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Abby Powell

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About Abby Powell

Abby Powell is a native of Northeastern Massachusetts who splits her time between commuting into Boston for work and caring for and riding her rescue Mustang x Arab mare, Maggie.

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Monday Video: The Michael Jung Masterclass

By on May 2, 2022 5:00 pm -

It’s really a sight to behold, watching an athlete that has raised their game so high that it’s on another level altogether. That’s what Michael Jung and his horses have done for eventing and it’s treat to watch every time. A picturesque dressage test, a fast and flowing ride across the country, and a foot-perfect jumping round on the final day — it’s just what MJ does.

This year Michael and fischerChipmunk FRH set records: the lowest-ever 5* finishing score, the most Kentucky 5* wins, and the largest ever margin of victory at Kentucky. Enjoy these videos of their performances in all three phases of their wire-to-wire win courtesy of USEF Network and catch up on all the details in our full report here.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver Capture Lexington 4*-S Win

By on May 1, 2022 2:54 pm -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Watch out world: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver are coming for you. The pair steadily crept up the leaderboard one place at a time over the weekend after having sat third after the dressage and second after cross country. Today in the final phase they jumped a stylish double clear round to clinch the win in the Lexington CCI4*-S with a final score of 29.7.

Liz also finished her younger mount, nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Cooley Be Cool, in the top 10 as well finishing sevent on a score of 46.5 after jumping clear with a single time fault today.

“Both of my horses just jumped phenomenally today, which I couldn’t have really asked for more,” Liz said. “They both really rose to the atmosphere which is fun and and it’s so great to have so many people here … which is what we’ve all be waiting for after COVID. It’s wonderful to have the crowds back.”

Liz Halliday celebrates her 4* will with Cooley Quicksilver. Photo by Shelby Allen.

“I feel like he really deserves this, he gave me everything this weekend and jumped one of the best rounds he’s ever jumped today.”

The “weird and wonderful” 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, who goes by the name “Monster” in the barn, for which his ownership syndicate is named, has been with Liz since he was a “really, really green” five-year-old and made his five-star debut at this venue a year ago before flying to France to contest Pau CCI5* last fall. It was therefore a bit surprising to find him on the four-star entry list at Kentucky this year, but Liz confirms that it’s all part of a bigger plan as they head to contest Luhmühlen in June over a track which they believe will be well-suited to the horse.

“This is a great place to get him in a big atmosphere before going off to another five-star. He was certainly a little green at Pau, so it’s great to get him in this big stadium in front of a crowd again.”

Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool. Photo by Shelby Allen.

A familiar name earned second place at the end of the weekend, as Phillip Dutton and up-and-comer Quasi Cool, an 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Quo Vados x B-Estelle, by Lord) owned by Caroline Moran, will take come the red ribbon after jumping clear today and adding 1.2 time penalties. Overall, they moved up from 15th position after dressage to finish with a score of 38.6.

Even with a storied career in this sport, Phillip says that it’s always exciting to have a horse like “Quasi” stepping into the spotlight, especially with incredible venues and events to take him to.

“A lot of our sport is all about the dream,” Phillip said. “A lot of the time there’s so much disappointment but you’re always dreaming what could happen and [Quasi Cool] looks to have all the makings of a really good horse. I think this weekend was a great education for this horse.

“I’m so glad that the Kentucky event put this on for us. To have a strong cross country course like that and then to show jump in an atmosphere like this big arena it’s invaluable”

James Alliston and Nemesis. Photo by Shelby Allen.

James Alliston admits that his entry of Nemesis, an eight-year-old Canadian Warmblood gelding (Novalis x Maesy, by Musing xx) owned by himself and his wife, Helen, into the four-star here was a bit of a gamble, but it’s one that paid off hugely. The pair rose from 26th place after dressage to end their weekend with a surprise third place podium finish on a score of 43.4. They jumped clear with 9.2 time penalties over yesterday’s cross country track and again and jumped another clear round again today just one second over time.

James and Helen made the long drive from California to Kentucky with trailer in tow and James said that they mainly brought Nemesis along as company for their other horses that would be competing.

Helen also rode in this division, finishing in the top 25 with Ebay, and Jame contested the five-star with Paper Jam though they unfortunately had to withdraw after the dressage.

“I’m thrilled with him,” James smiled. “He’s a bit green to come and do this I think — he’s only done two Advanced before it and everyone said this is quite a hard four-star … he’s very brave naturally so I was hoping I wasn’t being stupid and it wouldn’t faze him so I was really really happy with the weekend.”

We caught up with James and Helen earlier this week to hear about their spring, which was truncated by an EHV-1 outbreak in California that cancelled the majority of spring preps:

 

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Dan Kreitl and Carmango. Photo by Shelby Allen.

It wouldn’t be the winning weekend that perhaps a lot of fans had hoped for for the Indiana amateur rider, Dan Kreitl and Kay Dixon’s Carmango (Chirivell x Taramanga, by Templer xx), who led the way in this division following the only double clear cross country of the day yesterday. With no rails in hand ahead of Liz and Cooley Quicksilver, “Fritz” took a peek at the Twin Spires fence and balked as they made the turn to approach the diagonal line that included the triple combination in Rolex Stadium, costing them penalizes for a runout and for time.

The pair lowered an additional two rails as well, but Fritz, who is just nine this year, wouldn’t be the world’s strongest show jumper — he had a similar experience at Tryon in the 3*-L in 2021, lowering two rails to drop out of the lead. However, this weekend wasn’t about the win for Dan.

For Dan, a fourth place finish in just his third 4*-S, is the icing on the cake — it’s the highest placing he’s achieved in his brief tenure at the level to date, and we’ve got a sneaking suspicion this won’t be the best we’ve seen of this pair who certainly earned themselves a whole lot of new fans this weekend.

“This is a dream come true for him,” Dan’s coach, Sharon White told us. Dan has a unique system in which he’ll often send his horses to Sharon to keep them tuned up when his personal life gets hectic. It’s difficult, he told us yesterday, to have to come back and pick right up ahead of a competition. But thanks to the well-run system Sharon’s instilled in her program it’s as simple as it can be to step back in to the stirrups after some tune-ups.

