Eventing Nation
Red on right, white on left, insanity in the middleMonday News & Notes 8 Dec 2025, 12:45 am
Cosby Green and Jos UFO Quidam. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Cosby Green is wrapping up 2025 in grand fashion, topping the new FEI Eventing U25 World Rankings to head into the end of the year. With the inaugural FEI Eventing U25 World Championships coming up in July of 2026 at Millstreet (Ireland), Cosby is one name to watch for the U.S., who does intend to target this developmental competition on the big stage.
You can view the full World Rankings here.
U.S. Event Results
Rocking Horse December H.T. (FL): [Website] [Scores]
Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (SC): [Website] [Scores]
News & Reading
We’d love your help shaping Season 2 of The Go Eventing Podcast! Take our quick listener survey here and let us know what you want more of in 2026.
This week, the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention will kick off in New Orleans, LA. Expect plenty of discussion across committee meetings, open forums and educational seminars, year-end award celebrations and a mindset boost from keynote speaker Natalie Hummel, all on tap starting Thursday. You can find more information on the week’s schedule of events here.
British Eventing is boasting strong numbers for 2025, exhibiting growth across multiple EquiRatings-tracked metrics such as competitor participation (at a 12-year high), growth at lower levels like BE105 (equivalent to around Training/Modified level in the U.S.), and other promising figures. Take a deeper dive into the numbers here.
Video Break
Join 5* rider Simon Grieve for a “week in the life” vlog:
Sunday Links 6 Dec 2025, 11:32 pm
The current social media trend highlighting heart horses — especially those who perhaps didn’t start off with the greatest promise — is one of our favorites so far. Enjoy this one from Lauren Nicholson and don’t forget to tag @goeventing in your own stories!
U.S. Events This Weekend
Rocking Horse December H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]
Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]
Links & Reading
Registration Open for the 2026 Young Event Horse Symposium
Doing Better, Not Just More: Lessons from 2025 Equestrian Event Marketing
Master the ‘Circle of Death’ for Sharper Aids and Improved Stride Control
New league to give top amateur event riders ‘the recognition they deserve’
Video Break
Would you live in this equestrian dream home?
Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands 5 Dec 2025, 11:01 pm
@team_bjorkgarden #pony #girl #horselove #fun ♬ originalljud – Team Björkgården
We’re taking a moment today to remember our “why.” To remember that inside all of us is some form of this horse crazy kid, who just wanted to spend every waking moment on top of a horse. The horse who does not care what your goals are, or if you want to go to the Olympics or the horse show next week. The horse who simply asks for safety and companionship, and nothing more. Let’s all take a moment to remember that horse crazy kid inside all of us today.
U.S. Events This Weekend
Rocking Horse December H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]
Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]
Links & Reading
We’d love your help shaping Season 2 of The Go Eventing Podcast! Take our quick listener survey here and let us know what you want more of in 2026!
The Seema Sonnad Junior Rider Grant Closes Out with Community Support
‘Social License Matters Here, Too’: Lesson Horse Study Reveals Potential Gaps In Welfare
Master the ‘Circle of Death’ for Sharper Aids and Improved Stride Control
Practical Horseman Podcast: Sydney Elliott
Sponsor Corner: World Equestrian Brands
Need a hint for that gift list? We can all but guarantee the rider (and horse!) on your list will absolutely love you to pieces if they find an Equilibrium Heat Sense Massage Mitt Hotspot from World Equestrian Brands under the tree this year! This convenient and easy-to-use massage mitt provides targeted relief (and yes, we’ve tried it on humans too) for some of those hard to reach areas. Use it before or after a ride or just in every day maintenance and see the difference! You can shop for this item and more from World Equestrian Brands here.
Video Break
Farewell to two legends:
India’s Ashish Limaye Wins Eventing Gold and Thailand Earns Team Gold at FEI Asian Championships 5 Dec 2025, 10:30 am
Ashish Lamaye wins individual gold for India at the FEI Asian Championships. Photo: FEI / Yong Teck Lim
The Thai Polo & Equestrian Club stadium arena hosted the final test for the eventing discipline, the CCI3* show jumping, at the FEI Asian Championships 2025 Pattaya this past weekend. With the last five to go at less than a rail’s penalty apart and afternoon temperatures hitting 34°C (93°F), all present could feel the heat literally and figuratively.
Entering the arena in the penultimate position, Ashish Limaye (IND) and Willy Be Dun mastered the questions asked without fault, keeping their penalty point total at 29.4 and putting the pressure on the last to go, Thailand’s Korntawat Samran and B.Grimm Billy Elmy.
Lowering the height of one jump on course caused Samran to add four penalty points, and finish with a score of 32.8 for the bronze. Rising into the silver spot on the podium were Patrick Lam and Jockey Club Highdown March. Lam rode the track fault free and remained on a score of 30.1 penalty points, moving up from fourth to second overall.
The Olaf Petersen, Jr. (GER) designed course asked riders to negotiate several related distances, as well as a double combination, a triple bar and a triple combination. Inviting but not easy, rails fell throughout the 14 effort track. Only four championship competitors finished without jumping or time faults.
Ashish Lamaye and Willy Be Dun. Photo: FEI / Yong Teck Lim
With the pressure on as he entered the arena, Limaye stayed focused on the ride. “I was only thinking about going clear, not winning a medal,” he admitted. “But after being clear, then, yes, I was hoping for gold.”
Winning India’s first gold at an Asian Championship, Limaye was knocking at the podium door in each phase, finishing third in dressage, then moving into second after cross country and ultimately finishing first after his fault free ride in show jumping.
The gold medalist was on his way to a medal position in 2023 when he missed a fence on cross country. “It feels like I’ve redeemed myself,” he admitted and then credited his horse. “He is one that gives you 100%. I can trust him. With the relationship we’ve developed over the last three years, I know I can count on him.”
Silver medalist Lam, who is also competing in the show jumping discipline at the Championships that started today, spoke highly of both the event organizers and his owners.
“A massive thank you to all the organizers. The facility is amazing. And to my owners, a big thanks to them. Let’s hope we come back in two years!”
Team Gold Goes to host country Thailand
Team Thailand wins gold! Photo: FEI / Yong Teck Lim
With a cumulative score of 117.6 penalties, Team Thailand secured gold on home turf. India came in a close second, winning silver with a total of 121.8, narrowly beating Hong Kong, China, who finished with 122.9, earning bronze.
Even with incurring a single rail, Samran’s performance with B. Grimm Billy Elmy was top notch. The twenty-eight year old’s overall achievement of team gold and an individual bronze is admirable.
“My horse was amazing today. He gave me his best in dressage and cross country and even today he jumped well. I missed one jump because I was a bit too open and that is why we had one down. I am very thankful to the owners and the groom and everyone behind us.”
Teammate Weerapat Pitakanonda, who finished with 37.3 penalties, praised his horse, Billy Grimm Carnival March, as well as his supporters and the team.
“I am so proud – the longer we are together the more we understand each other. Thank you for the support from the owner and also my family. Without them it would not be possible to have this medal. The atmosphere is great and I was very happy to compete at home. The team spirit is amazing, we know each other well.”
The FEI Asian Championships Pattaya 2025 were hosted at B.Grimm Country Club, also known as Thai Polo & Equestrian Club Pattaya, with the support of B.Grimm.
FEI Asian Championships Pattaya 2025 (Thailand): [Website] [Scores] [Live Stream Replays]
FEI Tribunal Decision Documents Detail Testimony, Defense, and Results of Andrew McConnon Horse Abuse Case 5 Dec 2025, 9:45 am
Andrew McConnon and Wakita 54. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.
Earlier this week, the FEI released the full documentation outlining the decision of a three-member Tribunal Panel regarding Case 2025/HA01 involving 5* rider Andrew McConnon and allegations of horse abuse. The decision, which resulted in a 20-month suspension that was retroactively applied to the start of McConnon’s provisional suspension on January 8, 2025, follows a two-day hearing held virtually on June 16 and 17. The Panel consisted of Ms. Harveen Thauli (Chair), Mr. Brian Ward, and Mr. Agustin Fattal Jaef. Jamie Cambreleng Contreras was also present for the Panel to serve as clerk. The CVs and roster of current FEI Tribunal members is available publicly and can be found here. McConnon’s suspension is due to end on September 8, 2026.
