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Wednesday News & Notes 1 Apr 2025, 11:01 pm

Happy Times bows out at Burghley, alongside Sam Griffiths and former head girl Imogen Mercer. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We invite you to join us in remembering Happy Times, the longtime partner and hall of fame horse of Sam Griffiths who passed away this week at the age of 25. “A son of the great sire Hiraldik, Happy Times had numerous top 10 placings at 5* level including third at both Badminton and Burghley in 2009,” Sam and his team wrote on social media. “Other notable performances include winning Saumur, The World Cup qualifier at Chatsworth and the Grantham cup at Belton. Happy competed at Burghley seven times and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. In his career he amassed over 1700 British Eventing points and represented Australia at both the Olympic Games and the World Championships with his rider Sam Griffiths.”

A message from Sam,

“We are very sad to announce that Happy Times has passed away at the age of 25.

A son of the…

Posted by Griffiths Eventing Team on Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Take a look back at the career of a great horse:

U.S. Weekend Preview

Rocking Horse Spring H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Stable View Spring 2*/3*/4* and H.T. (SC:): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Pine Hill Spring H.T. (TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

CDCTA Spring H.T. (VA): [Website] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

Dressage took center stage at the FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne, where leaders acknowledged growing public distrust and pressure on the discipline. The new Dressage Strategic Action Plan working group discussed potential reforms—including double bridle rules, noseband standards, and the role of ethical training—but emphasized that no formal changes are coming just yet. We’ll have a full recap of eventing-related discussions from the Forum later this week, so stay tuned! Read up on what went down in the working group meeting for dressage here.

Trainers play a huge role in our lives—but it’s essential to choose one carefully. Over 50% of athletes report abuse in sport, often by those in positions of authority. Before committing to a coach, do more than a background check: explore the SafeSport database, ask open-ended questions, confirm they have safety and mental health training, and research their reputation online and in-person. Trust your gut, ask around, and remember: your well-being and your horse’s safety come first. Learn more here and at WeRideTogether.today.

Ten years after selling a horse to Cheryl Oxenburg, Heidi Caldwell never imagined that same acquaintance would later save her life. After a stage IV colon cancer diagnosis and a groundbreaking living liver transplant in 2024, Caldwell is cancer-free—and back in the saddle. Cheryl, who turned out to be her perfect match, donated part of her liver in a 17.5-hour surgery that gave Heidi a second chance. Their incredible journey is a reminder of the power of friendship, faith, and advocacy. Read the story here.

Video Break

Don’t miss William Fox-Pitt on the latest episode of the Dear Horse World podcast:

International Rider Clinics Coming to the West Coast, Organized by Athletux 1 Apr 2025, 11:00 am

Athletux is thrilled to be coordinating an exclusive clinic series in 2025 with several amazing international clinicians. Jonelle Price, Emily King, Mark Todd, and Tom McEwen have all scheduled several clinics across the West Coast, from Temecula, California, to Seattle, Washington — and there are several open weekends still available!

If you’d like to bring one of these world-class riders to teach at your facility, or to inquire about participating in any of these clinics, email Frankie Thieriot-Stutes at info@athletux.com.

Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera add another sterling accolade to the Price family’s roster. Photo by Tilly Berendt.


Jonelle Price (NZL)
April 28-29 | Seattle, WA
May 1-2 | Petaluma, CA

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Emily King and Valmy Biats accept the Polly Phillips Trophy from Vere Phillips. Photo by Tilly Berendt.


Emily King (GBR)
June 10-18 | AVAILABLE
June 23-27 | AVAILABLE
Oct 29-Nov 2 | AVAILABLE

________________________________________________________________________________

Mark Todd and Kiltubrid Rhapsody. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.


Mark Todd (GBR)
June 2-3 | Seattle, WA
June 5-6 | Petaluma CA
June 7-8 | Temecula, CA
July 14 – Fall 2025 | AVAILABLE

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Tom McEwen and JL Dublin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.


Tom McEwen (GBR)
September 27-28 | Petaluma, CA
September 24-25 | AVAILABLE

Riders Testing Out AI-Written Dressage Tests; FEI Reviewing Legality 1 Apr 2025, 8:30 am

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS, who would be likely beneficiaries of a customized test that contains directives written in the style of Soulja Boy, such as “half-pass right from P-L, get my swag on”. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Word is spreading through the barns that several upper-level riders have quietly turned to AI tools—like ChatGPT—to help create customized dressage tests designed to highlight their horse’s strengths (and conveniently avoid their weaknesses).

“I just asked it to write a test that downplays our sticky right lead and shows off his medium trot,” one rider, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “It gave me a test that starts at X and ends with a philosophical reflection. Honestly? Not bad.”

EN has obtained some of the tests, and movements include:

“Begin at X, vibe diagonally toward E while manifesting impulsion.”
“Transition from collected trot to working canter, then emotionally spiral into a flying change.”
“Final halt. Salute. Tell the judge how that made you feel.”

While technically not illegal—yet—officials say they’re reviewing the situation closely. The FEI’s newly-formed AI Ethics & Innovation Committee is expected to issue a statement later this month.

“Well, I think riders should understand that the tests were written for a reason and direct purpose,” one official commented. “But AI really needs to be used carefully as we don’t want people inflating their scores by customizing their test.”

One test even made it as far as an official schooling show before the judge raised an eyebrow at a line reading: “Leg yield left, right, then both at once if you’re feeling spicy.”

Editor’s Note: We’re not saying you shouldn’t use AI to help you write a freestyle. Just… maybe double-check the results before submitting them to the show secretary. And also — it’s April 1st. We’d never lie to you. Except today.

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products 31 Mar 2025, 11:01 pm

Woweee – words are failing me so I’ll keep it brief, but, I wanted to take a minute to celebrate the very special day…

Posted by Nicola Wilson Equestrian on Sunday, March 30, 2025

This one’s a tearjerker and a reason to cheer! A massive congratulations is in order as Nicola Wilso received an MBE (that’s Member of the Order of the British Empire, folks!) from none other than The Princess Royal herself at Buckingham Palace this week. With family and friends by their side and two very proud nieces joining for the royal moment, it was a day of pomp, pride, and a proper celebration. Talk about an unforgettable Thursday! Many congratulations to Nicola on this well-deserved honor.

U.S. Events Opening Today

Spokane Sport Horse Spring H.T. (WA); Otter Creek H.T. (WI); Hunt Club Farms H.T. (VA); Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (GA); Fair Hill International Recognized H.T. (MD); Spring Gulch H.T. (CO); Kentucky May-Daze H.T. (KY)

U.S. Events Closing Today

Ocala International Festival of Eventing (FL); Fair Hill International April H.T. & CCI (MD); Sporting Days Farm April H.T. IV (SC); Meadowcreek Park Spring Social Event (H.T.); Full Moon Farm Spring Thing H.T. (MD)

News & Reading

The USEA is saddened to share the passing of Margaret Joyce Good of Leesburg, VA, on February 27, 2025. A lifelong advocate for youth and horses, Margaret served as District Commissioner of the Loudoun Hunt Pony Club for nearly 40 years and was the driving force behind the beloved LHPC Horse Trials. Her decades of service, recognized by honors including the Wofford Cup and USEA’s Legend Award, left a lasting impact on the eventing community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and all who were touched by her remarkable legacy. Read about Margaret and her incredible life here.

For over 50 years, Mary Fike has poured her heart into eventing, and her dedication to the USEA Classic Series is second to none. From organizing the IEA Horse Trials & Classic Three-Day in Indiana to the Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event in Kentucky, Fike has championed long-format education and opportunity for lower-level riders. This year, she’s upping the game at IEA with a panel of expert clinicians—think Beth Perkins, Debbie Boeh, Wayne Quarles and more—offering hands-on learning from trot-ups to steeplechase. Learn more here.

A notable withdrawal on the CCI5* entry list at Defender Kentucky — see who’s staying home here.

This week’s Mythbuster Monday on Horse Nation tackles a hot topic: Does desensitizing your horse to training aids make them ineffective? The answer: Fact. While desensitization can increase safety and reduce fear, overdoing it—especially with tools like whips or halters—can cause your horse to shut down or become numb to the aids entirely. Experts agree: the goal isn’t to suppress reaction, but to build curiosity and trust. Read the full breakdown here.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

It’s getting to be that time to transition your horses over to spring grass, but what if you’re working with a hard keeper? Kentucky Performance Products has some advice on spring feeding for underweight horses. You can view the full graphic and text here.

Video Break

Watch Jessie Phoenix and Freedom GS take home the win at the TerraNova CCI4*-S:

Weekend Winners: TerraNova, Galway Downs, Bouckaert, Jumping Branch, & Morven Park 31 Mar 2025, 9:30 am

Hello, Eventing Nation! Spring season is full steam ahead, with five events running this past weekend, with divisions from Starter to 4*! We saw FEI divisions running at TerraNova and Galway, as well as a migration north, with Morven Park running in Virginia.

Congrats to all of our riders on successful weekends, with shout outs to our Weekend Winners here! As always, we’re giving an extra special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award, Kara Andrew and Twenty Park Diamond, who won the Open Novice division at TerraNova on a 20.8!

The Event at TerraNova (FL): [Website][Scoring]

CCI 4*S: Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS (39.1)
CCI 3*S: William Coleman and Chin Tonic HS (23.0)
CCI 2*S: Rebecca Brown and Pantera Pomes (24.0)
CCI 1*S: Caroline Pamukcu and After Hours (31.2)
Advanced: Lauren Nicholson and Larcot Z (45.4)
Open Intermediate: Rebecca Roth and Chapter Two (32.0)
Open Preliminary: Kyle Carter and G Star Van De Klinkenberg (24.9)
Preliminary Rider: Katherine Maroko and Redfield Champion (25.0)
Junior Training Rider: Madison Carter and Hella Famous (32.8)
Open Training A: Kyle Carter and Redfield Nola (24.4)
Open Training B: Becky Staden and Bearcat (25.0)
Senior Training Rider: Rachel Mulvey and Reminisce (27.3)
Novice Rider: Nicole Nair and Cooley Vita (24.7)
Open Novice: Kara Andrew and Twenty Park Diamond (20.8)
Beginner Novice Rider: Chandler Kolb and FortyLinesofDeputy (31.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Lisa Travis and King’s Ransom (26.9)
Starter: Mallory King and Fernhill Class Appeal (26.3)

Galway Downs International H.T. (CA): [Website][Scoring]

