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Thursday News & Notes

By on Jan 23, 2025 12:01 am -

Wherever you are, we hope you’re staying safe in the extremes of weather we’ve already seen in this first month of 2025 (is it too late to cancel our free trial?). Our friends in the southeast part of the U.S. have seen record-breaking snowfall in places we’re unaccustomed to seeing the cold white stuff, such as New Orleans and also eventing hub Aiken, SC. Stay safe and warm out there, everyone — only a few more weeks of winter to go!

U.S Weekend Preview

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

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

News & Reading

We’ve teamed up with Strides for Equality Equestrians to raffle off a private flat lesson with British Olympian William Fox-Pitt during his Ocala, FL clinic in March! Click here for more details on how to enter before the end of this month.

Team EN is hard at work on some very exciting things for 2025! To that end, we’ve love your feedback on merch as we look ahead to re-launching our much-loved line just for you, our readers! Click here to take a quick survey. We’d appreciate it!

Young show jumping star Skylar Wireman joined Caroline Culbertson on the most recent episode of the Horse Person podcast, and you won’t want to miss the interview. Learn about Skylar’s journey up the ranks and how she and her mother managed an expensive sport on limited funds in the episode here.

Also new on the podcast airwaves this week, a new episode of Major League Eventing with 3* rider Ashley Trier. Ashley shares her story of being from a non-horsey family and tricking her mom into letting her ride a horse at a local Western barn. By 10 years old, she bought her first horse and then eventually found her 3* horse Maybelline Covergirl. Listen to Ashley’s interview here.

The USEA is proud to announce the first class of USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) Judges have completed their certifications through the YEH New Judge Education Program, which was led by YEH faculty member, Marilyn Payne. Three new judges will now join the ranks assessing talent for the future, and you can read about them here.

A recent Horse & Hound investigation highlights ongoing gaps in equine traceability, despite measures like mandatory registration and e-passports in the Thoroughbred industry. Issues such as fragmented records and altered identities continue to put horses at risk, echoing concerns raised by the 2024 RTÉ Investigates documentary, “Horses – Making a Killing.” The investigation revealed inhumane treatment and systemic failures, prompting calls for unified solutions to prevent vulnerable horses from slipping through the cracks. Read the exclusive here.

Video Break

When dressage and reining meet:

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Jan 22, 2025 12:01 am -

UK readers, this one’s for you! World Champion and Olympic medalist Ros Canter is inviting you to her yard for some insight into how she trains, works with her horses, and sets her operation up for success. This event will take place on February 8 beginning at 4 pm local time. VIP and general admission tickets can be booked here.

U.S Weekend Preview

Rocking Horse Winter I H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

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

News & Reading

We’ve teamed up with Strides for Equality Equestrians to raffle off a private flat lesson with British Olympian William Fox-Pitt during his Ocala, FL clinic in March! Click here for more details on how to enter before the end of this month.

Team EN is hard at work on some very exciting things for 2025! To that end, we’ve love your feedback on merch as we look ahead to re-launching our much-loved line just for you, our readers! Click here to take a quick survey. We’d appreciate it!

It’s the story we’ve all been waiting for. After images and videos of a young girl riding a horse to safety during the raging California wildfires, the equestrian community at large wanted to know more. The Chronicle of the Horse got the full story from 16-year-old Kalyna Fedorowycz, who rode the Fresian-Warmblood gelding Sovereignty to safety. Don’t miss it here.

We’ve mentioned the British Eventing Support Trust many times here on EN over the years, but what does your donation to this organization do? Learn more about BEST and how it helps its members here.

Nazila Hejazi and her 20-year-old Missouri Fox Trotter mare, Tessa, may have made for an unconventional pair at the USEA Area VI Championships, held in October at Galway Downs (Temecula, CA) but they didn’t let that hold them back. It’s uncommon to see a horse in their twenties still competing in eventing, and even more rare for a gaited horse to compete in a jumping sport. Read their story here.

Video Break

A new tip from 5* rider and FEI judge Valerie Pride, focused on instilling confidence on cross country with your horse!

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Jan 21, 2025 12:01 am -

Several U.S.-based athletes attended the weekend’s FEI Eventing Forum, held in Lausanne, Switzerland to discuss important matters within the sport of eventing. On topic for discussion were things such as the proposed changes to the eventing format for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, a rule change proposed to the existing flag rule on cross country, risk management measures, and more.

We’ll have more coming from the Eventing Forum in the coming days (and stay tuned for a press release from the FEI recapping the sessions today), but for now we’ll give the mic to Phillip Dutton, who was in attendance and shared his thoughts on social media. You can also review the Eventing Forum topics and recordings of sessions here.

Phillip’s thoughts can be found in the post embedded above or directly on Facebook here.

Events Opening This Week

Sporting Days Farm March H.T. (SC); Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. International (GA); SAzEA Spring H.T. (AZ); Southern Pines H.T. I (NC); Full Gallop Farm March I H.T. (SC)

Events Closing Today

Pine Top Intermediate (GA); Ocala Winter I (FL); Galway Downs Kickoff H.T. – Late Entries (CA)

News & Reading

In honor of Martin Luther King Day on January 20, the USEA DEI Committee penned a thoughtful piece on how to honor his legacy through small acts of kindness within our sport. Read it here.

