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Jul 03, 2020
USEA Horse of the Month: Zydeco Nights
There were 14 USEA recognized events that took place in June, the first month back from the suspension of the eventing calendar due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While no one finished with a score in the teens, Erin Walker and Zydeco Nights came very close. By finishing on a score of 20.0, Walker and Zydeco Nights won the Novice Rider division at the Chattahoochee Hills H.T. on Sunday, June 28. Not only did they win their division, but they also finished with the lowest score out of any competitor in June, which makes Zydeco Nights the USEA Horse of the Month!
Zydeco Nights (Cour de Lion X Bays Nite Shadow) is a 13-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Craig McCallum and ridden by Erin Walker. Walker just recently acquired the ride on Zydeco Nights but they are already off to a strong start. They have completed five events and have finished in the top five every time, even taking home the win three times.
Learn more about the chestnut mare who has a miniature pony as a stablemate!
About Zydeco Nights:
- Barn Name?
“Zoe.”
- Favorite treat?
“German Horse Muffins, peppermints, and carrots.”
- Favorite phase in eventing?
“She is definitely a dressage queen! She also loves the jumping phases as well. She is a super confident horse that gives me confidence in return.”
- Personality traits?
“She is positive she is the queen of the barn. She definitely has her people [that] she loves and it takes a while for her to accept people into her circle.”
- Likes?
“She loves to have her face and ears scratched and if you just hang out with her in her stall or grazing at shows. She has a mini pony that she likes to hang out with in turnout.”
- Dislikes?
“She does not like other horses to get too much in her space in warm-up or in the barn. We usually give her the corner stalls in the barn and leave and empty stall next to her if possible.”
- Any other facts that you’d like to add about Zydeco Nights?
“She is a very smart, amazing mare that I am very lucky to have the ride on. She gives me a lot of confidence and is an absolute pleasure to be around.”
Miss any of the previous 2020 horses of the month? Find out about the USEA January Horse of the Month, USEA February Horse of the Month, USEA March Horse of the Month, USEA April Horse of the Month, USEA May Horse of the Month, and USEA June Horse of the Month.
About the USEA Horse of the Month
The USEA is recognizing an event horse each month on the USEA website and social media. The USEA Horse of the Month is determined based on performance and event results and announced at the beginning of every month. The July Horse of the Month was determined by who finished with the lowest score out of any event that took place during June 2020.
May 13, 2021
Sponsor
FITS Returns to Sponsor AEC, ATC, Intercollegiate, and Classic Series
The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is thrilled to welcome back longtime sponsor, FITS Riding, Ltd. for 2021. They are returning as a Bronze Level Sponsor of the 2021 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds, a Contributing Level Sponsor of the 2021 USEA Adult Team Championships, a Contributing Level Sponsor of the 2021 USEA Classic Series, and a Contributing Level Sponsor of the 2021 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships. As a sponsor of these USEA programs, FITS Riding will generously provide gift certificates as prizes for the Intercollegiate championship competitors, AEC and ATC competitors, and Classic Series winners.
May 13, 2021
Classic Series
Memories from the Vet Box with Kerry Millikin
“I wouldn’t trade it for anything, it was an amazing experience.” Twenty-five years ago, Kerry Millikin and her off-the-track Thoroughbred gelding, Out and About (who was only 8 years old at the time) won the individual Olympic bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, making her one of five females to have earned an individual Olympic medal for the U.S.
May 12, 2021
Competitions
Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill Announces $300,000 Prize Money for Inaugural Event
The Fair Hill Organizing Committee (FHOC), an affiliate of the Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland (The Sport Corp.), today announced athletes and horses in the inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill (CCI5*-L) will be competing for $300,000 in prize money. Additionally, the US Equestrian Federation (USEF) Eventing National Championship (CCI3*-L), running in conjunction with the 5 Star, will award $25,000 in prize money. Both events, as well as the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Young Event Horse East Coast Championships, will take place this October 14-17 at the new Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Cecil County, Maryland.
May 12, 2021
Education
Pre-Purchase Examination 101: With Dr. Shauna Spurlock
You’ve seen a horse you like. You’ve ridden it; you love it. The money’s right; you’ve agreed to buy it. What happens next?
Pre-purchase veterinary examinations are one of those topics that a roomful of horsey people could discuss - and argue amongst themselves about - for hours. For the amateur rider, that can be confusing and slightly alarming.
So, let’s simplify it. What is a pre-purchase examination, why are they done, and what should you expect?