There is a lot of information (120 pages, to be exact) to dig through here, so we’ll do our best to lay things out below. While we’re bringing you as much detail as we can, we do encourage you to take the time to read through the documents, which can be viewed here.
As with the piece Eventing Nation published in September of 2024 detailing the case to date, we’ll be leaving any personal opinion and views out of this rundown of the documents. We’ll conclude this piece with some analysis, which will contain some of our interpretation of the results. This story will be followed by some opinion pieces written by various members of the team at EN, which will be published in the coming days.
How We Got Here
June 2024: USEF was informed of the allegations of horse abuse, but it was determined that the Federation did not have jurisdiction under the interpretation of GR838. The rule has since been modified to allow for reports of abuse that happens on private property, versus its original version which allowed for reports only at USEF-sanctioned shows. The case was handed off to the FEI.
September 2024: While McConnon competed at Defender Burghley with Wakita 54, videos were posted to social media depicting abuse to multiple horses. Eventing Nation followed this with a report on the timeline to date, including confirmation that an investigation had begun.
January 2025: McConnon was informed that disciplinary proceedings had begun for possible violations of Articles 142 and 164.11 (b), (g) and (i) within FEI General Rules. McConnon was provisionally suspended from January 8, according to the rules. On January 20, he acknowledged receipt of this notification letter and denied the allegations.
February 2025: The FEI Tribunal Chair appointed a Panel to decide the case, with no objection from either party. Documents were provided on either side as submissions for the hearing.
March 2025: A case management conference (CMC) was held on March 26 to discuss the procedures and other matters pertaining to the upcoming hearing.
June 2025: The hearing took place on June 16-17 via video conference. Present in addition to the FEI Panel were Andrew McConnon, accompanied by two legal counsels in Howard Jacobs and Roland Wiley, as well as three members of the FEI Legal Counsel (Ana Kričej, Katarzyna Jozwik and Anna Thorstenson).
Statements from a total of 8 witnesses for the FEI and 12 witnesses for the Respondent (McConnon) were submitted, and several of these witnesses were also cross-examined during the hearing. Additionally, 5 videos and 12 photographs were submitted by the FEI.
What Were the Allegations and Charges?
The FEI’s case consisted of the following allegations:
- 41.1 excessive beating of horses
- 41.2 excessive whipping
- 41.3 excessive use of spurs
- 41.4 excessive jabbing of the horses’ mouths with the bit and excessive use of hand aid
- 41.5 intentionally leaving horses without adequate food and drink
- 41.6 riding horses despite the horses being lame and/or injured
- 41.7 overworking horses
- 41.8 using abusive training methods
- 41.9 employing hyperflexion (rollkur) on horses
- 41.10 tying the horses’ heads down for a prolonged period of time
- 41.11 trapping and tying horses into static positions
- 41.12 chasing horses by foot
- 41.13 preventing horses from breathing
- 41.14 causing damage and inflicting injuries on the horse
Importantly, as it pertains to the ultimate outcome of the case, the Panel notes that “various versions of the GRs [General Regulations] are applicable given the alleged violations occurred from 2017 to 2024,” which is the FEI’s own framing of the time span of the alleged violations, based on collected testimonies from witnesses. FEI Witness 2 is the clearest source for the multi-year narrative, as they worked for McConnon from August 2019 to October 2023 and alleged that between 25 and 30 horses were subjected to his abuse “over an extended period.” Other instances identified include a report from FEI Witness 3, who alleged that in January 2021, at a show at the World Equestrian Center (WEC) in Ocala, Florida, which she describes as a National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) show, she saw McConnon display abusive behaviors, which was seen by a steward and halted. The Witness attempted to file a report via USEF but the incident did not fall under their jurisdiction at the time. Given the span of time and grievances alleged, the FEI initially sought a lifetime ban.
Who Were the Witnesses?
The statements and/or testimony of a total of 8 FEI Witnesses and 12 Respondent Witnesses were used in this decision. While the Witnesses were not named, their backgrounds and association with McConnon was outlined.
For the FEI, the witnesses included three individuals who had worked for McConnon between the periods of 2019 and 2024, a neighbor, a rider who kept horses at a neighboring farm and one who kept her horses with McConnon before moving to a nearby facility but who also spent some time living on McConnon’s property, a rider who ran a Thoroughbred retirement nonprofit who kept at least two horses in McConnon’s program at one point, and a veterinarian who treated the horse of another witness’ daughter.
For McConnon, witnesses included a rider who has represented the U.S. on Championship teams, two veterinarians, a rider and part-time employee who was in McConnon’s program in early 2024, long-time clients and students, McConnon’s landlord/neighbor, a Licensed Eventing Official, a Senior US Pony Club official, a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker who has worked with McConnon since February of this year, and other associates and colleagues.
The Evidence and Testimony
As mentioned previously, multiple pieces of evidence were provided to the FEI, as follows:
There were 5 videos in total, all filmed by the same former employee (FEI Witness 1) — four from February 2024 and one from March 2024. Here’s exactly how the Tribunal treated each one, along with the weight assigned to each in terms of its relevance and acceptability for proof of allegations. The notes shown in the bullet points are pulled from the documentation:
- Video 1 (14 Feb 2024, Horse A)
- Shows McConnon slapping Horse A on the top of the neck seven times.
- Tribunal: this constitutes horse abuse.
- Weight: High probative value; high weight.
- Video 2 (14 Feb 2024, Horse C)
- Shows two “neck slaps” after jumping; no whip visible, no injuries or visible distress, 2 seconds long, no sound.
- Tribunal: description in the FEI’s claim (“hitting the horse’s head/face with a whip”) was not accurate; clip is inconclusive.
- Weight: No probative value; no weight in deciding horse abuse.
- Video 3 (20 Mar 2024, Horse A)
- Taken from behind, at a distance. Shows McConnon pulling more than necessary on the right rein to keep the horse bent, then jabbing the horse’s mouth three times by pulling the rein across the neck.
- Tribunal: this constitutes horse abuse.
- Weight: Moderate to high probative value (because of camera angle/distance); high weight overall.
- Video 4 (14 Feb 2024, Horse C)
- Shows Horse C being walked and bent left/right after jumping; no striking or jerking, no visible distress.
- Tribunal accepted McConnon’s explanation (cooling down / shoulder mobility) as plausible; clip is inconclusive.
- Weight: No probative value; no weight.
- Video 5 (14 Feb 2024, Horse A)
- Shows Horse A being walked and bent to the right; no striking or jerking, no visible resistance, very brief.
- Tribunal: looks corrective and calm, not punitive; again inconclusive.
- Weight: No probative value; no weight.
12 photographs were also submitted, as follows. The FEI’s own summary (used in the decision) describes them as:
- 20 Feb – Horse A – Whip marks
- 20 Feb – Horse A – Whip marks
- 20 Feb – Horse A – Whip marks
- 20 Feb – Horse A – Tied down
- 20 Mar – Horse A – Blood on stirrups
- 20 Feb – Horse A – Tied down
- 21 Feb – Horse A – Whip marks
- 21 Feb – Horse A – Whip marks
- 15 Feb – Horse B – Blood on bit
- 14 Feb – Horse C – Wounds on mouth
- 14 Feb – Horse C – Overworked horse
- 14 Jun – Horse A – Whip marks
The Panel reviewed these videos and photos submitted by the FEI, but ultimately only relied on a small fraction of that material. Two videos, both involving the same horse in February and March 2024, were given high weight: one showing McConnon slapping the horse on the neck seven times, and another showing him jabbing the horse in the mouth three times with the rein across the neck. The other three videos were found to be inconclusive and assigned no probative value for abuse.
Of the 12 photos — almost all taken within a single week in February 2024 — the Tribunal Panel found that only two images (showing whip marks on the horse’s shoulder and haunches) had moderate to high probative value, largely because McConnon acknowledged he had used the whip more than appropriate on that occasion; the remaining photos were given little or no weight and were not treated as proof of a broader, long-term pattern.
