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James Alliston Claims Fourth CCI4*-L Win at Rebecca Farm

By on Jul 20, 2026 10:00 am -

What began as a big idea of Rebecca Broussard’s marked 25 years of having an even bigger impact on hundreds of riders, horses and the American eventing community.

Rebecca’s daughter and The Event’s organizer Sarah Broussard acknowledged that “I think we have fulfilled her vision” for a world class stage for eventing competition.

The sentiment was echoed by others all week – from famously gracious volunteers to competitors who came from throughout North America to test their horsemanship and be welcomed as “guests in our home,” as owner Jerome Broussard said when the first Event unfurled in 2002 and still says today.

“We’re always happy when people come to the Farm,” said Sarah Broussard at the close of this year’s competition today. “In celebrating 25 years, we just wanted everybody to take a look back on the part of your life you’ve spent at Rebecca Farm. We know that times are uncertain and we are thrilled that everyone came. It’s great seeing old and new competitors and officials and we’re looking forward to going into the future.”

Along with the many emotional reflections and tributes to The Event’s 25 years, presenting the Mai Baum award was a highlight this year, Broussard said. Donated by the Markell/Ahearn family, the award and its $500 check were created in honor of Tamie Smith’s unforgettable partner who retired from international competition with the CCI4*-S win here last year.

“We love this and are excited to present it for the next four years, too,” the organizer shared. This year’s CCI4*-S winner, Julie Wolfert, said that receiving the Mai Baum Award is meaningful beyond measure.

CCI4*-L – James Alliston and HMR Rolan Earn Title

James Alliston claims the CCI4*-L win at Rebecca Farm with HMR Rolan. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

California-based James Alliston claimed his fourth CCI4*-L championship at The Event at Rebecca Farm. He had two-plus rails in hand but didn’t need them with Anna Nicholas’ HMR Rolan. “He’s a really good show jumper, but he’s a big horse and sometimes I feel like I need to go slowly.” Starting with an inside turn between fences 2 and 3 on Chris Barnard’s colorful and challenging course in showcase Ring 1, Alliston kept the pedal down, made the time and stayed clear to seal the deal.

“I’ve always known he’s a really nice, well-rounded horse,” Alliston said. Today’s high follows the confirmation that Rolan has ample speed and stamina for the long format, evidenced by having only 3.2 time penalties on cross-country yesterday.

“This has been a good venue for me,” Alliston understated. His “good mojo here” counterbalanced the constant pressure he puts on himself to be competitive, “especially with a horse like this,” he said of the Irish Sport horse originally purchased for his owner to ride. “I’m really excited about him.”

Rolan’s grooms, for Alliston Equestrian, Ava Eschelman and Isabella Munoz, received the USEA Grooms Program Award.

Florida-based Alyssa Phillips and Rockett 19 were clear with .8 time faults to finish second and accomplish the goal of confirming the 11-year-old Holsteiner’s potential as a Team USA horse.

Third-placed Gabby Dickerson, of Virginia, was thrilled with her first trip to The Event. She was one of many to receive some of the $58,000 awarded by the USEA Foundation in Rebecca Farm Travel Grants. Dickerson said the first benefit for her horse Casalto was the experience of long-distance travel. That was followed by exposure to the property’s uniquely wide-open spaces and high atmosphere spaces for all three phases of competition.

CCI4*-S – Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy Earn Mai Baum Trophy

Julie Wolfert takes the US Equestrian Open Qualifier CCI4*-S. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

“He was incredible – he jumped out of his skin,” said Julie Wolfert of SSH Playboy’s show jumping round. Coming back from a broken fetlock 18 months ago, Playboy returned to form at the perfect time. “It’s so neat to be in this atmosphere amid the 25th anniversary and I’m so proud to have done an amazing job for the audience with a clear round.”

She was also thrilled to be the first recipient of the Mai Baum Award, donated by the Ahearn/Markell family.

“I haven’t allowed myself to think past this show,” Wolfert admitted when asked what’s next for her and Playboy. Having done so well here, she hopes a 5* is in their future. And, for sure, “I’ll see you next year!”

The pair moved up from 4th after dressage and finished on a 47.9.

Erin Kellerhouse’s hunch that her two youngsters were ready for 4* was borne out by a reserve finish with Bon Vivant GWF and 4th for Ringwood Adios Amigo. Both are horses the California professional has brought along since they were 4, and Kellerhouse is thrilled with their courage and professionalism through all three phases.

Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 slotted into 3rd with a double clear show jumping effort.

CCI3*-L — Sarah Ertl and Redwood Quality Shine in Solo Spotlight

Sarah Ertl and Redwood Quality. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Overnight leader Sarah Ertl didn’t change her plan when her one challenger was spun from the horse inspection this morning. “I put a lot of pressure on myself to be competitive here already and that didn’t change,” said the University of Kentucky student.

Her self-produced 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse Redwood Quality was fresh from this morning’s warm-up through to a wild victory gallop after their double clear tour of the track. While Redwood Quality tends to be spooky, and there were plenty of colorful obstacles to spook at, Ertl kept him focused.

“He’s such a good jumper, if we ever had a rail it would be 100% on me.” After “riding the horse I had” there were no rails on the ground. Their experience, topped by the win on a 36.1 score, confirms Ertl’s plans to move onto Advanced soon.

From an original 9-horse start list, Ertl had the field finalê to herself. Saturday’s cross-country results had whittled the field to three. Then Renee Kalkman withdrew Flame Eternal and one of James Alliston’s promising partners, Made By Leontine EB, was excused from the final FEI horse inspection this morning.

Alliston was upset for “Leo” and his owner, Arnell Sporthorses, but respected the ground jury’s decision. The 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood had pulled a shoe in the warm-up for Saturday’s cross-country and tested positive for soreness in his toe, Alliston shared. Otherwise, he was thrilled with Leo’s performance and excited to get back to their promising pursuits.

CCI3*-S – Chris Talley and FE Marco Polo Keep Their Lead

Chris Talley and FE Marco Polo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Chris Talley admits “my show jumping nerves aren’t the best” but that was not evident as he and FE Marco Polo completed their wire-to-wire win with double clear show jumping. Good earlier rounds with other horses in his Virginia-based Home Track Farm program added to Talley’s confidence. Plus, he had a two-rail margin of error. “I knew I could take a bit more time in the turns to settle him down,” Talley explained. The pair competed in the CCI4*-L here last year, but stepped down after a light year following Talley’s back surgery in January. “I think we’ve both shown that we’re ready to move back up to the 4*.”

James Alliston and Golly Martin’s Berry continued their ascent with double clear jumping to secure the 2nd spot, up from 13th after dressage. “I’ve been thrilled with him. He’s a small horse but also a very scopey, brave sort of chap,” Alliston said. “I’d been wondering if he should be in the CCI2*-L, not the CCI3*-S, but once we started jumping I knew he was in the right division.”

Alyssa Phillips and Centerfold dropped one rail and maintained their 3rd place standing.

CCI2*-L Madyson Hsue and ISO Cambria Rise to the Win

Madyson Hsue and ISO Cambria. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Twenty-one year old Madyson Hsue’s return to Rebecca Farm exceeded her wildest dreams when she and her own ISO Cambria stayed on their 28.1 dressage score to win. She grew up in Washington, competed here several times and determined that a return to her “favorite show” would be an ideal graduation gift after earning her degree from University of Kentucky in May.

Tackling their first Long format, Cambria provided the pleasant surprise of finishing 23 seconds under the time on cross-country. When the overnight leading horse failed the horse inspection, Hsue found herself the frontrunner and thinking ‘Oh jeez, now I have to ride even better.” Her coach Allie Knowles advised “don’t lean, sit still” and that worked. “Cambria is good at organizing herself, and she’s such a trier,” Hsue said.

Rebecca Farm was Hsue’s main goal for the year, and she’s also planning to compete in the US Eventing Associations’ American Eventing Championships next month. As the highest placed young rider in the FEI divisions, Hsue earned the Guinness Perpetual Trophy, named in honor of organizer Sarah Broussard’s outstanding young rider horse.

Canada’s Sara Sellmer and Sportsfield Supernatural finished 2nd on a 29.9, having moved up from 6th after dressage. Californian Jillian Mader and Coolrock Wacko Jacko were double clear to leap from 9th to 3rd, on a 32.2.

CCI1*-L – Madeline Backus and P.S. Sir Balinor Earn an Emotional Win

Madeline Backus and P.S. Sir Balinor. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Colorado-based Madeline Backus and her 6-year-old homebred Trakehner P.S. Sir Balinor sealed a wire-to-wire win, taking down just one rail today for a 28.4 finish. “These are happy tears” Backus said after the awards ceremony. It was one thing to get her first FEI win and quite another to do it on the son of her 5* mare P.S. Arianna. “He is such a cool horse,” the Colorado-based professional said. “He’s a machine on cross-country. I thought he might take a look at all the decorated jumps, but he really couldn’t care less and he had fun galloping around.”

Show jumping is a relatively weak phase for the handsome gray gelding. “I lost a bit of rideability going into the first in-and-out, and we popped that rail,” Backus continued. “But he really tried in there. He always wants to do what’s best.” With a rail in hand, they won on a 28.4.

Sarah Kruger and Twain’s Fireflight finishing on their 30.4 for 2nd place. Julie Wolfert and Xkux started in 9th after dressage and finished 3rd thanks to double clears on cross-country and show jumping.

The Event at Rebecca Farm (USA): [Website] [Scoring] [ClipMyHorse.TV Live Stream Replays] [YouTube Live Stream Replays]

James Alliston Poised for Fourth CCI4*-L Win at The Event at Rebecca Farm

By on Jul 19, 2026 11:53 am -

James Alliston and HMR Rolan. Photo by Roy Brinkman for Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Cross-country at The Event at Rebecca Farm provided what is often demanded during armchair discussions of what’s best for eventing’s future. But talking about challenges that are firmly at the standard of each international level is different than navigating them. FEI course designers Jay Hambly (CAN) and Bert Wood (USA) posed tough challenges today, especially at the CCI4* and CCI3* levels. Several developing partnerships confirmed new capabilities and several pairs went back to the barn — often prematurely — with lots to work on for next time.

Challenging as they were, the courses were praised by riders and officials as fair and flowing. The footing received rave reviews, too, with one rider describing it as “like a cloud out there.”

Crowds filled Rebecca Farm’s famed Spectator Hill and spread out along the courses’ many prime viewing areas. The Vendor Fair was busy with potential future eventers enjoying free pony rides and families taking in the beauty of the venue and the horses and riders pursuing their passion on its beautiful stage.

CCI4*-L – James Alliston and HMR Rolan Lead with Wide Margin

California-based James Alliston has two-plus rails in hand for Sunday’s show jumping to earn a 4th CCI4*-L Championship here. He and Anna Nicholas’ HMR Rolan almost made the time – a remarkable feat unto itself at Rebecca Farm.

Rolan’s big stride and brave nature were especially helpful at the 23ACBC water complex, where taking the direct option shaved off important seconds. Of the 12 pairs in the CCI4* L and S divisions, only two tried it and only Alliston made it. “I thought if he was going well, I’d do it,” he said. “I think it was definitely one of those rider frighteners but the horses don’t quite see it that way.”

“Jay Hambly and Bert Wood did a great job, and I loved the course,” Alliston continued. “I loved the flow of it — it encouraged horses to keep a good gallop and to enjoy the course.”

Alliston and Rolan’s 3.2 time penalties put them on 33.8, taking over the lead from Alyssa Phillips and Rockett 19, whose 16.4 time penalties brought them to a 44.7. “I learned that he has the fight and the will for this, but he got a little tired in the middle of the course.” Phillips believes the area’s 3,000’ elevation takes its toll on stamina, too.

The third pair in this field, Gabby Dickerson and Casalto jumped clear to accomplish their goal of establishing themselves at the level.

CCI4*-L show jumping takes place Sunday at 3:15 pm Mountain time.

CCI4*-S – Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy Take The Lead

Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Julie Wolfert had been “kind of laughing” about predictions that she and SSH Playboy would win the division because of their speedy track record in previous events. “My horse hasn’t run at this level in 15 months,” she explained. Playboy is coming back from a broken fetlock that could have ended his career. To be here, let alone in the CCI4*-S lead, stirred emotions. “I cried when we crossed the finish line…I cried when I was icing him,” Wolfert said. “A year and a half ago we almost had to put him down.”

Wolfert wasn’t trying to uphold her speedy reputation. “My plan was to let him pick his pace,” she said. “He went out there pulling me to every jump. He didn’t miss a beat, he answered every question. I was just trying to hold on!”

This Kansas City-based pair has ample leeway, on a 47.5, over runners-up Erin Kellerhouse and GWF Bon Vivant. Kellerhouse took full responsibility for poor presentation of 17C that resulted in a 20-penalty glance-off. She was otherwise thrilled with “Pierre’s” performance. She has developed the 11-year-old since he was 4 and is thrilled by his latest demonstration that he can easily handle the next level up. (Pierre’s stablemate Ringwood Adios Amigos is another long time in-development horse for Kellerhouse: she’s in 4th with him.)

Overnight leaders Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 were the other pair to try the direct option at the late-course water complex (17ABCD on the 4S*). But it didn’t go well, dropping them into a distant 3rd standing.

Only five of nine CCI4*-S starters crossed the finish line. There were two rider falls, one retirement and one horse fall. Happily, no major injuries.

CCI4*-S show jumping starts Sunday at 2:50 Mountain time.

CCI3*-L Sarah Ertl and Redwood Quality Jump into Lead

Sarah Ertl and Redwood Quality. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Today was “mind blowing” for University of Kentucky student Sarah Ertl. She’s produced the 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse Redwood Quality over five years and taking the lead is a highpoint. Doing his first CCI3*-L, the horse had many places where trust in his rider carried the day, Ertl said. Especially the big bank to wedge at 19AB. “Neither of us could see that chevron behind the trees after the bank until the last stride. He asked me where we were going and having him jump it just felt really good.” They enter show jumping on a 36.1.

James Alliston is thrilled with Arnell Sporthorse’s Made by Leontine EB’s minimal time penalties. They’re 2ndon a 37, followed by Renee Kalkman and Flame Eternal.

Only these three, of nine starters, finished the course. There were four retirements, one withdraw and one rider fall.

CCI3*-L stadium jumping starts Sunday at 1:40 pm Mountain time.

CCI3*-S – Chris Talley and FE Marco Polo Keep Their Lead

Chris Talley and FE Marco Polo kept their solid overnight lead, applying their 4* experience to make an apparent cake walk of this track. They go into the Chris Barnard-designed show jumping finale in Ring 1 on a 30.3. James Alliston and Berry made a huge jump into 2nd with 5.6 time penalties to stand on a 38.7. Alyssa Phillips’ Centerfold learned a lot over the course, answering every new challenge and adding just 9.6 time penalties to end on a 38.7.

Twenty-one horses left Rebecca Farm’s cowboy-booted start box and 15 finished in this division. Five were eliminated and there was one rider fall.

The CCI3*-S show jumping starts Sunday at 1 pm Mountain time.

CCI2*-L Helen Alliston and Fary Prince

Helen Alliston and Fary Prince. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

After delivering horses to her husband and Alliston Equestrian partner James all morning, Helen Alliston made the most of her turn by riding client Hulme Equestrian’s homebred Fary Prince into the lead on their 27.1 dressage score. Their progress together was interrupted by a Helen injury last summer, and today signaled they’re right back on track.

“I thought Bert Wood did a really good job,” she said of the course. “It was no walk in the park.” The 7-year-old British Sport Horse is “a lovely horse who knows to be calm when he has a dressage saddle on and that he can have fun when the jump saddle is on.”

Alliston and Fary Prince don’t have any rails in hand over the three pairs behind them. Madyson Hsue and ISO Cambria move into second on their 28.6 dressage effort; Bec Braitling and MBF Braxy V are third on their 29 dressage performance, followed by Sara Sellmer and Sportsfield Supernatural with a 29.9.

CCI2*-L show jumping starts Sunday at 11:10 am Mountain time.

CCI1*-L – Madeline Backus and P.S. Sir Balinor Keep the Lead

Colorado-based Madeline Backus and her 6-year-old homebred Trakehner P.S. Sir Balinor stay on their 24.4 dressage to maintain the lead going into show jumping. They have a rail-plus in hand over Amber Birtcil and Oxford K’s 30.2 and Sarah Kruger and Twain’s Fireflight’s 30.4.

CCI1*-L show jumping starts Sunday at 9:30 am Mountain time.

The Event at Rebecca Farm (USA): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [ClipMyHorse.TV Live Stream] [YouTube Live Stream] [Volunteer]

The Event at Rebecca Farm Kicks Off in Unforgettable Fashion

By on Jul 17, 2026 1:41 pm -

James Alliston and HMR Rolan. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Emotions are heating up along with the weather as The Event at Rebecca Farm marks its 25th year. Infinite blue sky and lush green grass set the stage for warm reflections of a brilliant history as horses and riders made the most of their chance to pursue their eventing passion here.

Close to 600 horses are gathered, hailing from throughout North America and Canada. An in-depth educational agenda around the Classic USEA Novice and Training Three Days reflects Rebecca Farm’s commitment to the sport’s future. And the surprise early induction of Jerome Broussard into the US Eventing Association’s Hall of Fame Thursday night honored Rebecca Farm and the Broussard family’s huge role in the sport’s evolution.

Presented by non-profit Montana Equestrian Events, Inc., The Event continues through Sunday, July 19, 2026 in Kalispell, Montana. Admission is free to the public and the international action can be viewed via free livestream on Rebecca Farm’s YouTube channel.

Dressage Kick-Off

James Alliston and HMR Rolan. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

With the split of FEI dressage divisions into two days, three-time Rebecca Farm CCI4*-L champion James Alliston and the consistently good HMR Rolan sit atop so far with a 30.6 score from judges Bea DiGrazia (USA), Peter Gray (CAN) and Valerie Pride (USA). On Friday, Virginia-based Gabby Dickerson, with Casalto, and Florida-based Alyssa Phillips and Rockett 19 will seek to beat that before heading out on Jay Hambly and Bert Wood’s cross-country track Saturday.

CCI4*-L entry numbers are light this year, with the absence of FEI World Championships-bound Tamie Smith, last year’s champion, and a few other regulars. But the intensity of competition is high with potential future stars ready for their close-up on The Event’s international stage.

CCI4*-L dressage continues Friday starting at 1:20 pm Mountain time.

Jen Moody and Fixin De Conde. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

As a qualifier for the US Equestrian Open of Eventing, the CCI4*-S is solid in entries and abilities.

Jen Moody leads the first five of a 9-horse field on Team Rebecca’s Fixin De Conde. Moody is based at Rebecca Farm, but she said there’s no home field advantage. “Starting two weeks before, there’s a new porta-potty every day, and flags going up everywhere. It’s hard, but I think he’s taking it in stride.”

She also had her own home-turf disadvantage to overcome in the famously atmospheric Ring 1’s dressage court. “I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well at home,” she shares. “I have a lot of friends and people watching, and sometimes I can psych myself out. This time, I just went in there thinking I’m going to have fun. And I think it worked out pretty well!”

Nicknamed “Pullitz” after a “big fluffy dog” in an old French cartoon, the 11-year-old Selle Francais has been with Moody since December. They got to know each while indooring it through Montana’s snowy winter, then spent spring in California developing their partnership further with three top 10 CCI3*-S finishes.

Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Per the US Equestrian Open of Eventing’s Fan Guide, Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy are the favorites to win this division, and they’re 2nd in today’s half of the field on a 35.9. Stephanie Goodman and Elwenda DP are 3rd on a 36.9, and fresh from a win at this level at the Aspen Farms Horse Trials.

Wolfert and Playboy are favored primarily for their speed over cross-country. Time has always been tough to make at The Event’s international courses and Saturday’s excursion is predicted to continue that tradition.

CCI4*-S dressage continues Friday 1:20 pm Mountain time.

Jerome Broussard Inducted into USEA Hall of Fame

Photo by Atalya Boytner for US Eventing.

With The Event celebrating its 25th year, expectations were high for special evening gatherings. But US Eventing Association CEO Rob Burk raised the roof tonight in announcing Jerome Broussard’s selection to the 2026 United States Eventing Hall of Fame. The news would normally have been announced during the annual meeting in December, but the USEA wanted to make the presentation with the “Rebecca Farm family present,” Burk explained.

“As many of you know, Rebecca ‘Becky’ Broussard was deservedly inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015. Her passion, vision and generosity changed our sport forever and her legacy continues to inspire us all.

“But tonight isn’t about Rebecca,” he continued. “Tonight is about another individual whose quiet leadership, generosity and unwavering commitment have had an equally lasting impact on the future of eventing.

“Jerome Broussard, for decades, you have helped make Rebecca Farm one of the most beloved and important competitions in North America. You have invested in riders, horses, and the future of our sport… not for recognition, but because you believed in giving others opportunities to succeed.”

Burk acknowledged the Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grants, Jerome’s leadership with the USEA Foundation and “your generosity as a philanthropist and horse owner, and your steadfast commitment to this community” among his many contributions that meet the Hall of Fame’s criteria for those “whose contributions leave our sport stronger than they found it.”

