Sally Spickard
Articles Written 4,116
Article Views 9,691,861

Sally Spickard

Achievements

Become an Eventing Nation Blogger

About Sally Spickard

Sally Spickard is a Korean adoptee living in San Diego, California. Sally joined the Eventing Nation team in 2013 and has subsequently written for Noelle Floyd, Heels Down Mag, and other publications both in and out of the equestrian world. Sally is an eventing fan through and through and enjoys telling the stories of riders who are not well-represented within equestrian media.

Latest Articles Written

EN’s Ultimate Guide to the 2024 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field

Kendal Lehari and Audacious. Photo by Shelby Allen.

While the season has been well underway for several weeks, it feels very much like the annual Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field is an unofficial opening to the eventing year. Title sponsored by Conceal and presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services with a $100,000 pot of prize money on the line, this year’s festival promises to be top quality and full of some of the best riders in the world.

The action gets underway in earnest tomorrow, with dressage and show jumping kicking us off on Friday and concluding with cross country on Saturday. The “condensed” showcase format means the cross country will be much shorter than you’d typically see — the optimum time is generally under 5 or 6 minutes, and oftentimes jumps are jumped in both directions to maximize the use of space — which also means the event is incredibly spectator-friendly.

If you’re wanting to take in the sights this weekend in Aiken, you can still grab a general admission ticket by clicking here. The event is also seeking a few more volunteers, particularly for cross country crossing on Saturday. Click here to sign up — you will also receive free admission to the entire event.

The event will be live streamed on Horse & Country, and you can either use your H&C+ membership or buy a one-time event pass to follow along. Click here to view your options and access the live stream.

The schedule is below:

As you can see, there is plenty on the docket to take in, including demonstrations, course walks, and the return of the “Cowboy Up!” challenge.

Below you’ll find links to all relevant information, including entries, order of go, and more. Be sure to follow along on Instagram with @goeventing and @grandprix_eventing for much more from on the ground. Shelby Allen, Taleen Hanna, and I will be your eyes on the ground all weekend, and we’ll have more for you coming soon.

NEED TO KNOW INFO

We’re pleased to introduce Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt, with her robust expertise and portfolio of property options in the Aiken area, as the sponsor of our coverage of the Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field. Seasonal or year-round, southern charm and the sporting lifestyle await you in Aiken!

Scholarship Alert: Maryland International Equestrian Foundation

Eventers can use all the help they can find to make ends meet in this sport, and so we’re eager to share opportunities for scholarships or grants that someone who reads EN might benefit from. If you have a verified opportunity we can spread the word about, please tip us by emailing [email protected]

Valerie Pride, a 2022 MIEF FEI Scholarship recipient, and Favian at the 2022 Maryland 5 Star. Photo by Abby Powell.

The latest open opportunity comes to us from the Maryland International Equestrian Foundation (MIEF), which sponsors a variety of scholarships throughout each year. You can view current opportunities on their website here.

Two scholarships are currently open for applications:

MIEF FEI Scholarship

The Maryland International Equestrian Foundation (MIEF) will award four $1,000 scholarships to riders wanting to compete at the 1*, 2*, 3* or 4* levels at the July Maryland International Horse Trials. The scholarship funds will used entry fees, stabling, travel costs, and other associated competition expenses up to $1,000.

Applications are open from January 15, 2024 to May 1, 2024. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Recipients will be announced May 15, 2024.

Applicant Criteria:

  • Open to riders who are USEF and USEA members in good standing.

  • Horses and riders must be capable of competing at the level of scholarship they are applying for.

  • Riders may apply for more than one scholarship level as long as it is a different horse/rider combination.

  • Riders and horses who have competed in a 5* competition and/or outside of North America are not eligible.

  • Horse and rider combination may not have competed above the level for which they are applying.

  • Previous applicants are encouraged to re-apply

  • Members of the MIEF Board of Directors and members of their families are not eligible. Family members or current clients of the Scholarship Award Committee are not eligible.

  • Incomplete applications without a video submission and letter of recommendation will not be considered.

Merrylegs Junior Rider Scholarship

The Merrylegs Junior Rider scholarships are geared towards diverse, young equestrians who are competing at a grassroots level. Scholarship recipients will receive a credit of $500 towards Highland Series Horse Trials, Twilight Events, Pick Your Time/Test Dressage & Blue Ribbon Jump Round show entries and any schooling opportunities at Loch Moy Farm over the next year. The scholarship period is one year after the date the recipient enters their first event. After this period, unused scholarship funds will expire. Loch Moy Farm offers a variety of fun and accessible opportunities throughout the year for grassroots riders to learn and compete.

Applications for this initial round are due May 1, 2024. TWO scholarships will be awarded during this round.

Applicant Criteria:

  • Junior riders* age 13 – 17 riding at a grassroots level who would like to compete or are competing at the elementary, beginner novice, or novice levels. *{as defined by USEF and USEA Rulebook)

  • Local to Loch Moy Farm and able to arrange a suitable horse and travel to the venue. Scholarship funds can also be applied towards stabling. Recipients do not need to own their own horse, or use the same horse throughout the year. Participants in riding school lesson programs are encouraged to apply!

  • Ready to tell us how this scholarship would help them advance their riding goals.

  • Enthusiastic about increasing access to equestrian sports for underrepresented groups.

  • Willing to share their experience on Maryland Horse Trials and MIEF social & print media.

  • Able to further their equestrian education by volunteering 8 hours at any Maryland Horse Trials event. The volunteer hours may be split up.

Scholarship recipients will be subject to the rules and requirements of the events they enter.

To submit your application or share the form with a friend, click here. 

Remembering More Inspiration

Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Holly Jacks-Smither’s longtime 5* partner, More Inspiration, this week at the age of 19. More Inspiration, or “Morris” as many knew him, was the horse of a lifetime for Holly, who began her FEI career with the Thoroughbred gelding and would eventually reach the top of the mountain with a 5* debut in 2017.

“My $2000 sales investment who I couldn’t sell, stuck around to change my life. If it wasn’t for you, Morris, I would have been on a totally different career path,” Holly wrote in tribute to More Inspiration on social media. “You taught me that hard work truly pays off; that thinking outside the box is a must to be successful with the tricky ones; that a big heart matters more than confirmation; and that hard work and perseverance get results.

Holly Jacks and More Inspiration. Photo by Kingfisher Media Services.

“From a gallop girl at Woodbine Race track where we met, to my first Nations Cup in Aachen, Germany, my first 5 star [sic] at Kentucky, and my first European 5 star in Pau, France… we did it all together. I’ll never have another horse like you. Thank you for challenging me, teaching me and giving me so much joy. But most importantly, thank you for being my soul mate and making me believe that life can be changed because of one special Ottb and a dream. I hope that you are playing bite-the-hand with all the people we have lost the last few years. Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough . Make sure you have a good buck and squeal as you gallop through heaven’s doors. I’ll meet you on the other side.”

