Welcome 2014, the Year of the Horse!
All the big boys are back in full work, which means the barn is running full out in the horrible weather we are having. I cannot wait until all the competition horses have headed south and can be assured of working every day. We have given up ‘a day off for the horses,’ since we seem to have at least one day a week when the temps are too cold to do more than shuffle the horses around. I don’t remember ever having such a cold December since I lived in Saskatchewan.
The highlight of the 2013 competitive season has to be Bromont. With 2nd, 4th and 12th place in the three star, Selena knew her boys were doing their jobs the best they knew how. The three horses have been outstanding and are strong and sound going into 2014.
A First Romance – long listed for 2014 Canadian Three Day Event Team
When we look back at 2013, the first thing we think of is how incredibly lucky we are to have so many good sponsors and good friends. Without these people Selena could not carry on doing what she does, nor could she ever hope to represent her country.
Purina – for amazing feed that keeps the gang on top of the pile. Trimax is amazing and the big boys run on it all year…..rocket fuel for muscle and endurance without hotting them up.
Omega Alpha – supplements that are like nothing I have ever used before, they WORK. Our boys would not be so happy without their OA. Wonderful products right across the whole lineup.
Voltaire – Selena is so much happier in her new Voltaire jumping saddles. Light and comfortable for rider and horse.
JoJo Socks – they really do NOT fall or slip or wrinkle inside your boots AND they look good.
Foxwood High, short listed 2014 Canadian Event Team plus A listed FEI competition horse
FITS – We ALL wear FITS here at O’Hanlon Eventing, they make the best riding clothes on the planet – full stop!
APF – APF has completely eradicated Solo’s sarcoid and it has never returned, we are now using APF on a facial sarcoid on one of our young mares. Thank you Auburn Laboratories
Snuggy Hoods – our newest addition and we are SO happy to have our horses going out in their Snuggy turn out hoods this freezing cold month!!!
Draper Therapy – from Colombo onwards, none of our horses ever compete in any other saddle pad. Coolers and leg pillows – all amazing.
We also realize going into 2014 that we are going to have to get truly serious about fundraising in hopes of going to Normandy. The cost of keeping the horses on the road has sky rocketed over the past ten years and the expectations of what potential team members have to attend has also sky rocketed.
Bellaney Rock short listed for the 2014 Canadian Three Day Event Team
Team members HAVE to be in Florida for the training sessions, which start in January and run through to Rolex. With two horses short listed and one horse long listed, Selena cannot afford to miss any sessions or practice events anywhere this spring. The schedule is merciless and starts mid-January with the trip down itself, a marathon 24 hours of driving. This year we are tentatively planning to stop overnight in Virginia instead of the straight trip.
Happy New Year everyone and may 2014, the Year of The Horse, be the best year ever for us all.