The Event’s organizing entity, the non-profit Montana Equestrian Events, also recognized Jerome Broussard with an induction into the Rebecca Farm Honors. Marked with trees and plaques around the property’s Lake Jerome, Rebecca Farm Honors began in 2021, The Event’s 20th year. It recognizes individuals for their contributions to the creation and ongoing success of The Event. Jerome Broussard joins the Honor’s first inductees — Captain Mark Phillips, Jack LeGoff and Rebecca Chaney Broussard.

In welcoming everyone “to our home” during the Thursday Startbox Party, Broussard gestured toward the property’s growing footprint and assured guests that “Rebecca Farm isn’t going anywhere.”

Education at Every Turn

Aligning with Rebecca Farm and the Brussard family’s support of eventing’s future, the Event is proud to host the USEA’s Classic Three Day format and support it with a full agenda of educational activities. USEA Grooms Program leaders Max Corcoran and Alyssa Dobrotin led sessions on leg care, cooling strategies and cross-country aftercare, and brought in top horseman to speak about and demonstrate several other topics related to preparing horses for the unique demands of Three Day competition.

Oregon-based amateur Gabrielle Hansen took full advantage of the educational sessions and appreciated the chance to learn more about her horse’s preparation and care. “If you want to be successful in this sport, there needs to be some education happening, whether it’s during the show or something you could sign up for in the off-season,” she commented.

A Novice Three Day competitor, Hansen works full time as an attorney and rides three to five days a week with Trinity Eventing’s Jennifer Wooten-Macouzet. “I did a lot of learning on my own at home to get ready for this, and the educational sessions have taken that to a next level,” she said. “It’s critical information that we don’t get a lot of exposure to anymore.” Along with sessions on leg care and cooling strategies, Hansen benefited from a Novice Three Day course walk with CCI4*-L competitor Gabby Dickerson and a session on navigating the Roads and Tracks phase of the classic format.

Halt Cancer at X

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Halt Cancer at X is another reason for Rebecca Farm’s renown in and well beyond the equestrian world. Supporting breast cancer research and patients, HCX has raised over $1.1 million since its 2012 inception. Year-round donations are welcome and an auction during The Event is a focal point of the campaign honors the Event’s founder, the late Rebecca Broussard.

This year’s auction items include premiere stabling and RV camp sites for The Event in 2027, a Whitefish Mountain winter vacation and a six-day beach stay in Capitola, California, a set of Dick Francis books and other great packages. Donations and bids on these items can be made here. Auction bidding closes Friday, July 17 at 8:30 p.m. during the Competitors Party and donations are welcome all year.

The Event at Rebecca Farm (USA): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [ClipMyHorse.TV Live Stream] [YouTube Live Stream] [Volunteer]

The Event at Rebecca Farm is Thriving at 25

By on Jul 12, 2026 9:00 am -

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The Event at Rebecca Farm marks its 25th year with competitors traveling from throughout North America to compete. Presented by non-profit Montana Equestrian Events, Inc., The Event runs Wednesday, July 15 through Sunday, July 19, 2026 in Kalispell, Montana.

The Event stages competition in the equestrian sport of Three Day Eventing, which combines dressage, cross-country and stadium jumping phases. Its 14 different levels range from Olympic level, CCI4*-L, to Beginner Novice divisions suitable for amateur and junior equestrians and horses of all ages and breeds.  The Event includes Training and Novice Classic Three-Day divisions that promote the sport’s training foundation with additional phases and related education opportunities.

The wide range of divisions reflects founder Rebecca “Becky” Broussard’s vision to gather all levels of competitors together on one beautiful and expertly prepared stage.

Located in Northwest Montana’s Flathead Valley, the “gateway to Glacier National Park,” Rebecca Farm provides one of the most beautiful backdrops found in equestrian sport. Cross-country tracks run over much of the Farm’s 640 acres, with obstacles that are famously whimsical in appearance while being solid tests of horsemanship at every level.

One-Of-A-Kind Competition

“The Event is spoken of as amongst the greatest competitions in the world for the Olympic sport of eventing,” says US Eventing Association CEO Rob Burk. “Its unique reputation is the result of its spectacular venue, and highest-level competition coupled with highest-level hospitality.”

“We love and support the sport of Three Day Eventing and the competitors really drive what we do,” says Sarah Broussard, the Event’s organizer and daughter of its founder, Becky Broussard. “Knowing how excited the riders are to be here is what keeps us going,” she says of The Event’s remarkable longevity.

Spectators are welcome at no charge and typically come out in droves. Even after a quarter century, The Event draws new fans to equestrian sport. “People are wowed and awed at the magnitude of The Event, of the Trade Fair, of the stabling… all of it,” Sarah observes. “People don’t really understand the whole ‘shebang!’ of The Event until they get here. It becomes our own little city.”

Competition will be watched from around the world thanks to live streaming by RNS Video Media on this YouTube channel – starting Wed, July 15.

The Event’s family feel sets it apart from other international equestrian competitions. “We are still family owned and operated and I think that family, caring attitude is not found in many places,” Sarah adds.

The Event’s Shopping Fair and Festival are open Thursday through Sunday, with free Kids Zone fun Friday through Sunday and delicious food options all four days. Patron opportunities enable guests to support the sport while watching it from shaded viewing areas with fresh-baked goodies and weekend buffet lunches.

Heated Competition

Three-time CCI4*-L champion James Alliston leads the field, with HMR Rolan, his partner in a CCI3*-L reserve championship last year.

The CCI4*-S will see hot competition as part of the US Equestrian Open of Eventing series. Pacific Northwest favorites Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 are veteran contenders at this level, while fellow professionals Stephanie Goodman and Erin Kellerhouse are after the title on rising star equine partners. For Idaho’s Stephanie Goodman, that’s Elwenda DP and Korella d Watermolen. And for California’s Erin Kellerhouse, it’s Ringwood Adios Amigo, who was 3rd in the CCI3*-S last year.

Those are just a few of the exciting match-ups ahead. Thanks to cross-country courses designed by Jay Hambly of Canada and the USA’s Bert Wood, and show jumping tracks by Chris Barnard of the USA, competitors can look forward to plenty of positive challenges no matter who’s in their division.

An Impactful Event

The Event’s impact extends far beyond the equestrian world with Halt Cancer at X. The charitable initiative was launched in 2012 by Sarah Broussard in honor of her late mother, who was lost to breast cancer in 2010.

Through Halt Cancer at X, Montana Equestrian Events has so far provided more than $1.1 million in grant funds to innovative breast cancer research projects and to local non-profits that offer financial and wellness services to breast cancer patients.  Earlier this year, a major Halt Cancer at X grant supported ground-breaking diagnostic research.

Funds are raised by year-round donations and an auction during The Event. This year’s auction items include premiere stabling and RV camp sites for The Event in 2027, a Whitefish Mountain winter vacation and a six-day beach stay in Capitola, California, Donations and bids on these items can be made here. Auction bidding closes Friday, July 17 at 8:30 p.m. during the Competitors Party and donations are welcome all year.

(Read more about HCX’s far-reaching impact here.)

The Event and the Broussard Family also have a huge impact on the careers of riders and horses with international championship goals. Generous programs, administered by the USEA Foundation, include Travel Grants that significantly offset the cost of getting to Kalispell for many CCI3* and CCI4* who wish to be considered for the Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grants.

 Volunteers Welcome

Volunteers are the heart and soul of The Event at Rebecca Farm, and about 250 are needed every year. Volunteers support the safety of all visitors, convey The Event’s world-renown hospitality and ensure smooth operations.

Volunteering at The Event is famously fun and no experience is required for most positions.

There’s a perfect post for most ages and abilities. Roles range from assisting in the arenas or on the cross-country course, to spectator parking, hospitality, food services and pedestrian crossings.

Volunteering info and sign-ups can be found here.

The Event at Rebecca Farm: [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream] [Halt Cancer at X] [Volunteer]

Halt Cancer at X Builds Community and Beyond at Rebecca Farm

By on Jun 5, 2026 9:12 am -

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Turning community support into better odds against breast cancer – locally and nationally..

Every July, thousands of spectators pour into Kalispell, Montana’s Flathead Valley for The Event at Rebecca Farm —five days of world class equestrian competition and all-in-the-family style hospitality. While horses are the stars all five days, The Event’s hoofprint extends far beyond the Valley, affecting lives in ways that have nothing to do with horses.

Since 2012, The Event has been home to the Halt Cancer at X (HCX) charitable initiative. The name is a reference to the point where competitors halt in the center of the arena to salute judges. HCX’s mission is to support today’s breast cancer patients and research aimed at reducing the number of those patients in the future. Its muse is Rebecca “Becky” Chaney Broussard, the founder of The Event who was lost to breast cancer in 2010.

What began as a way to honor a beloved mother now has remarkable local and potentially worldwide impacts: over $1.1 million raised, grants to dozens of organizations, and now, an investment in research with the potential to change how breast cancer is diagnosed forever.

Halt Cancer at X’s History

Lots of pink ribbons are on display throughout the weekend at The Event at Rebecca Farm to promote breast cancer awareness and the Halt Cancer At X initiative. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

Halt Cancer at X was founded by Sarah Broussard in 2012, two years after she took over The Event’s reins following the death of her mother, Becky Broussard. Becky had built The Event at Rebecca Farm from the ground up — alongside her husband Jerome — starting in 2002. She dreamed of creating a world-class equestrian venue in Kalispell where riders could compete at the highest levels, and where the public could witness the power and grace of the Olympic equestrian sport of Three-Day Eventing.

Sarah carried that dream forward. And she added one of her own.

“Honoring her mother by helping others facing breast cancer requires the type of bravery and belief that is uncommon in the general population, but that you do find in the eventing community,” says Dr. Melissa Kaptanian, board chairwoman of Halt Cancer at X and a surgical oncologist at the Logan Health Breast Center in Kalispell. “Asking your horse to leap over obstacles when they cannot see the other side, and having that animal trust you entirely — that is the kind of leadership and faith that led Sarah to found Halt Cancer at X.”

In its first year, HCX drew overwhelming support from the equestrian community and from local Flathead Valley residents and businesses. It was that community outpouring that shaped HCX’s dual mission: funding national breast cancer research and supporting local organizations serving those affected by the disease.

To date, HCX has distributed over $500,000 in community grants to local nonprofits, and $650,000 to national breast cancer research initiatives — including two previous grant recipients who later secured National Institutes of Health “R01” grants, the gold standard of research funding. In total, over $1.1 million has been raised and distributed.

HCX has quietly built a track record of funding researchers at critical times.

“HCX grants have traditionally tried to pick researchers who are early in their scientific careers — before they have the track record needed to attract major federal funding,” Dr. Kaptanian explains. “We’re one of the organizations getting people started. And we’ve had two previous grant recipients go on to get NIH R01 grants. That, to us, is additionally wonderful.”

A Quest to Eliminate Diagnostic Limbo

USEA CEO Robert Burk in the Halt Cancer at X Challenge. Photo by Shannon Brinkman, official photographer of The Event at Rebecca Farm.

Earlier this year, the Halt Cancer at X committee awarded its 2025 National Research Grant to Drs. Miglena Komforti and Ruifeng Guo, pathologists at Mayo Clinic Florida in Jacksonville. Their work sits at the intersection of molecular biology and breast cancer diagnostics. If it succeeds, it could eliminate one of the most agonizing experiences a patient can face.

Dr. Kaptanian describes the problem in plain terms: “So most people get a biopsy with a needle. The biopsy says, ‘Thank goodness, it’s not cancer’ — or, ‘Darn it, it is.’ But there’s also a squishy middle ground, where the pathologist says, ‘Gee, some of these cells look atypical, but we’re not sure.’ And then there’s more waiting, and more testing, and sometimes I have to take that person to the operating room to have a surgery — just to tell them whether or not it’s cancer.”

That uncertain middle ground affects roughly 10% of all needle biopsies — a number that translates to tens of thousands of patients each year left in limbo awaiting an answer. Additional procedures, anxiety, and sometimes surgeries they may not have needed, characterize this experience.

Drs. Komforti and Guo are developing a test called QCIGISH — Quantitative Chromogenic Imprinted Gene In-Situ Hybridization — that works by detecting a specific molecular change that occurs in cancer cells at a very early stage. Cancer disrupts a normal process called genomic imprinting, in which certain genes are “silenced” in healthy cells. QCIGISH identifies this disruption directly on pathology slides, in real time, at the individual cell level.

“This is the first epigenetic test of its kind offering real-time diagnostics of breast cancer and cancer precursor lesions at the single cell level,” explains Dr. Komforti. “It streamlines clinical integration with AI-driven image analysis, with a turn-around-time of 24 hours and results directly visualized on pathology slides. Successful retrospective validation on Mayo Clinic data indicates QCIGISH is precise, quantitative, reproducible, and cost-effective.”

The goal is eliminating diagnostic uncertainty: “No more indeterminate breast pathology results,” Dr. Komforti continues. “No more unnecessary excisions. Upon successful completion of this research, QCIGISH will provide patients with a personalized breast cancer risk model — changing breast medicine and breast cancer care forever.”

Immediate Impact

Dr. Kaptanian and the HCX committee were moved by both the science and its immediacy. “The committee heard a couple of excellent proposals, and we really liked this one because it was so immediate. We could all put ourselves in the shoes of someone who could be helped if we helped move this research forward,” she says. “This technology could save thousands of women every year from getting a needle biopsy result of ‘we don’t know — you need surgery to find out if you have cancer or not.’ This is an issue I see in my practice every week.”

The surgical oncologist is also clear-eyed about the nature of scientific research: “Benchtop research is benchtop research. This could be a dead end. But that’s why it requires real vision to say, ‘We’re going to invest in the science.’ If it yields the result we want, fantastic. But even if it doesn’t pan out, everybody still learns, and the knowledge base of the world is still better. That’s the faith that goes with basic science.”

Closer to Home: The 2025 Community Grant Recipients

Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Alongside the national research grant, HCX continues its commitment to the women of northwest Montana through community grants to local nonprofits. In the fall of 2025, four organizations received funding — each addressing various needs and realities involved in beating breast cancer.

Casting for Recovery offers free fly-fishing retreats to local breast cancer survivors. Through therapeutic activity, peer connection, and time on the river, these retreats give women a chance to reclaim their sense of strength and possibility in their bodies. “They go out to the river and camp, commiserate and celebrate,” Sarah Broussard says. “I think everybody needs that kind of community, and we’re very proud to support it.”

Cancer Support Community Montana ensures that peopleaffected by cancer are empowered, strengthened, and sustained — including through their annual Mending in the Mountains women’s retreat, which the HCX grant helps make possible.

Tough Enough to Wear Pink of Montana hosts an annual free mammogram day at multiple locations across the state. On October 9, 2025, their event provided free breast screenings to 22 women in Kalispell alone — in a single day. Early detection saves lives, and access to screening in rural Montana is not a given.

Land to Hand‘s Food Rx program provides bi-monthly fruit and vegetable prescriptions to patients experiencing food and nutrition insecurity. With this HCX grant, they will support 10 women affected by breast cancer — because surviving cancer is not only about treatment. It’s about nourishment, dignity, and the ability to heal completely.

“Our community grants represent what we know to be true,” says Dr. Kaptanian. “It’s not just about surviving breast cancer. It’s about living your best life afterwards. That’s what we’re focused on.”

Proactive Practices

Sarah Broussard participates in the Halt Cancer at X Challenge at the 2016 event. Photo by Noah Clayton.

Breast cancer is a tough foe. Invasive forms of the disease will affect approximately one in eight women, and it accounts for roughly 32% of newly diagnosed cancer cases in women every year. Cases have been rising about 1% a year, between 2012 and 2021, with the steepest rise in women under 50 years of age.

There are no vaccines or sure-fire ways to avoid breast cancer, but there are ways to lower the risks, Dr. Kaptanian stresses. She calls screening mammograms “our best weapon” and laments the fact that many patients fell out of the habit of getting them regularly during and after COVID. Active lifestyles and maintaining a healthy weight are some of the best protections against the disease.

And, like The Event at Rebecca Farm, we can all donate to causes like HCX that support research and those affected by the disease.

This July 15–19, The Event at Rebecca Farm returns for its 25th year. Whether you’re a lifelong equestrian or a newbie to the sport, there’s a place for you at Rebecca Farm. Enjoy the Shopping Fair with retail and food vendors, and the Kid Zone with its free pony rides. Spectator admission and parking are free. The grounds are spectacular. And every HCX auction bid and donation goes directly toward research and support that changes lives.

For more information or to donate to Halt Cancer at X, visit www.rebeccafarm.org.

Defender Kentucky 5* Rookie Gabby Dickerson is Focused on the Process

By on Apr 14, 2026 6:30 am -

Gabby Dickerson and Traditionally Fernhill. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

It’s easy to get distracted as a rookie in the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event CCI5*. There’s a lot of external chatter on how first-timers will fare. Plus, translating a lifelong dream into the actual leaping into the Head of the Lake and the rest of Kentucky’s many big moments.

But 30-year-old Gabby Dickerson is firmly focused on the process that got her to this point, even if it took a little longer than she might have liked.

Gabby and her Kentucky partner, Traditionally Fernhill, came together in early 2024. “Ken,” a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse by Killinick Bouncer, came from Alex Green Kerby with one 4*-short outing on his resume. Gabby brought the experience of developing several horses to the 3* level, and years of work with and the ongoing guidance of luminaries and Olympians – Great Britian’s Nicola Wilson and the USA’s Kim Severson.

An Early Inspiration

Gabby competes at Kentucky Horse Park in 2009.

Kentucky has personal roots for Gabby. At about 11, she’d ridden with Kim in a clinic and lessons, then found herself helping Kim out on the Kentucky Horse Park’s hallowed grounds. “My mom and I were planning to go watch Kentucky anyway, and Kim allowed me to get involved. Since then, it’s always been the ultimate goal to get there and, eventually, to do pretty well.”

At 12, Gabby moved from her family’s home in Outer Banks, North Carolina, to work with Kim full time. “My folks looked at it like sending me to boarding school, except that I was getting an equine education. I went to online high school before it was normalized by COVID.”

Her next leap of independence took Gabby to England, at 17, to work with Nicola. The opportunity started, again, with a clinic. “I could just tell she was going to be a great person to spend time around,” Gabby recalls. “I knew college wasn’t going to be right for me, so I asked her if I could do a little trial working for her. And the rest is history!”

Gabby spent a year in England with Nicola, followed by shorter stints with German legend Ingrid Klimke and German Olympian and dealer Dirk Schrade.

Catching Up On The Competitive Side

Gabby Dickerson and Traditionally Fernhill. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

She returned to the United States, in 2016, at 20, ready to go professional. “I naively decided it was time to go out on my own then,” Gabby shared. “I’m not sure why people are in such a rush to do that. For me, I did make it work and I had some success, but more like success with business and life skills. It took me a while to even have an Advanced horse, and I feel like now I’m catching up on the competitive side of things.

“I just always believed that if I kept working at it, and taking opportunities to make connections, I could catch up. Hopefully, that’s what’s happening now.”

Through her early professional years, Gabby produced over a dozen 3* horses. They excelled there but, for all the familiar reasons, didn’t go beyond that.

Enter Roland Millican, a real estate investor and amateur competitor whose support enabled Gabby to get over the horsepower hump.

“He’s been a game changer.”

Along with Traditionally Fernhill and other promising horses in Gabby’s now solid string of confirmed and likely Advanced horses, Roland purchased a beautiful farm in Gordonsville, Virginia. Milltop Farm is Gabby’s homebase for her competitive ambitions and sales business, and a hub for the region. It has a full-size show jumping arena, mirrors in the dressage court and a cross-country schooling course modeled on Boyd Martin’s.

“We started with a few young horses, and at some point, I put a bug in Roland’s ear about buying a ready-to-go horse that would help me catch up,” Gabby shared. “Since we picked up Ken, the experience I’ve gained with him has helped me now produce three others to the CCI4* level.”

Wilton Fair Gives Wings

Gabby Dickerson and Casalto. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Receiving the Wilton Fair Grant from the USEA Foundation in early 2024 was another career catapult. Gabby applied it to a summer based with Nicola in the U.K. “We ticked along and checked off boxes” in CCI4*-Ss including Aston le Walls and Burgham International in England and Scone Palace in Scotland. Having both Ken and Casalto, a 13-year-old German Sport Horse by Casalito, doubled the tour’s benefits as an experience builder.

“One big result” could make Gabby the proverbial “overnight sensation 10 years in the making,” but she’s determined stay focused on the process. “It’s easy to get caught up in thinking about the outcome you want, but I’m trying not to belabor that. I’m trying to focus on the process and keeping it all moving in the right directly.”

It’s one of many areas where Nicola’s influence is especially valuable.

“Nicola has done everything I want to do, and accomplished it all, many times over,” Gabby said. “Whenever I’m feeling a little unsure, I always get a really clear answer from her. She’s also super detail oriented and very good on the coaching side. I’m very grateful to her.”

WhatsApp-ed schooling sessions are critiqued from across the pond and Nicola comes to the States frequently for in-person sessions.

One of Nicola’s recent visits was Morven Park, one of two CCI4*-Ls Gabby and Ken completed last year. “I’d been trying to tell her how hard that course was, and when she finally saw it, she said, ‘This is a 4.5* course! It’s worth me coming out of retirement for!’”

