Articles Written 151
Article Views 122,708

Edited Press Release

Achievements

Become an Eventing Nation Blogger

About Edited Press Release

Have news? Press releases can be sent to [email protected]. EN editorial team reserves the right to correct factual errors (names, spelling, etc.) and typos, and may not publish all press releases received.

Latest Articles Written

Austin O’Connor Set to Return to $100k SVC Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field

Austin O’Connor competes Carlson 119 at the 2024 Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

The Aiken Horse Park Foundation and the GPE Organizing committee are thrilled to announce that four-time Olympian & 2023 Maryland CCI5* winner, Austin O’Connor (IRL), is returning to compete at the $100,000 Stirling Venture Capital Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance (GPE), Friday, February 28th & Saturday, March 1st, 2025 at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, SC.

The current FEI World #22, O’Connor added his fourth Olympic appearance to his career just this past summer, representing Ireland at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. Arguably one of the most consistent cross-country riders of the day, O’Connor has 14 CCI5* completions and nine championship appearances on his resume.

This will be O’Connor’s second appearance at #AnEventLikeNoOther. No stranger to the showcase format, the Irishman remarked, “This particular venue [Bruce’s Field] lends itself well to it. It’s a real crowd pleaser! One seat sees all. I think it’s an excellent format, a great variation of the sport.” On the skills it takes to catch ride a horse at this level, “The main thing is to not irritate him. Make sure he’s happy and I don’t change his system. I’ve got to adapt to him more than him adapt to me.”

Austin O’Connor and Carlson 119. Photo by Shelby Allen.

In 2025, O’Connor will be taking on the Aiken Showcase aboard You’ve Got The Lux, owned by Elizabeth Welker-Ebling, Andrea Welker, and David Ebling of Strafford, PA. “Poppy” is a 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare by Lux Z, out of Valeska (Carolls Flight). These two Irish natives should have a grand time showing off for the crowds in Aiken, SC.

Poppy and Welker-Ebling train out of Cairn O’Mount Stables. The mother-daughter team of Susie Beale & Amanda Beale Clement base in Aiken during the winter season and are organizing a clinic with O’Connor Feb 25 & 26. O’Connor has generously agreed to donate one clinic spot to the 2025 Area II Young Rider Fund Raising Campaign. Dressage, cross country, and show jumping spots are all available as well as opportunities to audit! For more information and sign ups, click here.

Along with O’Connor, several other exciting entries have been confirmed, including defending champions, Will Coleman & Chin Tonic HS (Chin Champ x Wildera), owned by Hyperion Stud. Also joining the competitive line up are 2022 Champions, Boyd Martin & Federman B (Eurocommerce Washington x Paulien B), owned by the Annie Goodwin Syndicate. Other notable combinations include:

  • Phillip Dutton & Denim
  • Phillip Dutton & Possante
  • Emily Hamel & Corvett
  • Sarah Kuhn & Mr. Cash van de Start
  • Will Coleman & Off The Record
  • Sharon White & Claus 63
  • Dana Cook & FE Quattro
  • Julie Wolfert & SSH Playboy
  • Ariel Grald & Isla de Coco
  • Ariel Grald & Diara

Ride for Charity

2024 Ride for Charity #TeamGreen
Aiken County Pony Club with Team Captain, Emily Hamel

An integral piece of #AnEventLikeNoOther, the Ride for Charity portion of the competition is core to the MISSION of Bruce’s Field. Each year since the GPE’s inception, local and national charitable organizations have been paired up with competitors to get in on the action. As in previous years, the 2025 event will see 6 charitable organizations paired up with 6 teams of competitors. The top 3 placing teams at the end of the competition earn a check for their respective organization. Participating organizations in turn support the showcase by providing volunteers, most notably at the ticket gates. Each participating organization is also given the opportunity to set up informational booths in the Vendor Village and are encouraged to promote their charity and educate attendees about their cause. Several of the charitable organizations participating in the 2025 GPE Ride for Charity are:

  • Aiken County Pony Club
  • Tri-Development Center of Aiken
  • Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs
  • Aiken Volunteer Mounted Unit

As we finalize all the details of this year’s Ride for Charity, we’ll give you a more in-depth look at each of these amazing organizations and the work they are doing to serve the community. The popular “Online Vote” will also be published for YOU to get involved and vote for your favorite Ride for Charity team. We encourage you to visit each organizations website and learn more about their important work.

Spectator Course Walks

Photo by Sally Spickard.

One of the best parts of #AnEventLikeNoOther are the up close and personal opportunities with some of the BIGGEST names in the sport!

Friday, February 28th

In between Dressage & Show Jumping (official time TBD)

Triple Crown Feeds Show Jumping Course Walk with U.S. Olympian Phillip Dutton & FEI Level 4 Course Designer Michel Vaillancourt

Saturday, March 1st

Before Cross-Country (official time TBD) Purina Feeds Cross-Country Course Walk with U.S. Olympian Boyd Martin

These course walks are open to all ticket holders! No preregistration required. Join us at the Show Jumping In Gate and the Cross-Country Start Box and learn from the best in the business!

To secure your tickets to #AnEventLikeNoOther, click here

Friday Added to 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships Schedule on May 2-4

Photo by Annan Hepner / USEA.

Due to the response at the 2024 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships at Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina, the decision has been made to add an extra day of competition to the 2025 event schedule. The new dates for the 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & IEL Championships are Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 4. Click here to view the event omnibus now.

In its second year at the venue, the Championships will again be hosted as a component of the Stable View Local Charities H.T. As many know, last year’s event hit the maximum entry limit of 400 horses and made for very long days for competitors, staff, and volunteer alike. By adding Friday to this year’s schedule, the team at Stable View will be able to improve daily hours of competition for all those on site.

To minimize disruption for as many Championship competitors as possible, the Opening Ceremony and Parade of Teams will remain on Friday, May 2, as is customary in previous years. This means that competition will start prior to the official opening ceremony, but the hope is that this will allow more teammates to be in attendance for the celebration. Spirit Award activities will also remain on the evening of Saturday, May 3, and have been condensed to ensure a shorter evening before the final day of competition.

The biggest change in schedule is regarding the levels of competition that will be offered each day. The upper levels, including Modified, Preliminary, Intermediate, and Advanced, are projected to run as a two-day event on Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3. These divisions will complete dressage and show jumping on Friday and cross-country on Saturday.

Starter, Beginner Novice, and Novice will be offered in a two-day format as well, but on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4. On Saturday, all the lower levels will complete dressage. Novice will also complete cross-country, while Starter and Beginner Novice tackle show jumping later that day. On Sunday, Starter and Beginner Novice will finish on the cross-country course, and Novice will close out the competition in the show jumping arena.

At this time, the Training level’s schedule is to be determined based on entries. Training may follow a two-day schedule on Friday and Saturday, or they will be spread across all three days with their dressage tests on Friday and one jumping phase per day on Saturday and Sunday. If you plan on competing in the Championships at the Training level, please keep an eye on the omnibus and communications from Stable View regarding the final schedule for your division.

The first year of the joint USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships exemplified stellar cohesion and camaraderie between program participants, and the team at Stable View is committed to ensuring the event’s continued success in year two. If you have any questions about the updated schedule for this year’s championship, please contact USEA staff liaison, Kaleigh Collett, at [email protected] or Stable View Organizer, Molly Bull, at [email protected].

As a reminder, there are no qualifications necessary to enter either championship, however, all schools and clubs represented must be registered affiliates of the USEA. Don’t forget to submit Collegiate Team Applications or IEL Application Forms, along with official affiliate rosters, to Jennifer Hardwick, USEA Senior Director of Membership Services, at [email protected] by Feb. 15.

All collegiate participants must be enrolled as undergraduate students, or with their school’s approval, be no more than 6 months past the completion of their undergraduate education, allowing December graduates to compete in the May championship. Collegiate participants are also required to hold an active USEA Membership. If you attend an accredited university or college that isn’t currently listed on the Intercollegiate Eventing Program List, consider starting a new team by reviewing the program information here and submitting a Collegiate Team Application.

All IEL participants must be enrolled in 5th through 12th grade at a public school, private school, online school or homeschool. Unlike the Intercollegiate Eventing Program, IEL Clubs can be any group of junior riders who share a common bond – like riding at the same barn, competing with the same trainer, attending the same school or being a part of the same Pony Club. For a list of the current Interscholastic Eventing Clubs, please click here. If you are interested in starting a new IEL Club, click here to learn more about the program and submit an IEL Application Form today.

If you are planning to compete in this year’s USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships, please review the omnibus listing linked here, and get ready to submit your entries opening day on March 18.. The event is expected to fill again in year two, so early submission is highly recommended to secure your spot in the championships.

UK Eventing Team Captain Kate McGown at Intercollegiate Championships with her horse, George. USEA photo.

About the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Program

The USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Program was established in 2014 to provide a framework within which eventing teams and individual competitors could flourish at universities and colleges across the country. The USEA offers a discount of $25 on annual USEA memberships for current students at universities and colleges registered as Affiliates with the USEA. Many events across the country offer Intercollegiate Team Challenges where collegiate eventers can compete individually or on teams with their fellow students. In Intercollegiate Team Challenges, each rider’s score is multiplied by a coefficient appropriate for their level to account for differences in level difficulty, and then the individual scores are added together to determine the team score. The USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship is a capstone event for the program, which is held annually in the spring. The 2025 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship will be held at Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina, on May 3-4. Click here to learn more about the Intercollegiate Eventing Program.

The USEA would like to thank Bates SaddlesHorse & CountryKerritsNunn FinerSidelinesU.S. EquestrianWeRideTogether, and World Equestrian Brands for sponsoring the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Program.

About the USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL)

In August 2020, the USEA Board of Governors approved the creation of the USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) as an official program of the USEA. The mission of IEL is to unite junior riders who are in the 5th—12th grade and provide a supportive community through which students can continue to pursue their riding interests. A group of junior members in the 5th—12th grade who share a common bond, such as the same barn, school, Pony Club, or other connection, can register with the USEA as an IEL Affiliate. The second annual USEA Interscholastic Eventing Championship will be held alongside the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship at Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina, on May 3-4, 2025. Click here to learn more about the Interscholastic Eventing League.

British Eventing Launches XC+

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

British Eventing (BE) is delighted to announce the pilot launch of XC +, an exciting new concept designed to offer more flexibility for our members.

