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Hold Your Horses: Adelaide Equestrian Festival Returns in May with Stunning Four-Day Line-up

By Edited Press Release on Mar 28, 2025 9:30 am -

Photo courtesy of Parlàre PR.

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival is set to return from May 1-4, 2025 with more than 70 elite equestrian athletes and their horses taking to the arena and cross country course for a truly spectacular, family-friendly event.

As the only 5* equestrian event in the Southern Hemisphere and the only horse trials held in the heart of a major city anywhere in the world, this prestigious event delivers a vibrant, action-packed four-day showcase of disciplines including dressage, cross country and show jumping.

Greg Rolton of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival said the event was always a delight for spectators and equine enthusiasts. This year will mark the 25th year of the festival taking place in South Australia. This world class festival attracts a significant influx of interstate and international visitors alongside South Australians looking to witness the very finest athleticism and horsemanship.

“We welcomed more than 30,000 spectators to Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi in 2024 and we anticipate this number to grow as the sport of eventing continues to gain momentum following a successful performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics,” Mr. Rolton said. “While the LA 2028 Olympics and 2032 home soil Brisbane Olympics may seem like a long way away, it is at this point that our experienced and rising Australian equestrian athletes are already in training and preparing in order to be considered for the Australian team.”

“It’s not often that you can find a sporting event that caters to everyone. We’re incredibly proud to showcase the very best equestrian athletes from around the country while ensuring that even the youngest attendees are entertained with live music, kids’ activations and a newly expanded family-friendly food and beverage offering,” Mr. Rolton continued.

The only eventing competition set in a city center. Photo via Adelaide Equestrian Festival Facebook.

The 2025 Adelaide Equestrian Festival timetable includes:

Thursday May 1: Through the generosity of ResourceCo, Thursday is free to attend for all spectators. With an array of food and beverage vendors on site, a dedicated marketplace for all your retail needs and the first day of the dressage competition – you’ll be sure to have a relaxing day in the Adelaide Park Lands. A great one for anyone with young children looking for an exciting day out!

Friday May 2: Friday sees spectators experiencing a graceful but highly competitive display of dressage thanks to Pryde’s Easifeed. Soak in all the action from the iconic Victoria Grand Stand and enjoy the picturesque park lands. Plus, you can start your weekend right with free entry for spectators from 3pm.

Saturday May 3: They’re on the move for cross country during this action-packed day that sprawls across the Adelaide Park Lands. Sponsored by RB Sellars, this event is bound to have your heart racing! Finish the day with live music from the Happy Leonards at 4pm at Victoria Park.

Sunday May 4: This is your chance to see who will take to the podium following the exhilarating ATCO Show Jumping Day – the final discipline showcased for the festival.

South Australian Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said there is nothing like the Adelaide Equestrian Festival anywhere else in the world. “Elite equestrian athletes and spectators from all over will experience the only 5-star equestrian event in the southern hemisphere right in the heart of our boutique city,” she said.

“I am proud to support the Adelaide Equestrian Festival, which showcases why South Australia is a leading events destination, while bringing tens of thousands of visitors to our city to help boost visitation for our local businesses.”

Tickets and more information can be found here. This event will be livestreamed on H&C+ here.

EN is thrilled to be collaborating with Atalya Boytner this year for our first time ever covering this special 5*! Stay tuned for more coming your way soon, including a preview of the entry list.

Broussard Family Charitable Trust Announces Doubling of Rebecca Farm Travel Grants

By Edited Press Release on Mar 27, 2025 9:30 am -

James Alliston and Karma. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Since 2006, the Broussard Family Charitable Trust has supported the sport of eventing in the U.S. and the careers of countless U.S. event riders through multiple grants including the Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grant (2011), Le Samurai Fund (2008), Cindy Burge Memorial ECP Grant (2006), Broussard Family Charitable Trust Going Forward Grants (2020), and the Rebecca Farm Travel Grant (2011). The USEA Foundation is excited to share that the Broussard Family Charitable Trust continues to remain committed to its support of these grants and has announced the following enhancements for 2025.

