’t trying to pick on her! And I don’t disagree that it looks like Starr Witness carries some tension, but I do think it’s just mostly her way of going. She looks like an overachiever who really wants to please.
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Even Jimmy Wofford was very suggestive at how Emporium’s round might go after he almost hung a leg over the log into the first water…
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I always think of Velvet Brown in the book, and the Brown girls’ love of Mars bars. (Though British Mars bars are different from American ones.)
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Mars Inc (Mars) manufactures and distributes chocolate, non-chocolate confectionery, food and petcare products. The company markets products under M&M’s, Snickers, Dove, Mars, Wrigley’s, Orbit, Masterfoods, Extra, Uncle Ben’s, Raris, Whistle, Pamesello, Seeds of Change, TastyBite, Pedigree, Whiskas, Royal Canin, Gomo, Cocoavia, Double mint, and TWIX brand names. Mars also operates pet hospitals under Banfield banner in the US and Canada. The company merchandises products to distributors, specialty stores, retailers, and veterinary practices. Its business operations span across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. Mars is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the US.
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REPEAT lol
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Rider responsibility, THESE are the red flags.
Riders reading these threads…don’t be like this.
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MARS is single handedly supporting the sport of eventing right now. I really hope they are getting the thanks they deserve. Better hope the next CEO in line loves eventing as much as Mrs. Mars.
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I remember them saving for and doling out Krunchies, and I always wondered what they were. I pictured something like a $100,000/later 100 Grand bar.
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Clearly, it is our collective duty to eat more chocolate to support the future of the sport!
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I mean, I have to, I’m willing to take on others share of the chocolate who can’t help us hahaha
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MARS is also buying up private veterinary practices at an alarming rate. Any vet looking to retire that doesn’t have family coming up the ranks - it’s immediately snapped up by MARS.
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