The Panel also heard testimony, spending large amounts of time verifying timelines from the witness statements as they pertain to the case. Some excerpts from the FEI Witness testimony include:
- FEI Witness 2 (working student, 2019–2023)
- On withholding food as punishment: “[The Respondent] withholds food from horses after a bad ride, both grain and hay. Anywhere from one feeding to a few days.”
- On how hard she says he whipped: “Sometimes so bad that patches of skin are missing and most of the times until they are covered in lash marks. When [he] whips them it’s almost always hard enough to leave large welts. On a few occasions bleed.”
- FEI Witness 3 (boarder/parent, 2019)
- On hitting heads and making horses fall: “[The Respondent] hits horses repeatedly in the head during rides with an open hand…” and “[The Respondent] rides well-behaved 5-year-olds and yank their head so violently that they fall down because they are unable to keep their balance.”
- FEI Witness 7 (working student around 2014)
- Referring to “beating and abusing” horses: “His go-to would be to gallop them violently after missing a distance or other mistakes, beating them with a crop or whip.”
For McConnon’s witnesses, the focus was primarily character reference and confirmation. A few excerpts from this testimony include:
- Respondent Witness 1 (U.S. team rider, knows him ~20 years)
- On how he’s seen McConnon ride and compete: “[…] in the 20 years I have known [the Respondent] I never witnessed him treat horses in that way. I have witnessed him riding and competing in a very kind and competent way.”
- On remorse after the videos surfaced: He said the Respondent was “ashamed, embarrassed, and completely honest in his statement of regret.”
- On how he views McConnon’s place in the sport: “[The Respondent] is an asset to the horse community and a significant ban would only add fuel to an already volatile cancel culture mentality.”
- Respondent Witness 4 (long-time client/coach)
- On his coaching style with her daughter: “[The Respondent] would give my daughter excellent, proactive advice on how to help [her horse] and not make the situation worse.”
- Respondent Witness 5 (long-time trainer/mentor/colleague)
- On his integrity and approach to horses: “[The Respondent] is a person of exceptional integrity. He’s inherently kind and gentle, and he’s a loyal and dedicated member of the Equestrian World.”
- On the videos used in the case: “I would consider that bad decision making, but I don’t know how I could call that abuse with less than a minute of tape.”
- Respondent Witness 12 (social worker)
- On his engagement with mental health treatment: “Over our six sessions together, I have been impressed by [the Respondent’s] dedication to his mental health and his commitment to working through these challenges.”
In assessing the evidence, the Tribunal applied the FEI’s “comfortable satisfaction” standard, but it was notably stricter with the FEI’s witnesses than with the defense. It expressly gave only minimal weight to the two main former employees and no weight at all to several other FEI witnesses except where their accounts could be independently corroborated.
The Panel repeatedly described McConnon’s own testimony and a number of his supporting witnesses as credible, assigning them moderate to high, and in some cases full, weight. Within the framework that the FEI carries the burden of proof, this meant that inconsistencies or gaps in the complainants’ timelines often led to their evidence being discounted, while long-term professional, client, and landlord witnesses on the Respondent’s side were more readily accepted as reliable background. The consistent vein of the Respondent witness testimony was character testimony and confirmation that abusive or aggressive behavior was not witnessed on their part.
McConnon himself was also given the opportunity to respond the allegations, from which we’ll include some excerpts below:
- On not just being sorry he was caught: “This isn’t a case of I’m sorry I got caught. I’m genuinely sorry for my actions.”
- On apologizing and taking accountability: “I’d like to start by apologizing. I’ve personally taken accountability with FEI Witness 1, each of my owners, clients, and sponsors, but I haven’t had the opportunity to apologize to you. In the beginning of last year, I acted out of character with my values as a horseman.”
- On personal circumstances bleeding into his work: “Those are just some of the things that were going on personally and inappropriately I let my personal life go over into my work life and that never should have happened.”
Here is how the Panel weighted each witness:
FEI witnesses – summary of weight assigned
- FEI Witness 1: minimal weight and primarily to the circumstances leading up to her discussion with the Respondent on 20 March 2024
- FEI Witness 2: minimal weight and only to those aspects supported by independent or contemporaneous evidence, such as the length of her employment with the Respondent
- FEI Witness 3: no weight
- FEI Witness 4: moderate weight
- FEI Witness 5: not applicable (this witness declined to attend the hearing and their statement was therefore not admitted into the final decision)
- FEI Witness 6: no weight
- FEI Witness 7: no weight
- FEI Witness 8: no weight
Respondent and his witnesses – summary of weight assigned
- Respondent: high to full weight
- Respondent Witness 1: high weight
- Respondent Witness 2: moderate to high weight
- Respondent Witness 3: full weight
- Respondent Witness 4: high to full weight
- Respondent Witness 5: high weight
- Respondent Witness 6: moderate to high weight
- Respondent Witness 7: moderate to high weight
How This Case Was Decided
Because the FEI is headquartered in Switzerland, this case was ultimately decided under Swiss law and the FEI’s own rules, not U.S. law. In simple terms that means the FEI, as the prosecuting body, had to prove its allegations with enough detail and solid evidence before the Tribunal could rule that abuse had occurred. If the FEI couldn’t meet that bar on a particular claim, the Tribunal was required to dismiss it, even if it raised concerns. This will come into greater play as we get further into the documents.
On top of that, FEI abuse cases are judged using a standard that comes from international sports law, often called “comfortable satisfaction.” You can think of it as sitting between two concepts U.S. readers might know:
- Higher than the usual U.S. civil standard of “more likely than not”
- Lower than the criminal standard of “beyond a reasonable doubt”
It’s also a bit of a sliding scale. The more serious the allegation and the heavier the potential penalty (for example, a lifetime ban or effectively ending someone’s career), the stronger and more consistent the evidence needs to be before the Tribunal feels “comfortably satisfied” that it really happened.
In this case, that meant the FEI had to put forward clear, specific, and well-supported facts: detailed timelines, footage, documents, and witness accounts that lined up with each other. Only once the Tribunal was convinced on a particular point did the burden shift to Andrew McConnon to explain or challenge that evidence. Where the evidence was vague, inconsistent, or not backed up by photos, videos, or records, the Tribunal said it could not reach comfortable satisfaction – and those broader allegations were not upheld, even though some narrower incidents were.
The Panel ultimately found McConnon guilty of abuse of horse, bringing the FEI and equestrian sport into disrepute, and breaching the FEI Code of Conduct on the Welfare of the Horse, based on a limited number of training incidents in early 2024. It did not uphold the majority of the broader allegations originally brought by the FEI, including the initial range of time it alleged from 2017 forward. This decision meant that although the FEI requested to have McConnon banned for life for the abuse of horses, and for bringing the Federation’s reputation into disrepute, the Tribunal ultimately deemed “that the Respondent’s offenses for Abuse of Horse falls within the “mid-range” category of the table provided at Article 164.13 of the GRs. This table provides for a Suspension ranging “between three months and two years” and awarded him a 20-month suspension, backdated to the start of his provisional suspension in January of this year.
The Panel also reviewed a string of previous FEI horse-abuse decisions to get a sense of the sanction “range,” but ultimately said none of them were truly comparable to McConnon’s case. Those included FEI v. Zbibi, where a rider designed tendon boots with hidden pins that caused pain when the horse hit a rail (four-year suspension), FEI v. Da Silva, in which an oversized rider was filmed violently yanking and whipping a pony (three-year suspension), and FEI v. Kocher, where an electric shock device was used on horses in training and competition over about six years (ten-year suspension, upheld on appeal). They also cited several endurance cases (Al Hosani, Al Khatri, Al Ghailani, Al Marzouqi) involving aggressive kicking, rein-slapping and, in one instance, a horse collapsing and being declared lame, which led to suspensions ranging from eight to 30 months. In each example, the Panel explicitly notes that the case is “not comparable to the Respondent’s matter,” and concludes that McConnon’s situation doesn’t fit neatly beside any of these precedents.