“Fifteen years ago I was easily convinced to fund the Developing Rider Grant,” reflected Jerome Broussard, Chairman of the Broussard Family Charitable Trust. “The structure and focus have evolved, and I am more certain today than ever that the grant deserves continued funding. Please come to the event at Rebecca Farm and interview for the grant. You will definitely find it worthwhile and perhaps rewarding.”

Over the years, the Broussard Family Charitable Trust has continued to adapt and evolve to meet the needs of the athletes competing in today’s world. The Committee that supports the Trust is comprised of knowledgeable horse people, past USEA Presidents, and active riders. Both the International and National Developing Rider Grants are unique from other funding opportunities made available to riders in the fact that they are not based solely on competition records and performance, they are open to both amateur and professional riders, are not age-based, and are structured around an interview process which allows members of the Committee to truly get to know each applicant on a deeper level.

“The USEA Foundation is so pleased to be able to partner with Jerome Broussard and the Broussard Family Charitable Trust to not only continue but expand the breadth of these grants that have proven to be pivotal points in the careers of so many of today’s top riders,” said USEA Foundation Chair Hilary Miskoe.

Rebecca Farm Travel Grants

This Travel Grant is specifically designed to assist those competitors in the three-star and four-star FEI divisions at The Event at Rebecca Farm (Kalispell, Montana) who plan to apply for the Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant. The funds are to offset the transportation expenses to the event and will be distributed by the USEA Foundation through the generous support of The Broussard Family Charitable Foundation in honor of Rebecca Chaney Broussard. In the past, these grants have generally been based on mileage.

The Broussard Family Charitable Trust has increased the reimbursed mileage rate for Rebecca Farm Travel Grant recipients as follows:

$2.00 a mile traveled from home to reach the event for four-star recipients
$1.00 a mile traveled from home to reach the event for three-star recipients
2025 Applications will be due June 1, with recipients receiving notification of their awards by June 15. The application and its relevant guidelines may be found here.

Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grants Also Increasing

The Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grants are designed to assist riders of any age, whether they are professionals or amateurs and encourage the education and development of event riders at the highest level of the sport. These grants are awarded to offset some of the travel and training expenses in the pursuit of achieving the qualities of an international rider. These grants are not available to any rider who has already achieved the honor of representing the United States at the Pan American Games, Olympics, or World Equestrian Games.

New for 2025, the Rebecca Broussard National Developing Rider Grant (also known as the “Little Becky”) will be increased to $15,000 for the educational development of an international quality rider based on competition in eventing on the national stage. The recipient of the grant will be selected by the grant committee based on performance record, interview, and involvement with the eventing community. The grant committee reserves the right to alter funding amounts based on their deliberations.

The Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant (also known as the “Big Becky”) will also continue awarding $50,000 for the educational development of an international quality rider based on competition in eventing on the global stage. The recipient of the grant will be selected by the grant committee based on performance record, interview, and involvement with the eventing community. The grant committee reserves the right to alter funding amounts based on their deliberations.

Interviewees for both the International and national grants need not be entered to compete at Rebecca Farm, though always encouraged. There is, however, an expectation of volunteerism at the event for those interviewing but not competing.

The Road to LA2028 Goes Through Rebecca Farm

As the dates of The Event at Rebecca Farm (July 16-20 for this calendar year) line up almost exactly with the dates of the Los Angeles Summer Olympics in 2028, the Event at Rebecca Farm offers a perfect championship atmosphere for high-performance athletes who aspire to compete in LA in three years. Offering the experience of competing in the western United States at the same time of year as the Games, on immaculately prepared surfaces, including irrigated cross-country tracks. For many, the road to LA can start at Rebecca Farm, not only competitively, but also for those interested in receiving developmental grant funding that will assist them with their goals in the lead-up to team selection.

Maryland International Equestrian Foundation Announces Maryland 5 Star International Travel Grant Program

By Edited Press Release on Mar 26, 2025 12:00 pm -

Tim Price (NZL) and Falco. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The Maryland International Equestrian Foundation is proud to announce the 2025 International Travel Grant Program for the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory.

Developed in partnership with Carolyn Mackintosh and her team at Loch Moy Farm, the intention of this travel grant program is to assist with bringing the world’s best horses and riders to Maryland to compete in the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory, one of only seven CCI5* events in the world. Bringing elite, international-level athletes to Maryland benefits the Maryland Horse Industry, and the growth and development of the equestrian community at all levels in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.