As Kentucky prep, “It felt really good to get that one out of the way,” Gabby said. “Ken’s spring season has gone to plan and we feel pretty prepared.” Morven Park built on an #8 finish in their 4*-L debut, at Tryon International last May, after a solid 4*-S run at the Cosequin Kentucky CCI4*-S last April.

Gabby is grateful to have both Nicola and Kim Severson on speed dial. Both help with the big picture planning for each horse and granular details like how many gallops, and at what distance, to get in with Ken in these finals weeks before Kentucky.

Simple Strategies In Care

Gabby Dickerson and Traditionally Fernhill. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Beyond the training, Gabby roots her horses’ development in simple, proven management strategies, while also being open to new solutions.

Airlite Cardboard Bedding is one example of a new solution Gabby found while supporting an allergy-prone horse. Popular in the high-performance jumping world, the bedding is made of pre-consumer cardboard and is virtually free of dust and other allergens. Gabby was first impressed by significantly less dust in the trailer coming home from Florida earlier this year. “We noticed a huge difference in air quality in the trailer. That’s always been a concern when you have so many horses in a tight space – the air can get really bad, really fast.

“We’re really happy with the cardboard bedding and I’m now using it for all our Advanced horses,” Gabby continues. “More people are paying more attention to their horses’ respiratory health because it’s so important in our sport.”

All her horses spend as much time outdoors as possible and their days usually begin with an hour on the horse-walker by Kraft, a free-walker that’s common in Europe. “They walk in both directions and it’s a smooth, flat rubber surface, so it’s a bit like doing roadwork.”

“We try to keep the program simple,” Gabby shared. “We’re not giving a thousand supplements because they get what they need through good feed from Nutrena. We keep everything as high quality as we can regarding their care, then ride them as correctly as we can.”

Simple stable management is part of the “consistency and slow steady steps” that Gabby trusted to bring her to this point. “Of course I’d love to push out a personal best at Kentucky, but I am aiming more for a solid result. It’s a 5* and anything can happen!”

EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for all the science-backed nutritional support your horse needs. Learn more about KPP here.

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Entries] [Tickets]

Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 Lead the CCI4*-S at Galway Downs International

By on Mar 27, 2026 10:21 am -

Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

The Galway Downs International Horse Trials got off to a cool morning start in Temecula Wine Country with dressage for the FEI divisions running until early afternoon in the tree-lined Sycamore Arena.

Things heated up literally and figuratively for afternoon show jumping in the atmospheric Grand Prix Arena. Course designer Antonio Azevedo of Brazil set solid tests for the CCI1*-S through CCI4*-S divisions. Some contenders are preparing for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event in April, some seek qualifying scores for the US Equestrian Open of Eventing and all are making the most of Galway Down’s ever-evolving showcase for equestrian sport in the West.

International divisions conclude tomorrow, Friday, March 27, and national divisions continue through Sunday, March 29.

CCI4*-S – Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 top leaderboard

Winning the CCI4*-L at last fall’s Galway Downs International was a major milestone in Karen O’Neal’s quest to prepare longtime partner Clooney 14 for the Land Rover Kentucky CCI5* next month. Today’s 29.6 dressage outing and clean show jumping put “Team Clooney” another step closer to accomplishing this goal.

With dressage and show jumping staged today, Friday is full focus on Clayton Fredericks’ cross-country to see how the 12-year-old Westphalian’s penultimate Kentucky prep feels and to sort out the seven-horse field.

“He was so lovely, so rideable,” said O’Neal, who is based in Washington state. “It was one of those tests where you come out and feel like, ‘Wow, everything is really coming together!’”

She confessed to a habit of playing it safe in show jumping with the 17.1-hand Clooney. But not today. Where others took the first line in 8 strides, O’Neal stepped on the gas for 7 strides. “It was even a little bit tight. That took a little time away, without having to run, and he came right back to me afterward.”

Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

O’Neal spent the winter in Temecula working with Galway Downs neighbor Tamie Smith and using the rideable Southern California weather to focus on Clooney’s conditioning. “So far, it really feels like I have more gas in the tank,” she said.

Tommy Greengard stands in 2nd with That’s Me Z, now an experienced 4* campaigner, and 3rd with Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad, who is tackling the level for the first time. “That is the best test for Z for where he’s at right now, and I felt like it was a really nice starting point for Balladeer at the level,” Greengard said.

For That’s Me Z, “Show jumping is a phase we continue to work on, so I was so happy to have a clear over those fences,” Greengard continued. Z added .4 time faults for a 30.5 going into cross-country, and Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad was double clear on a 34.0.

The Chocolate Horse Farm professional praised the atmosphere today at Galway Downs. “Both horses have competed abroad and back East,” Greengard explained. “So it’s really nice when they can come here and get a similar atmosphere.”

O’Neal and Greengard both look forward to good horse and rider tests tomorrow on cross-country. “We’ll have to be on task from fence one to the very last, and the field has a lot of very nice horses in it,” Greengard observed.

CCI3*-S – Audrey Sanborn and Lex D in the lead

Audrey Sanborn and Lex D. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Even though dressage has always been a strong point for Lex D, the 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood’s owner Audrey Sanborn is not resting on her laurels. The Santa Barbara-based young professional credited recent work with dressage coach Michael Linberg for helping them perfect this phase. The veteran pair’s 26.4 was the best of four FEI divisions today.

“I had Michael’s voice in my head through the test, and it helped me in specific areas, like getting Lex back, getting my half-halts in and, generally, riding the test in a methodical way that best shows off Lex’s quality,” Sanborn said.

With a double clear show jump, they lead the 15-horse division going into Friday’s cross-country conclusion. Clayton Fredericks’ cross-country course looks “very galloping and good for my big horse,” Sanborn added. They are planning their first 4*/Advanced run at Twin Rivers in April and today’s performances bodes well for that step up.

Galway Downs-based professional Erin Kellerhouse and her own Bon Vivant GWF are second in this division, jumping double clear to finish on their 32.9 dressage effort. “He was very good and we had a really clean test,” she said. “He may not score the highest because he isn’t the flashiest mover, but I was very happy with him.” Afternoon heat had no ill effect on the 11-year-old Oldenberg. “He is “Mr. Reliable’ in show jumping,” Kellerhouse shared. “He just goes in there and does his job.”

Two-time Olympian Lauren Billys Shady and Clearsky, an 11-year-old Holsteiner, downed one rail and sit third on a 35.4 in this division.

CCI2*-S – Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Coco Chanel lead the field so far

Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Coco Chanel. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Brianna Halliday’s Coco Chanel are in the hunt for a second 2*-S win in their partnership of one year thanks to double clear show jumping that kept them on their 28.1 lead after dressage. Smith-Cook and 8-year-old Holsteiner debuted at the international level by winning the CCI1*-S at this competition last year and their elegant ascent continued today.

Northern California-professional Mickayla Howard and HHS Ontario, a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse, moved up from 4th after dressage, to sit second on a 31.9. Montana professional Jen Moody and Million Star, a 9-year-old Holsteiner, are third on a 32.2.

CCI*-S — Amber Birtcil and Prince of Oolde shine

Amber Birtcil and Prince of Oolde. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Six-year-old Prince of Oolde followed last fall’s win of the Training Modified Championship here with a 29 dressage score. “He’s a super consistent horse, especially for just being 6,” said Birtcil. The added challenges of the 1* were a perfect next step for the Dutch Warmblood and the big atmosphere is another plus for his development.

As the only pair in this division, a cross-country completion tomorrow will ensure a win, but Birtcil expects a good experience will be the best reward. “Going over the berm, doing the far water and running across more grass will be great tests for him,” she said.

Heather Buckland, of Australia, and Sara Leary Miller, of Virginia, officiated the FEI dressage. Leary Miller served as President of the Ground Jury for the 1* and 3* divisions and Buckland served as President of the Ground Jury for the 2* and 4* divisions.

Friday Highlights

FEI cross country starts Friday at 8:30 a.m. PST with the CCI3*-S division. CCI4*-S follows at 10:30 a.m., then CCI2* at 11:45 a.m., and CCI1*-S at 2:15 p.m. FEI cross-country will be livestreamed and can be found at this link: ClipMyHorse-TV.

Galway Downs also looks forward to welcoming guests for a special VIP Cross-Country Tour on Friday, featuring wine pouring from partners Danza del Sol Winery and Maisa de la Vinya Winery as well as a full breakfast and lunch while taking in the excitement that is cross-country day.

Galway Downs International HT CCI4*-S (CA): [Website] [VIP Tickets] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]

O’Neal, Duda and Sykes Lead FEI Divisions at Galway Downs Ahead of Saturday Finale

By on Nov 1, 2025 12:57 pm -

International cross-country sent horses and riders racing across nearly every inch of Galway Downs’ beautiful 242 acres today. Spectators at a community event tent ooh-ed and aah-ed as pairs splashed through a mid-course water complex. Pairs were tested by creative terrain, twists, turns, obstacles and combinations, all run under beautiful blue skies, warm temperatures and gentle breezes rustling through the property’s lush landscape.

Happily, there were no major frights on this Halloween day. Challenging as the courses were, they did not shake up the Eventing Championships at Galway Downs’ standings very much.

CCI4*-L – Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14

Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

With only time faults over Clayton Fredericks’ course, Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 moved into the lead. It’s a big step in their quest to qualify for next year’s Kentucky 5* and, more importantly, proof that they’re ready for it.

“I’m in awe of how good he was,” said the professional who travelled from Washington. “We’ve had a few issues with steering and corners in the past, but I think we are fixing them.” The 11-year-old Westphalian “is understanding it all,” she explained. In between several long gallops stretches, the course required horse and rider to clearly understand corner combinations and angled lines. “Clooney is taking more initiative to sight the jumps,” said O’Neal, who had high praise for the course.

Jumping clean was O’Neal’s priority. The pair incurred 14.8 time penalties for exceeding the 10:06 optimum time, finishing on a 46. Speed and fitness are priorities for the near future, she said. “The jumps themselves feel great. It feels like this is where we should be and that we can go higher.”

Overnight leader Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 had a run-out at #19, the first of two angled brushes set in a shady pond. Even with the re-approach, the pair added only 2 time faults and are well within striking distance of the title. “I’m kicking myself,” said Smith, who wished she’d taken the longer, straighter approach to that fence. Beyond that, the 9-year-old Holsteiner was “world class all around the track,” Smith said. “She was literally foot perfect.”

Megan McIver and her own 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood Igor B, moved into third even with 23.2 time penalties. That was in part due to Molly Duda having a tough day at the 4* office with her two horses, Disco Traveler and Carlingsford Hes a Clover.

Duda was also kicking herself for a drive-by with Disco at 16D, another combination in the water – and this one in front of a full spectator tent. Asked if she was distracted by that, Duda said it was the opposite problem. “I thought it was one of the easier combinations, and I rode it too soft and easy and he just didn’t see it.”

It was an otherwise excellent round, said Duda of the rest her course with last year’s CCI4*-L champion. The error ended hopes of defending that title, but the young rider described the day as an educational experience.

CCI4*-L show jumping starts Saturday, Nov. 1 at 4 p.m.

CCI3*-L — Molly Duda and Jutopia – Tina Fitch Photo

Molly Duda and Jutopia. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Duda had a much better day on Jutopia, maintaining their lead with double clear cross-country to stay on their 26.7 dressage. “She is a cross-country machine,” said Duda of the 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood. “She’s always in front of me, she comes back really softly and she’s always looking for the flags. And she’s honest even if I don’t get it quite right.”

Duda’s coach Tamie Smith sits 2nd on Jump To Day D, the 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood owned by Jeanne Shigo. They were also double clear to stay on their 28.6 dressage effort. “He’s an easy, rideable horse and the course felt easy for him,” Smith said.

Taren Hoffos and her homebred mare, Regalla, were the third of six pairs to go double clear in this division. “She was amazing,” said Hoffos. “She’s really learned how to gallop. Her step has gotten so big and I really feel that she is running with me, rather than from me.”

Hoffos and the 14-year-old Oldenburg mare are third on their 29.2 and thrilled to have finished strong over a course that saw one elimination, two rider falls and a retirement. They had a hairy moment themselves going from the angled brushes at 19-20. “She grew a fifth leg and made it happen,” Hoffos explained. “She really showed her bravery and grit and her willingness to do anything for me.”

“We’ve probably done 20 courses at this level and Regalla has seen pretty much everything, but this was a tough course!”

The retirement in this division was Hoffos on her second mount, Master Class. They had a freak trip in the water at 15 ABC. Lacking a snorkel, her veteran Advanced partner was rattled by water in his ears as they galloped toward the next fence and Hoffos chose to retire there.

Fredericks was pleased with the outcome for both the 3* and 4* courses he designed. “I like to create situations where the rider has to think about what’s going on underneath them at the time.” The angled brushes at 19 and 20 posed exactly that question, he said. The horses had done a lot of jumping at that point, around the 8-minute mark, and if the horse came down to that not as responsive as you might have wanted, you’re not going to get them to lock on. We saw some backwards riding to that as a result.”

On balance, however, Fredericks described the course as educational, an observation echoed by many who tackled the track today.

CCI3*-L show jumping starts Saturday, Nov. 1 at 2:15 p.m.

CCI2*-L – Tamie Smith and Solaguayre Cantata – Tina Fitch Photo

Tamie Smith and Solaguayre Cantata. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

The 7-year-old Argentine Sport Horse Solaguayre Cantata came to Smith’s Next Level Eventing program as a 3-year-old. “She’s been an absolute nightmare until this year,” Smith laughed. “This year, she came into her own and has been great. She’s really grown up.” Double clear on their 27.3 dressage outing moved them into the lead before Saturday’s show jumping. “She’s such a quality horse. Good brain, she loves to jump and she’s really fun!”

Gabriella Ringer and her own Get Wild were also double clear to stay on their 28.1 and move into second. “He was fit and full of run and I’m really happy with everything,” Ringer said of 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood.

Also moving up a rung, into 3rd, was Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Cooley Calling, a relatively new ride owned by Molly Duda. The 9-year-old Irish Warmblood is “is awesome and super brave,” Smith-Cook said. “He’s straight forward to jump and a real businessman.” So far, this outing has helped solidify a partnership that Smith-Cook anticipates moving up to the 3* level next year.

CCI2*-L show jumping starts Saturday, Nov. 1 at 12:15 p.m.

CCI1*-L – Megan Sykes and HSH Tangerine – Tina Fitch Photo

Megan Skykes and HSH Tangerine. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Megan Sykes and HSH Tangerine kept their lead and their 28.2 dressage score with fault-free cross-country. Sykes is riding the 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse for her injured client, Nancy Emsley, who brought him along to Training level. “He hasn’t done terribly much and this level and course was great for gaining confidence and keeping him going in the right direction.”

Sykes praised designer Alessandra Allen-Shinn’s track as a perfect progression of challenges for the level.

Lauren Bebb and Crafty Don, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse, had just .4 time penalty to stay in 2nd on a 31.8. When Bebb’s own horse required surgery, she began leasing Crafty, who’d gained solid FEI mileage with Tamie Smith. “I wasn’t going to say no to an opportunity like that,” she shared. Helping her become more forward thinking is one of the lessons he’s taught her. “He makes me work, but it’s been great and I have grown so much riding him.”

Double clear cross-country moved 18-year-old Olivia Baca and Casskinero from 5th to 3rd on a 34.3. It’s their second FEI and first Long format and the fruits of working with Tamie Smith daily during Baca’s gap year are reflected in today’s success. “Sometimes he can be a little bit wild and try to take over, but for the most part, he’s just super confident. When he needs to show up, he definitely does.”

CCI1*-L show jumping starts Saturday, Nov. 1 at 11:10 a.m.

The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs (CA): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Scores] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Volunteer] [Live Stream]

The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs: Smith, Duda, Vedder and Sykes Lead International Divisions

By on Oct 31, 2025 12:40 am -

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

The future of West Coast eventing looks bright based on today’s opening dressage phase of the Eventing Championships at Galway Downs. Veteran Team USA rider Tamie Smith leads the CCI4*-L with Lillet 3, continuing a streak of eye-popping performances in their year-long partnership. The mare is owned by Smith’s student, Molly Duda, who topped the CCI3*-L dressage with another equine starlet, Jutopia.

Southern California delivered its trademark warm weather – even on the eve of Halloween – for the Oct. 30-Nov. 2 close of Galway Downs’ 2025 eventing season. No tricks, only treats on display for several pairs debuting at new levels as the Championships’ four international divisions unfurled in the Grand Prix Arena.

Meanwhile in the shade of the Eucalyptus arena, the USEA Area VI Championships for Preliminary and Open divisions danced their way through opening day. Horse Trials competition starts Friday.

CCI4*-L – Tamie Smith and Lillet 3

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 compete at Rebecca Farm en route to winning the CCI4*-L in July 2025. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Smith and Lillet 3’s one-year partnership is filled with wins, and the biggest may be crossing that line from work to fun. “As a rider, I am always trying to learn how to take the horse’s energy and make it expressive in a more supple, harmonious picture,” Smith said of the test’s best characteristic. “When you get that feeling that you can move their energy in the right direction, it’s fun!” Oodles of patience, education and conditioning go into getting there and the reward is a test like today’s, Smith said.

She’s grateful that the judging emphasis on harmony rewards the effortless-looking picture on display today. “It’s easy to get on, clamp on and make the horse do it. But that’s not really the goal.”

Smith and the 9-year-old Holsteiner earned a 27.6 from the Ground Jury of Bea DiGrazia (USA), Wiebke Hennig (GER) and Marilyn Payne (USA).

Tied for 2nd on a 31.2 are Molly Duda and her own Disco Traveler and Karen O’Neal and her longtime partner Clooney 14, an 11-year-old Westphalian owned by Annika Asling.

Duda is thrilled with Disco’s test. At 16, the Swedish Warmblood is “getting up there in age,” said Duda. Today’s fluid effort reflected the benefits of careful management, she added.

O’Neal praised Clooney’s obedience, wished he’d had a bit more spark and that she had ridden a bit more accurately.

Accuracy will be crucial over Clayton Fredericks’ cross-country track tomorrow. O’Neal echoed her fellow competitors in describing the route as a test of endurance and focus. New segments and obstacles up the degree of difficulty. “I need to walk it a few more times,” O’Neal said. “It feels quite different.”

Megan McIver and Igor B, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood, earned a 33 to slot into 4th, followed by Duda on Carlingsford Hes A Clover on a 36. Duda was pleased with her 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse in their move up to this level. “He’s a horse that comes out and is different every day,” Duda shared. “In the past, he has been very hot and tense in the court. Today he was the very opposite. He was so relaxed I could hardly get the impulsion needed!”

CCI3*-L — Molly Duda and Jutopia

Molly Duda and Jutopia. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Duda continues her ascent in the sport with a 26.7 on her own Jutopia to lead with seasoned professionals hot on their heels.

Ground Jury members Sukhdeve Rathhore (IND) Wiebke Hennig (GER),) and Marilyn Payne (USA) gave Molly’s coach, Tamie Smith, and Jump To Day D, a 28.6 to sit second. Taren Hoffos and her own Regalla and Stephanie Goodman and Elwenda DP are tied for 3rd on a 29.2 in this 19-horse division.

Ties in the 5th, 9th and 11th rungs, too, reflect like-minded judging and more young riders showcasing bright futures. Professional Audrey Sanborn and her own Lex D and Hanni Sreenan and Ebenholtz are tied for 5th on a 31.5. Megan Sykes and Andrea Baxter are tied in 9th on a 33. And there’s a three-way tie for 11th, among professionals Tamie Smith, Gina Economou and Megan McIver.

Duda said today’s test displayed “new pieces that really came together,” with Jutopia, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood. “She’s deceptively tricky. She has a lot of flash and elegance, but sometimes there are small things – like not being fully true in the contact – that don’t show on the surface, but that you can feel. Today, everything felt very harmonious.”

The University of California Los Angeles junior has not ridden the mare very much during their one-year partnership, due to competing in Europe with Disco Traveler and studying abroad.

Duda describes Tamie Smith as huge in their progress – both in training Jutopia when she was away and in having first-hand feel for those small things Duda described when coaching the young rider.

Smith, meanwhile, was as pleased about Duda’s rides as she was about her division debut with Jump To Day D, owned by Jeanne Shigo. The 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood came Smith’s way a year ago with 3* mileage, and they’ve competed at Preliminary together. “The amount of confidence he’s gained is so great,” Smith explained. “He has a really fun personality and he’s also a bit of a worrier. But he went into that test so relaxed and with me. It’s been really fun to see the progression of his confidence.”

CCI3*-L cross-country starts at 8:30 a.m. Friday, October 31.

CCI2*-L – Asia Vedder and Litmanen Z

Asia Vedder and Litmanen Z. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Consistency and relaxation helped Asia Vedder’s big 7-year-old, Litmanen Z, earn a little score – a division-leading 25.3. The performance follows a national-best 17.1 Open Preliminary score two weeks prior at Ram Tap and continues an upward trajectory.

From their beginning two years ago, Litmanen had “a great brain,” Vedder reports of the 17.2-hander. Today that manifested as steady rhythm and contact, creating a consistent frame throughout the test. Keeping him in front of the leg has been a productive focus. So has conditioning on the hills of her home farm in Central California. “I can really feel him getting that swing in his trot.”

Tamie Smith and Solaguayre Cantata, a 7-year-old Argentine Sporthorse, are two points behind on a 27.3. Young rider Gabriella Ringer and Get Wild are on their heels, in third, on a 27.7.