More Inspiration
(April 3 2005- February 19 2024 )

My $2000 sales investment who I couldn’t sell, stuck around to…

Posted by Holly Jacks-Smither on Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Holly first became acquainted with More Inspiration when he was a two-year-old still on the racetrack in Canada. When his racing career ended at the age of four, his trainer contacted Holly for help restarting and selling him. In the end, Holly’s grandfather helped her purchase the gelding for $2,000 (out of her college fund, no less!) when a buyer didn’t materialize (and she’d begun to take a liking to him, at any rate).

Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

As his training progressed, Morris revealed himself to be careful and (as most top athletes are) quirky, to the point where many close to Holly advised her to sell him and move on. He would be too careful for the sport of eventing, they said. Cross country penalties dotted their record as they moved to the Advanced and then-3* level.

Morris was also swaybacked, making him unique and also challenging when it came to fitting tack. “He has to work a lot harder than the average horse because of the way he’s built,” Holly said in an interview with Heels Down Magazine.

But then, things began to click.

Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration at Aachen. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It was a trip to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and its famous indoor eventing class that would be a catalyst for a strengthened partnership between the two.

“[Coach Jon Holling] was hard on me,” Holly told The Chronicle of the Horse back then. “It was, ‘You’re either going to make it work, which I don’t think your horse is brave enough, or you’re going to sell him,’” she said. “I brought him out at Pine Top and jumped him around Advanced, and he was just a different horse after being at The Royal. He’s the bravest he’s ever been.”

The rest was yet to be written. Holly was invited to compete at CHIO Aachen (Germany) by the Canadian team, where she finished 30th individually in what would have been the toughest and most technical test of their skills to date. They’d have their growing pains, but all came to fruition a few years later when Holly achieved a lifelong goal of cantering down centerline in Rolex Stadium.

“You kick yourself now for taking the option because you want to be competitive, but it’s our first four-star and he’s amazing and I didn’t want to make him do something he couldn’t do,” Holly said of her first 5* cross country round. “He came home sound and happy and this horse owes me nothing. He carried me around — I didn’t help him.”

Holly Jacks and More Inspiration. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The pair’s most competitive result at the 5* level came at Pau in 2019, where she and Morris finished 12th. “I’m thrilled with my horse and thrilled with my weekend in general,” she told Tilly Berendt that year. “I’m so glad I made it here – not just to be at the show, but because of the people I’ve met along the way, these amazing connections that will stay with me forever.”

In 2021, Holly announced she was retiring Morris from competition after a heart condition was discovered by a vet ahead of the Kentucky Three-Day Event. He continued to be a large part of her life for the rest of his life, remaining an eternal source of inspiration and gratitude for the thousands of miles traveled and lessons learned.

“You have been with me through thick and thin,” Holly wrote when Morris was retired. “You took me from a gallop girl to a 5-star event rider. You taught me that 5-star horses don’t need to be fancy and well bred. They can have crooked legs, sway backs and huge hearts.”

Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Entry Update: Nearly 40 Top Horses + Riders to Compete for $100k

Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist. Photo by Sally Spickard.

We’re pleased to introduce Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt, with her robust expertise and portfolio of property options in the Aiken area, as the sponsor of our coverage of the Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field. Seasonal or year-round, southern charm and the sporting lifestyle await you in Aiken!

We’re nearing the end of the entry period for the $100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, and the roster has boomed into arguably the most competitive in the event’s young history. At the time of publication, we’ve hit almost 40 entries with some exciting late additions added over the weekend for the March 1 and 2 showcase event.

Highlighting the entries is Maryland 5* winner Austin O’Connor, who will ride Amanda Beale Clement’s experienced 4* horse, Carlson 119 in his first appearance at Grand-Prix Eventing.

Austin, riding for Ireland, ups the international flavor of the entry list along with recently-relocated rider from New Zealand, Monica Spencer, who will compete fan-favorite OTTB Artist at this event for the first time.

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Double Sixteen. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Pan American Games individual gold medalist and team silver medalist Caroline Pamukcu has also thrown her name in the hat as one who will certainly be vying for that hefty prize pot, tapping HSH Double Sixteen (owned by Caroline and her mother Sherrie, as well as the Baltodano family) for the task.

Fellow speed demon Doug Payne will also bring three horses: Quiberon (owned by Doug and Jessica Payne), Quantum Leap (also owned by Doug and Jessica), and Camarillo (owned by Doug Payne and Patrice Jennings-Rado). Fun fact: all three Payne rides were bred right here in the USA by Elizabeth Callahan.

Doug Payne and Camarillo compete at the 2023 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival. Photo by Shelby Allen.

You can view the full and most up to date roster by clicking here.

General admission and VIP tickets are still available for this event, which really should not be missed if you’re in the area or within range! Click here to scope out your options.

For those of you unable to join us in person, H&C+ will carry the live feed. Bookmark this page (and don’t forget to check out our just-launched live stream hub for all your viewing needs!) for direct access to the live feed. Watching on Horse & Country requires either an H&C+ subscription (good for live and on-demand viewing) or a one-time event pass (good for live and on-demand viewing for 30 days). If you aren’t already an H&C+ subscriber, you can save 15% on an annual membership using code EVENTINGNATION15.

Audit Opportunity Available for Jonelle Price’s Canadian High Performance Clinic in Ocala

Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

An exciting opportunity to learn from one of the best riders in the world has emerged! New Zealand Olympic rider Jonelle Price will be teaching a clinic for the Canadian High Performance squad February 27-29 in Ocala, FL. Here’s the scoop on how to pick up an auditing pass:

Canadian Eventing High Performance welcomes Jonelle Price from February 27-29th in Ocala, FL, where she will work with the Canadian National Team Program Athletes in their preparations for the upcoming season and the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Winner of multiple CCI5*s, including Badminton and Luhmuhlen, as well as Medalist at the Olympics and World Championships, Jonelle brings a wealth of knowledge, passion and enthusiasm to Team Canada.

In support of the Canadian Eventing High-Performance Program, we’re opening this unique experience up to auditors for a cost of $150 USD per person (includes all three days)

The schedule for this clinic includes:

  • February 27, 2024: Dressage
  • February 28, 2024: Cross Country
  • February 29, 2024: Show Jumping

All three days, each auditor will receive full access to the training sessions, lunch, and refreshments. The cost for auditing is $150 for the three days. If you’re interested in registering to audit this clinic, please click here, and the organizing team will contact you with payment and venue details!

Don’t delay; spots are limited!

Remembering Courageous Comet

Becky Holder and Courageous Comet. Photo courtesy of Michelle Dunn.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of the great OTTB ambassador and 5* event horse Courageous Comet, who was partnered with the equally great Becky Holder through his lengthy career. The Thoroughbred gelding by Comet Shine was 28 years old. He had been in retirement residence with Becky at her North Carolina farm.