Fundraising for the 2025 International Travel Grant has started with the goal of bringing both and foreign and US based athletes alike to the Maryland 5 Star, affording our American athletes the opportunity to compete against some of the best in the world without having to leave North America. This is a huge benefit to the US high performance equestrian programs and the sport of eventing in North America.

Funds will be allocated by application only, at the discretion of the Maryland International Equestrian Foundation board, and will be used to directly offset the cost of travel. Applications will be reviewed and funds allocated no later than 30 days prior to the event.

Donors to the International Travel Grant Program will be given opportunities for course walks and educational opportunities with grant recipients (schedule dependent). Grant recipients are expected to promote the Maryland Equestrian Industry and related activities and events.

More information is available here.

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A post shared by MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill p/b Brown Advisory (@maryland5star)

Toowoomba Announced as Equestrian Venue for Brisbane Olympics in 2032

By Edited Press Release on Mar 26, 2025 9:30 am -

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and his deputy and Infrastructure Minister Jarrod Bleijie announced this week that Toowoomba, located a little under two hours from Brisbane’s city center, will be the site of the equestrian competitions for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Equestrian Queensland has partnered with the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland (Toowoomba Showgrounds) to improve the current equestrian facilities at the Showgrounds. This work also includes a master plan and business case to develop an Equestrian Centre of Excellence at the showgrounds.

Once developed, the Toowoomba Equestrian Centre of Excellence would offer the ability to host large scale equestrian events (>300 competitors) to a high standard with fit-for-discipline competition surfaces. These improvements would fill an identified gap in the Queensland equestrian facility market, in both the short and long term.

The proposed TEC will deliver the region a world-class equestrian facility that broadens its capability to provide equestrian events at the state, national, and international levels,” says Toowoomba mayor Geoff McDonald.

“Further, the TEC will provide athlete pathways, rider education, and social and commercial opportunities to benefit the region for generations.”

Below is the Master Plan for the development of the Toowoomba Equestrian Centre of Excellence:

MARS Bromont Rising U25 Grant Program Returns to MARS Bromont CCI for 2025

By Edited Press Release on Mar 25, 2025 12:30 pm -

MARS Bromont Rising Grant Recipients with guest coach Bettina Hoy on the cross-country course at Bromont June, 2023

The MARS Bromont Rising U25 scholarship program, administered by the USEA Foundation, is pleased to announce that up to 10 grants of up to $2,500 each will once again be available for talented young riders aged 25 and under aiming to compete in the MARS Bromont (Quebec, Canada) U25 CCI’s in June, 2025. Highlighting this year’s program is the return of three-time German Olympic team member Bettina Hoy, as a guest coach for 2025.

The brainchild of Bromont organizer Sue Ockendon and the late Steve Blauner; the scholarship program was first offered in 2019 for riders competing at Bromont and at the time Ocala, and was expanded to include Galway Downs in 2022 and 2023. Event horse owner Blauner had the vision of supporting young eventers from the US and Canada who were not yet under the radar of national U25 training programs. Ockendon had long had the dream of offering financial support the youth of the sport, who are the future of Eventing in North America. A complete training program was devised to help the riders prepare themselves and their horses for competition.

The grants assist with travel and entry expenses, but the program also includes some other activities such as:

✅ Classroom sessions with course designers and high performance riders
✅ Dressage test analysis by a 5* FEI judge
✅ Coaching and course walks during the event, in conjunction with riders’ own coaches

Bettina Hoy leads a course walk for MARS Bromont Rising riders. Photo by Cara Whitham.

Program director, Olympian and FEI judge, Peter Gray acts as a clinician at the event, including his “centreline workshop” on how to make the most of your warm-up and exactly what the judges are looking for movement by movement.

“I’m thrilled the MARS Bromont Rising grants will be offered once again at Bromont this year,” he remarked. “Bromont is a world-class competition destination with challenging terrain and cross-country courses designed by renowned Derek DiGrazia. Competition at Bromont rivals that of any major international event in the world. Having guest coaches like Bettina Hoy back on board is an incredible opportunity for our U25 athletes.”

Three-time German Olympian and former international coach for Holland, Hoy speaks extremely highly of the program. 

