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Allie Heninger

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About Allie Heninger

Allie, or the Autoimmune Equestrian, is 26 and resides in Utah with her husband, fiery little NightMare, Curly heart-pony, and the four cats that adopted her. Allie has been riding since she was six years old, and was a hunter/jumper kid transplanted into the amazing world of eventing. She’s a bit of an adult re-rider, as she took a few years off from dedicated and consistent riding while in college after her autoimmune disease diagnosis, but is now back at it with determination.

Eventing Background

USEA Rider Profile Click to view profile
Area IX
Highest Level Competed Novice
Farm Name Pegasus Sport Horses
Trainer Ghislaine Homan-Taylor

Latest Articles Written

Sunday Links from EcoVet

By on Apr 7, 2024 12:01 am -

We’re just a couple of weeks away from the #BestWeekendAllYear: the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. Ahead of this year’s event, there’s plenty of preview content hitting the airwaves. In particular, we’re excited to see what Athletux has been working on with this year’s Behind the Barn video series. Check out the preview:

You can watch previous episodes of Behind the Barn here.

U.S. Weekend Action

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

CDCTA Spring H.T. (Ruckersville, VA) [Website] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

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

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

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Badminton waitlist all accepted – and Harry Meade set to make history

New USEF rule: ‘Night Should Be Dark’

Chronicle of the Horse’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Survey

Athletux is hiring for intern positions

Please take a moment to complete this Sport Horse Nation survey!

Sponsor Corner: Today is the last day to take advantage of EcoVet’s Spring sale! 🐇🌷 Get 25% off your purchase with code ECO2024. Start fly season off right– with the industry’s only fatty-acid fly repellent that also improves insect-related skin sensitivity. [Shop now.]

Morning Viewing: Look at what else has been going on around Stable View this week!

Sunday Links

By on Mar 31, 2024 12:01 am -

Valmy, Salty, and Banzai, oh my — “an old winner, all over again” gave a great start to what will be a cutthroat British eventing season as Emily King and Valmy Biats took their second consecutive Grantham Cup win at Thoresby’s Spring Carnival of Eventing. Maryland’s reigning heroes Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue set themselves up nicely in second place, with current World Champions Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir clinching an extremely close third.

Meanwhile, some of our U.S. faves have been conquering some 4*-S of their own on both coasts at Galway and TerraNova, where Tamie Smith and Alyssa Phillips cleaned house this weekend. If the past few months have felt like the longest winter on record for you too, you’ll probably share my enthusiasm in welcoming our world’s biggest players back into the scene!

U.S. Weekend Action

Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (Fairburn, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

Galway Downs International H.T. (Temecula, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring] [Live Stream]

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

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

The Event at TerraNova (Myakka City, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

International Events

BEDE Events’ Thoresby Eventing Spring Carnival (UK) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Rats and human urine to blame in recent positive dope tests

Libby Seed: From the Operating Theatre to the 5* Stage

Now On Course: Bondi Beach Brings Tyler Hope During Her Darkest Days

What Is It About Spring Grass That Makes My Horse’s Body Grumble?

What Makes a Great Jump?

Morning Viewing: Here’s a bit of deja vu for you on this fine Sunday morning — Emily and Valmy take to the track, but from one year ago! Catch their 2022 winning round here, and take notes to compare with this year’s epic back-to-back champion run.

Sunday Links from SRF Carolina International

By on Mar 24, 2024 12:01 am -

When you’re just a horse-crazy kid, who happens to be the trainers daughter, and your birthday happens to coincide with the first schooling event of the season, obviously you have to make a big deal of it all. Shout out to Kacie Preysz who made a viral-worthy eventing-themed cake for my barn group in honor of young Brooklynn’s birthday, which was almost too cool to eat. It’s even a West coast track-based course, appropriate for our Utah venue, complete with flagged water complex, coop, rock wall, and brush box. Setting the standard here everyone — if you can’t eat the course, is it even worth it?

Happy birthday to my favorite Pony Squad member Brooklyn Taylor — unfortunately, the little horse and rider aren’t edible.

U.S. Weekend Action

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

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

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (Tyler, TX)[Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

European Events

Outdoor Horst (Kronenberg, Netherlands) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Schedule] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Other Events

Road to the Horse (Lexington, Kentucky) March 21-24 [Website] [Schedule] [Competition Format] [Live Stream]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Studies reveal dressage judges have been rewarding behind-the-vertical head carriage

A Young Professional’s Perspective on Equestrian Canada’s Coach Status Program

Booli Selmayr And Urania Are Back On Track With Carolina International Win

A New Chapter: Equine Network Launches Foundation

Time for a Re-read: The USEA Eventing Handbook by the Levels, Your Ultimate Resource

Sponsor Corner: Couldn’t get to Carolina International this year? Relive the action with this wrap-up article… and mark your calendar for next year!

Morning Viewing: Learn some cool tips to practice your flying changes with Yasmin Ingham! Apparently, I don’t actually have to look where I’m going after all.