Do you have a horse that loves cross-country and show jumping but isn’t so keen on dressage? Or perhaps you’d prefer to miss out the show jumping phase and complete just the cross-country and dressage elements instead? You might have to juggle eventing with family and work, so a shortened version would save valuable time.

Stats from our latest survey showed that members were keen for us to investigate new formats of the sport, and XC + is an exciting and positive step to providing our members with more choice.

XC+ is a shorter format of eventing, allowing participants to compete in two (2) out of the three (3) phases of the sport on the day. This innovative approach caters to varying needs, whether it’s due to time constraints, a focus on training in specific disciplines, or simply personal preference and enjoyment. The goal is to provide an adapted version of eventing that meets the diverse demands of our audience.

XC + will run alongside standard BE competitions at BE80 and BE90 levels at selected events with sufficient capacity. This ensures participants can enjoy the same high standards of safety, support, and organisation that BE is known for. XC + is open to all British Eventing members, including Pay-As-You-Go members, who have completed a standard class at the same level within the past 12 months.

Members will be able to enter XC + one week after the ballot date and will have limited availability during the pilot year. Timings will integrate into the event schedule. The entry fee for XC + is 75% of the standard class fee, providing an affordable option for participation.

Standard rules for each phase apply, ensuring consistency with regular BE events, although the dress code for XC + is more relaxed. Safety remains paramount however, and all riders must meet the minimum safety equipment requirements as outlined in the BE Handbook. There will be no official scoring during the initial trial period, but as the trial progresses, a scoring system will be developed and tested to add a competitive element.

Rosie Williams CEO, shared her enthusiasm for the initiative: “We are thrilled to introduce XC +. This concept gives our members greater choice while allowing them to compete in the same supportive and safe environment as standard competitions, with all the necessary resources such as fence judges and safety measures in place.”

Laura De Wesselow, Joint Chair of the BEOHA, said: “This new concept is a really positive addition to British Eventing’s competitive offering, particularly for grassroots venues and members. Not only will it offer a different spin on the classic format of eventing to members, but it will also benefit organisers by hopefully increasing the number of entries over a weekend of competition.”

MD Department of Agriculture Awards $1,500 to Horse Sport Maryland for Sport Horse Registry Start-Up Costs

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights, a 5* example of a Maryland-bred horse. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Horse Sport Maryland (HSM) is thrilled to announce that the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has awarded it $1,500 from the Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB) grant program to help defray the start-up costs of building its Maryland Sport Horse Registry and pedigree database.

According to Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks, the MHIB “grants are vital to the Maryland horse industry and agricultural sector. Reaching a cross section of many horse organizations representing different disciplines and geographic areas of the state is important to keeping this industry thriving.” MDA’s press release explains that the grant applications were “evaluated based on their value to the industry, degree of industry promotion, size and scope of activity, financial need, potential for matching funds, benefits and overall quality of the written presentation.”

The Maryland Sport Horse Registry contains five-generation pedigrees for Maryland-bred sport horses and sport ponies. To be eligible for the registry, the horse or pony must have been born in Maryland and must have competed in at least 3 non-racing competitions, with at least 3 participants, judged by a disinterested judge, under a publicly available set of rules. Breed shows and in-hand shows qualify as competitions.

There are four classes of Maryland Sport Horse:

  • Class A – a Maryland-bred Thoroughbred.
  • Class B – a horse or pony of any breed with a Maryland-bred Thoroughbred within 2 generations.
  • Class C – a horse or pony of any breed that is not Class A or Class B.
  • Class D – a Maryland-bred dam or sire of a Maryland Sport Horse.

The benefits of registration include:

  • Access to the Maryland Sport Horse genetic testing panel (coming soon);
  • Eligibility for inclusion in marketing collateral at major breed shows east of the Mississippi;
  • Eligibility for free promotional coverage in The Equiery; and
  • Eligibility for Maryland Sport Horse Awards.

Learn more about the registry here.

Eventing Community Meets in Lausanne to Shape the Future of the Sport

Chair of the FEI Eventing Committee David O’Connor leading the proceedings (Photo credit: FEI/Germain Arias-Schreiber)

The FEI Eventing Forum 2025, held for the first time in Lausanne on 17 and 18 January, united 128 participants — including elite Athletes, Eventing Officials, National Safety Officers, Organisers, and National Federation representatives from 27 nations — to address key topics of importance to the development of the sport.

“Our sport is at an important juncture, and we must continue working together as a community to develop a strong plan for the future of Eventing,” said FEI Eventing Committee Chair David O’Connor (USA) who led the proceedings over the two days.

“But this gathering was also an opportunity to reflect on our recent successes. The Olympic Games Paris 2024 showcased the very best of Eventing, with Cross Country day in Versailles delivering an unforgettable experience. Those who were there witnessed the incredible power and athleticism of our horse and athlete combinations up close — an experience few sports can match.

“At the same time, we recognise the need for improvement to ensure our sport remains sustainable and continues to engage future audiences. The past few days have provided an important space for the community to address key issues and have face-to-face discussions about the future of the sport, and the insights from athletes who travelled to Lausanne were invaluable to these conversations.”

The first day of discussions focused on shaping the future of Eventing, with actionable goals prioritising horse welfare as the cornerstone of progress.

Participants at the Athletes and Coaches session on the second day of the Forum (Photo credit: FEI/Germain Arias-Schreiber)

Participants were also asked to consider the potential impact of the possible format changes for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, including their effects on event management, veterinary requirements, and medal ceremonies. Additionally, the FEI Eventing Rules Revision process was discussed, with the revision schedule moved forward to 2025 to ensure new rules are implemented ahead of the 2026 World Championships and aligned with preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Sam Watson of EquiRatings delivered an insightful presentation on risk management and course standards, highlighting the value of data-driven approaches to enhance safety while maintaining the sport’s competitive integrity. He emphasised the importance of measurable benchmarks to guide decisions and ensure the sport remains both challenging and safe for all participants.

The second day of the Forum began with a session which featured a distinguished panel of athletes and coaches, each with multiple Olympic and World Championship medals to their name, including Andrew Nicholson (NZL), Phillip Dutton (USA), Andrew Hoy (AUT), and Ros Canter (GBR). The session was moderated by one of Germany’s most accomplished Eventing athletes in history, Bettina Hoy and France’s Pierre Le Goupil, the Cross Country Course designer for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Key discussions during the session focused on ways to enhance sporting performance while prioritising horse welfare, exploring strategies for better results without compromising horse care, managing fatigue, and the role of senior athletes in mentoring less experienced riders.

Photo credit: FEI

This was followed by a discussion on recent updates to the FEI Eventing Officials’ Education System, the Course Designers Mentoring Programme led by FEI Level 4 Eventing Judge Anne-Mette Binder (DEN), Event Manager Alec Lochore (GBR), and Technical Delegate Neil Mackenzie-Hall (NZL). The fast-track system was also discussed as a way to support athletes nearing the end of their careers in transitioning into officiating roles, offering mentorship opportunities to help them.

The afternoon’s discussions, led by David O’Connor, Geoff Sinclair (AUS), and Stuart Buntine (GBR) focused on critical areas of risk management data, including a comprehensive review of international and national statistics on falls and injuries collected between 2015 and 2024. This was followed by a discussion on the effectiveness of MIM safety mechanisms, which highlighted the implications of soft activations and strategies to optimise their application.

Rosie Williams from British Eventing also provided participants with an overview of a study on the flag rule which was done to better inform the rule change process.

The National Safety Officers Seminar which took place the day after the Forum, focused on risk management programmes within National Federations and helmet safety, with contributions from FEI Medical Committee Chair Dr Mark Hart (USA) and representatives from the National Federations of Germany, Great Britain, Spain and Austria.

Summaries of the FEI Eventing Forum discussions, as well as videos and presentations can be found on the Eventing Seminars 2025-2026 section of the Risk Management Hub here.

Molly Day Joins Equestrian Events, Inc. as New Executive Director

Lauren Nicholson and Vermiculus. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Board of Directors of Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports by staging sporting events at the highest level, including the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, is pleased to welcome Molly Day as the organization’s new executive director.

EEI is best known for producing the annual Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian (K3DE), the nation’s premier eventing competition and one of only seven annual 5* three-day events (CCI5*-L) in the world, as well as the recently upgraded Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute on the same weekend. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences, and a wide array of demonstrations.

New EEI Executive Director Molly Day

Day comes from the United Kingdom with nearly a decade of experience in business development, sales management, and operational oversight, primarily in the sports and entertainment industry. A strategic and results-oriented leader, she has served as General Manager of Haydock Park Racecourse, part of The Jockey Club, where she has achieved notable commercial success and a top 10 ranking for customer experience across racecourses in Britain, as well as Carlisle Racecourse, where she significantly improved sales and operational performance. She has also played a role in delivering some of the U.K.’s most prestigious sporting events, including the Randox Grand National.

Day holds a BA (Hons) in Festival and Events Management from Edinburgh Napier University and is known for her expertise in sponsorship sales, team leadership, and stakeholder management.

“We are thrilled to welcome Molly as our new Executive Director,” said Prim Hudgins, President of the EEI Board of Directors. “As EEI continues to build and expand our world-class events, Molly’s expertise will be of incredible value and we are excited to have her on board to help move our organization forward.”

Tickets On Sale + Capt. Mark Phillips Unveiled as Course Designer for Agria Blenheim Palace International and FEI European Championships

m McEwen (GBR) at the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials 2024. (c) Libby Law

The Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials box office is now officially open for ticket sales! This much-loved event will host the esteemed Agria FEI Eventing European Championship from September 18-21, 2025. Competitors from all over Europe will step out onto the iconic turf in front of the South Lawn in the Autumn, with the wonderful UNESCO World Heritage site, Blenheim Palace as an unforgettable backdrop.

2025 marks the third year that Stable Events has organised the horse trials and Event Director Katrina Midgley considers hosting the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship ‘the cherry on top’ of this milestone year. “We’ve been dedicated to reviving this incredible event and 2025 is going to be a landmark year! It’s the 20th anniversary of Blenheim’s last hosting of the FEI Eventing European Championship – so many have told me they were there in 2005. We’re going to make sure 2025 is an experience they’ll never forget either!” said Katrina.