2024 MARS Bromont Rising grant recipient Julia Fanello (USA) with FE Prince of Darkness
in the CCIU252*-L at June’s MARS Bromont CCI 2024 © Michelle Dunn

“Programs like Bromont Rising, the USEF and USEA’s Developing Rider Programs, Australia’s Next GEN squads, and in Germany the Stiftung Deutscher Spitzensport-supported mentorship program are very valuable, especially if participants are willing to take them on in an immersive way,” Hoy remarked. “Education goes far beyond riding instruction. During the week at Bromont not only do we walk courses and talk Dressage, but we also discuss horse management –- how to plan your season, how to structure your fitness program, and proper aftercare to really complete the cycle of looking at the big picture. And of course we place emphasis on social license and the use of social media today.”

American young rider Julia Fanello (23) of Ocala, FL, received a grant in 2024 and speaks highly of her experience:

“I had a wonderful time participating in the Bromont Rising program last year. The opportunity to go over my dressage test with the judge one-on-one was incredible. It allowed direct insight into what the judge is looking for and how I can improve my tests in the future. Not only that, they offered individualized advice regarding a bit for my horse, which I now use every day. The training I received from Bettina Hoy exceeded all expectations going into the event. Being able to walk the cross country course with her shone light on things I would never have considered.”  

2024 MARS Bromont Rising grant recipient Colin Gaffney with Baymax in the CCI3*U25-L
at June’s MARS Bromont CCI 2024. © Michelle Dunn Photo

Colin Gaffney, 25, of Lexington, KY also participated in the 2024 Bromont Rising program.

“The Bromont Rising program was a turning point in my development with (my horse) Baymax,” he remarked.

“What was most impactful was not only being able to be put in front of people like Bettina (Hoy) and Peter (Gray) and get their feedback and opinions; but to be put in a environment where everyone wants you to develop and learn as much as they want you to succeed at that show.

“The changes and advice we received at Bromont helped turn our success around and contributed to a good result at the American Eventing Championships. Our dressage scores have drastically improved and I think we are scoring better at the four star level now than we were at the three star level last year. A big part of that is thanks to the help that I received as part of Bromont Rising.”   

Canadian and American U25 riders competing in the CCIU252*-L and CCIU253*-L as well as the CCI4*-L/S are eligible to apply.

Grant application information is as follows:

MARS Bromont CCI June 5-8, 2025
CCIU252*-L, CCIU253*-L, CCI4*-L/S
https://bromontcci.com

Applications will open March 25, 2025 | APPLICATION DEADLINE MAY 15, 2025

Grant application & information forms, hotel information, omnibus & FEI Schedule can be found on the website here.

Applications for the 2025 Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund Scholarships are Open

By Edited Press Release on Mar 19, 2025 10:30 am -

Previous scholarship recipient Erica Leslie Jones and R U Sure at the Waredaca Three-Day. Photo by Zenya Lepper for Erin Gilmore Photography.

Thanks to the generous donations of the Waredaca Eventing Education Foundation (WEEF) supporters as well as several organizers of Classic Three-Day Events across the country, WEEF is pleased to announce that this year, the Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund Scholarship will once again be a nation-wide scholarship opportunity.

For 2025, we will be staggering the closing dates for scholarship applications to better suit the needs of riders and organizers. Please be sure to read the application eligibility and deadlines information posted here, but note that the first application deadline for spring Classics is April 1!

The 2025 Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund Scholarship winners will each be awarded $1000 cash to be used towards training and expenses related to competing in a 2025 USEA sponsored Classic Three-Day Event. Scholarship winners will also be awarded one entry to a participating Classic Three-Day Events. Participating events are listed here.

To learn more about WEEF and the Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund, please visit https://waredaca.com/waredaca-eventing-education-fund-weef/.

Opportunity Event Horse Program Announces Calendar for Pilot Year

By Edited Press Release on Mar 12, 2025 9:30 am -

USEA/Veronica Green-Gott photo

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is excited to announce the Opportunity Event Horse (OEH) Program, a new pilot program for the 2025 competition season. The OEH Program is designed to introduce horses and riders to the sport of eventing in a supportive and encouraging environment. Not yet a member of the USEA? New to the sport of eventing or have a horse who has never competed? This is the class for you!