Sharon White cheers for Dan Kreitl. Photo by Shelby Allen.

“It’s easy for Dan, and anything we can do to make his life easier we will do,” Sharon said. “I think the way I ride the horse is very complementary to the way he rides and I do try to keep things uncomplicated.”

“I think he enjoyed his time in the show jumping more than anyone I’ve ever seen,” Sharon said. “He’s worked hard to be here and deserves every moment of it. His partnership with his horses is just fantastic.” That partnership was demonstrated in the show jumping after “Fritz” Dan kept his cool, calming presenting the horse to the fence and making it work the rest of the way down the line.

At the press conference, the top three riders concurred that they all would have enjoyed seeing Dan have a podium finish as well.

“I want to just mention one part of the sport that’s not fun,” said Phillip, with Liz and James nodding in agreement. “I think we all would have liked Dan being up here and being a part of this and we’re also glad that Liz has done well, but I just wanted to mention that because he seems like such a great guy and I think we’ll see a lot of him and his horses in the future and I certainly hope so.”

FE Mississippi and Dana Cooke. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Dana Cooke enjoyed a successful weekend with the talented FE Mississippi (Cassini II x Liastra, by Legaat), a 12-year-old Württemberger mare owned by the FE Mississippi Syndicate, finishing in the top five with one rail added for a final score of 44.5.

This partnership has traveled to Lima for the 2019 Pan American Games, representing Canada, and they most recently won the 4*-S at Chatt Hills on their way to this event. Dana’s been busy preparing to head overseas to compete in Ireland, aiming for the 4*-L at Millstreet in June. The end goal for Dana is to represent Canada at the FEI World Championships for Eventing in Italy this fall, but “Missy” will remain in the UK and Dana will plan to compete in the 4*-L at Blenheim should she not get the call up for the Canadian team.

Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye. Photo by Shelby Allen.

On the same score as Dana but just a hair farther away from the optimum time yesterday are fellow Canadian’s Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye (Goldfever 3 x Cascade, by Contendro), one of two very exciting young talents on Colleen’s Advanced string, owned by Peter Barry, Amanda Bernhard, and Colleen. This horse also traveled to Lima for the 2019 Pan American Games and finished in the top five in the Morven Park 4*-L last fall.

That’s all from the Lexington CCI4*-S — an addition to this event that seems to be most appreciated by the fans and the competitors alike. Stay locked on EN, because we’ll be along with the conclusion of the five-star tonight!

Sunday Links from Fairfax & Favor

By on May 1, 2022 12:01 am -

Photoshopped photo by Amy Dragoo.

First and foremost: this is FAKE NEWS. Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg did not actually jump a group of spectators. This is photoshopped. All the fence judges and officials did a fantastic job of keeping the lanes clear and everybody safe throughout the day.

But this is the kind of fun eventing karma you might get if you help out your friendly neighborhood equestrian photographer Amy Dragoo. Busy photographer that she is, Amy was in need of some assistance operating her remote camera at the 5* ditch and wall and several groups of spectators throughout the day volunteered to assist. Their reward? A selfie-sesh with her camera after the division had concluded and a masterful bit of photoshopping. Quite the souvenir!

Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event (KY): Website, EN’s Ultimate Guide, CCI5* Entries, CCI4*-S Entries, 5* Ride Times, 4*-S Ride Times, Live Scoring, Live Stream (North America), Live Stream (Outside of North America) Tickets, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Ultimate Guide, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Ram Tap H.T. (CA): Website, Scoring

Stable View Spring H.T. (SC): Website, Scoring

University of New Hampshire Spring H.T. (NH): Website

Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Spring H.T. (VA): Website, Scoring

Horse Park of New Jersey Spring H.T. (NJ): Website, Scoring

Sunday Links:

The Quarter Marks of LRK3DE 2022

‘I’ll Be Cheering For Him’: CDI Chairman Bred One Of Land Rover’s ‘Very Unique’ Four-Star OTTBs

Can (Or Should) Your Ulceric Horse live on Gastrogard/Ulcergard?

A Weenie Amateur Hunter Rider Reviews LRK3DE Cross Country Jumps – 2022 Edition

Fatal Cardiac Events And Horses: What’s The Connection?

Sunday Video: It was the ride of the day for sure — here’s Michael Jung and fischerChimpunk FRH’s leading cross country round.

Fairfax & Favor Find of the Week: Yasmin Ingham rocked a pair of Fairfax & Favor ankle Rockingham Boots at Wednesday’s jog and she also happens to be our fan-voted Golden Chinch Award!

Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir. Photo by Abby Powell.

A 5* Personal Best for Michael Jung + Second Lowest Kentucky Score Takes Control After Dressage

By on Apr 29, 2022 8:00 pm -

Michael Jung and fisherChipmunk FRH. Photo by Shelby Allen.

He’s back, baby. The meister of Kentucky, three-time winner here Michael Jung, has claimed the top spot at the conclusion of dressage with fischerChipmunk FRH owned by Sabine and Klaus Fischer, Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff and the DOKR, on a score of 20.1.

And he’s back in a big way too: that score of 20.1 is the lowest dressage score at this event since 2009 when Bettina Hoy and Ringwood Cockatoo scored a 19.2 and it’s a personal best at the five-star level for Michael, including his Olympic and WEG appearances.

“I have a real superstar. He’s very nice to ride. Today it was just enjoying riding him,” Michael said. “He was really powerful, but also really relaxed so that was a very good balance. I am very happy to have him, and I am very thankful to the fischer group for this amazing horse. I’m very happy to be here with him.”

Michael Jung and fisherChipmunk FRH. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Superstar, indeed. Though 20.1 is a five-star personal best for Michael, it’s not for the 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Contendro I x Havanna, by Heraldik xx) bred in Germany by Dr. Hilmer and Sabine Meyer-Kulenkampff — he scored a 19.9 with former rider Julia Krajewski at the 2018 World Equestrian Games, which runs a five-star dressage test, but four-star cross country. That means that tomorrow will be the gelding first test across the country at the five-star level, and what better place to do it than at Michael’s favorite event?