CCI 4*S: Rebecca Braitling and Caravaggio II (47.6)
CCI 3*S: Tamra Smith and Lillet 3 (25.4)
CCI 2*S: Tamra Smith and Kareena K (23.2)
CCI 1*S: Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Coco Chanel (31.5)
Intermediate: Mickayla Howard and HH Ontario (51.6)
Open Preliminary: Tommy Greengard and MBF Google (24.4)
Preliminary Horse: Jordan Linstedt and LS Crown Royal (33.0)
Preliminary Rider: Jordan Carver and Mallico (34.2)
Modified Rider A: Izzabela Price and Juste Capitaine (27.5)
Modified Rider B: Razieme Iborra and Mother of Dragons (33.8)
Open Modified: Amber Birtcil and Orpheus (34.6)
Junior Training Rider: Fiona Lempres and Hathaway Royale (35.4)
Open Training: Tommy Greengard and Casa de Prestige (29.4)
Senior Training Rider A: Emmalee Tanner and Brazen bugatti (34.2)
Senior Training Rider B: Keelari Mauzy and West Coast Cooley (29.2)
Training Amateur: Reese Blinks and Lowmax (31.2)
Training Horse: Marc Grandia and Obligado VD Watermolen (24.2)
Junior Novice Rider: Tabitha Wilhelm and Apollo (30.8)
Novice Amateur: Kate Helffrich and Coquette (26.9)
Novice Horse: Tommy Greengard and SZ Raudo (24.2)
Open Novice: Amber Birtcil and Zippity Doodah (25.8)
Senior Novice Rider A: Amanda Tapocik and American Quest (27.8)
Senior Novice Rider B: Nancy Emsley and HSH Tangerine (30.0)
Beginner Novice – Amateur: Tammy Wheeler and Mystic Mag (35.2)
Beginner Novice Horse: Olivia Keye and Hair Cool De Virton (34.4)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Sierra Lynessa Leigh and #Iwokeuplikethis (28.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Jessicca Butorac and Ready Freddy (36.8)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider A: Kate Flaherty and Eli’s Coming (30.3)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider B: Laura Balgooyen and Rendezvous (29.4)
Open Starter: Katherine Robinson and Feinrichs Magica (23.3)
Starter – Junior: Addison Smith and Lacey Monet (36.7)
Starter Rider A: Anika Hill and Midnight Express (38.0)
Starter Rider B: Sue Spencer and Dugald (30.0)

Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (GA): [Website][Scoring]

Advanced/Intermediate: Bruce Davidson Jr. and Cooley Candyman (32.5)
Open Intermediate: Devon Brown and Hickstead (32.0)
Open Preliminary: Tate Northrop and Harrison (26.1)
Preliminary Rider: Donna Miller and HC Celtic Mark (38.0)
Modified Rider: Olivia Pratt and Ardeo San Diego (33.5)
Open Modified: Sharon White and Arden Janeway (27.0)
Junior Training Rider: Kaitlyn Cobey and Redfield Need For Speed (29.8)
Open Training: Katelyn Smith and Dolmen Deejay (31.7)
Senior Training Rider: Elle Snyder and Oakland Quality (29.2)
Junior Novice Rider: Aubrey Sabatino and Ravishing (29.4)
Open Novice: Mary Bess Davis and Connor (30.4)
Senior Novice Rider: Tiffany Stewart and Excel Star Briarhill Native (33.9)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Katherine Bright and Lakota (23.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Mary Bess Davis and FE Tarou (34.4)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Erica Webb and Mr Panda (27.9)
Starter: Ella Bratti and Fernhill Alley (32.7)

Jumping Branch Farm Spring H.T. (SC): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Sarah Kuhn and Mr. Cash van de Start (25.3)
Preliminary Rider: Lily Barlow and MBF Dignified Duchess (46.2)
Junior Training: Kyla Perkins and Redfield Lennon (33.9)
Open Training: Brad Hall and Sandro’s Spinne (23.1)
Training Rider: Ella Wegerich and VC Hermès du Landran (26.7)
Junior Novice: Elizabeth Enloe and Ardeo Dream (24.4)
Novice Rider A: Ansley Carroll and Sweet Georgia Brown (28.3)
Novice Rider B: Timothy Fitzgerald and Sirius (32.6)
Open Novice A: Jane Jennings and Gigi (21.7)
Open Novice B: Rachel Miles and Cooley Keystone (25.0)
Beginner Novice Rider: Jennifer Poole and Phillip Buttons (25.3)
Junior Beginner Novice: Lauren Johnson and Tully Sparrow (26.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Addison Neumeyer and The Good Dinosaur (26.2)
Starter: Christina Pelachyk and Rettelle (28.0)

Morven Park Spring H.T. (VA): [Website][Scoring]

Open Intermediate A: Ema Klugman and RF Redfern (34.2)
Open Intermediate B: Tracey Bienemann and Venezuelan River (35.4)
Open Preliminary A: Boyd Martin and Curraghgraigue Clear Future (22.9)
Open Preliminary B: Nicholas Beshear and Rollo (30.5)
Modified Rider: Ashley Cosenza and Cooley Valentine (30.0)
Open Modified: Martin Douzant and Justified (30.3)
Junior Training Rider: Madeline DeMeirsman and Digby (30.8)
Open Training A: Daniel Clasing and Barbados OS (29.7)
Open Training B: Kaitlin Clasing and TGS Lions Sunshine (27.5)
Senior Training Rider A: Katherine Holzrichter and DressedForTheFifth (30.1)
Senior Training Rider B: Amanda Brady and Cooley For Keeps (37.3)
Training Horse: Tori Nuckols and Nonpareil SPF (30.6)
Junior Novice Rider: Reagan Loker and Galway Fawn (32.2)
Novice Horse: Kerri Long and Blue Suede Shoes (Memphis) (27.2)
Open Novice A: Alexander Conrad and Dixon (30.3)
Open Novice B: Jaclyn Burke and Adara (28.3)
Senior Novice Rider A: Jennifer Wright and Supply Sider (30.6)
Senior Novice Rider B: Kendall Doran and Virago (29.7)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Lillian Harrod and Celtic Heritage (24.4)
Open Beginner Novice: AJ Carter and Texas Avalanche (29.7)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Jessica Sappenfield and Rough Heart (30.3)

Monday News & Notes from Futuretrack 30 Mar 2025, 11:01 pm

He’s done it again! Canadian eventer Tik Maynard donned his cowboy hat this weekend at Kentucky Horse Park and took him a repeat title in the 2025 Road to the Horse World Championships of Colt Starting, besting three other competitors to get the job done with the horse he had chosen, an unbroken Quarter Horse named Goodluck Cat. This annual competition challenges its invited competitors to make as much progress as they can with their chosen horses over the course of three days, with 90 minute sessions with the horses each day. A panel of judges determines the round winners and final champion, and it was once more Tik, whose empathetic and intuitive approach with horses earned him yet another title, a Circle Y saddle, and a big ol’ belt buckle to boot (on top of a winner’s check for $75,000).

If you missed out on any of the Road to the Horse streams, we highly encourage you to check them out. The whole weekend is free to view on YouTube here.

U.S. Weekend Results

The Event at TerraNova (FL): [Website] [Scores]

Galway Downs International H.T. (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Stream]

Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (GA): [Website] [Scores]

Jumping Branch Farm Spring H.T. (SC): [Website] [Scores]

Morven Park Spring H.T. (VA): [Website] [Scores]

Major International Events

Thorseby Park International Eventing Spring Carnival (UK): [Website] [Scores]

News & Reading

Last chance! The deadline to apply for a free 6-month Equine Academy membership has been extended to TODAY and it’s open to Adult Amateur riders (18+) who competed at least once in 2024 in dressage, hunters, jumpers, or eventing. No need to meet strict USEF amateur rules—if you don’t earn most of your income from riding or teaching, you’re good to go! Four grants are up for grabs (random drawing in April), and if over 250 people apply, that doubles to eight—so spread the word and apply now here!

From grooming at the Olympics to galloping racehorses, designing for top brands, and racing across Mongolia, Linda Vegher has never taken the straight path—and that’s exactly how she likes it. A lifelong horsewoman with a flair for adventure and an eye for detail, Vegher has found her way back to the equine world as a sought-after equine massage therapist. Most recently, she’s traveled with Team USA to the 2024 Paris Olympics, helping top event horses stay at their peak. Her story is a reminder that for some of us, it’s all connected. Read more here.

Your jumping round starts long before the first fence—and according to grand prix rider Ronny Riemer, mastering your course walk is one of the most important skills you can develop. In Part 1 of his EQUESTRIAN+ video series, Ronny breaks down his go-to strategies for walking courses like a pro, from planning your first-fence approach to navigating bending lines, tricky combinations, and more. With clear examples and practical tips, this is a must-watch for anyone looking to ride smarter and with more confidence. Learn more here.

Video Break

Take a spin around the 4*-S at the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International with Elisa Wallace and Lissavorra Quality:

Tom McEwen Triumphant in Nearly Entirely Frangible Grantham Cup CCI4*-S 30 Mar 2025, 9:17 pm

Since the inaugural Eventing Spring Carnival, which launched in 2022 in the north of England and took up Belton’s mantel as the international season opener, it’s been an event that’s had its work cut out for it in a major way. There’s been plenty of positives; from the word go, for example, its CCI4*-S courses, designed by event director Stuart Buntine, were heralded as being a more suitable, technical, and up-to-height challenge ahead of the spring’s five-stars. 

But as William Shakespeare once wrote (maybe), the course of true eventing never did run smooth. Over the last couple of years, Thoresby’s primary obstacle hasn’t been its particularly fiendish bank complex, its perennially tricky water complex, or even the unenviable task of getting an old-guard regional audience to migrate from a former venue to a new one. Instead, it’s been something largely out of the organising team’s control: the weather. 

And oh, boy, has it weathered in the UK over the last few years. In March of 2023, the first day of dressage was so unceasingly sodden that by the second, much of the riders yet to compete had withdrawn, leaving us with half-hour stints between each test and a warm-up arena that looked like a scene from The Neverending Story. In the owners’ and members’ tent, one emergency meeting was conducted after another in an attempt to address concerns from riders, their owners, and stakeholders: would the event continue to run? How could it? How could it not? To run, many suggested, would be reckless and irresponsible; to cancel, many others said, would be equally bad as it would force riders to take underprepared horses to even bigger events. Emotions raged on in that unique way that they tend to in the bubble of an event with no phone signal; everybody thought they were the right-est, and the arguments got more and more binary, with some even suggesting that the organisers’ bid to replace an early-season parkland event with an early-season parkland event boiled down to nothing more than arrogance.

The event ultimately ran, though with only about half its original entry list, and when the weekend came, it brought the sun with it – sun that gave the ground a bit of its life back and allowed those who chose to run to benefit from that decision. 

In 2024, the memory of the previous year’s anguish collided with a long-range weather forecast that no doubt had Stuart dreaming of an early retirement and a return to his native Australia. Once again, endless weeks of rain in the lead-up; the enormity of the extra work that goes into preparing and maintaining ground so that it doesn’t succumb to the waterlogging; the indirect remarks and concerns and complaints; the worries, too, of course, that the decision to forge on could be the wrong one. And then, once again, a weekend of reprieve; a success. 

This year – finally, mercifully – has been different so far. Two-and-a-bit years of relentless rain has met its end and in its place, a March with scarcely a drop of the wet stuff has given British Eventing the sort of season opener that we all sort of forgot we’d ever enjoyed.