Sunday Links from SRF Carolina International

By on Mar 17, 2024 12:28 am -

Course designing for decades apparently has hidden health benefits, because I can tell you right now that I will not be in any shape to catch ride a 5-year-old at Training level in my 70s. Not only did Ian Stark take a jaunt around Carolina today, but was also celebrated as he begins his final year in course design. Our sport truly won’t be the same without him!

In other news, Liz Halliday casually dominated the 4*-S this weekend, taking not only the win on Ocala Horse Properties and Deborah Palmer’s ever-incredible Miks Master C, but fifth as well on Cooley Nutcracker. Caroline Pamukcu took second with Meghan O’Donoghue third and Sydney Elliot in fourth, making a female power-team in the top five. Check out Cheg’s play-by-play here as they battled it out for the win. Truly a strong start to the 2024 season!

U.S. Weekend Action

Carolina International CCI & H.T. (Raeford, NC) [Website] [Schedule] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Cross Country Maps] [Live Scores] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Ocala Winter II (Ocala, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Pine Top Spring H.T. (Thomson, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Ram Tap National H.T. (Fresno, CA) [Scoring] [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

International Events

FEI Eventing Nations Cup Leg 1 (Montelibretti, Italy) [Website] [Timetable] [Entries] [Show Jumping Live Stream] [Cross Country Live Stream]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

As predicted! EquiRatings was right on track with Liz Halliday’s win

An Affront To American Breeders

Meet Our Community Outreach Organizations: Metropolitan Equestrian Team

The VIP Volunteer: Jim Moyer Earns 2023 USEA Volunteer of the Year Award

Morning Viewing: Check out Liz Halliday’s winning show jumping round from Carolina here, courtesy of Horse & Country:

Sunday Links from SRF Carolina International

By on Mar 10, 2024 12:01 am -

The first CCI4*-S of the Olympic season is officially under our belts, and we can already feel the heat as our riders came out swinging. Despite near-flood conditions at the start requiring some phase rearrangements, the awesome folks behind the Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. International (aka The Event Formerly Known as Chatt Hills) really pulled out all the stops and managed to put on yet another fantastic opening show, complete with what seems to be a unanimously infamous new resident arachnid on course.

After what was likely rather soggy runs around the cross country course on Friday, and as the field’s fastest rider still coming in 11.6 seconds over time, Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol HIM held on to their lead with a beautifully double-clear show jump round to take the win on a 43.3. Despite a dropped rail, Phillip Dutton maintained his second-place position on new partner Jewelent (previously campaigned by Ireland’s Clare Abbott) to end the day on a 47.6. Repping for New Zealand, Joe Meyer climbed up the leaderboard from 14th to finish in third aboard Harbin, ending on 50.6 with huge smiles all around.

While our upper-level riders have already concluded their weekend for the weekend, there are still Novice through Preliminary levels to go as we finish out today. Check out EN’s show preview for more info on this event, and stay tuned for Gillian’s full report coming soon. This coming weekend will mark 2024’s first 4*-L with a favorite — our Sunday Links sponsor Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI and Horse Trials — so watch this space as EN gets back into show season mode with event reports coming at ya on the regular! Go Eventing!

U.S. Weekend Action

Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. International (Fairburn, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

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

SAzEA Spring H.T. (Tucson, AZ) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Southern Pines H.T. I (Raeford, NC)[Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

International Events

Land Rover Horse of the Year (Hastings, New Zealand) [Website] [Program] [Equestrian Schedule] [Eventing Schedule] [Eventing Live Scores] [Live Stream]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Participate in Noelle Floyd’s Market Research Study for a chance to win!

West Coast, Best Coast: Intercollegiate Eventing Heats Up at Galway Downs & Twin Rivers Ranch

At the end of the day, do stunts like “Mankini-Gate” generate interest in horse sports?

And speaking of minimalistic attire, what’s the point of riding bridleless? A Q&A with Brendan Wise

USEA Events A-Z: Jumping Branch Farm in Aiken

Sponsor Corner: Only three days left until the Yanmar America CCI4*-S cross country course walk! If you’re attending the SRF Carolina International 4*, you can’t miss walking the course with International 5* Eventer Ariel Grald. The course walk starts at 1pm, so [RSVP here!]

Morning Viewing: I’m always here for a side-by-side, so here are two runs by Will Coleman at the Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field — one winning round aboard Chin Tonic HS last weekend, and one aboard 8th place finisher Obos O’Reilly in the inaugural 2019 event. What a difference five years can make!

Sunday Links from SRF Carolina International

By on Mar 3, 2024 12:01 am -
Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Sally Spickard. Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Sally Spickard.

And just because he could, Will Coleman showed up to the 2024 $100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field with a vengeance, starting out the 2024 season with both first and second place prizes. Taking #AnEventLikeNoOther by storm (quite literally, see yesterday’s News and Notes to catch a soggy Sally and Shelby in action), Will and Hyperion Stud’s Chin Tonic HS finished on a 30.5 with the blue ribbon as predicted, adding just four seconds to their dressage score with even more to spare at the end of the day. Will’s second-place round on Off The Record, owned by the Off the Record Syndicate, was only a few points behind on a 33.2, just one second off their dressage score as well.