The Panel also wrote: “There was no evidence to suggest that the pain or discomfort was long-lasting or resulted in any enduring harm. For example, Horse A is now living in California and had just won a competition at the time of the hearing.” This refers to the horse formerly known as D’Luxe Steele, now named Jump To Day D and ridden by Tamie Smith, who won the CCI3*-L at Galway Downs at the end of October. They also wrote: “The Panel considers his personal circumstances to be a mitigating factor,” referring to a cancer diagnosis for McConnon’s father and other personal difficulties he referenced in his testimony and response.
“The Panel acknowledges that the Respondent has expressed genuine remorse for his actions” also appears in the closing text of the documentation. This, coupled with the fact that the verified offenses were not found to span multiple years, are reasonings for the 20-month suspension.
McConnon has confirmed to EN that he does not intend to appeal the Panel’s decision. It remains unknown whether or not he will return to the sport in September of 2026, when the suspension is lifted. He has yet to make any public or on-record statements, outside of what was transcribed from his testimony.
Where This Leaves Us
Here, we’ll depart a little from straight fact-sharing to offer up our analysis of the events that have transpired. The following section does contain some of this writer’s opinions, as well as those of the EN team, and should be read as such.
Initially as I began this piece, I had planned to include excerpts from a post made by Tamie Smith on Wednesday of last week detailing the trauma she had seen from the horses that were sent to her care after leaving McConnon’s facility. In this post, she detailed the physical manifestation of abuse that these horses displayed and continue to display to this day. Tamie’s post has since been edited and, to be frank, its credibility is now undermined as multiple public posts have been shared in recent days alleging abuse of staff and horses on Tamie’s part. This is a developing story and is one that EN is monitoring closely for further updates.
A few of our takeaways:
- To indicate that horses carried no long-lasting effects of trauma is, frankly, scientifically untrue. A horse that wins a competition can do so in many ways. It is not EN’s belief that a win or other competitive success is synonymous with health and good care.
- EN has confirmed that several involved parties, including owners and current riders of some of McConnon’s top horses, were not contacted by the FEI in the investigation, nor were they brought as witnesses or asked to provide a statement/testimony. One former owner contacted the FEI when the investigation was announced, offering up evidence that could help establish a pattern of abusive behavior dating back 15 years. The FEI declined to investigate her materials further, as confirmed in emails obtained by EN, but did inquire after her interest in being a witness. She was not included in the investigation beyond this.
- There’s an important reminder contained within these documents: if a case is to succeed, it must contain firm documentation. This is tricky. To be honest, reading this and watching the testimony of the FEI Witnesses get picked apart felt… a little too familiar. Burden of proof, yes, but who suffers the most in these instances? The horses, and the people who want to stick up for them. And to me, the prioritization of the horses does not come across in the way this hearing proceeded, and the low weight assigned to the FEI Witnesses bears a striking difference to the severity of the allegations.
- The “strength” of the witnesses on McConnon’s side was notably different: he was assisted by two lawyers who have worked on similar cases in the past. He had at least two well-known and highly-placed individuals called as Witnesses, including a current 5* rider and a Licensed Official. I, personally, do not feel confident that this case will make other individuals of less “stature” (i.e. a groom or working student) feel empowered to utilize the same system.
In just a few days of interviews, research, and writing, I’ve learned more about the backstory of this case than I did within the decision documents. According to the individuals I spoke with, none of the information I was given was requested by the FEI in the form of a witness statement, evidence, etc. I’ve confirmed with two owners of horses that were depicted in the photos and videos used in the case that the FEI did not reach out to them for their statements or experiences before, during, or after this investigation and hearing. Two individuals from the FEI Witness side of the case have informed me that their testimony transcription was inaccurate in multiple places.
“Do people deserve second chances? Sure,” said Vanesa Crumpley upon discussion with me, who owned a horse for McConnon previously and reached out to the FEI during the investigation to offer up her background information based on her experience. “I don’t think that ten seconds on a video necessarily should define someone’s entire existence. It’s the patterns that are much more important, and when people are willing to come forward and discuss those patterns, it’s important.”
“If this is the way that the FEI is handling investigating these cases, it’s hard to really put your trust in them that they’re really going out there and they want to find the abusers and find them really accountable,” said another owner of a horse that had been with Andrew for a period of time, whose name is withheld at request. “I’m more like, they should do a better job for the future horses, and we should be able to put our trust in them. It shouldn’t feel like such an uphill battle.”
I also want to reiterate a point I made in my original story about this case, and that is that this extends far beyond Andrew McConnon. As a human, I hope that Andrew can find his way to a place of health and safety, and that he does truly feel remorse for what he did. I hope that more horses do not suffer at his, or anyone else’s, hands. I hope that he can find happiness, and that he can find forgiveness – but only if the patterns and actions show real change. And only he knows the answer to that. I can’t speak for everyone when I say these things, but that is where I stand. This extends beyond him, to our greater world at large, and this sport we’ve all given our lives to in some way, shape, or form. What do we do if we no longer have it? What do we do if it eats itself from the inside?
So, it’s important that this conversation does not die down, that the dust does not settle. For my part, I find myself feeling somewhat at a crossroads. Eventing Nation has been built off the “hype” of many riders, including some who now come under fire from substantial allegations of abuse themselves. My career has been built off of this, and off of trust that the people who show themselves to me are who they say they are. And now, more than ever, I feel that trust has been sorely eroded. I can only imagine how some of the individuals who have bravely come forward feel, and I can only imagine how the horses — incapable of speaking for themselves in our language — feel. I do not, personally, condone the vicious attacks of named individuals on social media, but I also know that in more cases than not, victims only feel safe speaking out when the stone has begun to roll.
I also know that there ARE good people, good horsemen and horsewomen, in our world, and I want them to be known. I want them to speak out. The silence from the high performance level in cases like this is deafening, and it’s telling.
And until that silence is broken, our horses, our sport, our livelihood — but mostly, our horses — will continue to suffer.
I’ll leave you here to draw your own conclusions, and again, our team will have some opinion pieces to share in the coming days. We’re also working on a piece that will help shed light on the reporting process, as the path to making a report (and what happens after) is murky in many ways.
Full documentation of this case can be found here.
While my name is on this article’s byline, the entire Eventing Nation team contributed to the research, review, and editing of this article.
Friday News & Notes from Stable View 4 Dec 2025, 11:01 pm
Regardless of where we are in the sport or what happens in the world, we will aways appreciate a rider who acknowledges their imperfections and provides a beautifully honest dialogue on integrity and transparency. Since we couldn’t say it better, here’s Hannah Sue Hollberg’s letter to the world.
“There is nothing I regret more than the times I have acted out of anger towards a horse. I have always struggled (especially when I was young) to handle the pressure I created to win in an attempt to prove that I am worth my owners/parents/trainers/grooms’ investments in me and my career. But anytime I have been sharp with a horse and realized I (once again) set unrealistic expectations, it burned a hole in my heart. The conflict between my two selves: who I thought I was/wanted to be with my horses and how I actually behaved day to day wasn’t lining up.
The wins felt worse than losses. I would win the event but lose my integrity in the process.
So I quietly decided to see if I could find my own way to consistently treat horses with the kindness and respect they all deserve amid the pressures of competition.
My inner dialogue changed from: how can I get this horse to the other side of this ditch asap TO: in this moment, how can I make my horse feel safe so next time, he looks to me when he is afraid or unsure? Where in my life can I be more thoughtful and curious instead of immediately judgmental? What do I need to take responsibility for when a horse or human reacts in an unexpected way towards me?
Becoming a trustworthy teammate is my lifelong pursuit and I don’t always get it right. Thank you to everyone who helps to hold me accountable when I’m out of alignment.
I have found, there is nothing more fulfilling in this life than when your horse knows he can trust who. you. are.”
U.S. Events This Weekend
Rocking Horse December H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]
Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Volunteer]
News & Reading
We’d love your help shaping Season 2 of The Go Eventing Podcast! Take our quick listener survey here and let us know what you want more of in 2026!
USEF announces updates to their 2026 High Performance Eventing Program participants, where (surprise!) Boyd continues to dominate the Elite program. Will Coleman and Sydney Elliot round out the featured combinations, and we see new additions to the Pre-Elite, Development, and Developing 25 lists as well.
Did you have the pleasure of partnering with your own “loveable weirdo” in the past? This piece from the Plaid Horse reflects our own inner dialogue when navigating new equine partners after riding the quirky, the opinionated, or the ones that helped us truly grow.