So while Thoresby’s weekend has been, as always, sunny and springlike, it’s still felt like a very different event. Even after hundreds of horses have travelled across the cross country courses, the ground is still grassy and fresh; in the walled garden where the international dressage classes took place, the site of the warm-up looks like an actual warm-up, not a swamp full of sadness, repressed childhood trauma, and little white Arabian horses. 

All in all, a recipe for a more relaxed Stuart, right? Well, yes and no: he’s certainly had the air of an un-beseiged man this weekend, and one who’s been able to just get on with his plans without any hindrance. But then again, even on the best of days, being a course designer’s hardly a relaxing occupation; this year, too, Stuart and his team have courted potential controversy by creating a course that’s nearly entirely frangible. Would riders embrace this new era in the sport, or combine their voices to make it very clear that a step like this – with all its potential for 11 penalty activations – was a step too far? Beyond the emotive response, too, would a course full of frangible fences encourage more hesitant riding, and therefore, in a roundabout way, make cross-country even less safe?

Tom McEwen and JL Dublin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“To be honest, I didn’t really ride differently, no,” says Tom McEwen, who won the feature CCI4*-S section, the Lycetts Grantham Cup, with his Kentucky runner-up JL Dublin. “Okay, of course you’ve got to think that everything’s pinned and clipped and XYZ, but, you know, a table’s a table – we don’t aim to hit any of these fences [when they aren’t clipped] anyway. So for me, realistically, it changes nothing [about my riding]; I still come down to the tables on a nice rhythm and treat the uprights no different to normal. You want to come in in balance, and you never aim to have an incident, but these safety devices are there for you if you do. It’s brilliant.”

Tom’s sentiment is the one we heard echoed time and time again from competitors across the two four-star sections – even those, like Gemma Stevens, who missed out on a higher placing because of an activation. 

“It’s frustrating, because of course it is – but I do think the safer fences are brilliant,” she says. “Bring it on!”

Tom’s win in the Grantham Cup came after a fierce battle between the entry list’s biggest spectator sweeteners: in the first phase, the top three places were occupied by the three combinations that represented Great Britain at last summer’s Olympics, and by the slimmest of margins, too. Ros Canter and her reigning European champion (and Badminton and Burghley winner) Lordships Graffalo led the way on a 24.3; Laura Collett and her own three-time five-star winner London 52 sat second on 24.4., and Tom and the former Nicola Wilson ride ‘Dubs’ were third on a 24.5. 

It stayed tight beyond the Olympic team, too: Gemma Stevens and the experienced Jalapeno III went into yesterday’s jumping phases in fourth on a 24.6, while 2023 and 2024 Grantham Cup winners Emily King and Valmy Biats closed out the top five on a score of 26. All five would showjump clear on Saturday morning, and even a singular time penalty for Emily didn’t reshape those business-end positions on the leaderboard. 

By the end of cross-country, even with a tight time, three class-wide MIM activations, and four further jumping penalties awarded across the 49 starters, the same five names would remain in the class’s top five – but this time, at least, they’d all had a bit of a shuffle. A very slightly steadier round for Ros and Lordships Graffalo saw them add 5.2 time penalties to slip from first to a final fourth place; 5.6 time penalties secured reigning champions Emily and Valmy fifth place; 0.8 time penalties for crossing the line two seconds over the optimum time earned Laura and London 52 third place; while Tom and Dubs, two seconds inside the time, stole the win ahead of Gemma and ‘Jala’, who also added nothing to their dressage score to finish a tenth of a penalty behind them.

“He feels bloody good,” laughs Tom of 14-year-old son of Diarado, JL Dublin. “He’s been very fresh all day, which has been lovely. And it’s the same with the dressage – he came out and he was so well behaved early in the morning riding, and then we went into the test and he squealed as we came down the long side. So I had to bail out of my first centre line, which is always, at this time of year, exactly what you want. This [early run] isn’t about having everything completely and exactly where you want it – you want to see them excited and happy to be out.”

Tom McEwen and owner Deirdre Johnston. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The faster-than-usual ground meant that Tom then opted for a pipe-opening run rather than a conservative one.

“He was like a man possessed before showjumping, and the same for cross-country! I didn’t really know if I was going to have a quick run or slow run, but I knew I wanted to use this for prep. But there was only one way Dubs was going today, which was quick. So I thought, ‘let him rock and roll!’ He really utilised his huge long stride everywhere and everything was so free flowing, and the course really sort of played into that.”

The course, he continues, “was really well-dressed, and that really helped the profile for the horses, which for me is more important than anything else. The horses could really pick everything up well.”

Despite this being one of the season’s biggest four-star entries every year, with the better part of 100 or more entries across both four-star sections in each iteration, 2025 actually marks Tom’s debut in the Thoresby CCI4*-S. 

“I’ve entered it a few times, and then it’s rained and I’ve gone home,” he smiles. “But it’s really, really nice. I was very much on the bandwagon to go back to [Dutch season-opener] Kronenberg this year before it cancelled, so this was actually a second option. Fortunately, we’ve been super lucky with the weather.”

Coming here instead has another bonus: all three surfaces are on grass, whereas dressage and showjumping at Kronenberg are held on a surface. Getting some practice in on old parkland turf is a key part of the spring prep for ‘Dubs’, who has an entry apiece at Kentucky and Badminton, but is being aimed for the latter event after twice finishing second at Kentucky. 

“It’s great to come to a big show like this because for the last couple of seasons I’ve predominantly done everything on a surface, going to Kentucky or Championships,” he says. “Obviously Badminton is very much on grass, so it’s great to come and jump on the grass.”

All being well, he says, his other double-entered ride, Brookfield Quality, will head Stateside – so US readers with a penchant for Mr McEwen will still have plenty to cheer about in the Rolex Arena next month. 

Gemma Stevens and Jalapeno. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

It felt like every time we turned around, Gemma Stevens was zooming by on another big, rangy orange horse with white socks, a white face, and a merrily deranged look in its eyes. 

“It’s quite cool to have three full brothers here,” she grins, referring to the young Chilli King and his Bicton five-star-winning big brother, Chilli Knight, who finished second in the other CCI4*-S, for horses with fewer FEI points, and sixth in this section, respectively. In today’s CCI3*-S she rode the third of the brothers, Chilli’s Jester, though withdrew him before cross-country. Each of the boys, she says, doesn’t just look alike – they all have the same fundamental functions, too.

“I couldn’t even pull Alfie [Chilli Knight] up,” she laughs. “I was like, ‘are we actually going to slow down at all; are we going to go round the warm-up three times before you stop?!’ Chilli King is just the same as Alfie – he’s such a machine and will gallop all day and all night just like him. They’re all really different, but they’ve all got that gallop – they’ve just got so much blood and so much want to gallop, and the work ethic is just unbelievable.”

17-year-old former Karin Donckers ride Jalapeno, on the other hand, is quite a different ride: “she’s the complete opposite to Alfie – we were in walk very quickly after we crossed the finish, and I end up puffing more than she does! She was mega, but she’d quite like to go round at a Novice speed, so I just have to kick her on a bit. She was like, ‘Christ, Mama, we’re going fast today!’ and I was like, ‘come on, you can gallop, you actually can move!’ She’s not so keen on going really fast just because she is quite laid-back – she’s not going to put herself through it if she doesn’t have to and I’m like, ‘today you need to move, because it’s time!’”

This will be a final run ahead of intended Badminton starts for both Jalapeno and Chilli Knight – “they don’t need to do any more,” says Gemma of her two experienced campaigners, both of whom will be vying for top ten finishes or better at the Gloucestershire fixture.

It was a busy week in the office for Gemma, who very nearly won the second CCI4*-S section with Flash Cooley, but had to settle for fifth place after a MIM activation: “He was super, he just for some reason, I have no idea why, misread the first corner coming out of the water and had the pin. He stormed round the rest of the course, and I’m really pleased with him.” 

Laura Collett and London 52. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Laura Collett, who cruised to a third place finish in the Grantham Cup class with horse-of-a-lifetime London 52 also took the win the other CCI4*-S with another kind of horse-of-a-lifetime in Dacapo, by which we mostly mean that he’s just so weird that we can’t imagine she’ll ever find another quite like him. We also don’t suppose she’s that upset about that fact.

“He loved it out there – I nearly couldn’t hold him, actually,” she says with a smile. “We all know he does what he feels like; luckily, he was very happy and having a jolly time today, so I had a jolly time, too. He’s quite the character, and he’s never going to change – if anything, he gets worse as he gets older! But what’s good is that you know from the first fence whether you’re going to have a good day or a bad one.”

Much more straightforward – these days, anyway – is the veteran campaigner London 52, who, Laura explains, came to Thoresby as a box-ticking fitness run ahead of a later planned five-star start at Luhmühlen in June.

“He was absolutely feral in the showjumping, so I was a bit concerned he might be feral for cross-country, too, but he was actually very good,” says Laura. “I just wanted to give him a nice run, and the ground was literally perfect with one area that was a tiny bit tacky, so I could just let him travel. Because he’s going to Luhmühlen, he’s not at peak fitness yet, so this is a good run to help get him there – he’s not one you can run slowly; he needs to be woken up.”

Like Gemma, Laura had a MIM activation on one of her rides, the Badminton-bound Bling, who finished nineteenth in the second CCI4*-S section. But she, too, agreed with her fellow competitors that the odd pin penalty is a price she’s willing to pay to minimise the risk of a serious accident for herself or another rider. 

“I had a pin on Bling, and I didn’t feel like she really did anything wrong or made a mistake. But that’s just the way it’s going to go. One day it will be that it does save a fall, and we’ll be grateful for them. So if it saves a life, it’s worth it, and I think they’ve done an amazing job on the courses here,” she says. 

Hayden Hankey took third place in the second CCI4*S with the “tough, arrogant” Fools In Love, followed by Emilie Chandler and Ifnotwhynot in fourth. 

Kirsty and Vere Phillips. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Polly Phillips Memorial Prize, awarded as part of the feature class, is one of the coveted mainstays of Thoresby – and its prior iteration at Belton House. It’s given in honour of its namesake, Polly, who lost her life in a tragic accident at Thirlestane Castle Horse Trials in 1999. Following her passing, her husband, Vere, took up eventing her top horse, Coral Cove, and also set up the Memorial Prize in her name to champion the highest-placed rider in the Grantham Cup class who hasn’t yet represented Great Britain in a Senior Championship. 

This year, it was awarded not to fifth-placed Emily King, who won it the last two years and is, by anyone’s reckoning, still eligible, but to seventh-placed Kirsty Chabert.

Kirsty’s strong finish came with the classy, but often tempestuous, Classic VI, with whom she added just 2.4 seconds to her first-phase score of 32. Now, the mare will head to Badminton – potentially via Ballindenisk, as she particularly enjoys running there – as will the diminutive Opposition Heraldik Girl, with whom Kirsty had an uncharacteristic mistake, knocking the MIM on the wide corner coming out of the water complex. 

“I think that mistake is the best thing I could’ve had to wake me up, actually, because sometimes you need the reminder that even if they’re a machine, you’ve still got to occasionally give a kick and keep thinking forward. [Opposition Heraldik Girl] is the ultimate event horse in every possible way, but I just went out a little bit backward, and found a couple of gears after that,” she says. 