Ringer was targeting the CCI3*-L, but learned she lacked the MERs needed. “I hadn’t practiced this test a lot, but I was excited that he was able to keep a level head in that big arena and put his best food forward.” Especially after he bolted during the short trip from the warm-up to the Grand Prix Arena.

The 26-horse division was evaluated by Ground Jurors Marilyn Payne, Sukhdev Rathhore and Wiebke Hennig and several ties again emerged – two pairs tied for 10th and three tied for 21st.

Ringer and Vedder said they’re excited for tomorrow’s cross-country, designed by Alessandra Allen-Shinn. Both described the track as having plenty of running room, making best use of the property and requiring control and focus in key spots.

CCI2*-L cross-country starts at 11:30 am Friday, October 31.

CCI1*-L – Megan Sykes and HSH Tangerine

Megan Sykes and HSH Tangerine. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Catch riding for broken-footed client Nancy Emsley, Megan Sykes piloted HSH Tangerine to a 28.2 from the Ground Jury of Christel Carlson (USA), Marilyn Payne and Wiebke Hennig. “Nancy is an amazing client and I’m happy that, if she can’t ride, at least she can watch him do well. He’s a very balanced, steady-Eddy, correct horse that consistently scores in the 20s,” Sykes explained. The 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse “just keeps getting better every time out.”

Lauren Bebb and Crafty Don, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse, are 2nd on a 31.4 and Amanda Boyce and Cool Tonic, a 6-year-old Westphalian, are 3rd on a 32.1.

CCI1*-L cross-country starts at 1:40 pm Friday, October 31.

The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs (CA): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Scores] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Volunteer] [Live Stream]

Mai Baum’s Fitting Farewell and More from Sunday at Rebecca Farm

By on Jul 21, 2025 10:30 am -

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Tamie Smith signed out Saturday with a “Fingers crossed for tomorrow!” exclamation. But she didn’t need luck to hold her lead in The Event at Rebecca Farm’s CCI4*-L with Lillet 3. Or to keep her wits helping Mai Baum close his 10-year international career with yet another major win in The Event’s CCI4*-S.

Will Coleman and Fahrenheit Addict. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Representing a large East Coast contingent, this year’s Aachen CHIO Team Silver medalist Will Coleman was CCI4*-L reserve champion with Team Rebecca’s Fahrenheit Addict. Long time Rebecca Farm advocate Jennie Brannigan made her annual trip to Montana well worth it. Last year’s 4*-L champ took home 3rd and 5th finishes on Nina Gardner’s Connory and Kismet, respectively.

Jennie Brannigan and Kismet. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Smith was also 4th in the CCI4*-L with the Kynan Syndicate’s Kynan and 2nd in the CCI4*-S with Jutopia, owned by Molly Duda. The level of her accomplishments was rivaled only by the intensity of her emotions and those of Mai Baum’s people and his fans. Smith considers Lillet and Kynan among a current string of horses that can contend anywhere in the world going forward. “But my reality this week has been realizing that there will likely never be another Mai Baum.”

Asking to retire Team USA’s winningest horse of the last decade at Rebecca Farm was fitting for Mai Baum and for The Event’s place in the sport.

“We’re so grateful to the Broussard family for everything they do for the sport and for hosting Mai Baum’s ceremony,” said Smith. Ellen Ahearn spoke for their family – husband Eric Markell and their daughter Alex Ahearn – in echoing Smith’s appreciation as Mai Baum’s owners.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

In the first year of their partnership, Mai Baum and Smith won The Event’s CCI3* and they have been in the winner’s circle many times since. “Rebecca Farm holds a very special place for us,” Ahearn said in comments thanking everybody from Mai Baum’s vets, physios and farriers to those who documented his odyssey – including The Event’s official photographer Shannon Brinkman and Sherry Stewart.

A Fine Farewell

Alex Ahearn and Tamie Smith with Mai Baum. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Mai Baum returned the favor by delighting fans all week. On Thursday, his 22 dressage score broke The Event’s record, per EquiRatings data going back to 2008. He cruised around cross-country Saturday cheered from start to finish. After double clear show jumping today, the 19-year-old German Sport Horse raced away from the finish line looking like he wanted to do it all over again.

Alex Ahearn rode “Lexus” in the 4*-S victory gallop and throughout the retirement ceremony. Then his saddle was slipped off and a beautiful wreath slipped onto his neck. He posed for pictures with fans before taking a stroll on the grass with longtime friend and frequent groom Alyssa Dobrotin astride bareback. It was a moving, fun and inspiring end to an inspiring international career.

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Appreciation of The Event extended beyond Mai Baum’s circle. Visiting the 640-acre, family-owned property for the first time, Will Coleman said everything about it blasted past his high expectations. “Everybody says great things about Rebecca Farm, but you really have to experience it.”

The setting in Flathead Valley, near Glacier National Park, is breathtaking. But Will spoke most emphatically of the welcoming vibe – from the Broussard family to volunteers wishing him good luck in the start box, to fellow riders and new and old fans.

The East Comes West

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

“We’re thrilled to see so many East Coast people finally making the trip out here,” said organizer Sarah Broussard. Longtime advocates like Jennie Brannigan have urged their East Coast contemporaries to make the trip for years.

This year, $59,000 in Travel Grants from the Rebecca Broussard Charitable Trust Foundation helped 23 riders significantly defray trip expenses. For Coleman, 2025’s lack of international championships was another factor that helped make his “long overdue” visit possible. (Plus, the destination event has a golf course close by!)

Above all, Broussard is thrilled The Event met her definition of success – no major incidents or safety issues and horses and humans clearly enjoying the property and their time as part of the Rebecca Farm family.

A very positive response to new designer Jay Hambly’s courses is icing on the cake. Across the FEI divisions, seasoned riders praised the tests as squarely up to the standards for each division and as great preparation for pairs targeting international success. The footing also got great reviews – verbally and in the form of fresh, frisky horses logging numerous clear, fast rounds in show jumping after nearly maximum length cross-country efforts the previous day.

Meeting The Mandate

Allison Springer and Vandyke. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Supporting horses and riders with championship goals was a mandate established by The Event’s founder Rebecca Broussard. Bringing riders of all levels together was another. Counting split divisions, The Event hosted 36 different classes this year. Nearly 600 horses competed in levels ranging from Beginner Novice to the CCI4*-L, including two sections each in the Training and Novice Three Days.

Lost in 2010 to breast cancer, “Becky” Broussard left a legacy that remains as vibrant as the pink that popped everywhere throughout the week to promote Halt Cancer at X. Coming into this year’s Event, the HCX initiative had raised over $1 million for breast cancer research and patient support. At the Saturday night exhibitors party, another $68,000 was rustled up in an online auction and donations are still welcome here.

“We are really excited to have everybody come back next year for our 25th year,” Broussard concluded.

Pelligrini Stays Atop the CCI3*-L

Former West Coaster Meg Pellegrini gets some credit for nudging her coach Will Coleman to make the trip to Montana. But her biggest accomplishments this week were winning the CCI3*-L with Falcon Crown Z and finishing 4th with Cooley Wish Upon A Star. The 20-year-old rode both to double-clear and with quiet equitation required by Falcon. “He doesn’t feel the way he looks,” Pellegrini explained. “His body is kind of broken up in parts, so I have to be really good with my body or he’ll get over his shoulder.”

Being able to observe and absorb Coleman and his wife Katie’s riding style every day at their Virginia and Florida bases helps. And so does having Coleman’s former mount, Dondante, as a school master. “It was a huge help having him this winter and spring to hop on and practice difficult lines and technical things,” she shared of the horse she leases from Team Rebecca.

Besides a nice break, what’s next for both horses is not nailed down except that they’re both targeting big futures with the accomplished young rider.

California professional James Alliston was thrilled about Anna Nicholas’ HMR Rolan’s entire week here. “That was a long course yesterday,” he stressed. “Part of being a good upper level horse is being able to show jump even when you’re a little weary.” The 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse jumped double clear for a 2nd place finish on his 28.9 dressage score.

Lucienne Bellissimo and Horse Scout Eventing’s Qatar M incurred just .8 time penalties to retain their 3rd place standing on a 31.7.

Tommy Greengard Keeps the CCI3*-S Lead

With a rail in hand and a horse that seems capable of jumping the moon, Tommy Greengard didn’t press for time in keeping the lead for Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad. “I wanted to give him a nice ride and do him justice because he deserves that.” They added .8 time faults to end on a 32.3 and high hopes for the future. The US American Eventing Championship, at Southern California’s Galway Downs in August, are on their radar, Greengard shared. After that, “It’s the million-dollar question,” Greengard said. “He’ll go as far as he wants to!”

Second and 3rd placed finisher Erin Kellerhouse will be at the AEC, too. She’s based at Galway Downs and her own two horses, Bon Vivant GWF and Ringwood Adios Amigo, seem set up for success after this weekend’s impressive performances.

Dani Sussman Seizes CCI2*-L

Dani Sussman and Watervalley Royal Guy. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Cross-country and show jumping double clears enabled seasoned professionals Dani Sussman and James Alliston to spotlight future stars in the 1 and 2 rungs of this division.

The standings were tight and a mid-course rail sent overnight leader and young rider Gabriella Ringer and Get Wild into 5th.

Colorado-based Sussman is very excited about Water Valley Royal Guy. He won the division by finishing on his 27.4 dressage score and heads home with experience that’s hard to get elsewhere. “The atmosphere the young ones get here is amazing,” Sussman remarked. “The crowds, the music, the beautifully decorated fences… They get all kinds of exposure by coming here.”

James Alliston and Arnell Sporthorses’ Made by Leontine EB took their 27.6 dressage score to a red ribbon after show jumping. Alliston was thrilled with every phase. “This Long format is a big step up for him, especially on grass and in an unfamiliar venue with so much atmosphere. I’m happy how he handled everything.”

Accomplished Young Rider pair Hanni Sreenan and Ebenholtz kept their third place, adding .4 time penalties to finish on a 27.9.

Alyssa Phillips Takes the CCI1*-L Win

Florida based professional Alyssa Phillips and her own 6-year-old, Centerfold, secured a decisive, wire-to-wire win with another double clear jumping effort to finish on their 31.5 dressage effort. It was their first time stadium jumping after cross-country and he came out “quite mellow, which was nice.” Coming into The Event, she expected the normally spooky youngster to be a looky-loo, but on cross-country and show jumping he acted mostly like a pro. “He spooked a little bit at the smallest log out there yesterday, but that was it.”

Everything about the week here contributes to Centerfold’s development. Phillips is targeting the World Sport Horse Breeding Federation’s 2026 7-year-old championships and this win is a great milestone. “There are only a few shows in America that have this kind of atmosphere, yet here, it’s not in an overwhelming way,” Phillips said. “I think he’s come out of this week much better than where he started.”

Renee Price, an amateur rider from Alberta, Canada, wasn’t planning on The Event this year until she saw the CCI1* on the agenda. Partnered with the 15-year-old She Owns The Room for 10 years, Price said their past outings here were memorable for the wrong reasons – namely refusals. Yet it all came together for their FEI debut this year. The oil and gas industry product control officer and her beautiful chestnut mare head home on their 39.2 dressage score, flying a bright red ribbon.

Texas-based professional Rebecca Brown and her own Magic EB moved up into 3rd after finishing dressage in 12th rank.

The Event at Rebecca Farm (MT): [Website] [Halt Cancer at X] [Scores] [Official Photographer]

Tamie Smith Dominates Cross Country Day at Rebecca Farm

By on Jul 20, 2025 10:00 am -

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Tamie Smith again dominated the day’s news and results. Going late in The Event at Rebecca Farm’s top international division, the CCI4*-L, she and Lillet 3 caused Spectator Hill to collectively gasp. The reason was their smooth short cut from the Duck-to-Angled Brushes combination at 14ABC to the fence #15 Water Pipe right under the VIP tent.

The pair’s 28.1 dressage score was already leading the pack. They enhanced that by finishing 12 seconds under the course’s 10:58 optimal time – a time expected to be hard to make over this unusually long route.

Smith figured the shortcut shaved 5-6 seconds off their time and, in hindsight, she wished she’d done it with Kynan, the horse she rode first in the class. “I’d been mulling it over, and when I saw people struggling with the time, I decided I would do it if the one-stride rode right.”

It rode right for the “nippy, quick mare” owned by student Molly Duda, and Smith went for it.

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Boldness, precision and plenty of pace were course designer Jay Hambly’s priorities throughout the six international levels of cross-country competition today. This was phase-two of The Event at Rebecca Farm’s international competition in the Olympic equestrian sport of Three Day Eventing. The international divisions conclude Sunday, July 20, with show jumping in the Farm’s marquee Arena 1, starting at 9 a.m.

“She was foot perfect the rest of the way,” Smith continued of Lillet’s performance. The ascent to Lillet’s debut at the level has involved some struggle to “understand what kind of ride she needs and what kind of step she has,” Smith shared. “Sometimes I’ve gotten into trouble because I don’t believe her step is as big as it is, because she’s so nimble and quick. It’s been all coming together and especially today,” Smith concluded.

Riding an efficient track is a skill Smith credits to Mai Baum. Her international partner for the last 10 years, Mai Baum leads the CCI4*-S and will retire from competition after the end of FEI show jumping. “Mai Baum is not a fast horse, so he taught me to be efficient, smooth and slick.”

Will Coleman and Fahrenheit Addict. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Smith’s Team USA teammate Will Coleman admitted that his first trip to Rebecca Farm is “long overdue.” The Florida and Virginia-based horseman made the most of it by jumping clear in the CCI4*-L and exactly nailing the optimal time with Fahrenheit Addict. Coleman rides the horse for Team Rebecca, LLC, and said he was enjoying the fruits of their labors over the last 18 months together. That included stepping the horse back few levels to rebuild the foundation of his training and build up confidence.

Pinpoint control was required in combinations where steeply angled lines between fences had to be navigated in just a few strides. Coleman’s smooth riding epitomized what it takes to maintain that control without losing speed.

Last year’s CCI4*-L winner Jennie Brannigan, on Kismet, was the third rider to finish within the time. They moved into third on a 35.8. Brannigan, a longtime Rebecca Farm advocate and another Team USA veteran, also sits 4th with Connory, with a 37.7. Smith and Kynan are 5th on a 38.9.

Smith and Lillet have a show jumping rail in hand for tomorrow’s show jumping finish, but there is not much wiggle room in the standings behind that.

Praise for the Course

Jennie Brannigan and Kismet. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The Event’s new course designer Jay Hambly was widely praised. “I think everybody will be really happy with what their horses come away with on the track,” Coleman said.

“It’s easy to take over somebody else’s course and maybe back off or keep it a bit the same,” Smith observed. “Jay didn’t play it safe. He beefed it up. It was up to the standard and the time was hard to make. I think he did an outstanding job, and I was really impressed.”

After one elimination, the CCI4*-L is now a field of 13 pairs to face the show jumping finish designed by Chris Barnard. CCI4*-L show jumping starts at 3:45 p.m. on Sunday.

Mai Baum Leads the CCI4*-S

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Smith stayed in the limelight as Mai Baum stayed in a solid lead of this division, cruising to minimal time faults and a 27.6. They are one rail up over Smith’s second horse in the division, Jutopia, on a 35.3.

A hush fell over Spectator Hill as Smith and Mai Baum left the start box, the crowd swarming en masse to see and cheer every seeable effort from that great vantage point. Going last in the class, the pair fittingly had the course to themselves. This included the quiet stretches galloping on their own on meticulously groomed tracks through yellow-blooming canola fields.

“When I was by myself with Mai Baum, I was actually laughing the whole way,” Smith shared. “It was so easy and effortless, yet he has his own unique style that I have grown accustomed to.” They had not gone cross-country together since last fall and Mai Baum’s singular sensations at the gallop stirred up the memories.

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

“It’s not always the greatest feeling,” Smith revealed. “He’s kind of a little bit always behind my leg. A little bit always over jumping and a little bit always going the same speed.” Feeling all that again, and for the last time, “I was like, ‘What are you doing?’” Smith shared with a wistful smile at day’s end.

Smith’s partner in 2nd place so far, Jutopia, will be returned after the mare’s summer schooling to owner, Molly Duda. But Smith has enjoyed and maximized their three outings together. “I could see where she was a bit green in some places, but she is such a class mare and she was just awesome.”

James Alliston and Alliston Equestrian’s Paper Jam are third on a 38.3, incurring just .8 time penalties.

A fall and a retirement on course brought this CCI4*-S field to 8. They show jump Sunday starting at 3:05 p.m.

Pelligrini Stays Atop the CCI3*-L

Meg Pellegrini and Falcon Crown Z. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Coach Will Coleman described 20-year-old Meg Pellegrini’s two rides in this division as “well beyond her years. I’m so proud of her poise out there and it reflects the incredible amount of work she puts into it.”

With both her leading horse, Falcon Crown Z, and his 4th-seated stable mate, Cooley Wish Upon A Star, the day was “harder than I expected it to be,” Pellegrini said. “Not because of the course but because both horses were really feeling it.”

“Falcon was bucking and broncing in the warm-up ring,” she shared. “Out of the box I was expecting him to be spooky, but he was so game. So, I had to change my plan a few times and bring him back to me in a few places.” Hitting her minute markers consistently on both horses, she was thrilled to finish double clear on both – even enjoying breaks in intensity where she could “let them breathe and calm down.”

“The course rode beautifully,” Pellegrini added. “The ground felt amazing and we were really lucky with the weather.”

James Alliston and Anna Nicholas’ HMR Rolan were also double clear to maintain their 2nd spot in the standings, on a 28.9. Lucienne Bellissimo and Horse Scout Eventing’s Qatar M incurred only .8 time penalties to sit third on a 30.9. Alliston and Grace Brownrigg’s Irish Pop had minor time penalties to be 4th on a 34.7.

Two rider falls, two retirements and an elimination pared the CCI3*-L to a 7-horse field for show jumping, which starts at 1:35 p.m. on Sunday.

Tommy Greengard Takes Over CCI3*-S Lead

Tommy Greengard and Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

“He decided I’m his person,” said Tommy Greengard of how Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad went from struggling at Training level here last year to leading this division on a 31.5, with just 4 time penalties. Owned by Patricia Culleton, the horse was “spectacular,” said the young professional with Chocolate Horse Farm in Northern California.

As the first FEI division on this cool, misting morning, the division got off to a slightly rocky start. There were five eliminations and a retirement. In addition to the technical challenges of the tracks between fences, Rebecca Farm’s courses are famous for their colorful and creative jumps. In this division, the Up Bank to Moose complex at 11AB gave several horses particular pause.

Southern California professional Erin Kellerhouse finished clear on two of her own horses –Bon Vivant GWF moves up into 2nd on a 39.1 and Ringwood Adios Amigo is 3rd on a 40.1.

Bon Vivant and Amigo are 10 and 9, respectively, and Kellerhouse started working with both when they were 4. This was their second year at The Event and, while they were up to the physical tasks, the atmosphere was a lot to handle – especially for the spookier Amigo. Both rose to the occasion today and confirmed the Swift Ridge Eventing owner’s abilities with young horses.

Both horses are on track to fulfill Kellerhouse’s goal of qualifying them for the USEA’s American Eventing Championships, presented by Nutrena. This year’s AEC will be held at Kellerhouse’s Galway Downs home base in Southern California’s Temecula, in late August. Today’s course was super prep for both, she said. “The courses had a lot of hard stuff on them, but they looked fun and doable and they were!”

The now 14-horse CCI3*-S begins show jumping at 12:35 p.m. on Sunday.

Gabriella Ringer Stays Ahead in the CCI2*-L

The top three stayed put in this division, with 21-year-old Gabriella Ringer and Get Wild going double clear – 28 seconds under the time – to stay on their 25.2. The pair have been together since Get Wild was 5 and Ringer was 13. After a terrific dressage performance on Thursday, Ringer said today’s goal was to build confidence and have some fun and they clearly accomplished that.

Colorado professional Dani Sussman was also double clear with Water Valley Royal Guy to stay in second on a 27.4. Right behind them, again, is another accomplished Young Rider pair – Hanni Sreenan and Ebenholtz sit third on a 27.5.

The CCI2*-L’s 21 pairs start show jumping at 10:30 a.m. time Sunday.

Alyssa Phillips In the CCI1*-L Lead

Pennsylvania professional Alyssa Phillips and her own 6-year-old, Centerfold, stayed atop this division on their 31.5 dressage score. Brianna Rasmussen and del la Renta moved into 2nd with 2.4 time penalties for a 37.6 score. And Renata Price and She Owns the Room move up into 3rd after a double clear cross-country effort.

CCI*-L pairs start show jumping at 9 a.m. time Sunday.

Free Spectator Fun, Food and Excitement

Spectators are welcome at no charge. The Event’s Shopping Fair and Festival are open Sunday, including the free Kids Zone from 10 to 3.

The Event at Rebecca Farm (MT): [Website] [Halt Cancer at X] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Official Photographer] [Live Stream] [Volunteer]

Mai Baum Wows in Day of FEI Dressage Highlights at Rebecca Farm

By on Jul 19, 2025 10:00 am -

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Counting split divisions, there are 35 classes running at The Event at Rebecca Farm this week, but it was the CCI4*-S dressage that riveted everybody’s attention on Friday.