Sponsor Corner: Stable View
Photo courtesy of Stable View.
The Stable View Foundation is committed to making a positive impact in Aiken and just announced the release of the official guidelines for its 2025 Grant charity selection process. These guidelines will govern the selection of deserving charities that primarily focus on children and families and the organizations that work to create a brighter future for them.
Stable View Foundation invites applications from charities operating in the Aiken, South Carolina community that primarily focus on addressing the needs and challenges faced by children and families. This includes initiatives related to education, healthcare, childcare, family support services, mental health, and other areas crucial to their well-being.
You can download the grant application for submission to the Stable View Foundation here.
The application period will commence on December 4, 2025, and close on December 31, 2025. Selections will be notified by February 2, 2026.
Video Break
India left the 2025 FEI Asian Equestrian Championships with a historic medal haul — five medals in total across Eventing and Dressage and earning Team Silver in both disciplines. It was their own Ashish Limaye on Willy Be Dun who won the individual gold, ending their 43-year championship drought in eventing, and bringing everyone to tears with his emotional reaction to the victory. You can watch each phase of his rides below.
US Equestrian Announces Updates to 2026 USEF High Performance Eventing Program Participants 4 Dec 2025, 12:30 pm
Boyd Martin and Miks Master C. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
| US Equestrian is pleased to announce updates to the 2026 USEF Eventing Pathway Programs.
Eventing Elite Program: The following athlete-and-horse combinations have achieved the criteria for the Eventing Elite Program and are listed in alphabetical order. |
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The following combinations will continue in the USEF Eventing Elite Program as a result of their spring 2025 competition results. |
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 Cosby Green and Highly Suspicious. Photo by Tilly Berendt. Eventing Pre-Elite Program: The following athlete-and-horse combinations have achieved the criteria of the Eventing Pre-Elite Program and are listed in alphabetical order: |
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The following combinations will continue in the USEF Eventing Pre-Elite Program as a result of their spring 2025 competition results. |
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Membership is reviewed twice annually for the Eventing Elite and Pre-Elite Program Lists. For more information about the Pre-Elite and Elite Programs, as well as eligibility criteria, click here. If you have any questions about the 2025 Elite and Pre-Elite Programs, please contact Christina Vaughn, Director, Eventing Elite Program, at cvaughn@usef.org. |
Thursday News & Notes 3 Dec 2025, 11:01 pm
The EquiRatings Horse of the Year award is officially open for voting! This year’s race to the top of the votes will be a close one, as the list of finalists is full of fan favorites and horses who had successful 2025 seasons. 6 horses have already been locked in, but two more will be voted in by fans to proceed to the quarterfinal round. You can cast your vote for the two horses who move forward (one of which is the USA’s Commando 3, piloted by Boyd Martin) here. You can also read more about the #ERHOTY award here, and stay tuned for the full line-up reveal and the next round of voting.
U.S. Events This Week
Rocking Horse December H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]
Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Volunteer]
News & Reading
We’d love your help shaping Season 2 of The Go Eventing Podcast! Take our quick listener survey here and let us know what you want more of in 2026!
We’ll be publishing our full debrief on the Andrew McConnon case today, but in the meantime, The Chronicle of the Horse has put together their own breakdown of the case and the resulting FEI Tribunal decision and the documentation that followed. You can read that story here, and another breakdown on Horse Sport here.
It’s no secret that military service comes with a hefty cost of mental health after effects. For some veterans, finding peace on the back of a horse has been the key to transitioning back into civilian life. Down the Stretch Ranch in Creston, WA has played host to veterans as well as former racehorses, serving a dual purpose of helping these two sectors, who enter the Ranch’s gates bearing their own internal burdens, find some refuge. You can read the story of Down the Stretch Ranch and its valuable work here.
It’s the final countdown to this year’s USEA Annual Meeting and Convention! This year’s meeting will be hosted in New Orleans, LA next week, December 11-14. Included in the programming educational seminars and open meetings as well as year-end awards and a keynote presentation by mental performance coach Natalie Hummel. There’s still time to register and book your discounted lodging — you can learn more here.
Video Break
Hear from cross country course designer Mike Etherington-Smith ahead of the 2026 edition of the Adelaide CCI5* with a great in-depth interview about his background as a designer and with this event, and what might be in store for next year:
Safety, Education & Progression at the Forefront During Eventing Course Design Clinic With Dylan Barry 3 Dec 2025, 8:30 am
Clinic participants with instructor Dylan Berry. Photos by Jennifer Smart.
During October, Alhambra Stables in Red Deer, Alberta hosted the Equestrian Canada Eventing Course Design Clinic, led by Dylan Barry, an Equestrian Canada Level 2 Course Designer and FEI Frangible Advisor. Dylan brought a wealth of experience from designing at top venues including the 2019 Pan American Games, The Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase in Aiken, and The Fork at Tryon International Equestrian Centre.
The clinic serves as a prerequisite for promotion and maintenance within Equestrian Canada’s Eventing Course Designer and Technical Delegate programs, but it also welcomed coaches and riders looking to expand their understanding of cross-country design. Participants traveled from British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario, many with aspirations to develop courses at the grassroots level and foster the sport in underserved regions. Youth members of the AHTA High Performance and Development Teams were invited to attend as auditors, gaining valuable insight into the design and safety considerations behind the courses they ride. For coaches, the clinic provided a meaningful opportunity for professional development as the sport continues to evolve toward a safer, more sustainable future.
Day One focused on the fundamentals of course design. A pre-clinic written assignment was sent out the week prior which ensured everyone was up to speed on design specifications and appropriate measurements for each level. Dylan guided participants through the core principles of effective design—balancing technicality with flow, ensuring visual clarity, and promoting fairness across divisions. A key concept was to even the steps from the entry point of competition to the international level, so that horses and riders were appropriately prepared for what was expected of their current level as well as introducing concepts required for following ones.
Safety was a central theme throughout the weekend. Discussion centered around frangible devices, ground lines, and terrain, with Dylan highlighting how thoughtful design choices can prevent incidents before they happen. Alhambra’s cross-country course, equipped with several fences fitted with MIM clips, offered a practical look at how different types of frangible kits function and how placement, approach, and fence type influence their effectiveness. Participants explored how fence design and location—particularly on terrain or within a combination—affect both safety and educational value.
Day Two built on these lessons with further discussion on frangible technology, ground lines, and fence profiles before participants were divided into small groups for a hands-on design exercise. Each group was tasked with creating a combination for the EV100 and EV110 levels, using Alhambra’s existing terrain and permanent features such as water jumps and banks. The exercise challenged participants to think critically about line, track, and suitability for level, revealing the intricate thought process behind every question on course. Each group presented its design for open discussion, engaging conversation about how subtle variations in fence shape, terrain or approach can dramatically alter a combination’s rideability and suitability.
As the clinic concluded, participants left with a deeper understanding of what goes into building courses that are safe, fair, and progressive, as well as a renewed appreciation for the collaboration between course designer, coach, and competitor. The weekend underscored that exceptional cross-country courses don’t merely test skill—they develop it, fostering confidence and growth in both horse and rider and aiding in the progression of Long Term Athlete Development.
Funding and support for the clinic was generously provided by the Alberta Horse Trials Association, Alberta Equestrian Federation, and Alhambra Stables who graciously sponsored the use of their venue. This assistance allowed the course to be offered at a reduced rate and so made it more attainable to a greater range of participants. To make the weekend even more enjoyable, Erna Marburg, a familiar face in the Alberta eventing community, served delicious homemade breakfast and lunch each day. It was particularly appreciated having a hot meal between sessions to warm up from the chilly weather of the weekend. It also allowed attendees to stay onsite and be able to continue to exchange thoughts and ideas with each other. With this support, the Equestrian Canada Course Design Clinic at Alhambra Stables was able to help shape the next generation of eventing professionals—ensuring that safety, education, and progression remain at the heart of event course design.
To learn more about eventing in Alberta and stay in the loop of other clinics, shows and more, click here.