With Classic VI, or Betty, she explains, “It was pretty fun. It’s actually a really quick course – I thought I was flat to the board and I was still just outside the time, and she’s quick round corners. It was a really great course, and after my mistake earlier, I came out of the startbox meaning business.”

Kirsty Chabert and Classic VI. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“It’s the biggest compliment you can get, when the riders are happy to set out and set sail,” says Stuart. “You sort of do wonder why on earth you do this bloody job, sometimes. But then I sat there this morning, and I was watching the first horses showjump, and the sun was out, and there was a backdrop of the house, and I just had sort of three or four of the best horses in the world jumping. And you think to yourself, ‘this is why I do it’. So it may take two or three years of bloody crap, and then you get a few moments like that, and it makes it all worthwhile.”

He was pleasantly surprised, too, to find that the response to his nearly entirely frangible course was overwhelmingly positive. 

“I was a bit concerned that riders would say ‘oh, we don’t want that’, because when I was in Lausanne, months ago, for the eventing forum they were saying ‘we don’t want 100% frangible courses’. And I’m sitting thinking, ‘Oh, dear, that’s exactly what I’m doing!’” he says. “So we’ve sort of kept it a bit quieter, although I wrote to all the riders last week and said, ‘when you walk, just be aware that what you think is not frangible is frangible’. And we discussed it at the riders’ meeting last night, and actually, they all clapped. I thought, ‘Well, that’s good, because I think they’re actually on side’.”

It might be a slightly different look to the sport than, say, the old long-format that we phased out two decades ago, or the rough and tumble ‘golden era’ of the sport. But this weekend’s competition showed that the new era doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel of what we all know and love. 

Next up? 

“Well, we’ll just never stop trying to move the dial and push the boundaries a bit further and make it safer,” says Stuart sagely. 

The Eventing Spring Carnival at Thoresby: Website | Live Scores | Live Stream | EN’s Coverage

Redemptive Victory for Jessica Phoenix at The Event at TerraNova 30 Mar 2025, 9:16 pm

Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

At The Event at TerraNova last November, Canadian Jessica Phoenix narrowly missed winning the CCI4*-L with Fluorescent Adolescent, finishing second overall with two rails down. Today, the Olympic veteran found redemption and not only won the B&D Builders CCI4*-S with Freedom GS, but finished second once again with Fluorescent Adolescent.

Freedom GS is 13-year-old Trakehner/Oldenburg mare owned by Charlotte Schickedanz, and Fluorescent Adolescent is a lovely, colorful mare that Phoenix owns herself. The two horses moved up from ninth and eleventh place, respectively.

Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Phoenix said, “I was really happy with all of my horses in the dressage phase, it’s definitely not been our strength. It feels like it’s steadily improving and I’m thankful for that. And in show jumping to have a clear round with Fluorescent Adolescent, after losing the four-star long in the fall with rails down, was definitely vindication. I was so thankful for the horse, that she went in and jumped a clear round. And then to go out on cross-country today and just fly around on Freedom GS, she was pure class, and Fluorescent Adolescent is such an incredible cross-country horse, it truly is her thing.”

With the conclusion of the event, Phoenix hopes that in spite of severe storms up north, she is able to make it home to Ontario this evening to celebrate her son Jacob’s 15th birthday.

Hallie Coon and Cute Girl, who held the lead after both dressage and show jumping, had a run-out at an angled in-and-on after a mound out on the back of the course and finished ninth overall. Phillip Dutton, who competed four horses in the four-star division, finished third overall on Possante, a 12-year-old KWPN gelding owned by The Possante Group, but parted company with both Quasi Cool, who had been his top-ranked horse throughout the weekend, and Jewelent.

Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Gray. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Brooke Burchianti and Space Gray, owned by Karin Burchianti finished fourth (46.0) and Olivia Dutton and Sea of Clouds, who is syndicated, finished fifth overall. Phillip Dutton finished sixth overall with Denim, owned by Caroline Moran, Annie Jones, Ann Lapides and Neill Stipe.

Olivia Dutton and Sea of Clouds. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Out of 20 starters, eight horses did not finish the course. The course builders were kept busy repairing activated frangible fences, which did their job to prevent injuries.

The Event at TerraNova is one of 20 qualifying events for the 2024/2025 US Equestrian Open of Eventing. The series will culminate with the final, to be hosted at Morven Park International. According to the USEF, the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Series will award $50,000 in prize money to the three-highest placed combinations following the conclusion of the qualifying period. $200,000 in prize money will be distributed at the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final in 2025.

Phoenix was enthusiastic about the series. “With my five-star horses, I’ve just been building their program toward their five-star competitions, but it’s so exciting that the US Open coincides with that, because what an opportunity to compete against the best of the best in the USA and have that much prize money up for grabs at the end of it, it’s just phenomenal for the sport.”

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

In The Estates at TerraNova and Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty CCI3*-S, William Coleman and Chin Tonic HS, a 13-year-old bay Holsteiner gelding owned by Hyperion Stud, dominated the division of 42 entries. They started with an outstanding score of 19.0 after dressage and maintained their lead with a double-clear show jumping round. Today, they had a relaxed canter around the course and added just four time faults to win on a final score of 23.0.

Coleman said, “I thought the course was great, for the level that it was, it was a really nice track, [course designer] Alec [Lochore] did a really nice job. For Chin it’s two levels below the highest level at which he’s competed and the point was to let him feel a little bit cocky and a little big in his breeches, and I think he did. I think that’s a good attitude for us to take into Kentucky and we just kind of wanted to give him a nice school around. He was a little exuberant in places, but overall he felt good and hopefully it will set us up well for the next one.”

The sunken road near the end of the course was an influential question and Coleman said, “That was a great thing for him to practice heading into his next big event. Jumps like that are always influential, but putting it late on the course like that makes it that much harder. Like I said, Chin was a little overexcited at times, but it’s nice to see him feeling like that and I think that’s fair. Now we’re on to the next thing.”

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Talbots Hill. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Caroline Pamukcu placed second on HSH Talbots Hill, a handsome, seven-year-old gray Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Sherrie Martin and Gayle Davis. They moved gradually up the rankings from seventh after dressage and fourth after show jumping, and a double clear cross-country round gave them a final score of 32.9. Zachary Brandt and Direct Advance, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Direct Advance Syndicate, LLC rounded out the top three on a final score of 34.2. Out of 42 entries in this division, 33 horses completed the competition.

The Event at TerraNova (FL): [Website] [Scores]

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: 8 Packers You Can Cruise Around On 30 Mar 2025, 8:30 am

Since 2010, EN’s classifieds site Sport Horse Nation has been the best eventers-only matchmaking service in the land. Check it out today for over 300 listings of eventing horses for sale. And also be sure to visit the newly launched Dressage Only for over 100 listings of dressage horses for sale. 

The older I get, the more appeal “packer” as a descriptor holds for me. I just want an ol’ pro that knows its job and wants to do it well, like: “Hey lady, what color flags we looking for today? White, black, green … OK, black, you got it! Keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle, sit back and enjoy the ride!”

Here are eight self-professed “packers” currently listed on Sport Horse Nation.

Training Packer Gentleman

  • Year Born: 2010
  • Height: 17
  • Breed: Canadian Sporthorse
  • Gender: Gelding
  • Eventing Competition Level: Training
  • Location: Hope Mills, NC
  • “Charlie has been leased to a young rider for the past few years. They have successfully competed up through Modified. He is a true gentleman in every way, taking care of his rider allowing them to learn and grow. Charlie loves his job and is a straight forward, uncomplicated ride.” Read more …

Packer…ribbons through Preliminary!

  • Year Born: 2017
  • Height: 16.1
  • Breed: TB
  • Gender: Gelding
  • Eventing Competition Level: Preliminary
  • Aiken, SC
  • “Ripper Magoo is a 2017 16.1 h bay Tb gelding. Easy to make round and brave to the jumps. With experience through the levels, he is sure to help someone gain confidence.” Read more … 

Easy, Fun & Safe Packer For Sale!

  • Year Born: 2017
  • Height: 16.2
  • Breed: Warmblood
  • Gender: Gelding
  • Eventing Competition Level: Beginner Novice
  • Location: Ocala, FL
  • “Scotty is so even tempered that my mother, niece or a pro can ride him and have a great time! He’s always the same horse no matter where you take him and takes everything in stride. A great mover, jumper and beautiful to look at, Scotty is the whole package!” Read more … 

Packer Alert: LNJ Encyclopedia

  • Year Born: 2015
  • Height: 16.2
  • Breed: Thoroughbred
  • Gender: Gelding
  • Eventing Competition Level: Preliminary
  • Location: Reddick, FL
  • “Booker is a 16.2 hand, 2015 OTTB with experience through Preliminary. He has recorded numerous wins at training and modified, including the Area II Championships and TIP Championships at the AECs in 2021. Soft, rideable, and very competitive on the flat, he consistently scores in the 20s and low 30s, with tests as low as a 25. In the jumping phases, he is quite brave with a ground covering stride, making him the perfect confidence builder for junior or amateur.” Read more …

Prelim packer for lease

  • Year Born: 2014
  • Height: 16
  • Breed: Zweibrucker
  • Gender: Mare
  • Eventing Competition Level: Preliminary
  • Location: Aiken, SC
  • “Salt (Epsom) is an 11yo mare ready to show her next rider the ropes at training, modified or Prelim.  She is a careful show jumper and as straight and honest as they come XC. She will teach you to gallop around XC with a smile on your face! Epsom is a forward ride without being hot or strong.” Read more … 

Sweet + Safe + Packer

  • Year Born: 2013
  • Height: 16.1
  • Breed: Thoroughbred
  • Gender: Mare
  • Eventing Competition Level: Novice (US)
  • Location: Ocala, FL
  • ““Vida” is a kind, genuine girl who has spent most of her life as an amateur horse, teaching her riders the basics of eventing and competing through the novice level. She is a super confidence booster for a junior or amateur looking to be competitive and safe. Vida could easily pass for a refined warmblood, and is very genuine. She is the type of horse to trot your first ever XC fences on, and continue up through Modified.” Read more … 

Training Packer with scope for more

  • Year Born: 2011
  • Height: 16.2
  • Breed: Thoroughbred
  • Gender: Mare
  • Eventing Competition Level: Training
  • Location: Covington, LA
  • “Been owned and primarily ridden by her JR rider for the last 5 years.  Has competed Training Level eventing and is moving up to Modified in FL next week.  Jumps 3’6” with her eyes closed.  Plenty of scope to go where you want to go!” Read more … 

Kind, safe PACKER ready for his next Jr/AA!