That’s when Mai Baum and Tamie Smith earned a 22 score to lead the division by over 10 points. The numbers, however, tell only tell a sliver of the world-renowned pair’s story.

Mai Baum acted more the 19-year-old boy than the 19-year-old horse since arriving at The Event from his Southern California home. Smith was slightly worried how he’ll do without a show spotlight in the future, but no worries were evident in their fluid, fabulous, floating masterclass. True to form, Mai Baum exceeded the moment’s high expectations.

“Obviously he doesn’t know this is his last event and he doesn’t look like it should have been,” said Smith. She struggled with emotions. “I’m speechless. He’s in a class of his own and it’s been a privilege to ride him.”

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Owned by the Ahearn and Markell family, “Lexus” has a legacy that goes beyond his remarkable competitive resume. “He’s helped me with all my horses,” Smith explained. “He taught me how to ride on the flat. He taught me about self-carriage, power, uphill balance and cadence. He’s next level with all of that,” said Smith, who, perhaps presciently, named her business Next Level Eventing well before Lexus came into her life.

Mai Baum will retire Sunday afternoon (now scheduled for after the CCI4*-L division), but there’s plenty to do before that. “We’ve done some jumping shows, but he hasn’t evented since Maryland. I expect him to be a bit strong and cheeky. Most of all, he’ll be happy to be out there on cross-country.”

“It was a windshield wiper moment,” said Ground Jury member Bea DiGrazia (USA) of the tears that fell while judging Mai Baum’s last test. Fellow judges Helen Christie (NZL) and Jane Hamlin (USA) agreed with that assessment and with each other’s evaluation of the performance.

“It was a huge moment and really well done,” DiGrazia continued. “There was hardly a full point difference in our scores.” She recalled Mai Baum’s “presence and pizazz” – even during his “wiggly” days. Christie described him as always a horse who would “catch your eye if you saw him across a field. He’s got that star quality.” And Hamlin recalled a fellow 2019 Pan Am Games judge sighing after Mai Baum’s test – “Wasn’t that beautiful?”

One of the many horses to benefit from Mai Baum’s legacy is Jutopia, normally the ride of Smith’s talented student Molly Duda. Jutopia is 2nd on a 32.9 in the CCI4*-S. Cooler, windier and spookier conditions contributed to some score-costly bobbles on Thursday, but otherwise Smith was happy with the mare’s performance.

Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z carried on their World Sport Horse Breeding Federation Young Horse Championships fame from last fall. Their 34.2 puts them 3rd doing into cross-country on Saturday.

CCI4*-S pairs start cross-country at 12:50 p.m. Mountain time Saturday.

Smith Atop the CCI4*-L, Too.

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Smith didn’t have much time to absorb Mai Baum’s latest magical moment. Another horse owned by student Molly Duda, Lillet 3, was waiting for her close-up in her CCI4*-L debut. The elegant mare is intended as a long-term horse for Smith and their division-leading 28.1 bodes a bright future. “She tries so hard and is so intelligent,” Smith said. “When you move like her and have that kind of brain, there’s a lot to work with.”

Chris Talley and FE Marco Polo are 2nd, marking the Virginia-based professional as one to watch in his own new business, C Talley Equestrian. He was thrilled with their 32.2 start yesterday, which he attributed to the 9-year-old horse’s success in containing his energy.

He’ll need that energy on cross-country. “Everywhere you look it’s stunning,” said Talley of Jay Hambly’s long 4*-Long course. “The water at the beginning of the course is intense, and the new bank (at 21AB), the roller coaster and the moose will all be good challenges,” Talley predicted.

Smith sits in 3rd with Kynan on a 32.9. Going first in the 10-horse division on Thursday, Kynan gave in to some distractions outside the court before settling into “one of his best tests ever,” Smith said. “He came back to me after those bobbles and was so through and strong. I was very happy with him.”

CCI4*-L pairs start cross-country at 11:25 a.m. Mountain time Saturday.

Pelligrini Atop the CCI3*-L

Meg Pellegrini and Falcon Crown Z. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Meg Pellegrini’s place atop the dressage standings with Falcon Crown Z, on a 27.7, was all the sweeter coming after a rough Thursday with her second horse in the division, Cooley Wish Upon A Star. Riding first in the 12-horse class yesterday, Pellegrini “made some errors and let the pressure bubble over into some costly mistakes.”

With the support of her coach Will Coleman and his team, the 21-year-old Pellegrini turned the incident into “a way to light me up for today.” She spent time with coach and nervous system practitioner Natalie Hummel to reset her focus and be ready to respond positively in the moment. Like many horses, Falcon found the Arena 1 atmosphere a little spooky, so that came in handy in a few spots. “But overall it was probably one of our best tests.”

Pellegrini felt the benefits of strength building and a varied conditioning program paying off in Falcon’s performance. “I could feel him grow taller coming down centerline and he really had a great attitude.”

California-based international rider James Alliston sits second with HRM Rolan on a 28.9. The 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse was 2nd in the CCI2*-L here last year and has had consistently strong outings over the past year. Lucienne Bellissimo and Qatar M are 3rd on a 30.1, followed closely by several top professionals on horses who could upset the apple cart after cross-country.

CCI3*-L pairs start cross-country at 10:10 a.m. Mountain time Saturday

Audrey Sanborn Leads the CCI3*-S

Audrey Sanborn and Lex D. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Young California professional Audrey Sanborn and her own Lex D lead 21 pairs in this division, on a 29.2. Sanborn’s three-year partnership with Lex D has progressed steadily. Competing here in the same division last year contributed to a “really professional” test today, said the longtime student of international rider Bec Braitling. “He showed off all is special moves, kept his cool and listened.”

As for tomorrow’s cross-country, Sanborn echoes the excitement many riders express about the adventure and development opportunities that await. “It has technical spots for sure. We’ll have to go fast to make the time, but I like how the designer set it up. I think it will ride well and it should be exciting.”

Idaho-based professional Stephanie Goodman and Elwenda DP are 2nd on a 30.7. This pair were the wire-to-wire CCI2*-L winners here last year and the mare has racked up many top placings in the interim. Sitting in 3rdon a 31.1 are Tommy Greengard and Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad.

Gabriella Ringer leads the CCI2*-L

Gabrielle Ringer and Get Wild. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

“Always!” answered coach James Alliston when asked how often his student, Gabriella Ringer, beats him in the dressage court. “Gabby” and Get Wild’s 25.2 test on Thursday kept a solid lead after the rest of the field’s 29 horses finished today. (It was also the 2nd best score across all 6 FEI divisions.)

“We’ve worked really hard on the flat and he’s been consistently strong in dressage,” said Gabby, a recent college graduate with a communications and media production degree. “But any time you are in an atmosphere like this, you never know.”

“He’s my horse of a lifetime,” the 21-year-old Northern California rider said. The pair has some 3*-S mileage and Gabby opted for the 2*-L to let Get Wild “take a breath out there on cross-country, gain some confidence and have some fun.”

Colorado professional Dani Sussman sits 2nd with Water Valley Royal Guy on a 27.4. “He’s the whole package,” Sussman said of her new ride and their prospects over the weekend. “The course looks great, the footing feels fantastic, which will help us cruise around efficiently. I think my horse is going to eat it up!”

2023 USEA 2*-L National and 2*-L Young Rider champions Hanni Sreenan and Ebenholtz sit third on a 27.6.

CCI2*-L pairs start cross country at 2:00 p.m. Mountain time Saturday

Alyssa Phillips and Isabella Degner tied atop the CCI1*-L

Alyssa Phillips and Centerfold. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Pennsylvania professional Alyssa Phillips is making the most of having only one horse here. She’s been white water rafting, dipped into Foys Lake and attended a rodeo. But Centerfold’s dressage performance this morning is the highlight so far. Their 31.5 ties them with junior pair, Isabella Degner and Supah Heat, at the top of this division.

Centerfold, a 6-year-old Irish Sport Horse is still “getting all the pieces together.” Despite a few “bobbles,” Phillips is thrilled with how hard he tried to stay composed in the impressive setting.

Targeting the 2026 WSHBF Young Horse Championships qualification, Phillips expects Saturday’s cross-country to be a great learning experience. She’ll give the naturally spooky horse time to look at the “water monster,” (Ogopogo). “Then from there, I’ll let him flow and find his pace. I think the course is going to set him up very well for the future.” Purchased last summer from Amy and Austin O’Connor in England, Centerfold “has a massive stride and I think he’s going to love it out there!”

Elle White and Biscotti are third on a 34.6 third in the 17-horse field.

CCI*-L pairs start cross country at 3:25 p.m. Mountain time Saturday.

Free Spectator Fun, Food and Excitement

Spectators are welcome at no charge. The Event’s Shopping Fair and Festival are open Saturday and Sunday, including the free Kids Zone from 10 to 4.

An Impactful Event

The Event’s impact goes beyond the horse world with Halt Cancer at X. The charitable initiative was launched in 2012 by Sarah Broussard in honor of her late mother, Rebecca Broussard, who founded the Event at Rebecca Farm in 2002.

Funds are raised by donations and an auction featuring premiere stabling and RV camp sites for The Event in 2026, plus vacation opportunities in Montan and California. Donations and bids on these items can be made via a campaign button on the RebeccaFarm.org home page here. (Auction bidding closes Saturday, July 19 at 8:30 p.m.)

The Event at Rebecca Farm (MT): [Website] [Halt Cancer at X] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Official Photographer] [Live Stream] [Volunteer]

First Half of FEI Dressage Kicks Off Exciting Sport at Rebecca Farm

By on Jul 18, 2025 11:55 am -

Chris Talley and FE Marco Polo. Photo by Marie Cobb for Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Blue skies, white clouds and green grass painted a beautiful backdrop in the Flathead Valley as international dressage phases began in the showcase Arena 1. Half the field in each of The Event at Rebecca Farm’s 6 FEI divisions — from CCI1* to CCI4*-L — were put through their paces today.

The second half of each division will take place Friday, July 18, beginning with the CCI1*-L at 8 a.m. Mountain time.

Elite equine and human athletes, pairs stepping up to new levels and dazzling pink decorations promoting the breast cancer research campaign — Halt Cancer At X — intensified the brilliant Montana summer day.

Virginia-based Chris Talley and FE Marco Polo top the CCI4*-L standings after 7 rides from what will be 14 competitors in this division. Their 32.2 from Ground Jury members Helen Christie (NZ), Jane Hamlin (USA) and Bea DiGrazia (USA) reflected nicely contained energy in the distinct atmosphere of Ring 1.

“It’s unique because you are kind of by yourself out there,” says Talley, a three-time Rebecca Farm competitor. “Yet there’s so much going on around you. First, we walked through cross-country warm-up (for lower levels) to get to dressage. In the test, you can hear people cheering in other rings and out on cross-country. I thought he handled it really well.”

Tamie Smith is right behind Talley with Kynan, one of her 5 international rides. They earned a 32.9 and are followed by Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 on a 35.6. Several-time Rebecca Farm champ, and the division’s defending champion, Jennie Brannigan, is fourth in the day-one pack, this year riding Kismet to a 37.3.

New Track Drops

Talley echoes his fellow riders in expressing excitement over Saturday’s cross-country track, designed by Jay Hambly. The Canadian stepped into the top course design role this year after assisting his renowned predecessor Ian Stark and being part of the Rebecca Farm crew often since The Event’s beginning in 2002.

An imposing new drop fence (to a corner) at 21AB on the 4L track highlights challenges Hambly has been brewing for the past year. A good gallop, pinpoint control and guts will determine success over a course that clocks in close to the format’s 11-minute edge: the optimum time is 10:56 seconds.

Surveying several course questions from “Spectator Hill,” Hambly said, “Even if you think I’m making you go slow, if you have the inside line, you let your horse travel and carry pace through the turns – and be brave and good!! — you’ll be rewarded. I don’t want the mistakes to come from going too fast. I want them to come from being off the line.”

The inspiration for the new drop fence is to ensure that Rebecca Farm has all the major course questions that pairs will likely face at international championships and 5* events around the world.

“We’ll see!” concludes Hambly, whose resume includes building for the Tokyo and Hong Kong Olympics. “I hope it works!”

The international divisions tackle cross-country Saturday, July 19, starting with the CCI3*-S at 8:40 am.

Praise O’Plenty

Tamie Smith and Jutopia. Photo by Marie Cobb for Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Riders were universal in their praise for Rebecca Farm as a venue and as a core of the eventing community. Talley is among the 23 riders allocated a total of $64,000 in Rebecca Farm Travel Grants to help defray the cost of getting to Kalispell.

For Talley, the atmosphere, the courses and the genuine welcoming vibe were all reasons to travel from the East. It all fits perfectly into the development of both FE Marco Polo, who is doing his first 4*-L, and MBF Firebrand, who sits 5th in a tightly-bunched first half of the CCI3*-L.

The dressage phase of the CCI4*-L resumes Friday at 1:25 pm

Overnight FEI Top 3s

CCI4*-S

  • Tamie Smith and Jutopia – 32.9
  • Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z – 34.2
  • Rebecca Braitling and Caravaggio II – 36.3

This division resumes Friday at 12:35 pm

CCI3*-L

  • Asia Vedder and Mameluke – 31.5
  • James Alliston and Irish Pop – 33.5
  • Meg Pellegrini and Cooley Wish Upon A Star – 34.7

This division resumes Friday at 4:50 pm

CCI3*-S

  • Erin Kellerhouse and Bon Vivant GWF – 35.1
  • Andrea Baxter and The Big Easy- 35.7
  • Harper Click and Graphite 54 – 39.6
  • This division resumes Friday at 3:05 pm

CCI2*-L

  • Gabriella Ringer and Get Wild – 25.2
  • James Alliston and Made by Leontine EB – 27.6
  • Tamie Smith and Kareena K – 27.7

This division resumes Friday at 9:35 am

CCI1*-L

  • Brianna Rasmussen and de la Renta – 35.2
  • Analise O’Brien and Hilcrest Hero – 37.5
  • Stephanie Goodman and Cord Johnson – 38.0

This division resumes Friday at 8 am

An Impactful Event

Asia Vedder and Marmaluke. Photo by Marie Cobb for Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The Event’s impact goes beyond the horse world with Halt Cancer at X. The charitable initiative was launched in 2012 by Sarah Broussard in honor of her late mother, Rebecca Broussard, who founded the Event at Rebecca Farm in 2002.

Funds are raised by donations and an auction featuring premiere stabling and RV camp sites for The Event in 2026, plus two local vacation opportunities. Donations and bids on these items can be made here. (Auction bidding closes Saturday, July 19 at 8:30 p.m.)

Free Spectator Fun, Food and Excitement

Spectators are welcome at no charge. The Event’s Shopping Fair and Festival are open Friday through Sunday, including the free Kids Zone fun. Kid Zone hours are 10-4 on Friday and Saturday and 10-3 on Sunday.

The Event at Rebecca Farm (MT): [Website] [Halt Cancer at X] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Official Photographer] [Live Stream] [Volunteer]

Coming Soon: The Event at Rebecca Farm

By on Jul 11, 2025 9:00 am -

Megan McIver and Elle. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Known in the equestrian world as “the Western Wonderland,” The Event at Rebecca Farm brings top competitors from throughout North America to Kalispell. Presented by non-profit Montana Equestrian Events, Inc., The Event runs Wednesday, July 16 through Sunday, July 20, 2025.

The Event features Olympic-level three-day eventing competition ranging from CCI4*-L to Beginner Novice. It includes Training and Novice Three-Day divisions that promote the sport’s training foundation.

Nestled near the gateway to Glacier National Park, Rebecca Farm provides one of the most beautiful backdrops in the sport. Cross-country tracks run over most of the Farm’s 640 acres, with obstacles that are charming to see and challenging to navigate.

Spectators are welcome at no charge, volunteers are greatly appreciated and a vibrant vendor area provides shopping and food opportunities galore.

The Event’s Shopping Fair and Festival are open Thursday through Sunday, with free Kids Zone fun Friday through Sunday and delicious food all five days. Patron opportunities provide visitors a chance to support the sport and enjoy a shaded viewing areas with fresh-baked goodies and weekend buffet lunches.

Much of the The Event’s action will be live streamed by RNS Video Media.

Rock Star Rosters

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Sport superstars highlight The Event’s international divisions. Last year’s CCI4*-L champion Jennie Brannigan returns from Pennsylvania to defend her title with two horses – Kismet and Connory.

Fellow Team USA veterans, Will Coleman and Tamie Smith, from Virginia and California, respectively, will be after the same honor. Coleman is fresh from earning Team Silver at the Aachen CSIO in Germany and he is competing Fahrenheit Addict in this division. Smith has two up and comers in the 4*-L — Lillet 3 and Kynan.

But it may be the 19-year-old Mai Baum that lures the limelight. Smith’s equine partner in 10 years of globe-trotting international competition will retire after completing the CCI4*-S division, with show jumping on Sunday. “This venue shaped both of our careers,” Smith explained of one of several reasons Mai Baum will retire at Rebecca Farm.

These seasoned stars will have their hands full with likely future team riders. Tommy Greengard of California and Briggs Surrat of Florida are among the many hot shots to watch tackle the veterans for podium places.

Virginia-based Allison Springer returns to Montana for the first time since 2011. That’s when her partner Arthur famously took offense to a statue in the jumping ring, erasing their 11-point lead for “the worst show jumping round ever,” Allison remembers. Yet, The Event lost none of its luster and she’s thrilled to be returning with Van Dyke for the CCI4*-L.

“I’ve been back to coach young riders and it’s such a beautiful place and I think it will work out well for what my horse needs this year.” She’s excited about Jay Hambly’s designs in his first year as head course designer – following Ian Stark’s 12-year run as international course designer at Rebecca Farm.

Allison was one of 23 riders awarded a Rebecca Farm Travel Grant. “That was hugely helpful in being able to make this decision. I love the Broussard family and they are so amazing and generous.”

The Event has extra incentives this year as a qualifier for the USEA American Eventing Championships, presented by Nutrena, August 27-31 in Temecula, California, and as a qualifier for the inaugural US Equestrian Open of Eventing, set for October 9-12, at Virginia’s Morven Park.

“We are really excited to have everybody back,” says event organizer Sarah Broussard.

An Impactful Event

Lots of pink ribbons will be on display throughout the weekend to promote breast cancer awareness and Rebecca Farm’s Halt Cancer At X initiative. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

The Event’s impact goes beyond the horse world with Halt Cancer at X. The charitable initiative was launched in 2012 by Sarah Broussard in honor of her late mother, Rebecca Broussard, who founded the competition in 2002.

Through Halt Cancer at X, Montana Equestrian Events has so far provided more than $1 million in grant funds to innovative breast cancer research projects and to local non-profits that offer financial and wellness services to breast cancer patients.

Funds are raised by donations and an auction featuring premiere stabling and RV camp sites for The Event in 2026, plus a Whitefish Mountain winter vacation during the upcoming ski season. Donations and bids on these items can be made here. (Auction bidding closes Saturday, July 19 at 8:30 p.m.)

The Event also makes a year-round impact on equestrian sport with generous grant programs.

The Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grants began in 2011. They are administered by the US Eventing Association in honor of Rebecca “Becky” Broussard’s legacy of assisting and encouraging riders pursuing the sport’s highest levels.

The Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant, aka the “Big Becky,” awards $50,000 to an international quality rider and the “Little Becky” National Developing Rider Grant awards $10,000 to riders on a similar path.

Tamie Smith received both Grants at a critical juncture in her international career. “It was a catapult,” Smith shared. “It was a bunch of people saying, ‘We think you have what it takes!’”

Volunteers Welcome

Volunteers at Rebecca Farm. Photo via Rebecca Farm on Facebook.

There’s always a lot going on at The Event and that requires a lot of volunteers – typically about 250. Volunteers support the safety of all visitors, convey The Event’s world-renown hospitality and ensure smooth operations.

Volunteering at The Event is famously fun and no experience is required for most positions.

There’s a perfect post for most ages and abilities and roles range from assisting in the arenas or on the cross-country course, to spectator parking, hospitality, food services and pedestrian crossings.

Volunteering info and sign-ups can be found here.

The Event at Rebecca Farm (MT): [Website] [Halt Cancer at X] [Entries] [Live Stream] [Volunteer]

Festival Feel for Legacy Equestrian Event at Rebecca Farm This July

By on May 1, 2025 9:30 am -

Tamie Smith and Sumas Tina Turner. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The Event at Rebecca Farm brings the sound of thundering hooves, the sight of soaring horses and a sense of excitement for all things equestrian to Flathead Valley this summer. Presented by the non-profit Montana Equestrian Events, Inc., The Event is set for July 16-20, 2025.

Now in its 24th year, The Event shares Flathead Valley with the Under The Big Sky Music Festival on the same weekend this year. As a result, early travel and lodging arrangements are strongly encouraged!

The Event’s one-of-a-kind opportunities cover a wide spectrum.

Competitors

Emilee Libby and Toska. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Olympic-caliber equestrians will test their mettle over one of the world’s most breathtaking and challenging cross-country courses. Those with less lofty – yet equally important – competitive goals will tackle level-appropriate challenges with the same beautiful backdrops for cross-country, dressage and show jumping.

The US Eventing Association’s Classic Series will be staged in both Novice and Training divisions. This continues the popular combination of education and competition derived from eventing’s roots.

