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French Win on Home Turf in Lignières, 10 nations Secure Ticket to Boekelo

By Edited Press Release on Sep 28, 2026 9:00 am -

Team France take the win for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™: Stephane Landois and Hermes Du Gevaudan, Thomas Carlile and Golden De Beliard AA, Karim Florent Laghouag and Dream De Vieve, Benjamin Massie and Figaro Fonroy. Photo: FEI/Libby Law Photography

The final qualifying leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup in Lignières (FRA) saw France repeat their home win for a second year, finishing on a score of 106.70 penalties. Second place was claimed by Great Britain on 170.40, and third place went to Italy with 194.40 to secure their place in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup Final at Boekelo (NED) between October 1 and 4.

The experienced French team of Benjamin Massie with Figaro Fonroy, Karim Florent Laghouag and Dream de Vieve, Stephane Landois riding Hermes du Gevaudan and Thomas Carlile on board Golden de Beliard AA, topped the podium once more with an emphatic win under the sunshine in Lignières, to the joy of the local crowds.

“We are very happy with the French team this weekend. They were first after dressage which is a good start, cross country was nice and show jumping allowed us to keep the lead, so we are really pleased with the result,” Chef d’Equipe Jean Luc Force said of the team.

Individual winners and team members Karim Florent Laghouag and Dream of Life. Photo: FEI/Libby Law Photography

Having contested four of the five FEI Eventing Nations Cup legs this season, more than any other nation, and winning two – here in Lignières, and leg three in Strzegom (POL) earlier in June – France lead the 2026 standings and go into Boekelo as the favourites on paper. However, with the 2026 format shakeup, all team points set to zero, and so the final prize is all to play for.

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The British team achieved second place with a team of Nations Cup debutants, Lizzie Baugh riding Piltown Concorde, Kate Rowe and Hableur, Andrew Downes with Cooley Foxtrot and Tristram Owers on GRS Carina. Making this Great Britain’s 59th podium finish at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup, second only to Germany (61) in the all-time podium finish rankings.

“We had some inexperience in our team, and we were very happy to finish on the podium behind a very strong France on our third visit to Lignières,” Chef d’Equipe Philip Surl said of the team’s result.

“The amount of work and effort that has gone into the preparation of the footing on the cross country by [course designer] Piere Le Goupil and his amazing team has been a lot of work and time, and is hugely appreciated by all the teams.”

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Italy back on the podium

France, Great Britain and Italy feature on the Nations Cup podium. Photo: FEI/Libby Law Photography

In claiming their first podium place of the 2026 FEI Eventing Nations Cup, their first time since Avenches (SUI) in June 2024, the Italian team of Beatrice Maggi and Charlotte 238, Alessio Proia on board Gatto Salta D’o, Pietro Majolino riding Dubi Du and Matteo Arrighi with Clark Del Rilate, secured their nation’s ticket to Boekelo next week, finishing well inside the top 10 rankings for the season.

“I’m very happy with this result, I want to say thank you to our team and the organisation for this wonderful event, but the best part is that Italy have returned to the podium”, Team Trainer, Jacopo Comelli, said with a smile.

Rounding out the team competition was Norway in fourth, consisting of Yasmin Olsson Payne with Cos Me Will, Ellen Kristina Hynne on ML Dirty Harry and Heidi Bratlie Larsen riding SC Mr. Chrichton, and the Swiss team of Robin Godel on board Ilario des Tours, Patrick Rüegg with Tabaro and Camille Guyot riding Sunny For Game, in fifth. Both teams complete their competition claiming their nation a place at Boekelo, also.

The Boekelo stage is set

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Joining this weekend’s teams down the dressage centre line at Boekelo on Thursday will be five other nations: Germany, Austria, Poland, Belgium and USA. The home nation, the Netherlands, clinched the tenth and the final spot from a three-way tie between them, New Zealand and Sweden, thanks to posting the lowest qualifying team score (Avenches, June 2026) of the three teams this season.

Now, the points reset to zero and ten nations will arrive in Boekelo in just a few days’ time with clean sheets and an abundance of enthusiasm ready to go head-to-head in the 2026 FEI Eventing Nations Cup Final, where only one team can emerge as victors.

FEI Eventing Nations Cup – Lignières (France): [Website] [Scoring] [FEI Eventing Nations Cup 2026] [Live Stream Replays – FEI YouTube] [Live Stream Replays – ClipMyHorse.TV]

Mary Bess Davis Brings Home First CCI4* Win at Stable View Oktoberfest

By Edited Press Release on Sep 26, 2026 5:30 pm -

Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic. Photo by Dave Shapiro.

Saturday at Stable View Oktoberfest began with dressage for the Training and Modified riders, show jumping for the CCI2*-S competitors, and cross country for the Intermediate division.

Christina Henriksen and her own Cisco’s Calor Z held their lead from start to finish in the Intermediate Division, finishing their weekend on a 38.1. Waylon Roberts and FVF Top Gun LLC’s FVF Top Gun moved up to second place after a quick trip around the cross country. The combination finished on a 54.7. Rebecca Brown and Team Junior Syndicate’s Fernhill Quite Frankly weren’t far behind, finishing in third on a 56.3.

The CCI3*-S followed the Intermediate, and the division saw quite a few changes in the leaderboard, with the time proving difficult to make and several combinations having stops along the way. Karl Slezak was one of only two to produce a double-clear round, moving up to win the division by 6.8 points on a 30.7 aboard Elizabeth Leete’s HSH Marshall. Slezak also finished in second place on Elizabeth Leete’s Herald De La Rose. The combination finished on a 37.5. Allison Springer and Nancy Winter’s Herald De La Rose also finished on a 37.5, with Slezak finishing just ahead of her on the tie-break.

As the time approached for the CCI4*-S, the Pavilion porches became lined with spectators. VIP attendees enjoyed cider, Stable View travel cups, and their own to-go charcuterie boards. Stable View sponsors, GGT Footing and The Sharer Dale Team, enjoyed their course-side gazebos with their clients and friends.

The four-star saw plenty of shifting in the leaderboard as well. Overnight leaders Kim Severson and Ros and Bill Johnson’s Cooley Corraghy Diamond had a beautiful trip around the countryside. The combination ultimately added time penalties, dropping them down in the final standings. Severson shared yesterday, “I am really proud of Cory thus far; it has been a work in progress.”

Alyssa Phillips and her own Rockett 19 added a handful of time penalties themselves. The pair ended their weekend in fifth place on a 43.4. Lucienne Bellissimo and Horse Scout Eventing LLC’s Dyri also ended their weekend on a 43.4, finishing just ahead of Phillips on the tie-break to take home fourth place.

Only two CCI4*-S competitors managed to make the time on Helen West’s course. Waylon Roberts and Andrea McAllister’s Fernhill Salt Lake went double clear to move up to seventh place. Mary Bess Davis and her own Imperio Magic also went double clear. The combination brought home the win and was the only pair to finish sub-40, on a 39.9.

Davis shared, “Mccoll was absolutely perfection today. I was so proud of him. He was all about business from the first to the last fence. It was such an honor to be his jockey today.”

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Limited Edition. Photo by Dave Shapiro.

When asked what this win means for her, she said, “Well, it has taken me until the age of 48 to win a four-star, so today is a dream come true for me. I could not be more happy and proud.”

Davis’s fall plans include a trip to Morven Park for the CCI4*-L. Davis said, “I think this track was a super prep run, and I am so excited for Morven!”

Caroline Pamukcu and Mollie Hoff’s HSH Limited Edition moved up to second place, adding just nine seconds of time to their score to finish on a 40.4. Aiken-based Emily Hamel and Black Flag Option’s Corvett moved up to third place, finishing on a 41.2.

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Hamel spoke very highly of Corvette, saying, “He’s so good. He’s just like a packer out there. He’s fantastic. We have such a great partnership. It’s fun to just take him out.”

Fans were happy to see the Aiken-based combination back out again at the upper levels. Hamel shared, “You know, at Kentucky he was kind of retired from the five-star level. He was really bored at home, so we brought him here, and he showed that he still has what it takes to run around the four-star. So he’s not retired yet.”

Cross country course designer for the Intermediate, Advanced, CCI3*-S, and CCI4*-S, Helen West, shared, “I am thrilled with how the tracks rode today. The horses read the questions as I intended, and the lines flowed well. The footing was great, and you could really see horses were happy to travel on it. I feel that it was a positive experience for combinations, and they will come away from it in a good place. It was a perfect setup for autumn three-day events. There were enough questions and it needed riding, but those with a plan and who attacked it in balance made it look effortless.”

Emily Hamel and Corvett. Photo by Dave Shapiro.

Alyssa Phillips and her own Nadal led the CCI2*-S from start to finish. The combination added only one second of time over Mogie Bearden-Muller’s track to finish on a 26.3. Sydney Elliot and Carol Stephens’ Greenhall Good Decision went double clear to move up to second place and finish on a 29.1. Jordan Duffet and her own Charlie il Postino moved up to third, finishing on a 34.1.

Candace Elizabeth Bell and Nell Wade’s Oscar won the CCI1*-S on a 29.5, adding only 2.8 time penalties to their score. Alyssa Phillips and her own Monbeg Dunard Blue finished second on a 33.8, and Laura Hilliard and her own Ballarin Shanado finished on a 48.9.

Devin Robel and Gillou won the Advanced Division on a 47.5. Riley Zgrebnak and her own Cooley Roan Star won the Open Preliminary on a 29.7. Kaitlyn Cobey and her own Redfield Need For Speed won the Preliminary Rider on an impressive 23.7.

Going into the final day of competition, Emerson Hover and Amore are sitting in first on a 30.8 in the Modified Rider Division. Lauren New and her own Mister Chin are in first in the Open Modified on a 32.3. Lauren Lambert and Anna Hailey’s FE Joker is Coming are leading the Open Training on a 25.3. In the Training Rider, Sharlee Lowe and her own Conthassini S are sitting in first on a 27.8.

Alyssa Phillips and Rockett 19. Photo by Dave Shapiro.

Beginner Novice and Novice riders completed phase one of competition today. In Novice Rider A, Chloe-Renee Hetman and her own FGF Straight Time are sitting in first on a 27.5. Erica Webb and Crockett Miller’s Mr. Panda are first on a 26.7 in Novice Rider B. In Open Novice A, Sarah Berry Rajoy and Quantum ETC are in first on a 24.2. In Open Novice B, Ariel Grald and Annie Eldridge’s Baylee are sitting in first on a 23.1.

Lyndsay Peterson and her own Remington Recall had the lowest dressage score of the day, starting their competition on a 20.6 and sitting in first in the Beginner Novice Rider Division. In the Open Beginner Novice, Courtney Lucas and her own Formidable are sitting in first on a 25.3.

With plenty of competition still to come, the final day of Oktoberfest is shaping up to be another competitive day at Stable View. The remaining divisions will wrap up tomorrow. Spectators are invited to come out and enjoy the final day of competition, with free admission and plenty of opportunities to watch the action throughout the day.

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Stable View Oktoberfest CCI4*-S (SC): [Website] [Entries & Timing] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Live Stream – H&C+] [Volunteer]

Ladies Rule the Day at Stable View Oktoberfest

By Edited Press Release on Sep 25, 2026 8:19 pm -

Kim Severson and Cooley Corraghy Diamond lead the CCI4*-S at Stable View Oktoberfest. Photo via Stable View press release.