  • Year Born: 2016
  • Height: 16.1
  • Breed: Thoroughbred
  • Gender: Gelding
  • Eventing Competition Level: Starter
  • Location: Sanborn, NY
  • “Emrys (JC The Glominator, by Animal Kingdom) is an incredibly honest, kind, SAFE TB gelding ready to take care of his next junior ride or adult ammie! This guy has done it all with his junior rider– intro eventing (placing at the top of his division and finishing on his dressage scores), jumper derbies, 2’6-3′ hunter divisions, dressage, trail riding, and even lessons for advanced beginner riders and up.” Read more … 

Sunday Links 29 Mar 2025, 11:01 pm

 

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Today we’re wishing a fond farewell to Hawley Bennett-Awad’s former 5* partner, Gin & Juice, who passed away this week at the age of 25. Hawley and “Ginny’s” list of accomplishments could take up a CVS receipt’s worth of paper, traversing the world together to compete at a total of nine then-CCI4* competitions, including two World Championships and the 2012 Olympics in London. Owned by Linda Paine, Ginny was transferred to Sara Mittleider for the latter part of her career before retiring from the sport.

Enjoy a few photos of Hawley and Gin & Juice from their long partnership:

U.S. Weekend Preview

The Event at TerraNova (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Galway Downs International H.T. (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Stream]

Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Jumping Branch Farm Spring H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Morven Park Spring H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Major International Events

Thorseby Park International Eventing Spring Carnival (UK): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]

Links & Reading

Oh Baby! New Dad Kukuk Wins $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix CSI5*

Burghley ‘proud’ to support air ambulance

US Equestrian Open Series Aims to Grow the Sport’s Fanbase

Tips for Keeping Shoes on Horses’ Feet

Thoresby update: World No. 1 Claims Grantham Cup

EyeOn Equine Care: On The Modern Curve of Traditional Medicine

Video Break

The first US Equestrian Open Final is in the books, and it’s a familiar face (and a brand-new dad!) in Olympic gold medalist Christian Kukuk (GER) and Checker 47, who wowed the crowds with their masterclass of a performance in the $750,000 Rolex CSI5* at Wellington International last night. Many congratulations to Veronica Tracy and Christian on the new addition to their family, a daughter named Lila who was born just Saturday morning.

Watch Christian and Checker 47 repeat their grand finale win at WEF:

Bec Braitling Stars in CCI4*-S Shake-up at Galway Downs International 29 Mar 2025, 10:30 pm

Bec Braitling and Caravaggio II. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Spring is a time to prepare for what’s ahead and many of this week’s International Horse Trials contenders took full advantage of ideal opportunities to build confidence, confirm training and find out where they can push the edges of their horse’s performance.

Bec Braitling’s plan to “run quick here” with Caravaggio II was part of a shake-up in the CCI4*-S standings. Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z moved from 6th to 2nd and Megan McIver and Igor B kept their overnight third rank.

Prepping for a return to the Defender Kentucky CCI5-L next month, Braitling and Caravaggio stepped up from 4th after Friday’s dressage and show jumping. It helped that the overnight leaders, Tamie Smith and Kynan, took it easy timewise over Clayton Fredericks’ widely praised cross-country course.

The California-based Australian rider was thrilled with their 30.4 dressage score, though less so with an uncharacteristic rail in show jumping. European show mileage last year accelerated Braitling’s ability to “be brave with his really big stride,” she said of their final phase performance. “He sets himself up really well and I’m learning to not mess it up!” At 6:44 minutes, they were the fastest 4* finishers, incurring 13.2 time penalties.

“I get excited when I see a course I can get a lot out of,” Brailting explained. “I loved the flow. It was really good with distances that helped me with forward riding. And plenty of places to challenge me to be brave in the turns.”

The win gives Braitling 40 qualifying point for the USEF Open of Eventing, set for Morven Park in Virginia in October. “It’s definitely a big goal for this year.”

“It’s safe to say that Z blew everybody’s expectations away,” said Tommy Greengard of That’s Me Z. The 8-year-old Zangersheide has been a young horse superstar and continued that trajectory in his first Advanced level outing. “I felt like he was well prepared for the level, but you never know,” said Greengard. “He finished as well as he started.”

Of the track, the partner in Andrea Pfeiffer’s Chocolate Horse Farms acknowledged that the quantity of challenging corner lines “made me a little nervous. But once he jumped the 8AB Galway Leap/Corner so well, I had a good feeling.”

Megan McIver celebrated her one-year partnership with Igor B, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood. They debuted at this show last year by winning the CCI2*-S and ended their year 2nd in the CCI3*-L here in the fall. Recent work with former US eventing coach Eric Duvander has “completely revolutionized how my horses do dressage,” McIver shared. Their 30.8 dressage effort reflected Duvander’s emphasis on “thoroughness and keeping him loose and supple” to excellent effect.

The Northern California-based professional had penciled in next month’s Kentucky pending how well things went this week. “I give serious credit to Clayton (Fredericks’) design. A 4* never feels easy, but I think all the challenges were right where they should be.”

McIver plans to hit Kentucky now, as does Tamie Smith with her overnight leader Kynan. They took their time today to finish 5th. “We had to keep the cat in the bag until it’s time to let him out,” said Smith.

Sitting second overnight, Washington-based professional Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 had the win in their sights until a heartbreaking run-out at the C element of fence 22 – the coffin combination.

CCI3*-S: Smith and Lillet 3 Light It Up

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Smith went from cruising on Kynan in the 4* to crushing it with Lillet 3 in the 3*. Tommy Greengard had just 1.6 time faults with Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad, who had risen from 7th after dressage and 4th after show jumping. Erin Kellerhouse and Bon Vivant GWF held their third-place position with 5.6 time penalties.

Three seconds under the 5:33 optimal time, Smith and Lillet were the only double clear cross-country duo in this 33-horse field. “She’s amazing, so rideable and just super,” Smith raved of the 9-year-old Holsteiner. “The course was tough. There were a number of combinations that were quite strong, but it was super easy for her.”

Tommy Greengard sat second overnight with Joshuay MBF, but it was lesser-known Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad who zipped into 2nd place. The 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse came to Chocolate Horse Farm’s program less than a year ago with “severe confidence issues,” Greengard said. “He’s new to the upper levels and is just going from strength to strength.”

Greengard took a smooth, leisurely pace with Joshuay, slipping to 11th place. “Everything went exactly to plan,” said Greengard of his two 3* rides, two of the nine horses he competed week. His equine quiver included Open Preliminary Champion MBF Google.

Erin Kellerhouse and Bon Vivant GWF were “getting our mojo back on” after a bad fall last season. In his return to the 3* level, the 10-year-old Oldenburg put in one of his best dressage tests on Friday. “He was with me the whole way. He’s comfortable with this level of work and it’s nice to go into the ring being able to ride for things, rather than just manage them.”

After double-clear show jumping, Bon Vivant was cool over a cross-country course that Kellerhouse admits gave her some pause. “There were three or four hard combinations, but he didn’t care.” Five golf carts of cheering Kellerhouse fans racing alongside their route may have helped, too. “I hear them for sure and that’s been fun!”

Kellerhouse also finished 4th with Ringwood Adios Amigo, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse.

CCI2*-S: Smith Keeps Top Two Spots

Tamie Smith and Kareena K. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Kareena K and Solaguayre Cantata kept earning their rider Tamie Smith’s high praise. The 9-year-old Holsteiner mare and the 7-year-old Argentine Thoroughbred finished 1st and 2nd and stayed on their 23.2 and 27.4 dressage scores.

“They were both unbelievable,” said Smith. “It was the first 2* for both and it was a strong one. They answered all the questions.”

Washington-based Anni Grandia-Dodson and Mistral, a 9-year-old German Sport Horse, moved up from 11th to 3rd. “It’s our first time out for the season and our first time finishing on our dressage score at this level,” she said. “Today’s course was really inviting and a great gallop for my horse to start the season. There were lots of great questions, but it wasn’t overly technical.”

CCI1*-S – Kaylawna Smith-Cook Keeps Lead

Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Coco Chanel. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Coco Chanel, a 7-year-old Holsteiner, kept it flawless to finish on Friday’s 31.5 dressage effort. A new ride in the young professional’s promising string, Coco Chanel “is gorgeous and she knows it,” said Smith-Cook. The mare had some 2* experience in her native Belgium, but it was mostly the feeling she gave that sold her. “I just felt like she was my horse and that’s not a feeling I’ve had very often.”

Like her mother Tamie Smith, Smith-Cook works monthly with Australian show jumper Scott Keach. She credits him with solidifying her jumping fundamentals for the benefit of all the horses she’s bringing along. Having horses of very high quality helps, too, and Coco Chanel is in that camp.

“She has a little spook in her, and the 1* cross-country was pretty tricky today. But she handled everything just wonderfully.”

Asia Vedder and Litmanen Z, a 7-year-old Zangersheide, finished 2nd, with Megan McIver and Storm Dino, a 6-year-old Irish Sport Horse, in 3rd before cross-country.

Tomorrow’s Stars

The International Horse Trials concluded today, with Starter through Open Training divisions concluding Sunday. Saturday celebrations started shortly after the CCI4* ended as adorable pony riders, brave advanced age equestrians and everything in between took to the Grand Prix Arena for Starter division show jumping.

Raucous cheers and encouragement celebrated the common denominator across all this week’s divisions – a love for the horse and the sport eventing and its community.

CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S divisions are available on-demand for Equestrian+ subscribers. Commentators Frankie Thieriot-Stutes and Spencer Sturmey of Great Britian share their insights and expertise in all phases.

Galway Downs International H.T. (CA): [Website] [Live Stream Replays] [Scores]

Hallie Coon and Will Coleman Stay on Top After Show Jumping at The Event at TerraNova 29 Mar 2025, 7:26 pm

Hallie Coon and Cute Girl. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Overnight leader Hallie Coon kept her cool riding Cute Girl to jump clear and in the time allowed in the B&D Builders CCI4*-S show jumping today at The Event at TerraNova in Myakka City, Florida. The 11-year-old Holsteiner mare owned by Coon popped around the course handily to maintain their lead on their dressage score of 28.5 heading into the final cross-country phase tomorrow.

“I thought the show jumping course was tough enough,” said Coon. “It was a lot of atmosphere, and with all the flags and the windy day it’s a lot for them – so I think they got in there and they lit up a bit. That’s where we saw a few poles get rolled. With the VIP area it was a really lovely atmosphere and it was a good preparation for some of the bigger events coming up. Cute Girl was great today, she just pinged around. I couldn’t be more pleased with her.”

Having walked the cross-country course by now, she said: “the cross-country looks big and bold and it’s going to require a lot of forward riding. It’s early season and there’s a lot to do, but it’s a great setup for horses going to Kentucky and onwards. I’m excited to tackle it.”

Coon, 29, of Brunswick, Maine has spent the past couple of years training in England with Richard Waygood and Olivia Oakley, supported by the Karen Stives Endowment Fund Grant from the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation. She has competed extensively throughout Europe, including events at Le Lion d’Angers, France and Aachen, Germany. At the end of 2024 Coon competed as a member of the US Eventing Team at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup in Boekelo, The Netherlands, where the team finished in second place and Coon and Cute Girl placed third individually.

Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Phillip Dutton maintained his second place standing with Caroline Moran’s Quasi Cool (33.7), in spite of 0.8 time faults. A double clear round with Denim (33.9), owned by Anne Jones, Ann Lapides, Caroline Moran and Neill Sites and secured the third place standing when Carolina Pamucku and Redfield Dexter had the first rail of the triple combination down and added .4 time penalties. Dutton is also placed fourth on Jewelent (34.1) and eighth on Possante (38.2).

Hannah Sue Holberg on Christa Schmidt’s Irish Sport Horse gelding Carsontown moved up from ninth to fifth place on a double clear, followed by Lynn Symansky and Bounce 6, who moved up from eighth to sixth place. Jessica Phoenix is the top-placed Canadian rider in ninth place riding Freedom GS, owned by Charlotte Schickedanz, on a score of 38.7.

Twenty horses will start cross-country tomorrow in the B&D Builders CCI4*-S, starting at 12:17pm, with Phillip Dutton and Possante first out of the start box.

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

In The Estates at TerraNova and Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty CCI3*-S, William Coleman and Chin Tonic HS, a 13-year-old bay Holsteiner gelding owned by Hyperion Stud, laid down a faultless round to maintain their overnight lead with an impressive 19.0 penalties. Chin Tonic had time off last year with a badly-timed minor injury that kept him off of the Olympic team; now Coleman is prepping the gelding for the Kentucky CCI4*-S in April, with the long-term goal of setting him up for selection to next year’s FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany.

At TerraNova this morning, two rails and 3.2 time faults dropped Kelsey Seidel and Chico’s Man VDF Z from second to 20th place and Mya Poulos and Cock A Doodle Doo dropped from 3rd place to a tie for 12th with 7.2 time faults.

Their misfortune was good luck for a couple of Irish-bred horses, opening the door for Leslie Law and the Oldenburg gelding Must Be Cooley, owned by Madeline Hartstock (31.2) to move up from fourth to second place and Jonathan Holling and Fernhill Esmeralda, an Irish Sport Horse mare owned by Team Charles McGrath and Team Rebecca (32.0) to move up from sixth to third. Caroline Pamucku and HSH Talbots Hill, owned by Sherrie Martin and Gayle Davis (32.9) round out the top four.

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

“Chin jumped super today,” said Coleman. “He’s really been very relaxed all weekend and I thought we were very lucky to have Bernardo Cabral designing the course for us, he’s one of the top show jumping designers in the world and having him here at TerraNova this weekend has been fabulous for everybody competing. He set a great track and Chin handled it well. He’s an experienced horse and he’s just doing the three-star here, so the height wasn’t necessarily what he’s accustomed to, but it was still a technical course, and for what we want out of this weekend, it was brilliant.”

Coleman also piloted a couple of horses around the preliminary level cross-country today and said, “I walked around and I think Alec [Lochore] has done a nice job with the tracks for the three and four-star courses. It should be a nice preparation for Kentucky. My other horses were great, I had nice rides on the preliminary horses and just rode a very, very green young horse around the novice and was happy with him, too. It’s been a nice day for us.”

Competition began on Friday, March 28 and continues through Sunday, March 30, featuring competition from Starter through the CCI4*-S level. Spectators are invited to attend with free daily admission, on-site food trucks, and children’s activities such as Mini Horsemanship Camp on both Saturday and Sunday!

Sunday

  • Competition begins at 8:30am
  • Feature event: FEI Cross-Country & National Show Jumping
  • Special activities:
  • Non-denominational service (7:30am) on the back patio of the show office
  • Mini Horsemanship Camp (10am & 1pm)
  • Hospitality: Family Breakfast in the Pavilion (8:30am – 12pm), purchase tickets at the door: $30/adults and $15/children
  • Open on-site: food trucks, Tiny Town, boutique vendors, open viewing tent on the cross-country course (open to all)
  • Volunteers are still needed for Sunday! If you have an interest in becoming a volunteer, please click here to inquire. For every volunteer hour worked, $20 will be donated to Easterseals SWFL. No previous horse experience is required. We have roles for all levels, interests, and abilities!

Can’t make it to Myakka City? Stream it LIVE, presented by Keyflow Feeds.

The Event at TerraNova (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

A Healthy Weight for Myself: Eventer Edition 29 Mar 2025, 11:00 am

Photo by Alyson Saxon and In Frame Photography.

I have been on a weight reduction journey since the end of December. My weight is not usually something that I have struggled with. I am lucky to be in the fitness industry and not have body dysmorphia. I have my own struggles but this is not one of them.

At the end of last year, I was quickly approaching an unhealthy weight and trending in the wrong direction. I was not feeling confident in my body and did a photo shoot in December that I was not happy with how I looked or felt in my own skin. I was up two pant sizes, and I really was unhappy with the photoshoots I was doing for my fitness business. This resulted in a major shift in the way I was fueling my body.

This journey has not been easy and A LOT slower than I expected. My first five pounds came off pretty easy. However, I plateaued right about 150lbs. I finally started using a weight loss app. For the first time in my life, I was counting calories. I had no idea how many calories I was consuming even though they were healthy (mostly plant) choices.

At the beginning of this journey I set an arbitrary goal weight. Based on having a lower BMI. One thing, I didn’t take into account, is that I am a fairly muscular person. All that is to say, I am about 10 lbs away from my original goal weight, but down 10+ pounds from where I started. I am very happy in my skin right now, I feel strong and I am ecstatic with my progress. Going further to make the point that the weight on the scale is just a number. I feel confident in the saddle and when I look in the mirror.

Exercise and Weight Loss

Exercise and weight loss pair well together. However, you cannot strictly exercise into significant weight loss. Also, it is important to emphasis here there is no such thing as spot reduction. A whole bunch of crunches will not lead to 6 pack abs. I have a few clients that have come to me for weight loss when I have sent them to work with a nutritionist instead because it really is a degree of its own for a reason.

I am not someone who exercises because I love exercising. I realized from an early age that I needed to do it not only to improve my riding but truly to make a difference in my injury prevention. I love riding, it really excites my soul. Exercise on the other hand is like brushing my teeth, I do it for my health. My favorite part about is usually when it is done.

There is No Such Thing as Spot Reduction

Even though I do not do core exercises to have defined abs or a thinner waist, I do train a lot of core work myself, and with my clients. Improved core stability helps a rider maintain an independent seat and absorb the movement of the horse without bouncing or gripping. Engaging the abdominals and lower back muscles helps riders maintain proper posture reducing fatigue. A well-conditioned core allows for more effective and precise movement, allowing you to move your hands and legs without impacting stability.

The exercise for today’s workout is the alternating crunch. This works the obliques and the deep stabilizer muscles of the low back. These are essential for maintain balance, stability and control in the saddle.

Alternating Crunch

This effective exercise will get to targeting your core.

  • Start on your back with your feet on the floor
  • Bring your hands to your head, but do not pull on your head
  • Trying to keep your feet on the floor sit-up, and bring your right elbow to your left knee
  • Come back down to the start position
  • Then sit-up again bring your left elbow to you right knee
  • Go back and forth until you hit to minutes or you can no longer maintain form

Want to get some tailored support for your own fitness program? Laura Crump Anderson and Hidden Heights Fitness are currently accepting new clients! Click here to learn more and sign up. 

Galway Downs Jumps to Near-Certainty as 2028 Olympic Equestrian Host 29 Mar 2025, 8:00 am

The LA28 Olympic Organizing Committee’s proposal to have Galway Downs host the Equestrian and Para Equestrian competitions jumped to a near-certainty this week.

On Wednesday, March 26, the Ad Hoc Olympic and Paralympic Committee of the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved LA28’s proposal that six venues outside the city limits host competition in various sports. Proposed venues were initially announced in June of 2024, as amendments to the 2028 Games’ venue master plan. This included proposing Galway Downs as host of Equestrian and Para Equestrian events.

The LA28 Ad Hoc Olympic Committee’s vote to approve new venue proposals was ratified by the entire Los Angeles City Council on Friday, March 28. Final approval by the International Olympic Committee’s Executive Board is expected in early April.

When the IOC approval is announced, Galway Downs and the local host committee will release further information and regular updates. Please send your name and email to Kim F. Miller to receive the latest news.

How We Got Here

Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Galway Downs Equestrian began its pursuit of the LA28 Equestrian and Para Equestrian competition four years ago.

Game-changing investments in the venue’s infrastructure, safety and hospitality put Galway Downs in pitch position for the Games. That dovetailed with the IOC’s insistence on sustainability, legacy and fiscal responsibility in evaluating venue change proposals. In addition, Galway’s ability to host all three equestrian events meets new IOC mandates.

Under the recent ownership by entrepreneurs Ken and Tina Smith, and with international three-day eventing organizer Robert Kellerhouse at Galway’s equestrian helm, the venue has proven its ability to stage international three-day eventing and dressage competition over several years.

Ali and Francie Nilforushan are equally critical to Galway’s Olympic odyssey thanks to the investments, innovations and visions manifested in their Nilforushan Equisport Events’ hunter/jumper competitions. Their ground-breaking emphasis on quality in everything from arena footing to VIP amenities launched with multi-week shows in 2018.

This year, the International Equestrian Federation bestowed international “CSI3*” status on the Nilforushans’ Spring and Fall show jumping events at Galway Downs. This recent news reflects global enthusiasm and embrace for the venue. And it completes the Galways trifecta of hosting highest-level events in all three Olympic equestrian disciplines.

Located in the Temecula Valley’s Valle de los Caballos – “Valley of the Horses” – Galway Downs embodies the 242-acre property’s “A Legend Reborn” motto.

“Temecula is a great tourist town and an attractive place to host an event like this,” asserts Ken Smith, Citizen of the Year nominee and recipient of the Temecula Chamber of Commerce’s Welty Award for Tourism Professional of the Year. “And I think it’s going to help the equestrian world come together. I hope it helps us work together more going forward – between the different disciplines that often don’t talk to each other. I hope it can be a way to protect and advance the equestrian lifestyle for everybody.”

Hosting Olympic Equestrian and Para Equestrian is phase-one of groundswelling support for creating a permanent equestrian lifestyle in the beautiful Temecula Valley. As opportunities to own and enjoy horses disappear in much of the country, the Temecula effort and its many supporters are determined to buck that trend.

Stay abreast of Galway Downs Equestrian news on GalwayDownsEquestrian.com, Facebook, Instagram and via the Galway Gazette monthly newsletter.

Galway Downs International Horse Trials: Tamie Smith Leads 3 of 4 Divisions 29 Mar 2025, 12:13 am

Tamie Smith and Kynan. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Riding a high from the latest milestone in Galway Downs’ path to hosting LA28 Olympic equestrian competition, several of the event’s 50 international competitors tried to put themselves on that same path today.

Today, the Los Angeles City Council formally approved the LA28 Organizing Committee’s proposal that six venues outside the city limits host competitions in various sports – including Galway Downs as host of Equestrian and Para Equestrian events. A final approval from the International Olympic Committee is expected in early April and will fully finalize the plan.