The goal of the Opportunity Event Horse (OEH) Program is to offer an introductory competition option for horse and rider combinations that may not be ready to step up to a full recognized event or the Young Event Horse (YEH) program yet. The format will run like the Young Event Horse program with two sections: the dressage phase and the jumping test/gallop/general impression phase. The dressage test will be worth 30% of their final score, and the jumping test/gallop/general impression will be worth 70% of the final score. Horses are permitted to enter more than one opportunity class and may also participate in a YEH qualifier offered at the same event if they meet the respective age requirements. In this case, the horse and rider must complete their YEH test first, so as not to allow an unfair advantage to school the course.

No matter the year(s) of experience combinations have, the only requirement for horses to be eligible to compete in an OEH class is they must be a minimum of 4 years old. Classes may be held at specifications of the Starter, Beginner Novice, or Novice level at discretion of the organizer. Heights will reflect the greenness of horse and rider and should remain at the lower end of the range for each level for the entire year. Competitors will have the opportunity during the event to school in and around the dressage arena before entering for their test, and they should be given the chance to show their horses the fences on the jumping test course, including walking/trotting through the water complex, before their round starts. The goal is to give horse and rider combinations the opportunity to gain confidence and valuable experience as an introduction to the sport of eventing, in hopes that it will spark their interest in continuing to participate in more events in the future.

View the list of 2025 USEA OEH competitions below, and keep in mind that the calendar is subject to change. New competitions can be added regularly, so members are encouraged to reach out to their favorite local events to encourage them to participate. Please continue to check here for any updates throughout the year.

2025 USEA Opportunity Event Horse

Snowdonia Sport Horse Complex YEH/NEH/OEH (Area V) | March 30, 2025

Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T. YEH/NEH/OEH (Area VI) | June 13, 2025

Snowdonia Sport Horse Complex YEH/NEH/OEH (Area V) | June 22, 2025

Applewood Farm YEH/OEH & Mini Event (Area II) | July 16, 2025

Shepherd Ranch Pony Club HT II YEH/NEH/OEH (Area VI) | August 1, 2025

Applewood Farm YEH/OEH & Mini Event (Area II) | August 13, 2025

Kinnitty Capall Stables YEH/OEH (Area I) | September 7, 2025

*There is no championship for the OEH program.
Are you interested in hosting a USEA Opportunity Event Horse competition? Learn more about OEH program requirements here, and contact staff liaison Kate Lokey at [email protected] to register.

The OEH Program was approved as a pilot program for 2025, which means it will not be instituted as a permanent USEA Program unless there is enough interest and participation in classes offered at events this year. Don’t see a USEA Opportunity Event Horse competition near you? Please contact your local USEA Horse Trial organizers to express interest and ask if they are willing to host the Opportunity Event Horse Program at their venue.

About the USEA Opportunity Event Horse (OEH) Program

The USEA Opportunity Event Horse (OEH) Program was proposed at the USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in December 2024 as an introductory competition option for horse and rider combinations of any age that may not be ready to step up to a full recognized event or the Young Event Horse (YEH) program yet. Much like the YEH program, OEH classes require the horse and rider to complete two phases of competition, typically on the same day. The first is a dressage test, and the second is a jumping, galloping, and general impression phase. Unlike the YEH, the OEH is open to all horses 4 years or older. The OEH will run as a pilot program in 2025 and if enough participation warrants, it will be implemented as a permanent USEA Program moving forward. For more information on the OEH, click here.

Eventing Athlete Julie Wolfert Receives USET Foundation’s 2025 Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant

By Edited Press Release on Mar 10, 2025 10:30 am -

Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation has awarded the Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant for 2025 to eventing athlete Julie Wolfert of Bucyrus, Kansas. As the philanthropic partner to US Equestrian (USEF), the USET Foundation’s singular mission is to ensure U.S. equestrian athletes and teams have the resources necessary to maintain excellence on the greatest international stages. Grants and funding from the USET Foundation, through philanthropic contributions, go to USEF to help support the training, competition, travel, and educational needs of America’s horse and human athletes.

The Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant is awarded annually through the USET Foundation’s Amanda Pirie Warrington Fund. Pirie’s family established the fund in her memory to provide financial assistance to an eventing athlete identified as having the talent and ability to represent the United States on senior teams.