Wednesday News & Notes 2 Dec 2025, 11:01 pm
A new podcast featuring 5* rider and Olympian Will Coleman has hit the airwaves! Tune into the latest episode of Dear Horse World on your favorite platform (we’ll also drop the video at the bottom of this post) and listen to Will’s background with horses, what he feels makes them tick, what’s been his biggest inspiration and so much more.
U.S. Events This Week
Rocking Horse December H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]
Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Volunteer]
News & Reading
We’d love your help shaping Season 2 of The Go Eventing Podcast! Take our quick listener survey here and let us know what you want more of in 2026!
The pink and green were out in force this season as Class Act Farm from Apopka, FL racked up two big wins in the USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL). Trainer Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis has long fostered a positive, team-based barn culture, and when barn mom Courtney Borton suggested forming an IEL Club, the match was natural. Now, with 10 riders on the squad and goals set for the 2026 IEL Championships at Stable View, the Class Act crew is proving that team spirit, horsemanship, and friendship go a long way—whether you’re riding at Starter or an FEI level. Read more on this story here.
During this season of giving, take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes of our sport: nonprofit horse show venues. From Virginia Horse Center to Paso Robles, Carolina Horse Park to Bruce’s Field, these community-backed facilities reinvest every dollar into footing upgrades, educational programs, and preserving equestrian access for future generations. In a landscape increasingly dominated by commercial venues, these nonprofits keep horsemanship and tradition at the forefront. You can read more and learn how you can give back here.
Video Break
Will Coleman on the latest episode of Dear Horse World:
Lead Changes on Eventing Day Two as Thailand’s Korntawat Samran Takes Over Top Spot at FEI Asian Championships 2 Dec 2025, 10:28 am
Korntawat Samran (THA) and B.Grimm Billy Elmy. Photo by Yong Teck Lim.
The FEI Asian Championships 2025 CCI2* cross country phase ran in the morning before the day reached max temperature of over 31°C (89°F). As we often see after the completion of this phase, the placings shifted just a bit. Thailand’s Korntawat Samran and B.Grimm Billy Elmy (Qif Elmy x Dandy de Surcy), owned by Mr. Harald Link & Ms. Nunthinee Tanner, took over the top spot, keeping their penalty score at 28.8. Sitting on a penalty score of 29.4, Ashish Limaye (IND) aboard Willy Be Dun took over the second spot. Still in the top three, Alex Hua Tian (CHN) and Manjushri were clear over the course, but incurred 2.4 time penalties, for a score of 29.6.
Partnered with his mount for three years now, Samran said, “He gave me his best out there and he was really motivated.”
The attractive 22 obstacle course, with four combinations, designed by Helen West of Great Britain, overall rode quite well with a few challenging spots. Samran indicated that the middle elements from fence 13 to 14, where going downhill with a sharp angle was the trickiest aspect. Limaye noted that the last water element at 20AB, which required riders to jump over a skinny elephant down into the water and to negotiate another elephant at element B while splashing through the water, was the most difficult.
Statistically, six competitors completed the track clear inside the time, including the current top two, while four riders completed the course with just time penalties. With less than a rail separating the top five riders, tomorrow’s show jumping phase is poised to be a nail-biter that could completely reshuffle the podium.
Now based in France, Samran feels the pressure of riding in an FEI Championship on home turf. “Of course there is pressure at any event, but even more at your home. I am more than happy to be here and put the pressure on myself, because it has been a long time since I’ve been back.”
When asked about tomorrow’s test in the show jumping arena, Samran felt confident, Limaye noted “fingers crossed” and Hua Tian said “Tomorrow is another day. I hope to jump a nice clear round and put the pressure on these two boys.”
Ashish Limaye (IND) and Willy Be Dun. Photo by Yong Teck Lim.
Team Standings
After day two, Hong Kong, China held their lead in the team standings on a total of 101.3 penalty points. At 105.6 penalty points, Thailand moved into the second spot, with just over a rail separating them from Hong Kong, China. India is currently third with a cumulative 121.
Alex Lachore (GBR), Eventing Technical Delegate (TD) who has been a part of international events all over the world, tipped his hat to the organizers “I think the organization of this Asian Championships has been fantastic, first class. The facilities for the horses today were amazing. Welfare was paramount with an excellent team of vets and doctors out there.”
The FEI Asian Championships Pattaya 2025 are being hosted at B.Grimm Country Club, also known as Thai Polo & Equestrian Club Pattaya, with the support of B.Grimm.
FEI Asian Championships Pattaya 2025 (Thailand): [Website] [Scores] [Live Stream]
How to Support the Waredaca Eventing Education Foundation on Giving Tuesday 2 Dec 2025, 10:09 am
WEEF Scholarship recipient Nicole Carlone and Mr. Incredible at the Event at Rebecca Farm. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
December marks the finale of the Waredaca Eventing Education Foundation’s (WEEF) third year of supporting ambitious junior and adult amateur eventers from across the country through the Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund Scholarship program. This year, thanks to the generous support of WEEF donors, the Wofford Legacy Fund awarded eight scholarships to eight riders competing in seven different USEA Classic 3 Day events. This year’s Wofford Scholarship recipients impressively represented the culture and values of the Classic 3 Day format through strategic preparation, diligent horse care and responsible day-of decision making. WEEF is proud to partner with the dedicated organizers of each Classic format venue in creating these valuable opportunities for the growth of our sport.
This year’s Wofford Scholarship winners were:
• Zara Bewley and her horse Blue Wallaby, Indiana Eventing Association H.T.
• Arianah Romero and her horse Flash of Gray, Summer Coconino Classic Three-Day
• Nicole Carlone and her horse Mr. Incredible, the Event at Rebecca Farm
• Cassidy Thompson and her horse Hector, Spokane Sport Horse H.T.
• Simone Cardosa and her horse I’d Toast to That!, Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event
• Paulina Sobolewski and her horse No Strings Attached, Waredaca Classic Three-Day Event and H.T.
• Cammie Gregg and her horse Nikki Beach, Waredaca Classic Three-Day Event and H.T.
• Leona Sobehrad and her horse Flying Solo, Ram Tap H.T. and Classic 3-Day
The Wofford Scholarship awards a free entry to a WEEF partnered Classic 3 Day and $1,000 to be used towards fees associated with preparing for and competing in a Classic 3 Day event. Recipients expressed an overwhelming gratefulness for the opportunity this scholarship creates for riders eager to compete at a Classic 3 Day. By decreasing some of the financial barriers associated with the long-format competition, the Wofford Scholarship aims to both celebrate the traditional format and support those riders dedicated to presenting a fit, sound, and competitive horse to the event. Those awarded the Wofford Scholarships in 2025 proved to be exemplary horsemen and competitors, embracing the challenge of the classic format, and prioritizing their horses every step of the way.
WEEF Scholarship recipient Paulina Sobolewski and her horse No Strings Attached at the Waredaca Classic Three-Day. Photo by Maya Kuntz Photography.
Arianah Romero, Wofford Scholarship recipient for the Summer Coconino Classic shared, “This scholarship had a tremendous impact on my ability to both participate in and prepare for the event. Without it, I would have faced significant financial barriers that could’ve limited our training, travel, and even the opportunity to enter.” She added, “[The scholarship] allowed me to invest in proper conditioning for my horse, access to ample coaching, and focus more fully on our preparation without the constant stress of budgeting every detail. I truly feel that this opportunity elevated our entire experience and played a huge role in our success at the event.”
Paulina Sobolewski, Wofford Scholarship adult amateur recipient for the Waredaca Classic said, “This scholarship was a huge impact in allowing me to participate in a three-day long format. Without it, I would not have been able to financially afford the fees. The scholarship motivated me, pushed me to stick with my preparation game plan. I am forever grateful for the opportunity!”
WEEF would like to congratulate all the 2025 Wofford Scholarship winners and thank our generous donors and Classic Series partners. WEEF looks forward to the continued celebration of Jimmy Wofford’s legacy to eventing through supporting the Classic series.
Be sure to follow WEEF on social media for 2026 Wofford Scholarship application deadlines. To contribute to the impact WEEF is creating through Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund scholarships, please donate here.