To add to the excitement, the horse trials have appointed Captain Mark Phillips as Course Designer for the Agria FEI Eventing European Championship with Blenheim stalwart David Evans as one of the Assistant Course Designers. A hugely successful event rider himself, Captain Mark was part of the British three-day event teams that won a world title in 1970, a European title in 1971, Olympic gold medals in 1972 and a team Silver at the 1988 Olympics. In addition, he was a four-time champion at Badminton Horse Trials, in 1971, 1972, 1974 and 1981. Captain Mark has been designing cross country courses all over the world for several decades and is known for his creativity, whilst keeping horse and rider safety as top priority. When last at Blenheim Palace, the FEI Eventing European Championship was won by Captain Mark’s daughter, Zara Tindall née Phillips, riding Toytown on her senior team debut in 2005.

“In recent times I’ve been cutting down on my Course Design duties and have concentrated more on a Course Adviser role at many of the major events both in this country and the US to help with the development of the next generation of Designers,” said Captain Mark Phillips.

“I was honoured to be asked and am looking forward to designing this year’s Agria FEI Eventing European Championship cross country course at Blenheim. I’m also very happy to continue my Adviser role and help the FEI with their specific request to help younger designers. As such they are flying Jay Hambly over from America and I’ve already had help from David Evans and Helen West with the initial plans.”

Don’t miss out on the equestrian event of the year! The Box Office is now open so visit www.bpiht.co.uk to take advantage of the advanced ticket special offers. Standard parking remains free of charge, entry for those aged 12 and under is free, plus there are options to add on your grandstand and members tickets. Camping and glamping tickets will be available soon so that you can be amongst the action at the venue for the whole duration.

British Eventing Announces Significant Restructure of Its Training Offer

European Champion, Olympic Silver & Bronze medallist and WEG gold medallist Tina Cook has been appointed U25 Coach for Great Britain. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

British Eventing is thrilled to announce a significant training restructure, focusing on high-quality coaching delivered within the regions by newly appointed lead regional coaches, who will work closely with existing accredited coaches to provide the best offer and experience for our members.

This is an exciting change, directly developed further to feedback from British Eventing membership and put in place to allow members to access high quality training within their geographical location.

Head of Youth, Darrell Scaife commented: “We are thrilled to welcome our new coaches, who will, along with our existing workforce, be instrumental in realising British Eventing’s vision for the future. As we continue to emphasise horse welfare and rider wellness, these talented professionals will play a crucial role in upholding our values and delivering high-quality training to our members. By fostering a supportive, inclusive environment, we remain committed to nurturing the growth and success of riders at all levels while prioritising the well-being of both horses and athletes.”

British Eventing is pleased to welcome the following Lead Regional Coaches:

South West: Jo Rimmer
Jo Rimmer is a UKCCL3 and PMP coach, former schoolteacher and 5* event rider.

North: Will Murray
Will Murray is a UKCC level 3 eventing coach and has been involved with the BE youth programme within the Northern region for the last six years, firstly as an assistant co-ordinator and in recent years as a coach.

East Midlands: Phil Brown
Phil Brown is a UKCC level 4 Coach with years of experience coaching both youth and adult riders through all levels of the sport. Phil has extensive competitive experience up to 5* level and is passionate about helping riders of any level achieve their goals and enjoy the sport of eventing.

East: Emily Lochore
Emily Lochore has run Burnham Market International Horse Trials together with her husband Alec for 26 years, alongside competing up to 5* level. She has successfully represented GB at Junior and Young Rider level gaining invaluable experiences from the youth system.

South East: Camilla Kruger
Camilla Kruger is a UKCC Level 3 Coach, South East Lead Coach and Performance Pony Chef d’equipe. Camilla is a keen hockey player and former Olympian for Team Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe’s Sports Women of the Year 2016.

Central: Tim Rogers
Tim Rogers is a UKCC level 3 and BE accredited coach and has been coaching youth in the Central Region for several years. As an event rider, he has also represented GB at Pony and Junior rider level.

Wales and West Midlands: Jonquil Hemming
Jonquil Hemming BHSI, UKCCL4 coach and EQ Bands registered coach, has completed Centre 10 Psychology for Coaches and is part of the BEF Youth Coaching Pathway programme. She has many years of coaching and industry experience and works with all levels of riders.

Tina Cook, 5* international event rider, European Champion, Olympic Silver & Bronze medallist and WEG gold medallist, has been appointed as National U25 Coach. After calling time on her eventing career in 2022, Tina has focussed on producing young horses and coaching.

British Eventing also announced that Sam York FBHS, UKCC level 4, MSc Professional Sports Coaching has been appointed as Lead on Social License and Horse Welfare in coaching. After being a very busy freelance coach, much of Sam’s additional consultation work involves working hard in protecting the equestrian industry from the current challenges it is seeing.

In addition, Katie Williams has been appointed Lead Coach on the International Development Experiences. Katie is a UKCC Level 4 Eventing coach and has a Master’s degree in Professional Sports Coaching. She was until now a Regional Youth Coach for Wales and Midlands, with a track record of coaching riders to success at pony, junior and young rider level.

Rosie Williams, CEO of British Eventing said: “We extend our congratulations to these coaches on their new appointments. Coaching and training are vital elements of our offering as a governing body, after all, good training results in safer, more successful combinations out competing and enjoying the sport. We hope our members take full advantage of having access to such talented and experienced coaches, and we wish our coaches the best of luck in their new roles.”

BE will have more information in the new year on the detail of the new training offer but in the meantime, you can find out more about British Eventing’s training and upcoming events here.

2025 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant Recipient: Taylor Bradish

Taylor Bradish and Katydid Duchess
3 Time USEF Advanced Single Horse Combined Driving National Champions
2022 and 2024 FEI Combined Driving World Championships Highest Placed US Pair

The Aiken Horse Park Foundation and the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant Selection Committee are pleased to congratulate Taylor Bradish on being named the 2025 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant recipient.

Annie’s father, Putter Goodwin, who has been integrally involved with the grant since it’s inception commented:

“This is the second year of this grant in Annie’s memory. We continue to get quality applications from aspiring young professionals working hard to be successful in the horse business. It’s so important we do all that we can to give those most deserving a leg up. If we can continue to grow this fund, we will be able to make even more of an impact.”

This year’s grant cycle received seventeen applicants from many different equestrian backgrounds including Polo, Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, Eventing, and Combined Driving. Bradish, a 10 year full time resident of Aiken, SC, stood out from the rest, not only with her impressive professional resume boasting accolades such as 3 Time USEF Advanced Single Horse Combined Driving National Champions and the highest places US pair at the 2022 and 2024 FEI Combined Driving World Championships, but also her dedication to growing the sport here in Aiken.

Upon being awarded the 2025 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant, Bradish remarked:

“I am incredibly honored to have been chosen to receive the 2025 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to meet Annie. I have heard many great things about her lifelong dedication to her sport, which is something I think we would have had in common. Receiving this grant will be instrumental in helping me towards my goals of growing the sport of Combined Driving, as well as continuing to develop my training business and competing at the international level.”

Not only did Bradish and Katydid Duchess again represent Team USA at the 2024 FEI Combined Driving World Championships in Le Haras Du Pin, France, placing 6th overall and being the highest placed US pair, but following their time abroad and training with coach Boyd Excell, Bradish sold her 2 time World Championship mare to the world number 1 as his new lead horse for his 4 in hand team. It is a familiar, monumental decision that so many young professionals are faced with in their early career of selling their top horse in order to focus on the next string of up and coming equine athletes and continue propelling their career forward.

The selection committee was deeply impressed by Bradish’s commitment to do right by her horse and her own career, a choice Putter Goodwin shared Annie faced at one point with Bruno. The fact that the world number 1, Boyd Excell, thought so highly of this horse Bradish produced he added her to his own team, speaks so highly of Bradish’s talent and skill as an equestrian and horsewoman. The story echoes that of another Boyd’s partnership with another truly spectacular, self-produced horse, who also took a trip to France this past summer.

To learn more about Taylor Bradish and the sport of Combined Driving, you can visit her website goldencarriagedriving.com.

Selection Committee

The selection committee is comprised of a cross section of equestrian industry professionals, a member of Annie Goodwin’s Family, members of the board of directors and staff of the Aiken Horse Park Foundation.

Boyd Martin, Olympic Eventing Rider/Professional
Daniel Geitner, Professional Hunter/Jumper Rider
Eugene Kneece Jr., Professional Polo Player
Catherine Stumberg, Amateur Hunter/Jumper Rider
Caitlin Silliman, Professional Eventing Rider
Putter Goodwin, Annie Goodwin’s Father
Robert Stevenson, FEI Judge
Tara Bostwick, CEO – Aiken Horse Park Foundation
Kate Boggan, Director of Marketing and Communications – Aiken Horse Park Foundation

Thank you to all of Annie’s friends and family who have already donated to the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Fund. To date, we have received $197,034.22. To make a donation to the Fund, click here.

Prize Money Boost and Star Judges for the 2025 Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Final

2024 Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse winners Mike Jackson and two-time champion Oscar.

Britain’s most prestigious young horse championships, the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Final, will receive an increase in prize-money as the leading manufacturers of countryside clothing and boots celebrate 15 years of sponsorship.

Britain’s most prestigious young horse championships, the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Final, will receive an increase in prize-money as the leading manufacturers of countryside clothing and boots continues its sponsorship of the series for a 17th year.

The highly competitive championships for the country’s best four- and five-year-old event horses are held on the Friday of Defender Burghley – 5 September 2025 – and always attract a huge crowd. The two classes will be worth a total of £8,000 for 2025, with a first prize of £1,500 for both the Dubarry five-year-old champion and the Dubarry four-year-old champion.

And six-times Defender Burghley winner William Fox-Pitt will make his debut as a Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Final judge; he will assess “potential to gallop” for the top 10 finalists in both the four- and five-year-old sections.

He will join an impressive set of judges for 2025 – dressage will be assessed by experienced top-level ground jury member Harry Payne and famed young horse producer Judy Bradwell, jumping by multiple Olympic, World and European eventing medallist Bettina Hoy and legendary former eventer, trainer and course-designer Ian Stark, and highly respected vet Fred Barrelet will judge “suitability and type”.

The Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Final is the culmination of a season-long series of qualifiers in Britain and Ireland, of which there will be 18 in 2025. These will commence at Osberton on 1 May. There are two new venues for 2025 – Belsay (18 May) and Wellington (22 August – the final chance for riders to gain qualification for Burghley).

Martyn Johnson, Director of Defender Burghley, said: “We are delighted that Dubarry are continuing to support these celebrated championships. While the CCI5* at Burghley shows the world what the very best and most experienced horses and riders can do, the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Finals showcase our future champions and are very important for breeders, riders and owners.”