He’s a horse that needs little introduction, especially for Thoroughbred fans (and who isn’t, really?). A few years ago, I posted a query on my Facebook page: what horse would you dream of taking for a spin around a big track like Kentucky? Courageous Comet was the first response for multiple people.

While a packer he may not have been for just anyone, he certainly enjoyed some time as “professor”, taking Becky’s husband Tom for a spin after stepping down from the upper levels.

Tom and Becky Holder with Courageous Comet. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

“Tom bought Comet for Becky as a ‘quasi-wedding present,'” Leslie Threlkeld wrote at the time. “And while she increased the vested ownership shares to 49%, Tom maintained a 51% majority ownership. Wanting to make sure he had a chance to sit on his future investment, Tom rode Comet some even in the early days. Today, Tom stays busy with work but Becky encouraged him to find the time to practice riding so they could take Comet to a low-key competition. ‘I wasn’t quite sure how excited Comet would be, but he was an angel!’ Becky beamed.”

In addition to his accolades as a family member, Comet certainly had plenty of bragging rights as a competitor. He and Becky made their first then-4* start together at Luhmühlen and would quickly become stalwarts at the level; they completed five then CCI4* events, including a top-5 finish at Burghley in 2006 and a second place finish at Kentucky in 2008 that earned them a berth to the 2008 Olympics. They also finished on the podium at Kentucky in 2010 and represented the USA at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. Before his career as an eventer, Comet was also a decently successful racehorse, with 36 starts, multiple wins, and nearly $75,000 in purses earned from his first job.

Look back at Becky and Courageous Comet show jumping at Kentucky in 2008, when they finished second overall:

You can harken back to the “OG” days of Eventing Nation, when John Their himself was still writing the words, for an interview with Becky at Comet’s final Advanced competition, by clicking here.

It’s safe to say that this incredible horse gave many of us today “the bug”, and instilled (or confirmed) in us the love of the gutsy ex-racehorse. He will be sorely missed by all of us here at EN and well beyond.

Read more from the USEA’s In Memoriam here.

How to Support the Canadian Eventing to Paris Fundraiser

The Canadian team impressed with a come from behind gold medal at the 2023 Pan American Games. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The Canadian High Performance Advisory Group and supporters of Canadian eventing have announced a new fundraising effort as the bolstered team aims for the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris.

“After winning gold [in 2023] at the Pan American Games in Santiago, the Canadian Eventing Team has their sights set on the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and they need your help to get there,” a press release stated.

The fundraiser consists of a “Canadian Eventing to Paris Online Auction”, which is underway as we speak and will close on February 17. You can choose from a hearty selection of nearly 200 items with a combined value of $40,000 CDN — a good chunk needed to send the Canadians hopping to Europe!

The auction closes at 4:00 pm (PST) on February 17th. More items are being added daily — click here to access the auction on Facebook!

5 Reasons We’re Looking Forward to the 2024 Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International

Doug Payne and Quantum Leap. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

A big season cometh, as the 2024 Olympics loom closer and we look ahead to the roadmap that will lead us all the way to Paris. Olympic hopefuls will have worked their way backward from late July, earmarking the pathway they and their advisors feel will set themselves up well for eventual selection and success on a team.

One important step along that preparation path — both for the Olympics as well as the various spring three-day events — is the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI & H.T., arguably among the biggest early-season challenges and a true “let’s see where we’re at” test set among the trees in Raeford, NC. This year’s Carolina International, held at Carolina Horse Park, will take place March 14-17.

But it isn’t just about the big names and the top level of competition. In fact, one of my personal favorite things about this event is its attention paid to the other levels, including a popular CCI1*-S and National divisions from Novice to Advanced.

Here are just a few of our other favorite things about Carolina:

A true challenge for all, no matter the level

Sandra Holden and Evil Munchkin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We wrote an article about the CCI1*-S division after the 2023 event, and I feel strongly that including newer levels like Modified and 1* are important for education and for giving riders an attainable goal. As someone who has no aspirations to go above Preliminary level, the 1* is such a cool goal to have. It feels like something I could do safely and confidently, perhaps en route to Prelim, or perhaps as my top goal — who knows and who cares? It’s a great option to have, and it’s also beneficial for the production of younger horses. 5 stars (it felt inappropriate to give it a “1 star” rating).

For a new challenge this year, the event will host the Lumbee River EMC Festival Pro-Am Challenge, teaming up professional and amateur riders. There is no cost to join a team, so click here to learn more.

A convenient and well-laid out venue

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

There is something to be said about a venue that uses its space smartly (and one that has permanent bathrooms available!). I always love visiting venues like Carolina Horse Park, which are nicely laid out and well-kept. There is a decent amount of atmosphere, which of course wouldn’t be every horse’s favorite, but I find it to be less overwhelming and more exciting. It’s just the right amount of “things going on” for horses (and riders) to gain some experience in busier environments.

A star-studded roster

Sarah Kuhn and Mr. Cash Van De Start. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Ok, yes, you’re also right — the roster in the 4* and Advanced divisions is always a big draw for the sporting fans among us. This is a big stop on the road to Kentucky’s spring 5* event, and many of the horses we’ll see in these divisions will be prepping for a major spring event. You also typically get to see some horses and/or riders who are newer to the level, giving you a glimpse of “ones to watch” for the future.

Entries will continue to populate through the event’s closing date on February 27, but the list is already promising. We’ll see the return of three-time winning rider Will Coleman, who so far has entered the Diabolo Group LLC’s Diabolo. Ariel Grald, who is based not far from this venue in Southern Pines, has entered Annie Eldridge (also the owner of Setters’ Run Farm) horses Diara and Leamore Master Plan, who is returning to competition after being sidelined most of 2023. Another Southern Pines rider, Andrew McConnon, will swing back into action with top horses Ferrie’s Cello (owned by Jeanne Shigo) and Wakita 54 (owned by Andrew). You can preview the full entry list here.

A strong challenge on cross country

The much-talked about water question on the 2023 CCI4*-S course. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We’re getting into the final days of Ian Stark’s designing career, so we’re going to enjoy these brilliant courses while we still can! Ian Stark has been the designer for Carolina’s 4*/Advanced track for nearly a decade, and his tracks here are given an extra boost of difficulty by the terrain and wooded areas scattered throughout the park’s acreage. For those in the other divisions, the course’s are designed and set by Beth Perkins, who also sets a technical and challenging track that’s appropriate for each level, making this truly an event not to be missed for the well-prepared and practiced.

You can take a glimpse at some action from last year’s 4* cross country below.

Plenty for the horse husbands and kids to do

We all appreciate the long-suffering horse husbands and horse wives and horse kids, who typically spend their days at horse shows as stand-in grooms or wishing a drink cart would magically appear alongside them, golf course style. Well, sign those wonderful family members up for a trip to Carolina International, because there’s a full weekend of family-friendly activities, plenty of food and drink options, and a beautiful locale to spend time in when you’re not at the show.