Sweet Redemption for Niklas Lindbäck with Agria Indoor Eventing Victory at Sweden International Horse Show 2 Dec 2025, 8:30 am
From last to first. Niklas Lindbäck made a strong comeback in Sunday’s final of the Agria Indoor Eventing. Roland Thunholm/SIHS photo.
Just three days after falling off his horse Focus Filiocus in the warm up of the Indoor Eventing at Sweden International Horse Show, Swedish eventer Niklas Lindbäck made a remarkable comeback. On Sunday evening, he secured the victory in the Agria Indoor Eventing final.
What began with a dramatic setback on Thursday turned into a triumphant finish for Niklas Lindbäck. After parting ways with Focus Filiocus in the Strawberry Arena earlier in the week, Lindbäck returned stronger than ever. The duo delivered a flawless and lightning-fast round to claim the Agria Indoor Eventing title. The pair stopped the clock at an impressive 32.72 seconds with no penalties, a performance that echoed Frida Andersén’s comeback victory last year.
For Lindbäck, Sunday’s performance was the perfect response to a frustrating start to the week.
“I needed this after Thursday’s fall. I was frustrated because it was completely my fault. But we had a couple of days to reset, and I found my motivation again,” says Niklas Lindbäck. With more than a decade of international experience, Niklas Lindbäck and “Focus” remain one of Sweden’s most seasoned combinations. “My horse is incredible and I’m so grateful for him. Today I really got to show what Focus can do. As the first rider out, I didn’t think my time would hold, but it did. Winning is always a thrill, and we’re really enjoying this moment.”
Close behind was fellow Swede Anna Freskgård, who piloted her former top horse Techno to an identical time of 32.72 seconds. A late knockdown forced Anna to add four penalty seconds, placing her second, mirroring her runner-up finish in Thursday’s warm-up class. Having competed up to five-star level, the partnership’s reunion was a highlight in itself.
“I started riding Techno in 2018 when his owner Sophia Ericsson asked if I could take him for a season, and that turned into five. He went back to Sophia two years ago, and I haven’t competed him since, so this felt like a real reunion,” says Anna Freskgård.
Germany’s Rebecca-Juana Gerken and Fame 227 finished third in 38.24 seconds, while Thursday’s winner Sofia Sjöborg delivered a blistering time but slipped to fourth after picking up eight penalty seconds.
Agria Indoor Eventing – Final Results
Niklas Lindbäck / Focus Filiocus (SWE) – 32.72 sec
Anna Freskgård / Techno (SWE) – 36.72 sec
Rebecca-Juana Gerken / Fame 227 (GER) – 38.24 sec
Complete results can be found here.
Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products 1 Dec 2025, 11:01 pm
It’s Awards Season over at EquiRatings, and you can join us in taking a look back at some of the top performances and ones to watch from 2025. To kick things off, take a look at some of the highest-rated performances of the year from the best in the business:
Want even more stats and details to dive into? Receive the FREE end of year recap via email here.
U.S. Events Opening Entries Today
Stable View Aiken Opener H.T. (SC)
U.S. Events Closing Entries Today
None!
News & Reading
We’d love your help shaping Season 2 of The Go Eventing Podcast! Take our quick listener survey here and let us know what you want more of in 2026!
If you have a young horse or are simply interested in how the USEA Young Event Horse program works, the latest episode of The USEA Podcast is for you! Take an insider’s look at this pipeline of development that can be a great fit for a 4- or 5-year-old event horse here.
The dressage world (and equestrian world at large, truly) bids farewell this week to two legends: Valegro and Uthopia, the superstars partnered with Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester throughout their careers. These two greats of the sport crossed the bridge on the same day, leading to an emotional outpouring of support for the losses. You can read more in tribute to these special horses here.
Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products
Is your feed room ready for winter?
There’s nothing worse than realizing you’re low on supplies when the snow starts flying. As the seasons change, so do your horse’s nutritional needs—especially when access to fresh forage declines and the cold sets in. That’s why our friends at Kentucky Performance Products are here with five smart tips to prep your feed room, hayloft, and supplement stash before winter hits.
✅ Declutter and organize your feed room so you’ve got space for everything you’ll need this season.
✅ Stockpile concentrates like pellets and sweet feed—just don’t forget to rotate your supply!
✅ Fill your hayloft with plenty of good-quality fiber to help horses generate heat and stay warm.
✅ Take inventory of your supplements and consider whether any changes are needed now that pasture is gone.
✅ Check the labels on your medications—some may freeze and lose effectiveness if left in a cold barn.
And don’t forget: Hay is not an adequate source of vitamin E.
Vitamin E is a crucial antioxidant that supports muscle, nerve, and immune function, especially when fresh grass is unavailable. Make sure your horse is getting enough this winter—ask your vet or explore trusted vitamin E supplements from Kentucky Performance Products, formulated with science and your horse’s well-being in mind.
➡️ Learn more at kppusa.com.
Video Break
A wild race finish from the Japan Cup this weekend!
China’s Alex Hua Tian Takes the Lead on Eventing Day One at FEI Asian Championships Pattaya 2025 1 Dec 2025, 11:05 am
Alex Hua Tian and Manjushri. Photo by Yong Teck Lim.
Dressage competition kicked off the Eventing discipline at the FEI Asian Championships Pattaya 2025 this afternoon. Alex Hua Tian (CHN) and the Irish Sport Horse Manjushri, known as Bodhi in the barn, took the lead riding the CCI3* test to an impressive 27.2 penalty points. The last ride in the arena proved second best when Thai rider Korntawat Samran rode B.Grimm Billy Elmy to wrap up the first phase with 28.8. Rounding out the top three as we head into tomorrow’s cross country competition is Ashish Limaye (IND) aboard Willy Be Dun who finished on a score of 29.4.
“I’m really happy with Bodhi. He has such talent and quality in all phases,” Alex Hua Tian said of his horse.“I felt he really tried for me. We did make some small uncharacteristic mistakes, so I was a bit nervous watching the last few horses.”
Horse and rider combinations representing five nations throughout Asia will head out on the cross-country course tomorrow morning. A demanding test of endurance and ability, the CCI 2*-L track includes 22 efforts. With questions asked throughout the course, the leaderboard often changes in this phase.
Alex Hua Tian and Manjushri. Photo by Yong Teck Lim.
Hua Tian looks forward to the challenge. “Helen’s course looks great,” he said. “The strongest I’ve seen at this level in Asia so far.”
After day one, Hong Kong leads the team standings on a total of 92.2 penalty points. Chef D’Equipe, Corinne Bracken, noted “With the tragedy that has struck Hong Kong in the last few days, obviously it is at the forefront of our minds. However, I think my riders showed strength and I’m immensely proud of their performance showing solidarity as a team.”
Finishing the day with a total of 99, India sits second in the teams standings, while Thailand is currently third with a cumulative 103.2. “Very happy to be here in Thailand competing in Asia,” Hua Tian, who is based in Britain, said. He echoes what other Championship competitors have also commented,“Thailand and Thai Polo have put on such a nice event, it really is paradise.”
FEI Asian Championships Pattaya 2025 (Thailand): [Website] [Scores] [Live Stream]
Weekend Winners: Pine Top 1 Dec 2025, 8:24 am
We’re (turkey) trotting our way into a new week, celebrating a successful weekend at Pine Top’s Thanksgiving HT!
Congrats to all of our Weekend Winners, with a special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award: Kristen Wilson and FGF Wonderwall, who scored a 23.2 in the Beginner Novice Rider B division!
Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T. (GA): [Website][Scores]
Preliminary/Modified: Arden Wildasin and Dalegra (29.7)
Modified: Rebecca Barber Tyler and Bondi Beach (35.8)
Modified/Training: Jennifer Helgren and Del Rio (34.0)
Open Training: Lily Barlow and Sportsfield Kan Do (28.3)
Training/Novice: Collins Zgutowicz and Rossmount Aldi Hero (33.6)
Training Rider: Allisa Huestis and Watch Maker C (30.9)
Novice Rider: Payton White and Skyfall 007 (28.6)
Open Novice: Michael Pendleton and princess (34.2)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Ashelyn Daniel and Hanky Panky (33.2)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Kristen Wilson and FGF Wonderwall (23.2)
Open Beginner Novice: Darrelle Powell and Fifth Symphony (32.1)
Starter A: Mary Shea and VR Any Given Sunday (24.7)
Starter B: Laila Alexander and Twinkle Toes (32.3)
Pine Top Eventing Thanksgiving Recap
CONGRATS to Payton White and Frankie winning the Novice rider. Proud of all your…
Posted by Green Hill Sport Horses on Sunday, November 30, 2025
Monday News & Notes 1 Dec 2025, 12:24 am
Today is the day! Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 $100,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, SC! This year’s event will take place February 27 and 28, featuring dressage and show jumping on February 27 and a unique, condensed cross country track on Saturday, February 28. This year, Canada’s Jay Hambly will take over design of the cross country course from the retiring Capt. Mark Phillips, while fellow Canadian Michel Vaillancourt will reprise his role as show jumping designer.