Charlotte Strange, brand manager of Dubarry of Ireland, said: “We are thrilled to be extending our long-standing partnership with Burghley through our continued sponsorship of the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Series. Each year we see both new and returning riders to the series, where we are proud of the dedication to the development of young event horses and Dubarry’s commitment to the equestrian community.”

A full list of Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse qualifiers for 2025 can be found here.

Defender Burghley is the established highlight of the summer social season. As well as top-class sport featuring both the most famous horses and riders in the world and up-and-coming stars, in the beautiful and historic setting of Burghley Park, the event offers superb shopping opportunities, delicious food and drink, elegant hospitality options and lots to entertain children and less-horsey members of the family.

Every minute of the action from Defender Burghley, including the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Final, is shown live on Burghley TV.

To find out more about Defender Burghley (September 4-7 2025), visit www.burghley-horse.co.uk.

Sharon White and Jaguars Duende Awarded the USET Foundation’s Connaught Grant in Memory of R. Bruce Duchossois

Sharon White and Jaguars Duende. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation has named Sharon White and her eight-year-old Westphalian mare Jaguars Duende (by Jaguar Mail x Lancaster) the recipients of the 2025 Connaught Grant.

Each year, the USET Foundation administers up to $25,000 to a developing horse seen as a potential future candidate to represent the United States eventing team at the international level. The grant was established and is funded by Caroline Moran in memory of her dear friend, the late R. Bruce Duchossois, who was dedicated to encouraging the development of event horses in the U.S. The grant is named after Connaught, a horse owned by Duchossois and ridden by Phillip Dutton at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games and 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

White, of Summit Point, West Virginia, was a member of the U.S. eventing team that won the silver medal at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile. White has represented the U.S. in several FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ competitions and was also a reserve athlete for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games.

White bought Jaguars Duende, better known as “Jag” in the barn, from German Olympic event rider Dirk Schrade as a four-year-old and imported her at age five. Together, the pair have made nine international starts, placing in the top three in every outing and winning four of them.

“It brings me unspeakable joy to accept the 2025 Connaught Grant with my special horse, Jaguars Duende,” said White. “Bruce [Duchossois] was such a contributor to our sport, and to have the opportunity to continue his legacy is an honor I am proud to carry. I hope that Jag and I can make him proud. I knew immediately that she was incredibly special, and she has shown me just how competitive she is.”

Sharon White and Jaguars Duende. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Over the years, White has been named to multiple US Equestrian (USEF) Eventing High Performance Training Lists. Her experience tells her that Jaguars Duende has what it takes to step up to Advanced level and beyond.

“She may have the best mind I have ever had in a horse, and this has made it so enjoyable to develop her strength as an athlete,” commented White. “She really excels at all of the eventing phases. My focus has been taking time to produce her, not rushing her, and choosing competitions wisely to allow her to continue to move up confidently.

“No two pathways to the top are alike, as all horses are individuals,” continued White. “So, while I know she’s ready to move up, this year will be focused on gaining more strength so that she can enjoy a long-lasting career at the Advanced and five-star level. I believe this mare is a future team horse, and I will continue to produce her with this in mind.”

After a very successful 2024 season at Intermediate and CCI3* level, White intends to step up to Advanced in 2025. She has her sights set on Jaguars Duende’s first CCI4*-L, which could be at the Tryon International Three-Day Event in Mill Spring, North Carolina, in May 2025. The eight- and nine-year-old CCI4*-S division at Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials in the U.K. in September 2025 is also on White’s radar. In the meantime, White will winter in Florida while she continues to build the mare’s fitness.

“While she’s very much ready for this next step, I’m also aware that Jag is still young. Her attitude and athleticism make her a real prospect for my next five-star horse, but my focus between now and whenever that day comes is to keep her confident, strong, and feeling good so that she can perform in the way she has shown me she knows how.

“Jaguars Duende is a serious team prospect for the future, and with the World Championships in 2026 and the next Olympics in 2028 coming up quickly, my goal will be to produce her and my other horses with team performances in mind,” she added.

Sharon White and Jaguars Duende. Photo by Sally Spickard.

White is particularly thankful for the grant as she is the sole owner of Jaguars Duende and therefore responsible for all of the mare’s expenses.

“It’s important to me to have skin in the game,” she explained. “This means more financial responsibility, which makes receiving the Connaught Grant unbelievably meaningful to me. I’m grateful for the support offered by the USET Foundation to up-and-coming eventing talent. My appreciation for this grant is deep, and I hope I will help inspire others to contribute to our sport and its future.”

White is also keen to give back to the sport she loves and is actively involved as a member of multiple USEF and United States Eventing Association committees. As an athlete owner, she is very aware that it takes a village to bring horses to their competitive pinnacle.

“I’d like to thank my friend Dirk Schrade, and my longtime mentor, the late Jimmy Wofford, for giving me the tools to produce these horses, and my friends who help me support the horses,” said White. “A special shout out to Sandy Niles for seeing Jag early in her career and reaching out and helping me support her. Also, thanks to my veterinary and healthcare team — for both myself and my horses — my staff at home, my family and husband, the coaches who continue to help me be my best, and my sponsors who provide so much essential care to us — the list is truly endless.”

Grand-Prix Eventing Secures New Title Sponsor + New Ticket Offerings for 2025

The GPE Organizing Committee is thrilled to welcome Stirling Venture Capital as our new Title Sponsor for the Aiken Showcase! The $100,000 Stirling Venture Capital Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance (GPE), is set to take place Friday, February 28th & Saturday, March 1st, 2025 at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, South Carolina. We are incredibly grateful for Stirling Venture Capital’s support and their investment in “An Event Like No Other”!

In 2019, The Aiken Horse Park Foundation was pleased to introduce Aiken’s first Eventing Showcase. Now in its seventh year, the GPE has become the highlight of the Aiken winter season and a must attend for the top competitors in the country!

An Eventing “Showcase” is a unique version of Eventing competition that condenses the traditional country-side Eventing environment into a spectator friendly venue. The showcase format allows the general public the chance to be up close and personal, right next to the galloping lanes and massive fences, and experience the thrilling sport of Eventing in a whole new way. This equestrian triathlon presents a prime opportunity for top eventing riders to kick start their competition season, and to welcome the public to an exciting fast-paced equestrian event.

Ticket Options

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg. Photo by Sally Spickard.

General Admission

There are several General Admission ticket options available. Exclusive online purchase options include:

One Full Event Pass which grants access to Friday, Feb 28th Dressage & Show Jumping AND Saturday, Mar 1st Cross-Country

  • Full Event Pass $30.00 (Friday, Feb 28th & Saturday, Mar 1st)

Two Single Day Pass options, which grant access to one day’s activities respectively

  • Friday, Feb 28th Only Pass $20.00 (Dressage & Show Jumping)
  • Saturday, Mar 1st Only Pass $20.00 (Cross-Country)

These General Admission ticket options are only available online. General Admission tickets will be available at the gate for $25.oo per day, cash or check only.

NEW FOR 2025:

General Admission Tailgate Package $250.00

  • Four (4) General Admission Full Event Passes (Friday, Feb 28th & Saturday, Mar 1st).
  • One (1) 12’W x 30’L cross-country course side designated tailgate space and one (1) tailgate parking pass for Saturday, Mar 1st. Think Aiken Steeplechase style.

Tailgate spots are for Saturday, Mar 1st ONLY. All tailgate spots are guaranteed a front row view to a minimum of one (1) cross-country jump. Tailgate pass holders may host as many ticket holding guests at their tailgate site as they please, but must remain courteous to their neighbors.

All tailgate pass holders must be parked and fully set up by 10:00 am Saturday, Mar 1st and may not leave until the conclusion of the competition. Absolutely no vehicles will be allowed in or out during this time. This is mandatory for the safety of our competitors and spectators. Limited numbers available. First come, first served.

Deadline to Purchase: February 15

VIP

VIP tickets include:

 

  • Invitation to the Thursday evening, Feb 27th, Welcome Party
  • Ring side for the Friday evening, Feb 28th, Show Jumping
  • Prime viewing locations for the Saturday, Mar 1st, Cross-Country
  • Access to all VIP areas (VIP tents & Chalets) for the entire event
  • Food & Beverage served
  • VIP Parking

Deadline to Purchase: February 15

VIP tickets start at $1,000.00. For more information on Reserved Tables, Chalets, or Tailgate Parking Spots, please contact [email protected].

Can Cobs Go Eventing? New H&C+ Series Says: Of Course They Can!

In 2023 the hashtag #cobscan went viral after Morven Ritchie and her 20-year-old cob Mikey went clear cross country in the Voltaire Design BE90 Grassroots Championships at Badminton. The pair’s achievement was the inspiration for Horse & Country’s new series, Cobs Can Go Eventing, produced in association with EQUIDRY.

Working in partnership with British Eventing (BE), Horse & Country devised an eight-part series with each episode focusing on a different aspect of preparing your cob for the challenges of eventing. Subjects range from flatwork to boost your dressage score, through to preparing your cob for the ultimate challenge of cross country. There are also episodes on how to protect your cob’s legs and nutritional advice, produced in association with Woof Wear and Baileys respectively.

Once the series got the green light there was never any doubt about who the stars would be. The H&C team headed to Scotland to meet up with Morven and Mikey at the stunning Bogenraith Equestrian centre, set in the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside. As we were filming in early January there was quite a nip in the air so the cast and crew were more than happy to have EQUIDRY, makers of the ultimate equestrian coat, as the series sponsor!

Featuring alongside Morven and Mikey are Josie Smith and her cob Gem who competed at their national championships last year, the NAF Five Star BE80 at Bramham. Helping the combinations to perform to their very best is Sarah Houlden, a BE Level 3 coach delivering BE’s national training programme, under The Howden Way umbrella, in Scotland. Completing the line-up is H&C favourite and five-star event rider Simon Grieve. As well as presenting the series, Simon gets to try eventing on a cob with willing partner Thor.

Jonathan Rippon, Director of Content for H&C commented, “We’re delighted to bring our members this series. Cobs are always a favourite with our viewers and, without giving away any spoilers, the series more than proves that cobs certainly can.”

On behalf of EQUIDRY, Managing Director Vicky Fiddes said, “There has never been a more important time for equestrian sport to focus on being inclusive, welcoming and accessible. This is exactly the message of Cobs Can Go Eventing and is why we at EQUIDRY are so proud to support it. Cobs and native breeds make the most wonderful pets and, as proven by the incredible stars of the programme; Mickey and Gem, are capable of being truly talented competitors. If you have a cob and a passion for eventing, be proud and get out there. EQUIDRY hope to be there to keep you warm and dry along the way.”