Sarah Bullimore and Corouet. Photo by Shelby Allen.

We saw a hefty shuffle across the top of the leaderboard today, and now sitting in second place are Great Britain’s Sarah Bullimore and her homebred Corouet, a “mighty big mover in a small package” owned by the Kew Jumping Syndicate, who scored a 25.7.

Corouet is a special little horse for Sarah (and I mean little: he’s 15.2 hand tall). Sired by Balou de Rouet, who also sired Sarah’s long five-star partner Reve du Rouet, “Elfie” is the first born out of Sarah’s European Championships mare Lilly Corinne. They’ll tackle the horse’s first-five star together here in Kentucky, an event the Sarah has travelled to just once before back in 2014.

“It’s an absolute privilege to be back here — it’s so hospitable and such fun to come here,” she said. “We don’t always get the opportunities to come here, and I’m not getting any younger, so I grabbed this with both hands. I’m over the moon to be back here … It’s a lovely atmosphere and a lovely, lovely event.”

Buck Davidson and Carlevo. Photo by Shelby Allen.

As delighted as we are to see so many fantastic international riders join us here in Kentucky, we’re also delighted to see a U.S. rider, Buck Davidson, sitting in third place with Carlevo (Caresino x Ramatuelle, by Levernois) owned by Katherine O’Brien.

As consistent a performer as the 15-year-old Holsteiner gelding is, Buck was especially pleased with today’s performance which scored 27.4. Buck has been adjusting his horses’ nutrition, which seems to be paying off.

“He feels to me better than he ever has. I’m working with my racehorses at home, and we started training and feeding him like a racehorse, so hopefully it shows up tomorrow.”

But back to the dressage: “He’s pretty good at that bit,” Buck said. “David [O’Connor] helped me a bit with a few thing to make sure I was in the right frame. I actually just rode him with only two or three fingers off the reins just to keep him out. He’s been there now a few times, and he always delivers.”

Yasmin Inham and Banzai du Loir. Photo by Shelby Allen.

25-year-old Yasmin Ingham may be the youngest rider in the field, but she comes with two previous five-star experiences. A rising star on the British scene, Yaz has won every national age title she could aboard Jeanette China and Sue Davies’ Banzai du Loir (Nouma d’Auzay x Gerboise du Cochet) and now she’s narrowing in on a competitive finish in the horse’s first five-star. Their dressage score of 28.1 partnered with the horse’s natural athleticism and phenomenal jump will should keep them in the hunt.

“We got him from France in 2019. We’ve very slowly gone up through the levels and not rushed anything. He’s such a young and special horse that we think it’s good to take it slow and educate him properly and always confidence first with him,” Yaz said.

Pippa Funnell and Maybach. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Five-star debutante Maybach may sometimes stand in the shadows of some of Pippa Funnell’s other top horses, but today he’s earned his own spotlight. S.H.E Eventing’s Swedish Warmblood (Jaguar Mail x Lady Micra), who hasn’t score outside the 20s since 2018, sits on 29 for fifth place.

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Previous USEF CCI5* National Champions Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg (Windfall x Thabana) slot into sixth place. “Thomas,” who has already represented the United States at the Pan American Games and the Tokyo Olympics, earned on a score of 29.3.

Will Coleman and Off The Record. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Will Coleman is looking forward to the jumping challenges ahead after a dressage effort where he believes he left “points on the table” with Off The Record (Arkansas VDL x Drumagoland Bay). “It wasn’t maybe the best the horse can do, which is sort of what you shoot for at these big, long, five-star events. I think I did the best I could with what we had today and we’ll just try to finish on it,” he said. The pair is in seventh on 32.5 points.

Thursday’s leaders Tamie Smith and Fleeceworks Royal have found themselves in eight place at the conclusion of the first phase.

Jonelle Price and McClaren. Photo by Shelby Allen.

New Zealander Jonelle Price sits in ninth place. She earned a score of 33.4 with the 15-year-old Holsteiner McClaren (Clarmio x Toni), who was previously campaigned by Mark Todd.

“It’s a bit harder when you get an older horse in life no matter who they’ve come from. It’s more difficult tuning an old horse to your thinking. When I get something a little bit older down the track I always think I’ll improve it quickly, but the benefit of hindsight is that it takes at least 12 months to truly cement that partnership and get them more in tune with your aids. He’s been a joy to take over from no better man than Mark Todd,” she said.

Looking to the scoring, of the 45 competitors, just six snuck in under the 30 mark, in a year that rider’s have called “tough judging.” Across both days dressage trends remain consistent across judges, with Gretchen Butts scoring the harshest on average at H, Christian Steiner giving the best marks from B, and Nick Burton consistently falling in the middle from C.

The judges disagreed about leader Michael Jung, giving him a nearly five-point spread. Gretchen had him on 77.96% while Christian was more favorable with 82.59%. Kiwi Jonelle Price also lost favor from Gretchen, who gave her a 62.59% compared to Christian’s 69.07%. Pippa Funnell also saw a similar mixed bag with Majas Hope (61.3%, 66.3%, 66.7%) Those can be compared to their agreement on Sarah Bullimore, for whom they scored 72.59%, 74.63% and 75.56%.

Kentucky, as always, won’t be a dressage competition, but for the first time the first phase leader has a pole in hand, meaning at least a four-point lead, after the first phase, giving Michael plenty of room to play with a few time errors tomorrow if necessary.

We now look ahead to Derek di Grazia’s task at hand tomorrow. Luckily the weather forecast for Saturday has improved significantly, lowering the chance of rain to 24% at the time of publication, with no storms in the forecast. We previewed Derek’s track earlier today, you can click here to read it. The 4*-S will be the first to take to the cross country at 9 a.m. EST, followed by the first 5* horse on course at 12:50 p.m. You can watch live on USEF Network in North America here or on H&C+ internationally here.

Shelby Allen and Tilly Berendt contributed to this report.