The first day of competition kicked off as the coldest morning so far this season in Aiken, with a brisk wind chill of 49 degrees. Lucienne Bellissimo and Horse Scout Eventing LLC’s Dyri were the first down the center line in the CCI4*-S. They held the early lead, scoring a 31.8. Scores remained on the higher end, with not one score dropping into the 20s this morning. Towards the end of the division, Kim Severson and Ros and Bill Johnson’s Cooley Corraghy Diamond bested Bellissimo’s score by .1 to end dressage on a 31.7. Alyssa Phillips and her own Rockett 19 slid into third place post-dressage on a 33.

This year’s competition marks the 12th year of Oktoberfest at Stable View. Stable View’s Barry Olliff shared, “This event has gone from a gleam in our eye to one of the largest horse trials on the East Coast. We try and make a few improvements every year—it’s great that riders regularly return. This is the first time in five years that Oktoberfest hasn’t been affected by the weather. We all remember Helene—that was the worst—but this year’s weather is going to be ideal.”

As the day continued, it turned into a beautiful autumn afternoon, with highs reaching the mid-seventies. Show jumping kicked off in the Phillip’s Arena at 1:15 p.m. with the CCI4*-S and Advanced Divisions. Less than a rail separated the top ten, and Manny Esparza’s course proved challenging with Mary Bess Davis and her own Imperio Magic being the only duo to go double clear. With the rails flying and the time ticking, there was a bit of a shuffle in the leaderboard.

Alyssa Phillips and Rockett 19. Photo via Stable View press release.

Severson managed to hold the lead, adding just two seconds of time to her dressage score. She and Cooley Corraghy Diamond will be going into cross country with a 32.5. Phillips added a handful of time penalties herself but was able to move up to second on a 34.6. Following stadium, Bellissimo is now tied for third place with Qatar M. She and Dyri added one rail to their dressage score, while Qatar M added 1.6 time penalties. They are both sitting on a 35.8.

When asked about her rides in the four-star today, Phillips shared, “He was a bit wild for the dressage, and I had to be very tactful. There were a few mistakes, but I have him fit for Morven, and the weather is a bit chilly, so the fitness really showed up today. He jumped great. It’s nice to feel him ready to go because down in Florida it’s still a little muggy, so they’re more mellow.”

We asked if she had a chance to check out the cross country yet: “I’ve been around the cross country once, and I’m about to go out again, but it looks nice. There’s a lot to do. I look forward to having a good prep run to set us up well for Morven!”

When asked about her rides, Bellissimo shared, “Really impressed with Qatar M today. It’s his first CCI4*, and he showed serious potential in both the dressage and show jumping, although he’s still green in his flying changes at this time. Dyri had an unlucky rail in show jumping, but I have no doubt the cross country will be influential tomorrow. The ground is superb, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Lucienne Bellissimo and Qatar M. Photo via Stable View press release.

The CCI3*-S is the largest division this weekend, with thirty-seven combinations. Caroline Pamukcu and Luann McElduff and Sherrie Martin’s HSH Conner moved up to first place following show jumping to sit on a 29.3. Canadian Katie Malensek and her own Civento moved up to second after a beautiful double-clear show jumping round. They will head into cross country on a 29.6. Not far behind them, on a 30.2, is Caroline Pamukcu and Mollie Hoff’s Nobless.

In the Advanced Division, Devin Robel and Gillou are sitting in first on a 37.1. In the Intermediate, Christina Henriksen and her own Cisco’s Calor Z are in first on a 32.9.

The CCI2*-S and CCI1*-S divisions finished phase one of their competitions today. In the two-star, Alyssa Phillips is leading on her own Nadal on a 25.9. Elisa Wallace and Donna Bigg’s Belline Foody’s Out of the Blue are in second on a 28.6. Rounding out the top three is Michelle Mercier and her own Shirsheen Fun For All with a 29.

In the CCI1*-S Division, Candace Elizabeth Bell and Nell Wade’s Oscar are sitting in first on a 26.7. Susan Plumb and CDP Stables LLC’s Cooley All In are sitting in second on a 28.5. Rounding out the top three is Alyssa Phillips, who has had a great start to her weekend, and her own Monbeg Dunard Blue. The pair will go into tomorrow on a 29.8.

Helen West, cross country designer for the CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S, Advanced, and Intermediate, shared, “The tracks have a variety of questions which test balance and accuracy. All questions are clear for the horse to read, and I hope will encourage good jumping and provide pleasing pictures.”

[View the cross country maps]

West went on to share, “The tracks are beautifully prepared, and it is always a great experience designing here at Stable View with such a fabulous selection of well-built fences to play with. I have enjoyed introducing more real brush at the higher levels, which enables me to ask greater accuracy questions, with some of the angles in particular. I also think it gives a more natural and authentic cross country experience and helps prepare combinations for the major three-day events. I am looking forward to watching the tracks ride tomorrow and hope everyone enjoys riding them.”

Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Bellissimo and Dyri won the CCI4*-S at this year’s Stable View Spring FEI. They also took home first place at Oktoberfest in 2024. Will this weekend add a third Stable View Four-Star to their record, or will Qatar M, Severson and Cooley Corraghy Diamond, Phillips and Rockett 19, or another combination take home the title?

Stable View Oktoberfest CCI4*-S (SC): [Website] [Entries & Timing] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Live Stream – H&C+] [Sept. 26 VIP Tickets] [Volunteer] [Play Eventing Manager]

Military Boekelo CCIO4*-L Reveals World-Class Entry List

By Edited Press Release on Sep 25, 2026 9:00 am -

The following article contains portions of a press release that has been translated from Dutch and lightly edited for style. Please forgive any translation errors. To read the original release, click here.

Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Kiarado d’Arville, 2025 Boekelo champions. Lara returns this year with three entries for the title. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The organizers of Military Boekelo-Enschede can once again look forward to the arrival of numerous world-class riders for the 55th edition of the event, taking place Thursday, October 1 to Friday, October 4.

The list comprises a total of 85 riders from 15 countries with a combined 106 horses. Great Britain will provide by far the largest share of the starting list, with 19 riders and 23 horses.

Among the British is the 2022 World Champion Yasmin Ingham, fresh off top six finishes at Burghley and Blenheim’s 8/9-Year-Old CCI4*-S Championships, which were used as a set-up for the 9-year-old Kinda Corvette to contest his second CCI4*-L. Yasmin’s joined by British World Championships representatives Tom McEwen with Isa and Caroline Harris with Lester CKV, as well as teammate and Burghley winner Gemma Stevens with the Chilli Morning clone, Chilli Morning IV and Cooley Park Muze.

Jack Curtis and Luska Candy Clover. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

For the USA, the four-member team of Hallie Coon (Sirius SB), Jack Curtis (Luska Candy Clover), Allie Knowles (LS Crown Royal and Montpellier Scais) and Lauren Nicholson (Landmark’s Jungle Gold) will compete for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup competition while also doing the double duty of providing experience and depth to its roster as a home Olympics in Los Angeles loom two years from now.

Germany is led by Julia Krajewski, who already stood on the top podium in Boekelo in 2018 with Samourai du Toit and in 2024 with Uelzeners Nickel. She was recently part of the Germans’ silver quartet in Aachen with the 2024 Boekelo winner. This year, she’s brought the 12-year-old Selle Francais Ero de Cantraie, who’s just won the 4*-S at Strzegom earlier this month. Ingrid Klimke has an exciting 4*-L debutant in the 10-year-old Kallista, who’s been in Ingrid’s stable for a little over a year.

Belgian Lara de Liedekerke-Meier makes her twentieth appearance at Boekelo in the Twente classic as the defending champion. Last year, she was the first in the event’s history to secure an individual victory for her country. She’ll have three shots at the title this year in La La Land D’Arville, Call Me Senorita and Quintus.

[View the current entry list – current as of September 24]

Military Boekelo-Enschede has been the regular venue for the FEI Nations Cup final for years. This year, the team competition is getting a different setup, with the final being run according to a new format. Nine selected teams start the decisive competition with a clean slate, guaranteeing significantly more excitement than before.

Context: The Series will continue to feature CCI4*-S qualifying legs followed by the CCI4*-L at Boekelo in October but the overall title will no longer be decided by cumulative points across the season. Instead, the new structure is designed to reintroduce jeopardy and reduce predictability, creating a true winner-takes-all Final.

Across the five qualifying legs at Marbach, Bicton, Strzegom, Avenches, and Lignières, nations can compete as often as they choose, with only their best three results counting towards qualification. After the five legs, the top 10 nations will progress to the Boekelo Final, where all scores reset to zero and every team starts again on equal footing to compete for the 2026 FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ title. View the current Nations Cup standings (which won’t include the final qualifier leg in France that’s happening this weekend) here.

The title is being defended by Germany, which had to settle for second place behind England at the most recent World Championships on home soil in Aachen and finished ahead of the Americans in the battle for silver. In addition to these countries, the teams from Belgium, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland will also be competing in Boekelo.

Ema Klugman (AUS) and Chiraz compete at Boekelo in 2025. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Adrian Ditcham is starting his seventh edition as course designer for Military Boekelo-Enschede. The 55-year-old Englishman succeeded his compatriot Sue Benson in 2019, who fulfilled the important role of designing obstacles to full satisfaction for no less than 19 years. This time, the Brit is presenting a course that is run in the opposite direction to previous years.

“Boekelo is a very important event for the sport of eventing,” Adrian said. “Many riders test their horses there at the end of the season, with which they want to compete in an international championship such as the World Championships or the Olympic Games the following year or two years later. You hardly see young horses from around nine years old at this level internationally anywhere else.”

That is certainly the case for the upcoming edition, as the participants are now riding in the opposite direction, meaning that not a single one of the 26 obstacles is exactly the same as last year. A significant difference compared to previous years is that the most important of the two water combinations must now be overcome early in the course. By tradition, it is the most selective decider on the approximately six-kilometer course, where by far the largest crowds of spectators invariably gather.

Military Boekelo CCIO4*-L (Netherlands): [Website] [Entries/Schedule]

Thailand Rises to Team Gold, Alex Hua Tian Defends Individual Gold for China at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

By Edited Press Release on Sep 23, 2026 10:30 am -

Woraphat Sittiju (THA) and B. Grimm Uster de Chenay. Photo by FEI/Yusuke Nakanishi Photography.

Thailand completed a remarkable rise from third place to team gold at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games on Wednesday, while China’s Alex Hua Tian successfully defended his individual title with Manjushri.

Cross-country was moved to be the final phase of competition, going away from the traditional three-day format to account for weather considerations due to Typhoon Dujuan. Third after Tuesday’s show jumping and 12.6 penalties behind overnight leaders Japan, Thailand produced three faultless counting cross-country rounds when it mattered most. Woraphat Sittiju and Uster de Chanay, Korntawat Samran and Billy Elmy, and Weerapat Pitakanonda and Carnival March all completed the 3,640-metre cross-country course in Tokyo without adding a single penalty.

Their team score remained unchanged at 109.9, enough to secure gold before Japan’s final combination had even left the start box.

Thailand, Japan and the Republic of Korea on the team podium at Baji Koen. Photo by FEI/Yusuke Nakanishi Photography.

The result marks the latest step in a long period of progress for Thai Eventing. Thailand took Asian Games team bronze in Jakarta in 2018 and again in Hangzhou (CHN) in 2023, while also winning the inaugural FEI Asian Championships on home soil in Pattaya in 2019. Last year they repeated that Asian Championships team victory, again in Pattaya.

Two athletes have been central to much of that journey. Samran was part of the 2019 and 2025 Asian Championships-winning teams and took individual silver at the 2023 Asian Games, while Pitakanonda was alongside him for both Asian Championships victories as well as the Asian Games bronze in Hangzhou. Supap Khaw-Ngam and Vinetto 3 completed Thailand’s gold-medal-winning quartet at Tokyo Equestrian Park.