If you’re visiting the area for the first time, be sure to check out neighboring Southern Pines, which is full of amazing restaurants (I’ll go ahead and throw in my favorite recommendation, Red’s Corner, formerly owned by 5* rider Jurgens) and beautiful scenery to enjoy. Carolina International also coincides with the annual Painted Ponies Art Walk & Auction, which is an event not to be missed.

And if you’re the VIP type, the Carolina Club is a great way to experience all that Carolina International has to offer. These tickets tend to sell fast, so don’t wait to get your hands on them here.

Entries are open for the SRF Carolina International CCI & H.T. Get yours in before February 27 and join us for the fun!

EN is proud to partner with Carolina International for pre-event promotion and media services on the ground. Interested in joining us as a member of the media for this year’s SRF Carolina International? Click here to submit your credential application.

$100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Entry Update: Defending Champs Return

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Two of the three riders who have won the Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field (this year sponsored by Conceal, with $100,000 in prize money) will return this year (March 1 and 2) to square off — but they’ll certainly have plenty of competition from others as the entry list continues to grow.

Liz Halliday has entered this popular showcase event that’s the first major stop on many a top rider’s calendar — and carries a rare six-figure purse to up the appeal — with three horses: 2023 winner Miks Master C (owned by Ocala Horse Properties and Deborah Palmer), Cooley Quicksilver (owned by The Monster Partnership + Ocala Horse Properties), and Cooley Nutcracker (owned by Nutcracker Syndicate + Ocala Horse Properties). Liz also won this event in 2019 (its inaugural year) with Fernhill By Night and in 2020 with Deniro Z.

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B en route to the win in 2022. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

Squaring up for the challenge will be 2022 winner Boyd Martin, who will bring back the horse he won with, Fedarman B (owned by the Annie Goodwin Syndicate) as well as stalwart veteran Tsetserleg (owned by Christine, Thomas, and Tommie Turner) and rising star Commando 3 (owned by Yankee Creek Ranch LLC).

These former winners aside, the entry list continues to grow with plenty of contenders for the top prize. That list includes riders such as Will Coleman, Phillip Dutton, Colleen Loach, Ariel Grald, Will Faudree, Sydney Elliott, Doug Payne, and many other 4* and 5* horses and riders. We anticipate more entries to pile in as the closing date draws near — and we’re still awaiting confirmation of some international entries coming to catch-ride!

It’s also not too late to grab your tickets for this event, which truly puts spectators front and center with the action, right in the heart of Aiken, SC. Click here to learn more about Grand-Prix Eventing and to buy your tickets or VIP experience.

We’re pleased to introduce Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt, with her robust expertise and portfolio of property options in the Aiken area, as the sponsor of our coverage of the Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field. Seasonal or year-round, southern charm and the sporting lifestyle await you in Aiken!

Magical Mustangs: Catching Up with Elisa Wallace

Photo courtesy of Elisa Wallace.

What began as a bucket list tick evolved into a full-fledged adventure for Elisa Wallace. It was a friend, fellow mustang trainer and eventer Rebecca Brown, who first encouraged Elisa to sign up for the annual Mustang Magic competition. For Elisa, it was an opportunity for a new challenge: if she could train a mustang, surely it would solidify her prowess as a horse trainer and perhaps give her the opportunity to become an ambassador for the once-wild horse.

Fast forward to today, over a decade later, and now about 10 mustangs are in residence at Elisa’s Ocala, FL base. She’s taken multiple mustangs out eventing, including the famous Fledge and Rune as well as the gray mare Hwin. Elisa gains much fulfillment from promoting the mustang as an excellent horse for any discipline, and now spends some of her time (when she isn’t also producing and competing event horses) training and re-homing mustangs to other riders.

“In training them you just get addicted,” Elisa explained. “Each one kind of teaches you something new, and you just want to keep doing it. I think they’re great horses for people to have, too. They can fit that little niche, so that’s my goal. I train one and try to fulfill that with someone.”

Elisa Wallace and Fledge. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Elisa’s latest mustang project was a return to the Mustang Magic competition. This competition, held in Texas, during the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, gives approximately 25 trainers the opportunity to bond with a train a mustang over the course of a 100 days. The event then culminates with a Trainer’s Challenge consisting of a handling and conditioning class, a maneuvers class, a trail class, and a freestyle for finalists. The prize pot of $50,000 sweetens the deal, and the mustangs are then auctioned to the public following the competition.

Initially, Mustang Magic was not in Elisa’s plans for the year. She laughed when I asked what changed her mind. “You’re going to laugh at me, but,” she began. “I had a dream. [Four-time Mustang Makeover champion and respected horseman] Bobby Kerr was in it. In this dream I was a working student for Bobby. He asked me if I was going to do the Magic and I said ‘no’ and he goes ‘well you should’. And so I woke up and said ‘well I guess I’m going to do Magic this year!’ So that was my reasoning for it.”

Dior’s glow-up. Photo courtesy of Elisa Wallace.

In September, Elisa traveled to Texas to make her selection from a group of recently rounded-up mustangs. The 26 trainers drew numbers to make their selections; naturally, having an early pick is beneficial, but you must be prepared with a list of alternates. Elisa, luckily, had a few on her list as she drew #20.

“It was tough because you’re going through strategy-wise of who to pick,” Elisa said. “I analyzed for hours and when it came down to it, I had Dior on my list. She was the boss mare of her pen, I just went ‘screw it Elisa, go for color!’ She was already on the list, but it was just one of those things.”

“Dior”, as she came to be known, is a beautiful palomino color. Elisa, for this competition, knew she would be giving the horse up for auction/adoption following the competition, so she was looking for a horse that would be a suitable all-arounder, perhaps one that could also do some Western riding. The mare seemed to tick the right boxes.

“I tell you – that mare cracks me up,” she laughed. “She was like ‘finally!’ [upon getting into the barn]. The first night mustangs are in a stall they normally don’t sleep. That mare slept — she was covered head to toe in shavings. The name Dior kind of fit. She’s kind of ‘bougie’ and Dior also means ‘gold’.”

Elisa chronicled her training process with Dior in a full playlist of videos on YouTube — I’ll drop the playlist below for you to watch at leisure:

“She was a very fun mare to train,” Elisa said. “She was very confident in some ways and I’m still super busy because I also had a three-day in November, so I was glad that she was special. It takes a special horse for the makeover. I didn’t have any of the flashy tricks on her, but she was very good about very practical things, which I thought was very handy. I was able to go and work her on cows and I took a roping lesson off of her. One thing I really love about doing the mustang stuff is it kind of pushed out of my comfort zone. I get to learn so much more, I feel like, and break things up. She did a little starter event at [Florida Horse Park] and it was basically underwater; her first time in a dressage ring and she scored a 34. Won her little starter division. She loved going out on cross country. She was just a little star.”