#LRK3DE: Website, CCI5* Entries, CCI4*-S Entries, Live Scoring, Live Stream (North America), Live Stream (Outside of North America) Tickets, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Ultimate Guide, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Monday Video: How the Riders Really Feel About the Head of the Lake

By on Apr 25, 2022 5:00 pm -

Behind the Barn 2022: Riders share what they really think about the Head of the Lake from Kentucky Three-Day Event on Vimeo.

One could argue it’s the biggest moment of every competitor’s entire weekend at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event: that jump into the famous Head of the Lake on cross country day. It’s the splash heard ’round the world for eventing fans, but what do the riders really think of Kentucky’s most iconic fence?

In the latest installment of Behind the Barn presented by Athletux and Amberway Equine, some of our favorite riders are asked just that and as you might imagine there are a variety of feelings and insights! Hear what they have to say straight from the horses’ (riders’) mouths in today’s featured video.

Sunday Links from Fairfax & Favor

By on Apr 24, 2022 12:01 am -

Photo via Kyle Carter.

Our thoughts are currently with fellow eventer, Jennifer Weidrick who suffered a fall during a cross country lesson earlier this month that resulted in severe spinal cord injury and paralysis. Jenny will have long road to recovery ahead of her, but her positive attitude and her tribe of friends are helping her persevere. A GoFundMe has been set up to help offset her some of her medical and future rehabilitation bills. We’d tell you to stay strong, Jenny, but we already know you will — you’re an eventer after all.

Want to stay in the know for all things revolving around the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event and Badminton Horse Trials? We’ll be sending out our Daily Digest email beginning Monday, April 25 for Kentucky and Tuesday, May 3 for Badminton. It’s the best place to keep up with our coverage and all of the latest news from the big spring 5* events — and, it’s free! We’ll also be giving out prizes (think exclusive EN merch and sponsor goodies!) throughout each event, so you definitely don’t want to miss out. Sign up here.

U.S. Weekend Action:

River Glen Spring H.T. (New Market, Tn.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Scores] [Volunteer]

Sporting Days H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Unionville Spring H.T. (Unionville, Pa.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Sunday Links:

Eventing is Ready to Go

FEI Sports Forum To Tackle Dressage, Eventing, Para-Dressage Rule Revisions

New book shows animals “through the eyes of a vet”

Perfecting the Leg Yield with ICP Instructor Jim Graham

New veterinary school will be a first for Arkansas

Sunday Video: April is Autism Awareness Month, but Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Center outside of Philadelphia find that their horses and their students have a special connection every day.

Fairfax & Favor Find of the Week: (and by the way, we can’t wait to see the trot up fashion this Wednesday!)

 

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Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Apr 23, 2022 12:01 am -

Photo via Sharon White on Facebook.

Friends, we are officially ONE WEEK away from our most favorite day on the calendar, the best day of the best weekend all year: Kentucky cross country day. I have to say I’m a little (OK, a lot) extra excited this year, as I’ll be there in person for the first time (that’s right — I’ve never actually been to the Kentucky Three-Day Event) to help bring you the very best coverage around.

Want to stay in the know for all things revolving around the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event and Badminton Horse Trials? We’ll be sending out our Daily Digest email beginning Monday, April 25 for Kentucky and Tuesday, May 3 for Badminton. It’s the best place to keep up with our coverage and all of the latest news from the big spring 5* events — and, it’s free! We’ll also be giving out prizes (think exclusive EN merch and sponsor goodies!) throughout each event, so you definitely don’t want to miss out. Sign up here.

U.S. Weekend Action:

River Glen Spring H.T. (New Market, Tn.): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Scores] [Volunteer]

Sporting Days H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Unionville Spring H.T. (Unionville, Pa.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Saturday Links:

Alex Martini: The Heart of an Eventer

One To Watch: Head-Down, Hard Work Punches Ashlynn Meuchel’s Ticket To Kentucky

New Badminton Horse Trials trophy unveiled… complete with special secret drawer

EHV-1 outbreak’s effect on horse events explored in FEI report

Equine Library Donated to Cal Poly Pomona

Saturday Video: And we can’t forget about Badminton coming up — we’re gearing up for that too! As are Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes:

 

World Equestrian Brands Pick of the Week:

 

Where Are They Now? Blackfoot Mystery Goes Beginner Novice

By on Apr 18, 2022 5:00 pm -

This article is brought to you with support from Zoetis.

We last saw Boyd Martin’s 2016 Olympic mount, the fan favorite OTTB Blackfoot Mystery, out at a USEA event in November of 2020 competing in the CCI4*-L. Boyd was hoping to get the gelding back up to the five-star level after a few years off following the Olympics, but ended up making the tough decision to have “Red” move on to a second career at the lower levels.

But Red wasn’t ready to completely retire, so Boyd was able to find him the perfect new home in Texas with adult amateur Amber Clark. Red, who is now 14, and Amber tackled their first USEA horse trials together last month at the Texas Rose Horse Park and you can tell by his pricked ears the whole way around the course that he’s still having the time of his life out on cross country.

In the spirt of Kentucky coming up, here’s a bonus video flashback to Boyd and Red’s 2016 round, narrated by Boyd, that helped secure them that Olympic spot:

A long career (and, more importantly, a long and healthy life) is always a goal for our horses. Ask your veterinarian about Zoetis’ line-up of health support options that can help support your horse for a long-lasting and comfortable career and life.

Easter Sunday Links from Fairfax & Favor

By on Apr 17, 2022 12:01 am -

If you’ve got a few spare minutes between egg hunts and dinner today you might want to check out An American Story, an anthology of short (sub 10-minute) episodes celebrating remarkable people across the country. Among them in episode 5, para show jumper Wren Blae Zimmerman, who you can also see at the Kentucky Horse Park over Land Rover Kentucky weekend participating in para showjumping demonstrations in the Walnut Ring on Friday and Saturday afternoon and opening for the $225,000 Invitational Grand Prix in Rolex Stadium on Saturday evening.

