Favorite Finds Twenty Seven
Snow Polo St. Moritz
Snow Polo St. Moritz has been on my bucket list ever since I saw this Youtube video below over 10 years ago. Polo is not my discipline of choice but that does not mean I cannot appreciate the skills needed to play such a physical game, not to mention the added difficulty of snow, ice and cold when playing in St. Moritz, on a frozen lake. I would love to go to Switzerland for the event, if not just for the setting and the experience. Even if you have no desire to go to Switzerland or to watch a snow polo match, I still encourage you to watch the video below. It is an incredibly well done artistic video that will encourage you to pull up your winter breeches and get out to the barn on a chilly day. And if you are interested in the event itself, check out the website below.
New USEF Dressage Rules
Starting December 1st, there will be a few changes to USEF dressage rules. You can review the changes in the article below but the two biggest changes are about bits and saddle pads. The center link of a double jointed snaffle bit must be round/smooth on all sides (lozenge shape). Dr. Bristol or key link snaffle bits are not permitted.
Saddle pads can now have a non sponsored logo on them as long as it’s less than 50 square centimeters. This means you can show with a pad that displays a brand logo/marking on it such as a Equestrian Stockholm or PS of Sweden pads.
Find the rest of the rulings in the article and if you are unsure of anything, there is a contact email at the bottom of the article. It is always best to email or call before you attend a show, do not wait to talk with the steward at the show. You do not want the steward to tell you the the bit you have been using to practice and prepare is not permitted.
@Drjulie
It is easy to go on social media and find content that is unrealistic or extremely manufactured which is why I try and follow accounts that share useful information or uplifting messages; I’m not talking about pages with just quotes about smiling or loving life, because that’s not always inspiring either. One of my favorite accounts for useful information is @drjulie. Dr Julie Smith is a clinical psychologist and puts out short clips and videos to help you navigate the world. Her content does not resemble butterflies and unicorns but she does provide some actionable ideas and realistic approaches to dealing with life. Below is a link for one of her latest reels and it definitely resonates with equestrians and the terrible self talk many of us find ourselves stewing in. Check out Dr Julie Smith’s website for all of her other content including her book Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?