Team Thailand (L to R): Supap Khaw-Ngam, Weerapat Pitakanonda, Korntawat Samran, and Woraphat Sittiju. Worapat Sittiju (THA) and B. Grimm Uster de Chenay. Photo by FEI/Yusuke Nakanishi Photography.

“We kept training and never stopped improving ourselves,” said Pitakanonda. “We had about three years to keep improving, to try to fix what we lacked and to make it better this time. I also have to thank the horses, the best part of the sport. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to get this medal. Especially my horse, Carnival March. He’s been with me for eight years, and I also rode him at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. This is a very special moment for me, to come back to this venue and win the gold medal.”

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Japan had led the team competition after both dressage and jumping, but Ryo Murata and Brookpark Vikenti dropped from third individually after adding 20 jumping penalties and 10.8 time penalties on cross-country. They were far from alone in finding trouble on the course, with five combinations eliminated and two retiring during the final phase. Japan eventually finished on 115.2 to take silver, 5.3 penalties behind Thailand.

The Republic of Korea claimed bronze on 143.5, just 1.2 penalties ahead of Hong Kong, China.

Defending team champions China left Tokyo without a team result after Yuying Shu and Diabolo D’Ems AA were eliminated on cross-country. With only three combinations in the team, China had no discard score.

Of the 31 combinations that started cross-country, 17 completed without jumping penalties, but only seven finished without adding any penalties at all, underlining the influence of the seven-minute optimum time.

Alex Hua Tian (CHN) and Manjushri. Photo by FEI/Yusuke Nakanishi Photography.

There was no such movement at the top of the individual standings.

Hua Tian and nine-year-old Manjushri had led since scoring 26.9 penalties in dressage. After adding nothing in jumping, they completed cross-country in 6:49, 11 seconds inside the optimum time, to finish the entire competition on their dressage score. The victory gave Hua Tian a second consecutive individual Asian Games title after his 2023 success in Hangzhou with Poseidons Admiral.

“I’m just very relieved, mainly,” said Hua Tian, who competed Manjushri at the FEI Asian Championships in Pattaya last year, finishing fourth individually. “Obviously, there’s some pressure coming into a championships, defending a gold medal, but also bringing such a good horse like Manjushri. My main feeling was I just didn’t want to let him or his owners down. They’re such amazing supporters. I’ve had a good year, now I can just relax and be happy.”

Yoshiaki Oiwa (JPN) and Ottawa des Desig. Photo by FEI/Yusuke Nakanishi Photography.

Sittiju and Uster de Chanay also finished on their dressage score of 30.1 to secure individual silver, completing a memorable championship for Thailand. Japan’s Yoshiaki Oiwa and Ottawa des Desig added just 0.4 time penalties on cross-country to take bronze on 31.7.

The eventing competition in Tokyo ultimately delivered two very different stories, with Hua Tian successfully defending the individual title he won three years ago and Thailand adding a first Asian Games team gold to a run of major championship results stretching back to 2018. With Sittiju also taking individual silver, Thailand leave Tokyo with their strongest Asian Games Eventing result to date.

[Full Results]

Alex Hua Tian (CHN) Holds Steady after Two Schedule-Modified Phases at 2026 Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya; Japan Leads Teams into Cross Country Finale

By Edited Press Release on Sep 22, 2026 12:30 pm -

Alex Hua Tian and Manjushri. Photo via FEI/Yusuke Nakanishi Photography.

Defending individual Asian Games champion Alex Hua Tian made a strong start to his title defense as eventing got under way at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 on Tuesday. Typhoon Dujuan, which has dumped record-breaking rain on some parts of the country, delayed the initially planned start of the equestrian competition on September 21. The adjusted schedule shifted show jumping to be the second phase to allow additional time for Marcin Konarski’s cross country course to dry; cross country will now take place on Wednesday, September 23.

Alex Hua Tian and Manjushri lead after dressage and show jumping on 26.9 penalties, giving them a 2.8-penalty advantage over Thailand’s Korntawat Samran and Billy Elmy on 29.7. Japanese Olympian Toshiyuki Tanaka and Talma D’Allou were third after the first phase on 29.9.

A familiar face: Kazuma Tomoto competes for Japan aboard Fer de Lance. Photo via FEI/Yusuke Nakanishi Photography.

“I’ve brought a very competitive horse,” said Hua Tian. Manjushri, Hua Tian’s ride in Tokyo, finished fourth at the FEI Asian Championships in Pattaya (THA) last year and, most recently, won the CCI3*-S at Alnwick in July on his dressage score. “He’s only nine years old, but he’s already competing at four-star level and he’s always been very reliable. I’m here to win an individual medal. Whether it’s gold, silver or bronze depends on what happens, but I hope we do a good job.”

Hua Tian would go on to maintain his lead following show jumping, adding no penalties to his mark. The 1.20-metre jumping course, featuring 11 obstacles and 14 efforts, proved influential, with only eight of the 32 combinations completing without adding any penalties. “The technical bits are out of the way now, and I’ve got to focus on the cross-country tomorrow and do a good job,” he said after his round. “I think the time is going to be influential. The ground looks much better than I thought it would after yesterday. The team here did an amazing job to prepare the course and mitigate the effects as much as possible.”

Woraphat Sittiju and B. Grimm Uster de Chaney jump from fourth into second individually for Thailand. Photo via FEI/Yusuke Nakanishi Photography.

Behind them, Thailand’s Woraphat Sittiju, with Uster de Chanay, moved from fourth to second after a clear round kept them on 30.1, while Japan’s Ryo Murata and Brookpark Vikenti also added nothing to climb two places to third on 30.4. Yoshiaki Oiwa, with Ottawa des Desig, completed a clear round as well, moving from seventh to fourth on 31.3 and giving the host nation two combinations inside the top four.

Ryo Murata and Brookpark Vikenti climbed into third individually for the host nation. Photo via FEI/Yusuke Nakanishi Photograph.

The jumping phase proved costly for several of the combinations that had been closest to Hua Tian after dressage. Thailand’s Korntawat Samran and Billy Elmy dropped from second to 13th after adding 9.6 penalties, while Japan’s Toshiyuki Tanaka, with Talma D’Allou, slipped from third to 19th with 12.4 penalties. Japan nevertheless extended its advantage in the team competition. The hosts lead on 97.3 penalties, 12.1 ahead of Hong Kong, China on 109.4, with Thailand just 0.5 further back on 109.9. China, the defending Asian Games Team champions, have no discard score after starting the competition with only three combinations.

“The fact that we’re in the lead after the first day is exactly as planned, although the actual results were a little different from what we predicted,” said Japanese Chef d’Equipe Atsushi Negishi. “We had hoped everyone would score over 70% in the dressage, but we started with more penalty points than expected. But after the dressage and jumping, we’re in first place with a 12-point lead. I believe we’ve gained a significant advantage.”

India’s team challenge ended when Arjan Singh Nagra and Cooley Goodwood were eliminated in jumping. With only three combinations entered, India had no discard score, although their remaining athletes continue in the individual competition.

A satellite view of Marcin Konarski’s cross country course for the 2026 Asian Games. Cross country is run at the CCI2* level for these Games.

The 3,640-metre course designed by Poland’s Marcin Konarski features 24 obstacles and 30 jumping efforts, with an optimum time of seven minutes.

The cross country course backs up to the local metropolitan area, but lush, well-maintained grass features prominently on this unique track. Photo via CrossCountry App.

[View the course on CrossCountry App]

“I think Marcin has done an excellent and very interesting job. The time and technicality are going to be influential, and I think the ground could be very influential,” Alex Hua Tian described. “All of those things coming together will put a lot of pressure on the athletes, especially the ones who want to win. I think it’s an open competition and it will be interesting and exciting all the way to the end.”

[View full results and start lists]

Danito Wins Second Four-Star in a Row, and Made By Leontine EB and Prince of Oolde Continue Stellar 2026 Seasons in Twin Rivers Fall International

By Edited Press Release on Sep 21, 2026 7:42 pm -

Tamie Smith and Danito. Photo by Emma Gray for Atalya Boytner Photography.

Tamie Smith has won four-star eventing competitions around the United States in 2026 to become the second Series winner of the US Equestrian Open, and she added a victory in her home state aboard Danito — and placed second on Spiro P — in the first FEI competition she’s done this year in California at the Twin Rivers Fall International. Smith has spent the majority of the season based in the UK, competing as an individual for the U.S. team at the FEI Eventing World Championships in August as well as at several four-star competitions in the UK. She recently returned to her southern California home base.

Other highlights from Twin Rivers International – September 18-20 in Paso Robles, CA: Made By Leontine EB and James Alliston continued their nearly flawless record in 2026 to win the three-star, as did Prince of Oolde and Amber Birtcil in the two-star.

Smith won the CCI4*-S with Ruth Bley’s 17-year-old chestnut Hanoverian gelding Danito (Dancier x Wie Musik), picking up right where they left off in their last competition together when they won the CCI4*-S at Tryon in North Carolina in May. At Twin Rivers, they had the top four-star dressage score of 26.3, picked up two rails on William Robertson’s show jumping course, but retook the lead with clear jumping in the fastest cross-country round on Morgan Rowsell’s four-star tracks to finish with a score of 46.3.

“I’m really pleased with Danito,” Smith said. “It’s so easy now. We’ve done so much together, and so it’s really awesome. The show jumping wasn’t what I ideally loved, but I think William designs a very technical track, more so than what we’ll ever see even in championships. So, it’s good practice for us to have that type of technicality and makes for some real challenging courses that I find to be exciting and beneficial.”

Tamie Smith and Danito. Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.

Danito’s first four-star came at this same event in 2019. By contrast, Spiro P, on whom Smith finished second with a score of 51.1, only moved up to the level this year and had his first clear cross-country jumping round at the level at Twin Rivers. The chestnut gelding registered with the Anglo European Studbook (Spiros Z x Ugomein) is just 9 years old. Smith’s student Megan Sykes has also competed the horse owned by Donna Wallace.

“He jumped out of his skin [in show jumping], and then [on cross-country] he just skipped around it like an old seasoned pro, which he’s not, so it’s always fun when they do that,” Smith said. Twin Rivers’ CCI4*-S was also a step forward in the career of third-place finisher Baratheon, a 14-year-old chestnut Trakehner gelding (Holster x Bewitching Mist) owned by The MDB Syndicate and ridden by Madeline Backus. Like with Spiro P, Baratheon had his first four-star cross-country round with clear jumping.

James Alliston and Made By Leontine EB. Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.

In the CCI3*-S, Alliston and Made By Leontine EB were the only pair out of 15 to finish on their dressage score, which was 30.8. They also won the level at the 2026 Twin Rivers Spring International and have added blue ribbons at Intermediate in events at Twin Rivers and at Woodside in California this year as well.

“He seems to be really consistent and confident with lots of good results,” Alliston said. “You’re always working on little things. With a view to stepping up to Advanced, you’re just hoping it feels really easy and everything is comfortable.”

Alliston and the 9-year-old grey Dutch Warmblood gelding (Scuderia 1918 Casago x Jackpot E.B.) owned by Arnell Sporthorses have finished first or second in 15 of their last 16 USEA-recognized events, with their only blemish to that streak coming when a lost shoe knocked them out of the CCI3*-L at The Event at Rebecca Farm in Montana in July. This was their first competition since, and they’re eyeing a move up to four-star in 2027.

Amber Birtcil and Prince of Oodle. Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.