An American Story is available here and via Amazon video but requires a subscription, though you can sign up for a seven day free trial. It sounds well worth it — horses appear to be featured in several episodes including Wren’s, as well as episode 10 which shares the stories of three generations of African American cowgirls involved in the Texas rodeo scene.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Ocala International Festival of Eventing (FL) [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Twin Rivers Spring International (CA) [Website] [Entry List/Ride Times/Live Scores]
Fair Hill International April H.T. & CCI-S (MD) [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
FENCE H.T. (SC) [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]
Longleaf Pine H.T. (NC) [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Spring Bay H.T. (KY) [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

Racing’s ‘Most Loveable Loser’ Zippy Chippy Dies at 31

Are you attending this year’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event? Join EN and Ride iQ for a ridiculously epic course walk led by Kyle Carter and Buck Davidson on Friday, April 29. If you register ahead of time, you’ll be entered to win prizes such as a limited edition signed tote bag and goodies from our sponsors. Click here to learn more!

Sunday Video: Fair Hill was bustling this weekend!

Fairfax & Favor Find of the Week: 

 

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Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Apr 16, 2022 12:01 am -

 

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The big winners at Twin Rivers Spring International have some really neat prizes to take home courtesy of the McFall family! Not only are Jen, Earl, and Taylor all excellent horse people, but they really have some talent for painting poles and fun fillers. Scroll through the Dragonfire Farm Instagram for more works of art.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Ocala International Festival of Eventing (FL) [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Twin Rivers Spring International (CA) [Website] [Entry List/Ride Times/Live Scores]
Fair Hill International April H.T. & CCI-S (MD) [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
FENCE H.T. (SC) [Website] [Entry Status] [Live Scores]
Longleaf Pine H.T. (NC) [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores]
Spring Bay H.T. (KY) [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

The VIP Volunteer: Janice Holmes

Why the Canter Probably Needs to Be a Bigger Focus in Your Training

Children with cerebral palsy benefited from a riding simulator coupled with virtual reality

To Boost Omega-3s, Focus on Supplement Dose, Not Duration

Are you attending this year’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event? Join EN and Ride iQ for a ridiculously epic course walk led by Kyle Carter and Buck Davidson on Friday, April 29. If you register ahead of time, you’ll be entered to win prizes such as a limited edition signed tote bag and goodies from our sponsors. Click here to learn more!

Saturday Video: T minus two weeks until there are horses galloping around the Kentucky horse Park! Here’s the Lucky Horseshoe on its way to its place on course.

World Equestrian Brands Pick of the Week:

Monday Video: What LRK3DE Job Would You Most Want to Try?

By on Apr 11, 2022 4:00 pm -

As with so many things concerning horses, it takes a real village to make an event happen — especially one as big as the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. In episode three of the beautifully produced Behind the Barn series, this time presented by Southern California Equestrian Sports, some of our favorite riders were asked which of the many jobs at LRK3DE they would most like to take if they weren’t riding.

Which rider would like to be the Saturday night entertainment? Who wishes they could re-live their Pony Club years and get to open the arena at A? Who wants to still be be in the saddle on Saturday as an outrider? And who would most like to be behind the bar in the VIP tent? Find out in this video!

How about you, EN fam? What job would you want to do at LRK3DE? Let us know in the comments!

Sunday Links from Fairfax & Favor

By on Apr 10, 2022 12:01 am -

Dirk Schrade and Hop and Skip at the European Championships in Sweden in 2013 where they placed 6th individually and earned the team gold medal for Germany. Photo by Julia Rau.

We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Dirk Schrade’s championship partner, Hop and Skip a.k.a. “Baxter”, at the age of 23.

Baxter was purchased by Freya Rethmeier for Dirk in 2010 from Japan’s Kenki Sato, who piloted the British-bred gelding around the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Lexington that year. Together, Dirk and Baxter completed eight Nations Cup legs, four five-stars, two European Championships, and the 2014 WEG where their double clear show jumping round helped to secure the team gold medal for Germany. After retiring in 2016, Baxter was able to enjoy a number of years retirement in Freya’s yard.

Rest in peace, Baxter.

Are you attending this year’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event? Join EN and Ride iQ for a ridiculously epic course walk led by Kyle Carter and Buck Davidson on Friday, April 29. If you register ahead of time, you’ll be entered to win prizes such as a limited edition signed tote bag and goodies from our sponsors. Click here to learn more.

U.S. Weekend Action:

The Fork at TIEC (Tryon, Nc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores] [EN’s Coverage]

Chattahoochee Hills International H.T. (Fairburn, Ga.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores] [EN’s Coverage]

CDCTA Spring H.T. (Berryville, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Pine Hill Spring H.T. (Bellville, Tx.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Major International Events:

Strzegom Spring Open CCI4*-S (Poland): [Website] [Sunday XC Live Stream]

Sunday Links:

Behaviour of Retrained Thoroughbred Racehorses Studied

‘He’s a big, sexy, athletic lunatic!’ – the former problem horse getting set to tackle his first Badminton

Rule Refresher: Wait What Did that Bell Mean?

Strength, balance and athleticism of elite Eventing riders assessed in pilot study

From a coma to the World Cup Finals – the extraordinary story of Dressage rider Juan Matute Guimon in his own words….

Sunday Video: Take a ride with Dirk and Hop and Skip at Aachen in 2013:

Fairfax & Favor Find of the Week:

 

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Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Apr 9, 2022 12:01 am -

A classy show of support from Chattahoochee Hills, the Ukrainian flag is flying about the main arena this weekend. Never forget how lucky we are to be able to go eventing!

Are you attending this year’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event? Join EN and Ride iQ for a ridiculously epic course walk led by Kyle Carter and Buck Davidson on Friday, April 29. If you register ahead of time, you’ll be entered to win prizes such as a limited edition signed tote bag and goodies from our sponsors. Click here to learn more.