The grant is intended for a recipient who will benefit most from the opportunity to continue their training with top coaches and to compete against the world’s best in eventing. As the recipient, Wolfert will receive up to $5,000 to help offset expenses associated with her training throughout 2025.

In October 2024, Wolfert and SSH Playboy, a 13-year-old Irish gelding by Cit Cat that she co-owns with Sheri Gurske and Renee Senter, won the CCI4*-L at Morven Park in Leesburg, Virginia, in the rider’s first year competing at CCI4*-L level. Together, the duo are currently ranked 76th on the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings.

“I was shocked to receive the Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant,” said Wolfert. “I was in the middle of a show and had just laid down my personal best FEI dressage score when I got the call. I got a little teary eyed because it felt like the universe was rewarding me for all my hard work and efforts.

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

“I am completely honored to receive this grant from the USET Foundation. It means the world to me that I was chosen from what I’m sure was a long list of high-caliber riders,” she added. “As we all know, riding and training professionally can be quite difficult at times and being recognized in this way will help push my riding to another level. I would like to thank the Warrington family for this opportunity, and I will do my best to honor Amanda’s memory.”

“Julie is an extremely deserving recipient of the Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant. Her performance in the CCI4*-L at Morven Park showcased the dedication and effort she has invested into her partnership with SSH Playboy,” said Leslie Law, the Chef d’Equipe and High Performance Manager for the Defender U.S. Eventing Team. “I was particularly impressed by the progress she demonstrated during our Development training session this past January, and I look forward to seeing their continued success this season.”

Wolfert grew up in Overland Park, Kansas, and dabbled in several disciplines before finding her calling in eventing. She owns and runs Chaps Equestrian Center in Bucyrus, where she teaches predominantly adult amateurs and trains horses for eventing, hunter/jumper, and dressage.

SSH Playboy is Wolfert’s only current upper level horse, and Wolfert plans to use the grant to help them both gain exposure and show experience.

“My goals for 2025 include being selected for the Developing European Tour, which includes representing the United States in the Nations Cup at Bicton in the U.K., and then competing in the five-star at Luhmühlen in Germany,” stated Wolfert. “I am truly grateful for this grant, which enables me to continue my education and maintain my riding at the highest level, and I can’t wait to soak up as much knowledge as possible.

Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“Winning at Morven Park has been the highlight of my accomplishments so far. It has opened the door to many opportunities including securing a spot on the USEF Eventing Development Athlete Program list and receiving the Rebecca Broussard National Developing Rider Grant,” she continued. “The training opportunities the program has provided have been invaluable, and I already notice a difference in my riding. Without help from the USET Foundation and USEF I wouldn’t have had these career-changing opportunities. I am forever grateful and excited to see where this takes me on my quest to represent the United States on the world stage.

“I would like to thank Renee Senter and Sheri Gurske, the other owners of SSH Playboy, for the opportunity to ride such an incredible horse,” added Wolfert. “Three years ago, we came together to form Team Pivot, and it has been such a joyous ride together. I’d also like to thank my mom, Susie Wolfert, for always being my biggest supporter and believing in me all these years.”

For additional information or to support the USET Foundation and U.S. equestrian athletes, visit https://www.uset.org/.

British Eventing U25 National Championships to Continue at Bramham International

By Edited Press Release on Mar 10, 2025 9:30 am -

Emma Thomas and The Buzz Factor. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

British Eventing is pleased to announce that the U25 National Championship class will continue to be held at the Defender Bramham International Horse Trials and will from 2025 be incorporated into the CCI4*S class. For U25 riders wishing to still compete in the CCI4*L class, support will also be given. This move aims to attract a higher number of talented combinations available to participate in the championship which has long been associated with nurturing and promoting youth talent in the equestrian world.

Developing Britain’s young talent and providing our stars of the future with a valuable rung on the ladder has always been a strong ethos for the team at Bramham. Even back at the inaugural horse trials in 1974 there was a dedicated section for juniors and some nine years later, a young rider section was introduced. This developed into a National Championship class two years later in 1985 and ran successfully until 2002 when it became the Under 25 Championship. The first duo to take the title were none other than Zara Phillips, now Tindall, with Toytown – they of course went on to become European and World Champions.