Birtcil and Prince of Oolde made the move up to two-star and won their eighth event in a row. They were one of only two in the field of 14 for the CCI2*-S to finish on their dressage score, which was
29.1.

“A horse like this just spoils you,” Birtcil said. “He is just so easy, and he comes out and delivers every day. He’s just so lovely to ride, and he shows up in spades every time he comes to compete.” She will aim the precocious 6-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood gelding (Ibolensky x Aurora J) to the USEF/USEA Developing Horse National Championships for 6-year-olds held at the two-star level at Morven Park in Virginia in October and also plans to enter Picasso (High Shutterfly x Athene HBC) in the 6-year-old championship and Orpheus (Gerardus x Hiewitta) in the 7-year-old championship held at the three-star level.

It will be Birtcil’s first time traveling to the East Coast to compete since 2019. “I feel like I now have a solid string of horses and am excited to get out there and get going again,” Birtcil said.

Tamie Smith and Kareena K. Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.

Smith captured Twin Rivers’ CCI1*-S with Kareena K (Cash and Carry x Namur III) with a score of 30.5.

Katy Robinson and Nite Cap. Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.

The final USEA-recognized event at Twin Rivers Ranch in 2026 will be the USEA YEH West Coast Championships & Last Chance Qualifier from Oct. 22-24. The YEH qualifiers that Twin Rivers hosted at the Fall International went to Birtcil and Sigur (Pommerol De Muze x Glinn) for the 4-year-olds and to Katy Robinson and Nite Cap (Contenda x Happy Hour) for the 5-year-olds. Then, the popular Halloween Derby and Combined Test on Oct. 25 will wrap up the year of eventing at Twin Rivers Ranch.

Twin Rivers Fall International (CA): [Website] [Scores]

Asian Games Eventing Brings Olympic Stars Back to Tokyo

By Edited Press Release on Sep 21, 2026 9:00 am -

(L-R) Silver medalist Korntawat Samran of Thailand, gold medalist Alex Hua Tian of China and bronze medalist Kazuhiro Yoshizawa of Japan celebrate during the medal ceremony for the Eventing individual competition during the 19th Asian Games on 2 October 2023, in Hangzhou (CHN) © FEI/Yong Teck Lim

The 20th Asian Games will bring eventing back to Tokyo this week, with 33 combinations from ten nations set to contest team and individual honours. Although the Games are centred on Aichi-Nagoya, Equestrian will take place some 250 kilometres away at the Equestrian Park in Tokyo, also known as Baji Koen. The historic venue, which opened in 1940, hosted Equestrian sport at both the Tokyo 1964 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games before reopening after renovation in 2023.

Eventing has been part of the Asian Games programme since equestrian sport was introduced at the 1982 edition in New Delhi (IND). The 2026 competition will take place over three consecutive days in a hybrid format, with dressage and jumping at CCI3* level and cross-country at CCI2*-L level.

China made history at the 2023 edition in Hangzhou (CHN), claiming its first Asian Games Eventing gold medals with victories in both the team event and individual competition through Alex Hua Tian.

This time, Japan line up a team rich in championship experience, as China return to defend their titles against a field that includes several familiar Asian Games medallists.

Ryuzo Kitajima leads the Japanese portion of the victory lap, quite enthusiastically, on foot. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Few nations arrive with stronger credentials than the hosts. Three of Japan’s four athletes – Yoshiaki Oiwa, Toshiyuki Tanaka and Kazuma Tomoto – were members of the squad that claimed historic eventing bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Japan’s first Olympic medal in the discipline.

For Oiwa, the Asian Games also bring back memories of previous success. He won individual gold in 2018 in Jakarta-Palembang (INA), ahead of India’s Fouaad Mirza and China’s Alex Hua Tian.

Remarkably, all three medallists from that podium return eight years later for another Asian Games campaign.

Tomoto has also established himself among the most consistent Japanese performers on the championship stage, finishing fourth individually in Tokyo, and fifth in Paris 2024. This time he rides the eight-year-old Fer de Lance, with whom he won the CCI3*-S at Miki (JPN) in May 2026.

Japan aim to regain a title they last won in 2018, when they took team gold before claiming silver behind China in Hangzhou in 2023. The Japanese team now return to the Asian Games with considerable experience at the highest level of the sport.

Alex Hua Tian and Manjushri. Photo by Yong Teck Lim.

China’s challenge is again led by defending individual champion Alex Hua Tian. His victory in Hangzhou in 2023 completed a full set of Asian Games individual medals following silver in 2014 in Incheon (KOR) and bronze in 2018. China’s team success marked another milestone for a nation that has become an increasingly significant force in Asian Eventing.

Hua Tian returns with Manjushri, fresh from winning the CCI3*-S at Alnwick (GBR) in July 2026. He also finished 12th individually at the FEI Eventing World Championship 2026 in Aachen (GER) and is currently 17th in the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings.

Thailand has been another consistent presence on the Asian championship podium. Korntawat Samran and B.Grimm Billy Elmy took individual silver behind Hua Tian in Hangzhou in 2023 and followed that with bronze at the FEI Asian Championships 2025 in Pattaya (THA). Thailand went one better in the team competition there, taking gold ahead of India and Hong Kong.

Ashish Limaye (IND) and Willy Be Dun. Photo by Yong Teck Lim.

That result also underlined the strength of the wider field heading to Tokyo. India brings the reigning FEI Asian Champion, Ashish Limaye, who won individual gold with Willy Be Dun in Pattaya in 2025 and helped his country secure team silver.

With the medallists from both Hangzhou 2023 and Pattaya 2025 represented in Tokyo, the challenge to the host nation comes not only from established names but from combinations that have been at the forefront of Asian Eventing throughout the current championship cycle.

Alex Hua Tian (China) and Don Geniro compete at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The eventing competition will return to familiar Olympic ground, but with an important difference. At Tokyo 2020, dressage and jumping were held at Baji Koen while cross country took place separately at Sea Forest in Tokyo Bay. For the Asian Games 2026, all three phases will be centred at the Equestrian Park itself.

That gives this competition a different character from the Olympic eventing contest. Cross country will become part of the sporting action within the park rather than taking the athletes and horses to a separate venue, bringing all three phases together at one of Japan’s most historic equestrian sites.

Poland’s Marcin Konarski has been appointed Cross Country Course Designer. A Level 4 FEI Course Designer and Technical Delegate, Konarski served as Eventing Technical Delegate at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and has extensive international course-designing experience, including many years at Strzegom.

His task in Tokyo is to create the decisive middle phase within an established urban Equestrian venue, adding a new chapter to a park that has already staged sport at two Olympic Games.

Eventing begins with dressage on September 21, followed by cross country on September 22 and the final jumping phase and medal ceremonies on September 23. There is no live stream for this event, but you can follow along with live scores, start lists and more here.

Tom McEwen Smashes All Records by Doing the Double at the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials

By Edited Press Release on Sep 20, 2026 4:30 pm -

Tom McEwen and The Fieldmaster are your Agria Blenheim Palace CCI4*-L winners. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Britain’s Tom McEwen made history today (Sunday, September 20) at the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, as the first ever rider to win both the Agria CCI4*-L and the GFS Saddles CCI4*-S 8 & 9-Year-Old in the same year. He topped off a spectacular weekend by finishing in first and second places in the CCI4*-L, his two horses separated by just 0.1 of a penalty.

By the time Tom went into the arena as last to go on Jo and James Lambert and Penny Barker’s nine-year-old Irish sport horse The Fieldmaster, he had already secured victory whatever happened. He could afford one fence down on the young horse, a new mount this season, to remain ahead of faithful campaigner Brookfield Quality, a 17-year-old owned by John and Chloe Perry and Alison Swinburn.

“I had absolutely no idea what was going on, but fortunately both horses jumped superbly,” Tom confessed, as the magnitude of his achievement sunk in. “It’s a shame they couldn’t both have won, but what a weekend. I came here with five very nice horses and no expectations. It is a very nice result for Tom Strawson who took ‘Trev’ [The Fieldmaster] around here last year, but ‘Norris’ [Brookfield Quality] is an absolute star, a great old boy.”

Tom, who accrued a prize fund of £28,000 in this competition, is the first to score a one-two in the CCI4*-L at Blenheim since William Fox-Pitt in 2002 with Stunning and Tamarillo.

Sam Ecroyd also had an excellent weekend, rising from fifth and sixth places to finish third and fifth with clear show jumping rounds on Bloomfield Manuscript and Jackpot, a horse produced by partner Emily King.

New Zealander Jesse Campbell was one of four antipodean riders to finish in the top 10, in fourth place on Speedwell, and Burghley heroine Gemma Stevens was sixth on another son of Chilli Morning, Chilli’s Jester.

The Australian rider Oliver Barrett, who was making his first visit to Blenheim, produced a beautiful clear show jumping round on Sandhills Briar to finish 10th and best of the eight young riders contesting The Blenheim Challenge. Oliver was representing the Stars & Stripes side, who scored a convincing 12.5-4 win over the UK’s Rising Lions.

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The GFS Saddles CCI4*-S 8 & 9-Year-Old class has been a pointer to future stardom ever since its inception in 2009 and, once again, this prestigious competition for young horses went right to the wire. With the top 20 running cross country in reverse order of merit, Tom McEwen, last to go on Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry’s Brookfield Danny de Muze, produced an inspired performance to clinch the top prize of £7,500.

He could afford to be nine seconds over the optimum time of 6 minutes 54 seconds, but not 10, and, as in the Agria CCI4*-L, time penalties were to prove hugely influential. In the end, Tom and the talented eight-year-old Irish-bred gelding were only five seconds over to overtake the 2025 national champions Katie Magee and Cushlas Indigo, whose brilliant round was only seven seconds over the optimum time.

Bubby Upton finished third on the exciting prospect Sancerre de Tigi, ahead of Tom Jackson (My Star Turn, fourth), Yasmin Ingham (Kinda Corvette, fifth) and Irishman Padraig McCarthy (Kilroe Tiger, sixth), who was fastest of all with only 1.2 time penalties.

Katrina Midgley, Event Director, said, “This is an event like no other. We cannot thank the competitors, their support staff, our team and Blenheim Palace enough for all the effort and hard work.”

In addition to the thrilling four-star competition, visitors were treated to incredible events across the four days including the evoke Eventer Challenge, a series of Connolly’s RED MILLS Retraining of Racehorses showing classes, the Pony Club Jumping Championship and demonstrations from the European 3* Squad. Away from the equestrian activities, visitors enjoyed falconry displays, dog agility and delicious picnics from Fortnum & Mason. Plus influencers Meg Elphick and Simon Grieve made an appearance, much to the delight of fans.

Vicki Wentworth, CEO of Agria said, “The atmosphere at Blenheim is just gorgeous. At the end of our second year as title sponsor, I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together. There’s something incredibly special about seeing our Agria-sponsored riders Ros Canter, Kirsty Chabert and Tom McEwen out there, competing alongside riders at the very top of their game, all striving for the title. And then to see more dogs here than ever, and our ambition to make Blenheim the UK’s most dog-friendly equestrian event really come to life, has been wonderful. To finish the week with Tom taking a record-breaking win – I don’t think we could have asked for a more special ending.”

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In recognition of the many incredible individuals who work behind the scenes, the awards were numerous, with over 200 exhibitors in contention. Culinary Concepts (Large Stand), Bishops & Haig (Small Stand) and Mayston (Open Space), all won.

The teams managing the horses were also recognised with Marcus Bean, groom to Clarke Johnstone, being awarded the 2026 Top 4* Groom Award, which had been judged across Bramham, Scone Palace and Blenheim 4* events throughout the season.