With divisions from Beginner Novice up to CCI4*-L, The Event offers something for every eventer. Bringing all levels together in one beautiful location is one of many enduring legacies left by the late Rebecca Broussard, who founded The Event in 2002.

Entries open on June 3, on the USEA’s Xentry platform, and close July 1. They fill fast!

Sponsors & Patrons

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Sponsorships offer companies many ways to reach The Events’ spectators from far and wide.

Traditional sponsorship levels emphasize on-site benefits like tickets for special viewing tents, plus advertising and promotional opportunities. These can include program ads, logo placements, banners, social media posts, and cross-country fence and show jump signage.

Limited Edition sponsorships, added in recent years, emphasize digital and media benefits to target the equestrian community more heavily. These unique opportunities include sponsorship of international divisions, prizes, the Kid Zone, the Competitor Party and the live stream that will be viewed by fans around the world.

Tax-deductible Patron Packages give supporters access to tented, well-situated, viewing areas that offer seating, daily snacks and beverages, weekend luncheon buffets, as well as the company of riders, officials, owners, sponsors and fellow enthusiasts.

Contact Marcia to discuss the perfect options for your business’ marketing goals or patron preferences. She can be reached at 406-321-1377 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Vendors

Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

As the gateway to Glacier National Park, Flathead Valley’s awe-inspiring beauty is rivaled only by the beauty of equestrian sport. This combination brings fans by the thousands and the Shopping Fair is where they gather. Along with equestrian apparel and gear, highlights include Montana-made goods, regional arts and jewelry.

Festival-style food trucks cater to wide tastes, and the free Kid Zone activities add to the Event’s reputation as a family-friendly destination worthy of return visits.

Along with a steady stream of shoppers, vendors enjoy the well-maintained grass setting and The Event’s attentive onsite staff.

Vendor applications and more information can be found here. Please e-mail [email protected] with questions.

Halt Cancer at X

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The Event’s impact goes beyond the horse world with Halt Cancer at X. The charitable initiative was launched in 2012 by the Event’s organizer Sarah Broussard in honor of her mother Rebecca.

Through Halt Cancer at X, Montana Equestrian Events has so far provided more than $1 million in grant funds to innovative breast cancer research projects and to local non-profits that offer financial and wellness services to breast cancer patients.

Breast cancer advocacy’s pink hues grace manes, tails, helmets and haunches during The Event. Competitor pledges, auction proceeds, and donations made during The Event and throughout the year provide the basis for the annual grants. Donations to Halt Cancer at X can be made here.

Equestrian Support

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The Event is also aligned with career-changing impacts through generous grant programs funded by the Broussard Family Charitable Trust and administered by the USEA Foundation.

The Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grants began in 2011. They continue Rebecca “Becky” Broussard’s legacy of assisting and encouraging riders pursuing the sport’s highest levels.

The Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant, aka the “Big Becky,” awards $50,000 to an international quality rider. The “Little Becky” National Developing Rider Grant increases to $15,000 this year, supporting riders on a similar path.

The Rebecca Farm Travel Grants provide funds to defray the costs of traveling to The Event and are open to those planning to apply for the International Developing Rider Grant.  For this year, the grants will reimburse recipients $2 a mile traveled from home for 4* contenders, and $1 a mile traveled from home for 3* riders.

Travel Grant applications are due June 1, 2025, and can be found here.  Recipients will be notified by June 15, 2025.

Volunteers Welcome

Given the multiple levels of competition and their multiple phases, The Event relies on a large volunteer team to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for all.

There’s a perfect post for most ages and abilities and roles range from assisting in the arenas or on the cross-country course, to spectator parking, hospitality, food services and pedestrian crossings. Volunteering at The Event is famously fun and no experience is required for most positions.

Volunteering info and sign-ups can be found here.

Bec Braitling Stars in CCI4*-S Shake-up at Galway Downs International

By on Mar 29, 2025 11:30 pm -

Bec Braitling and Caravaggio II. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Spring is a time to prepare for what’s ahead and many of this week’s International Horse Trials contenders took full advantage of ideal opportunities to build confidence, confirm training and find out where they can push the edges of their horse’s performance.

Bec Braitling’s plan to “run quick here” with Caravaggio II was part of a shake-up in the CCI4*-S standings. Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z moved from 6th to 2nd and Megan McIver and Igor B kept their overnight third rank.

Prepping for a return to the Defender Kentucky CCI5-L next month, Braitling and Caravaggio stepped up from 4th after Friday’s dressage and show jumping. It helped that the overnight leaders, Tamie Smith and Kynan, took it easy timewise over Clayton Fredericks’ widely praised cross-country course.

The California-based Australian rider was thrilled with their 30.4 dressage score, though less so with an uncharacteristic rail in show jumping. European show mileage last year accelerated Braitling’s ability to “be brave with his really big stride,” she said of their final phase performance. “He sets himself up really well and I’m learning to not mess it up!” At 6:44 minutes, they were the fastest 4* finishers, incurring 13.2 time penalties.

“I get excited when I see a course I can get a lot out of,” Brailting explained. “I loved the flow. It was really good with distances that helped me with forward riding. And plenty of places to challenge me to be brave in the turns.”

The win gives Braitling 40 qualifying point for the USEF Open of Eventing, set for Morven Park in Virginia in October. “It’s definitely a big goal for this year.”

“It’s safe to say that Z blew everybody’s expectations away,” said Tommy Greengard of That’s Me Z. The 8-year-old Zangersheide has been a young horse superstar and continued that trajectory in his first Advanced level outing. “I felt like he was well prepared for the level, but you never know,” said Greengard. “He finished as well as he started.”

Of the track, the partner in Andrea Pfeiffer’s Chocolate Horse Farms acknowledged that the quantity of challenging corner lines “made me a little nervous. But once he jumped the 8AB Galway Leap/Corner so well, I had a good feeling.”

Megan McIver celebrated her one-year partnership with Igor B, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood. They debuted at this show last year by winning the CCI2*-S and ended their year 2nd in the CCI3*-L here in the fall. Recent work with former US eventing coach Eric Duvander has “completely revolutionized how my horses do dressage,” McIver shared. Their 30.8 dressage effort reflected Duvander’s emphasis on “thoroughness and keeping him loose and supple” to excellent effect.

The Northern California-based professional had penciled in next month’s Kentucky pending how well things went this week. “I give serious credit to Clayton (Fredericks’) design. A 4* never feels easy, but I think all the challenges were right where they should be.”

McIver plans to hit Kentucky now, as does Tamie Smith with her overnight leader Kynan. They took their time today to finish 5th. “We had to keep the cat in the bag until it’s time to let him out,” said Smith.

Sitting second overnight, Washington-based professional Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 had the win in their sights until a heartbreaking run-out at the C element of fence 22 – the coffin combination.

CCI3*-S: Smith and Lillet 3 Light It Up

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Smith went from cruising on Kynan in the 4* to crushing it with Lillet 3 in the 3*. Tommy Greengard had just 1.6 time faults with Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad, who had risen from 7th after dressage and 4th after show jumping. Erin Kellerhouse and Bon Vivant GWF held their third-place position with 5.6 time penalties.

Three seconds under the 5:33 optimal time, Smith and Lillet were the only double clear cross-country duo in this 33-horse field. “She’s amazing, so rideable and just super,” Smith raved of the 9-year-old Holsteiner. “The course was tough. There were a number of combinations that were quite strong, but it was super easy for her.”

Tommy Greengard sat second overnight with Joshuay MBF, but it was lesser-known Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad who zipped into 2nd place. The 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse came to Chocolate Horse Farm’s program less than a year ago with “severe confidence issues,” Greengard said. “He’s new to the upper levels and is just going from strength to strength.”

Greengard took a smooth, leisurely pace with Joshuay, slipping to 11th place. “Everything went exactly to plan,” said Greengard of his two 3* rides, two of the nine horses he competed week. His equine quiver included Open Preliminary Champion MBF Google.

Erin Kellerhouse and Bon Vivant GWF were “getting our mojo back on” after a bad fall last season. In his return to the 3* level, the 10-year-old Oldenburg put in one of his best dressage tests on Friday. “He was with me the whole way. He’s comfortable with this level of work and it’s nice to go into the ring being able to ride for things, rather than just manage them.”

After double-clear show jumping, Bon Vivant was cool over a cross-country course that Kellerhouse admits gave her some pause. “There were three or four hard combinations, but he didn’t care.” Five golf carts of cheering Kellerhouse fans racing alongside their route may have helped, too. “I hear them for sure and that’s been fun!”

Kellerhouse also finished 4th with Ringwood Adios Amigo, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse.

CCI2*-S: Smith Keeps Top Two Spots

Tamie Smith and Kareena K. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Kareena K and Solaguayre Cantata kept earning their rider Tamie Smith’s high praise. The 9-year-old Holsteiner mare and the 7-year-old Argentine Thoroughbred finished 1st and 2nd and stayed on their 23.2 and 27.4 dressage scores.

“They were both unbelievable,” said Smith. “It was the first 2* for both and it was a strong one. They answered all the questions.”

Washington-based Anni Grandia-Dodson and Mistral, a 9-year-old German Sport Horse, moved up from 11th to 3rd. “It’s our first time out for the season and our first time finishing on our dressage score at this level,” she said. “Today’s course was really inviting and a great gallop for my horse to start the season. There were lots of great questions, but it wasn’t overly technical.”

CCI1*-S – Kaylawna Smith-Cook Keeps Lead

Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Coco Chanel. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Coco Chanel, a 7-year-old Holsteiner, kept it flawless to finish on Friday’s 31.5 dressage effort. A new ride in the young professional’s promising string, Coco Chanel “is gorgeous and she knows it,” said Smith-Cook. The mare had some 2* experience in her native Belgium, but it was mostly the feeling she gave that sold her. “I just felt like she was my horse and that’s not a feeling I’ve had very often.”

Like her mother Tamie Smith, Smith-Cook works monthly with Australian show jumper Scott Keach. She credits him with solidifying her jumping fundamentals for the benefit of all the horses she’s bringing along. Having horses of very high quality helps, too, and Coco Chanel is in that camp.

“She has a little spook in her, and the 1* cross-country was pretty tricky today. But she handled everything just wonderfully.”

Asia Vedder and Litmanen Z, a 7-year-old Zangersheide, finished 2nd, with Megan McIver and Storm Dino, a 6-year-old Irish Sport Horse, in 3rd before cross-country.

Tomorrow’s Stars

The International Horse Trials concluded today, with Starter through Open Training divisions concluding Sunday. Saturday celebrations started shortly after the CCI4* ended as adorable pony riders, brave advanced age equestrians and everything in between took to the Grand Prix Arena for Starter division show jumping.

Raucous cheers and encouragement celebrated the common denominator across all this week’s divisions – a love for the horse and the sport eventing and its community.

CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S divisions are available on-demand for Equestrian+ subscribers. Commentators Frankie Thieriot-Stutes and Spencer Sturmey of Great Britian share their insights and expertise in all phases.

Galway Downs International H.T. (CA): [Website] [Live Stream Replays] [Scores]

Galway Downs International Horse Trials: Tamie Smith Leads 3 of 4 Divisions

By on Mar 29, 2025 1:13 am -

Tamie Smith and Kynan. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Riding a high from the latest milestone in Galway Downs’ path to hosting LA28 Olympic equestrian competition, several of the event’s 50 international competitors tried to put themselves on that same path today.

Today, the Los Angeles City Council formally approved the LA28 Organizing Committee’s proposal that six venues outside the city limits host competitions in various sports – including Galway Downs as host of Equestrian and Para Equestrian events. A final approval from the International Olympic Committee is expected in early April and will fully finalize the plan.

Even for those not on an Olympic path, there’s plenty at stake this weekend. Successful outings can earn both qualification and experience for the USEA’s American Eventing Championships. They’ll be held in California for the first time ever, at Galway Downs August 26-30. This weekend’s CCI4*-S is also a qualifier for the US Open of Eventing, set for Morven Park in Virginia in October.

The CCI Short format competitions for 2*, 3*, and 4* divisions held dressage and show jumping today, with the cross-country decider set for Saturday. The CCI1* division took place Thursday evening and concludes with Saturday’s cross-country.

Tamie Smith continues her reign in the realm, leading the three highest divisions. And her daughter Kaylawna Smith-Cook leads the 1*

CCI4*-S: Smith Sails to Lead

Tamie Smith and Kynan, 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood, were fault free over new course designer Brody Robertson’s show jumping track to stick on a 28.1 dressage score from judges Marilyn Payne and Sukhdev Rathore. They’ll head out on cross-country in the lead – but not by a lot.

Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14, an 11-year-old Westphalian, were also clear to stay on their 30.1 effort. Megan McIver and Igor B had just 1.4 time faults to stand third on a 32.4.

Smith said Kynan “came out this year as a different horse. This sport is always a progression – for all the horses – and Kynan is mentally and physically stronger this year.” Working with Australian show jumper and former eventer Scott Keach has been a big help, Smith added. “I am a student of the sport and always trying to get better with all my horses.”

O’Neal had high praise for the show jumping course. “I come from jumpers, so I love the turns. There were fun, different elements with the outside bending lines, and the triple bar to two uprights. It walked forward and rode forward, and I loved it.”

Cross-country, designed by Galway Downs veteran Clayton Fredericks, “has plenty of places where I’ll need to sit up and ride and I am more confident about doing that after today’s course.”

Regardless how tomorrow goes, “This is a big day for me,” O’Neal shared. An incident while jogging another horse last fall resulting in a broken hip, a hip replacement and months of rehab. During that stretch, Clooney had time off, so having rider and horse back in form is a thrilling step, said the Washington-based professional. A good day tomorrow will help them achieve a major goal of qualifying for the US Open of Eventing.

CCI3*-S: Smith and Lillet 3 Blaze the Trail

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. Photo by Sally Spickard.

This division’s top three after dressage stayed the same after show jumping as Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 lead on a 25.4 from Marilyn Payne. Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood, are hot on their heels with a 26, and Erin Kellerhouse and Bon Vivant GWF, a 10-year-old Oldenburg, are third with a 28.3.

Smith and the relatively new ride continue a promising partnership highlighted by winning the Fall International CCI3*-L here last year. The elegant mare is a 9-year-old Holsteiner owned by rising star young rider Molly Duda. They’ve gone from strength to strength and Smith plans to step her up to CCI4*-S at Twin Rivers Ranch in April.

Tommy Greengard is another exhibitor over the moon about his horse, in this case his own “Josh.” It’s their first outing since finishing as reserve national champion in the USEF CCI4*-L Championships in the fall of 2023, Greengard and Josh’s mutual debut at the level. Josh had a minor injury last spring. Meanwhile, Greengard spent several months competing in Europe and “adding new tools to our toolbox and gaining so much more experience and understanding.”

Josh’s comeback could not have gone better. “He is a through and through professional and he never fails to be a showman,” Greengard said. “He has returned so much stronger because we worked on his strength and fitness more than we ever have.”

CCI2*-S: Smith Has Top Two Spots

Tamie Smith and Kareena K. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Tamie Smith dominates another division so far, leading this16-entry field after two phases. Her leader is Kareena, a 9-year-old Holsteiner mare, whose flawless show jumping added nothing to their 23.2 dressage score from judges Marilyn Payne and Christel Carlson.

With Solaguayre Cantata, Smith is 2nd on a 27.4. Like Kareena K, the 7-year-old Argentine Thoroughbred is owned by longtime supporter Julianne Guariglia. And both are “such quality mares,” Smith said. “They are very good on the flat and have amazing gallops, so I’m really excited for tomorrow.”

Having just completed a walk of all four international cross-country courses, Smith described the routes as full of fair challenges and big questions. Smooth rounds will the goal for all her contenders, she said.

Amber Birtcil and Milagro, an 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood, head out on Saturday cross-country on a third-standing 28.5.

Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Coco Chanel. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Kaylawna Smith-Cook kept the division leads in the family by riding Coco Chanel, a 7-year-old Holsteiner. Asia Vedder and Litmanen Z, a 7-year-old Zangersheide, follow them, with Megan McIver and Storm Dino, a 6-year-old Irish Sport Horse, in third before cross-country.

Tune-In Tomorrow!

The International Horse Trials action continues Saturday, with CCI1*-S cross-country starting at 8:30 a.m.

CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S cross-country will be livestreamed on Equestrian+ starting at 1:30 PST. If you can’t make it out, commentators Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Spencer Sturmey of Great Britian bring the action and their expertise to you!

Galway Downs International H.T. (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Stream]

2nd Annual Sport Science Seminar Unites and IGNITEs Equine Industry

By on Jan 20, 2025 9:30 am -

“Mind-blowing” was a go-to reaction for attendees describing their experience at IGNITE’s 2nd Annual Sport Science for the Olympic Disciplines Seminar.

Dedicated to advancing equine athlete management, the Seminar drew a diverse field of experts to the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL on Jan. 12-13. These veterinarians, physios and researchers connected with top riders, grooms, farriers, footing experts, coaches and owners to compare experiences, ask questions and discuss forward paths for ensuring sport horse well-being, longevity and performance.

Lateral thinking, outside-the-box thinking and collaboration were emphasized in developing a progressive culture for teams supporting sport horses.

Presentations ranged from the very specific – like an encouraging study on the potential for orthobiologics in treating equine asthma – to the broad, like Sunday’s no-holds-barred discussion of the future of equestrian sports as social licensing issues intensify along with concerns about equestrian’s place in the Olympics.

Many discussions were enhanced with wet lab-style workshops at the University of Florida Veterinary Hospital at WEC.

“It was mind-blowing,” said long-time international eventing groom Max Corcoran. “There was so much information, so many smart people who are so passionate about everything they do – whether it’s artificial intelligence, understanding gait analysis, lung capacity, farriery, physiotherapy… Bringing all these people together in one place so we can learn from them is amazing.

“Even though we’re just getting a tiny piece of what they can offer us, it’s all things we can put together to make our horses better, more competitive and extend their careers.”

Lateral Thinking

One of IGNITE’s founders, Mark Revenaugh, DVM, welcomed attendees with an invitation to embrace and apply “lateral thinking” to sport horse management.

Along with fellow international vet, Tim Ober, Revenaugh founded the group as the Equine High-Performance Sports Group over 10 years ago. “Our first motive was how can we get better outcomes?” he said. “As time passed, we got involved with human sports practitioners and realized that their priorities were around keeping athletes happy and healthy and knowing that would lead to better outcomes. That helped us converge into dual priorities of getting better outcomes and improving the well-being of the horse.

“IGNITE is embracing new and creative ways to improve our horse’s well-being with emphasis on maximizing performance and longevity,” Revenaugh continued. “It is time for the veterinary profession to embrace modern methodologies, as is done in human sport science, and add them to the toolbox for managing our equine athletes.”

An increasingly diverse membership inspired a rebranding of the group to IGNITE in January of 2024. Late last year, IGNITE transitioned to a non-profit status as a “platform to facilitate open-ended improvement in the equine industry,” he explained.

Tech & Data

The human performance world is far ahead of equine sports in the collection and use of biometric data in training programs and management decisions. But equine veterinarians including Seminar presenter Cris Navas de Solis DVM, University of Pennsylvania, are leading a sea change in horse sports.

Heart rate, heart rate recovery and lactate testing are among the metrics helping horses improve their performance, prevent injuries and – sometimes — get redirected to a discipline better suited to their physiology.

Lactate testing can be a game-changer for high performance horses, Navas de Solis explained. Muscles produce lactate when they’ve used up fat stores for energy. When they switch to drawing on glucose as their energy source, lactate is produced.

Measuring when a horse starts producing lactate during a work-out of specific intensity and duration is a constructive tool.

Navas de Solis shared the example of one of Tamie Smith’s top horses. The Team USA eventer knew she had a great horse in Danito but had struggled to make the time on cross-country. Combining lactate and heart rate testing with Navas de Solis’ help, Smith altered the horse’s conditioning program to include more sprint work going into the Maryland 5* in 2022.

“Prior to that he had never made the time, and that year he was 20 seconds under, even though we had otherwise done the same training,” Smith shared. The pair finished 2nd at Maryland and Smith became one of several leading event riders to add biometric data to her horses’ program.

There’s an injury prevention benefit to Smith’s realization. “If you look at a horsemanship book, you’d think what we were doing was getting our horses fit. But for these types of horses, you are almost doing too much, which could lead to more injury risk.” Working smarter, not harder, is the goal. The dangers of over-training are widely recognized in the human athlete world and becoming so in sport horse management.

In creating a fitness plan, data enables the horse’s team to “make a bigger first floor foundation or raise the ceiling,” Navas de Solis stated. “It guides how we plan for the long run. We know where we are, we determine where we want to be, and we make a plan for getting there.” Expect frequent revisions, he added.

Context Over Content

“The numbers on their own mean nothing,” he cautioned. “They need to be filtered through brains that understand the context. Context is more important than content.”

Swedish veterinarian and researcher Elin Hernlund had similar cautions in her presentations on the use of gait analysis tools made possible by evolving artificial intelligence and machine learning.

A pioneer with the Sleip gait analysis system, Hernlund clarified the important difference between asymmetries in loading patterns and lameness. She referenced a study in which “one-third of high performing horses had gait asymmetry values of similar magnitude to those seen in clinically lame horses.”