The competition yielded a strong result for Elisa, who made the finals and finished in sixth overall, out of the 26 original trainers. Elisa was impressed with how Dior handled the intense atmosphere, even staying calm when a prop got stuck in her girth during their final freestyle performance.

The bittersweet part came at the end, when Dior would be auctioned and meet her new owner.

Dior meets her new owner, Sierra Gowen. Photo courtesy of Elisa Wallace.

“Dior was one of the last to go and the girl that ended up getting her wants to do eventing,” Elisa said. “Her name is Sierra and she’s also a bodyworker and Dior is going to be her first mustang. And it just so happens she lives back where I used to live in Canton [Georgia], so she has a lot of connections to a lot of my old students who are her trainers. So it worked out. I was happy with the outcome with it and I think Dior is where she needs to be. I was happy and pleased with myself that I produced a good horse. I cried, I had poor Sierra crying, but that’s just so I can train another one. I try to train one and just do the same thing.”

Elisa always emphasizes that each horse teaches her something new. I asked what she had learned during her time with Dior. “Really utilizing the horse’s strengths,” she said, after a moment of thought. “Try not to focus too much on their weaknesses; it’s more minimizing their weaknesses and maximizing their strengths. When I ignored some of the weaker things that I didn’t necessarily like, that would just kind of go away if I just focused on the more positive things. And really the lesson for me, which oftentimes can get lost, is that horses are supposed to be fun and we’re supposed to enjoy our time with our horses. The training process gets frustrating, we all get frustrated, but you want to have fun and that’s kind of what we lose.”

Photo courtesy of Elisa Wallace.

Here, she compares the level of trust and bond that’s required to compete in an event like Mustang Magic to that required to go out on cross country with an event horse.

“These horses that are previously wild, because of the bond you’ve built, they trust you. It’s what we want to attain with any of our horses. The mustangs and Thoroughbred stuff — it’s why I like to do it. Your event horses aren’t going to push for you if they don’t trust you. It’s the same thing when you get the trust of the mustang. Those horses try for you and at the end of the day, that is all you can ask for.”

Clinic Entry Contest with William Fox-Pitt: And the Winner Is…

Sierra Lesny rides cross country in front of William Fox-Pitt. Photo by Lisa Madren.

Last month, we announced a contest to give away an entry to William Fox-Pitt’s February clinic in Ocala, FL. The clinic will be hosted February 27 and 28 at Overlook Farm South (show jumping) and Barnstaple South (cross country). We asked you to submit an entry detailing the story of why you love eventing, what got you into the sport, or anything else pertaining to the love of the sport — and you delivered!

We received almost 50 entries to this contest, making the final decision that much more difficult. But after much deliberation amongst our team, we’ve landed on our winner, who will receive a complimentary spot in the clinic on both days at their chosen level.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Clark.

Please join us in congratulating Sarah Clark! Sarah’s essay, “I Was Lucky to Be There” on how she got into eventing is a story we’ll be sharing in the coming days here on EN, and it’s one that shows us just how much eventing and horses can bring us together, heal wounds, and make us believe we are capable.

Thanks to the generosity of the clinic organizers, we’ll be offering free auditing passes to the other five finalists who were chosen from the initial pool of applicants. You’ll receive an email from EN this week if this applies to you!

Thank you to all who took the time to enter and share their stories with us. We’ll be on site for the first day of the clinic at Overlook Farm South and will bring you much more from on location.

Go Eventing!

Sneak a Peek + Snag a Ticket: $100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field is Coming Soon

Will Faudree and Pfun. Photo by Shelby Allen.

There has come to be no better way to open the eventing season in what feels like an unofficial, official way than the annual Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field (Aiken, SC), happening March 1 and 2.

Designed to be a spectator-friendly pipe-opener for horses that are on the handier side (or, practice for those who could use some more of this!), Grand-Prix Eventing is a condensed event run over two days and consisting of a dressage, show jumping, cross country format. Cross country, designed by Capt. Mark Phillips, is an arenacross-type course, much removed from its long format predecessor but nonetheless an exciting “taster” of the thrill of the sport. In my opinion, this format is a natural way to invite newcomers to the sport of eventing — the fact that it takes place literally in the center of Aiken at Bruce’s Field is the icing on the “welcome to eventing” cake.

This year, the prize pot grows from an initial $50,000 to now be a $100,000 purse — in eventing, you don’t often see prize money like this outside of CCI5* events — thanks to the incoming title sponsor, Conceal. Taylor Harris Insurance Services also returns as presenting sponsor.

We won’t have a final roster of entries for a few weeks yet, but a few have begun to sprinkle in to the entry status here. The crew at Grand-Prix Eventing also tells me there will be some exciting visitors from overseas.

As of publication, the confirmed entries for this year’s GPE are:

  • Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way + Pfun
  • Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan
  • Lillian Heard and Dassett Olympus + LCC Barnaby

Liz Halliday-Sharp celebrates the taste of sweet, sweet victory in 2023. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Other tentatively committed riders include previous winners Boyd Martin and Liz Halliday, Sharon White, Emily Hamel, Doug Payne, Caroline Pamukcu, Jennie Brannigan, and more. We’ll be sure to keep you up to date with the latest entry confirmations, so stay tuned for more. Riders will also be riding for the benefit of local charities (to be named for 2024).

Tickets are still available for this not-to-be-missed event, so come on down March 1 and 2. You can purchase yours starting at just $30 for two-day admission by clicking here.

Opportunity Alert: Apply Now for the Waredaca Eventing Foundation Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund Scholarship

Photo courtesy of Waredaca.

We’re always on the lookout for opportunity offerings from around the eventing community, and here’s one that should be on your radar if you’re aiming for a Classic Three-Day competition this year! Here’s the skinny:

The Waredaca Eventing Education Foundation (WEEF) is pleased to announce an expansion of the 2024 Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund Scholarships thanks to the generous donations of WEEF supporters and several USEA Classic Three-Day event organizers. This year’s scholarship funds will be awarded to several riders from across the country and includes entries to various USEA Classic Three-Day events spread out from coast to coast!

The Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund Scholarship was created in 2023 to honor the late Jimmy Wofford. Wofford was influential in creating the Classic-Three Day series and was a strong supporter of these events. Like Wofford, previous scholarship recipients showed a dedication to the sport of eventing here in the U.S. through volunteering, continuing education, and competing. You can read more on Jimmy’s thoughts about the classic long format here.

Novice Three-Day competitors Emma Keahon and Wil’Ya Love Me on course at the 2015 Waredaca Classic event. Photo by Kate Samuels.

The 2024 Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund Scholarship winners — at least one adult amateur and at least one junior rider — will each be awarded $1000 cash support to be used towards training and expenses related to competing in a 2024 USEA Classic Three-Day Event. In addition, Scholarship winners will also be awarded one entry to one of the following participating Classic Three-Day Events:

  • Indiana Eventing Association (IN) May 31-June 2
  • The Event at Rebecca Farm (MT) July 17-21
  • Spokane Sport Horse 10th Annual Fall HTs (WA) September 26-29
  • Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event (KY) October 16-20
  • Waredaca Classic Three-Day Event (MD) October 25-27
  • Note: additional events may be added to the above list should they choose to participate in the Wofford Scholarship program

James Wofford on Carawich, 1978. Photo courtesy of Gamecock Photo.