All eight episodes of Cobs Can Go Eventing will be available to watch exclusively on Horse & Country’s streaming service, H&C+. For non-members there is a Pay per View option. Annual membership of H&C+ is only £74.99 as a one-off payment, or there’s an option to pay in 12 monthly instalments of £7.99. Full details on how to join, as well as more information, can be found at www.horseandcountry.tv. Interested parties can also save 15% on an annual H&C+ membership using code EVENTINGNATION15.

Adelaide Equestrian Festival to Host Historic Oceania Championships in 2026 and 2029

The only 5* set in a city center. Photo via Adelaide Equestrian Festival Facebook.

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival, in partnership with the High Performance units of Equestrian Australia and Equestrian Sports New Zealand, is thrilled to announce that the next two Australian-hosted instalments of the prestigious Oceania Championships will take place at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival in 2026 and 2029.

This historic decision follows a challenging Paris Olympiad, marked by numerous major event postponements and international travel disruptions for equine athletes. The extension of the Championships to 2026 will ensure that the domestic season for both Australia and New Zealand competitors will remain unaffected and allow athletes to focus on an extended preparation for early 2026.

The move marks a significant opportunity for Australian and New Zealand competitors to showcase their talents in front of the largest equestrian audience in the Southern Hemisphere. The Adelaide Equestrian Festival, which boasts the only CCI5* event in the region, notably attracts the largest number of spectators but is also the only city-centred event of its kind worldwide, further elevating the prestige of the Championships.

The Oceania Championships will be contested across two divisions: the CCI3*-L for Young Riders and the CCI4*-S for Senior competitors. This will be the first time the Young Rider division will be hosted at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival. At the same time, the Senior teams have not competed here since 2009, when an all-female Australian team won the coveted Championship honours.

Competition Director Belinda Lindh expressed her enthusiasm, “Securing the Championships for the 2026 and 2029 instalments is a major win for our Organising Committee. It’s an incredible opportunity for riders to compete at the pinnacle event in the Southern Hemisphere. We look forward to developing our program to ensure New Zealand riders and their support crew experience the best South Australian hospitality alongside our world-class competition in Adelaide.”

Will Enzinger, Director of High Performance Equestrian Australia, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Utilizing the Adelaide Equestrian Festival’s world-class event to host our longstanding Oceania Championships underscores the collective efforts of both countries and offers critical exposure to our team environment which creates an opportunity to develop our talent at the elite level. This competition plays a significant role in our preparation for the World Championship and Olympic Games.”

Jonathan Paget, ESNZ High Performance General Manager stated, “We are fortunate and appreciate this collaborative approach to providing these great opportunities for our athletes to experience team competitions, particularly at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival. This is a great event and really exposes our southern hemisphere combinations to the international standard.
As we build towards LA and Brisbane, these opportunities will play a critical role in our performance pathway.”

Key Dates:
● Tickets for the 2025 Adelaide Equestrian Festival will be available from Tuesday December 3, 2024
● 2025 Adelaide Equestrian Festival: May 1-4
● 2026 Adelaide Equestrian Festival & Oceania Championships: April 16-19, 2026

For further information, please visit www.adelaideequestrianfestival.com

Cycle4Caroline Heads to £300,000 for Charity

Success! Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Equestrian royalty turned out to support the Cycle4Caroline team complete their epic 1,182km ultra-endurance cycle challenge.

The landmark charity cycle ride saw stars of eventing such as Zara Tindall, William Fox-Pitt and Tina Cook, join with showjumping royalty Joe Stockdale and Jack Whitaker, to complete the final leg of the ride from Windsor to London.

Donations to Cycle4Carline now hover around £300,000, which will provide vital funds for both the two benefitting charities – British Eventing Support Trust and Spinal Research UK.

Reflecting on crossing the finish line Tom March commented: “It kind of feels like a whirlwind of emotions to have finished. A sense of excitement, achievement and relief to have everyone back safe and sound. There were definitely a few times that felt a little bit hairy, particularly the penultimate day, trying to fight our way into Windsor with Friday afternoon rush hour traffic!”

“Obviously delighted to have passed the £250,000 mark on Saturday, and now just hope that it keeps ticking away for the next little while, so we can help as many people as possible,” Tom added.

The challenge was completed in memory of, and honoring, Tom’s sister, Caroline March who sadly passed away in March 2024 following life changing injuries she sustained in an eventing fall in 2022.

With the challenge led by Piggy and Tom March, they were joined throughout by British Eventing Support Trust Chair of the Board of Trustees and three-time Olympian Ian Stark OBE, Support Trust Patron Alastair Wilson, and multi-medallist Holly Woodhead. Piggy’s sister Nini French, herself a top-level eventing rider, and Racesafe’s Tommy How.

Ian Stark shows off his badge of battle: a broken thumb sustained during Cycle4Caroline. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Making the long trip from New Zealand to join the challenge is Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Research Trust founder in Catriona Williams MNZM. Catriona was formerly one of New Zealand’s leading international equestrian riders. Following a riding accident in 2002, she is now C6/C7 tetraplegic and confined to a wheelchair.

Of the experience Catriona commented: “I’ve done 11 days on the road with the best team in the world. I have to say it was the team who were the highlight. We’ve had some magical views, a crazy ride into London, but altogether the team just worked so well together and making it the most incredible experience.”

Speaking the morning after the finish, Alastair Wilson commented: “In reflection the highlight would be the Saturday when it was snowing (at Belsay), the conditions were horrendous and everyone pulled together so well, knowing that if we didn’t complete that day the whole journey would be put into jeopardy. If we’d have been knocked back by a day it would have caused a major issue, and potentially stopped us from raising a large amount of money for the charities. I think that’s the most proud I’ve been.”

The fundraising message will still continue to be championed by the core team of riders, as they work collaboratively to raise much needed investment for two incredibly important charities.

To donate, click here.

William Fox-Pitt Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at Horse & Hound Awards

Peter Nixon photo

William Fox-Pitt took home the Lifetime Achievement Award from last weekend’s Horse & Hound Awards, in partnership with NAF and Agria. The British event rider bowed out of top-level competition this year after winning 20 senior championship medals and a record 14 five-stars.

Reflecting on the decision to retire at Badminton in May, William said: “I’m 55, nothing is forever and I was thinking, ‘When is the moment?’ I thought at Badminton, ‘Do I really want to come back here again, do I really want to go through that whole thing again?’ and the answer was no.

“My one fear was I didn’t want to look scared and old – I wanted to stop while I could still ride. I had a good ride at Badminton, I was really lucky with my mare Grafennacht, she went beautifully, and I thought, ‘That’s not going to happen again, so I’m out’.”

William also looked back on how his career started. He grew up with horses, but after university, his father started to ask when he was “going to have a real life”.

He said: “I was just leaving university when I was given a very good horse to ride called Chaka. I was not in the same league as that horse – he’d been at top level with Judy Herbert and I think the owner Michael Turner wanted to give him to a boy and thought a nice young rider would do what he was told.

“I was so lucky to have him. He straight away put me on the British team, I won my first Burghley on him – I look back and don’t know how that happened. People sent me horses and suddenly I thought, ‘I’ve got horses to ride, I’ve got a sponsor, an income, why the hell do I want a job?’ and that’s how it started.”

In a touching video of messages from former teammates and equestrian greats played at the ceremony, former eventing world champion Zara Tindall paid tribute to William, saying: “You have been a true inspiration to me and many others, as well as a great friend.

“I’ve had the honour to ride on teams with you and being able to learn from you, absorb your knowledge, strength of mind and pure class is something I’ll treasure forever. You always took the ups and downs with dignity and professionalism and the sport will miss you more than it knows.”

The Horse & Hound Awards took place at Dallas Burston Polo Club, Warwickshire. Some 300 people, including Paris Olympic and Paralympic medallists, enjoyed a glamorous evening of champagne, winner reveals, speeches and dancing. More than 107,000 votes were cast for this ninth edition of the Horse & Hound Awards.

Other winners included Becky Moody’s Paris Olympic ride Jagerbomb (Dressage Horse of the Year), showjumping young rider European champion Olli Fletcher (Young Rider of the Year) and Royal International and Horse of the Year Show supreme winner Mulberry Lane (Show Horse of the Year).

Read more about the winners here.

The Horse & Hound Awards 2024 winners are:

● Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement Award: William Fox-Pitt
● Amateur Rider of the Year: Lucy Latta
● NAF Five Star PROFEET Farrier of the Year: Tom Farmer
● Agria Horse of a Lifetime: Waltham Scorpio
● Baileys Horse Feeds Vet of the Year: Philippa Hughes
● Horse & Hound Podcast Professional Rider of the Year: Ros Canter
● Young Rider of the Year: Olli Fletcher
● Black Nova Designs Event Horse of the Year: London 52
● Showjumping Horse of the Year: Mr Blue Sky UK
● Rhinegold Equestrian Inspiration of the Year: Jesse Campbell
● Show Horse of the Year: Mulberry Lane
● Absorbine Groom of the Year: Jackie Potts
● Swaine Dressage Horse of the Year: Jagerbomb
● Dodson & Horrell Team of the Year: British Olympic eventing team

New Horse & Country Series Now Streaming: “Postcards from Paris” on the Story of the British Success in Paris

Brits atop the podium again. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games were extraordinary events, generating stories we’ll be recounting for years to come. And, from the very first days, the British equestrian teams were at the heart of many of them. Horse & Country’s new series Postcards from Paris tells the story of the 2024 Games in the words of the people who were there.

The series features extensive interviews with the athletes, grooms, owners, and the overall team behind the team, offering a unique insight into a truly exceptional Games. Working closely with British Equestrian (BEF), the national federation of equestrian sport in the UK, H&C has had access to all the athletes who competed at the Games as well as other key members of the support team and owners. There’s also the chance to see how some of the equine superstars are settling in back at home.

Postcards from Paris is presented by Nicole Brown and the series name derives from Nicole’s concluding question to every interviewee, “Who would you send a postcard from Paris to, and what would you say to them?” The responses are heartfelt and deeply moving, underlining the support and sacrifice it takes to reach the highest level of competition.

Each episode of Postcards from Paris focuses on a specific discipline starting with eventing, with the first two episodes now available. A new episode follows every Friday thereafter with the full line-up as follows:

  • Eventing (part 1) – Available now
  • Eventing (part 2) – Available now
  • Dressage – Dec 6th
  • Showjumping – Dec 13th
  • Para Equestrian – Dec 20th

Postcards from Paris is sponsored by British Equestrian partners Dodson & Horrell, NAF and Toggi, without whose support it would not have been possible to produce the series.