GPE 2022 champions Boyd Martin and the Annie Goodwin Syndicate’s Fedarman B followed behind Will in third place, nearly five points behind Chin Tonic’s leading score at 35.3. Liz Halliday, three-time GPE champion, managed to finish within the top 10 aboard all three of her mounts, along with New Zealand’s Monica Spencer, Liz’s recent Pan Am teammates Sydney Elliott and Sharon White, and 2023’s reserve champion Doug Payne.

Thanks to Will, Team Green in the Ride For Charity Team Challenge will also take the win, earning some big prize money for the Aiken County Pony Club. Second and third place Teams Purple and Orange will also receive donations to their charities, Battlefront Outdoors and Tri-Development Center, respectively. And speaking of prize money, thanks to the increase in winnings from $50K to $100K this year, I’m sure Will is leaving with quite the happy wallet.

U.S. Weekend Action

2024 $100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scores] [Ride For Charity Teams] [Ride For Charity Online Vote] [Volunteer] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

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

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

Sporting Days Farm March H.T. II (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Twin Rivers Winter H.T. (Paso Robles, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

International Events

Portuguese Spring Tour (Mata do Duque) [Timetable] [Entries] [Scoring] [Portuguese Eventing Association Facebook Page] [More Info]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Back From The Brink: California Eventer Lindsey Smith Returns To The Ring After Devastating Fall

Laughter and Learning at the 2024 Ocala Horse Properties USEA YEH Symposium

CHP is back! All About the Bayou Gulch Horse Trials

Training in the Right Way: The Components of an Effective Warmup

Studs 101: Max Corcoran’s Guide to Perfecting Your Stud-Kit

Sponsor Corner: Have you noticed some colorful new ponies around the Carolina Horse Park? The 5th Annual Painted Ponies Art Walk is here! The 16 Painted Ponies will be on display until April 2nd and will be auctioned off on April 6th, with all proceeds going to benefit the Carolina Horse Park Foundation. [Learn more here]

Morning Viewing: Because I will never deprive anyone of Chin Tonic, here are his and Will Coleman’s leading rounds from this weekend — never relinquishing first place in any phase. What a way to start the season!

Dressage:

Show Jumping:

Meet the Field: $100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field

By on Feb 29, 2024 8:03 pm -

Please join us in welcoming a full roster of top quality horses and riders to this year’s Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services.

We’ve reformatted our traditional Form Guide for 2024, opting for a graphics approach for shorter events. You’ll still get the full write-up on background for each pair at major 5* and championship events, but this quick and easy look at each pair provides a glimpse at their info, as well as their probability of winning or finishing in the top 3.

For this, we’ve teamed up with EquiRatings and their Prediction Centre, which pulls from their robust database of stats and performance figures. You can check out the Prediction Centre for Grand-Prix Eventing here.

The graphics are arranged in Order of Go, which you can also view here.

$100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Ride For Charity Teams] [Ride For Charity Online Vote] [Volunteer] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [Ultimate Guide]

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!

Sunday Links from SRF Carolina International

By on Feb 25, 2024 12:01 am -

You can collect them all! Take your pick of Carolina International CCI4* competitors and add them to your Equiratings Eventing Manager team. Trade them with your friends Pokémon-style, and wait in line at the midnight release to get the ultra-rare shiny Will Coleman.

U.S. Weekend Action

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

Pine Top Advanced (Thomson, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Three Lakes Winter II H.T. at Caudle Ranch (Groveland, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Free USEA Digital Memberships Awarded to Volunteers for 2024

Lauren O’Connor: Surviving Years of #MeToo Turmoil and Healing Through Horses

Q&A: How has the path changed for ambitious young riders without the budget to pursue the top sport?

Liz Halliday’s three-step process to teaching young horses over narrow fences

Sponsor Corner: Calling all volunteers near the Carolina Horse Park! The Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI and HT on March 14th through 17th is looking for volunteers. Choose from a half day or full day shift and get to enjoy all the eventing action from right in the thick of it. No experience needed! Learn more [here].

Morning Viewing: You’re twelve years old aboard a pony named Cupcake or Sparkles, pulling up to the Beginner Novice warmup wearing your hot pink tie-dye cross country colors, just to queue at the start box behind Boyd Martin and a spicy baby Thoroughbred. Oh, but then you beat him because he racked up time penalties from going too fast.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Boyd Martin (@boydmartineventing)

Sunday Links from SRF Carolina International

By on Feb 18, 2024 12:01 am -

Carolina International’s new ribbons are looking good, and they’ll look even better on your horse’s bridle 😉

In preparation for the first CCI4*-S of the 2024 season, join the effort tomorrow, February 19th, to clean up the grounds and beautify the Carolina Horse Park! Some Park Clean Up Day jobs include painting fences, cleaning signs and branch removal, and volunteers of all ages are welcome. Many hands make light work! Lunch and refreshments are provided, so sign up here to join together in brightening up the Park and its community.