Even for those not on an Olympic path, there’s plenty at stake this weekend. Successful outings can earn both qualification and experience for the USEA’s American Eventing Championships. They’ll be held in California for the first time ever, at Galway Downs August 26-30. This weekend’s CCI4*-S is also a qualifier for the US Open of Eventing, set for Morven Park in Virginia in October.

The CCI Short format competitions for 2*, 3*, and 4* divisions held dressage and show jumping today, with the cross-country decider set for Saturday. The CCI1* division took place Thursday evening and concludes with Saturday’s cross-country.

Tamie Smith continues her reign in the realm, leading the three highest divisions. And her daughter Kaylawna Smith-Cook leads the 1*

CCI4*-S: Smith Sails to Lead

Tamie Smith and Kynan, 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood, were fault free over new course designer Brody Robertson’s show jumping track to stick on a 28.1 dressage score from judges Marilyn Payne and Sukhdev Rathore. They’ll head out on cross-country in the lead – but not by a lot.

Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14, an 11-year-old Westphalian, were also clear to stay on their 30.1 effort. Megan McIver and Igor B had just 1.4 time faults to stand third on a 32.4.

Smith said Kynan “came out this year as a different horse. This sport is always a progression – for all the horses – and Kynan is mentally and physically stronger this year.” Working with Australian show jumper and former eventer Scott Keach has been a big help, Smith added. “I am a student of the sport and always trying to get better with all my horses.”

O’Neal had high praise for the show jumping course. “I come from jumpers, so I love the turns. There were fun, different elements with the outside bending lines, and the triple bar to two uprights. It walked forward and rode forward, and I loved it.”

Cross-country, designed by Galway Downs veteran Clayton Fredericks, “has plenty of places where I’ll need to sit up and ride and I am more confident about doing that after today’s course.”

Regardless how tomorrow goes, “This is a big day for me,” O’Neal shared. An incident while jogging another horse last fall resulting in a broken hip, a hip replacement and months of rehab. During that stretch, Clooney had time off, so having rider and horse back in form is a thrilling step, said the Washington-based professional. A good day tomorrow will help them achieve a major goal of qualifying for the US Open of Eventing.

CCI3*-S: Smith and Lillet 3 Blaze the Trail

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. Photo by Sally Spickard.

This division’s top three after dressage stayed the same after show jumping as Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 lead on a 25.4 from Marilyn Payne. Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood, are hot on their heels with a 26, and Erin Kellerhouse and Bon Vivant GWF, a 10-year-old Oldenburg, are third with a 28.3.

Smith and the relatively new ride continue a promising partnership highlighted by winning the Fall International CCI3*-L here last year. The elegant mare is a 9-year-old Holsteiner owned by rising star young rider Molly Duda. They’ve gone from strength to strength and Smith plans to step her up to CCI4*-S at Twin Rivers Ranch in April.

Tommy Greengard is another exhibitor over the moon about his horse, in this case his own “Josh.” It’s their first outing since finishing as reserve national champion in the USEF CCI4*-L Championships in the fall of 2023, Greengard and Josh’s mutual debut at the level. Josh had a minor injury last spring. Meanwhile, Greengard spent several months competing in Europe and “adding new tools to our toolbox and gaining so much more experience and understanding.”

Josh’s comeback could not have gone better. “He is a through and through professional and he never fails to be a showman,” Greengard said. “He has returned so much stronger because we worked on his strength and fitness more than we ever have.”

CCI2*-S: Smith Has Top Two Spots

Tamie Smith and Kareena K. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Tamie Smith dominates another division so far, leading this16-entry field after two phases. Her leader is Kareena, a 9-year-old Holsteiner mare, whose flawless show jumping added nothing to their 23.2 dressage score from judges Marilyn Payne and Christel Carlson.

With Solaguayre Cantata, Smith is 2nd on a 27.4. Like Kareena K, the 7-year-old Argentine Thoroughbred is owned by longtime supporter Julianne Guariglia. And both are “such quality mares,” Smith said. “They are very good on the flat and have amazing gallops, so I’m really excited for tomorrow.”

Having just completed a walk of all four international cross-country courses, Smith described the routes as full of fair challenges and big questions. Smooth rounds will the goal for all her contenders, she said.

Amber Birtcil and Milagro, an 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood, head out on Saturday cross-country on a third-standing 28.5.

Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Coco Chanel. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Kaylawna Smith-Cook kept the division leads in the family by riding Coco Chanel, a 7-year-old Holsteiner. Asia Vedder and Litmanen Z, a 7-year-old Zangersheide, follow them, with Megan McIver and Storm Dino, a 6-year-old Irish Sport Horse, in third before cross-country.

Tune-In Tomorrow!

The International Horse Trials action continues Saturday, with CCI1*-S cross-country starting at 8:30 a.m.

CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S cross-country will be livestreamed on Equestrian+ starting at 1:30 PST. If you can’t make it out, commentators Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Spencer Sturmey of Great Britian bring the action and their expertise to you!

Galway Downs International H.T. (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Stream]

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands 28 Mar 2025, 11:01 pm

The Go Eventing Podcast and the Horse Person podcast have teamed up for some discussion over on Instagram, and we want to know your thoughts! Head on over to @goeventing or @horsepersonpodcast on Instagram to join the conversation.

U.S. Weekend Preview

The Event at TerraNova (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Galway Downs International H.T. (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Stream]

Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Jumping Branch Farm Spring H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Morven Park Spring H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Major International Events

Thorseby Park International Eventing Spring Carnival (UK): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]

Links & Reading

Mark Your Calendar for the Bucks for Bayou Benefit at the Colorado Horse Park

2032 Olympic venue proposal ‘confirms expectations’ of horse sport at the Games

Dry Conditions, Helene Debris Fuel Fires And Force Horse Evacuations

Breaking Down The Role Of The Steward

Ultrasonography’s Role in Equine Lameness Cases

Sponsor Corner: World Equestrian Brands

How much World Equestrian Brands gear can you spot in this reel? Hint: there’s plenty of it!

Video Break

Preview a busy 2025 season on Horse & Country!

Hallie Coon and Cute Girl Lead B&D Builders CCI4*-S at The Event at TerraNova 28 Mar 2025, 6:20 pm

Hallie Coon and Cute Girl. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Just before the lunch break in the B&D Builders CCI4*-S dressage, Hallie Coon and the impeccable gray mare “Cute Girl” performed a foot perfect test to take the lead (28.5) from Phillip Dutton, who held the top three placings all morning. Caroline Pamukcu and Redfield Dexter had a bold, forward test to slot into third place (33.5).

Coon said, “Cute Girl took pity on me because I’ve had the flu for the past three days and have been really out of it. She was super mellow and went in there and worked with me. I couldn’t be happier with her.”

Coon has spent the past two years based in Europe, training with British team coach Dickie Waygood as well as dressage coach Olivia Oakley, and will go back after Kentucky.

“It’s a great system, it’s really clicked with us and I wouldn’t have it any other way, I’m really happy,” she said.

Hallie Coon and Cute Girl. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

A native of Maine, Coon was based in Wellington, Florida over the winter and spent most of the time training at home. “She hasn’t competed a lot, we’ve really been focusing on the basics mostly, it was a good opportunity to focus on that and really get her with me, because I think that’s the most important thing with mares.”

Coon and her groom arrived at TerraNova yesterday with four horses, so she’s had a busy start to the weekend. “It’s my first time here and it’s magical,” she said. “I just can’t get over the facility; not just the spectacle of it, but the details – the water fountains and the wash racks, it’s just unbelievable. I’m really excited to explore more, it’s just beautiful.”

Following dressage, Dutton is placed second on Caroline Moran’s Quasi Cool (32.9); fourth on Denim (33.9), owned by Anne Lapides, Caroline Moran, Ann Jones and Neill Sites; fifth on Jewelent (34.2) owned by the Juwelent Group; and sixth on Possante (34.7) owned by the Possante Group.

Phillip Dutton said, “We’re on our way back to Pennsylvania after wintering in Florida and decided to run the four of them here. Logistically it seemed like a smart thing to do but it’s a lot of horses for me to ride in one four-star,” he admitted.

Recapping his horses’ performances this morning Dutton said, “Possante was faultless in his test, he just wasn’t that flamboyant but I was pleased with the way he went. Similarly with Denim, he went well and I probably lost him a bit in the canter, but he behaved well. Quasi Cool had a good amount of energy and was relaxed but behaved well. Jewelent was workmanlike but very good.”

Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Dutton is currently ranked number one on the US Equestrian Open of Eventing leaderboard and said, “I think the US Open is a great addition to the calendar, especially having prize money, it’s a win-win for everybody. Obviously, you have to do the right thing for your horse and his career but if I can, I’ll go to those events over the other ones.”

While he hasn’t walked the cross-country course yet, Dutton competed at TerraNova last fall and felt that the course then was big and fair, and he said he’s looking forward to getting out on course. “Another reason we come here is it’s an incredible venue for the horses and the owners, they always have a great time,” he said.

Course designer Alec Lochore said, “One of the things I like to do at all of the venues where I design is, even if you follow the same route, the features have got to be different every time so people don’t come back and see the same thing. We’ve changed the route quite a lot between the spring last year and the fall event.

With the fact that it’s a US Open [qualifier] event, you’ve got to really reward the horses and riders who are positive. The alternatives we’ve tried to make quite long, so they take a lot of time if you use them, and there are some combinations where there are no alternatives – it’s get in or go home. For example if you do the alternative at the second water, it’s very easy but it’s going to take you ten or more seconds. There’s a lot of prize money at stake, both from the event and in the US Open, so people who are brave can be rewarded.”

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

In The Estates at TerraNova and Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty CCI3*-S, William Coleman and Chin Tonic HS surpassed the division of 42 entries with an outstanding score of 19.0. The have a solid lead ahead of second-placed Kelly Seidel on Chico’s Man VDF Z (30.2) in second and Mya Poulos on Cock A Doodle Do (30.5) in third.

Coleman said, “Chin Tonic is an exceptional horse on the flat. He’s a beautiful horse. I think our goal coming here this weekend was a nice relaxed test in a very real atmosphere, which TerraNova provides, and I think by and large we accomplished that. The score is really nice, but I think more than anything we wanted to come here and feel like we went through all of the warm-ups and pre-rides having the horse in a good, relaxed place and confident and happy in what he’s doing. It was a good day for us.”

Coleman is riding six horses total this weekend, from Novice through the Three-Star level. Following The Event at TerraNova he plans to run Chin Tonic in the CCI4*-S at the Kentucky Three-Day Event and then compete at the CHIO Aachen (Germany) this summer, then finish the year with the Morven CCI4*-L.

“We won’t contest a five-star this year, but we’re trying to work backwards from the World Championships at Aachen next year and put ourselves in a position to get on a team and go to that Championship representing our country.”

Competition began on Friday, March 28 and continues through Sunday, March 30, featuring competition from Starter through the CCI4*-S level. Spectators are invited to attend with free daily admission, on-site food trucks, and children’s activities such as Mini Horsemanship Camp on both Saturday and Sunday!

