I had another fabulous time last week, on Dartmoor, with Liberty Trails Liberty Trails. It is the 8th year that I have…
Posted by Mary King on Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Mary King is living the dream—again! The legendary eventer just wrapped up her eighth year hosting two glorious days of riding across the breathtaking Dartmoor with Liberty Trails, followed by some well-earned luxury at the beautiful Bovey Castle Hotel. “Such a treat!” Mary wrote on Facebook, thanking her cheerful guests, trusty horses, and Liberty Trails for inviting her back for what she cheekily called an “arduous task (not!!).” We’re already jealous of the 2026 crew.
U.S. Weekend Preview
Stable View Summer H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountryApp Course Previews]
Midsouth Pony Club H.T. (KY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountryApp Course Previews]
Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Summer H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T. (IL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Round Top H.T. (CO): [Omnibus] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Valinor Farm H.T. (MA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
Bucks County Horse Park H.T. (PA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]
Major International Events
Strzegom CCI4*-L/S (Poland) *FEI Nations Cup Event*: [Website] [Schedule/Timing/Scoring] [Live Stream]
News & Reading
The FEI has announced the appointment of two new Executive Directors following a global search and major internal restructuring. Áine Power (IRL) has been named Executive Director of Sport & Games, while François Vergnol (FRA) will step into the newly created role of Executive Director of Commercial, Marketing & Communications. Áine has worked at the FEI since 2014, most recently as Deputy Legal Director, and brings deep expertise in Olympic qualification systems and sport governance. François joins from European Professional Club Rugby, where he served as Chief Revenue Officer and brings two decades of commercial leadership experience. Both roles officially begin this August. Read more here.
US Equestrian has awarded a $20,000 grant from the USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund to Greater Good Charities, a global nonprofit that mobilizes aid for people, animals, and the environment. The grant will support the purchase and maintenance of critical horse rescue and care equipment, ensuring rapid response capabilities for future emergencies in Southern California. Earlier this year, Greater Good Charities distributed $8 million in aid—including nearly 5 million pet meals—during the Los Angeles-area wildfires. To support the fund, visit usef.org/donate.
Talk about poise under pressure! Amateur jumper rider Alex Alston experienced a rare tack failure during the 1.45m Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior/Amateur Classic at Upperville, when his mare Spider’s bit broke mid-course—captured in real time by Erin Gilmore Photography’s Jessica Duffy. Thinking fast, Alston calmly guided Spider to a halt using just his voice, crediting their strong bond for getting them safely to the gate. Trainer Missy Clark praised both horse and rider’s response, calling it an “epic moment” that ended thankfully without injury—and with a very well-deserved pile of cookies for Spider. Read more about the “behind the photo” here.
Think before you post: Canadian courts are increasingly holding individuals accountable for defamatory content shared on social media, even if it’s a repost. A recent article from Horse Sport highlights that defamation—defined as a false statement that harms someone’s reputation—can result in serious financial consequences, including damages in the hundreds of thousands. Notably, defamation is a strict liability tort in Canada, meaning intent doesn’t matter—if you publish it, you can be liable. So if you’re about to sound off online, make sure it’s fair, factual, or at least protected opinion… or risk getting sued. Take a closer look here.
Sponsor Corner: Maryland International CCI & H.T.
We are t-minus ONE WEEK until we get underway with the Maryland International CCI & H.T., which will run alongside the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championship in the 2* and 3* divisions. It’s going to be an exciting weekend in one of our favorite places, and you can still get those Highland Club tickets to secure the best seat in the house! Here’s a sneak peek of the hard work the course designers and builders have been putting in to ensure the best of going next week:
Video Break
We’re wishing a very happy retirement to Oskar, a special horse who was partnered with Alyssa Phillips throughout his career. Together, Oskar and Alyssa collected many experiences, including a win at the inaugural Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S in 2021, a top-15 finish at CHIO Aachen, a total of 7 FEI wins, and so much more. Thank you, Oskar!
Oskar, Oskar, Oskar where do I even begin? This is our ninth year together. I know you like the back of my hand. You’ve given me everything. First CCI4S* win (x2), first CCI4*L (x3- finished 2nd place twice), first Nations Cup, first Reserve Team member for the Pan Ams, first CHIO Aachen, and memories to last a lifetime. You’re currently feral in your field, but it’s in your best interest to take a step down. You owe me nothing and I owe you everything. Happy retirement buddy ❤️
Posted by Alyssa Phillips Eventing on Monday, June 16, 2025
