To commemorate 25 years of The Event at Rebecca Farm, the organizers have put out the call for contributors to a special video project celebrating the event and its many supporters. Record or upload videos of tributes, memories, or anecdotes to the link below, which will be added to a special video project by the event. Whether you’ve spent time at Rebecca Farm as a rider, volunteer, official, or spectator, and whether you’re from the early days, planning to making your first visit in 2026, or somewhere in the middle, they’d love to hear from you.
#Supergrooms Lucas Santi and Hailey Burlock bring us an elite behind-the-scenes vlog of the glitz and glamor found at a show day with riders Lee Maher and Chris Talley:
One Big Thing: Help Michele Rebuild By Chance Farm
Twenty-eight horses and several barn cats are in temporary homes after severe storms on ripped through By Chance Farm in Libertytown, MD, on Sunday night, leaving owner Michele Wellman scrambling to save the business she has spent more than two decades building. Established in 2002, the farm has hosted shows, clinics, and competitions for years, becoming a fixture in Maryland’s equestrian community.
The GoFundMe reads:
“Last night, a reported F2 tornado in Libertytown decimated Michele Wellman’s beautiful By Chance Farm indoor and barn. By Chance Farm is the home of many licensed and schooling shows & clinics, providing enjoyment, recreation, and competition for so many in a wide area. Michele has always opened her doors to the community, creating a welcoming space for riders and horse lovers of all ages.
“Unfortunately, insurance will not cover all of Michele’s expenses. Not only do mortgages still need to be paid, but Michele has lost her income as well. The devastation has left her facing overwhelming costs to rebuild and keep the farm running. By Chance Farm is more than just a business — it’s a place where friendships are formed, skills are developed, and memories are made.”
“I am not one to ever ask for money,” said Michele to the local news. “I usually give it freely and often, but my staff and I need help staying afloat while we rebuild. It’s going to be a long road and while I have insurance to rebuild the barn, this business is my livelihood and the livelihood of my staff.”
“I am blown away by the outpouring of support I’ve received after this absolute disaster,” she wrote. “I am mostly worried about my staff. They are wonderful people, and I will do everything I can to keep them employed during the rebuild.”
A fundraiser has been set up in Michele’s name to rebuild, with funds going directly towards mortgage payments and the rebuilding of the barn and indoor arena.
Which horses — from any sport — would you pick for your ultimate soccer football lineup? Here’s who Aachen’s picked leading up to the FEI World Championships in August:
The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games have announced plans to open its Games-time volunteer application and portal on July 14, 2026. Fans from around the world are invited to apply to become a Games-time member of the LA28 Volunteer Crew, the team behind the scenes powering the world’s largest sporting events.
“As fans fill the seats and athletes take the global stage, behind every event, every venue and every moment is the LA28 Volunteer Crew,” said Reynold Hoover, LA28 Chief Executive Officer. “Volunteers are the backbone of the Games. They are a friendly face who helps welcome the world, create memorable experiences and bring the Olympic and Paralympic spirit to life. Their passion and energy will help define LA28 for athletes, fans and communities across the region.”
Starting on July 14, which is exactly two years out from the Opening Ceremony of the 2028 Olympic Games, the applications for Olympic and Paralympic Games-time roles will open. The LA28 Volunteer Crew will be made up of around 60,000 individuals playing a vital role during the Olympic and Paralympic volunteer periods. The Olympic volunteer period runs from March–August 2028 with the Paralympic volunteer period running from August–September 2028, and each Games-time volunteer will commit to a minimum of 10 shifts within one period.
Volunteer roles will span a wide range of responsibilities, from welcoming and guiding spectators and athletes to more specialized roles, such as providing medical or language translation assistance. A majority of Olympic and Paralympic Games-time volunteer opportunities will be within the greater Los Angeles region, but volunteers will also be needed to support Olympic events held in several cities across the United States including: Oklahoma City, OK; New York, NY; Columbus, OH; Nashville, TN; St. Louis, MO; San José, CA; and San Diego, CA. Applicants will be asked to indicate their preferred location and any special skills for consideration that may qualify them for a specialized role.
The LA28 Volunteer Program presented by Delta Air Lines, launched in 2025, offers two ways to get involved: serving in the community now and volunteering during the LA28 Games. Since then, LA28, in partnership with Delta, has hosted more than 25 community volunteer events with local nonprofit partners across the LA region, including beach, street, and trail cleanups, habitat restoration, and fresh food packing for those in need. This same program that’s been showing up in communities across the LA region will continue to do so, in conjunction with preparation for Games-time volunteering. Interested applicants can sign up for updates and learn more about Games-time volunteering on the LA28 Volunteer page, with more information to be shared in the coming weeks. Those who have already expressed interest in the LA28 Volunteer program will receive an email with next steps in the application process, which must be completed in its entirety, for consideration for a Games-time role.
LA28 Volunteer Requirements
The LA28 Games are a reflection of our dynamic and diverse city and a celebration of athletes from around the world coming together to share one stage. The LA28 Volunteer Crew will mirror this spirit through the different strengths and skillsets of each of its members. We welcome people of all abilities, including those with disabilities, who meet the following requirements to apply.