British Eventing’s Head of Youth Darrell Scaife said: “The decision to incorporate the U25 National Championship class into the CCI4*S at Bramham International Horse Trials is a significant step towards nurturing the future stars of the equestrian world. We are committed to providing our young riders with the necessary support and opportunities to develop their skills and make a mark in the sport. By offering a platform that allows them to compete alongside senior riders, we not only elevate their performance but also inspire them to aim for the highest honours in eventing. We look forward to seeing these talented athletes grow. We are also delighted that Tina Cook who won both the Young Rider Championships and the Senior International class at Bramham is lead coach on our U25 programme and will be at Bramham to offer help and support to our younger competitors.”

The names of a number of Britain’s team medallists adorn the U25 roll of honour including Piggy March, Tom McEwen and reigning World Champion Yaz Ingham as well as individual stars Will Coleman (USA) and Astier Nicolas (FRA).

Defender Bramham International Horse Trials Event Director Nicholas Pritchard commented: “Putting riders on the right path to reaching the highest honours in the sport was what Bramham was founded on, and we’re proud of the success rate in both riders and horses. We still want Bramham to be a target for those under 25 – they need support at this stage in their careers – and will recognise their successes as they compete in the CCI4*S section alongside the seniors. We look forward to welcoming the stars of the future in June – perhaps a top placing could put them on the road to a championship team spot.”

Kentucky Horse Park Foundation Takes the Reins for Three Eventing Competitions Starting in 2025

By Edited Press Release on Mar 5, 2025 9:30 am -

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is thrilled to announce that it has taken on the responsibility of organizing three eventing competitions starting this year. These events will take place at the iconic Kentucky Horse Park, the world-class equestrian competition and educational venue on the bucket list for so many in the eventing community.

For many years, these three competitions have been successfully operated by a local organizer, and the KHP Foundation is excited to carry on this legacy The three events will have their dates adjusted by a week to make the best use of available facilities, and they include:

Kentucky May-Daze Horse Trials (Starter through Preliminary) – May 16-18, 2025
Kentucky Summer Horse Trials (Starter through Intermediate) – July 18-20, 2025 (pending USEA/USEF date approval)
Kentucky Oktoberfest Horse Trials – October 31 – November 2, 2025 (format/levels still being worked out)

To add to the excitement, David O’Connor joins the organizing committee for these three competitions, and he will also serve as the cross country course designer. He is accompanied by event director, Max Corcoran, and together with the KHP Foundation team and competition officials, are committed to building on the legacy of these mainstay competitions on the Kentucky eventing calendar.

Emphasizing that these horse trials aim to provide a high-quality experience for every level of competitor, David O’Connor noted “The Kentucky Horse Park is well-known as a worldclass competition venue, and providing an enjoyable opportunity for inexperienced horses and riders on up to an international level is essential to our mission. We look forward to sharing the historic standards of the Horse Park by offering a fresh approach to these established competitions.”

The opening date for entries for the Kentucky May-Daze Horse Trials is coming up soon on April 1st. Competitors are encouraged to make their plans now and check the USEA competition calendar for detailed entry information in the Omnibus.

The KHP Foundation is dedicated to supporting the equestrian community and to promoting the Kentucky Horse Park as a premier destination for equestrian events and educational activities. We look forward to welcoming competitors, fans and volunteers to these events as we celebrate the spirit of eventing.

For more information, please contact:
Briana Moreno
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 859 255 5727

KENTUCKY HORSE PARK FOUNDATION
Click to Visit the Kentucky Horse Trial Series

The Event at TerraNova Returns with Exciting VIP Experiences and Volunteer Opportunities Benefiting Easterseals SWFL

By Edited Press Release on Feb 17, 2025 12:30 pm -

Alyssa Phillips (USA) of Fort Worth, Texas, won the Galati Yacht Sales CCI4*-S at The Event at TerraNova, presented by B&D Builders, at TerraNova Equestrian Center on Saturday aboard Oskar (Coriando x Nicole) in March of 2024. Photo by EQ Media

TerraNova Equestrian Center is thrilled to announce the return of The Event at TerraNova from March 27-30, 2025. The biannual three-day event attracts top riders and international competitors. Entries for the competition are now open, with the following levels offered: CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S, CCI1*, Advanced, Intermediate, Preliminary, Training, Novice, Beginner Novice, and Starter. The CCI4*-S serves as a qualifying event for the US Equestrian Open of Eventing, a series that will award $50,000 in prize money to the three-highest placed combinations following the conclusion of the qualifying period. $200,000 in prize money will be distributed at the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final in 2025.