On behalf of H&C Director of Content, Jonathan Rippon, commented, “We’re proud to bring Postcards from Paris to the H&C audience. Most sports interviews take place in the moment amidst a whirl of activity at the event. The in-depth interviews in Postcards from Paris, filmed after the experience has sunk in, offer a level of insight rarely seen in sports programmes.”

On behalf of the BEF, Chief Executive, Jim Eyre, added, “Working with Horse & Country on this series has given us the opportunity to bring the stories behind the medals to life as well as the work, dedication and drive it takes to earn a spot on the podium. As is often said, ‘it takes a village’ and these programmes illustrate that perfectly – from athletes, grooms and owners to staff, member bodies and partners, thank you to each and every one who played a part. We’re exceptionally proud of our Paris contingents and I hope viewers will feel an equal sense of pride as they watch and listen on H&C.”

Postcards From Paris will run on H&C’s streaming service H&C+, and also on the Horse & Country channel, available in over 10m UK homes on Samsung TV Plus and LG Channels.

H&C+ members get access to all H&C’s live sports coverage and can also enjoy the extensive library of masterclasses, rider profiles and documentaries, featuring many of the top names from the equestrian world.

Annual membership of H&C+ is only £74.99 as a one-off payment, or there’s an option to pay in 12 monthly instalments of £7.99. You can also save 15% on your annual membership using code EVENTINGNATION15 Full details can be found on their website, www.horseandcountry.tv.

Storm Bert Helps Cycle4Caroline Reach £100,000 in Donations

The team of legendary equestrians riding for Cycle4Caroline set off from Belsay Castle in less-than-ideal conditions as Storm Bert showed its full force. With safety at the fore, the decision was taken to temporarily abandon the journey South and seek shelter. Refusing to admit defeat the team opted to walk, through the snow, to Ponteland, before returning to pedal power.

British Eventing Support Trust Patron, Alastair Wilson commented: “The bikes were abandoned for obvious reasons, so we decided to walk from Belsay to Ponteland to keep going. The bikes following behind us with the Defenders, and then when the snow turns to rain, we’ll return to the bikes. It could be deemed to be silly if we tried to carry on.”

The 111km journey was planned to take between four and five hours, eventually taking the team nine hours to complete.

The ultra-endurance charity cycle ride, spearheaded by leading eventing rider Piggy March, and husband Thomas, is raising vital funds for the British Eventing Support Trust and Spinal Research.

The epic eleven-day challenge started in the snow on Wednesday November 20 at Blair Castle, Perthshire, and travels via prestigious four-star and five-star venues on their way to The Savoy, London.

Commenting on the day four challenge, four time Olympic silver medallist Ian Stark OBE said: “It was hell on earth! It was an interesting day. I thought we were insane to start, we had to wait and then we were delayed and then kept going. The team have been amazing, and they’re all incredible. It was a hard day, and we just kept slogging on, with huge admiration for each other!”

Friday saw the team arrive to rapturous applause and celebration at Belsay Hall & Castle. Children from Belsay School and Mowden Hall School, cheered their equestrian heroes on arrival, with local equestrians, supporters, sponsors and owners, joining them for the celebrations.

The reception, hosted by the Belsay International Horse Trials team, featured local brands Northumberland Coffee and North Acomb Farm Shop, and raised over £3,000 for charity.

Monday will see the team head from Bramham Park to Chatsworth. The journey marks the halfway point in their 1,200km ultra endurance challenge. Lord Burlington, son of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, joins for the 100km leg that travels through Wakefield, Penistone, and Baslow.

The final leg will see riders travel from Windsor, through central London, to The Savoy Hotel, the location for the BE Support Trust Charity Ball, that will take place the same evening (November 30). Members of the public are urged to join the cycle or to come out and support, with all welcome at The Savoy for refreshment upon completion.

For further information on how to join the final leg, or to donate, visit www.cycle4caroline.com.

100 Days Out From the 2025 $100,000 Conceal GPE Showcase p/b Taylor, Harris Insurance Services

We are just 100 days out from the 7th installment of “An Event Like No Other!” All are invited to take in this unique showcase of the sport of three day eventing, February 28th & March 1st, at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, SC. The $100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance (GPE), promises two action-packed days of equestrian sport.

Sponsorship Opportunities, Vendor Agreements, and Press Applications are all available online here. VIP and General Admission tickets will go on sale Dec. 1st, 2024.

The event is a condensed eventing competition, with riders contesting three phases (Dressage, Show Jumping, Cross Country) over the course of two days, all with the same horse. This “triathlon” of equestrian sport is the ultimate test of partnership, training, and fitness, and serves as a popular stop on the early-season tour of many top international riders and Olympic hopefuls.

To date the event has worked with 32 national and local non-profit organizations and awarded over $60,000 to our charitable partners. The competition has attracted riders from 9 different countries, including 13 Olympians and international super stars such as William Fox-Pitt & Austin O’Connor, and awarded over $350,000 in prize money to the competitors. In 2021 all four of the horse and rider combinations that went on to travel to Tokyo for the Olympics competed at the showcase. All 5 of the 2022 FEI World Championships US Squad have made an appearance at the Aiken Showcase. Just this past year in 2024, we saw GPE champions, Boyd Martin, Liz Halliday, and Will Coleman all named to the Paris Olympic Team.

The GPE has become the highlight of Aiken’s winter equestrian season. It is able to showcase this fabulous sport in the heart of historic Aiken and generate enthusiasm among equestrian and non-equestrians alike. The GPE is the fulcrum that shines a bright light on this community by attracting many of the world’s best competitors.

All VIP and General Admission tickets go on sale, online Dec 1st, 2024. We can’t wait to see you for #GPE2025!

Cornelia Fletcher Caps Her Postpartum Return to FEI Competition with a Win in the B&D Builders CCI4*-L at The Event at TerraNova

Cornelia Fletcher and Daytona Beach 8 in yesterday's cross-country phase, tackling the CCI4*-L course designed by Alec Lochore with a double clear round. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Cornelia Fletcher and Daytona Beach 8 in yesterday's cross-country phase, tackling the CCI4*-L course designed by Alec Lochore with a double clear round. Photo by Shannon Brinkman

November 17, 2024, Myakka City, FL – Cornelia Fletcher and Daytona Beach 8 were the only pair to jump double clear in the B&D Builders CCI4*-L at The Event at TerraNova, claiming the win with a final score of 41.4 penalties. Overnight leader Jessica Phoenix (CAN) and Fluorescent Adolescent finished in the time allowed but had two rails down – the first and last elements of the triple combination – and finished second on 47.1. Brooke Burchianti and Karin Burchianti’s Cooley Space Grey, with one rail down and .8 time faults, placed third overall (49.6). The top three finishers in this division moved up from 15th, 14th and 17th after dressage, respectively.

Phoenix also finished fourth overall with Sara Irving’s Aeronautics, who had 12 jumping and 1.6 time faults (60.8). Ireland’s Tim Bourke hung on to fifth place with Lisa Takada’s Monbeg Libertine (64.6) with one rail down and 2.4 time faults.

Fletcher said of the 14-year-old Oldenburg/Thoroughbred mare, “From the beginning Daytona got here and she knew what she was here to do, and I think she wanted to go and do it. Dressage is not her favorite phase, but she was a good girl and stayed calm. Then she went and did what she’s best at, which is double clear. She helped me out a little bit yesterday on cross country and I helped her out a little bit today in the show jumping and I think that shows our partnership and bond.”

Fletcher said that she had set the goal to go double clear on cross-country yesterday and was thrilled to meet all of her mile markers and make the time. Fletcher gave birth to a daughter in June and said, “It was hard to take the time off to have her, but I think it’s one of the best things I’ve done.”

Cornelia’s husband Jacob Fletcher competed Daytona Beach in the CCI3*-L at TerraNova in March, finishing 15th overall.

“Jacob is also a four-star event rider and Grand Prix show jumper and he put his show season on the back burner for me to be able to do this and try to come back after taking twelve months, essentially, off,” she said. “So it’s been challenging and it takes a village – they don’t lie about that! In the long term, I think [motherhood] will make me more compassionate and a little more careful, too. As a rider I tend to not be too careful on cross country and I think that it will add a new dimension to my riding.”

Lucia Strini and DHI Kevin G maintained their overnight lead to win the CCI3*-L presented by The Estates at TerraNova and Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. Photo by Shannon Brinkman

Lucia Strini and DHI Kevin G, owned by Plain Dealing Farm, won The Event at TerraNova CCI3*-L presented by The Estates at TerraNova and Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. Lauren Nicholson and Landmark’s Jungle’s Gold, owned by Jacqueline Mars, finished second overall and Alexa Thompson and her own Clear Candidate rounded out the top three. Karl Slezak, finishing fourth with Zenith’s Petite Etoile, was the top finishing Canadian in this division.

Following her victory gallop Strini commented on her horse, “He’s a really good show jumper, he’s really careful. There was a lot of atmosphere, but I try not to do too much in the warmup. It’s kind of on me to go clear, because he wants to do a good job, and he was really, really brave, I was proud of him. He feels amazing after yesterday – he was quite ‘up’ this morning. It felt good that I got him fit enough, it’s always sort of a test.”

Lucia’s sister Benita, who was placed fifth going into the final phase of the event, had a tough day at the “office” with Shirsheen Ice. After he got a tight distance to a big oxer and landed in the middle of it, she was able to kick on over the next couple of fences, but the horse was clearly rattled. She pulled up and patted him and then continued on course, but still knocked a couple of fences. The final line, a triple combination, proved too much for him to deal with today and the pair was eliminated.

Lucia said that it was hard to celebrate her win when her sister was so disappointed. “Honestly, I’m so proud of Kevin, and obviously thrilled to win, but I do feel kind of a gut punch because she’s worked so incredibly hard. This sport is so hard and that can happen to anyone. I think he got a little backed off, and they’re still such a new partnership. It’s hard to have that happen at the end of the season, but it’s good we’ll have a break after this.”

Strini said that they’ll head home to Virginia tomorrow and for the first time, she and her sister plan not to spend the whole winter in Florida since her children are now school-age. But, she said, “We’re tentatively looking at coming back to TerraNova in [March] because it’s been a great weekend here.”