Be 18 years or older at the time of your application
Be proficient in English (reading and writing)
Be available for a minimum of 10 non-consecutive shifts (of approximately eight hours each) during the 2028 Olympic Games period (March–August 2028) or Paralympic Games period (August–September 2028).
Be present at one of the following locations during the 2028 Olympic or Paralympic Games periods: Greater Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, New York City, Columbus, Nashville, St. Louis, San José, San Diego
No Hoof, No Horse — hoof problems can be incredibly tricky to address, especially when the process requires simply waiting to grow more hoof. The solution? FootWise™, which licensed vet tech Jlynn Meyer discusses here as a major component in helping his older Quarter Horse gain hoof integrity and strength.
FootWise is one of KPP’s Wiser Concepts Veterinary Formulas, available with an ordering code from your veterinarian. Packed with Methionine (an amino acid necessary for proper hoof growth), Lysine (a high-quality protein to aid keratin synthesis), Zinc (a trace mineral vital to proper enzyme function), and other crucial minerals and fatty acids, FootWise both sustains a strong hoof wall and supports the regrowth of healthy hoof after injury.
Congratulations to the riders who have been selected to receive scholarships to take part in the Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) See Me Camp taking place June 18-20 at Julie Wolfert’s Chaps Equestrian in Kansas!
These four riders earned their spot:
Congratulations to:
✨ Eva Sosa
✨ Sarah Keinard
✨ Sabrina Sharpe
✨ Ruby Vandiver
This summer, these riders will have the extraordinary opportunity to train with Julie Wolfert — CCI4*-L Winner and International Event Rider. This camp is a fully-funded opportunity for riders of diverse backgrounds of any age to experience extended, community-driven training opportunities with an upper-level professional rider.
Participants will take mounted and unmounted lessons. Housing for riders and stalls for horses will be provided, and travel expenses for both riders and horses will be reimbursed.
If you missed out on this opportunity, there are also some others open for applications or coming soon with SEE!
When the course designer takes rider requests very seriously…
Andrew Heffernan was on design duties at Defender Bramham this weekend (and for our U.S. readers, you’ll get a chance to see his work at the Maryland International CCI & H.T. at the end of the month at Loch Moy Farm in Maryland) and after Laura Collett made a request for a larger warm-up fence, Andrew delivered in true literal fashion. Hats off to our course designers and builders — the hardest-working crew in the business!
It’s cross country day at Defender Brahmam, and by the time you’re reading this we may be well underway with the two 4* divisions, but we’ll drop in a look at Andrew Heffernan’s courses thanks to CrossCountry App below. Click on each map to view a fence-by-fence preview. You can catch all of the action live on Horse & Country here.
One Big Thing: Equestrian Canada Honors Champions of Bromont’s Olympic Legacy at Red, White & Gold Celebration
Flanked by members of the RCMP, Todd Walsh (President, Equestrian Canada) and Peggy Hambly (Chair, EC National Awards Committee) present Bromont CCI Organizer Sue Ockendon with the Equestrian Canada Lifetime Achievement Award at the Red, White & Gold EC Fundraiser. Photo by Cealy Tetley.
Fifty years after the world’s top equestrians arrived in Bromont for the equestrian competitions of the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, members of Canada’s eventing community gathered at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park to celebrate the people whose vision, leadership and dedication have preserved and advanced that legacy for generations to come.
Held during MARS Bromont CCI, the Red, White & Gold fundraising gala brought together Olympians, national team athletes, officials, volunteers, supporters and community leaders to commemorate Bromont’s Olympic heritage while recognizing four outstanding recipients of Equestrian Canada and eventing community awards.
The evening’s highest honour, the Equestrian Canada Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to Sue Ockendon of Knowlton, Quebec, whose impact on Canadian eventing has been felt by generations of riders, coaches, officials, volunteers and organizers.
For nearly four decades, Ockendon has served as the steward of one of Canada’s most important equestrian venues. Since founding the Bromont Three-Day Event with Captain Mark Phillips in the late 1980’s, she has transformed Bromont into one of North America’s premier eventing destinations, earning an international reputation for excellence in competition management, course preparation, athlete experience and horse welfare. Her meticulous attention to footing, cross-country fence design, safety, plus recruiting the best officials and course designers, has ensured that Bromont continues to evolve and thrive.
Yet her greatest contribution may be measured not in the events she has organized, but in the people she has inspired and supported. Through mentorship, advocacy and opportunity creation, she has helped develop generations of Canadian riders, including athletes who have gone on to represent Canada at the Olympic Games, FEI World Championships, Pan American Games and Nations Cups. Her influence also extends far beyond Quebec: as an FEI Eventing Level 3 Technical Delegate, she has officiated at competitions across North, Central and South America, and played a significant role in organizing and developing eventing programs in Mexico.
Through the Bromont Rising U25 program, which she co-founded with the late Steve Blauner, she has provided mentorship, education, stable management training and financial support to aspiring riders from across North America. Bromont has become a proving ground for future champions and national team athletes thanks in large part to Ockendon’s unwavering belief in young people and their potential.