The 2024 Jimmy Wofford Memorial Fund Scholarship is open to adult amateur and junior riders competing at any level within USEA. Applicants must be working towards competing in a 2024 USEA Classic Three-Day Event and be in need of financial support to achieve this competition goal. Applicants must also demonstrate their commitment to the sport of eventing through proof of volunteering. Those who have previously participated in, or are currently participating in any other USEA/USEF grant or development program are not eligible for the Wofford Scholarship.

The application deadline is April 1, 2024. Please click HERE for more information and online application.

If you would like to support this scholarship and other WEEF projects, please donate HERE.

About the USEA Classic Series

The USEA Classic Series keeps the spirit of the classic long ­format three­-day events alive for Beginner Novice through the Preliminary levels, including the Modified level as well. Competitors can experience the rush of endurance day, including roads and tracks, steeplechase, the vet box, and cross­-country, as well as participate in formal veterinary inspections and educational activities with experts on the ins and outs of competing in a long ­format three-­day event. Riders who compete in a USEA Classic Series event during the year will have the chance to win a variety of prizes at the events from USEA sponsors. Click here to learn more about the USEA Classic Series.

The USEA would like to thank bronze sponsors SmartPak Equine and D.G. Stackhouse & Ellis Saddles, as well as contributing sponsors Bates Saddles and Parker Equine Insurance for supporting the USEA Classic Series.

Remembering Bendigo

Ema Klugman and Bendigo. Photo by Shelby Allen.

EN reporter and 5* rider Ema Klugman announced this week the passing of her veteran partner, Bendigo, following complications from colic surgery last week. The Saddlebred/Thoroughbred gelding was 22 years old.

Bendigo was the type of horse that was quickly written off as “not much” but “safe enough” when Ema first found him when she was just 14, with help from coach and mentor Packy McGaughan. 10 years old at the time, Bendigo had done some show jumping but was for all intents and purposes a diamond in the rough, and a horse Packy figured would be suitable for his student to do her first events and move up through Preliminary on.

Hold my beer, said Ben.

Ema Klugman and Bendigo. Photo by Shelby Allen.

“He’s full of surprises,” Ema told me ahead of her 5* debut at Kentucky in 2021. “He doesn’t have the scope or the raw ability of a horse like (Marilyn Little’s 4* winner) RF Scandalous or (Liz Halliday Sharp’s five-star horse) Deniro Z, so he kind of has to make his way. He just has a huge amount of heart.”

It’s a story we’ve heard many times, and it’s one that — speaking for myself, at least — we can find in our memories when asked why we love eventing as much as we do: The horse that wasn’t supposed to amount to much, but continued to surprise.

This was Bendigo.

We #BelieveInBendigo! Photo by Elena Perea.

He didn’t love dressage, but when Ema cantered down center line for the first time in Rolex Stadium, he was with her. He pulled average scores on the flat, but you could almost always count on him to jump right up the standings with his skills across the country and over the show jumps. Ema, as any other rider with a horse moving to 5* for the first time, was ready to learn whether or not she’d created a 5* horse over the better part of a decade.

Ema Klugman and Bendigo. Photo by Sally Spickard.

I was positioned on cross country on the back third of the course. The question was two open corners at the top of a hill, following a long pull up from the famous infield section at Kentucky. I was nervous, as one is for a friend on cross country. Would Ben look winded at this point — probably almost 9 minutes into this grueling cross country test — doing his first 5* at the age of 19? But then I heard it:

“Whoaaaa, Ben…easy, buddy…whoaaaa, Ben.”

I heard it before I saw them, and nearly before I could focus my camera lens, Ema and Ben were through the combination and galloping away, the horse on the bridle and on the bit, ears flat and stride long. I shouldn’t have worried.

I know Ema would have wanted to finish what would be Bendigo’s final 5* at Maryland that year, but at the final water complex just a few questions from the finish, she pulled him up. He would have kept jumping and galloping, and they could have finished, but Ema made a decision in the moment. He owed her nothing, and he had begun to tell her he was tired. It was an anti-climatic finish on paper, and certainly a disappointment for any competitor, but that decision will continue to live in my brain as an example of what it means to finish with integrity — whatever that may mean on that day.

After he was retired from upper-level competition, Bendigo went on to teach other riders. He competed at the Area II Championships and the American Eventing Championships with amateur rider Julie Bigham at Training level.

He even took me for a flat ride last fall, thanks to Ema’s generosity.

I watch the video of myself riding Ben often. It was nothing major. I am very rusty, and it was wet outside. We worked on some basic canter pirouette work, and as I went back out to the long side, I could hear Ema on the other side of the camera, her voice full of fondness.

“Good boy! Good boy, Ben!”

We will all miss you, Bendigo.

My words are just mine. You can read some of Ema’s reflections on Bendigo’s career here. An excerpt from Ema feels like the most fitting ending to this tribute:

“The best way I can describe Bendigo is that he has imposter syndrome, ADHD, anxiety, stage fright, and probably several other unnamed demons that he had to overcome to become the horse he became for me. He was never “meant to be” a 5* horse, or even a four- or three-star horse for that matter. He is half-Saddlebred, after all! He (and we) attempted to go beyond who he was meant to be -— and he did that not for himself but for me. I won’t ever meet a horse with more generosity of spirit.”

Ema Klugman and Bendigo. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Try This Strength and Balance Drill for All Disciplines from Pippa Funnell

In a true exemplification of the “never stop learning” adage, Rolex Grand Slam winner Pippa Funnell shared a training exercise that’s useful for all disciplines as we prep for another season. Using just a few poles set up strategically and a few small jumps, Pippa demonstrates a technical exercise ridden without stirrups to strengthen the rider’s balance and position.

You can see Pippa demonstrating the exercise in the video below (can’t see it? Click here to watch it on Instagram). Notice how she uses her seat, leg, and body to collect and execute downward transitions, using this change in balance to affect the horse’s stride without leveraging on the bit.

Watch, then try it for yourself!

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

Wintery weather conditions didn’t keep the eventers away last weekend at Stable View’s season opener horse trials, which ran nearly 300 starters braving the cold weather. Thanks to the hardworking grounds crew at Stable View, the water jumps were kept unfrozen and the footing was kept aerated to keep it from getting too wet and frozen over the weekend. It was a true team effort, and it’s one Stable View owners Barry and Cyndy Olliff are proud to be a part of. “The easy thing would have been to cancel, but it’s not down to us,” Barry noted, expressing his gratitude for the officials and helped make decisions to keep running in a safe way.