U.S. Weekend Action:

The Fork at TIEC (Tryon, Nc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores] [EN’s Coverage]

Chattahoochee Hills International H.T. (Fairburn, Ga.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores] [EN’s Coverage]

CDCTA Spring H.T. (Berryville, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Pine Hill Spring H.T. (Bellville, Tx.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Major International Events:

Strzegom Spring Open CCI4*-S (Poland): [Website] [Sunday XC Live Stream]

Saturday Links:

Horse who was placed at Tokyo among four early withdrawals from Badminton

Meet the USEA Areas: Area IV

Symptoms of Asymmetry and Why Straightness Matters for Soundness

Poor Saddle Fit Can Cause Lameness, Shoeing-Related Problems

New lung function testing device for horses a potential game-changer

Saturday Video: Hear Tamie Smith talk about her dressage tests at Tryon:

World Equestrian Brands Pick of the Week:

Monday Video: Utilize the Warmup for Yourself

By on Apr 4, 2022 4:30 pm -

Raise your hand if you’re pretty good about letting your horse have a nice walk warmup when you first get on. I bet most of us are — after all, we know how important it to let our horses loosen up and warm up their muscles before we ask them to work harder. Now raise your hand if you use that time to warm yourself up appropriately as well.

I admit it — I’m awful about this. I’m usually on my phone as I let my horse walk around on a loose rein for 10 minutes at the start of my ride, doing anything from scrolling through Instagram to checking my work email. It’s not a good way to start my ride and I know it, but it’s a hard habit to break.

Dressage rider Amelia Newcomb has some tips for what to do after you first get on your horse and, shockingly, none of them involve scrolling on your phone! These simple exercises will help you utilize that warmup time for yourself as well as your horse by getting your mind and body focused on the task ahead. Join me in ditching your phone and trying these next time you put your feet in the stirrups!

Sunday Links from Fairfax & Favor

By on Apr 3, 2022 12:01 am -

Hannah Sue Burnette and Captiol HIM. Photo by Shelby Allen.

With Stable View’s FEI divisions all wrapped up (catch up on our coverage here!) and the first British CCI4*-S  of the season well underway, the big spring five-stars finally feel well and truly on the horizon. We’re less than four week away from Kentucky now … but who’s counting?

U.S. Weekend Action:

Stable View Spring 2*/3*/4* (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores] [EN’s Coverage]

Galway Downs International H.T. (Temecula, Ca.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Photographer] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Morven Park Spring H.T. (Leesburg, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Rocking Horse Spring H.T. (Altoona, Fl.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

2022 USEA FEH and YEH Championship Judges Announced

Footing, Flatwork, and Over-Jumping: A Must-Read Soundness Q&A with Dr. Paul McClellan

Jobs with horses: A mix of satisfaction, enjoyment, sacrifices and exhaustion

Research Update: Psychological Skills Training With Equestrian Athletes

Another Record Low for Catastrophic Injuries in Racing

Saturday Video: Tamie Smith shares some wisdom with riders in her Stable View clinic:

Fairfax & Favor Find of the Week:

Saturday Links from SmartPak

By on Apr 2, 2022 12:01 am -

 

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Ah, April Fools — a time honored tradition here at Eventing Nation. Sometimes we’re actually really sad that our joke posts aren’t true though, and that’s certainly the case with our faux Netflix show. Seems like a lot of you thought so too! So how do we get Netflix to pick this up for real, hmm?

U.S. Weekend Action:

Stable View Spring 2*/3*/4* (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores] [EN’s Coverage]

Galway Downs International H.T. (Temecula, Ca.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Photographer] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Morven Park Spring H.T. (Leesburg, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Rocking Horse Spring H.T. (Altoona, Fl.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Now Available to USEA Members: The USEA Eventing Handbook by the Levels

The Chronicle of the Horse 2022 Readers’ Choice Survey

The Complete Tax Deduction Checklist for Equine Professionals

Real, Practical Ways to Practice a Little More Sustainability in the Barn

California’s EHV Update as of Mar. 31

SmartPak Pick of the Day: Brand new Piper apparel is here for spring!

Saturday Video: Get to know USEF Community Outreach Organization, Horses N Heroes.

 

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Ramping back up into full work for the spring? SmartPak has everything you need to make the transition back to show season. Click here for more.

Monday Video: Let’s Talk About Feelings

By on Mar 28, 2022 4:00 pm -

“Horses communicate through feelings and I think what people often don’t understand is it’s okay to be honest about your feelings.”

Meet Connie Colfox, a trainer based in Dorset, England who specializes in young and “problem” horses. Connie’s ethos and training philosophy centers around how the horse feels while we are working with it and helping the horse to feel like it wants to work with us. A former Advanced level eventer herself, she utilizes principles of positive enforcement and natural horsemanship in her work.

Learn a little about Connie, her training philosophy, and watch her work with a few horses in this latest edition of FEI TV!

Sunday Links from Fairfax & Favor

By on Mar 27, 2022 12:01 am -

Some of my best rides happen after I head to the barn in the afternoon after watching a livestream. There’s something about watching some of the best riders in the country storming across the country and preparing for their big spring events that just gives me a little extra inspiration as I look ahead to my own summer plans.

Did you miss any of our coverage of the Carolina International CCI4*-S? Click here to catch up!

U.S. Weekend Action:

Carolina International CCI & H.T. (Raeford, Nc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Live Stream] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage]

Full Gallop Farm March II H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

March H.T. at Majestic Oaks (Reddick, Fl.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (Tyler, Tx.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

Less Pain, More Gain

COVID’s Impacts, for Better and Worse, on the Horse World

Getting Ready for Horse Show Season

What Do All Those Hoof Dressings Actually Do, Anyway?

The VIP Volunteer: Kimberlee Meeks

Chronic concussion-related issues can persist in children for many months – study

Sunday Video: Our Instagram reel game is really coming along, if I do say so myself!