“It has been an incredible week of talent, both experienced and new,” continued Katrina, “And I for one, cannot wait to see what the next generation of riders will do for our sport. We look forward to seeing you all in 2027!”

The Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials will be back next year from September 16-19. For more information, please visit www.bpiht.co.uk.

Agria Blenheim Palace International (UK): [Website] [Scoring] [Blenheim Challenge Scores] [H&C+ Live Stream Replays]

Team GB Powerhouse Tom McEwen Leads Both Agria Blenheim Fields on Saturday

By Edited Press Release on Sep 19, 2026 5:00 pm -

Tom McEwen and The Fieldmaster lead the Agria Blenheim Palace CCI4*-L after cross country. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

British Olympic and world gold medallist Tom McEwen enjoyed a superb day at the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials and is now dominating the leaderboard in both competitions. He now holds first and second places in the Agria CCI4*-L after cross-country and leads the GFS Saddles 8 & 9 Year-old CCI4*-S class after the show jumping phase.

Packed crowds enjoyed a thrilling day of cross-country action against the splendid backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Blenheim Palace. The elusive optimum time of 10 minutes 8 seconds, achieved by only one rider, played an influential part and considerably reshuffled the scoreboard, making for an exciting competition.

Tom is now leading the Agria CCI4*-L after two of the fastest rounds, aboard Jo and James Lambert and Penny Barker’s The Fieldmaster, a new ride this season, and ‘the elder statesman’, Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry’s 17-year-old Brookfield Quality, the two horses separated by a mere 0.1 of a penalty.

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The Fieldmaster, one of an elite handful of nine-year-old horses in the CCI4*-L, was produced by amateur jockey and eventer Tom Strawson and completed the CCI4*-S at Blenheim last year with his previous rider. “I spotted him here last year and liked the look of him,” said Tom. “He travelled and jumped so well throughout today and when we kicked for home he really picked up. I couldn’t be happier with him. He’s a phenomenal horse.”

Tom does not have a show jumping fence in hand tomorrow over his Tokyo Olympics teammate, third-placed Oliver Townend, who shot up 29 places on the leaderboard as the only rider of the day to achieve the optimum time, on new ride Sommersby. Oliver, who has been concentrating on producing young horses this season, was competing in only his third international competition with Sommersby, a 14-year-old German-bred gelding previously competed by American rider Jenny Caras.

New Zealander Jesse Campbell has dropped two places to fourth on Speedwell with 8.4 time penalties. An elated Sam Ecroyd also had a good day and is now in fifth and sixth places on Bloomfield Manuscript and Jackpot. Zara Tindall, who won the European title at Blenheim 21-years-ago, had a brilliant ride on the grey Classicals Euro Star and has risen 12 places to seventh.

Young rider Jack Pinkney, 27th after dressage, has sprung into contention on Monbeg Stone Town (eighth), Gemma Stevens is now ninth on Chilli’s Jester and New Zealander Tayla Mason, who set an early target with a fast round (5.2 penalties), has risen 41 places to 10th.

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The dressage leader, 22-year-old Australian Oliver Barrett, is now in 11th place with 19.2 time penalties on Sandhills Briar, his clear round helping extend the Stars & Stripes’ lead to 8-4 over the UK-based Rising Lions in the inaugural Blenheim Challenge. Isabelle Cook, who is now in 12th place on Cymoon ‘F’ Z, was the only Rising Lion to score points in the cross-country phase.

The brand-new international competition taking place alongside the Agria CCI4*-L, is formatted like the Ryder Cup, sees daily head-to-head competitions between the British Rising Lions team and an international Stars and Stripes team, with the rider achieving the best result from each phase earning a point for their team.

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The Agria CCI4*-L final horse inspection, sponsored by British Horse Feeds, takes place at 8am BST / 3am EST on Sunday, followed by showjumping starting with the lower placed horses at 11am BST / 6am EST. The GFS Saddles 8 & 9-Year-Old CCI4*-S cross-country starts at 9.30am BST / 4:30 am EST on Sunday.

Agria Blenheim Palace International (UK): [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Timing & Scoring] [Blenheim Challenge Scoring] [H&C+ Live Stream]

Australia Steals the Show on Day One of the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials

By Edited Press Release on Sep 17, 2026 4:30 pm -

Oliver Barrett (AUS) and Sandhills Briar. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Oxfordshire’s premier equestrian event, the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, kicked off today at the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site, as riders began their conquest for the top spot, with Australian and Great Britain riders coming up trumps early on.

Dressage was the name of the game on day one, as riders took to the arenas to showcase their talent and skill. As the gates opened, Tom McEwen was the first to take to the CCI4*-S GFS Saddles 8 & 9 Year Old arena, scoring a strong 27.2 on Brookfield Danny de Muze and permanently securing the prime position.

At lunchtime, Australian Oliver Barratt was at the top of the Agria CCI4*-L leaderboard with his horse Sandhills Briar, and he maintained his lead, having taken first place from Team GB stalwart Gemma Stevens just before the mid-day break.

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As the day’s competition ended, he commented, “I was thrilled! Sandhills Briar has been going well this week and I knew that if I did a good enough job, we could put a good test forward with great scores, so I was really happy it paid off.”

Tomorrow (September 18) will see the remaining horse and rider combinations battle it out in the Palace Arena for the CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S first phase honours, ahead of the cross country over the weekend.

Tom McEwen (GBR) and Brookfield Danny De Muze. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

In addition to the traditional classes, this year sees the inaugural Blenheim Challenge, an international showdown between a British U25 team and an international Stars and Stripes U25 team. The competition is formatted like the Ryder Cup, with head-to-head competitions at each phase and a fresh draw. The rider achieving the best results in each individual phase will earn a point for their team, whilst a drawn match-up will see a half point awarded to each team.

The first point was officially awarded to the Stars and Stripes team at Wednesday’s trot-up for the Best Turned Out Horse, with Tommy Greengard’s groom Adriana De Peppe taking the honours.

As Thursday’s proceedings came to a close, Oliver Barratt was in prime position to help the Stars and Stripes team take another point, with his first day leading position in the CCI4*-L dressage.

“It’s really cool to be here at Blenheim”, he continued. “It’s been amazing and it’s such a wonderful place to be able to ride. The Blenheim Challenge is a great initiative and I’m really fortunate to be a part of it.”

Also taking to the Blenheim arenas today were the first cohort of riders in the evoke™ Eventer Challenge, participating in the Riding Club 100cm and 90cm competitions. At the end of day one, over 150 horse and rider combinations had taken to the Bladon and Hensington arenas, with North Somerset’s Equestrian Training South West (ETSW) team honoured with the first team place in the RC100cm and High Wycombe securing the RC90cm first place honours. Rebecca Wilman and her horse Soviet Suspect secured the individual RC90cm gold, and Harriet Couplan with her horse Cillbhrid Mermaid took home the RC100cm gold. The competition continues tomorrow with the 100cm and 90cm Pony Club competition.

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Catherine Burgress from ETSW said of the team’s RC100cm win, “Three of the team members were winners in the Riding Club National Horse Trials Championships this year, so this is a double whammy for them. They are a very experienced 90cm team, and having started at 10am today, it has been a long wait to see if they were victorious. And what a way to end the day! They have had a wonderful experience and love coming to Blenheim.”

Rebecca Wilman, the individual winner of RC90cm said of her result, “We had a lovely round. Soviet Suspect is an ex-racehorse, so he’s quite small, and this is the best we’ve ever done. Can’t get better than first. I’m chuffed!”

Agria Blenheim Palace International (UK): [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Timing & Scoring] [Blenheim Challenge Scoring] [H&C+ Live Stream]

Jacqueline Mars Pledges $500,000 in Matching Funds to USEA Foundation for the Future of Eventing

By Edited Press Release on Sep 10, 2026 2:21 pm -

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) Foundation is proud to announce an extraordinary commitment from longtime supporter Jacqueline Mars, who has pledged $500,000 in matching funds to help grow the Foundation’s unrestricted endowment and ensure a strong future for the sport of eventing.

The pledge, which will be distributed in four installments, is contingent upon the USEA Foundation raising an equal amount in unrestricted donations. Every qualifying contribution made toward the Foundation’s endowment fund will effectively be doubled, providing supporters with an unprecedented opportunity to maximize the impact of their gift.

This matching challenge comes at a pivotal time as the USEA Foundation works toward its ambitious goal of raising $5 million with its Campaign for Eventing’s Future. A larger endowment will provide the Foundation with sustainable, long-term funding, allowing its Board of Trustees to make strategic investments that enrich the sport today while protecting its future for generations to come.

“For decades, the USEA Foundation has supported initiatives that make our sport stronger, safer, and more accessible,” said USEA Director of Development Katherine Cooper. “This generous matching challenge from Jacqueline Mars gives every member of our community the opportunity to provide their own support and to play a direct role in shaping the future of eventing.”

While many know the USEA Foundation for its specific grant programs, unrestricted endowment funding is essential to ensuring those programs can continue to evolve. Earnings from the endowment help provide lasting support for initiatives that benefit every corner of the sport, including:

Educational grants and programs for riders at every level
Safety research and implementation of emerging technologies
Training and education for licensed officials, coaches, trainers, grooms, and riders
Assistance for organizers and the administration of the sport
Research into equine health and athletic performance

Unlike restricted gifts designated for a specific purpose, unrestricted endowment contributions provide the flexibility to direct resources where they are needed most, ensuring the Foundation can respond to the evolving needs of the eventing community.

The Foundation encourages supporters to contribute to either the USEA Foundation General Fund or the Kyra King Stuart Legacy Fund, both of which support the campaign to build a stronger endowment.

Every donation, large or small, moves the Foundation closer to unlocking the full $500,000 matching gift while helping secure a lasting legacy for the sport.

To make a donation and learn more about the campaign, visit www.USEAFoundation.org/donate.

University of Kentucky Eventing Team Builds Athletes, Leaders and Community

By Edited Press Release on Sep 10, 2026 10:00 am -

Photo courtesy of UK Eventing.

For students who dream of continuing their equestrian careers while earning a degree, the University of Kentucky’s Kentucky Eventing Team offers more than just a place to ride. It provides community, leadership and a nationally recognized program that continues to attract students from across the country.

As the largest intercollegiate eventing team in the United States, the Kentucky Eventing Team brings together about 80 members who share a passion for horses, competition and teamwork.

Kaya MacLeod, Eventing Team president and International Business student at UK, knows firsthand the impact the program can have on a student’s college decision and journey.

“I saw Kentucky Eventing on social media throughout high school, and as I got more serious about eventing, it was definitely a contributing factor in my decision to come to UK,” MacLeod said. “I knew there was already a community of people with similar interests that I could join as a freshman. I don’t think there’s a better place to event on a team than Kentucky.”

While eventing is traditionally an individual sport, the Kentucky Eventing Team gives students the opportunity to compete together under the UK Banner through the United States Eventing Association’s intercollegiate program.

Faculty advisor Jill Stowe said that team aspect is what makes the organization so unique. “It’s been really meaningful for students to have the opportunity to compete on a team and to represent the University of Kentucky,” Stowe said. “They have a lot of fun doing it.”

The team’s influence extends far beyond competition. Members develop leadership skills by serving on a hands-on officer board, organizing events, coordinating competitions and mentoring new members.

“One of the things that I have always been impressed by with this group is the really strong student leadership,” Stowe said. “The Board of Officers has been really intentional about transitioning the program to new officers and making sure they’re as prepared as they can be. That intentional focus on consistent leadership has resulted in a really good experience for most students.”