Congratulations to All Competitors, Grooms, Owners, Trainers, and Connections on Your Success at The Event at TerraNova
B&D Builders CCI4*-L – Cornelia Fletcher, Daytona Beach 8
Insurance Offices of America CCI4*-S – Phillip Dutton, Azure
The Estates at TerraNova and Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty CCI3*-L – Lucia Strini, DHI Kevin G
Leibold Irrigation CCI2*-L – Isabelle Bosley, Conner
Stephex USA CCI1*-L – Elinor O’Neal, DHI Noteworthy
Miakka Golf Open Intermediate – Meg Pellegrini, Gorgeous DHI
Equestrian Services International Open Preliminary – Leila Saxe, FE Ducatti
Equestrian Services International Preliminary Rider – Zach Ketelboeter, PDQ Leigh
Akerman LLP Open Training – Robin Walker, Rock Island
Akerman LLP Training Rider – Elle Snyder, Oakland Quality
Firehorse Rescue Kits Novice Rider – Molly Adams, Cougar Crest
Firehorse Rescue Kits Open Novice – Lee Maher, Compromise Elsewhere
Marsh McLennan Beginner Novice Rider – Kamran Fatehdin, Fernhill Sao Miguel
ACCI Technology Solutions Open Beginner Novice – Margaret Stocker, Smilla’s Sense of Snow
Sarasota Ford Starter – Carol Tresan, EPA Cullen

The Event at TerraNova: Canadian Jessica Phoenix Rises to the Top with Fluorescent Adolescent in CCI4*-L

Jessica Phoenix (CAN) and Fluorescent Adolescent jumped to the top of the leaderboard after an overnight standing in 14th place in the B&D Builders CCI4*-L at The Event at TerraNova.
Photo by Shannon Brinkman Jessica Phoenix (CAN) and Fluorescent Adolescent jumped to the top of the leaderboard after an overnight standing in 14th place in the B&D Builders CCI4*-L at The Event at TerraNova. Photo by Shannon Brinkman

November 16, 2024, Myakka City, FL- Only two horse and rider combinations finished within the time allowed in the B&D Builders CCI4*-L today at The Event at TerraNova. Canadian Jessica Phoenix on her 16-year-old mare Fluorescent Adolescent made a huge leap from 14th place after dressage to take the lead on 39.1 penalties. Cornelia Fletcher and her 14-year-old mare Daytona Beach 8, who were 15th after dressage second, are now in second on 41.4. Rounding out the top three is Brooke Burchianti riding Karin Burchianti’s 11-year-old KWPN gelding Cooley Space Gray who made the meteoric rise from 17th, or last after dressage, to third place after cross country (44.8).

Just ten out of 17 horse and rider combinations completed the CCI4*-L cross country phase. Phoenix is also ranked fourth with Sara Irving’s Aeronautics, and Irishman Tim Bourke is fifth riding Lisa Takada’s 17.1h gray Irish Sport Horse gelding, Monbeg Libertine.

An eye-catching skewbald Canadian Sport Horse, Fluorescent Adolescent has been competing at the FEI levels for the past ten years, and Phoenix has been competing him since 2022.

“I was excited to get out on the cross country today and thought what a great job they had done to glow up the course from previous years. Having said that, there was a lot of work to do from start to finish: the combinations just kept coming at you and it didn’t let up. You had to be really on your game and have a horse that wanted to fight for it.”

Fluorescent Adolescent was meant to run her first five-star at the Maryland Five-Star last month, but after a successful dressage test, the mare developed a sinus infection and had to withdraw from the event. After treatment with antibiotics and a nebulizer she fully recovered and thanks to having been prepared for the five-star, was still fit enough to reroute to TerraNova for the CCI4*-L.

“The coffin was a really challenging jump, especially early on, right next to the warm-up area, with a lot of terrain,” she said. “I just had to trust in the horses, that they had enough confidence to do it, and they totally did.” Phoenix had already been out on course with Wabbit, a 14-year-old gray Thoroughbred gelding owned by Jim Phillips, but didn’t make it past the coffin jump. She was also competing in the three-star with her first horse of the day and said, “He jumped in beautifully, jumped the ditch beautifully, and then just completely misread the way out and I had a fall there. The third time was the charm on Aeronautics!”

Phoenix said, “Eventing is such an incredible sport, it’s one of the hardest sports you could ever choose to compete in; it’s also one of the most rewarding. But when everything comes together on one weekend, it’s something to treasure.”

Phoenix dedicated her rides this weekend in memory of farrier Brian Leith, who passed away a couple of weeks ago. She shared her regrets that she could not attend his Celebration of Life, which was held today in Ocala.

Phillip Dutton topped the podium in the Insurance Offices of America CCI4*-S with Azure, owned by Caroline Moran. Photo by Shannon Brinkman

The Insurance Offices of America CCI4*-S wrapped up today with cross country, as competitors in this division finished both dressage and show jumping yesterday. Phillip Dutton went into the final phase in the lead with Quasi Cool, a 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Caroline Moran, but added 22.4 time faults and finished second overall (55.6). Quasi-Cool’s stablemate Azure, a striking dapple grey Irish Sport Horse mare owned by the Moran Family, won the division (43.2) with Dutton in the irons.

Dutton said, “They’re both pretty experienced horses, so I felt confident that the course was in the realm of what they could do. They both campaigned pretty lightly this year. I’m very impressed with the cross country, the footing was great and the design was inventive and tested a lot of different skills. I’m full of praise. I mean, it’s not meant to be easy, it’s meant to test the horse and rider and whether they’re ready for that level.”

He said that his goal is for Azure to compete in the Kentucky Five-Star next spring and ideally place in the top five. “I was pleased with her dressage yesterday and I thought she show jumped well,” he said. “She’s a beast on the cross-country, she just goes. You’ve just got to sit there and steer. She’s certainly a hot horse and loves to compete; she thinks she’s a rock star and that everyone is just out there to watch her. I was pleased that this event was the first one where I could properly ride her and not just pray that she would keep it all together.”

Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis, riding for Sweden, finished 3rd overall with her own 12-year-old Hanoverian mare Flower Girl. The pair was placed second after dressage, then dropped to 5th place after show jumping with two rails down.

Lucia Strini is the leader of the CCI3*-L presented by The Estates at TerraNova and Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. Photo by Shannon Brinkman

Lucia Strini and the nine-year-old, gray Dutch warmblood gelding DHI Kevin G, owned by Plain Dealing Farm, added just .4 time faults on cross country to take the lead in The Estates at TerraNova and Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty CCI3*-L with 29.5 penalties after overnight leader Isabelle Bosley parted company with Paper Doll on course. Lauren Nicholson had one of only three clear rounds within the time allowed and is currently second riding Landmark’s Jungle’s Gold (30.9), a nine-year-old Holsteiner/Irish Sport Horse cross owned by Jacqueline Mars. Canadian Karl Slezak also went double clear riding Zenith Petite Etoile, a seven-year-old gray Westphalian mare owned by Molly Adams and is currently placed third (32.8).

Lucia’s sister, Benita Strini, moved up from 14th place after dressage to 5th after cross-country riding Plain Dealing Farm’s Shirsheen Ice. Kevin is also Benita’s horse, but Benita started riding him in his seven-year-old year. “She competed him for a year but he grew bigger and he’s kind of a weirdo, so now she lets me ride him,” she said. “He’s very special and I’m grateful. There’s no sibling rivalry, we just support each other. It’s hard because I was in the warm-up while she was out on course and I wanted to be able to watch! But we’re used to it, we’ve been doing this together since we were young and it’s nice to have each other.”

Benita said that Kevin was off to a good start with his dressage test on Thursday and continued to show good form around today’s cross-country course. “The day before our dressage test we were in the ring schooling and the flags were going and he got pretty nervous, so I was proud of him for going back in the ring and staying calm,” she said. “He’s done two three-longs before this but hasn’t had a heavy competition season because I’ve been busy having babies and such, so I thought that he could really use another run and have a bit of a longer season. Everything went pretty much according to plan; it was the longest course he’s run and that was nice to feel him keep galloping all the way home.”

This is Strini’s first time at TerraNova and she said it was worth the long trek from her home in Virginia. “It’s really exciting to have a facility that, from what I’ve been told, is getting better every year,” she said. “They’re putting so much into the footing and the facilities, I’m excited and we’re already talking about when we’re going to come back.”

Schedule of Events

Sunday, November 17
7:00am – Sunrise Service with Pastor Lynn Howell (Pavilion)
8:00am – Trot Up, all FEI horses
10:30am – CCI3*-L Show Jumping (Lakeside Arena)
10:30am – VIP Brunch begins
11:45am – CCI4*-L Show Jumping (Lakeside Arena)
12:55pm – CCI2*-L Show Jumping (Lakeside Arena)
2:40pm – CCI1*-L Show Jumping (Lakeside Arena)
Pavilion restricted to VIP table holders after Sunrise Service

Happening Daily: Boutique vendor shopping, local food trucks, Tiny Town children’s playground, and more! Bring a lawn chair if you wish to watch cross-country from the course. Free shuttles are available from the parking lot to spectator areas. Well-socialized dogs are welcome on a leash.Free general admission & parking daily!
Stream it all LIVE at terranovaequestrian.com/streaming

Schedule subject to change. A full schedule including all national and international level competition will be available at the Event Entries Show Center. There will be national show jumping on Saturday, and national cross-country on Sunday.

Mia Farley and Invictus Conquer the CCI4*-L Dressage at TerraNova

Mia Farley and Invictus. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Mia Farley and Invictus, owned by Karen O’Connor, took the lead in the B&D Builders CCI4*-L at the completion of the dressage phase in The Event at TerraNova with 27.9 penalties, followed by Olivia Dutton on Sea of Clouds (29.5). Overnight leader Lauren Nicholson is now in 3rd place with Jacqueline Mars’ Larcot Z (30.4).

The day turned cloudy and overcast after a short morning rain shower, but the sun peeked through the clouds as Farley and the stunning, big black American Warmblood gelding performed a brilliant and accurate test. Certainly, their striking presence in the arena caught the judges’ attention and then they laid down a performance that set them clearly above the rest.

The 24-year-old rider splits her time between Lexington, Kentucky and Ocala, Florida and is competing at The Event at TerraNova for the second time. She trains with David O’Connor and moved east from her home state of California to work with him six years ago. In 2023, Farley and her horse Phelps completed their first CCI5*-L at the Maryland Five-Star with a top-five finish and were the only pair to complete the cross-country phase double-clear. They followed up their debut with a second double-clear at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three Day Event CCI5* and a top-15 finish. She was also the recipient of the 2024 USET Foundation Jacqueline B. Mars Spring National Competition and Training Grant.