In picking up over 150 key anatomical points on a horse moving to, away from or across the camera’s view, the Sleip system is proving most useful as a means of detecting gait patterns and changes flagging potential lameness.

A demonstration with another Team USA eventer, Will Coleman, showed how the rider can influence the horse. In Coleman’s case, it was for the good as his aids helped an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse push off stronger on its weak side than it had when trotting in-hand.

Gait analysis is rapidly gaining traction with team vets and top riders, Hernlund shared. German dressage team veterinarian Marc Koene uses it to monitor horses when he’s not physically with them. Austrian show jumper Max Kuhner uses it to pick up problems earlier. Swedish show jumper Peder Fredricson records his horses every other week to identify patterns and slight changes and to compare results to what he’s sensing from the ground and the saddle.

Objective data also enhances communication between everyone caring for a horse. “It can reduce tension between the vet, the rider and the groom because it’s data,” Hernlund stressed. “It facilitates an important and interesting way of evolving communication that has the horse in the center of the discussion.”

During the same demonstration on horse-rider interaction, physiotherapists Kirk Peck and Emily Rose discussed how the horse and rider’s biomechanics affect each other. In Coleman’s case, he could improve the balance in his horse’s trot, while a less talented and/or less balanced rider could do the opposite.

Both physios work on people and animals. They greatly prefer to observe the rider and the horse working together, then do hands-on observations and treatments of each.

They stressed that riders must consider and manage themselves as athletes, with the same attention to joint mobility, strength and flexibility they know is critical for their horses.

Peck and Rose noted that human athletes are gradually embracing physical therapy for injury prevention and performance enhancement. It’s the case even though insurance companies typically only cover physical therapy for rehab from an injury.

They encouraged attendees to embrace this “pre-hab” approach in their horse’s management. Pre-habbing also sets a horse up for a more successful rehab if they do get injured.

More Data & Sharing

“More data” was called for in almost every session over two days.

IGNITE’s Equine Clinicians Registry was described as a step toward fulfilling that challenging request. Starting in 2022, the Registry began to “acquire and analyze clinical data to gain deeper insights into outcomes for equine athletes being treated with orthobiologics,” Dr. Revenaugh explained.

It’s early days, he emphasized, including a steep learning curve for the realities of collecting and using the information. “This is a foundation in the horse world to start building info to help inform all of us what is the right thing to do next.”

Attendees applauded the Registry and recognized the need for further support within the industry. “This is a long-term project we can all get behind,” Revenaugh said. “We already have some wonderful support from diverse interests within the industry, but it can’t happen without further and ongoing financial support.”

Technology can help gather data, but the process also requires a shift toward sharing information.

“We’re going to have to take the lid off some things that we sometimes want to keep close to the vest,” said Chris Kawcak, DVM, of Colorado State University. That’s in addition to valuing data from those closest to the horse. “Sometimes the groom has the best feedback of anybody.”

Ali Morton, DVM, Medical Director of the U of Florida Veterinary Hospital, echoed the call for transparency. “We as an industry have to become more transparent and that is really difficult. There’s a nature to not reveal what’s wrong with our horses.

“What IGNITE is doing is brilliant. We all need to jump aboard and get on the bus!”

Too Much Good Stuff!

The summaries above barely scratch the surface of the 11 sessions held over two days in Ocala, plus the afternoon of demos at the U of Florida Veterinary Hospital. Deep dives into respiratory health, progressive shoeing, bone remodeling, heat stress and building a team around an athlete were among many topics spurring engagement, inquiries and lively discussion.

IGNITE members have access to all the Seminar’s sessions online, along with 180+ hours of presentations on a wide range of topics related to sport horse health, performance and longevity.

Hear from Max Corcoran for her thoughts on this seminar:

Poggio Horsemanship Fund Sponsors IGNITE’s Sport Science Seminar

By on Jan 7, 2025 9:00 am -

IGNITE for Equine Athletes welcomes the USEA Foundation’s Poggio Horsemanship Fund as the newest sponsor of the 2nd Annual Sport Science for the Olympic Disciplines Seminar in Ocala, Jan. 12-13, 2025.

Established in 2020, the Poggio Horsemanship Fund helps the Foundation educate riders, owners, grooms and eventing enthusiasts to give their horses every benefit when it comes to improving their lives.

The Poggio Fund’s mission aligns perfectly with IGNITE’s. The Fund was established in honor of a horse whose 10 years of Advanced level eventing success manifest the competitive and welfare outcomes IGNITE targets for all equine athletes.

“You don’t have long term success with short term vision,” notes IGNITE president Mark Revenaugh, DVM, a core member of Poggio’s care team during the horse’s many Team USA contributions. Owned by Dr. Mark Hart and ridden by Amy Tryon, Poggio competed in two Olympics and two World Equestrian Games, earning two team medals and one individual medal.

Poggio’s rider, the late Amy Tryon, “had an amazing vision of what it was to look after the horses,” explains Max Corcoran, international groom and president of the US Eventing Association when the Poggio Horsemanship Fund was established. “Poggio was a team horse from 1998 to 2009. To keep any horse going at Advanced for 10 years is just amazing.”

Dr. Revenaugh sees absolute alignment between the Poggio Fund and IGNITE’s mission, as well as the story of Poggio’s success and longevity. “IGNITE is about trying to get better outcomes with longevity as a priority, while also looking out for the welfare of our horses.”

Sport Science Seminar Agenda

IGNITE’s Sport Science Seminar for the Olympic Disciplines gathers experts from the human and equine high-performance worlds. They will present and share research, training and conditioning approaches and actionable preparation and performance metrics.

The seminar takes place Jan.12-13, 2025 at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala and includes interactive workshops at the University of Florida WEC Equine Clinic.

“This event is the only seminar in North America focused on providing riders, trainers, veterinarians, farriers, therapists, grooms, owners and their supporting teams with the knowledge and tools needed to enhance their own horse management practices,” said Joop Loomans, DVM, PhD, MBA, IGNITE’s executive director. The gathering is part of IGNITE’s mission to advance high-performance horse health, longevity and performance.

Sign Up & Other Info

  • Registration for two days is $175; and $95 for one day.
  • IGNITE ELITE Members register for free. (Registration still required)
  • IGNITE Pro Members receive a 25% registration discount.
  • Register for the Sports Science Seminar here.
  • Members of the media can inquire about complimentary registration here.
  • Sponsor inquiries here.

Join IGNITE here.

About IGNITE

IGNITE is a platform for advancing leading-edge knowledge, evidence-based approaches and collaborative, proactive practices focused on injury prevention, peak performance and longevity for equine athletes. Five levels of membership provide access to in-person events and an extensive, constantly updated library of live and on-demand content.

For more information, visit www.igniteforequineathletes.com.

Area VI and Regional Championships a Hit at The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs

By on Nov 5, 2024 9:30 am -

Katarina Sapia and Magherboy. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

International competition concluded Saturday night, but the excitement stayed with finalés for the Horse Trials and Regional Championships components of the Eventing Championships at Galway Downs on Sunday.

There might have been fewer current stars competing, but there was no shortage of tomorrow’s likely leaders – horse and human – and lots of love for horses and joy found in the sport on inspiring display.

For the second consecutive year, the USEA Area VI Championships were expanded to welcome pairs from any region. This season-ending Galway Downs event has always drawn many from throughout the West. Those numbers are increasing as reports of generous prize money, first-class prizes and a welcoming, celebratory atmosphere filter through the industry. “I just paid for my entries!” was an exclamation overheard often at the back gate when winners received their checks in bounty bundles made possible by sponsors.

“I think we are really moving this in the right direction,” said Area VI chairman Andrea Pfeiffer. “I think we got the classes right, reflected in more people in them, and the prize giving and prizes. The goal is to make it a West Coast version of the American Eventing Championships.”

US Eventing’s American Eventing Championships will be held at Galway Downs next August, but they are traditionally held on the East Coast. The Regional Championships will be staged again as part of the early November Eventing Championships and the vision is to keep growing participation.

Students of Pfeiffer’s Chocolate Horse Farm excelled in several divisions, adding to her enthusiasm for the event.

Pfeiffer predicts the Regional Championship’s growth will align with more Olympic hopefuls making the trek West to familiarize themselves with Galway Downs, which is the proposed venue for the LA28 Olympic equestrian competition. “I’m surprised more riders haven’t come out for it already, but I think we’ll see it soon.”

Echoing sentiments expressed throughout the week, Pfeiffer is grateful to organizer Robert Kellerhouse and his relentless enthusiasm and drive to improve the venue, support the region’s riders and improve the sport. “His excitement is infectious!”

Meet Our Regional Champions

Dawn Scott and Ghost. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Oh & HSH Redfield Hillside Are Preliminary Champions

High school senior Soobin Oh has early decision college application deadlines looming, but that didn’t deter her from rising to the top of this division. Partnered for one year with HSH Redfield Hillside Star, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse, the pair has always excelled in the jumping phases. “He’s the one that gives me confidence,” Soobin relayed. “I thought the coffin was so difficult and that he would take a strong look at it, but he was like, ‘No problem’,” she said of Friday’s cross-country outing designed by Alessandra Allen-Shin.

Dressage is a work in progress, but fault-free efforts on cross-country and stadium propelled the pair to the top of the leaderboard on their 38.6 dressage effort.

Oh rides with James and Helen Alliston, and is considering a gap year as a working student for the Northern California professionals.

Mia Edsall and True Story finished in reserve on Oh’s same score, with the cross-country time breaking their tie. Erin Storey and Dot Notation were third.

Hellfrich & Casanova Are Open Modified Champions

Alexis Helffrich and Casanova. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Professional Alexis Helffrich and Casanova, a 6-year-old German Sport Horse, stayed on their stellar 21 dressage score to win and didn’t need the rail-plus in hand to top the division.

Patience with Casanova has paid off for Helffrich, whose Cheval Training is based in Northern California. “He’s still young and he’s a very sensitive, careful horse so I’ve had to take my time with him. This is the first show where I feel he’s become more mature and is really listening to me. It’s his best performance all around and I could not be more pleased. You never know with horses, but if he continues this trajectory, I think he’s going to be very nice.” Hellfrich hopes a step up to Preliminary early next year.

Helffrich is thrilled Casanova chose the Eventing Championships to shine. “You come here and feel like you’re at the Olympics. It’s a top-notch venue.”

Shelby Murray and Mannoury vd Watermolen are reserve champions, also ending on their dressage score: a 26.9. Sophie Celeste and Max Attraction are third.

Tamie Smith and Kareena K are Modified-Training Champions

Halloween is over but, according to Tamie Smith, there’s been a ghost hovering all weekend – especially over Kareena K, the 7-year-old Holsteiner, who looks, behaves and performs eerily like Soliguayre California. That 2023 Luhmuhlen 5* partner was lost after a freak injury, but her spirit seems to live on in several of Smith’s talented young horses.

Kareena is a former show jumper spotted by Sara Mittleider in Germany. The mare’s similarity to California inspired Mittleider to contact Smith. When Smith went to try her, “I couldn’t not call Julianne (Guariglia, California’s owner),” even though she wasn’t in the market for another horse then. With her family’s support, Julie said yes, “It was kind of a Hail Mary pass,” said Guariglia. “We felt like she had to be ours.”

It was a good decision. Even being new to eventing, Kareena and Smith have won every outing together. “She’s a natural on cross-country and dressage, so I’m just teaching her everything.” As she gets fit for the sport, Kareena is channeling California in and out of the show ring. Warm-up ring high jinks and moments of brassy attitude are emerging as California-esque traits she didn’t exhibit on arrival.

“California’s loss kind of tarnished everything we do because it was just such a fluke,” Smith shared. “But to have her living on in these young horses is amazing.”

Kareena won on a 23.4 dressage score, earning Smith another emotional honor: the Jordan Taylor Memorial trophy. The much-missed Taylor won this division in 2021 and passed away suddenly in 2023. Close friends created the award and it was presented on Sunday by Emilee Libby, Katy Robinson and Ashlyn Dorsey.

Asia Vedder and Litmanen Z were reserve champions, followed by Arizona-based veterinarian Anastasia Keyser and Bellatrix.

Mia Brown and Casa de Prestige are Training-Novice Champions

Bringing a young horse along “wasn’t really on my radar,” explained college freshman Mia Brown. But when Casa de Prestige, an 8-year-old Hanoverian, came into Chocolate Horse Farm as a sales horse, Brown was open to giving her a try. “It was love at first sight and it’s been great bringing her along.” Trainer Tommy Greengard ran her a few times at Novice, before Brown took over the ride.

“She’s my total heart horse and I love this little mare,” Brown shared. “She loves to compete and wants to please. Being here at the Championships with the overall atmosphere and community make it really fun to compete here.”

They won on their 25.7 dressage effort. Two professionals followed them in the rankings: Lauren Billys Shady and Luna are reserve champions, followed by Erin Kellerhouse and Million Bitcoin.

Sophie Stocks & Rosco are Senior Training Rider Champions

Elisa Karnavy and Buzz Ryder. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Amateur rider Sophie Stocks has brought along a few young horses before and Rosco, a 5-year-old Irish Sport Horse, ranks high among them. “I’ve had him since he was 3-and-a-half and we’ve done everything together. He works and tries really hard and it’s been incredibly fun.”

Stocks works full time as an attorney and is grateful to the support of Chocolate Horse Farm’s program for making it possible to progress with serious horsemanship goals alongside a career. Chocolate Horse’s Andrea Pfeiffer “is always in our corner and her team does a wonderful job with everything.”

Stocks and Rosco incurred only one rail through three phases. They won on a 34 score, followed by Lorilee Hanson and Mosaique and Stacia Lloyd and Kid A.

Marilyn Schackner & Georgie Z are Junior Training Rider Champions

Seventeen-year-old Marilyn Schackner is studying to become a commercial pilot and she and Georgie Z flew to a double clear show jump round to retain their lead. It’s the peak in her three-year partnership with the 8-year-old Zangershiede.

Schackner has helped Georgie “find his feet” for dressage, which is a challenge for the ‘big, long horse.” In return, Georgie is honest and brave on cross-country and show jumping. “Even though I make some mistakes, he always helps me a lot and he’s been that way since I first got him.”

Schackner trains with Chocolate Horse Farm and loved the Regional Championships “big atmosphere.” George is “not affected by it too much, but he’s like ‘Wow! This is fun!”

Schackner and Georgie finished on their 30 dressage. Anna Weston-Smith and Kinda B Dazzle are reserve champions and Isabella Rega and Blurred Lines are third.

Lisa Peecook and SZ Raudo are Novice-Beginner Novice Champions

Lisa Peecock and SZ Raudo. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

The Chocolate Horse Farm team had an outsize cheer from the stands when Lisa Peecook and SZ Raudo finished show jumping with just .4 time faults. Peecook is a veteran eventer known for her great history turning OTTBs into eventers, but it’s been a while since she’s had a horse partnership story worthy of that applause.

Paired with the 5-year-old Argentine Sport Horse only since August, Peecook said he’s “been a pure pleasure to ride. It’s been a long time since I had a horse that makes me smile so much.” Asked to name their favorite phase from the weekend, Peecook said, “No! because it’s all been so fun. He is really rideable in all three.”

Peecock has oodles of gratitude to Chocolate Horse Farm’s Andrea Pfeiffer and Tommy Greengard for finding Raudo and having such a great team spirit at the barn.

Peecook and SZ Raudo won with a 25.7, followed by Chloe Smith and SR Myconos and Allyson Hartenburg and William Cool Sunrise.

Dawn Scott and Ghost are Senior Novice Rider Champions

Dawn Scott and Ghost, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse, both have eventing experience, but their partnership is new as of this year and everything came together to win the Championship. Scott contested the Championships last year on another horse and had a few rails on the final day, which she attributed to her own nerves.

“This year, I felt like I was finally able to take a breath, get comfortable, then be able to help my horse as well. I thought she would be nervous in the big environment, but she wasn’t. And, she’s a strong jumper.”

Students of Andrea Baxter and Rebecca Braitling at Twin Rivers Ranch, Scott and Ghost finished on their 25.6 dressage score. Jeanne Carley and Shannondale Fionn were reserve and Pam Wright and La Adela Nihull were third.

Katarina Sepia and Magheraboy are Junior Novice Rider Champions

Katraina Sepia and the 6-year-old Irish Draught, Magheraboy, topped this division by staying on their 37.8 dressage score. Michaela Smith and Cashmaker were reserve.

Nazila Hejazi and Tessa are Senior Beginning Novice Rider Championship

Nazila Hejazi didn’t get her own horse until she was 45. That was 7 years ago with the now 20-year-old mare Tessa, and neither had any eventing experience. So, today’s accomplishment was a major milestone on many levels.

Hejazi’s favorite phase was cross-country. “It was educational!” she exclaimed. “I counted six 90-degree turns and 2 180-degree turns which emphasized the importance of the outside leg. You have to have that to make those turns going at speed.”

The victory is the result of a team effort, she stressed. “My trainer, Carmela Richards, my husband, my friend Nicole and Nicole’s husband. It’s all team work and I am very blessed.”

Just one rail in show jumping put the grateful pair on a 32.4 to take the title.

Elisa Karnavy and Buzz Ryder are Junior Beginning Novice Rider Champions

Elisa Karnavy and Buzz Ryder. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Thirteen-year-old Elisa Karnavy got the weekend off to a good start with dressage. Their 34.1 dressage score reflected a best effort yet in her year-long partnership with the 11-year-old Mustang, Buzz Ryder. “I really felt good about that!” said Karnavy, who rides with Sigourney Jellins at Miramar Sport Horses in Northern California’s Woodside.

Karnavy and Buzz Rider had one rail in show jumping, to win on a 38.1. Laine Rethmeier and East Bound & Down are the reserve champions.

Elisa Karnavy and Foxens Little Treat are Starter Champions

After winning the previous division, Elisa Karnavy returned to claim top honors in the Starter Championships with the 20-year-old Foxens Little Treat. The high-stepping Welsh pony, who goes by “Cookie,” had not evented before Karnavy began leasing him three years ago. With the help of her trainer Sigourney Jellins of Miramar Sporthorses, Kanavy helped him learn cross-country. “He hadn’t done it before, but he’s very brave,” the rider explained. “Sometimes too brave!”

The win was a monumental improvement from last year’s Championships when the pair was disqualified after an accidental step outside of the dressage court. No such missteps this year as they started on a 29.3 and stayed there with faultless cross-country and jumping.

Eileen Morgenthaler and Bella Mia Apache are reserve champions and Sierra Clayton and Pancake are third.

The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs (CA): [Website] [Scores]

Molly Duda Enjoys Emotional Win in Galway Downs CCI4*-L

By on Nov 3, 2024 7:53 am -

Molly Duda and Disco Traveler. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

“I was freaking out all day,” admitted young rider Molly Duda of the hours preceding her first CCI4*-L victory – in her debut at the level no less. She’d taken over the lead ahead of her coach Tamie Smith after cross-country and had all day to ponder and plot between competing horses in the 3* and 2*.

“Mentally this sport is so challenging, especially in the long format with show jumping happening last,” Duda said. Compounding matters, her 15-year-old Swedish Warmblood, Disco Traveler, “is more challenging in the show jumping phase.”

That’s the final phase of The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs’ international divisions, staged in the Grand Prix Arena buzzing with fans’ enthusiasm.

Riding last, Disco knocked the second fence on Marc Donovan’s track. “I mentally accepted that we’re probably not going to take the win and I had to go on and ride my best through the rest of the course,” Duda said. Regular work with sports psychologist Natalie Hummel and a midday talk with Smith helped her execute that plan to go clear the rest of the way and within the time.

They only had a rail in hand, but making the time kept them ahead of James Alliston and the other CCI4*-L debutante, Cora. Molly had been working on “base pace” and “trusting a bigger canter” in this phase. “I probably overdid it at fence 1, and I think that caused the rail at 2.”

Describing Disco as a horse that might “not look so impressive from the ground,” Duda heaped praise on her partner. “We clicked from the start. He’s such a fighter and I’m so lucky to have him.”

Hopping off after leaving the ring with her first Championship in hand, Duda and Smith had a long, loud hug fest. “I wanted it so badly, and she wanted it so badly for me, which speaks to her character and how selfless she is,” Duda said of her coach and mentor to many West Coasters.

The admiration is mutual. “I won two FEI divisions today, (the 3* and 1*), but having that happen for Molly was even better,” said Smith. “I can’t say enough good things about Molly as a human being. She’s an amazing human and that’s what I love most and what we need more of in this sport.”

Duda hopes to make another USEF European Development Tour next summer and said a 5* is a possibility for the end of next season.

The nearly 18-hand Cora, a 9-year-old Hanoverian, was her “lady like” best, said runner up James Alliston. She was adjustable in a snaffle bit and left air to spare everywhere. Speed was the only issue, with 1.4 time faults keeping them in the reserve spot. They’d started 4th in the four-horse division after dressage and Alliston is thrilled about the mare’s future.

Jennie Brannigan and FE Connery finished third, happy to return to their California stomping grounds. Jennie regretted having to scratch her other star, Pascal, who she said sustained a spider bite before boarding the plane on the East Coast.

Smith and Kynan jumped clear with .4 time penalties. Even though they finished last after a pilot-error run-out on cross-country, Smith had only praise for the outing. “He was super reliable all weekend and proved that he’s the horse I’ve been hoping he’d be.”