As president, MacLeod coordinates communication, oversees club operations and helps organize competitions and outreach events. For MacLeod, leading the organization has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her college career.

“You kind of do everything which I really like,” MacLeod said. “It is super fun and super rewarding.”

Kentucky provides the ‘greatest place’ for eventing

Photo courtesy of UK Eventing.

Members also benefit from Kentucky’s world-renowned equine industry. Lexington provides access to premier trainers, competition venues and the Kentucky Horse Park, creating opportunities that are hard to find anywhere else. “I think Lexington is probably the greatest place to be not only as a college student but also as an eventer,” MacLeod said. “Being surrounded by so many other people who have the same goals as you is really motivating.”

Perhaps the greatest strength of the Kentucky Eventing Team is the sense of community it creates. Students don’t have to be experienced competitors to become involved. The organization offers both competitive and social memberships, and there are no tryouts.

“I didn’t know a soul when I came to Kentucky,” MacLeod said. “Now I have this awesome group of people. Even before I became president, it was so fun and so special to be a part of.”

Stowe says that their culture has made the organization a strong recruiting tool for the university. “There are people that come to UK because of the Eventing Team, whether it’s because of the people they can train with or our location near competitions up and down the East Coast,” Stowe said. “It’s very popular, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.”

For students looking to continue riding, make lifelong friendships or simply become part of one of UK’s most vibrant student organizations, the Kentucky Eventing Team offers an opportunity to grow both in and out of the saddle.

Learn more about the Kentucky Eventing Team at ukeventing.org

Inaugural World Class Grooming Grant Awarded to Caitlin Dwyer

By Edited Press Release on Sep 2, 2026 9:00 am -

Caitlin Dwyer is the inaugural recipient of the World Class Grooming Career Development Grant

The Aiken Horse Park Foundation is proud to announce Caitlin Dwyer as the inaugural recipient of the World Class Grooming Career Development Grant, a new program created to help aspiring high-performance grooms gain the education, experience and mentorship needed to pursue careers at the international level.

The first grant of its kind, the $5,000 award supports grooms pursuing professional careers in one of the three Olympic equestrian disciplines: Dressage, Show Jumping or Eventing. Through educational opportunities and a structured mentor–mentee program, recipients are given the opportunity to learn from experienced grooms, barn managers and athletes working at the highest levels of the sport.

Dwyer brings 15 years of experience in the equestrian industry, including work as a groom, working student, assistant rider and instructor. After spending a decade as an elementary school teacher while continuing to work with horses, she made the decision to leave teaching and pursue a full-time career in the equine industry. She is now a certified equine sports massage therapist and the owner of Mane-Tenance Required, LLC, while also working as an assistant rider, trainer, instructor and head groom at Apple Tree Farm.

Dwyer’s professional goals include continuing to expand her knowledge of equine wellness and advanced grooming techniques, gaining experience with elite programs and ultimately traveling internationally as a high-performance groom.

“I want to travel the world with our nation’s best to championships and Olympic games. I want to be the one putting those white polo wraps on the horses before they go back into the stadium for awards,” Dwyer wrote in her application.

“I was so excited when I got the call from Emma to tell me the good news!” said Dwyer on being informed of her selection. “I feel honored to have been chosen as the first recipient of this grant. With the support of this grant, I’ll be able to improve my skills as a groom with the hopes of one day caring for our nation’s top horses.”

The selection committee was impressed by Dwyer’s depth of experience, commitment to continued education and clear vision for a career at the highest levels of the sport. The grant will help support her participation in educational opportunities, including her goal of learning from professional grooms overseas.

The Aiken Horse Park Foundation is proud to invest in the people behind the horses and support the next generation of professionals who will represent the United States on the world stage.

Help us grow the World Class Grooming Career Development Grant and invest in the future of our sport. To support aspiring grooms like Caitlin, please consider making a donation to the fund here.

‘He’s an Aeroplane’: Piggy March Claims Scone Palace’s Major Prize

By Edited Press Release on Aug 31, 2026 9:42 am -

Piggy March and Cooley Anything You Like. Photo by SPIHT / Peter Nixon.

Piggy March secured the fifth CCI4*-L success of her career, showjumping clear from pole position on Cooley Anything You Like. They finished on their dressage score of 32.2 to claim the £4,000 winner’s prize at the second running of Scone Palace International Horse Trials.

Northamptonshire-based Piggy produced James Midgley and Gaie Scouller’s 11-year-old up to two-star level, but he has only returned to her yard this season after a spell with world number two Harry Meade.

“I felt it was on me not to mess this up as he was giving me a really good feel, so I thought, ‘stay relaxed and just go and jump the jumps like you’ve been doing for however many years,” said a relieved Piggy. “He’s a really cool horse. That felt proper.

“I was conscious of the cross-country going on as he has been quite lit up since he’s been here. I didn’t want to do showjumping in cross-country mode but he stayed settled.

“He really is a Burghley horse,” she added. “I had 20 seconds to make up late on the cross-country so I squeezed him for the first time in my life and must have made up 25 seconds. He’s like an aeroplane.”

Willa Newton, who had led the dressage on Hartacker but dropped a place with cross-country time-faults, piled the pressure on Piggy with her super clear. They could not afford a single rail.

“Hartacker jumped amazingly, he was sensational and I couldn’t have asked for any more,” Willa said. “I was nervous but I had a plan and had to trust him as he’s such a good jumper.”

Earlier in the day, Piggy dropped from first to third in the final phase of the CCI2*-L with her young horse Diamond March, but this four-star victory never looked like slipping from her grasp.

“You can only do your best, and if it’s good enough, happy days,” she said. “But I felt a bit disappointed by my round in the two-star, how quickly it went wrong, so that was in my mind.”

Gaie spotted Cooley Anything You Like as a four-year-old, and was at Scone to cheer them on.

“He’s been so wonderful with Piggy,” she said. “He was never going to touch a fence. It’s special to watch.”

Heidi Coy was third with MGH Jessica, rising from 13th after dressage with a clean sheet.

For the USA, Quidley Kellerman finished up in seventh overall with Blakeney’s Cruise on a final score of 45.8, adding just some time in show jumping. Molly Duda wrapped up Jutopia’s first CCI4*-L with three poles down and some time to finish up in 11th on a final score 61.1.

Gemma Stevens Secures Podium Double in Malcolm Group CCI4*-S

Gemma Stevens and Cooley Park Muze. Photo by SPIHT / Peter Nixon.

Cooley Park Muze showed all his class to win the 100-strong CCI4*-S class at Scone Palace, leading from the dressage phase to win on a clean sheet of 28.4 with Gemma Stevens.

Running in reverse order for the final cross-country phase, only three horses made the time, with Gemma stopping the clock 10sec inside after a foot-perfect round on the Rex Syndicate’s 10-year-old.

“He’s so unbelievably light in his contact; he’s so obedient, balanced and such a good jumper that I can just keep coming,” said Gemma, who was part of Britain’s gold medal-winning team at the recent World Championships in Aachen, Germany. “He’s just easy to go fast on.”

“He’s not a full thoroughbred but he’s learning to dig deep when he’s tired. He has to work at that, but what he doesn’t have to work out is his jump and ability. He’s the horse of my dreams.”

Gemma also finished third on Chilli’s Jester and seventh on Chilli Morning IV, both bound for Blenheim.

“First and third – that’s pretty cool,” she grinned. “I was thrilled with all three horses – they were all fabulous.”

Tom McEwen – like Gemma, part of Britain’s gold medal-winning team at the recent World Championships in Aachen, Germany – was the chief beneficiary of overnight second Emily King’s 20 penalties on Valmy Biats at fence four. The first rider inside the time, Tom steered Quintus round to finish on his dressage score of 30.3 to climb from sixth to runner-up.

Perthshire’s Wills Oakden finished fourth on Keep It Cooley.

Scone Palace International HT CCI4* (GBR): [Website] [Scoring] [Live Stream Replays]

Piggy Marches On in Scone Palace International CCI4*-L

By Edited Press Release on Aug 29, 2026 7:00 pm -

Piggy March and Cooley Anything You Like. Photo by SPIHT/Peter Nixon.

Piggy March continued her hot streak of form at Scone Palace to leapfrog up to first place after cross-country in the CCI4*-L aboard Cooley Anything You Like. She also holds top spot in the two-star ahead of showjumping.

She was one of only three pairs clear inside the time over Alec Lochore’s track, lifting her from fourth after dressage.

“He is an out-and-out Badminton and Burghley horse – so powerful, brave and he has such gallop,” said Piggy. “I was very grateful for the long uphill gallops because he is a machine – it’s just difficult getting him back for the downhill ones!”

Piggy “tried new tactics” today, going directly from the stables to the startbox because the 11-year-old can find the warm-up arena exciting.

“I lobbed round the bottom field and went straight out on to the course before he realised what was going on, and he started very settled,” she said.

Piggy does not have a showjumping rail in hand over Willa Newton and Hartacker, the dressage leaders, who added 8.4 time-faults.

“He was amazing; I’m just kicking myself for the time-faults,” said Willa. “He’d had a horrid winter with his sinuses and teeth and only started eventing in July, so I didn’t know quite how fit he was, so although I’m a bit gutted to lose the lead, he was brilliant.”

Izzy Taylor, fifth after dressage, is 2.1pen behind in third on SBH Big Wall after clocking 4.8 time-faults – and sixth on new ride PSH Encore. Izzy is on the comeback trail after a broken femur kept her on the sidelines until the summer.

“This is my first ‘long’ since, and there were a lot of questions – am I fit enough? Are the horses fit enough?” Izzy said. “I’m still rusty, but the ride he gave me today was really good. The course was great and a real improvement on last year – smooth but you had to work for it, and beautiful ground.”

Two U.S. riders are in the top 10 after cross country, with FEI Eventing World Championships pair Quidley Kellerman and Blakeney’s Cruise jumping clear with time to go into eighth overnight on a 44.6, and Molly Duda with Jutopia jumping clear into ninth on a 47.9 in the mare’s first CCI4*-L effort.

“Special” Muze Holds the CCI4*-S Advantage

Gemma Stevens and Cooley Park Muze. Photo by SPIHT/Peter Nixon.

Gemma Stevens cemented pole position in the CCI4*-S with a breathtaking showjumping clear with Cooley Park Muze, the final horse to enter the Scone Palace International Horse Trials main arena. Mindful of the tight time, Gemma saw a long stride at the large Subaru oxer at fence seven, and the 10-year-old bay soared effortlessly over – then nimbly popped the following upright.

“I came round the corner to that blue oxer, thinking about the time and trying to give him enough space, but I saw a bit too much space! But he was lovely,” said Gemma, who was part of Britain’s gold medal-winning team at the recent World Championships in Aachen, Germany.

“I was a little bit nervous beforehand, not because the course was difficult but because I so want to do well. He is such a good jumper, and he’s a very special horse.”

Gemma is also lying in fourth and seventh, with the Chilli Morning clone Chilli Morning IV and Chilli’s Jester.

“My other two horses were unbelievable as well – all three are lovely, lovely horses.”

Breathing down Gemma’s neck just 0.2 of a penalty away in second is Emily King, who jumped clear on her Luhmühlen runner-up Valmy Biats.

Scotland is represented in third by local rider Wills Oakden and Keep It Cooley, who also left all the coloured poles up.

Sixty percent of the 99-strong field showjumped clear, but only 35% were inside the time.

The leaderboard is tightly packed, leaving little margin for error for those contending for the £1,500 first prize. Just 1.9 penalties – or five seconds of cross-country time-faults – covers the top six.