Farley has been riding Invictus since he was four years old and said, “Invictus was bred by Karen O’Connor and he was born and raised in Middleburg, Virginia. I backed him when he was four and he’s now eight years old. My dressage test this morning went very well. I’ve been working on his dressage work a lot in the past few months and I’m glad everything came together today.”

Thinking about tomorrow’s cross-country phase she said, “I think the cross-country course looks good, coming here I knew TerraNova is more flat terrain, so thinking about ‘Sammy’ in particular, I think it’ll be a question of whether he’ll come back to me, and the communication there, but it looks fun and I’m excited to give it a shot.”

Olivia Dutton and Sea of Clouds. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Olivia Dutton and Sea of Clouds put in a polished, professional ride in the CCI4*-L this morning that was both relaxed and forward, and the pair were the picture of elegance from start to finish.

Katie Malensek and her ten-year-old Oldenburg gelding Landjaeger are the top-ranked Canadian pair in the CCI4*-L, in fourth with 31.7. Malensek, a small animal veterinarian who is based in Florida, also stood 5th after dressage with her ten-year-old, flea bitten gray, English Warmblood gelding STX Mex (32.1).

Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Today also began the CCI4*-S division, a qualifier for the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Finals next year at Morven Park in Virginia. Olivia’s dad, Phillip Dutton, was first down the centerline riding Quasi Cool, a 13-year-old bay Holsteiner gelding owned by Caroline Moran. One of America’s most accomplished event riders, Dutton rode a technically correct test that placed him third with 32.0 after dressage.

Robin Walker and SBT Barolo, a big, handsome 14-year-old, bay Irish Sport Horse gelding took the lead in the Insurance Offices of America CCI4*-S with a 30.8. SBT Barolo looked fit and well-conditioned and Walker didn’t leave any points on the table with a forward, fluid and accurate test.

Swedish rider Jennie Jarnstrom-Denis and Flower Girl stood second after dressage in the CCI4*-S. Jarnstrom-Denis wore a striking, royal blue shadbelly jacket with yellow piping and rode an elegant test with the 12-year-old Hanoverian mare.

The CCI4*-S division show jumped in the afternoon, and the brightly colored course with flags fluttering in the breeze and spectators watching from the Pavilion created an electric atmosphere that shuffled the standings.

Dressage leader Robin Walker’s STF Barolo jumped around clear, but added 2.8 time faults for a total of 33.6 penalties. Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool, first to enter the arena, had a slightly conservative round but were just a little faster, with 1.2 time faults, and took the lead with a 33.2. Jennie Jarnstrom had a rail and then a refusal at the triple bar with Flower Girl, dropping to 5th place (44.0). Dutton and Azure jumped clear and in the time to tie for second (33.6). Jarnstrom and Splash Dance jumped clear and in the time to move up from 7th place to fourth (42.8).

Walker bought SBT Barolo as a young horse from the Go for Gold sale in Ireland, and has competed him through the CCI4*-L level. “He went to Kentucky a couple of springs ago and then I had to give him some time off because he wasn’t quite right,” said Walker. “He’d done a lot by then, but coming here is just getting him going again because he’s had a lot of time off. I didn’t know what would happen really, he’s seen tracks like that, but not for a long time. There’s a lot of atmosphere and not a lot of time to make decisions, but I’m thrilled with him, I couldn’t be happier. He just jumped great.”

Dutton said, “Obviously it’s the last event of the year and it wasn’t necessarily a requirement to come here, but we had the little bobble at Boekelo [in the Netherlands, where he competed on the US Nations Cup Team] and it’s such an incredible venue. Quasi Cool is a very talented horse; I thought he did a good test and show jumped well. The cross-country course has ramped up a lot since the last time I was here and I think it looks like a good course, they’re a little limited with flat terrain here but they’ve been thoughtful and put in some interesting lines.”

He added that he was happy with Azure, who has settled a bit as she has gained experience this year. “I was able to ride her more in the dressage test, a lot of time I’m sitting there on a time bomb and today was not like that.”

While Dutton didn’t come to TerraNova specifically to compete in the qualifier for the inaugural US Equestrian Open of Eventing, he said, “I think all the riders are very excited about the Open – any time you bring money and a bit of prestige to the sport, it’s good. I didn’t come here specifically for that, but it’s great if I do well and get some points toward qualifying.”

Finally, he said, “I couldn’t be more proud of Olivia and Sea of Clouds, it’s not easy for those high strung Thoroughbreds to stay calm and relaxed, and it’s a credit to Olivia that ‘Socks’ went so well and had a mistake-free test.”

Jennie Jarnstom and Splash Dance. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

This year’s three and four-star courses are designed by Alec Lochore, who took over as designer from Captain Mark Phillips. The courses are built by ETB Equine Construction. Lochore said, “We’ve changed quite a lot; we’ve added two or three new features – the Ditch and Rails, or ‘coffin’, is a new feature, and the mound, known as ‘Mount Myakka,’ is going to give us lots of fun for many years because there are so many options there now. I’ve tried to straighten the course out and provide more gallops, so we come around and use the arenas in both directions, and we’ve never done that before, and we’ve looped into the main arena. The riders, when they get here, will see quite a difference in their routes and I’m sure they are going to give me the benefit of their wisdom shortly.”

The general vicinity was heavily affected by recent hurricanes Helene and Milton, but Lochore said that TerraNova was lucky overall – quite a few trees came down on the property, but the cross-country course was mainly unaffected. “Given that the area was pretty badly affected, we were very lucky,” he said. “There were lots of branches down and the team here has been amazing.”

Lochore was the Technical Delegate of the event for several years before becoming the course designer and said that he’s seen great improvement to the footing on the cross-country course over the years. “I can confidently say that the ground has improved so much – they have a really good irrigation system and all sorts of equipment to use to spike and Aerovate the footing. We’ve tested the firmness of the footing and we’re making improvements both for the short-term and the long-term.”

Cross country will follow this schedule on Saturday:

9:40am ET – CCI3*-L Cross-Country
11:10am ET – CCI4*-L Cross-Country
12:45pm ET – CCI4*-S Cross-Country
1:55pm ET – CCI2*-L Cross-Country
3:55pm ET – CCI1*-L Cross-Country

All live streaming can be found here. You can view cross country maps here.

The Event at TerraNova (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Live Stream] [Volunteer]

Isabelle Bosley and Paper Doll Take the Lead at The Event at TerraNova CCI3*-L; Nicholson Takes Early Lead in CCI4*-L

Isabelle Bosley and Paper Doll. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Competition is underway at The Event at TerraNova, with the first day of dressage complete. Isabelle Bosley, 27 of Monkton, Maryland took the lead in The Estates at TerraNova & Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty CCI3*-L riding Paper Doll, a 12-year-old American Hanoverian mare (Paparazzo 3 x Datina) owned by Karen Martin, who is also her breeder. Bosley has been riding the mare for six years.

Bosley said, “She’s a super fun mare to ride. She really took to eventing and we get along really well. This year our goal was to get to a 3-Long in the fall.”

The competitive division saw 19 horses head down the centerline; Bosley’s test with the elegant bay mare was consistent, forward and accurate, resulting in a score of 27.8 for first place ahead of Lucia Strini and her handsome 12-year-old gray Dutch gelding DHI Kevin G, owned by Plain Dealing Farm, with a score of 29.1. Gireg Le Coz, representing France, rounds out the top three riding Hissoa des Bois, a 12-year-old Selle Francais gelding owned by Jean Van Gysel, just a tenth of a point behind Strini on a score of 29.2.

Lucia Strini and DHI Kevin G. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

While it was a sunny and mild day in Myakka City, located East of Sarasota, a strong breeze kept a lot of horses on their toes. Some of the riders had to contend with horses that looked more ready to head out on the cross-country course, located just across an access road from the dressage arena, than to settle in for a relaxed dressage test. The numerous flags surrounding the arena flapping in the wind added to the electric atmosphere.

“She is always a total competitor and gives her best at every event,” said Bosley of Paper Doll. “It’s just a matter of getting her stronger and she’s finally getting to that point and able to get some better marks. I’m really excited with how she went for me today; I knew she’d try her hardest and I just wanted to be able to ride her the best I could. She loves to show off, she loves a crowd, so the bigger atmosphere really suits her because she really lights up and gives a hundred and ten percent. She didn’t put a foot wrong, and did the best test she could do today.”

Bosley also leads the CCI2*-L riding Conner, a seven-year-old Oldenburg gelding who is also owned by Karen Martin, on a score of 22.3. “He’s a super exciting up and coming horse; he’s still very baby, and with him I was definitely worried about the atmosphere, but I’m really proud of him because he took it all in and kind of swallowed his nerves when he went in the ring and was really with me the whole test, he was just perfect.”

French Olympian Gireg le Coz joins us in the U.S., riding Jean van Gysel’s Hissoa des Bois in the CCi3*-L. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

A Maryland native whose parents are both involved in horse racing, Bosley spent ten years working for international event rider Lillian Heard in Cochranville, PA. This past June she began working for Phillip Dutton in nearby West Grove, PA.

“I had been taking some lessons with Phillip before moving over to work for him and he’s been a massive help,” she said. “I give him some credit for my test today, for helping me prep both of my horses. Lillian and I are still really close – she’s almost like a mom to me. I started working for her when I was 17, and while I felt like it was time to get a change and get a different atmosphere, I love that area and it’s home for me. I’m close friends with Phillip’s daughter Olivia as well and we’re both trying to climb up the levels and figure it out together.”

Lauren Nicholson and Larcot Z. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The B&D Builders CCI4*-L began today with eight out of seventeen horses performing their dressage tests. Lauren Nicholson took the lead riding Jacqueline Mars’ nine-year-old Zangersheide gelding Larcot Z on a score of 30.4. Katie Malensek (CAN) riding her 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding Landjaeger are second (31.7) followed by Sophia Middlebrook riding Christa Schmidt’s 10-year-old Warmblood gelding Prontissimo (32.9).

The CCI4*-L dressage will continue tomorrow; the Insurance Offices of America CCI4*-S division, which boasts nine entries and is a qualifier for the $200,000 US Equestrian Open of Eventing Finals at Morven Park next October, will do both dressage and show jumping tomorrow. All divisions go cross-country on Saturday.

The Event at TerraNova (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Live Stream] [Volunteer]