Canadian Olympian Mike Winter spoke passionately about Ockendon’s impact on the sport and the role Bromont has played in developing generations of athletes, in his acceptance speech for El Mundo receiving Equestrian Canada’s Horse of the Year for 2025.
“Sue and Bromont are pillars of equestrian eventing sport in Canada. There’s not a single one of us in eventing that Sue and Bromont hasn’t had a lasting effect on. It’s created a launch pad for people like Jay Hambly, Peter Gray — people have had long equestrian careers because of the opportunities that Bromont has provided. I did my first FEI competition at Bromont when I was 17 years old and to be a part of this equestrian community in Canada — even to be a small part of it now that I live in England — is really, really special. Thank you Sue and thank you everyone here at Bromont.”
Camp Run-A-Muck is a 3-Day immersive adult running and wellness camp hosted at Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina — an expansive, trail-filled venue that captures the spirit of movement, community, and the great outdoors. This all-inclusive summer camp for adults brings together trail runs, coaching workshops, nutrition seminars, yoga, a self-defense session, and delicious chef-prepared meals — creating an experience that’s equal to education, adventure, and pure fun.
The Bistro at Stable View will provide freshly prepared meals, whole-food breakfast options, and refreshments from Thursday dinner time to Sunday breakfast time. There are professionally designed single and shared occupancy accommodations available.
One Big Thing: Highland Club at the Maryland International
Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography
Today, June 11th ONLY: Buy one Highland Club Pass and get one HALF OFF as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Maryland Horse Trials!
The Maryland International CCI & HT + Young Rider Championships (June 26-28, 2026) is proud to offer the Highland Club Pass, sponsored by Emerald Valley Natural Health, where you can enjoy great views, good food, a relaxed atmosphere, and most of all, a fun weekend of horses and sport. Club members will get to enjoy:
Catered food & refreshments
Incredible views of show jumping and cross country competition
Top FEI athletes + rising Young Riders competing for $100,000
Saturday BBQ on the Berm with P.I.G.S. BBQ out of Frederick
Access to the Highland Tower for panoramic views of the event
Shady, cool, and relaxed space to hang out
Passes are limited and advance purchase only. Entry to the Highland Club requires a purchased ticket for anyone (competitor, owner, coach, groom, spectator, etc.) looking to enjoy the Highland Club tent. Reserved tables of 4 or 8 are also available but are not part of the BOGO deal.
Aiken Saddlery is excited to present a dynamic gathering of horse enthusiasts, industry professionals, and innovators dedicated to advancing equine knowledge, care, and performance at the 2026 Equine Summit at Bruce’s Field, taking place on September 26, 2026 in Aiken, SC.
Riding Demos
Featuring guest clinician Will Coleman, you can spend the day learning from one of the best in the business by auditing his demos with Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant recipients Isabelle Bosley, Elle Choate, and Sophie Miller.
Combined Driving Demo
2025 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grand Recipient Taylor Bradish returns to Bruce’s Field to show off the exciting sport of Combined Driving. As a three-time USEF Advanced Combined Driving National Champion and three-time USA Team member for the FEI Driving World Championships, Taylor’s accomplishments speak for themselves in and out of the ring.
World Class Grooming
A retired professional groom to seven-time Olympian Phillip Dutton, Emma Ford ’s career has spanned four Olympic Games, multiple World Championships, and nearly every five-star event in the Northern Hemisphere. Author of World Class Grooming and currently a sought-after Equine Sports Massage Therapist, Emma will be on site during the Equine Summit sharing her wealth of knowledge with the masses.
Dog Agility Course
It’s pretty much a universally acknowledged fact that horse people are dog people! Bring your four legged family member (on a leash) and try out the course. Get instruction from expert Maria Duthie and enjoy the day with the entire family.
Kid’s Corner
The Bruce’s Field Kid’s Corner is always a hit and we’re bringing it to the Equine Summit, complete with face painting, bounce castles, and petting zoos.
Hall of Breeds
From Thoroughbreds and drafts to ponies and warmbloods, the Hall of Breeds will feature a variety of horses designed to tackle any job — along with some special equine celebrity guests!
Bruce’s Field 5K
Join us for the first Bruce’s Field 5K taking a lovely tour through Aiken’s Historic Horse District. Registration info coming soon!
Additionally, Pony Clubs from all across the Carolina region will be at Bruce’s Field on September 26-27th for their annual Carolina Region Pony Clubs Show Jumping Rally. Spectators are welcome and admission is included in the price of your Equine Summit ticket, so stick around for both days to watch the clubs compete!
[Click here to buy tickets] — just $10! Kids 6 and under get in free, and bring a canned good for a $5 gift certificate to use at participating vendors.