Here’s to warmer weather for the next eventing competition at Stable View, which will be the first Eventing Academy of 2024, February 16-18. Check it out here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Full Gallop Farm January H.T (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Rocking Horse Winter I H.T. (Altoona, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

News & Notes:

Here’s a useful analogy to think of when it comes to balance in the saddle. When you carry a bag of feed over your shoulder, your weight shifts to compensate and balance. This is a tip Buck Davidson brought to a recent clinic from Practical Horseman’s Win a Day Clinic Contest. [11 more tips from Buck here]

USEA members! There’s a very valuable survey currently being circulated in an effort by the USEA to collect sentiments and data points pertaining to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Your opinion is valued and important, so take a few minutes to fill it out here.

What the heck is the Equine Activity Liability Act, and why should you care about it? Well, we all know riding horses is, well, not the safest choice of activity in the world, but there are other facets of liability that pertain to even being on property at an equine facility. Read up on how this can affect you and your business here.

Customers and employees alike were surprised to hear news that Haygain Ltd. has entered administration, appearing to cease business operations and laying off employees. No word yet on what the future of the company, best known for its heavenly hay steamers that fill your barn with enough aroma to make you strongly consider adding hay to your own diet, considering the cost of a bale these days. [Haygain Goes into Administration]

Video Break:

EN writer Amanda Chance recently shared an experience she had with her horse after listening to this excellent “Ask An Expert” on Ride iQ, focusing on the topic of equine ulcers. Here’s Amanda:

And here’s the episode of “Ask An Expert” that got her spidey sense tingling:

Systems Nearly Go for West Coast AEC in 2025; Championship to Return to Kentucky 2026-2028

Galway Downs’ main arena boasts unique spectator seating and a backdrop of flags representing an international array of competitors. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

After soliciting expressions of interest to host the next USEA American Eventing Championships, the US Eventing Association (USEA) has announced it has begun contract negotiations to host a fully West coast-based Championship in 2025 at Galway Downs in Temecula, CA. The 2025 AEC would be held from Tuesday, August 26 through Sunday, August 31, welcoming qualified competitors from the newly-recognized Starter division up through Advanced. The qualifying period for the next AEC typically begins each spring for the following year’s championship (for example, qualification for 2024 AEC began on May 22, 2023).

The announcement brings AEC fully to the West coast for the first time; to this point, the host sites furthest west were Rebecca Farm (Montana – 2022) and Colorado Horse Park (2019), along with a multi-year stint at Texas Rose Horse Park. It’s a representation of the strong eventing population that lives and competes west of the Mississippi, and particularly up and down the massive state of California.

You can read more about eventing in California in our deep dive from 2023 here.

Galway Downs, located in Southern California’s wine country of Temecula, has experienced much development and improvement over the past few years, thanks in large part to the efforts of Equestrian Facility Manager Robert Kellerhouse. The venue has also played host to multiple top-level jumper and dressage competitions, many of which under the banner of Nilforushan Equisport Events, that continue to drive the consumer experience to the next level. Some extra fun? Galway Downs is also home to a bustling race community, with a full training track and several race stables based there year-round.

Kick for home! Photo by Sally Spickard.

Galway Downs also features 400 permanent stalls and a total of 14 arenas, alongside its full cross country course that is equipped to host all levels up through its annual CCI4*-L in the fall. The venue hosted the 2023 USEF CCI2*-L and USEF CCI4*-L Eventing National Championships and the 2023 USEF Eventing Young Rider National Championships, presented by USEA.

“Galway Downs is excited to bring the 2025 USEA American Eventing Championships to the West Coast,” said Robert Kellerhouse. “We wish to thank to the USEA for the opportunity and are looking forward to working together with them in furtherance of a successful event.”

“We want to run the type of event where people would be tempted, regardless of their location, to make the trip out,” Robert elaborated. “We want to try and make this thing as great a success as they had in Kentucky. It’s incredible, I’m so happy. It’s a recognition of the success we’ve had in Temecula, what my buddy Ali [Nilforushan] has done with his jumper shows and a higher frequency of top shows, what the dressage community has brought here, what Ken [Smith] has done with the wineries, and the ranch homes on campus adds to people’s experience. Couple that together with the fact that Tamie [Smith] wins Kentucky, and it all morphs itself into getting more attention. All of them carry heavy weight.”

Part of Robert’s vision is an event that entices riders to make the trip, even from the East coast. Galway Downs remains a large part of the eventing tapestry on the West coast, and will be front and center as one of the most prominent venues close by to the LA Olympics in 2028 (which of course, we know the status of eventing is yet to be determined, but we’re holding out hope). “The whole world’s attention is going to be on a region. People are going to talk about Southern California and I’ll tell you what: when I was a kid during the 1984 Olympics, all of the sudden people weren’t calling me a jockey anymore. They knew what equestrian sports were. That’s the impact that this platform can have.”

Further to this announcement, the USEA also confirmed that Kentucky Horse Park has also entered contract finalizations to host AEC in 2026, 2027, and 2028. Galway Downs will have the option to apply for another hosting of AEC for 2029. The Horse Park makes much sense in the eyes of many competitors, both from a logistical (the venue is nearly as centrally located as one could be in a country the size of the U.S.) and a sentimental perspective (who doesn’t want to gallop through the iconic “Head of the Lake” — but without all the hooplah of having to make it to a 5* event like Kentucky?). The dates, pending contract finalization, for the 2026-2028 AEC would be:

  • 2026: Tuesday, Aug. 25—Sunday, Aug. 30
  • 2027: Tuesday, Aug. 31—Sunday, Sep. 5
  • 2028: Tuesday, Aug. 22—Sunday, Sep. 3

You can read more on this news in the USEA’s release here.

Meet Phillip Dutton’s Newest Ride

Phillip Dutton’s got a new ride in his stable ahead of this new season, and he’s spending some time sharing his “getting to know you” days on social media.

Jewelent (Valent – Bellaney Jewel, by Rosalier) is a 10-year-old Irish gelding most recently campaigned by Ireland’s Clare Abbott through the 5* level (the pair started Badminton in 2022, but withdrew ahead of show jumping following a clear cross country). Claire and Jewelent also represented the Irish at the 2021 FEI European Eventing Championships, finishing in the top 15 individually.

Clare Abbott and Jewelent. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Carol Gee of Fernhill Sporthorses eventually connected Phillip to “Julian”, whom Phillip describes as “a real blood type of horse, but he is also quiet and sensible. A lot of the training has been done, so now it’s just a case of creating a good partnership and getting his trust in me.”

With the support of the “Jewelent Group”, comprised of longtime supporters Ann Jones, David and Patricia Vos, Tracy Egan, Tom Tierney, John Ingram and Caroline Moran, Phillip added this promising youngster to his string and now sets to work forming a partnership.
⁣⁣
You can view a few videos of Phillip and Julian below or over on the @duttoneventing Instagram page. We’ll look forward to following along!