U.S. Weekend Action

Jumping Branch Farm H.T. (Aiken, SC)[Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Ocala Winter I (Ocala, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Ram Tap H.T. (Fresno, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Take a dive into Lara de Liedekerke-Meier’s excellent competitive stats

Honorary Event Chair Mark Wahlberg to host benefit event “Equestrians in Paris” for the US Olympic and Paralympic teams

Are Exosomes the Future of Suspensory Injury Healing?

West Tennessee Pony Clubbers Launch Business to Help Thoroughbred Rescues and Horses in Need

California breeders jump on the Jaguar foal train

Sponsor Corner: Competitors will get to take a crack at some new cross country fences at the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International! Take a look behind the scenes as these beautiful new fences are installed on course.

Morning Viewing: If this wasn’t your dream job as a horse-crazy child… you’re lying.

Sunday Links from SRF Carolina International

By on Feb 11, 2024 12:01 am -

That’s right, it’s already that time of year! Somehow, the 2023 season ended just last week and 2024’s is just starting tomorrow. Head down to the Carolina Horse Park March 14-17 for an event to really kick off what is looking to be an intense Olympic Year of competition. The folks at the Setter’s Run Farm Carolina International are already hard at work getting some very pretty logs going, as well as some rather large cabins in the back there.

While this year will start (especially for us here behind the stall curtain at EN) at the Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field showcase, our first CCI4* at Carolina is highly anticipated as we begin the nail-biting wait for our long and shortlists for Paris 2024. We only get this high-stakes atmosphere every four years, so take advantage of it and come watch our favorites battle it out!

U.S. Weekend Action

Pine Top Intermediate H.T. (Thomson, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

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

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Evie Dutton joins Olivia and Phillip back in the ring!

The Emotional Struggle: Selling Horses When You Don’t Sell Horses

Explore their stories: The Chronicle of African Americans in the Horse Industry

What the Future of Taking Footage at Events Can Look Like with The Pegasus App

Head over to @BritishEquestrian_Official to learn all about Female Health February and how it impacts us as riders and athletes

Sponsor Corner: The Carolina Club is back at the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI4*! Who can resist mimosas and charcuterie boards on Thursday and an all day open bar on Friday? 🥂 Get your ticket or reserve a table for eight [here].

Morning Viewing: And just because we’re that excited, here are some of our favorite upper-level riders discussing just why the Carolina International is the perfect start to anyone’s season.

Sunday Links from Etalon Equine Genetics

By on Feb 4, 2024 12:01 am -


Disappointing to Silva as it may be, a little Leo + Emma victory gallop is exactly what we all needed today. As Leo Mic’d Up Part 2.5, it looks like Mini Martin is learning only the most important equestrian skills. It’s a real stretch to try to discern where on earth he could have gotten this fist pump move from…

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

U.S. Weekend Action

Galway Downs 2024 Kickoff H.T. (Temecula, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Sporting Days Farm February Trials H.T. II (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Three Lakes Winter I H.T. at Caudle Ranch (Groveland, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

MIEF will award four $1,000 scholarships to FEI riders competing at the July Maryland International Horse Trials

Behind-the-scenes of MIM clips and reverse pins with KY3DE course builder Levi Ryckewaert

Anonymous Trainer Poll: “What is one radical change that you believe would completely change our industry for the better?”

Panelists & Riders Announced for the 2024 Ocala Horse Properties USEA YEH Symposium

Lake Erie College: Where Equestrian Career Dreams Can Become Reality

Sponsor Corner: How can Etalon Equine Genetics inform the purchase of your next horse? They recently released the new “Build-a-Horse” app that takes into account a horse’s temperament, speed, performance & abilities, health & disease risks, and more.

Morning Viewing: Tune in for an excellent (and vital) presentation given by Chief of Sport David O’Connor at the 2024 US Equestrian Annual Meeting, titled “Working Together for our Future: Our Collective Responsibility for Ensuring the Future of Equine Activities”.

Sunday Links from Etalon Equine Genetics

By on Jan 28, 2024 12:01 am -

Reason #8,122 in favor of developing a horse-girl-only city where every property has a barn and there are indoor arenas instead of shopping centers (Aiken, hit me up for more genius tips) — can we all just agree that we need more excuses to wear our perfectly-crafted and expensive show ring attire?

Hear me out: business meetings? Show coats and breeches. Formal events in Horse-Girl City? Tails and whites. Supplements, poultice, and pony treats are available in the grocery store next to the pharmacy; splint boots and saddle pads are across from the kitchenware. You can break in your new field boots at work or going to dinner. Seriously, let’s get on this.

U.S. Weekend Action

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

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

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Working with Young Horses: “Don’t Think About It” — Yeah, Right

Liz Halliday is cleaning up in the dressage rings at WEC

Speaking of WEC, there are even more changes coming to the World Equestrian Center in Ocala

A New Year’s Resolution: Put On the Breeches

Go figure: the more relaxed a horse is the better it is at learning new tasks, study finds

Sponsor Corner: This once orphaned Premarin foal found his family thanks to an Etalon Equine Genetics DNA test. Check out the full story of how one woman bought a Shire x TB off Craigslist only to discover years later that he was actually a well-bred Connemara.