Saturday Links from SmartPak

By on Mar 26, 2022 12:01 am -

Well, it looks like the youngest Jung has started his training to follow in his father’s footsteps already. Little Lio Jung seems to be helping his dad prepare fischerChipmunk for the spring season. Olympics 2044, watch out.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Carolina International CCI & H.T. (Raeford, Nc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Live Scores] [Live Stream] [Volunteer]

Full Gallop Farm March II H.T. (Aiken, Sc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

March H.T. at Majestic Oaks (Reddick, Fl.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (Tyler, Tx.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

Sir Mark Todd: update on disciplinary hearing

One To Watch: Kuhn Followed Her Gut With Mr. Cash Van De Start

Spring Turnout Tips for Sugar-Sensitive Horses

Expressions of Interest for 2022 Oceania Championships Now Open

To Err Is Human…

SmartPak Pick of the Week: Fly season will be here before we know it …

Saturday Video: Can’t make it out to the barn? Here’s a the barn ASMR video you didn’t know you needed.

Ramping back up into full work for the spring? SmartPak has everything you need to make the transition back to show season. Click here for more.

Monday Video: An Eventing Millennium

By on Mar 21, 2022 4:30 pm -

You’re in for a real treat today, eventing history nerds! One of our favorite YouTube channels vintageeventing has recently uploaded another real gem. If you’ve got a free hour and half on your hands, pour yourself your beverage of choice and settle in to enjoy this documentary An Eventing Millennium, produced in 1999 for the now defunct International Publishing Corporation (IPC) Country & Leisure Media.

The film covers 50 years of eventing history from the first running of Badminton 1949 through the crowning of Pippa Funnell as European Champion in 1999. Focusing on the highest level of the sport in Britain and the biggest names and winners over the decades, the film includes loads of historical footage from Badminton and Burghley and recaps the rise and neatly recaps the results of each Olympics, European and World Championships over this time period as well.

If you’ve ever wanted to watch some of your eventing heroes in action when they first broke out onto the scene, here’s your chance!

Sunday Links from Fairfax & Favor

By on Mar 20, 2022 12:01 am -

Photo via Facebook.

As the start of the competition season in my area inches nearer, this image reminds me that it’s probably time to find myself a dressage schooling show or two and dust off those tests. Somehow when it comes to having time to practice dressage figures, the winter seems too short. Not actually though — bring on spring!

#WomensHistoryMonth Bit of the Day:

Last week I shared a little bit of modern history and wrote about Rachel Blackmore, the Irish jockey who became the first woman to win the Grand National. Well, she made a little more history this Friday when she became the first woman to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup in the 98-year history of the event.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Ocala Winter II H.T. (Ocala, Fl.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Pine Top Spring H.T. (Thomson, Ga.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Sunday Links:

Pressure Proof with Daniel Stewart: Verbal Erasers

PBS Nature’s “American Horses” Is An Hour Of Equine Escapism

Horse groups in Ukraine’s war zone humbled by global support

Rule Refresher: Bits, Bridles, and More, Dressage Edition

Can You Tell If  Your Horse Really Loves You?

Downed rails in showjumping are not random faults, researchers find

Sunday Video: Here’s a tutorial on how to enter a horse in the FEI HorseApp. For anyone competing in FEI divisions at Carolina International this week, you must begin entering your horse’s temperature checks into the app TODAY!

Fairfax & Favor Find of the Week:

Saturday Links from SmartPak

By on Mar 19, 2022 12:01 am -

 

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Pine Top Farm welcomes a new show jumping course designer this weekend, Brody Robertson. Not only is Brody a top ranked Grand Prix rider, trainer and  judge, he’s also a master carpenter and operates a show jump construction business. You may already be familiar with his work — I’ll bet you recognize more than of the fences in his website portfolio!

#WomensHistoryMonth Bit of the Day:

At the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, Karen Stives snagged the silver and became first woman to win an individual Olympic three-day event medal with her mount, Ben Arthur (check out this video!) She also helped the U.S. capture the team gold that same year. Karen’s involvement in eventing extended well beyond her retirement from competition — she later served as an FEI judge and U.S. team selector — and her legacy lives on in the Karen E. Stives Endowment Grant.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Ocala Winter II H.T. (Ocala, Fl.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Pine Top Spring H.T. (Thomson, Ga.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]

Saturday Links:

EHV-1 Update: Extension of Recommended Caution for California Equine Events

Where Are The Area I Events Going?

10 Things Your Horse Wishes You Wouldn’t Do

A Day In The Life With: Jessica Redman

Exploring the Hidden History of Black Cowboys and Cowgirls

SmartPak Pick of the Day: Have you SEAn the  new seasonal color?!

Saturday Video: We all have that one friend.

 

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Ramping back up into full work for the spring? SmartPak has everything you need to make the transition back to show season. Click here for more.

Meet Red Hills 3* Winner, Meaghan Marinovich-Burdick

By on Mar 17, 2022 9:00 am -

Meaghan Marinovich-Burdick and Riviera Lu at Red Hills. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

A first FEI win is always a memorable one, but especially so for Meaghan Marinovich-Burdick who topped the leaderboard of the CCI3-S at Red Hills International Horse Trials this weekend with 14-year old Brazilian Sport Horse mare, Riviera Lu.

Through no fault of the event or location itself, Meaghan has a bit of a sad history with Red Hills. Last year she returned to the event for the first time since 2008, when her coach Darren Chiacchia suffered a rotational fall that left him seriously injured and in a coma for forty two days. At that same event, her friend Missy Miller also lost her horse as a result of a fall. 

“I have a lot of previous demons here that I’ve had to get over, so I think it’s pretty neat to have my first FEI win here – it adds a very good memory,” she says. 

Hoofprints Around the Country and Across the Pond 

Meaghan was bitten by the horse bug at an early age and was naturally drawn to eventing. She rode at two barns when she started out taking riding lessons – a hunter barn and an eventing barn – in order to be able to take more than one lesson a week. Soon enough, it became apparent which discipline she favored. 

“I used to sleep over at my friend’s house who lived near both barns and I would purposely skip my hunter lessons on Saturday morning so I could go to the eventing barn to clean stalls,” she said.

“The hunter trainer called my mom and said, ‘This is the second week where she hasn’t shown up, I don’t think she is interested in horses.’ So my mom calls my friend’s mom and the mom said, ‘No, I dropped them off hours ago. They are cleaning stalls.’”