We hope you’ll join us for this exciting, unofficial opening to the season in one of the best eventing hotspots in the country. You can learn more and book in your tickets and hospitality experiences (hint: tailgaiting does tend to sell out!) here.
U.S. Events This Weekend
Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T. (GA): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scores] [Volunteer]
News & Reading
We’d love your help shaping Season 2 of The Go Eventing Podcast! Take our quick listener survey here and let us know what you want more of in 2026!
It’s no secret that grooms work exceptionally hard to care for their charges. Between the long hours (and long seasons), the multiple responsibilities to juggle and the pressures of being a part of any top-level program are enough to cause mental strain on anyone. In their latest Grooms’ Roundtable discussion, the USEA Grooms Committee welcomed Tyler Held, Adam Short and Alyssa Dobrotin for an open discussion about mental health. You can watch the replay here.
In the name of safety and frangible technology, 5* rider Jon Holling has been taking to the roads to raise awareness. With news of a renewed matching grant from The Manton Foundation to aid the ongoing development of safety technology on cross country courses around the U.S., Jon has challenged himself to run 10 miles for every $50,000 raised. Thanks to his and others’ help, the USEA Foundation is taking in strong donations to close the year and reach their matching goal of $250,000. You can read more about this personal mission for Jon here.
Sponsor Corner: Shop EN’s partners this holiday season!
This holiday season, you can save big on gifts for you, your horse and your loved ones with a few deals from our partners:
ENDING TODAY, World Equestrian Brands’ biggest sale of the year features 20% off nearly storewide, including custom E.A. Mattes products, Equilibrium therapeutic items and more. Don’t miss out on the deals here.
Also over at Ride EquiSafe, you can save 20% off on select safety equipment, also ending today. The bigger focus for Ride EquiSafe this year, though, is Giving Tuesday. To that end, 10% of all safety sales made through the end of this year will be donated to the Kevin Babington Foundation.
Video Break
Have you been taught to widen your hands when riding on the flat to create a connection? Amelia Newcomb breaks down this concept — and what the truth about it is — in this training tip video:
Sunday Links 29 Nov 2025, 11:32 pm
A new experience is coming at the 2026 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian! The forthcoming Members Pavillion provides a new vantage point and space to relax during a busy week, featuring a private retreat where you can unwind, savor food and beverage offerings, and take in the atmosphere from an exclusive on the rail vantage point. In the spirit of holiday savings, you can receive discounted rates on your Members Pavillon ticket and a complimentary stadium ticket upgrade until December 1. You can see more deals on tickets to the #BestWeekendAllYear here.
U.S. Events This Weekend
Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T. (GA): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scores] [Volunteer]
Links & Reading
Pressure Proof Tip with Daniel Stewart: Turkey and Triggers
Gen Z Equestrians and Mental Health at the Barn
Video Break
5* rider Simon Grieve has some practical tips for better control over fences — check them out:
Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands 28 Nov 2025, 11:55 pm
Some motivation for you to kick off your weekend, sourced from 5* rider Mia Farley, who posted a retrospective of her career, in which patience has truly paid off with some special horses. Not every horse of a lifetime starts off that way — many, far from it. But with patience, tact and proper production, you never know what heights you can reach.
U.S. Events This Weekend
Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T. (GA): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scores] [Volunteer]
Links & Reading
5 Top Horse Care Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
“Wicked: For Good” Now Collaborating at a Horse Show Event Near You
Learn How to Open Your Hips and Lengthen Your Legs to Enhance Your Horse’s Movement
Sponsor Corner: World Equestrian Brands
Don’t miss out on the biggest World Equestrian Brands sale of the season, happening now through December 1! You can receive 20% off your purchase, including items like custom E.A. Mattes products, safety stirrups from Amerigo or Equipe that adhere to updated USEF rules and more. Use code 25BFCM20 to save — get started with your shopping here.
Video Break
Waylon Roberts stops by The Jon and Rick Show:
Eventers Win Big at 2025 Horse & Hound Awards 28 Nov 2025, 3:24 pm
Ros Canter takes the Professional Rider of the Year title at the Horse & Hound Awards. Photo courtesy of Horse & Hound.
Jane Holderness-Roddam collected the Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement Awards at last night’s Horse & Hound Awards, in partnership with NAF and Agria. Jane, a double Badminton winner and Britain’s first female Olympic eventing team gold medallist, announced in August that West Kington Stud, which she founded with her late husband Tim, will close at the end of the year. As well as her personal riding achievements and the work of the stud, Jane has given her time, knowledge and energy unstintingly to numerous causes in the horse world and the audience took to their feet to recognise her contribution.
Receiving the award from former Lifetime Achievement winner, longstanding Horse & Hound columnist and team-mate Mark Phillips, Jane reminisced about the fairytale of taking Our Nobby from Pony Club teams right through to Badminton and the Olympics.
“My family have been a fantastic support to me all along and of course everybody else, but none of us would be here if it wasn’t for the horse,” she said, raising spontaneous applause from the guests. “Horses are everything – they helped me so much when my parents died when I was quite young. The best thing was going out for a ride and crying my eyes out with Our Nobby. Whenever anything happened, I’d just go out and talk to the horses and they often put me back on track, which is wonderful.”
The 10th Horse & Hound Awards took place at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Warwickshire, where some 300 people gathered to celebrate the equestrian stars of 2025. More than 107,000 votes were cast as fans rallied to support their idols, as
well as unsung heroes of the horse world. Badminton and Burghley winner Ros Canter and her ride Lordships Graffalo were big winners too, taking home an award each. Ros picked up the Zoetis Professional Rider of the Year award and co-owner Michele Saul joined Ros on stage to collect Lordships Graffalo’s Hit-Air Event Horse of the Year prize.
Ros said: “He’s a truly wonderful horse – not just a wonderful event horse, but a great character and a great person, so it’s a privilege to have him at home with us. He’s full of himself, he’s a confident kind of chap who loves pulling faces, licking things and is into everything. But equally he’s pretty chill – he goes to those big occasions and absolutely thrives. He never really gets nervous.”
Other winners included Becky Moody’s European team silver medallist Jagerbomb (Dressage Horse of the Year for the second year in a row), Scott Brash’s double European silver medallist Hello Folie (Showjumping Horse of the
Year), three-time Royal Windsor show pony champion Stoneleigh Showtime, ridden by Isabella Walker (Show Horse of the Year) and young rider showjumping European champion and puissance star Rachel Proudley (Young Rider of the
Year).
You can read more about the winners here.
The Horse & Hound Awards 2025 winners are:
● Zoetis Professional Rider of the Year: Ros Canter
● Baileys Horse Feeds Vet of the Year: Claire Maher
● Show Horse of the Year: Stoneleigh Showtime
● Horse & Hound Podcast Unsung Hero of the Year: Victoria Privett
● Hit-Air Event Horse of the Year: Lordships Graffalo
● Absorbine Groom of the Year: Kim Masson
● NAF Five Star PROFEET Farrier of the Year: Greig Elliott
● Showjumping Horse of the Year: Hello Folie
● SPILLERS Horse Feeds Pony of the Year: Mighty Max II
● Agria Horse of a Lifetime: Hovis
● Amateur Rider of the Year: Hollie Clark
● Dressage Horse of the Year: Jagerbomb
● Young Rider of the Year: Rachel Proudley
● Inspiration of the Year: Abi Lyle
● Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement Award: Jane Holderness-Roddam