Photo courtesy of Liz Hall.

Morning Viewing: Your horse is an athlete, just like you, which means their mental health is just as important as your own. In the above-linked Nottingham Trent University study on relaxed equine learning, lead researcher Louise Evans explains, “In their day-to-day lives, horses require behavioral flexibility, the ability to adapt to changing environments, such as different riders and handlers. However, we also need horses to have excellent cognitive control so that we can safely rely on them to give consistent responses to important commands such as ‘slow down’ or ‘stop.'”

Cognitive control and behavioral flexibility likely aren’t things we typically focus on in our weekly lessons, but in this video published by US Equestrian, Dr. Duncan Peters explains how social, nutritional, cognitive, and movement requirements can help us to more adequately maintain our horses’ mental health.

Sunday Links from Etalon Equine Genetics

By on Jan 21, 2024 12:01 am -

After recently concluding our #Supergroom of the Year awards, we are always looking for more opportunities to recognize our industry superheroes. The backbones, the management, the inner circle; whatever we call them, they’re what keeps our world goin’ round.

Anyway, we are all about grooms here, and so is Horse & Country with their new Integral to Success series. Keep it up!

U.S. Weekend Action

Ram Tap Combined Test (Fresno, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Stable View Aiken Opener H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Lignières will replace Haras du Jardy as host of the French leg in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup 2024

Eventing not yet confirmed for 2028 Olympics – with just weeks to decide on new format

Is Harmony on Horseback Measurable?

Open and Junior Starter Divisions to be offered at 2024 USEA AEC

Liz Halliday on the CCI4*-L Eventing National Championship at Galway Downs

Sponsor Corner: Eventer and breeder Heather McWilliams plans to use Etalon Genetic Testing to improve her breeding practices. Check out how she’s going to breed for upper level event horses by testing for endurance alleles.

Morning Viewing: Just one more of the (countless) reasons I want to attend the London International Horse Show, because this is just cool. How does one apply to be a member of the Royal Horse Artillery? Asking for a friend.

Sunday Links from Etalon Equine Genetics

By on Jan 14, 2024 12:01 am -

I’m sure it’s no surprise to anyone that last year’s LRK3DE superhorse Mai Baum is a nominee for this award, but it came down to the wire for learning who would be the 2023 SmartPak x USEF International Horse of the Year. Our favorite black stallion was up against some all-time greats — ultimate ceding the title to showjumping icon HH Azur, aptly quoted as one of the most successful horses of our generation.

I believe in the power our eventing community holds to bring this incredibly horse — and his rider — the recognition they deserve, so Tamie and Mai Baum: you’re our winners!

U.S. Weekend Action

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

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Two top horses move to new riders while Helgstrand barred from team duties

The Importance of Allyship in Eventing

Andras Szieberth: Making American Breeding Better With LotusTeam

Hannah Sue Burnett is Business Ben’s new mom

Young Event Horses shine on the world stage in 2023

Sponsor Corner: Etalon Equine Genetics has made an exciting breakthrough in equine genetics — specifically when it comes to coat color 🎨 They’ve discovered discovered two new genetic mutations, named Splashed White 9 and Splashed White 10, in a group of Pura Raza Española (PRE) horses. Get the full story 👉 here.

Morning Viewing: “So what do I do if something goes wrong?” is the most relatable question of the year, and it’s still January. Guaranteed I will not be trying a “super gallop” anytime soon though.

Sunday Links from Etalon Equine Genetics

By on Jan 7, 2024 12:01 am -

As a rehab fanatic and physical therapy junkie myself, I absolutely love seeing our pro athletes being open and transparent with the process of coming back into work from an injury. Recently named British Elite Athlete’s Association’s November Athlete of the Month, Bubby underwent extensive surgery in August after sustaining burst and horizonal fractures of her L3 and L2. Her rehab #comeback story has been inspirational, to say the least, and her recent progress has been incredible as she ventures back into the saddle.

My big kid job is at a rehab hospital, and being surrounded daily by physical and occupational therapists and physicians has definitely continued to open my eyes to the importance of taking correct care of your and your horse’s bodies. As athletes, whether amateur or professional, our bodies are our equipment, and keeping them maintained is just as important as the every other aspect of our training.

We are excited to see Bubby back on her feet and in the saddle, and are wishing her good luck in her further rehab progress!

U.S. Weekend Preview

Sporting Days Farm January Horse Trials I (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Go Better and Go Confident on Day 4 of EA21 National Camp

You Are What You Eat (and You Cannot Out-Exercise a Bad Diet)

Throwback Thursday: Julia Krajewski lives an Olympic fairy tale in Tokyo with Amande De B’Neville

Equestrian Calendar 2024: This Year’s Biggest Shows

Recent Advances in Equine CT

Horowitz On OTTBs: Finding the missing Thoroughbred in equestrian sport

Sponsor Corner: What can your horse’s genetics tell you about their temperament? According to Etalon Equine Genetics, horses can either carry two copies of the Curiosity variant, two copies of the Vigilance variant, or one copy of each 🐴🧬

Morning Viewing: I know we’ve all watched farrier ASMR videos in the background when we should be working, and if I’m right, you’ve probably seen the incredibly satisfying videos by Sam Dracott: internet farrier sensation. While attending the 2023 London International Horse Show, Horse & Hound caught up with Sam to learn more about him and his work!