Meaghan’s mom sat her down that evening to ask what was going on and why she was playing hooky from the hunter barn.

“I said I would rather take care of the eventing horses and be with them than take the hunter lessons. The rest is kind of history.”

Meaghan Marinovich and Riviera Lu. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Meaghan’s eventing education and career have left hoof prints across the country – and across the pond – from her home state of Minnesota, where her first event horse took her through Training level, to her first working student position with Tracey Amaral on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, who would set her down the Young Riders path. 

In Ocala, Meaghan spent time riding with Olympian Darren Chiacchia and purchased the Trakehner stallion Ahlerich, who he rode through the then three-star level, from him. Ahlerich would take Meaghan on to win team gold for Area IV in the now two-star at the 2006 Young Rider Championships. 

When Meaghan went off to college, she headed overseas to Hartpury College to study equine sports science and further her dream of riding professionally. Ahlerich joined Meaghan across the pond where they rode with the elite squad at the Hartpury Equine Academy and took Meaghan to her first Advanced horse trials. While training in England, they contested the likes of Aston le Walls, Barbury Castle, Houghton Hall. 

After earning a graduate degree from Hartpury in sports management, Meaghan made the choice to return to the US in 2014 to continue her career there while being closer to family. To this day, her business Marinovich Eventing, can be found operating out of Aiken in the winter and out of her parents’ Powder River Ranch in summer — a 400 acre working farm just outside of Des Moines, Iowa that produces soybeans, corn, and alfalfa hay and also hosts an annual polo charity event – in the summer.

Linking Ireland to Brazil

The name Rock Phantom might ring a bell to you. The Irish Sport Horse Gelding has been competing with Nilson Moreira da Silva at the Advanced and four-star levels since 2019, earning a top 10 finish in the CCI4-L at the Tryon International 3-Day Event last fall. At the end of last year, he was purchased by Edy Hunter Rameika and now joins Sara Kozumplik’s string. But what does “Rock” have to do with Meaghan and Riviera? In a way, he helped them find each other.

Meaghan sourced Rock Phantom (Sprit House xx – Ballycroy Rose, by Clonakilty Hero) from Carol Gee of Fernhill Sport Horses in 2015, importing him as a 4-year-old having only seen him from a video. Flash forward a few years into Rock’s eventing career with Meaghan and “I was having the most difficult time with him,” she says. That same year, 2018, she began riding with Nilson, who offered to help her with the gelding. Ultimately, they ended up trading horses – Rock became Nilson’s and Meaghan took on a different chestnut called, Red Lion. 

Meaghan sadly had to part with Red Lion too soon – he had to be put down in August 2019 – but next month another special chestnut would come into her life. Nilson had been helping Meaghan look for an additional horse to add to her string and helped connect her with Luciano Miranda Drubi, who he used to work for. Luciano represented Brazil at the 1995 Pan American Games 1996 Olympics with Riviera’s grand dam Xilena, where Nilson groomed for them at both events. He later on bred Xilena, stamping horses from his program with the ‘Lu’ suffix. 

Meaghan took another chance on a horse after seeing her only via video, and Riviera Lu (Rembrandt Jmen x Ravena 3J, by Diapason des Gaves) arrived stateside in September 2019.

Meaghan Marinovich-Burdick and Riviera Lu at Red Hills. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Riviera Goes to the Red Hills

Meaghan and Riviera did their first event as a new partnership in November 2019, stepped up to Intermediate just prior to the pandemic hitting in 2020, and were able to finish out the year with a strong fall 2020 season ending with a CCI3-L completion at the Hagyard Midsouth Three-day Event. The pair went on to move up to the Advanced level early last year and successfully completed the very tricky inaugural CCI4-S at the Kentucky Three-Day Event, followed by Jersey Fresh International CCI4-L in May.  

“It’s been a very fun ride,” Meaghan says of her and the chestnut mare’s journey together so far.

Now in their third year together, the partnership is still relatively early days and Meaghan is continuing to figure out how to get the most out of her fiery chestnut mare. 

“I’ve been switching her bit up lately and I ran her cross country [at Red Hills] in a rubber pelham with rubber around the chain,” Meaghan said. “I didn’t end up really having much control so I think that’s where the time penalties came from, but she’s so honest and I can put her in front of anything and she’ll jump it.”

Even so, the pair was the second fastest round over a course which ten others in the division were unable to complete. They added only 5.2 time penalties to their dressage score, which was a personal best of 31.8 despite some spooks in the sandbox and Meaghan feeling like she might have left some points on the table in their test.

While River is a bold jumper, Meaghan cites the show jumping as their weakest phase. “Show jumping has always been her nemesis – that’s how I was able to purchase her,” she says. 

But they had the help of a friend of Meaghan’s from overseas and of another of Meaghan’s coaches, Cathy Jones-Forsberg, to support them over the weekend. With just the one horse to care for throughout the competition and some good company to help her, Meaghan seemed able to relax and let the chips fall where they may. 

“I was just jumping and having fun with my Queen.”

Having fun led to jumping a double clear round and earning the top spot, rising through the ranks from sitting in 16th after dressage – a spectacular new memory added to the legacy of Red Hills and she helped a young fan and volunteer, Anna Holman, make a memory that she’ll never forget as well. Meaghan noticed that Anna, who was volunteering with her dad Eric, had taken a particular liking to Riviera throughout the competition and gifted her with her blue ribbon after the victory gallop.

“I love inspiring the next generation of riders and that ribbon will mean more to her than it ever could to me sitting in the tackroom at home. Maybe one day she will end up being my working student. You never know where kindness and generosity will take your life. It melts my heart seeing her so happy – this is why we do this sport.”

We’ll see Meaghan and Riviera Lu out and about next at the Stable View Spring CCI in the CCI4-S, followed by the four-star at the Kentucky Three-Day Event. They’re looking to cap their spring season by contesting the CCI4-L at the Tryon International May 3-Day Event. We can’t wait to see what’s next for this dynamic pair and cheer them on in their continued partnership.