Keeping your heels down isn’t just about forcing them lower — it’s about finding the correct position for your foot in the stirrup, and creating better balance through your entire body:
Go Eventing
For those of you not familiar with the international event in Vittel, France, take a turn around last year’s course:
Today is the closing date for the Maryland International H.T. & CCI and USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships! We’re looking forward to supporting Maryland International and Loch Moy Farm in just a couple weeks’ time for their FEI divisions and Young Riders, all of which have seen a big boost in prize money for 2026 thanks to a very generous anonymous donation to the Maryland International Eventing Foundation. This year, some layout changes have also been made with Young Rider stabling moved up to the main part of the property near the permanent stabling rather than down below on the driveway like last year. Andrew Heffernan of the Netherlands also returns to design this year’s cross country courses.
For those interested, the Highland Club is back and better than ever, offering the best way to take in all three phases of competition and enjoy fresh food and beverages all weekend long. Tickets for the Highland Club can be found here.
For more information and to get your entries in, click here.
Is your horse coughing? It’s best not to ignore it! Learn more on managing a cough and equine asthma in this research article from Purdue University, and learn more about how AirWise from Kentucky Performance Products can help here.
After a climb from seventh to second place following dressage, 2023 Melbourne International CCI4*-S champions David Middleton and WEC In The Breeze have now added the CCI4*-L to their champion roster. The pair have been contesting the Werribee, Victoria event since the start of WEC In The Breeze’s international career, with David standing on the podium at every one of their finishes from 3* to 4*. Adding just 2.0 time penalties on cross country to their dressage score, they delivered a spotless show jumping round to clinch the win on a 35.4 in the Pryde’s EasiFeed Melbourne International CCI4*-L.
An even more impressive climb was seen with Zachary Thorne and Wu Gok, who hovered mid-pack following their 36.6 dressage score, shot up to fourth after only adding one second of time cross-country, then sailed through the show jumping to end in second place overall. Unlike David’s history, this was both Zachary and Wu Gok’s first time competing at Melbourne, as well as their first ever 4*-L — not too shabby of a result at the end of the day!
The third-place podium spot is shared by Christine Bates on Bloomfield Findon and Kenya Wilson with Sandros Salute MW — the latter of whom had held the top spot on the leaderboard following cross country, and did so with such a strong lead that three rails and two seconds of time only knocked her down to third position.
The Equestrian Australia CCI4*-S podium also saw another shake-up post-stadium, with our final first-place trophy going to Lamoza Velisha and Call Me Cooley — winners of the Ballarat International 4*-S just a few short months ago. Emma Mason with KPH Kingfisher and Molly Barry on Impulsive Ways join her on the podium as second and third-place finishers, respectively.
Cross country at the Melbourne International CCI4*-L is running as we speak type, so hear from the leading riders for their thoughts on this year’s track!
One thing we always love about our Aussie friends’ competitions is how much the OTTB is represented at the events down under. According to Racing Victoria, “retired racehorses will account for 44% of the equine competitors over the long weekend, further highlighting the growing influence of thoroughbreds across a range of equestrian disciplines and reinforcing their suitability for successful careers beyond racing. “The MI3DE will once again feature a range of initiatives designed to celebrate the versatility, athleticism and adaptability of the thoroughbred, while providing competitors and spectators with opportunities to learn more about the many options available to retired racehorses in their life beyond the track.”
The Off The Track Community platform is not only a sponsor of several divisions at Melbourne, but also presented an Off The Track Masterclass Saturday evening, “which will provide the audience with valuable insights on how to transition the thoroughbred into its performance career. The session, which invites the top three placegetters from the Rising Stars class to participate, will be MC’d by Equestrian Australia High-Performance Director Will Enzinger and will also feature commentary and analysis from Zaaki’s former trainer Annabel Archibald and Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne, who recently joined RV’s OTT Program as an Acknowledged Rehomer.”
Read more about the OTTB contenders here, and make sure to watch all the Melbourne action (or rewatch, if you’re stateside with us) here on Horse & Country.
The topic of attachment styles has become increasingly popular on social media. We are told that we can answer a few simple questions in order to determine our style, thus opening the door to a new realm of insight into improving our relationships. In reality, our attachment patterns are more nuanced and variable, occurring on a spectrum rather than presenting as a fixed trait. In this webinar, we will explore the four main attachment styles, how they develop, and how they might influence the way we approach our interactions with both humans and horses. Developing awareness and insight into our specific styles of relating opens up rich opportunities for positive growth and change that can benefit our connection with our selves as well as our human and equine friends! [Sign up for this free webinar here]
Michael will share how effective reflective practice contributes to improved job performance, job satisfaction, animal welfare, and burnout prevention, emphasizing its significance in therapeutic settings; and gain insights into the foundational concepts of the HORSES framework, which enhances reflective supervision practices by promoting self-awareness, emotional regulation, and understanding the impact of the human-animal relationship. [Sign up for this free webinar here]
Changing the Way We Talk About Burnout Thursday, June 25, 2026 at Noon (EDT)
Preventing Burnout in Working Horses
Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Noon (EDT)
Restore & Renew
Thursday, August 27, 2026 at Noon (EDT)
This summer, take time to refresh, restore, and renew with HHRF’s 2026 Summer Refresh Series. Explore practical strategies for preventing burnout, strengthening resilience, and supporting well-being for both humans and horses through three inspiring webinars featuring experienced professionals in Equine-Assisted Services. Join HHRF’s Education Committee monthly from June through August for meaningful conversations, research-informed insights, and tools to help you thrive in the work you love. [Sign up for this free webinar here]
Jo Anne Miller, Brook Hill Farm Executive Director, Randolph College Adjunct Professor, Equus Foundation Equine Welfare Committee Chair, HETI Equine Welfare Group Member
Trish Broersma, PATH Int’l Therapeutic Certified Riding Instructor & Equine Welfare Committee Member, EFMHA President, Riding Beyond Founder
Cathy Languerand, CHA Master Instructor, NARHA Instructor, Irwin Insight Instructor, Reach Out to Horses Instructor, Reiki Master
Are you interested in participating in research with equines? Listen to an expert panel discuss guidelines to consider for ensuring the horse’s physical and mental well-being, ensuring positive outcomes for your research! HHRF believes that it is essential to the quality of the research done, that we need to go beyond “do no harm” to maximizing the well-being of the equines, respecting international cultures. The equine needs to be in optimal physical, mental, and emotional health to enhance their ability to engage with people. [Sign up for this free webinar here]
One Big Thing: Seneca Valley Pony Club Horse Trials #FeaturedFriday
A classic local event since the 80’s, the Seneca Valley Pony Club Horse Trials is on the hunt for more entries for their summer event taking place next weekend, June 13-14th, in Poolesville, Maryland.