Sunday Links from Etalon Equine Genetics

By on Dec 31, 2023 12:01 am -

Goodbye 2023!! It’s been a record year for sure, and while there are too many moments to narrow down, we are grateful to have been a part of them all. Abby shared one of her — and my — favorites yesterday morning with Tamie Smith’s amazing win at Kentucky this spring, and I’d have to list my own as Austin O’Connor’s record-smashing first 5* win at the Maryland. The emotions and atmosphere surrounding wins like these are electric, especially when highlighting amazing horsemen and women who redirect all the praise to their equine partners.

So pat your ponies and kiss your horses, and we can’t wait to see what 2024 holds! Happy New Year everyone!

Links to Start Your Sunday:

2023: The Year in Eventing

All smiles, all around: The Chronicle’s Favorite Photos of 2023

An Unpopular Wishlist For The Horse World in 2024

The Best Blogs of 2023 Came From All Corners of the Horse World

Sponsor Corner: Now that’s a handsome horse 😍 Check out FRK Jack’s Etalon results! What would you breed him to?

Morning Viewing: Like father, like son — little Leo Martin is taking to the streets in a big kid saddle and it is guaranteed to get you your laughs for the day. Nothing makes me happier than the “Part 1” in the caption, so everyone get ready for a Mic’d Up Leo series full of peeing — I mean posting — and censored “Dad words”.

Sunday Links from Etalon Equine Genetics

By on Dec 24, 2023 12:01 am -

Merry Christmas Eve to all! I think a pony gift box from Chewy sounds adorable, and am thinking about starting a new tradition myself. What are your horsey or barn-related Christmas Day traditions? Do you bring a gift for your pony, make a Christmas mash, go for a snowy hack, or give your four-legged partner some R&R? Maybe I’ll start bringing my horse-related gift haul to the barn so my horse can sniff through the box of evidence of just how much of my life belongs to them… Merry Christmas ponies, it’s all for you anyway!

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Dressage riders allowed to ditch spurs completely, plus other horse sport rule changes for 2024

YEH Symposium Returns to Ocala on Feb. 20, 2024

British Eventing 2024 fixture list released

Sponsor Corner: How much blood does your horse really have? Eventers often take the amount of Thoroughbred breeding in their horse as fact. But little do they know that how we currently calculate a horse’s blood percentage isn’t accurate.

Morning Viewing: Last week of the year! It’s been a rollercoaster, so enjoy these wrap-up reels from some European favorites. May your 2024 be full of good rides and healthy horses!

Sunday Links from Etalon Equine Genetics

By on Dec 17, 2023 12:01 am -


#SaltyStrong: Colorado Blue is your 2023 EquiRatings Horse of the Year! Salty’s performances at Badminton and Maryland this year (to say nothing of Tokyo 2021) have cemented him as one of the top-rated cross country horses in the top 0.1% — and one of the fastest horses in the top 0.05% — in the sport. His 32-place leaderboard climb at Badminton was unprecedented, and watching this incredible pair at the Maryland 5 Star was nothing short of epic; an emotional win for all as the first Irish 5* win in 58 years.

There are definitely none more deserving of this award than Austin O’Connor’s incredible partner. Go Ireland, Go Team O’Connor, and Go Salty!

U.S. Weekend Action

London International Horse Show (Wednesday December 13th – Monday December 18th) [Website] [Tickets] [Program] [Scoring]
How to Watch: [UK] [FEI Classes: FEI TV (via ClipMyHorse.TV)] [Non-FEI Classes: H&C+]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Cooley Farm horses celebrate 100 international wins and counting

British Eventing announce Abandonment Support Fund

Giraffes and Elephants and Daschshunds, Oh My! Check out CrossCountry App’s Most Imaginative Cross Country Jumps of 2023

Horse Girl White Elephant Gifts, Ranked

Don’t Forget to Make Your Nominations by Dec. 27th: The One #Supergroom to Rule Them All

Sponsor Corner: Is your horse at risk for uveitis? Esther found out her Thoroughbred is at moderate risk for Equine Recurrent Uveitis thanks to a test from Etalon Equine Genetics. Discover more about your horse’s genetics with Etalon.

Morning Viewing: The best of the best: watch Charlotte Dujardin and Imhotep shine as the winning pair at the FEI Dressage World Cup at The London International Horse Show. Just absolute perfection, every time!

Sunday Links from Etalon Equine Genetics

By on Dec 10, 2023 12:01 am -
The Board of Governors meet during the 2023 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention. Photo by USEA/Lindsay Berreth. The Board of Governors meet during the 2023 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention. Photo by USEA/Lindsay Berreth.