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

It’s wild to think we’re already hurtling toward a new season (words I know I write every year; I’m probably due for some fresh thoughts, but that’s a tomorrow task), but here we are! Training camps are in full swing, with both the USEA’s EA21 camps and the USEF’s U25 camps taking place around the country in recent weeks.

One of my favorite bits of these camps is seeing the gorgeous work of the creatives who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the concepts to life. Content is a beast that’s never satisfied, and the time spend on creating those Reels we all share or the recaps detailing the training is high. So, be sure to follow the creators who breathe so much life into our sport!

U.S. Weekend Preview

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks (Reddick, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Friday News & Reading:

Speaking of cool views of training camps, check out these Behind the Lens shots from EA21 over on the USEA’s website.

Check in on the happenings down south at the Robert Dover Horsemanship Clinic, always a great source for back-to-basics tips and reminders for all disciplines. [Riders Go Back to Basics]

Can you quantify “harmony” on horseback? Well, researchers are trying to answer that question. How? By taking measurements of the rider’s pelvis position at certain points during a ride. A part of Dr. Celeste Wilkins’s (University of Hartpury Margaret Giffen Centre for Rider Performance) PhD research, the study intends to identify a correlation, if there is one to be found, so that we can have a greater understanding of the concept of harmony and how to achieve it. [Is Harmony Measurable?]

Sponsor Corner:

Have you heard?? Stable View is getting a new arena! The new arena will be built by Attwood Equestrian. Watch as they prep for it on News from Stable View:

Friday Video:

More U25 content for your enjoyment:

Want to Ride with William Fox-Pitt? How to Win an Ocala Clinic Spot

Sierra Lesny rides cross country in front of William Fox-Pitt. Photo by Lisa Madren.

British Olympian William Fox-Pitt is returning to the States for another winter clinic tour, which will also coincide with a stop at the $100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field (Aiken, SC) the first weekend in March. If riding with William is on your bucket list you’ll want to keep reading.

William will be teaching two clinics in Ocala, FL during this tour, and Eventing Nation is pleased to be hosting a contest to award one spot in the clinic being held February 27 and 28 at Overlook Farm South (show jumping) and Barnstaple South (cross country). Levels from Beginner Novice through Intermediate will be welcomed for this clinic, with riders divided into small-to-medium sized groups for instruction.

William Fox-Pitt teaches at Liz Halliday-Sharp’s winter base, Horsepower Equestrian in Ocala. Photo by Lisa Madren.

So, how do you win your spot?

Tell us a story! How did you catch the eventing bug? What connected you to the horse you have today? Did a top rider make a strong impression on you? Or perhaps a childhood trainer?

We want to know why you love eventing — simple as that. Write us a short story (350-750 words is great, but you can write something shorter or longer if you desire; entries will not be judged on length) telling us why you’ve chosen this sport to call home.

The EN team along with a handful of guest selectors will choose a winner from a group of semi-finalists chosen by EN. We may select some stories to share with our readers by way of an article under your byline on EN.

The deadline to submit your entry is Wednesday, January 24 at 5 pm ET. You can submit your entry using this link or by emailing it to [email protected]. Please include a photo of you and your horse, as well as your desired Clinic Level, with emailed entries. The winner will be announced on Thursday, February 1.

What’s covered by this award: Entry fee to William Fox-Pitt’s clinic in Ocala February 27 and 28, admission to Barn Dinner and Cocktail Party hosted by Sara Kozumplik, Rhonda Sexton, and Derek Strine
What’s not covered by this award: Transportation/hauling to and from the clinic locations, stabling, housing, food/drink outside of Barn Dinner and Cocktail Party

Dates Announced for Shapley’s USEA Grooms Program Education Series in Aiken

Boyd Martin, Tsetserleg TSF, and supergroom Steph Simpson. Photo by Abby Powell.

Back by popular demand this winter is the Shapley’s USEA Grooms Program Education Series, an annual lecture and demonstration series hosted in Aiken at Bruce’s Field designed to further horse care and horsemanship among all equestrians.

On the schedule for 2024 include sessions arranged by Emma Ford and led by Stephanie Simpson, Boyd Martin, Saxon Alexandra, Anna Pesta Dunaway, PhD, and more.

The cost for attending each lecture is $5 + a small processing fee, all proceeds from which will be used to benefit the USEA Grooms Program. You can anticipate each lecture/session to last about 90 minutes, and you should also plan to bring your own chair.

The 2024 schedule is as follows:

January 23: Interactive lecture about fascia and functional anatomy with Saxon Alexandra (They/Them) from Actuality Equine (ActualityEquine.org)

January 30: Getting horses fit for the occasion with current World #3 FEI rider Boyd Martin

February 6: Traveling with horses with Stephanie Simpson, Olympic head Groom to World Team silver medalist Boyd Martin

February 13: Nutrition for Equine Athletes at any Level with Anna Pesta Dunaway, PhD.

February 20: All about Gastric health with Kate Echeverria, DVM,MS, DACVIM from KE Equine of Norton, MA.

February 27: From Problem to Partnership: Three Easy Steps to Solving Equine Behavior with Aiken local, Equine Behavior Specialist Julie Robins of The Horsemanship Academy.

You can sign up for any or all of the above sessions by clicking here.

The USEA Grooms Program was formed in December 2021 by USEA President, Max Corcoran, and top-level eventers Lauren Nicholson and Shannon Lilley. This program is being designed to create a holistic approach for ensuring current and future eventing grooms, the sport’s unsung heroes, receive the development and training to be top-class performers in the role. The program aims for grooms to be acknowledged and rewarded for their accomplishments, as well as to gain access to the resources for expanding their career opportunities. The program aims to provide education and resources for educating U.S. eventing grooms, with a pipeline for future candidates.

Applications Open for 2024 Zara Buren Memorial Award

Zara Buren and Make My Day. Photo by Ian Woodley.

Applications are open for the 2024 Zara Buren Memorial Award, distributed each year in honor of Ontario young rider Zara Buren, who passed away in 2020 and whose horsemanship and bright spirit are remembered within the eventing community and beyond.

The Zara Buren Memorial Foundation was established with the focus on helping youth with the desire, talent, and work ethic to pursue their passion. The Memorial Foundation will support the Zara Buren Memorial Award to be given annually through the Ontario Eventing Association to a junior rider who exhibits a passion for eventing, sportsmanship and a commitment to their horse. Zara was a talented rider with an intense dedication to training and learning, always putting her horse first.

The Zara Buren Memorial Award provides financial support to a rider within the Ontario Equestrian Association, age 18 or under, who displays “horsemanship, sportsmanship and a positive attitude” as well as involvement within the community through mentorship, volunteering, etc.

You can read more about the award and the inspiration behind it in this EN article from 2021.

Applications are due by January 17. More information + the application can be found here. The award recipient will be announced around mid-February 2024.