It is with great sadness that Equiventures, organizers of the Ocala Horse Properties Winter 2 Horse Trials, as well as the USEA reports on the tragic loss of Jack’s Irish Z in this afternoon’s Intermediate division. Katlyn Hewson, the owner/rider of Irish, was not injured in the incident.
Irish landed following the second to last fence on course and was unable to bear weight on one of his legs and as a result of his injuries had to be humanely euthanized. Equiventures and the USEA extends it heartfelt sympathy to owners Katlyn, Chuck and Sue Hewson and partner Karl Slezak.
The horses in trainer Joe Davis’ barn at Horseshoe Indianapolis don’t just get standard hay in their nets each day. Throughout the afternoon, Davis or one of his employees opens the HayGain machine that sits at the end of his shed row and pulls out a warm, beautiful-smelling bale of freshly-steamed hay to fill their nets.
Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered! Check out the USEA’s Weekend Quick Links for links to information including the prize list, ride times, live scores, and more for all the events running this weekend.
Last month, readers met VIP Volunteer Rebecca Proetto, who volunteered at the MARS Maryland 5 Star horse inspection. This month, the focus turns to husband and wife Ed and Leanne Barnett who introduced Proetto to the art of running an efficient horse inspection at Maryland. Ed and Leanne undertake a 12-hour drive from their home in Indiana to Maryland just to volunteer at the event.
The USEA is saddened to share the passing of Sara Kozumplik’s five-star partner As You Like It at the age of 34. The gelding died in his sleep at his retirement home at Kozumplik's parents' residence.