Scone Palace International HT CCI4* (GBR): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]

Willa Newton Leads CCI4*-L, Cooley Park Muze Spearheads a Gemma Stevens Bonanza at Scone Palace International

By Edited Press Release on Aug 28, 2026 2:42 pm -

Willa Newton and Hartacker. Photo by SPIHT/Peter Nixon.

Willa Newton has taken a commanding lead in the CCI4*-L, riding Camilla Behrens’ 14-year-old Hartacker. Third in the CCI3*-L in 2025, the pair returned to Perthshire to record the only sub-30 mark in the class of 27.6. Molly Duda, who represented the USA at the FEI Under-25 World Championships in Millstreet last month, lies in second on 31.5 aboard Jutopia.

Leicestershire-based Willa has been riding Hartacker since the start of last season, with the horse being produced up to four-star by Izzy Taylor.

“He has always been pretty good at dressage but I was just pleased everything came off how I wanted it to,” said Willa, who is trained in this phase by Bettina Hoy. “I really enjoyed every minute. I am so grateful to Camilla for letting me ride him and I feel like I’m starting to know him better.”

Hartacker’s highlight was his flying changes.

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“He was so soft and relaxed,” Willa said. “He’s an old-timer now but he can sometimes anticipate things, whereas today he was really rideable.

“There’s a lot of atmosphere, which actually helped me a bit. He was calm outside and I wondered if I’d overdone it, but he went in and felt lovely. He’s such a nice character – he has his quirks and you have to be quiet around him but he’s the kindest person and very happy to be here.”

Willa added that she is “looking forward” to the cross-country test, designed by event director Alec Lochore. “It’s a really good course, with lots to do.”

Also for the USA, fellow FEI Eventing World Championships for U25 Riders competitor Quidley Kellerman also hits the top six with Blakeneys Cruise with a score of 33.0. Molly Duda is also in eight with Carlingford Hes a Clover (36.3).

Gemma Stevens and Cooley Park Muze. Photo by SPIHT/Peter Nixon.

Gemma Stevens, the 100th and final rider into Scone Palace International Horse Trials’ main arena for the Malcolm Group CCI4*-S, forged into the lead with Cooley Park Muze on a score of 28.4.

“He was really with me and his flying changes were a highlight,” said Gemma of the 10-year-old owned by the Rex Syndicate. “He’s such a dude. He prowls around like he owns the place. That’s what they need to be a top-class horse.”

Favourite with equestrian sports statistics company EquiRatings to win this competitive class, Gemma overhauled long-time leader Emily King and her CCI5* stalwart Valmy Biats by just 0.2 of a penalty.

“Valmy was very good, but he almost knows too much now in that he guesses what I’m doing, so I have to be extra on it – especially in a four-star test which is less intense than a five-star,” said Emily, who was third here with Valmy in 2025.

Perthshire’s Wills Oakdens slotted into third aboard his Badminton ride Keep It Cooley, on 29.7.

But this phase was all about Gemma Stevens, who has three in the top eight, thanks to Chilli Morning IV, fourth, and Chilli’s Jester, eighth.

“Three in the top 10 is pretty cool,” she said. “I came here to be competitive!”

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Izzy Taylor holds first place on 26.9 in the CCI3*-L, with Barrington Boy, an eight-year-old owned by Johnny Hornby.

Just 0.4pen behind is Ros Canter on Broadstone Lion Man – last year’s CCI2*-L winners -, with Emily King a whisker away in third on Angell’s Choice.

Piggy March steered the home-bred Diamond March to lead the Brooks Macdonald CCI2*-L on 24.4, nearly 5pen clear of Tom McEwen (Brookfield In The Spotlight).

“He’s got 10 out of 10 from me today,” said Piggy of the seven-year-old, owned by Susie Wood and the March Stud. “He was extremely professional, and nailed his halts and rein-back. He’s a big, soft baby who’s still growing into himself, so this is his Badminton.”

In the Malcolm Group CCI*-intro, Ireland’s Chloe Walsh, 17, holds a narrow lead on 28.3 aboard Enniskerry Masterpiece over Heidi Coy (MGH Fair Maid).

Ireland fill the top four places in the Project Pony CCI2* pony section, with Jonty Purcell, 16, in front on FHS Felicity..

As well as top-class international eventing featuring many of the world’s best riders and a wide range of showing, showjumping, arena eventing and other supporting classes, Scone Palace International Horse Trials features superb shopping with a carefully curated selection of local and national retailers, excellent food and drink options and hospitality packages.

Scone Palace International HT CCI4* (GBR): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]

Competition Commences at Scone Palace International Horse Trials

By Edited Press Release on Aug 27, 2026 9:01 am -

Laura Collett and Romany Cricket. Photo courtesy of Scone Palace International.

Riders from 11 nations have completed the first horse inspection at Scone Palace International Horse Trials (27-30 August), with a star-studded field set to contest the international classes at the second running of the event – the biggest in Scotland.

The horses and riders were presented for inspection this afternoon in front of the stands at Perth Racecourse, officially getting this year’s international competition under way.

A total of 14 Olympians are among the entries at the Perthshire fixture, with 12 coming forward for the CCI4*-S. Seven riders inside the top 30 of the FEI World Rankings will also compete, while 12 riders have travelled straight from the FEI World Championships in Aachen (August 11-23).

Piggy March and Diamond March. Photo courtesy of Scone Palace International.

Athletes to watch this week include Britain’s Paris Olympic gold medallists Laura Collett, Tom McEwen and Ros Canter, New Zealand’s world number one Tim Price and fellow medallist Clarke Johnstone and Scotland’s leading rider Wills Oakden. Other favourites across the CCI4*-S and CCI4*-L classes include British stars Emily King, Piggy March, Izzy Taylor and Gemma Stevens.

Also taking place today were Subaru-sponsored grassroots eventing classes. Hope Wilson enjoyed a bumper day in the saddle, heading home with two titles: the BE90 (section C) championship with Ballygriffen Cooper and the BE90 (section D) with Charlie Girl.

Olivia Graham and Melanie Boatman’s Master TS secured the BE90 (section E) championship, while in the BE100 (section F), Jessica McKie took the title with Rose McKie’s WS Ollie BE. In the BE100 (section G), THL After Eight and Eilidh Costelloe topped the leaderboard.

Wills Oakden and Mile Beach. Photo courtesy of Scone Palace International.

The Subaru Scottish Grassroots Championships continue Thursday with the jumping phase, when overnight leaders Eilidh Herd and Zuccheros Deff Leppard (SC BE90), and Pebbles Walker and Shannondale Flight and Maeve Sheridan and Hey Pronto (joint leaders, SC BE100), will bid to hold on to their top spots.

Scone Palace International HT CCI4* (GBR): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]

TerraNova Equestrian Center Announces New Immersive Retreat with Tik Maynard

By Edited Press Release on Aug 20, 2026 9:00 am -

TerraNova Equestrian Center is introducing a new immersive equestrian retreat designed for riders and horse enthusiasts who want to deepen their horsemanship while stepping away from the pace of everyday life. Led by professional trainer Tik Maynard, the 3.5-day experience will combine focused equestrian instruction with wellness, education and time to reconnect with horses in the peaceful surroundings of TerraNova, held December 3-6, 2026.

More than a traditional riding clinic, the retreat is designed around the idea that meaningful horsemanship requires time to learn, to listen, to reflect and to develop a deeper understanding between horse and human. Participants will have the opportunity to refine their skills and perspective while experiencing the benefits of stepping away from the demands of everyday life.

The equestrian program will include private and small-group riding, theory lessons, groundwork, liberty and other foundational horsemanship experiences. The intimate format allows participants to engage more deeply with the material and focus on developing a thoughtful, confident partnership with their horse.

“I’m hoping people have a paradigm shift in how they understand what motivates their horse, and how to communicate that while also learning. I would love everybody to go home with that ability to excel at what they enjoy while accelerating their horsemanship and their horse’s learning,” said Tik Maynard. “TerraNova is one of the most beautiful equestrian venues in the world, and we will have access to facilities for both the people and the horses, which will set everyone up for success and make learning fun.”

The experience extends beyond the arena. Participants will have opportunities to explore mindfulness and equine-assisted wellness, sports psychology and confidence, trail exploration and other curated experiences designed to complement their time with their horses.

The setting is an important part of the retreat. TerraNova Equestrian Center is surrounded by mature live oaks, wildlife and the natural tranquility of Myakka City. The property offers a rare environment where horses and people can slow down, spend time outdoors, and enjoy a sense of quiet and connection.

Evenings will provide time to gather and unwind, with thoughtfully planned meals and opportunities for conversation and community. Participants will stay in cabin-style lodging onsite, allowing the retreat experience to continue beyond scheduled programming.

“TerraNova has always been envisioned as a place where horses and people can feel at home, and this retreat is a natural extension of that vision. We wanted to create an experience that gives people the time and space to take a break and immerse themselves in their horsemanship and simply enjoy being with their horses. There is something very special about learning, connecting and unwinding in a place that feels peaceful, and we’re excited to share that experience with our guests,” said Hannah Herrig Ketelboeter, co-founder and co-CEO of TerraNova Enterprises.

The retreat will offer two participation options. The Full Riding Experience is $3,250 per person and includes riding, horse stabling, experiences, meals and single-occupancy cabin-style lodging. The Full Non-Riding Experience is $2,650 per person and includes all experiences, auditing of equestrian experiences, meals and single-occupancy cabin-style lodging.

With limited participation spots available, the retreat is designed to provide an intimate setting for learning, connection and restoration.

Experience Highlights

Horsemanship instruction with Tik
Private and small-group riding
Learning theory, groundwork and liberty
Equine-assisted mindfulness and wellness
Sports mindset and confidence
Trail exploration and curated nature experiences
Shared meals and evening gatherings
Cabin-style lodging and horse stabling for riding participants

Dates: December 3-6, 2026
Location: TerraNova Equestrian Center, Myakka City, Florida
Full Riding Experience: $3,250
Full Non-Riding Experience: $2,650
Registration: https://pci.jotform.com/form/262293561705156

Clinic Information
Register Now

Ryan Wood Enjoys a Dominant Weekend at Bromont

By Edited Press Release on Aug 18, 2026 7:00 am -

Ryan Wood and Clooney R. Photo by Raphaelle Goulet for Eve-Lyne Ouellet Tremblay.

Ryan Wood (AUS) closed out a standout weekend at the Bromont CCI-S Horse Trials on Sunday, claiming victory in the Kingsleigh CCI4-S with Clooney R before taking both first and second place in the CCI3-S.

Wood and Clooney R entered Sunday’s cross-country in fourth place on 37.7. The pair jumped clear on cross-country, adding 14.0 time penalties to finish on 51.7 and move to the top of the Kingsleigh CCI4-S leaderboard.

Canada’s Colleen Loach and Chiaro Z Excalibur also finished on 51.7, after jumping clear and adding 14.8 time penalties to their dressage score. With the two combinations tied on their final scores, Wood and Clooney R claimed the victory by finishing closest to the optimum cross-country time.

Lauren Nicholson (USA) and Landmark Jungle’s Gold completed the Kingsleigh CCI4-S podium in third place on 54.4, jumping clear and adding 18.4 time penalties on cross-country.

“Very proud to come away from Bromont with wins in both the CCI4-S with Clooney, owned by Mary Perry, and the CCI3-S with Indy, owned by Mary Hazzard, and with Hicks, owned by Curran Simpson, finishing just behind in second,” said Wood. “All three horses have been with us since they were four or five-year-olds, which makes weeks like this especially rewarding. It’s exciting to see them continue to develop and deliver results at this level, and even more rewarding to share it with the owners who have believed in them from the beginning.”