This view of the beautiful scene at the Seneca Valley Horse Trials brought to you by Nancy from Skyland Farm.
About Seneca Valley from USEA:
The Seneca Valley Pony Club hosts two horse trials each year in June and August at Bittersweet Field in Poolesville, Maryland (Area II). Both events host Starter through Intermediate levels. This non-profit event has run for 37 years, thanks to the incredible Kiplinger family allowing the Pony Club access to their maintained, undeveloped land since 1987.
The Seneca Valley Pony Club (SVPC) was organized in 1961 by Austin Kiplinger and several other families in the northern part of Montgomery County, Maryland (then an exurb of Washington D.C.) to serve local youth, and the Kiplinger family opened their farm, Montevideo, for use by the club members. The club parents constructed a small cross-country course on the property and, over the years, began running unrecognized events at Bittersweet Field — which derives its name from the bittersweet-orange car Mr. Kiplinger and his wife used to get around the farm.
In 1986, SVPC was given the opportunity to be involved in developing the recognized horse trials at Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, Virginia and from 1986 through 1988 organized and ran six USCTA-recognized events at that location. In 1987, Mr. Kiplinger made an additional 100 acres available to SVPC, who began planning courses at Bittersweet… and the first recognized horse trials at Bittersweet was held in the fall of 1989, offering Training and Novice divisions.
“We are extremely lucky to have access to those areas of the Kiplinger farm which are not used for agricultural purposes, so our competitions run on established, fairly undisturbed turf. We do share the field with the Potomac Hunt, which runs yearly steeplechase races on the property. Both clubs expend a lot of effort to maintain the turf in great condition for equestrian use; we aggravate or aerate the courses as needed to ensure good footing.”
SVPC also continues to host an Interscholastic Eventing League Team Challenge and USEA Area II Adult Team Challenge at their summer event, along with High Point Pony Clubber and Thoroughbred Incentive Program awards.
“We try to run a friendly, fairly low-key event and meet the wishes of our competitors. For example, when Modified was approved, several of our longtime competitors told us they would really like it if we added that level, so we budgeted to add that division. I think competitors would also like to know that their participation really does help to bring along the next generation of equestrians: the horse trials are our major source of revenue and provide our members with free lessons, camp, and Pony Club certifications, as well as subsidized participation in USPC rallies and National Championships.”
We know we’re just now hitting summer, but while you’re filling out that competition calendar, make sure Oktoberfest is starred and circled! With $60,000 in prize money on the line and maintaining their status as a US Equestrian Open CCI4*-S Qualifier Event, anyone within a stone’s throw of Aiken should consider signing up for this opportunity to ride some world-class courses at a next-level venue.
Farnam, a trusted leader in horse care for 80 years, is celebrating its anniversary by continuing its commitment to horse owners through trusted horse care solutions, continued innovation, and the launch of the Horse Care Grant Sweepstakes.
Since 1946, Farnam has helped support horses from head to hoof with trusted products across fly control, supplements, grooming, leather care, dewormers, and rodenticides. Passed down through generations of horse owners, Farnam products have become staples in barns across the country by helping make everyday horse care easier, more effective, and more reliable. Following a 2025 brand refresh designed to better connect with today’s horse owners while honoring the trust built over generations, Farnam continues to invest in modern, science-backed innovation across its equine portfolio.
As part of its continued focus on innovation, Farnam recently introduced Endure® Gold Killer Fly & Mosquito Control, one of the brand’s most significant fly control innovations in recent years. Featuring two active ingredients never before used in equine fly sprays along with a new mode of action, Endure® Gold delivers advanced fly protection designed to help horse owners more effectively manage flies and mosquitoes during peak fly season.