As a staple event on the venue’s calendar, The Event at TerraNova has become a beloved favorite for competitors and spectators alike. Molly Oakman, President of TerraNova Enterprises, is looking forward to welcoming all to enjoy the facility and appreciate the sport of eventing.

“We are honored to host both horse and human guests to our world-class facility for exciting equestrian competition,” said Oakman. “The additional development of our cross-country course, arena maintenance, and new show jump designs are all the ways we are choosing to create a safe and challenging environment to support all levels of the sport. Falling in line with our commitment to excellence, we have additions to our property like the vendor cottages, onsite lodging and food service options, and the elevated production of our live stream as we are mindfully growing.”

Spectators are invited to reserve seating in the VIP pavilion on Saturday, March 29th as the CCI riders take on the show jumping phase. The pavilion’s panoramic views allow guests to take in the sights and sounds of both international show jumping and national-level cross-country at the same time!

TerraNova’s Executive Chef, Christopher Capstick, will return with gourmet brunch fare and a seasonal twist with local ingredients. Don’t miss the chance to mingle with fellow equestrian enthusiasts in our boutique shopping area and bring the kids to TerraNova Tiny Town.

For those looking to lend a helping hand, for every hour volunteered, $20 will be donated to Easterseals SWFL, supporting their mission to provide essential services to children, youth, and adults with special needs. Volunteers will receive training and can choose from various roles, including assisting in Tiny Town, the VIP pavilion, and parking services. No horse experience is required—everyone is invited to make a difference!

Join us for an unforgettable weekend of world-class equestrian competition and community engagement. For more information and to purchase VIP tickets or sign up as a volunteer, please visit our website at TerraNova Equestrian Center.

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

By Edited Press Release on Feb 7, 2025 11:00 am -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ride for Charity

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

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

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

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

Spectator Course Walks

Photo by Sally Spickard.

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

Friday, February 28th

In between Dressage & Show Jumping (official time TBD)

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

Saturday, March 1st

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

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

To secure your tickets to #AnEventLikeNoOther, click here.

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

By Edited Press Release on Feb 5, 2025 9:30 am -

Photo by Annan Hepner / USEA.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Program

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

The USEA would like to thank Bates Saddles, Horse & Country, Kerrits, Nunn Finer, Sidelines, U.S. Equestrian, WeRideTogether, and World Equestrian Brands for sponsoring the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Program.

About the USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL)

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

British Eventing Launches XC+

By Edited Press Release on Jan 31, 2025 9:30 am -

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Edited Press Release on Jan 29, 2025 9:30 am -

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

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

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

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

There are four classes of Maryland Sport Horse:

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

The benefits of registration include:

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

Learn more about the registry here.

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

By Edited Press Release on Jan 21, 2025 9:00 am -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo credit: FEI

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Edited Press Release on Jan 11, 2025 9:00 am -

Lauren Nicholson and Vermiculus. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

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

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

New EEI Executive Director Molly Day

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

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

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

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

By Edited Press Release on Jan 6, 2025 11:02 am -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

British Eventing Announces Significant Restructure of Its Training Offer

By Edited Press Release on Dec 26, 2024 9:00 am -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2025 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant Recipient: Taylor Bradish

By Edited Press Release on Dec 21, 2024 9:30 am -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Selection Committee

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

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

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

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

By Edited Press Release on Dec 20, 2024 9:45 am -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Edited Press Release on Dec 17, 2024 9:00 am -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sharon White and Jaguars Duende. Photo by Sally Spickard.

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

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

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

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

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

By Edited Press Release on Dec 13, 2024 9:00 am -

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

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

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

Ticket Options

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg. Photo by Sally Spickard.

General Admission

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

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

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

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

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

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

NEW FOR 2025:

General Admission Tailgate Package $250.00

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

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

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

Deadline to Purchase: February 15

VIP

VIP tickets include:

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