Saturday
Competition begins at 8:00am

  • Feature event: FEI Show Jumping & National Cross-Country
  • Special activities: Mini Horsemanship Camp (10am & 1pm)
  • Hospitality: VIP Brunch (10:30am – 3:00pm)
  • Open on-site: food trucks, Tiny Town, boutique vendors, viewing tent on the cross-country course (open to all)

Sunday
Competition begins at 8:15am

  • Feature event: FEI Cross-Country & National Show Jumping
  • Special activities:
    • Non-denominational service (7:30am) on the back patio of the show office
    • Mini Horsemanship Camp (10am & 1pm)
  • Hospitality: Family Breakfast in the Pavilion (8:30am – 12pm), purchase tickets at the door: $30/adults and $15/children
  • Open on-site: food trucks, Tiny Town, boutique vendors, open viewing tent on the cross-country course (open to all)

Volunteers are still needed for Sunday! If you have an interest in becoming a volunteer, please click here to inquire. For every volunteer hour worked, $20 will be donated to Easterseals SWFL. No previous horse experience is required. We have roles for all levels, interests, and abilities!

Can’t make it to Myakka City? Stream it LIVE, presented by Keyflow Feeds.

The Event at TerraNova (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Product Review: Dressage TestPro 28 Mar 2025, 11:30 am

Some people have a mind like a steel trap, while others have a mind more like a colander. I, unfortunately, am the latter. Not trying to brag, but if you need something forgotten, I’m your girl. I’m still trying to live down that one time I went to an event 3 hours away and forgot both of my saddles.

As you can imagine, I’m also not exactly the quickest when it comes to learning dressage tests. For those of you who can get to a show, look at your test, and then immediately go ride it, I heartily salute you (with only the tiniest bit of malice in my heart). That’s just not a skill I have.

Back in the day you could find me a few days before a show with a dressage court sketched out on a piece of paper, trailing my finger along the path, and the test pulled up on my computer screen. I must not have been the only one, because it turns out there’s an app for that, just much better, smarter, and more advanced than my old-fashioned paper method. Enter: Dressage TestPro.

I’ve been using this app for years, and at this point I couldn’t even tell you how I found out about it (because, duh, I forgot) but it’s become a staple of my horse show prep. And while yes, it is very convenient to have every test you could ever need right therein one place in your phone, it’s the tools contained within the app itself that have made it so incredibly helpful and invaluable to me.

When you open up the app, you can choose your dressage test from the menu. Once you click into it, the app pulls up a page with the dressage court (short or long, depending on the test) and a list of the movements. You can click through the movements to see it laid out in the court, or you can take your finger and draw the test out yourself. It shows you the track once you complete it (assuming you were right), or if you get stuck you can click back into the list or click the arrow forward or back at the bottom to see the movement listed out. It’s pretty much what I did before with a pen and paper, but considerably better and more efficient.

Over the years I’ve learned that I’m a bit of a mix between an auditory and visual learner, and this app offers both. At the bottom of the screen you can turn on the sound, and the app will read you the directives as you scroll through. You can also hit the Moves button in the upper right corner and the app will bring up a page of the movement diagrams, the directives, and how many points the movement is worth (this page can also be shared as a PDF, which is neat!).

Usually when opening up a new test I’ll go to the Moves screen first, read through all the movements and the directives, then hit Play at the bottom and have the app draw it out movement by movement with the audio on. After that I’ll start taking a stab at drawing it out myself on the screen. Not only is it beneficial for me to have all the test information right there, but it also helps me learn the test much more quickly since I can visualize how I want to ride each movement as I’m drawing it out. If at any point I get lost, I can scroll forward or back, or pull up the list of movements, OR go to the Moves page for the diagrams. Much, much easier than trying to refer back to a website, find your place, and then try to get going again. It’s easier to focus when you have everything right there at your disposal, thus it’s much easier and faster to learn.

I think the best thing about this app is that there are just so many options, depending on how you learn best. Even if you’re a whiz at learning your test, it seems like it would still be incredibly valuable for professionals or people showing multiple horses who are often riding several different tests at a time. Being able to grab your phone, go to one place, and quickly find and scroll through an easy-to-read version of your dressage test (or even have the app read it out to you while you’re getting ready) is super convenient. No more Google searches or squinting at a screen… that’s so 2015.

As for the cost, I feel like the $2.99 monthly subscription (or $29.99/year) is totally worthwhile. Earlier this year I went through and unsubscribed from a bunch of apps, including this one, and let me tell you how long that lasted: right up until the next horse show. I re-suscribed immediately. It has become a “need” for me and it’s pretty easy to justify that much money per month if it helps me learn and remember my dressage test. I’d call it a real “please take my money” situation. Now if only it could help me find a distance… we really need an app for that.

How EN Does Product Reviews:

We believe that product reviews are the most useful when they’re honest. We will always let you know if we’ve been compensated in some way for writing a product review; in all review cases, we reserve the right to write with honesty on our experience with a product. This review of Dressage TestPro was compensated as a part of an advertising package. This review reflects our writer’s full experience using this product.

Hold Your Horses: Adelaide Equestrian Festival Returns in May with Stunning Four-Day Line-up 28 Mar 2025, 8:30 am

Photo courtesy of Parlàre PR.

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival is set to return from May 1-4, 2025 with more than 70 elite equestrian athletes and their horses taking to the arena and cross country course for a truly spectacular, family-friendly event.

As the only 5* equestrian event in the Southern Hemisphere and the only horse trials held in the heart of a major city anywhere in the world, this prestigious event delivers a vibrant, action-packed four-day showcase of disciplines including dressage, cross country and show jumping.

Greg Rolton of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival said the event was always a delight for spectators and equine enthusiasts. This year will mark the 25th year of the festival taking place in South Australia. This world class festival attracts a significant influx of interstate and international visitors alongside South Australians looking to witness the very finest athleticism and horsemanship.

“We welcomed more than 30,000 spectators to Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi in 2024 and we anticipate this number to grow as the sport of eventing continues to gain momentum following a successful performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics,” Mr. Rolton said. “While the LA 2028 Olympics and 2032 home soil Brisbane Olympics may seem like a long way away, it is at this point that our experienced and rising Australian equestrian athletes are already in training and preparing in order to be considered for the Australian team.”

“It’s not often that you can find a sporting event that caters to everyone. We’re incredibly proud to showcase the very best equestrian athletes from around the country while ensuring that even the youngest attendees are entertained with live music, kids’ activations and a newly expanded family-friendly food and beverage offering,” Mr. Rolton continued.

The only eventing competition set in a city center. Photo via Adelaide Equestrian Festival Facebook.

The 2025 Adelaide Equestrian Festival timetable includes:

Thursday May 1: Through the generosity of ResourceCo, Thursday is free to attend for all spectators. With an array of food and beverage vendors on site, a dedicated marketplace for all your retail needs and the first day of the dressage competition – you’ll be sure to have a relaxing day in the Adelaide Park Lands. A great one for anyone with young children looking for an exciting day out!

Friday May 2: Friday sees spectators experiencing a graceful but highly competitive display of dressage thanks to Pryde’s Easifeed. Soak in all the action from the iconic Victoria Grand Stand and enjoy the picturesque park lands. Plus, you can start your weekend right with free entry for spectators from 3pm.

Saturday May 3: They’re on the move for cross country during this action-packed day that sprawls across the Adelaide Park Lands. Sponsored by RB Sellars, this event is bound to have your heart racing! Finish the day with live music from the Happy Leonards at 4pm at Victoria Park.

Sunday May 4: This is your chance to see who will take to the podium following the exhilarating ATCO Show Jumping Day – the final discipline showcased for the festival.

South Australian Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said there is nothing like the Adelaide Equestrian Festival anywhere else in the world. “Elite equestrian athletes and spectators from all over will experience the only 5-star equestrian event in the southern hemisphere right in the heart of our boutique city,” she said.

“I am proud to support the Adelaide Equestrian Festival, which showcases why South Australia is a leading events destination, while bringing tens of thousands of visitors to our city to help boost visitation for our local businesses.”

Tickets and more information can be found here. This event will be livestreamed on H&C+ here. 

EN is thrilled to be collaborating with Atalya Boytner this year for our first time ever covering this special 5*! Stay tuned for more coming your way soon, including a preview of the entry list. 

Friday News & Notes from Stable View 27 Mar 2025, 11:01 pm

Today marks day two of competition at the Thoresby Park International Eventing Spring Carnival, which is one of the larger prep stops en route to spring 5* events for UK and European-based pairs. The massive entry lists here require two days of dressage competition, and leading the way in his section of the 4*-S is JL Dublin, teamed up with British Olympic team gold medalist Tom McEwen, scoring a 24.5 with plenty more yet to ride their tests today. In the other 4*-S section, it’s New Zealand’s Jesse Campbell riding Speedwell, an 11-year-old Irish gelding formerly ridden by Georgie Campbell, who tragically passed away in an accident at Bicton last year. They sit on a score of 30.0 for the day one lead.

Our UK reporter Tilly Berendt will be on site later on this weekend, so stay tuned for a full wrap-up report from Thoresby coming your way soon. We’ll also have press release updates from Galway Downs and TerraNova coming over the weekend, as there’s plenty of action to catch all around the world! Stay tuned.

U.S. Weekend Preview

The Event at TerraNova (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Galway Downs International H.T. (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Stream]

Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Jumping Branch Farm Spring H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Morven Park Spring H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Major International Events

Thorseby Park International Eventing Spring Carnival (UK): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]

News & Reading

Galway Downs is one step closer to being the confirmed host venue for equestrian events at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics after the LA City Council approved the venue update in a meeting this week. The motion still needs to be ratified, which should be happening this week, and then the venue plans will move on to the IOC for final approval, which is anticipated to go forward without issue. Stay tuned for more on this developing news, but in the meantime you can catch up with what we know so far here.

If you’re navigating a return to riding after a confidence-breaking episode like a fall or accident, consider taking a patient approach with yourself. There’s a lot of advice out there on managing fear, but not all advice is created equal. Check out some ways to holistically manage these tough emotions here.

Our reigning World Champion, Yasmin Ingham (GBR), is set to make her long-awaited Badminton debut this year, as are several other “rookies” lined up for one of the most prestigious events in the world. Take a look here.

Want to up your dressage game, Anna Buffini style? Check out three takeaways to level up your game, whether you compete in pure dressage or eventing, and try them out in your next rides.

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

If you’re feeling nostalgic about your intercollegiate eventing days (or if you simply never got the chance to compete yourself!), you definitely want to check out Stable View’s Alumni Cup, which will be held during the May Local Charities Horse Trials May 2-4 in Aiken, SC. There’s a boatload of prizes up for grabs, and you can also create scramble teams with alumni from other schools. You can submit your team rosters to Emma Young by emailing emma@stableviewfarm.com.

Video Break

Check out the live stream replay from the Wild Card round on day one of the Road to the Horse competition at Kentucky Horse Park:

https://www.youtube.com/live/9O3fOzi7i5k?si=NYBi3XfXct6BOb9P

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