Wood also credited Silva Martin and Sarah Dodge for their work with him and the horses on the dressage.

Ryan Wood and Woodstock Indy. Photo by Chelsea Spear Photography.

Wood’s weekend became even more impressive in the CCI3-S. Sitting ninth after show jumping, Woodstock Indy delivered one of the strongest cross-country performances of the division, jumping clear and adding just 0.4 time penalties to climb all the way to first place on a final score of 36.1.

Wood then secured second place aboard Hicks de Lyse, who also jumped clear on cross-country and added 10.0 time penalties to finish on 43.2, giving Wood the top two spots in the CCI3-S.

Ryan Wood and Hicks de Lyse. Photo by Chelsea Spear Photography.

But for Wood, the biggest highlight of the weekend happened outside the competition.

“But the highlight of the week might have been having our baby girl Annabelle at her first away show,” Wood said. “A big thank you to Lil and Grandma Jaq for making that possible, and to Greta and the whole team at home and all our sponsors for the hard work behind the scenes that makes weeks like this happen.”

“Lots to be excited about with these horses and what’s ahead.”

Presentation of the Kingsleigh cooler. From Left to right: Bob Wagner, Ryan Wood and Monique Van De Merwe. Photo by Joy & Life Photo.

The conclusion of Sunday’s cross-country brought the 2026 August Bromont CCI-S Horse Trials to a close after a weekend of international competition at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park.

Full results from August Bromont can be found here.

Applications are Open for the 2027 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant

By Edited Press Release on Aug 3, 2026 9:00 am -

The Annie Goodwin Rising Star Selection Committee awarded two grants in 2026. Sophie Miller (C) was formally recognized at the 2026 Aiken Charity Horse Shows joined by (L-R) Joanie Morris, Cat Stumberg, Tara Bostwick, and Kate Boggan

The Aiken Horse Park Foundation (AHPF) is pleased to open the 2027 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant Application to all qualified applicants.

Established in the spirit of her vision and legacy, the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant, provides financial support for young professional equestrians establishing the early years of their business and wishing to continue their equestrian education and competition.

All applicants must be:

Professional member in good standing with their respective national governing body
US citizen or legal resident
Demonstrate financial need
Reside in Aiken, SC for a minimum of three (3) months annually
Between the ages of eighteen (18) and thirty (30) years of age (born between 1995 – 2008)

The 2027 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant is now accepting applicants. Applications are due on September 30. Click here for more information and to view the application.

Annie Goodwin and Fedarman B. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

In the spirit of Annie’s vision and legacy, the Aiken Horse Park Foundation has established the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Fund, to foster, support and develop Aiken’s young equestrians who embody Annie’s character and dedication in their respective sports.

Click here to donate to our secure online portal, or should you prefer to write a check please mail to the following: AHPF PO Box 1951, Aiken SC 29802, attn. Annie Goodwin Rising Star Fund. Checks should be made out to the Aiken Horse Park Foundation.

Tim Price, Tom McEwen Capture CCI4*-S Titles at Burgham

By Edited Press Release on Aug 2, 2026 9:00 am -

Tim Price and Happy Boy. Photo by Peter Nixon.

World number one Tim Price captured his first Burgham title when winning Holme Dodsworth Metals CCI4*-S section C with Susan Lamb and Therese Miller’s Happy Boy.

The New Zealander, who will represent his country at the forthcoming World Championships in Aachen, Germany, rocketed up the order from 13th after dressage at the Northumbrian event with a mark of 32.7 to the top spot by only adding 0.4 of a showjumping time-fault in the two jumping phases. When Tim and 14-year-old Happy Boy stopped the clock one second inside the time around Andrew Heffernan’s brand-new CCI4* cross-country track, he slipped ahead of long-time leaders Izzy Taylor and Barrington Boy.

Tim said: “He went like a rat up a drainpipe this time! He’s pretty cheeky, he either goes really well, or has a silly run-off or puts me on the ground, like he did at Luhmühlen, but he’s full of talent. He’s a fast horse, too, so I think this suited him.

“I was a bit disappointed in his dressage, as he can go a lot better, but this is such a good competition and it’s authentic – three good phases gets you up the leaderboard. He showjumped well around what I thought was a difficult track. Andy’s four-star cross-country track was a brilliant course, we couldn’t ask more of the ground, all things considered, and there was no point wearing a stopwatch – it was about just going as fast as you can, and he loved it.”

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Izzy Taylor was delighted with her second place aboard Johnny Hornby’s CCI4*-S debutant, eight-year-old Barrington Boy. The pair’s 4.8 cross-country time-faults denied them victory by 0.2 penalties, but – given that Burgham was Izzy’s first international competition since breaking her leg badly at the beginning of March – this was an excellent result.

“He led the dressage, which is phenomenal. I thought the showjumping track was very serious, and Andy has done a superb job with the cross-country course. The first combination sets you up for the whole thing; you get that, you’re on. Yes, the horse was green, but where he was green he looked at me and I went, ‘Go on, you’re ok’, and he just grew all the way round and finished well. I’m so pleased with him,” said Izzy.

Alexander Bragg finished third on the Ellicotts’ Shannondale Arco on a score of 35.2.

Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality. Photo by Peter Nixon.

Double team gold and individual silver Olympic medallist for Britain Tom McEwen won a CCI4*-S section at Burgham for the second year in a row, this time taking Indoor Climate Control CCI4*-S section D with Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry’s 17-year-old Brookfield Quality.

Tom, who, like Tim Price, is Aachen-bound in a couple of weeks’ time, led the dressage on 24.2 penalties and stayed out in front, showjumping clear and finishing on a clean sheet across country.

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He said: “‘Norris’ is unreal. He’s always been something of the bridesmaid – he’s always there or there abouts, but he can be a bit undercover. However, he’s the most special horse. He always delivers, is always competitive, and like he always does, he put three good phases together this week. He cruised across country; he always tries his hardest, which is the most you can ask of any horse. I really enjoy riding him and love him as a character.”

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Tom Jackson and United 36 were 5.4 marks behind in second; only the two Toms, Tim Price and Jesse Campbell – fourth in CCI4*-S section C on Cooley Lafitte – were inside the time allowed across country.

Michael and Amie Stenning’s United 36 is aiming for Defender Burghley in early September, and will be among Britain’s leading hopes at the Lincolnshire CCI5*.

“He’s been amazing all week and I actually set off across country not necessarily with the idea of chasing the time, but he felt so good and was finding it easy, which isn’t that normal at this level. Hopefully he’ll stay on as good a form as he is for Burghley.

“I thought the new CCI4* track was a great addition; Burgham’s such a good prep run for so many horses and for so many different reasons – you can bring a whole lorry-load here and it benefits all of them.”

Third in CCI4*-S section D was reigning world champion Yasmin Ingham and the exciting 10-year-old mare Gypsie Du Loir, owned by Janette Chin and The Sue Davies Fund.

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Burgham 2026 concludes on Sunday (August 2) with showjumping and cross-country for the Jack-Thomas Watson Horses CCI2*-S, which is led after dressage by Caroline Harris and Cooley Riddle Master, with Piggy March (Diamond Wood) in second.

Burgham not only offers top-class sport, but also great fun for families, friends and children. There is a fun dog show on Sunday at 1pm, and hobby horses for children to “ride”. As well as international and national eventing classes, there is a Thoroughbred and Ex-Racehorse Show to watch.

The event also features great tradestands and lots of delicious, locally-produced food and drink and public bars. It is situated in beautiful, tranquil Northumbrian countryside not far from the A1 between Morpeth and Alnwick.

If you’re looking for a family day out that’s really affordable this summer, you can’t do better than Burgham International Horse Trials – visit www.burghaminternationalhorsetrials.co.uk to find out more and to buy tickets.

All four days of cross-country from Burgham – Thursday, 28 July to Sunday, 2 August – are being shown on Horse & Country TV’s livestreaming platform, H&C+.

Izzy Taylor Bounces Back at Burgham

By Edited Press Release on Jul 30, 2026 3:51 pm -

Izzy Taylor and Barrington Boy. Photo by Peter Nixon.

In a remarkable comeback to the sport of eventing after breaking her leg badly in March, Izzy Taylor is in pole position at Burgham International Horse Trials (July 30 – August 2) in Holme Dodsworth Metals CCI4*-S section C on Johnny Hornby’s eight-year-old Barrington Boy on a score of 28.1.

“I’m very excited to be here,” said Izzy, who won this feature class at Burgham in 2021. “Barrington Boy was really good – he’s very babyish still, but he tries really hard. He coped with the flags and all the excitement, and did a really nice test.

“I’m really pleased to be back, and the enforced break did me good in a lot of ways. Would I wish it to happen again? Absolutely not! But have I learnt a lot from it? Definitely.”

Izzy is 1.5 penalties ahead of second-placed Gemma Stevens (Chilli Knight).

Tom McEwen and Brookfield In the Spotlight. Photo by Peter Nixon.

British double Olympic gold medallist Tom McEwen holds the lead in two of the Northumbrian event’s international classes.

Riding Brookfield In The Spotlight, Gloucestershire-based Tom scored 24 in An Eventful Life CCI3*-S section A, while in Indoor Climate Control CCI4*-S section D, he posted a mark of 24.2 aboard Brookfield Quality. Both horses are owned by Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry.

In Houghton Country CCI3*-S section B, China’s Alex Hua Tian is on top with an impressive score of 22.6 after dressage on his own Manjushri.

The showjumping and cross-country phases of the CCI3*-S sections take place tomorrow (Friday, 31 July), while dressage continues for the CCI4*-S sections on Friday with the jumping phases on Saturday.

There was a full day of British Eventing national classes at Burgham on Thursday – and the Open Intermediate, sponsored by the charity Day One Trauma Support, was won by Dutch Olympic rider and national coach Andrew Heffernan, who has taken over designing the CCI4*-S cross-country course at Burgham this year. Cheshire-based Andrew was riding SSK Cape Cooley, whom he owns with Gill Shea, Julia Willan and Mary Thelwall, and the pair added just 2.8 cross-country time-faults to their dressage score of 27.7 to beat Tom McEwen (Quintus) by 0.2 of a penalty.

Andrew said: “I loved it! I thought David Evans [Burgham’s long-standing course-designer, responsible for all the tracks except the CCI4*-S] has done an amazing job. It’s good for me – I can’t ride in the CCI4*-S because I have designed it, but this course takes a similar route and as we’ve changed so much about the tracks this year, it gives me a real feel of what we are creating. It felt that the flow was great.”

As well as an increasingly busy course-designer, responsible for, among others, the tracks at Bramham and the new Advanced under-25 class at Cornbury House, Andrew is the Dutch national coach, and very in demand in the UK as a trainer. Finding time still to compete himself isn’t always easy.

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“It’s a challenge, but I’m determined to keep mixing it up. I think it’s really important for my designing and my coaching to keep on riding for as long as I can, but I have made the decision to stick to small numbers of horses and try to do them properly,” he said.

Burgham not only offers top-class sport, but also great fun for families, friends and children. There is a fun dog show on both Saturday and Sunday at 1pm, and hobby horses for children to “ride”. Burgham also features great tradestands and lots of delicious, locally-produced food and drink and public bars. It is situated in beautiful, tranquil Northumbrian countryside not far from the A1 between Morpeth and Alnwick.

All four days of cross-country from Burgham – Thursday, 28 July to Sunday, 2 August – are being shown on Horse & Country TV’s livestreaming platform, H&C+.

Burgham International Horse Trials CCI4*-S (GBR): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]

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