The 2023 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention comes to a close today, and we have all been watching and waiting patiently to hear news on the many proposed rule changes, USEA Board nominees, and end-of-year award recipients.

Yesterday’s schedule featured several highlight meetings, including the open forum regarding proposed rule changes and the keynote presentation by prolific animal welfare activist and animal science professor Dr. Temple Grandin.

Here are some numbers and statistics on and from this year-end convention!

Number of committee meetings that took place: 41
Number of educational seminars, sessions, and forums that took place: 40

Incoming Area Chairs:

  • Area I | Judith Rossi
  • Area III | Cynthia Caufman
  • Area V | Stephanie Reimers
  • Area VII | Katie Bystrom
  • Area VIII | Debbie Snyder

    • New Board of Governors:

  • Area I | Melanie Loschiavo (2024-2026)
  • Area III | Shelley Howerton Page (2024-2026)
  • At Large | Jacob Fletcher (2024-2026)
  • Area V | Siobhan O’Brien (reappointed: 2024-2026)
  • Area VIII | Wayne Quarles (reappointed: 2024-2026)
  • At Large | Lauren Nicholson (reappointed: 2024-2026)

    • Current number of USEA members to date: 477,055
    Number of active competing USEA members: 80,623
    Number of USEF-licensed competitions in 2023: 2,128

    USEA Governors’ Cup recipients: John Bourgoin, Rebecca Brown, Loris Henry, Kathy Kerns, Mark Andreason
    Andrew H. Popiel Memorial Trophy recipients: Lena and Mark Warner
    USEA President’s Lifetime Achievement Award: Sharon Gallagher

    Find all awards recipients here, as well as the USEA CEO’s Report.

    U.S. Weekend Action

    USEA Annual Meeting and Convention (St. Louis, MO): [Information Hub] [Schedule] [Fast Facts]

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

    Links to Start Your Sunday:

    EquiRatings Horse of the Year voting is on to the semi-finals! Vote here for one of the final four.

    While you’re at it, don’t forget to send in a nomination for The One #Supergroom to Rule Them All!

    ‘Test the Best Without Hurting the Rest’: Barnard and Donovan Lead Show Jumping Seminar at USEA Annual Meeting & Convention

    Horse Community Controversy: The Future of Wellington

    Meet Cascada: a smart auto-waterer that sends alerts to your phone

    Just in time for the holidays: Hallmark Channel to release “A Blacksmith for Christmas” movie

    Sponsor Corner: What are equine performance genetics? Etalon Equine Genetics can identify your horse’s strengths and weaknesses in the competition ring according to their DNA.

    Morning Viewing: Everyone has their own ASMR genres — don’t deny it, I saw you watching those satisfying farrier videos. While my “in-the-background” choices lately may have included some very cool leatherworking close-ups (it’s also a ploy to get my husband to think it’s cool; homemade halters may be in my future), Horse Grooming ASMR might just be added into my playlists. All the satisfaction of watching a horse meticulously cleaned and none of the impending arthritis flares from doing it yourself? This may just bring balance to my life.

    And yes, I’m that girl at the barn who uses two different stiff brushes and three soft brushes before every ride. I like shiny ponies, sue me.

    Sunday Links from Etalon Equine Genetics

    By on Dec 3, 2023 12:01 am -

    West Coast eventers brought the representation at Ingrid Klimke’s “Masterclass in Wine Country” at Galway Downs this weekend. After an inspirational discussion at the preceding rider dinner, the participants followed the legendary German Olympian’s direction over some rather intriguing cavaletti exercises. Stay tuned with Galway Downs to see how their second day turns out today!

    U.S. Weekend Action

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

    Links to Start Your Sunday:

    Vote now for the EquiRatings Horse of the Year

    The Pearl Pod: A new intrauterine device for mares displaying extreme behaviour during estrus is showing promising results

    The Mia Farley And Phelps Story

    All Julien Anquetin & *Name Redacted* Do Is Win in 2023, But Actually..

    Andreas Helgstrand to miss Paris 2024 – as three Helgstrand Dressage instructors reprimanded

    Sponsor Corner: How much Thoroughbred blood is in your Warmblood? Is your horse inbred? To what degree? Find out with Etalon Equine Genetics! Their Ancestry Testing will help you make informed decisions about your horse’s future.

    Morning Viewing: Learn all about saddle fit with part one of Master Saddler Jan Jacobsen’s series:

    Sunday Links from Etalon Equine Genetics

    By on Nov 26, 2023 12:01 am -

    I hope everyone successfully survived this weekend with both their stomachs and their wallets intact, because it is FINALLY my favorite time of year — socially-acceptable CHRISTMAS! While I myself may have been secretly Spotifying my holiday playlist since Halloween, Cooley Farms has come into the holiday season in full swing, complete with bells, lights, Santa, and sleigh. Clearly the Irish know how to do Christmas right!