Smith expects to have more competition in the coming years’ international divisions since Galway Downs became the proposed venue for the LA28 Olympic equestrian competition. “I can’t reiterate enough how different it feels to compete at a Championships venue,” she reflected. “Everyone has a unique opportunity to get a lay of the land, which we often don’t at Championships venues.

“I know it’s going to look a lot different in four years, and that’s exciting,” she continued. “I feel very fortunate to know the venue like the back of my hand. I think others will want to come out and get familiar with all the different elements here before the Games.”

Lillet 3* and Tamie Smith Stay Atop the CCI3*-L

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Smith and new ride Lillet 3 needed none of their many rails in hand as they jumped double clear to nail the win. “She gave me such an incredible feeling – quality through and through and jumping with her feet way above the jumps,” Smith enthused. “And I know a lot more about the mare now and am really excited about what a cool horse she is.”

The mare who helped Smith earn the division’s leading rider Yogi Cup is owned by Molly Duda.

Northern California trainer Megan McIver is also high on a relatively new horse – Igor B. The 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood was produced to 4* by Kristina Hall Jackson in England, and purchased by a client to help McIver fulfill international ambitions. Their first outing and win together came at the Galway Downs spring CCI2*-S and Saturday’s double clear show jump was their sixth in a row. A 4*-S is on the agenda for the coming spring.

Christina Rennie travelled three days from Pritchard, Canada to compete here. Second after cross-country, the thrilled rider said her main hope was to earn a qualifying score. She and her 18-hand homebred mare, Flight of the Arabesque, finished third after a two-rail show jump and should have happy drive home.

Molly Duda’s fifth place finish with Carlingsfords He’s A Clover earned her the Mia Eriksson Memorial Trophy as the division’s highest placed young rider. Taylor McFall, 8th with Stoneman, earned reserve honors.

Megan Sykes’ partner, Spiro P, was showered with special prizes as the 2*’s top placed 7-year-old horse.

Alliston & HMR Rolan Top CCI2*-L

James Alliston and HMR Rolan. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

James Alliston called HMR Rolan a “cool dude” yesterday after clean cross-country and the 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse was even cooler day after doing the same for show jumping. “He’s not used to the big arena with all the people around,” Alliston said. “That can really affect concentration, but he was really solid and jumped really well.”

Kendra Mitchell and Calcourt Legend, a 10-year-old Anglo/Dutch Warmblood, laid down the most gratifying effort of their three-year partnership. This was the first time “we really had all the three phases come together,” said Mitchell, who is assistant trainer at Avon Eventing in Northern California. The former show jumper had struggled with dressage, but their 31 score this week reflects improvements. That was coupled with a more rideable, focused gallop on cross-country to set the stage for an excellent finish, Mitchell reported.

Amber Bitcil and Mississipi continued their year of mostly top five finishes at this level, finishing third on their 32.7 dressage performance.

This division had extra extravagant prizes, highlighted by a Devoucoux saddle for the highest placing young rider. That was Greylin Booth, who finished 4th with Modesto RE. Molly Duda earned reserve honors with her 9th place finish with Jutopia.

Young horses had special recognition, too. Andrea Baxter’s two entries, Camelot PJ and The Big Easy, took Champion and Reserve honors as the top placing 6-year-olds.

Smith and Solaguayre Cantata Stay Atop the CCI1*-L

Tamie Smith and Solaguayre Cantata. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Solaguayre Cantata’s development has not been as easy as her flawless three phases might suggest. But Tamie Smith is thrilled with the mare’s maturity when it counted. Their wire-to-wire win looked in potential jeopardy before the bell rang as the 7-year-old Argentine Sporthorse balked and bobbled while passing near fence 2, the Defender square oxer at jumbotron end of the arena.

A few run-outs at that spot red-flagged the fence’s spookiness, so Smith gave her a good look before getting underway. “I tell my students that even when the bell rings, you still have 45 seconds, so don’t get anxious. You still have time to do what you need to.”

A good look at the jump was all Contata needed. Once on course, it was smooth sailing to end on their 24.3 dressage score. Contata is owned by Julianne Guariglia. She is a long-time fixture of Smith’s Next Level Eventing team, which had winners in numerous divisions this week.

Seventeen-year-old Emma Slocum and Patito logged a double clear to move up into reserve champion status, adding just .4 time penalties to finish on a 28.6. The 11-year-old Irish Draught Sport Horse started with one of her “best dressage tests ever,” said Slocum, who rides with Megan McIver in Northern California. “A year ago, we were really struggling, but now this is the most confident she’s ever felt.” Progress with suppleness and relaxation came from lots of bending and stretching work and a long warm-up with both exercises.

“It’s so great to feel confident around such a hard track yesterday.,” Slocum stated. “Today, even though she was tired from that, she tried hard for me and kept the rails up.”

Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Moscato-Versent SA were third. The 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood owned by Bonner Carpenter is known as “Mo” at home, where he’s a champion napper who snores a lot. He’s also smart, quick footed and sparks to life at show time as he did in all phases this weekend.

The Course

There was a lot going on and a lot to look at for hopefuls navigating Marc Donovan’s colorful international tracks. Giant minions, swans, cookies and snails served as standards for fences set at the end of rollbacks, bending lines and a few straight-aways. Related distances dominated the track and staying on the prescribed striding rewarded most horses.

Donovan has been designing Galway Downs show jumping for several years and noted an “absolute evolution” in the caliber of West Coast horse/rider pairs. He said the same of the venue. “Every year I come out here, there’s another million-dollar improvement” This year in particular the management of the footing stands out.

The FEI divisions’ finalés drew a big crowd warmed up by opening ceremonies featuring the Temecula Cowgirls. They set the mood with their famous flag-flying and glitter-enhanced drill routines. The VIP Pavillon was buzzing with loyal enthusiasts and the Southern California Pony Club drew many with their display of horse health research projects.

More To Come

Sunday sees conclusion of the Horse Trials divisions, plus Regional Championships that will be staged in the same amped up atmosphere seen in Saturday’s dressed up Grand Prix arena.

The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Schedule] [Scoring] [Free H&C Live Stream] [Free Ride On Video Live Stream] [Volunteer]

Duda, Smith and Goodman Lead International Divisions at The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs

By on Nov 2, 2024 9:41 am -

Molly Duda and Disco Traveler. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Fans and community leaders came out in force to see what all this Olympic equestrian fuss is about and Galway Downs contenders put on a first class exhibition of the sport.

With 400+ gathered at course-side “Bridle Brunch” locations, Molly Duda and Disco Traveler blazed into the lead of the CCI4*-L. James Alliston and Cora had walk issues in their dressage test yesterday, but no problems galloping full tilt to move into second. Jennie Brannigan and FE Connery picked up 8 time penalties to sit third. And overnight leaders, Tamie Smith and Kynan, dropped to fourth after a pilot error drive-by at 6B.

Fit and fresh to the end of Clayton Fredericks’ 40-effort track, Duda and Disco added 6 time penalties to stand on a 38.9 going into Saturday’s show jumping finale. Pride in her 15-year-old Swedish Warmblood is a recurring theme in the 2023 Young Rider of the Year’s post-ride remarks. “He’s just such a fighter. I definitely made some mistakes, but he saved me every time. He knows his job.”

Knowing his job came in handy in several spots, including 15ABC. Coming off a downhill triple bar at 14, “Clay’s Corner” asked pairs to jump in over a table, then a sharp angle between two corners. “That rode really tricky. I ended up adding a stride and had to get a little scrappy, but he knows to get through the flags.”

Giving Disco a new galloping frame helped Duda navigate another big challenge, the late-course Rails, Ditch and Brush at 26ABC. “By that point in the course, the stride is a little flat and its harder to get the canter you want for an obstacle like that. We’ve been working on opening up his stride, bringing him back, and getting him to work a little more through his back in the gallop. When he uses his back more, he gallops more efficiently and has more energy throughout the course.”

Giving a glimpse of spectator opportunities expected during the Olympics, the crowded tents on course intensified the atmosphere, Duda confirmed. “I noticed that for sure! Disco really gets in the zone, so I don’t know if he noticed, but it was really cool to have a crowd there and for spectators to get to see our sport that way.”

Contesting their first 4*-L format, the Galway Downs Spring CCI4*-S champions finished cross-country with plenty left in the tank. “That’s no small feat at the end of a 10-minute course,” Duda said.

 

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The division’s other first-timer, Cora, had an ideal first outing, said James Alliston, who now sits second on the 9-year-old Hanoverian owned by Alliston Equestrian. “This is a lovely debut for her,” he said. He appreciated the course’s thoughtful design. “It was great for a green horse to have the chance to get the adrenaline going before the meat of the course. She really grew into the course and I think she learned a lot about looking for the flags.”

“I knew the time (10 minutes) would be hard to get, but she galloped well and finished full of gallop,” Alliston said.

Tamie Smith took full blame for Kynan’s 20-point run-out that slid them from first to last. Without that, their time would have put them second. “I’m pissed at myself, but everything he did was literally beautiful.”

Kynan’s only question mark has been his gallop potential, but the 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood wiped out that worry today thanks to work extending his stride in a relaxed, efficient way. “Now he’s eating up the ground. I came in way too long to the first fence. I didn’t ride it like there was a B element, so he didn’t think there was one!”

Smith & Lillet 3 Keep CCI3*-L Lead

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Tamie Smith described the course as “walking softer than it rode,” but none of it fazed Lillet 3, who completed it double clear to maintain their leading 29 dressage score. “The jumps were bigger and the distances were more technical than I thought they would ride, and I don’t know her super well. I had to be super on it, but we made the time and I am super thrilled with her. She is so rideable and she’s fast and I couldn’t have asked more of her.”

Going early in the field, Smith was surprised by the amount of trouble encountered. “What was awesome about Clayton’s (Fredericks) course was that there were rider blips, like run-outs, but no big issues. That’s a clever thing from a course designer and it reflects a well-designed track.”

Cristina Rennie and her homebred Flight of the Arabesque made the most of their three-day trip from Canada by moving up from sixth to second with clear jumping and 13 time faults. The 13-year-old, almost 18-hand, chestnut Westphalian is not what Rennie ordered when she chose a 15.2-hand mare and a normal sized sire, both black. “But I’m not giving him back! I feel like he’s putting it together these last couple of years. He was super strong today and I wish I had a stronger hand, but this is a good positive feeling for the future. My hope is to get a qualifying score. We’re very happy to be here in California!”

Another far-traveler, Megan Sykes and Spiro P, from Texas, stand third in what is now an 11-horse race after three starters retired and one was eliminated.

Goodman & Elwenda DP Maintain CCI2*-L Lead

Stephanie Goodman and Elwenda DP. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

The overnight leaders Stephanie Goodman and Elwenda DP maintain their lead by jumping clean with 2.4 time penalties. Goodman was confident about the former dressage mare’s prospects on cross-country, but their work is not done. The Idaho professional and the 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood must stay on their game as the standings remain as tight as they were after dressage.

James Alliston stays in second position with HMR Rolan, he’s third with Renaissance Man and thrilled about both. Owned by amateur rider Anna Nicholas, Rolan is an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse who Alliston described as “a cool dude who goes around with his ears pricked.” Finishing with zero time faults, Rolan “is a horse with a high ceiling and we’re excited to be exploring his talent.”

Carolyn Colson’s Renaissance Man is an 8-year-old Hanoverian, often mistaken for Alliston’s 5* horse, Carma. And, not just because he’s jet black. “He’s very fast — he can fly without me really doing anything — and has the same silhouette as Carma.”

Going into Marc Donovan’s show jumping Saturday, the CCI2*-L is now a field of 32, after one rider fall and a withdrawal.

Smith and Solaguayre Cantata Stay Atop the CCI1*-L

“She is really coming into herself now,” said Smith of the 7-year-old Argentine Sporthorse, who is really a 6-year-old due to the late breeding season in Argentina. “She’s gotten the dressage down and today, when we finished cross country (with no faults), it was almost like that was too easy.” They lead on their 24.3 dressage score.

Tamie Smith and Solaguarye Cantata. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Owned by Julianne Guariglia, Contata has an emotional tie for Smith’s team because of her breeding connection to Solaguayre California, Tamie’s 2023 Luhmuhlen Horse Trials partner lost too soon after a freak injury that year.

Junior rider Paige Beauchamp Crandon and Fyfin Ramiro, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse, jumped double clear to stay in 2nd place on a 27. And Lauren Crabtree and Derroon Diamond, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse, also went double clear to show jump in third on a 27.3.

All but one of this division’s 16 starters finished cross-country Friday. The standings are close enough that one rail by anyone on the top rungs will shake up the standings.

Course designer Clayton Fredericks of Australia was pleased with the day’s results and his courses’ impact on contenders. “Some of the riders told me the courses looked straight forward but rode tougher than they thought they would,” he shared. “At the end of the day, it’s about helping the horses make good shapes over the jumps and helping them progress and come out looking well. I think we accomplished that.”

More to Come….

 

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The International divisions have their show jumping finale Saturday, starting with CCI1* at 11:30 a.m. Pairs compete in reverse order of their standings, setting the stage for a jazzed up conclusion in the Grand Prix Arena. Concurrently, Regional Championships and Horse Trials competition starts on Saturday.

The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Schedule] [Scoring] [Free H&C Live Stream] [Free Ride On Video Live Stream] [Volunteer]

Tamie Smith Leads 4*, 3* and 1* Divisions at The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs

By on Nov 1, 2024 6:42 am -

The energy building for several years crackled with new intensity as the Eventing Championships at Galway Downs (Temecula, CA) unfurled amid news of the venue being the proposed site for LA28 Olympic equestrian competition.

That intensity translated to an extra charged atmosphere on a warm, sunny day’s worth of FEI dressage.

Tamie Smith & Kynan Lead the CCI4*-L

Tamie Smith and Kynan. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Exuberance was on display in this division as four pairs began their quest for this title and the biggest chunk of the FEI divisions’ $45,000 in prize money. All four riders brought oodles of international experience and two of the horses were new to the level.

Tamie Smith and the Kynan Syndicate’s Kynan emerged atop on a 32.3. They are just ahead of student and 2023 Young Rider of the Year Molly Duda and her own Disco Traveler. New to the 4-L, this pair sit on a 32.9. Pennsylvania-based 5* rider Jennie Brannigan and FE Connery are third with a 36.3. Alliston Equestrian’s Cora is also stepping up into this division, and she and James Alliston are fourth with a 37.1.

A 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood, Kynan was “feeling fit and ready to go,” said Smith. “With the atmosphere in that ring I’m super pleased with his walk and trot work. When we picked up the canter, though, he kind of found another gear. He kind of lost it!

“But it’s nothing to be disappointed about,” she continued. “I think he’s actually feeling proud of himself. Now he just needs to learn to be a professional. He has all the qualities to be a top horse in the world,” Smith concluded. “It just takes time.”

Smith’s impact on the West Coast equestrian world is represented in the horsemanship and advancements of several riders, including Molly Duda. Duda is right behind Smith in this division with her own 15-year-old Swedish Warmblood.

“We never knew if he’d be able or want to be a four-star horse but he’s showed us that he’s more than capable of the level,” said Duda. The pair were selected for US Equestrian’s European Developing Riders Tour this past summer, one of many experiences that’s helped them advance.

Two flawless flying changes illustrated one of their greatest points of progress – flatwork, said the University of California Los Angeles sophomore. “We are starting to get that level of collection needed at four-star.”

Third-standing Jennie Brannigan earned her first 4*-L victory at Galway Downs in 2010, with Cambalda, and the venue continues to be a hub for many long friendships. Today, the 12-year-old Holsteiner, FE Connery, who is owned by Tim and Nina Gardner, had moments of excess energy in an otherwise lovely ride. That should serve them well on Friday’s 29-obstacle cross-country adventure from designer Clayton Fredericks.

The CCI4*-L ground jury was Anne-Mette Binder, Bea DiGrazia and Amanda Miller, who also evaluated the CCI3*-L.

Smith and Lillet 3 Lead the CCI3*-L

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Lillet 3’s dressage test was as light and elegant as the impression her name evokes. The 8-year-old Holsteiner mare and Tamie Smith earned a 29 to lead the field of 17 starters.

Lillet is owned by young rider Molly Duda, purchased as a horse for Smith’s future, and it looks like that future may arrive fast. They paired up only this summer and won Preliminary in their debut together at Rebecca Farm.

Smith could not have higher hopes for the mare.

“She’s been an absolute joy. She tries really hard, she’s super elegant, moves well, has a good brain and gallops.” She describes cross-country as Lillet’s strong suit and looks forward to tomorrow. “She’s not strong, she’s careful, brave, fast and rideable.”

Reflecting Smith’s role in West Coast eventing, two of the many riders she helps are tied for second on a 32.1. Molly Duda and her own Carlingsfords He’s A Clover, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse, continue an ascendant partnership.

“He’s been a tricky one to figure out,” Duda shared. “He used to be more dull and a horse that you really wanted to get in front of your leg. Now he’s almost gone the other way and I have to reel him in. I feel like I’m riding a new horse.”

Duda credited Smith’s help in all areas, especially “helping me ride what’s underneath me, riding off feel, and to ride the horse you in the moment.”

Duda and Clover are tied with Texas-based Megan Sykes and Spiro P, a 7-year-old German Sport Horse owned by Donna Wallace.

“I’m really pleased with how he handled the atmosphere,” Sykes said. “It’s his first 3*-L and he can be a reactive horse, so I’m happy with how he kept his head even though I had to be a little reserved in some places.”

Sykes and Spiro also have connections to Tamie Smith. Sykes was a working student for Smith years ago and continues to appreciate Smith’s mentorship. Plus, Spiro was purchased from Smith’s daughter and fellow professional, Kaylawna Smith-Cook.

The Texas professional has not been back to Galway Downs in several years and is knocked out by the venue’s improvements. “It’s very impressive what they continue to put into it.” Along with Spiro’s FEI outing, Sykes has a Modified Training horse and students contesting the Regional Championships staged concurrently with FEI and Horse Trails competition. “That added to making the long trip from Texas a great goal for the end of the year.”

Goodman and Elwenda DP Lead CC2*-L

Stephanie Goodman and Elwenda DP. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

At an age when some sport horses plateau, 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood Elwenda DP keeps getting better and better. Idaho-based professional Stephanie Goodman took the mare on as an amateur dressage horse. “We never thought she could do eventing at this level, but she loves to jump and she just keeps showing us that this is what she wants to do.”

Owned by Deanna Briggs, the mare is also spooky. But even in an atmospheric Halloween day in the big arena, Elwenda kept her cool, especially relaxing into the test’s stretchy circles.

James Alliston and HRM Rolan were almost last to go in the 35-horse division, but they jumped into second with a 29.8 score from judges Amanda Miller and Bea DiGrazia. The 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse, owned by Anna Nicholas, gave Alliston another nice ride to celebrate his 40th birthday.

Lauren Billys Shady’s lovely test with Clearsky slotted them into third on a 30.2 score. The 9-year-old Holsteiner is one of three relatively new horses owned by the Team LaToni Syndicate. It’s named after Shady’s Puerto Rican grandmother, the muse for her twice fulfilled Olympic dream that burns anew.

“He’s fun to show because he really turns it on in the ring,” said Shady. “I can really enjoy myself in the dressage ring with him because he is such a reliable partner.”

Shady is excited about tomorrow’s “galloping course with some accuracy questions at the end to slow the rider down and ensure they keep the horse packaged up. I think it will be a great first Long format for this horse. The jumps are well presented and its clear what the course designer wants.”

There is very little wiggle room in the standings. Alliston and Renaissance Man and Reese Blinks and I’m Jaguar are tied right behind Shady on a 30.3, and the rest of the list has little daylight.

Smith & Solaguayre Cantata Lead the CCI*-L

Tamie Smith and Solaguarye Cantata. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Tamie Smith concluded a stellar day in the sandbox when she and Julianne Guariglia’s Solaguayre Cantata earned a 24.3 from judges Vicky Stashuk-Matisi and Bea DiGrazia. The 6-year-old Argentine Sporthorse’s score leads the 16-horse division and lays down the best FEI score of the event.

Fourteen-year-old Paige Beauchamp Crandon and Fyfin Ramiro stand second on a 27, with the thrill of a partnership that “feels like it’s really coming together.”

“We’ve scored well at Modified, but the 1* is a whole different level and it feels great to get this new experience with similar good scores.” Paige and the 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare train with Mickayla Howard and Avon Eventing in the Bay Area. Paige hopes to follow in the super successful Young Rider footsteps of her big sister Julia Beauchamp Crandon.

Lauren Crabtree and Derroon Diamond, another 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare, are positioned third with a 27.3. This 16-horse division is tightly packed from the second rung down.

Cross Country Awaits

The electric atmosphere continues Friday as Galway Downs welcomes new fans and local officials curious for a glimpse of what’s ahead with the LA28 Olympic possibilities. Luxury hospitality tents host a Bridle Brunch near the Oasis water complex and sizable crowds are expected to see horse sports at their very best.

International cross-country begins at 10:05 a.m. with the CCI3*L, followed by 4*, 2*, 1*. You can preview the courses on CrossCountryApp here. Live stream information can be found in the link list below.

The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Schedule] [Scoring] [Free H&C Live Stream] [Free Ride On Video Live Stream] [Volunteer]