To mark its 80th anniversary, Farnam is also giving back to the horse community through the Horse Care Grant Sweepstakes, running May 1 through July 31, 2026. The sweepstakes was designed to help owners offset everyday horse expenses through grants and product bundles. A total of sixteen winners will be selected at random following the close of the sweepstakes period.
The sweepstakes includes:
1 Grand Prize Winner: $5,000 Horse Care Grant Reimbursement
5 First Prize Winners: $1,000 Horse Care Grant Reimbursements
10 Second Prize Winners: Farnam Product Care Bundles valued at approximately $150 each
Grant winners may submit eligible 2026 receipts for horse-related expenses, including veterinary care, farrier services, feed, hay, boarding, tack, training, and other approved horse care costs. Winners will be selected on or about August 7, 2026, and notified by September 4, 2026.
“For 80 years, Farnam has been part of the everyday routines of horse owners across generations,” said Kevin Tompkins, Vice President & General Manager, Equine at Central Garden & Pet. “This anniversary is not only about celebrating our legacy but also recognizing the people who have trusted our products year after year, decade after decade. As the equine industry evolves, so do the needs of horse owners, and our responsibility is to continue innovating while staying true to the trust and reliability Farnam has built over the last 80 years. Whether it’s introducing breakthrough products like Endure® Gold or launching programs like the Horse Care Grant Sweepstakes, our focus remains on supporting horse owners and helping make horse care better for every ride.”
Phillip Herbert brought the Burghley Horse Trials course to life in the 1980s through design. Take a stroll back in time with Freda Clough’s original drawings of his 1983 course:
The American Horse Council’s (AHC) Marketing Alliance invites teams of college and university students across the United States to participate in the AHC Marketing Alliance Team Challenge. Selected teams of 5–10 students will be eligible to receive grant funding of up to $15,000 to develop and implement innovative initiatives that expand engagement in the equine industry.
According to the American Horse Council’s most recent Economic Impact Study, the U.S. equine industry contributes $177 billion annually to the economy and supports 2.2 million jobs nationwide. With approximately 6.6 million horses, the industry spans recreation, sport, agriculture, tourism, and healthcare — yet there remains significant opportunity to bring more people into hands-on participation.
This is a student’s opportunity to make a real impact — your ideas, creativity, and perspective as emerging leaders can help shape the future of the equine industry. This challenge is intentionally designed with limited guidelines to encourage creativity, innovation, and bold thinking—participants are encouraged to “think outside the barn.”
The primary goal of this challenge is to support initiatives that:
Introduce new audiences to horses and the equine industry
Encourage individuals with observational interest (fans, spectators, casual followers) to become active participants
Increase hands-on engagement, including:
Riding or equine activities
Horse ownership or leasing
Participation in equine sport, recreation, or care
Achieve wide reach and meaningful impact, engaging as many people as possible to enjoy time with horses
Proposals should demonstrate clear strategies for growing participation, expanding audience reach, and deepening engagement with horses.
One Big Thing: Retired Racehorse Project Announces New Graduate Classes for 2026 Thoroughbred Makeover
L-R: Erin Halliwell, executive director of TCA; Kirsten Green, executive director of RRP; Alison O’Dwyer and Knockemdown.
The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) announced yesterday the addition of Graduate Classes to the 2026 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America. New for 2026, the Graduate Classes will provide an opportunity for Thoroughbred Makeover alumni to return to the Kentucky Horse Park and compete once again as part of the Thoroughbred Makeover experience.
The Graduate Classes are open exclusively to any horse that was registered for the Thoroughbred Makeover in previous years, including those that are under new ownership or were withdrawn prior to the competition. This program provides an opportunity for those who wish to revisit the Makeover’s competition structure or even experience it for the first time.
Since its inception, the Thoroughbred Makeover has served as a showcase for recently retired Thoroughbred racehorses and the trainers who guide them through the early stages of transition into second careers. While many Makeover graduates go on to compete successfully in open competition across a variety of disciplines, the Graduate Classes offer alumni horses and riders an opportunity to reconnect with the event and community that helped launch those journeys.
“Our trainer community has been asking us for graduate classes for years,” said RRP executive director Kirsten Green. “We were always reluctant, encouraging participation in other programs like The Jockey Club T.I.P. and TAKE2, and ultimately open competition as a development pathway for their horses beyond their first year off-track. However, as we worked through our strategic planning process last year, we were able to look at the graduate classes through a different lens: our trainer community was asking us for a way to stay engaged with the RRP and to experience the Makeover specifically. We’re excited to see some returning faces and look forward to feedback following this pilot year.”
In its pilot year, Graduate Classes will debut in five of the ten disciplines currently offered at the Thoroughbred Makeover and will follow the existing preliminary competition format. Graduate Classes will run concurrently with the traditional Thoroughbred Makeover divisions but will have separate results and placings.
“The Thoroughbred Makeover fosters an extremely supportive community and has been coined the ‘happiest horse show on earth’ by our competitors for many years. We are very excited that the addition of Graduate Classes not only offers an avenue for folks to continue to their involvement, but an opportunity for those who missed the Makeover in the past to experience the community firsthand,” said Rayna Erasmus, program manager of the Retired Racehorse Project.
Complete details regarding Graduate Class eligibility, discipline offerings, entry procedures, fees, scheduling, prizes, and event policies are available in the Graduate Class Information Sheet on the Retired Racehorse Project website.
KPP CEO Delia Nash watched her Thoroughbred “Sibelius” go from winning the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen race to the RRP Thoroughbred Makeover with his racing trainer’s wife, Alison O’Dwyer — and now has taken to his first ever event at the Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Spring Horse Trials last month with Sydney Hagaman at the Novice level.
“The horse has a pretty bright future,” Sibelius’ current trainer Tim Bourke said, which is a pretty cool thing to say for a racehorse that’s considered “retired.”
After severe storms downed multiple trees around Flora Lea Farm in New Jersey last weekend, organizers were forced to cancel their May Horse Trials & Young Event Horse qualifier. They immediately begun work on securing a makeup date, and that request has now been approved to run on July 4. Competitors are now able to enter the event’s new date, with entries closing on June 16.
You can view more information on the event’s omnibus listing here or on their Facebook page here.
Horse welfare is at the forefront of our industry, and HorseGrooms is providing great resources to educate the population. Don’t miss this upcoming webinar with Kendall Bierer of Brooke USA on equine welfare around the world — because we never stop learning, and there will always be someone out there doing things differently.
Louisa Milne Home and Future Plans. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
We’ve got a great update from the family of Louise Milne Home, a British five-star rider who suffered an accident while warming up at a British show jumping event in February in which she sustained a Diffuse Axonal Injury across a large area of her brain. As a result, Louise was placed in a medically induced coma (from which she has since emerged) and has been making notable improvements as she fights her way through recovery.
“We are pleased to say that Louisa is making steady progress and has moved to the Royal Victoria Rehabilitation Hospital in Dundee and her voice is getting stronger every day – her first whisper was ‘Watch Badminton’,” her family posted in an update on social media on May 27. “She is working incredibly hard at her physio sessions and her mobility is slowly improving, there is still a long road ahead. We appreciate all your positive thoughts and kind messages.”
You can keep up with updates from Louisa’s team on her Facebook page here. We’re cheering hard for you, Louisa!
University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment researchers have received awards from the USDA’s National Institute of Food & Agriculture totaling more than $1.8 million to address some of the most pressing health challenges facing horses and the equine industry. The projects will be led by Department of Veterinary Science faculty working across infectious disease, immunology, reproduction and musculoskeletal health, reflecting UK’s broad role in equine research and its connection to Kentucky’s signature industry.
“The number and variety of research topics funded within a single grant cycle is highly unusual and reflects the scope and expected world-wide impact of the research conducted in the Department of Veterinary Sciences,” said Associate Dean for Research James Matthews.
Awarded Studies:
Non-antibiotic treatments for Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in foals — led by Feng Li — $650,000 funded
Li’s project will develop genetic tools to isolate and study equine rotaviruses, examine how the viruses change over time and determine how those changes affect the immune system’s ability to recognize and fight infection. The work could help guide next-generation vaccine strategies for equine rotavirus and related diseases in other agricultural animals.
R. equi pneumonia can cause serious illness and losses on horse farms, and treatment has become more difficult as some strains respond poorly to current antibiotics. With few vaccines available, Helmy’s team will test small molecules that stopped R. equi growth in early laboratory work and study how well they prevent the bacteria from infecting equine lung immune cells. The goal is to identify safer, more effective treatment candidates while reducing reliance on traditional antibiotics.
Joint corticosteroid injections’ possible effect on vaccine protection — Allen Page — $300,000 funded
Corticosteroids are commonly used in joints to treat pain and inflammation, but these drugs can affect immune function. Page’s team will test whether administering a joint corticosteroid injection at the same time as a booster vaccine reduces vaccine protection and increases susceptibility to illness after influenza exposure. The findings could help veterinarians better time treatments and vaccines for horses that travel, compete or breed — situations where infectious disease outbreaks can be costly and disruptive.
Anti-inflammatory drug use and chronic musculoskeletal inflammation — Bruno Menarim — $300,000 funded
Musculoskeletal conditions are among the leading causes of loss in the horse industry and carry major welfare and financial costs. Menarim’s project will focus on phenylbutazone, a commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and whether it interferes with the inflammatory processes horses need for exercise adaptation and recovery. The study will use horses exposed to increasing exercise and experimental joint inflammation to measure how phenylbutazone affects the body’s ability to adapt to training and resolve inflammation.
A long-sought biological signal tied to early pregnancy maintenance in mares — Hossam Elsayed — $300,000 funded
Successful pregnancy depends on maternal recognition of pregnancy, a process in which the embryo sends a biochemical message that helps the mare maintain the corpus luteum, a temporary ovarian structure that produces progesterone. Elsayed’s project will test whether a hormone, known as CG-beta, may be that signal in horses. Since early pregnancy loss is a major concern in the horse breeding industry, identifying this signal could lead to better pregnancy tests and future treatments to reduce losses.
Camp Run-A-Muck is a 3-day immersive adult running and wellness camp hosted at Stable View in Aiken, SC — an expansive, trail-filled venue that captures the spirit of movement, community, and the great outdoors. This all-inclusive summer camp for adults brings together trail runs, coaching workshops, nutrition seminars, yoga, a self-defense session, and delicious chef-prepared meals, creating an experience that’s equal to education, adventure, and pure fun.
Camp Dates: Thursday, June 25 – Sunday, June 28, 2026
Accommodations and Meals: The Bistro at Stable View will provide freshly prepared meals, whole-food breakfast options, and refreshments from Thursday dinner time to Sunday breakfast time. There are professionally designed single and shared occupancy accommodations available. Shared occupancy would be a two bedroom apartment with a shared bathroom and a full kitchen with coffee making facilities. Single occupancy offers you your own bedroom and bathroom, with coffee making facilities and a microwave.
Working on improving hind leg impulsion is tricky, so let Louise Ann Bell break it down for you… and if you didn’t have enough imposter syndrome today, her rider is doing it with one less leg in the stirrups than you:
Our One Big Thing from Wednesday’s News & Notes covered an update of the USEF rule change proposal regarding Concussions, Injuries, and Return to Sport. Watch the USEF’s Learning Center video below discussing concussions, traumatic brain injury, and helmet safety:
Alongside the DelMarVa Region Pony Club’s upcoming 3-Day Qualifying Eventing Rally on June 19-21, the club has announced that they will also be hosting a Classic Format Event Clinic. The clinic will be open to the general public (not just Pony Clubbers) and have stabling available on site. This clinic is designed to introduce eventers to the Classic Format and give riders hands-on experience with the format’s key components. The Classic Format offers a focused, practical introduction, blending expert talks, hands-on skill work, and a mock endurance day to help riders move confidently into this competition style.
In the words of the late great Jimmy Wofford, “the Classic Format tests endurance and speed in ways that are not found in the Olympic format. I have always maintained that Classic Eventing is not merely a test of training, but of character. Like Vince Lombardi, I think that ‘fatigue makes cowards of us all.’”
This is all being done in thankful cooperation with Fair Hill International and will be held at the Fair Hill NRMA Fairgrounds under the Department of Natural Resources, Fair Hill.
Schedule Overview:
FRIDAY SESSIONS
Dressage Fix-A-Test — Lauren Annette
Jog Out Inspections — Jane Sleeper
Evening Talk: Preparing for Your First Classic Format — Phillip Dutton
SATURDAY SESSIONS
Working in the Vet Box — Steve Berkowitz, DVM
Roads & Tracks, ‘Riding for Pace and Efficiency’ — Valerie Pride
Steeplechase Schooling — Matt Brown
Evening Talk: ‘Using Technology in Your Training’ — Hayley Frielick
SUNDAY
Mock Endurance day simulating the Classic Format experience from start to finish!
Signups and registration for the clinic can be found here on the DelMarVa Region Pony Club site, as well as further information on the clinic’s learning objectives, format, and logistics. There are also options to sign up for stabling and dinner. Register now — we anticipate this excellent opportunity to fill up quickly!
One Big Thing: Updated Return To Sport Requirements
A rule change proposal regarding Concussions, Injuries, and Return to Sport (USEF 065-24) was first introduced to the US Equestrian Federation in 2024, generating much discussion. So what’s happening with it now?
US Equestrian states that this proposal is now in its fourth draft, as certain comments from various committees and recognized affiliates initiated the need for multiple amendments since its introduction. Per the USEF, “the current draft would require participants who have fallen at a competition to be examined by the competition’s Qualified Medical Personnel, a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner before being allowed to remount a horse or horse-drawn vehicle. This rule does not apply to adult participants who fall and land on their feet, unless they have fallen more than once during the competition.
“’The main reason for this is to try to ensure participants are not remounting after a fall with an injury that could lead to further falls or increase seriousness of injuries sustained after a fall,’ Katlynn Wilbers, USEF Director of Competition Operations, said during the April USEF Virtual Listening Session. ‘A concussion can be a good example of this. You may feel fine, think you can jump back on the horse, adrenaline is pumping after a fall, and the qualified medical personnel evaluation just gives a moment to make sure you’re truly in the best place to be getting back on the horse.’”
Many concerns have been raised by various committees regarding sports such as eventing, where falls can occur out of sight, or that waiting for a rider to be medically assessed may disrupt competition schedules. Additionally, clarifications have had to be made to accommodate precise definitions needed for sports like driving and vaulting. The current council comment period for rule change proposals will conclude on May 31, after which the active draft for this proposed rule and all other current drafts will be sent to the USEF Board of Directors for a vote in June.
The USEF continues to hold a strong stance supporting the advocacy and education surrounding concussions in sport, and has developed a Return to Sport Concussion Strategy tailored specifically to equestrians. These guidelines are designed to be used alongside guidance from the athlete’s own medical provider. Timelines will vary as concussion symptoms, severity, and recovery can vary wildly based on biological factors such as age, biological sex, and pre-existing conditions such as ADHD, migraines, and mental health issues. Further education and resources on concussion safety can also be found here.