Chronicle of the Horse blogger Jamie Sindell took pen to paper to expand on how horses gave her young daughter a sense of empowerment. This is surely a sentiment many of us can relate you, and you’ll find some reflections to take to heart within your own journey here.

German Olympian Jérôme Robiné is ready to take a new role within the sport this year as he steps in as co-U25 coach alongside Andreas Dibowski. You can read Jérôme’s thoughts on this new era in an interview with Buschreiter here.

Should you adjust your horse’s diet during their winter time off? Get some help from an equine nutritionist on feeding during this transitional period here.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

Last week, we introduced you to the all-new offering from Kentucky Performance Products, AirWise! Multiphase research trials conducted at the University of Georgia demonstrate the benefits of AirWise in supporting a return to normal airway function in these horses.

AirWise is s synergistic formula developed to support healthy airway function in horses showing signs of inflammatory airway conditions. Learn more about it here.

Video Break

Take a walk down memory lane with some footage from the 1974 World Championships held at Burghley.

Monday News & Notes from Futuretrack

By on Jan 20, 2025 12:01 am -

How cool are these custom shoes created from Becky Moody’s Jagerbomb’s kicks worn during the Paris Olympics this summer! That’s a keepsake to hold onto for life. If you take a scroll through the Polished Shoes Instagram, you might spy a few more famous pairs of customized shoes!

U.S. Weekend Results

Stable View Aiken Opener H.T. (SC): [Website] [Scores]

Ram Tap Combined Test (CA): [Website] [Scores]

News & Reading

We’ve all been taught that a horse in a forward way of going is going correctly, but when you stop to think about it, what details go into achieving this? Eric Smiley breaks it down in this excerpt from his book, The Sport Horse Problem Solver.

After a banner 2024 and the hard work that went into those results with the big picture in mind, amateur rider Arden Wildasin is eyeing her 5* move-up this year. She sat down with The Chronicle of the Horse to dive into her career thus far and how she’s prepping for the step up. Read the interview here.

British Eventing (BE) and The Pony Club are delighted to announce a new collaboration to better align their events, minimize scheduling clashes and enhance the value of membership for their communities. The initiative aims to reduce financial and logistical barriers to encourage broader participation in the sport, demonstrating the dedication of both organizations to educate, inspire and support young riders, nurturing future generations and ensuring the sport’s continued growth and sustainability. Read more about this new collaboration here.

We’ve teamed up with Strides for Equality Equestrians to raffle off a private flat lesson with British Olympian William Fox-Pitt during his Ocala, FL clinic in March! Click here for more details on how to enter before the end of this month.

Team EN is hard at work on some very exciting things for 2025! To that end, we’ve love your feedback on merch as we look ahead to re-launching our much-loved line just for you, our readers! Click here to take a quick survey. We’d appreciate it!

Video Break

Catch up with Elisa Wallace’s latest vlog, featuring Wyeth the mustang:

Sunday Links

By on Jan 19, 2025 12:01 am -

Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Have you gotten your tickets for the 2025 Stirling Venture Capital Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field (Aiken, SC – February 28-March 1) yet? We’re just over a month out from what has unofficially become the opening of the season, featuring many big names and often even some international visitors!

You won’t find a much more spectator-friendly event here in the U.S., and Grand-Prix Eventing is a perfect way to introduce someone new to the sport of eventing and to take it in in a condensed, thrilling format. Tickets and VIP options are available here.

U.S. Weekend Events

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

Ram Tap Combined Test (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

Rocking Horse Winter I H.T. (FL): [Website] [Ride Times]

Links & Reading

We’ve teamed up with Strides for Equality Equestrians to raffle off a private flat lesson with British Olympian William Fox-Pitt during his Ocala, FL clinic in March! Click here for more details on how to enter before the end of this month.

Team EN is hard at work on some very exciting things for 2025! To that end, we’ve love your feedback on merch as we look ahead to re-launching our much-loved line just for you, our readers! Click here to take a quick survey. We’d appreciate it!

2024 USEA Volunteer of the Year Susan Hart Makes USEA History with Gold Medal Achievement

Are these our Los Angeles 2028 Olympic eventing individual medallists?

Investigating Prebiotics’ Role in Managing Equine Leaky Gut

Video Break

A celebration of the wonderful ponies who give us the horse bug!

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Jan 18, 2025 12:01 am -

Another perk of taking a casual African safari in the offseason? Swimming! 5* rider Will Rawlin decided to take a quick dip while on safari and shared the photo series with us, and Laura Collett was there too! The FOMO continues!

U.S. Weekend Events

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

Ram Tap Combined Test (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

Rocking Horse Winter I H.T. (FL): [Website] [Ride Times]

Links & Reading

We’ve teamed up with Strides for Equality Equestrians to raffle off a private flat lesson with British Olympian William Fox-Pitt during his Ocala, FL clinic in March! Click here for more details on how to enter before the end of this month.

Team EN is hard at work on some very exciting things for 2025! To that end, we’ve love your feedback on merch as we look ahead to re-launching our much-loved line just for you, our readers! Click here to take a quick survey. We’d appreciate it!

Six 9-year-old horses to watch in 2025

5 Tips For Cross-Country Riding from the USEA ECP Symposium Day 3

Like Father, Like Daughther: Phillip Dutton and Olivia Dutton

It’s January, And I Feel Like Cold Garbage. Help Motivate Me.

Social Facilitation and Better Performance

Sponsor Corner: World Equestrian Brands

Now is your chance to save on new tall boots for the season! While supplies last, Evolution and Progress boots are on sale at 50% off list price. Don’t wait, pick up yours here.

Video Break

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Jan 17, 2025 12:01 am -

It’s high clinic season here in the U.S., and one of the latest international riders to join the list of visitors is Olympic individual gold medalist Julia Krajewski. Julia will be teaching a clinic in Ocala, FL January 27-31. There are a limited number of spots available for lessons, and auditing is also available for a fee. For more information, please contact Chris Talley at 484-798-9834.

And another rider coming stateside — and another Olympic gold medalist (twice over!) — in Britain’s Tom McEwen. Tom is visiting the West coast for his tour, making stops at Cellar Farm in Petaluma, CA (January 21-23) and Galway Downs in Temecula, CA (January 25-26).

U.S. Weekend Preview

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

Ram Tap Combined Test (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

News & Reading

Exciting news! The beloved Essex Horse Trials will make its return in 2025, a positive development after the community worried the event had run its final competition in 2024. The sustainability of running at two venues, a longtime format of Essex, was challenging for organizers. Thanks to the help of multiple supporters, including Olympic dressage judge Marilyn Payne, who stepped up to helm the organizing of the event, have made this year’s event possible. Read more from Nancy Jaffer on this story here.

Some interesting reading on the topic of nosebands has also hit the internet this week. Welfare critics have voiced concern that tight nosebands cause stress, but a recently-published project led by Dr. Hilary Clayton didn’t back up that perception — at least, not in one set of circumstances. The study focused on noseband tightness, which of course has been a major topic of discussion, particularly given the context of a new noseband measuring tool debuted by the FEI this year. Read the summary here.

Meanwhile, the use of spurs and whips has also been limited by British Showjumping, The Pony Club in Great Britain, and British Riding Clubs, which now dictate that a whip may only be used to back up leg aids, and not as punishment or discipline. As for spurs, The Pony Club has laid out new rules that take effect this month, which now require a rider to have passed their C+ test or an assessment showing that they understand spurs’ use and have a stable enough lower leg to wear them appropriately. Read the full breakdown here.

We’ve teamed up with Strides for Equality Equestrians to raffle off a private flat lesson with British Olympian William Fox-Pitt during his Ocala, FL clinic in March! Click here for more details on how to enter before the end of this month.

Team EN is hard at work on some very exciting things for 2025! To that end, we’ve love your feedback on merch as we look ahead to re-launching our much-loved line just for you, our readers! Click here to take a quick survey. We’d appreciate it!

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

It’s time to kick off this year’s Stable View Eventing Academy series! Entries are now open for the February Eventing Academy, which will take place February 14-16 and will, naturally, have a Valentine’s Day theme. You can learn more about Eventing Academy events, which include a day of cross country schooling before an unrecognized, no-pressure competition, here.

Video Break

What at the five primary rider responsibilities? Bec Braitling breaks them down:

Thursday News & Notes

By on Jan 16, 2025 1:30 am -

Another great example of the eventing community shines bright today with the latest post from Phillip Dutton and his family! Pictured above are Evie Dutton and Lee Lee Dutton with Rochelle Woodeshick, the owner of Tack Butter. Rochelle has donated a portion of proceeds from Tack Butter sales to aid in Lee Lee’s ongoing recovery from a riding accident in 2017. If you want to help out, pick up some luxurious Tack Butter here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

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

Ram Tap Combined Test (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

News & Reading

We’ve teamed up with Strides for Equality Equestrians to raffle off a private flat lesson with British Olympian William Fox-Pitt during his Ocala, FL clinic in March! Click here for more details on how to enter before the end of this month.

Team EN is hard at work on some very exciting things for 2025! To that end, we’ve love your feedback on merch as we look ahead to re-launching our much-loved line just for you, our readers! Click here to take a quick survey. We’d appreciate it!

The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) and the USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) Committee regretfully announce that the 2025 YEH Symposium, planned for Monday, Feb. 17 in Ocala, FL, has been cancelled. Following the great success of the event in 2024 and due to unforeseen changes in venue availability, the YEH Committee has made the difficult decision to cancel the upcoming educational event to ensure that the quality of the symposium is not sacrificed. Read more about this development here.

From Starter all the way to the top of the sport, the rider’s ability to identify and influence the rhythm, relaxation, balance, straightness, and adjustability of their horse is key, whether you’re riding on the flat or over fences. That was the big focus on Day 2 of the USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) Symposium, held at Galway Downs. Read up on day two’s lessons here.

When EPA Elegance and her owner Shannon Daily ended up with a cheering section, complete with handmade signs, when they crossed the finish line as winners in the training/novice division at the Calais Horse Trials, held Nov. 23 in Powhatan, VA, it marked the end of a year-long nightmare that “Hazel” almost didn’t survive. Read the full story here.

Video Break

And just like that, it’s helmet cam season again! Ride along with Elisa Wallace and Tullymurry Fifi for their pipe opener at Majestic Oaks last weekend:

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Jan 15, 2025 12:01 am -

In the spirit of eventing and community, Pau winner from 2024 Caroline Harris announced that she will be running the Bath Half Marathon this year in support of the British Eventing Support Trust and Saffron Cresswell, a young event rider who was paralyzed from the chest down in a fall while competing at Bramham International last summer. You can read more about Saffron’s rehab journey here. If you’d like to contribute to Charlotte’s endeavor, click here to learn more.

U.S. Weekend Preview

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

Ram Tap Combined Test (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

News & Reading

In times of natural disaster, marginalized communities are often hit the hardest. Abriana Johnson has collected a directory of GoFundMe accounts dedicated to helping displaced Black families in the LA area after devastating wildfires destroyed thousands of homes and livelihoods. Click here to view the list.

On a pack trip in Wyoming’s Big Horn Mountains in 2018 with her family, Australia-born Zara Bewley encountered many memorable creatures—moose, mountain lions, and bears. But it was Sam, a stoic 4-year-old blue roan gelding she rode during the journey, who made the biggest impact on her life. Read the story of the “ultimate amateur partner” here.

Get some quick facts about this week’s USEA Eventing Coaches Program Symposium held at Galway Downs in Temecula, CA here.

The annual Painted Ponies Art Walk & Auction blazes into Carolina starting February 1! Always a popular local event for equestrians and non-horse people alike, the Painted Ponies help raise funding for the Carolina Horse Park Foundation each year. Click here to learn more about this year’s Auction.

Do horses actually enjoy being touched? Researchers looked at how therapy horses reacted to various types of patting on various body parts, when tied up or loose. Horse Sport reports more here.

Video Break

Prepping for your first FEI event this year? Go you! Here are some useful tips and tricks from Ride iQ and Jon Holling:

https://www.youtube.com/live/nlJYksir9Xw?si=Lb7NBmqNknq1ILHL

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Jan 14, 2025 12:01 am -

As the wildfires in Los Angeles, CA continue to burn, several outposts for assistance have been set up to aid those affected. At the time of writing, the Palisades fire just to the north of Santa Monica is at 14% containment, while the other major fire, the Eaton fire to the north of Pasadena, is 33% contained.

Calabasas Saddlery is one such outpost, setting up a donation site where a large number of items is available for pickup by those displaced or otherwise affected by the fires. Additional donations are also being accepted for distribution into the community. You can find a list of what’s available and what is being accepted above or by clicking here. The Chronicle of the Horse has also compiled a list of ways to assist equestrians here.

Events Opening This Week

Full Gallop Farm March Wednesday H.T. (SC); Rocking Horse Winter III H.T. (FL); Twin Rivers H.T. (CA)

Events Closing Today

Galway Downs Kickoff H.T. (CA); Sporting Days Farm February H.T. II (SC); Three Lakes Winter I at Caudle Ranch (FL)

News & Reading

The FEI has proposed a working group in collaboration with other national federations, including USEF, to conduct further research into air vest technology. As air vests become more prolific outside of eventing, the need for additional research into manufacturer claims and efficacy of the vests has grown stronger. You can read more about this initiative and its goals here.

Tune in for the latest episode of the USEA podcast for a dive into all things rider fitness. Featuring host Nicole Brown as well as Olympian Boyd Martin and equestrian fitness coach Tony Sandoval, the episode will provide you with some insights on making 2025 your strongest year yet. Listen here or on your favorite podcast platform.

Count down to this year’s MARS Badminton Horse Trials, the first CCI5* on the UK calendar that will be here before we know it! Preview the various ticket offerings and need-to-know dates here.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

New product alert! Kentucky Performance Products is pleased to announce AirWise™, a research-proven supplement designed to support normal airway function in horses facing respiratory challenges. AirWise is formulated with a diverse blend of potent antioxidants and micronutrients. These work synergistically to support a return to a healthier respiratory system in your horse. The end result: Helping horses perform at their best.

Learn more about AirWise here.

Video Break

Peter Wylde was kind enough to brave the cold in Pennsylvania and help me jump all of the horses. Conner aka Commando 3 is fired up for a big year!!

Posted by Boyd Martin on Monday, January 13, 2025

Nothing like the help of an Olympic show jumper to tune up your horses for the season! Here’s a look at Peter Wylde jumping Boyd Martin’s Commando 3 (owned by Yankee Creek Ranch) at Boyd’s home base in Pennsylvania.

Monday News & Notes from Futuretrack

By on Jan 13, 2025 12:01 am -

If your horse had a New Years resolution, what would it be? If we had to guess, probably something along the lines of “figure out a way to get dressage eliminated from eventing” or “make my mom understand that feeding times are simply suggestions” or “attempt to coat my ENTIRE body and not just one side with mud.” What would you add?

U.S. Weekend Results

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks (FL): [Website] [Scores]

News & Reading

Looking back, where were the Paris individual medallists three-and-a-half years before their podium moment? EquiRatings dives into the data behind the top finishers in Paris and what the implications are looking ahead to Los Angeles in 2028 here.

Bringing your future eventing prospect with you to a horse trial as a non-compete can be a wonderful educational opportunity for horses not used to the hustle and bustle of the show grounds. However, horses must be registered with the show office as a “non-compete” horse in order to be allowed on grounds. Bringing horses to an event to school, provide lessons, or to campaign for sale without registering them as a non-compete horse is strictly prohibited. Brush up on the rules surrounding non-compete horses in this Rule Refresher from the USEA.

How to identify and manage hoof abscesses—a common condition that often appears out of nowhere, with some tips from Practical Horseman’s Vet On Call column here.

The world’s official oldest horse has passed away at the age of 36. Read more here.

Video Break

Training up some future champions at The Billy Stud for some very important business!

Sunday Links

By on Jan 12, 2025 12:01 am -

Who are these pals at Phillip Dutton’s? None other than Phillip’s Rio Olympic bronze medal partner, Mighty Nice, and his Tokyo horse, Z, enjoying their time in retirement as pasture mates! Way to live up that well-deserved retirement, friends. We love to see it!

U.S. Weekend Preview

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

Links & Reading

No, You Don’t Have To ‘Push Through Your Fear’ In Order To Get Over It

Through the Lens: 2024-2025 EA21 National Camp

Tackling Equine Gastric Ulcers

Jumping Lessons: One Exercise, Four Trainers, Four Ways

British Eventing National Championships return to Hartpury for 2025

Video Break

Tune in for a fascinating rider biomechanics ride review with rider biomechanics coach Suzanne Galdun and Ride iQ:

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Jan 11, 2025 12:01 am -

In 2024, we bid a very fond farewell to the beloved Blair Castle International in Scotland, which ran for the final time in 2024 after being a major part of the eventing calendar for over three decades. The team at EN would like to extend our gratitude to the hard-working individuals who worked tirelessly to put on one of the best events in our sport.

The competition calendar will not be left with a void in the literal sense, however, as Scone Palace in Perthshire, located further south of Blair Castle, will take over the competition from 2025 forward. You can read more about this transition here and here. The first Scone Palace International will take place August 21-24. Learn more about Scone Palace International here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

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

Links & Reading

How To Help Equestrians Affected By LA Wildfires

‘To Say That It Felt Apocalyptic Is Putting It Lightly’: From the LA Wildfires

2024 RevitaVet USEA Young Rider of the Year Molly Duda Has Weathered the Ups and Downs of Top-Level Sport and Come Out Stronger

Improve your horse’s rideability and straightness with Harry Meade’s three-fence jumping exercise

The Connection Between the Rider’s and Horse’s Backs

Sponsor Corner: World Equestrian Brands

What some ins and outs on your 2025 list? World Equestrian Brands has some for you!

IN
– XC boots that protect from impact and penetration
– XC boots that don’t rub
– XC boots that are lightweight and help legs stay cool

OUT
– XC boots that are stiff and cause rubs
– XC boots that add weight when going through water
– XC boots that trap heat

Find boots that are definitively IN on World Equestrian Brands here.

Video Break

New year, fresh start, still no idea how to remember my dressage test (but that’s a problem for next year) — who can relate?

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Jan 10, 2025 12:01 am -

Another offseason, another year in which we are somehow NOT on safari holiday with Laura Collett (maybe next year), but we’re enjoying living vicariously through her and several other top eventers who have journeyed to Africa for a horseback safari tour. The FOMO is real!

U.S. Weekend Preview

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

News & Reading

Equestrian Australia is seeking a new Eventing High Performance Operations Coordinator to provide ongoing support to its eventing program at the top levels. Job duties include managing the eventing National High Performance Program’s operations and logistics, managing International eventing entries, FEI registrations and Passports for athletes based offshore, and other personnel support responsibilities. You can learn more about the position here.

Former Will Coleman 5* ride Tight Lines has entered his medal era, this time with #supergroom Erin Jarboe in the irons. “Phish” may be retired from eventing, but he still shows off in the dressage ring with Erin these days as she works toward her USDF Bronze Medal. Catch up with the Colemans, Erin, and Phish here.

Clinic alert! Belgian chef d’equipe and 5* rider Kai Steffen-Meier is coming stateside for a clinic in Ocala this winter. The clinic will take place at Redtail Ridge South January 27-28. Interested parties should contact O’Neal Equestrian here. Click here to learn more information.

Can any horse go barefoot? To explore the science behind hoof care, horseshoes, and farrier work over the last 50 years, Noëlle Floyd turned to one of the most accomplished farriers in the industry, Stephen Teichman, whose resume includes shoeing horses for kings and queens as well as at six Olympic Games and six Pan American Games. Read the piece on Facebook here.

How did a show jumper wind up as a part of the Beyoncé Bowl during her halftime performance at a recent Houston Texans game? The Chronicle of the Horse dives into a great story of connections and opportunities here.

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

Photo by Liz Crawley Photography.

Today is the final day to submit your late entry for the Stable View Aiken Opener H.T. next weekend (January 18-19)! This event offers recognized divisions from Starter through Preliminary, with courses rated as easy to average in the USEA Omnibus. It’s a perfect opportunity to kick off the season in a welcoming and lower-pressure environment. Also on tap are Stable View staples such as the Graze & Gaze offering of refreshments on Saturday evening, an Adult Team Challenge sponsored by Sunheist, and a $15 yoga class on Friday evening. You can enter here ($50 late fee applies). For more information on this event, click here.

Video Break

Andrew Hoy shares some insights on finding your distance to fences:

Thursday News & Notes

By on Jan 9, 2025 12:01 am -

Multiple major fires continue to burn in Los Angeles, CA this week, where strong winds and dry conditions have fueled the rapid spread of wildfires and forced residents from their homes. The fires have claimed the lives of multiple people and have also displaced animals. At the time of writing, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, one of the largest facilities in the metropolitan area, remained safe and was an evacuation center for those fleeing the fires. The facility is located in Burbank, to the east of the fires, but the situation continues to develop and change and strong winds will continue to affect containment at least through today. The Chronicle of the Horse reports more on the effects of the fire on the equine community here.

We will continue to monitor the situation and will share verified ways to help as we find them.

U.S. Weekend Preview

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

News & Reading

Travel the world, be around top sport, see your horses performing on the world stage. No one ever claims that a grooms’ life is an easy one, but this should be an attractive career. And yet we still hear too many stories of burnt out, exhausted grooms. In the latest blog from the International Grooms Association, an IGA member (who wishes to stay anonymous) shared how this issue has affected her life. Read it here.

The USEA recently asked its members on social media to tell them about their 2024 successes. Amateur rider Alyssa Schaefer (Petaluma, California) wrote in about her year with her 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Fuego (Furst Romancier x Stanzie). Read her blog here.

Some British Olympians were not named to the government’s New Year Honours List, setting off an expression of opinions on the decision to award some Olympians and not others. Horse & Hound explores this development here.

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Learn how to introduce a liverpool to your jumping with 5* rider and FEI dressage judge Valerie Pride:

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Jan 8, 2025 12:01 am -

Florida training sessions are well underway for the USEF Eventing Development 25 riders who have the opportunity to learn from Developing coach Leslie Law. It’s that time of year to knock off the rust and start to get serious about some big goals for the season. In eventing, you can never stop learning!

U.S. Weekend Preview

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

News & Reading

Are you a current member or are considering joining the USEA Intercollegiate and Interscholastic League? There’s loads of information for you to brush up on about these programs in this primer.

Highlighting the importance of vigilance and a proactive response, this article on The Chronicle of the Horse calls for a collective effort to protect the welfare of horses and riders alike. This piece serves as a reminder of the responsibility we all share to speak up and take action when we witness unacceptable behavior.

The International Grooms Association shares a heartfelt piece reflecting on the invaluable lessons horses teach us every day. From patience and resilience to trust and communication, this article explores how working closely with these incredible animals shapes not only our careers but our lives as well. Read it here.

Practical Horseman dives into the common yet often frustrating issue of hoof abscesses in their latest “Vet on Call” article. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and best treatment practices to keep your horse comfortable and on the road to recovery here.

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Fifteen of the first 28 runnings of the Kentucky Derby were won by Black jockeys. They dominated the early years of Thoroughbred racing in the United States—and they were widely regarded as the best in the world. Watch more of the history:

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Jan 7, 2025 12:01 am -

Did you miss CrossCountryApp’s round-up of the most inventive jumps found on courses around the world in 2024? It’s well worth a glance through! From the famous Stag jump in Paris, to a Taylor Swift theme, to colorful aboriginal art, and beyond, you won’t want to miss the full round-up here.

Events Opening This Week

Full Gallop Farm Mid-February H.T. (SC); Pine Top Advanced (GA); Three Lakes Winter II at Caudle Ranch (FL)

Events Closing Today

Rocking Horse Winter I (FL); Full Gallop Farm January H.T. (SC); Galway Downs Annual Fundraiser Clinic (CA)

News & Reading

US Equestrian wants to learn more about your body protector and air vest usage and preferences. Click here to take the survey if you are over 18.

Our partner, SmartPak, believes in creating a lasting impact across equine communities. That’s why they make a concerted effort each year to donate to organizations in need. Read their 2024 Give Back recap here.

We aren’t done recapping 2024 yet! If you’re a bookworm, this top list of horse-oriented books will fill up your shopping cart quickly!

Planning to attend the upcoming USEA Eventing Coaches Program workshop at Galway Downs in California next week? Meet the faculty you’ll be learning from here.

Capt. Mark Phillips hasn’t quite called time on his designing career yet, stepping in to design this year’s Agria Blenheim Palace International and the FEI Eventing European Championships in September. Read more on his reaction to the new posting here.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

Did you know? Supplementation with vitamin E is most crucial during the winter when horses are fed diets almost exclusively composed of preserved forages.

Lack of vitamin E can result in:
– Sore, stiff muscles
– Poor immune system
– Neurological disorders

Elevate Maintenance Powder can be used to maintain adequate blood levels and is economical for long-term use.

Learn more at KPPusa.com.

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We can’t wait to see what’s on tap for this year’s cross country course at Defender Kentucky! Do you have your tickets yet?

Monday News & Notes from Futuretrack

By on Jan 6, 2025 12:01 am -

Exciting news to help you make your travel plans for the new year: the MARS Badminton ticket office is officially open for this year’s event (May 7-11)! Priority ticket booking begins today, dedicated for anyone who had signed up to access the sale early. If you missed out on the priority booking sign-ups, never fear, general tickets go on sale next Monday, January 13. Be sure to mark your calendars and we’ll see you in England! Click here to visit the Badminton box office.

U.S. Weekend Results

Sporting Days Farm January H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

Benefitting from the surge in sports betting stemming from legislation that has been enacted in recent years, the city of Philadelphia has awarded a $500,000 grant to the nonprofit youth polo and access program, Work to Ride, to help the organization build a new indoor arena. Read more about this grant here.

There’s much to glean from watching training sessions, even if they aren’t directly related to eventing. We’ve been following the USEF Horsemastership Sessions in Wellington, Fl., where show jumping legend Beezie Madden imparted some knowledge in the most recent day of training. Read about the session focused on adjustability and gymnastic work here.

There’s a lot of information out there now about the human microbiome and its function, but what about the equine microbiome? Is it time to start talking about this? The Horse dives in here.

Blindfolding horses removes visual stimuli ostensibly to make a frightened animal more reliant on the handler in emergencies, such as leading from a burning barn. An earlier study showed horses actually took longer to lead and displayed more avoidance and resistance behaviours when blindfolded. However, a large variation in individual response was noted, which could be due to temperament. Read up on some research dedicated to this here.

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Meet British 5* rider Simon Grieve and his string of horses over on his new YouTube channel:

Sunday Links

By on Jan 5, 2025 12:01 am -

It wouldn’t be a polar vortex without some very (happy) muddy barn dogs! Exhibit A: EN’s Abby Powell’s dog, Chief, making the most of the snow melt while his mom picked paddocks. No regrets, right?

U.S. Weekend Events

We’re back! The U.S. season kicks off this weekend in Aiken, and you’ll find links to events happening during the upcoming weekend here each Wednesday – Sunday in our News & Notes.

Sporting Days Farm January H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Links & Reading

Apply to participate in the GMHA Junior Horsemanship clinic by February 1

Bid on some great items and support the Maryland Combined Training Association

Proof of Concept Confirmed On Final Day of the 2024-2025 EA21 National Camp

2025 Horsemastership Series: Kursinski Emphasizes The Importance Of Releasing Pressure

Thousands of new training opportunities to benefit riders and former racehorses

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Meet the athletes at the first USEA Emerging Athletes Training Camp of 2025 this week in Florida:

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Jan 4, 2025 12:01 am -

If you missed out on this week’s closing date for the Stable View Aiken Opener H.T. January 18-19, never fear! Late entries are being accepted through January 10, and the Winter Combined Test will accept entries until January 8. Click here to learn more and register for an event at Stable View.

U.S. Weekend Events

We’re back! The U.S. season kicks off this weekend in Aiken, and you’ll find links to events happening during the upcoming weekend here each Wednesday – Sunday in our News & Notes.

Sporting Days Farm January H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

Catch up with 4* eventer and 2024 Road to the Horse champion Tik Maynard in this podcast interview with fellow horseman Phil Haugen.

How inheritance tax changes could hit equestrians, and other things the horse world is talking about

EquiRatings: 10 Things We Learned the Hard Way in Our 10 Years in Business

System Locked and Loaded on Day 3 of the 2024-2025 EA21 National Camp

Considerations to Reduce the Risk of Hindgut Upset

Sponsor Corner: World Equestrian Brands

Equilibrium Products makes the highest quality boots on the market, and they are available via World Equestrian Brands!

Constructed using a proprietary layering system, while also staying ridiculously breathable. Click here to shop for Equilibrium products.

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A special tribute to an even more special pony:

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Jan 3, 2025 12:01 am -

We may be a few days into a new year, but we’re still loving the 2024 recaps everyone has been sharing! What was the highlight of your year?

U.S. Weekend Preview

We’re back! The U.S. season kicks off this weekend in Aiken, and you’ll find links to events happening during the upcoming weekend here each Wednesday – Sunday in our News & Notes.

Sporting Days Farm January H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

In the heart of Ocala, Fl., where equestrian culture intertwines with a thriving art scene, two artists are using their talents to celebrate kindness, creativity and the timeless beauty of horses. Cara Van Leuven, a seasoned equine artist living with bipolar disorder, and Kelsey Mahoney, a Sharpie artist with Down syndrome, joined forces to create “Be Kind,” an exhibit on display through Jan. 4 at the Marion Cultural Alliance, and contribute to Brooke USA’s upcoming Divertimentos and Dressage fundraiser. Read the full story here.

Rounding up some of the horse health research that took place in 2024, this article from The Horse dives into the science of how horseshoes affect hooves. Read it here.

“Representation matters. Art matters. Storytelling matters. Beyoncé’s productions have not only celebrated Black culture but have elevated it on global stages, creating moments that spark conversations and inspire generations. Being part of this legacy is a responsibility I don’t take lightly. It motivates me to keep pushing for greater visibility and equity, whether it’s through my equestrian achievements, my academic pursuits, or my storytelling aspirations.” Read all about the incredible experience of equestrian Zoie Brogdon, who worked on Beyonce’s halftime performance in Houston last week, and why it mattered so much.

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

Catch up with the latest winter improvements happening at Stable View!

Video Break

The basics of dressage with Amelia Newcomb:

Thursday News & Notes

By on Jan 2, 2025 12:01 am -

Congratulations to British European Champion Nicola Wilson, who was awarded an MBE designation (Member of the Order of the British Empire) from the British monarchy to cap off 2024. Nicola’s top-level eventing career was cut short after a cross country accident at Badminton in 2022, but she remains a force within the sport, providing mentorship and coaching to other riders and also serving as a broadcaster for multiple CCI5* events and other competitions.

“I am speechless, (for the first time in my life!) shocked and unbelievably humbled to have received an MBE in the New Years Honours List,” Nicola posted on social media. “I have to say that when I got the letter I told my family but said it may be a joke and they mustn’t say anything until the announcement was made to see if my name was actually there….Then whilst teaching yesterday, the local paper rang and I thought with a nervous tummy, this isn’t a joke.

What an incredible honour and I am grateful to you all for helping me along this sometimes challenging journey through life but I feel incredibly lucky to have a life.”

U.S. Weekend Preview

We’re back! The U.S. season kicks off this weekend in Aiken, and you’ll find links to events happening during the upcoming weekend here each Wednesday – Sunday in our News & Notes.

Sporting Days Farm January H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

If you own an equestrian business, this article’s a great read for you as we kick into the new year. What marketing and business trends were evident across the equestrian industry in 2024? Read a recap from Equerry / Co here.

Can blockchain technology transform and modernize our industry? If you just opened a new tab to google “What is Blockchain?”, no judgement here. The Pegasus App surmises that blockchain technology (essentially, technology that enables the secure sharing of information across a network of computers) has the potential to revolutionize key aspects of the equestrian world, particularly horse shows, horse ownership, and management. Read more here.

The USEA EA21 National Training Camp is underway in Ocala, Fl., and you can read all about what the participants are learning here. The first day of camp focused on the importance of clear and consistent communication with their equine partners. The curriculum for the second day focused on the rider’s responsibilities and maintaining rideability.

The word “but” is part of a unique family of words and phrases called verbal erasers – words that have a nasty habit of unintentionally erasing positive things while encouraging you to focus on the negative. Just like the eraser on the end of you pencil that erases words that have been written (assuming you haven’t chewed it off!), verbal erasers erase words that have been spoken – even if those words are positive… and BUT is the most common eraser of all! Read more from Coach Daniel Stewart here.

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More scenes from EA21 camp:

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Jan 1, 2025 12:01 am -

Monica Spencer and Artist. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Happy New Year from all of us at EN! 2024 certainly was a whirlwind, and we’re eager to see what 2025 has in store for us. Whether or not you’re a resolution-maker, we hope this year brings you everything you’ve worked for and more.

U.S. Weekend Preview

We’re back! The U.S. season kicks off this weekend in Aiken, and you’ll find links to events happening during the upcoming weekend here each Wednesday – Sunday in our News & Notes.

Sporting Days Farm January H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

There are three movements most riders aren’t aware of that cannot be judged on talent as their proper execution is the result of correct training alone. These are exercises that riders should pay extra attention to as they are not only a gauge of the quality of your training, but also because they can be honed so that even less talented horses can received exemplary scores on them. Find out what they are here.

Take a look back on this year’s USEA Annual Meeting and Convention in Seattle, WA with the latest edition of the USEA podcast here.

Take an enlightening trip through history to see how helmets have changed over time. There was a period where safety was not as well-known and well-publicized when it came to riding, and helmet technology reflects this. See more here.

Video Break

A quick tip for doing basic stretches with your horse!