    U.S. Weekend Action

    Pine Top Thanksgiving H.T. (Thompson, GA): [Website] [Live Scoring]

    Links to Start Your Sunday:

    Caroline Pamukcu’s champion U25 mount Quantum Solace has passed away

    To no one’s surprise, Woods Baughman is named 2023’s Hot Horseman

    Updated: convicted trainer Michael Barisone is released from custody

    New Knowledge on Diagnosing Equine Endocrine Disease

    Don’t Miss: Eventing Nation’s Black Friday Round-Up & Horse Nation’s Holiday Gift Guide!

    Sponsor Corner: Something new is coming this way… Etalon Equine Genetics has discovered something big and will be announcing more information soon! Not Dominant White or Splashed White, this little guy pictured is a great example of their new discovery.

    Morning Viewing: By now, you’ve likely seen the humorous and viral short video recently released by the FEI on why we should stop conducting “shavings inspections” in our horses’ stalls. This was a lead into FEI presenting their newest video campaign on YouTube: Think Outside The Box. This series is aimed at raising awareness and educating people about the risk of contamination in and around the stables, and hopes to highlight the biosecurity risks involved in our sport. There are already 4 videos released in this campaign, and you can watch the first here!

    Sunday Links from Etalon Equine Genetics

    By on Nov 19, 2023 12:01 am -

    Today marks the end of what has felt like a very long season — welcome to Sunday at Terranova, 2023’s final 4*-L! Tune in to the live stream to see if Great Britain’s Lucienne Bellissimo will maintain her two-day lead for the win, or if the honor will be given to another! Keep an eye on EN to follow along with our last hurrah of the season.

    I’ve spent this week with my trainer and some barn friends at the Las Vegas National Horse Show, which has been a fun adventure back into jumper land. After being immersed in the upper levels of eventing for the last year, and living in a state that doesn’t host any Grand Prix, it can be easy to forget that there are still much bigger jumps out there. Watching the 1.50 Grand Prix on Thursday was intense, but the 1.60 title Grand Prix on Saturday was an entire religious experience.

    I’m not afraid of heights, but I’ve also never considered jumping a fence taller than me (and I am not lacking in height by any means). It’s safe to say I earned a bit more respect for our jumper compatriots this week, and continue to be impressed by the three days of endurance our horses go through (with fences not much smaller than these monstrosities). It’s also just so fun to sit back and “judge” these riders and their superstar creatures as if I could ever attempt this feat.

    U.S. Weekend Action

    The Event at TerraNova (Myakka City, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring][Live Stream]

    Ram Tap H.T. & Classic 3-Day (Fresno, CA)[Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

    Links to Start Your Sunday:

    The 26th Annual Fundraiser Clinic at Galway Downs will welcome back Ian Stark and Jock Paget as featured clinicians

    Spotted (literally) in the Show Ring

    Southern Pines residents: Rachel Jurgens is handing over the reins of Red’s Corner, including Pony Espresso

    This Tuesday: Saddle Up and Read!

    Sponsor Corner: Elisa Wallace had her horse, Renkum Corsair, tested with Etalon Dx back in April. His results helped her navigate his fear of other horses, which was a big problem in busy warmup rings. Check out his results from Etalon Equine Genetics.

    Morning Viewing: Listen… we’re all friends here. We’re close. We know. The competitive horse world has seen many unfortunate incidents resulting from the “shavings checks” we riders and grooms often resort to and normalize. The FEI is here to remind you that the up-close-and-personal investigations into the state of our shavings should probably wait until we’re back at home.

    Sunday Links from Etalon Equine Genetics

    By on Nov 12, 2023 12:01 am -

    Oh Jennie… I think it’s gotta be the casts that wins this for ya! After undergoing some “proper hand surgery” post-Maryland, Jennie challenges fellow eventer Lainey Ashker to a Who Wore It Best battle — her Highest-Place First Timer Burghley sash vs. Lainey’s recent Plantation win’s blue ribbon. Lainey herself is no stranger to gruesome riding injuries after a face-bloodying fall earlier this summer, but has called for a poll amongst our fellow (wo)men to help her compete with the double-hand-cast gauntlet thrown her way.

    Also, I’m sorry Jennie, but is that a fireplace full of candles in the background? Because I love the way you’re thinking.

    U.S. Weekend Action

    Full Moon Farm’s Fall HT (Finksburg, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

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

    River Glen Fall H.T. (New Market, TN) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

    Links to Start Your Sunday:

    Marius Voigt-Logistik: the horse that took an amateur to win Olympic gold

    Tips from The Dressage Queen Herself with Amelia Newcomb’s Top 3 Canter Exercises for Eventers

    Geraldine Brooks’ Novel “Horse” wins $10,000 Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award

    Meet The Interscholastic Eventing League Teams: L’Esprit Equestrian

    Tales of Triumph from the USEA Area VI Championships at Galway Downs

    Sponsor Corner: Did you know Fragile Foal Syndrome isn’t just found in warmbloods? It can be found in a variety of common breeds. Luckily, you can test your horse to find out if they’re a carrier for FFS with Etalon’s individual test or comprehensive panel.

    Morning Viewing: Often seen alongside Ms. Jacqueline Mars’, I’m sure you’ve noticed the owner name Christa Schmidt in a program or two. Learn more about the woman behind many a top-level horse here: