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Scholarships for Junior and FEI Riders Up for Grabs at Maryland Horse Trials

By on Jan 12, 2024 3:14 pm -

Loch Moy Farm shows off its photogenic nature. Photo by Alison Green for Erin Gilmore Photography.

Six scholarships across two categories will be available this spring from the Maryland International Equestrian Foundation for Juniors and FEI riders alike.

The MEIF will award four $1,000 scholarships to riders wanting to compete at the 1*, 2*, 3* or 4* levels at the July Maryland International Horse Trials. The scholarship funds will used entry fees, stabling, travel costs, and other associated competition expenses up to $1,000.

Applications are open from January 15, 2024 to March 31, 2024. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Recipients will be announced April 15, 2024. To apply, click here.

Applicant Criteria:

  • Open to riders who are USEF and USEA members in good standing.

  • Horses and riders must be capable of competing at the level of scholarship they are applying for.

  • Riders may apply for more than one scholarship level as long as it is a different horse/rider combination.

  • Riders and horses who have competed in a 5* competition and/or outside of North America are not eligible.

  • Horse and rider combination may not have competed above the level for which they are applying.

  • Previous applicants are encouraged to re-apply

  • Members of the MIEF Board of Directors and members of their families are not eligible. Family members or current clients of the Scholarship Award Committee are not eligible.

  • Incomplete applications without a video submission and letter of recommendation will not be considered.

The Merrylegs Junior Rider scholarships are geared towards diverse, young equestrians who are competing at a grassroots level. Scholarship recipients will receive a credit of $500 towards Maryland Starter Horse Trials (unrecognized) entries and schooling opportunities at Loch Moy Farm over the next year. The scholarship period is one year after the date the recipient enters their first event. After this period, unused scholarship funds will expire. Loch Moy Farm offers a variety of fun and accessible opportunities throughout the year for grassroots riders to learn and compete.

Applications for this initial round are due March 1, 2024. Two scholarships will be awarded during this round. To apply, click here.

Applicant Criteria:

  • Junior riders* age 13 – 17 riding at a grassroots level who would like to compete or are competing at the elementary, beginner novice, or novice levels. *{as defined by USEF and USEA Rulebook)

  • Local to Loch Moy Farm and able to arrange a suitable horse and travel to the venue. Scholarship funds can also be applied towards stabling. Recipients do not need to own their own horse, or use the same horse throughout the year. Participants in riding school lesson programs are encouraged to apply!

  • Ready to tell us how this scholarship would help them advance their riding goals.

  • Enthusiastic about increasing access to equestrian sports for underrepresented groups.

  • Willing to share their experience on Maryland Horse Trials and MIEF social & print media.

  • Able to further their equestrian education by volunteering 8 hours at any Maryland Horse Trials event. The volunteer hours may be split up.

Scholarship recipients will be subject to the rules and requirements of the events they enter.

2024 Thoroughbred Makeover Applications are Open for Submission

By on Jan 9, 2024 9:30 am -

Photo courtesy of Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover.

The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) announced today that applications for the 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, are now open for submission. The application period closes at 5 PM EST on January 19, 2024.

Accepted trainers will be announced no later than February 15, 2024. The 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover Rulebook outlines all rules and information relevant to the competition, with changes for 2024 marked in red and clarifying information marked in blue. Interested applicants can start the application process now by logging in at theRRP.org.

Entering its tenth year at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, the Thoroughbred Makeover features competition in ten disciplines for recently-retired Thoroughbreds in their first year of retraining for a career after racing. A competition division is also open to recently-retired broodmares exiting the bloodstock industry. Horses and their trainers may compete in one or two disciplines of their choice, including Barrel Racing, Competitive Trail, Dressage, Eventing, Field Hunter, Polo, Ranch Work, Show Hunter, Show Jumper and Freestyle (a freeform discipline showcasing skills of the trainer’s choosing).

Horses and trainers will compete for more than $110,000 in total prize money, plus the coveted title of Thoroughbred Makeover Champion, at the Kentucky Horse Park on October 9-12, 2024. The Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium includes not only the competition, but educational seminars, a vendor fair, the Makeover Marketplace horse sale and Right Horse Adoption Barn, and more. The Thoroughbred Makeover Finale will feature the top five horses in each discipline in the Retiring Racehorse division based on preliminary competition, and will be live-streamed for viewers at home.

The Thoroughbred Makeover is open to professionals, amateurs, juniors (ages 12 and over), and teams. Applicants are required to provide information about their riding and competition background as well as references, including one from a veterinarian, and video that showcases their riding ability. Competitors do not need to have acquired their horse at the time of application, though they must register their horse no later than July 31, 2024.

Accepted trainers may acquire eligible Thoroughbreds through whatever source they choose, or can ride under contract from an owner. Eligible horses in the Retiring Racehorse division must have raced or had a published work on or after July 1, 2022 and must not have started retraining for a second career prior to December 1, 2023 other than a maximum of 15 rides, intended to allow for trial rides and assessment purposes. Eligible horses in the Former Broodmare division must have raced or had a published work in their lifetime, and must have produced a foal or have been bred in the 2022 breeding season or after as reported by The Jockey Club; they may not have shown or competed prior to December 1, 2023. Full eligibility requirements can be found in the rulebook at theRRP.org.

Photo courtesy of Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover.

The Thoroughbred Makeover has directly impacted over 4,600 horses since the competition began in 2013, and over $40 million has been invested into the future of those participating horses by their Makeover trainers including health care, training and more. The Thoroughbred Makeover has been a transformative event in Thoroughbred aftercare, increasing not only the demand for Thoroughbreds beyond racing but their value as retiring prospects, plus inspiring thousands of equestrians to get involved with the breed.

The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) is a 501(c)3 charitable organization working to increase demand for off-track Thoroughbreds beyond racing. In addition to producing the Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, the world’s largest and most lucrative retraining competition for recently-retired racehorses, the organization also maintains an educational library of content to empower more equestrians to ride a Thoroughbred, offers the only Thoroughbred-only online horse listings, and conducts clinics and seminars throughout the country.

FEI Publishes Olympic and Paralympic Rankings for Paris 2024

By on Jan 3, 2024 9:30 am -

The equestrian sports at Paris 2024 will take place at the Palace of Versailles.

Following the end of the qualification period at December 31, 2023, the FEI has published the Olympic and Paralympic Rankings which are used as the basis for the individual qualification slots for Paris 2024, and where relevant for reallocation and composite team purposes as per the qualification systems inherent to each discipline. Below is the update as it pertains to the sport of eventing. All other information from the FEI regarding Paris can be found here.

Eventing Update

Overall quota: 65 Athlete/Horse Combinations – 16 Teams (48 Athlete/Horse Combinations) & 17 Individual Athlete/Horse Combinations)

16 NOCs that have obtained a Team quota place (subject to meeting relevant requirements – NOC Certificate of Capability to be confirmed by January 8, 2024): France (as host nation), Germany, United States of America, New Zealand, Great Britain, Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Japan, Italy.

The above NOCs have until February 5, 2024 to confirm their Team quota place with the exception of France (as host country) who is required to confirm by January 8, 2024.

Once the Teams have been confirmed (including any required reallocation process February/March 2024), only NOCs that have not accepted a Team quota place will be eligible to obtain Individual quota places, based on the FEI Olympic Ranking for Eventing published today (note: this ranking list does not include individuals from team qualified federations). Important to note an NOC can qualify for a maximum of two individual places in Eventing (only one per NOC in Jumping and Dressage), either through their FEI Olympic Group or through the overall FEI Olympic Ranking, or both.

The FEI Olympic Ranking – Eventing is limited to the best four results per Athlete/Horse combination in the qualifying events, within the period from January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023.

An NOC can therefore earn up to two individual quota places via the FEI Olympic Group Rankings with 14 Individual Quota places allocated via the FEI Olympic Group Rankings and three Individual Quota places allocated via the overall FEI Olympic Ranking. See links and current nations eligible for Individual quota places below, however, depending on the reallocation of unused Team quota places and/or should any nations decline their Team slot (deadline 5 February 2024), or not meet the requirements, the reallocation process for unused Team quota places would have an impact on the nations listed below.

The following nations have qualified one or two individual slots for Paris. This list is, however, subject to change should any of the nations listed in the team list above decline their spot or not meet relevant requirements.

Olympic Ranking – Group A: Denmark (1) and Finland (1)
Olympic Ranking – Group B: Spain (1) and Austria (1)
Olympic Ranking – Group C: Lithuania (1) and Hungary (1)
Olympic Ranking – Groups D & E*: Chile (1), Argentina (1), Ecuador (2)
Olympic Ranking – Group F: South Africa (1) and Morocco (1)
Olympic Ranking – Group G: China (2)
Three highest Ranked: Spain (+1), Finland (+1), Denmark (+1)
TOTAL: 17

A nominated long list is required from each nation by March 28, with final entries due to Paris organizers by July 8. Competitors have until June 24 to obtain any needed final MERs.

[Read more analysis on Olympic qualification from Tilly Berendt here]

Follow along with all of EN’s coverage of the Olympics here.

EN’s pre-coverage of the Paris Olympics in 2024 is brought to you with support from Zoetis — Long Live the Horse.

Stable View to Host Alumni Challenge at 2024 Intercollegiate Championships

By on Dec 29, 2023 10:00 am -

University of Kentucky. Photo by Shelby Allen.

In addition to hosting the Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Eventing Championships at the Charity Horse Trials May 4th-5th, Stable View will also be hosting an Alumni Challenge.

This challenge will allow current graduate students as well as any college alumni to form teams. Stable View recognizes that due to Covid many recent college graduates missed opportunities to compete at Champs for their college. There are lots of college graduates who went to school before the Intercollegiate Eventing Program’s inception and never had the opportunity to compete in any team challenges.

Photo by Shelby Allen.

This inaugural Alumni and Graduate Student Championship hosted by Stable View will be the chance for any and all college alumni and graduate students to compete as part of a team. This will be the first of what is planned to be future Alumni Challenges. Gather your college friends and teammates and see you May 4th and 5th at Stable View.

The Alumni Challenge will have its own set of awards that will be announced as soon as possible.

In addition to the Alumni Challenge, Starter has been added to the Charity Horse Trials allowing even more opportunities for horse trial and championship competitors.

For more information and updates about the Intercollegiate Championships and Alumni Challenge at Stable View, click here.

British Eventing Releases 2024 Fixture Calendar

By on Dec 21, 2023 5:00 pm -

Early season eventing action at beautiful Thoresby Park. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography for BEDE Events.

It’s time to get planning: British Eventing has released next season’s fixtures calendar, which is set to get underway at Epworth (1) in South Yorkshire and Poplar Park in Suffolk on Saturday 2 March 2024.

The 2024 calendar has been particularly challenging due to both Badminton and Burghley moving their dates which has had a huge knock-on implication for the rest of the fixtures for 2024 and 2025. BE has worked hard with organisers to create the most fair and balanced schedules as possible.

Despite the challenges, there are plenty of positives to focus on including the welcome return of Weston Park who will run on 6-7 April, offering classes from Novice to Advanced, which will no doubt be very popular with members.

There will also be several exciting new grassroots additions to the calendar, including two new events in Scotland; Brechin Castle in Angus (BE80-BE100) and Oatridge in West Lothian (BE80-BE100), while in the South West, BE welcomes Kingston Maurward in Dorset (BE80-BE100).

Regional Championships will continue at venues across the country acting as a pathway to the NAF Five Star BE80 Championships at Bramham and the Voltaire Design BE90 and BE100 Grassroots Championships at Badminton.

The British Eventing Leagues will also continue to run across BE80 – BE100 in 2024, including the Newcomers league for those in their first season competing within these height categories. A performance-based prize fund of £10,000 prize fund continues to be allocated to them with prize money being paid out bi-monthly.

The popular GoBE classes will also be available across multiple venues. GoBE BE80 – BE100 classes will continue to require no membership fee payable and offer unpublished results across all levels.

Some other changes to the calendar include an additional day of cross country on the Friday at Cirencester (1) while Oxstalls (1) will replace Goring Heath for 2024 on the Easter weekend. Oasby (1) in March will offer extra Intermediate opportunities for the membership.

For the second year running, Chatsworth will host the British leg of the FEI Nations Cup in May, and in addition to this, BE is grateful for the organisers of Epworth (2) stepping up as a permanent replacement for Speetley in June.

Osberton International (1) is a replacement for Rockingham with classes running from BE100 to Intermediate, CCI2*S, CCI3*S & CCIP2*.

We have also seen some calendar moves this year including Bovington moving to 20-21 April, Tweseldown (2) moving to 10-12 May, Little Downham (2) has moved to 3-4 August, Hopetoun has moved to 3-4 August with Regional Championships, and Chard Equestrian has moved to 31 August-1 September.

Due to reasons beyond the control of the Organisers, South of England has had to move to 21- 22 September for 2024 only, and sadly this means that for one year South of England will not host any FEI classes. A replacement will be announced early in the New Year.

The Fixtures Committee have circulated an Expression of Interest (EOI) to existing Organisers in the hope that these valuable MER opportunities can be replaced. This move was enabled due to the organisers of Munstead kindly agreeing to move to the last week in September to help South of England, a splendid example of organisers working together to give members the best opportunities as possible.

The organisers of Horseheath, Floors Castle, Richmond, Speetley, Somerford Park and Warwick Hall are unable to run this year for various reasons, but we trust that the exciting additions to the calendar will make up for those lost.

 Numbers of key classes

  • 11 events with advanced classes
  • 38 events with Intermediate classes
  • 5 events with 1*S classes
  • 13 events with 2*S classes
  • 14 events with 3*S classes
  • 11 events with 4*S classes
  • 5 events with 2*L classes
  • 4 events with 3*L classes
  • 3 events with 4*L classes
  • 4 events with P2*S classes
  • 6 Regional Championships
  • 19 105 classes
  • 11 80u18 classes
  • 15 18u90 classes
  • 13 18u100 classes
  • 13 18uN classes
  • 106 GoBE cross country days

View the fixtures calendar here. Please note that the website is updating at the moment and will take time for all the fixtures to upload.

In the meantime you can view the full fixtures calendar and further details of which classes are running on each day here.

Conversations with Canada: Sign Up for a Pre-Christmas Webinar

By on Dec 16, 2023 2:25 pm -

The Canadian team is launching a very fun new concept: beginning on December 20th, they’ll be diving into a webinar series with all the horsey heroes who make up the Canadian high performance machine that’s working towards the Paris Olympics.

First up to bat? The team that earned that Paris ticket at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile in October. Gain an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the team’s journey and discover the stories that led them to victory. Highlights of the webinar are set to include:
• Personal anecdotes from the gold medalists
• Insights into their training and preparation
• Q&A session for you to engage directly with the athletes

This webinar is just the beginning of a series in support of the team’s “Pathway to Paris” campaign, where we delve into the world of Canadian Eventing High Performance. Be part of this exciting journey and witness the dedication, skill, and camaraderie that define Team Canada.

Save your spot now by registering and secure your front-row seat to this incredible conversation with the champions.

 

 

Boyd Martin and Commando 3 Receive the USET Foundation’s Connaught Grant

By on Dec 10, 2023 10:30 am -

Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation has named three-time eventing Olympian Boyd Martin of Cochranville, Pennsylvania, and his mount, Commando 3, a 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Connor 48 x R-Adelgunde) owned by Yankee Creek Ranch, the recipients of the 2024 Connaught Grant.

Each year, the USET Foundation administers up to $25,000 to a developing horse that is seen as a potential 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 eventing horses in the U.S., and is named after Connaught, a horse that was owned by Duchossois and ridden by Phillip Dutton at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games and 2008 Beijing Olympics.

As the recipient of the Connaught Grant, Martin, who is an athlete on the US Equestrian (USEF) Eventing Elite Program List with Commando 3 and Luke 140, will use the funds to support further competition and training with Commando 3 with the aim of riding for the U.S. at the highest levels on the international stage.

Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“It’s a huge honor and privilege to receive the Connaught Grant with Commando 3,” stated Martin. “In the last year, Commando 3 has burst onto the U.S. equestrian scene. We’ve worked very hard at building a partnership. I really feel like he is developing into one of the top horses in the nation.

“When I first arrived in the U.S., I got a job as a rider for Philip Dutton and was lucky enough to get to know Bruce Duchossois and Connaught,” continued Martin. “From the bottom of my heart, receiving this grant is a touching moment because I witnessed how much Bruce [Duchossois] changed his career and helped U.S. equestrian sport. I was also there to see Connaught in his finest moments, winning five-star events, and representing America. To be put in a category with a champion bloke like Bruce and a horse like Connaught is a huge accomplishment.”

Throughout 2023, Martin and Commando 3 have competed at the four-star level. Most recently, in October, the pair won the CCI4*-L at the Morven Park International, in Leesburg, Virginia. This win came on the heels of several top-five finishes in four-star competition, including winning the CCI4*-S in September at The Fork at Tryon International and placing third in the horse’s first CCI4*-L in May at the Tryon International Three-Day Event, both in Mill Spring, North Carolina.

Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Martin credits Commando 3’s character and is also quick to recognize the horse’s owners for their support.

“He’s an interesting character,” Martin said of Commando 3. “He’s a very good-looking horse and, sadly, he knows it. He struts around like a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles. He has an amazing presence, and even when I watch him walking in the field, he has a championship look. I feel like we have an exciting future on the horizon with him.

“I’m really grateful for Yankee Creek Ranch getting behind me and owning Commando 3,” he continued. “We’ve developed a great friendship and partnership and it’s a fantastic feeling to ride a horse for people that have the same beliefs, goals, and aspirations.”

Next year, Martin has his eyes on the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, with Commando 3 and other horses in his string. Whether or not Commando 3 is selected for the Games, Martin plans to enter the gelding in five-star competition.

Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

While Martin will leverage the grant in a way that will help Commando 3 gain the experience necessary for him to be successful on the world stage, he also hopes that up-and-coming athletes will continue their hard work and look for opportunities for the USET Foundation and USEF to support their journeys up the ranks.

“The USET Foundation and USEF do an incredible job identifying and supporting the great horse-and-rider talent we have in America,” Martin concluded. “To anyone that wants a shot at greatness, my advice would be to put your head down and work as hard as you can. Strive for the pinnacle of the sport. I promise there will be many ups and downs, but if you can hang in there and you keep chipping away, this sport will eventually reward you.”

Previous Connaught Grant Recipients

2023 Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake

2022 Will Coleman and Chin Tonic

2021 Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way

2020 Liz Halliday and Cooley Moonshine

2019 Alexander O’Neal and Fury H

2018 Matt Brown and Big Berry

2017 Emilee Libby and Jakobi

2016 Jennie Brannigan and Stella Artois

2015 Heather Morris and Charlie Tango

Level Up with a Scholarship from Green Mountain Horse Association

By on Dec 9, 2023 12:50 pm -

Photo courtesy of GMHA.

A big part of the Green Mountain Horse Association (GMHA) mission is to help educate future generations of riders and welcome a new generation of riders into GMHA and into the wider world of equestrian sports.

To help advance this mission, generous donors have provided funds to GMHA specifically earmarked to help young riders in their quest for excellence. The following scholarships are open to applicants and are due March 24, 2024.

Young Equestrian Development Scholarships

This fund provides financial assistance to hard-working young riders under the age of 21 to allow them to compete or participate in a learning activity at GMHA.

Scholarship funds may be awarded for GMHA clinics, competitions (e.g., Competitive Trail Rides, Dressage Shows, Driving shows, Horse Trials, Hunter/Jumper Shows, etc.), or other educational activities hosted by GMHA.

This scholarship allows our Youth members to achieve their equestrian goals and improve their horsemanship skills in a professional environment and may provide a chance to explore other disciplines.

Scholarship applications are now being accepted and must be received by March 24, 2024. To be eligible one must be a member of GMHA. Membership can be submitted with your scholarship application.

The Virginia Lancaster Memorial Youth Fund

Andrea Sinner has chosen to honor the memory of Virginia Lancaster through the establishment of an endowment fund for the purpose of assisting young equestrians to pursue and advance in their sport. She was one of the grateful beneficiaries of Virginia Lancaster’s passion for all things equestrian, which allowed her and other children to fall in love with horses and begin a lifelong journey with them. Virginia was also an enthusiastic supporter of GMHA.

The Fund will award scholarships to enable young people to advance their interest and participation in equestrian activities, especially in GMHA s youth-focused activities and trail programs through stipends, scholarships, and other forms of support. Funds may be expended for any activities or competitions held at GMHA.

Geoff and Joanie Nichols Youth Fund Scholarship

The children of Geoff and Joan Nichols have chosen to honor the memory of their parents through the establishment of an endowment fund to assist young equestrians to pursue and advance in their sport. Geoff and Joan Nichols in their lifetimes were accomplished equestrians, owners and supporters of top event horses, enthusiastic supporters of youth participation in equestrian sports, and lifelong supporters of GMHA.

The Fund will award scholarships to young equestrians interested in the eventing disciplines to support their participation in GMHA activities to advance their skills. Scholarships may be expended for any activities or competitions held at GMHA, or, with specific approval in advance by the GMHA Awards Committee, to help defray the costs of participating in activities or competitions elsewhere to advance in their sport.

JHC Scholarships

Established in 1956, GMHA’s Junior Horsemanship Clinic is the premier Eventing camp for young riders ages 9-17. Riders bring their own horses or ponies to camp and receive quality mounted and unmounted instruction. Riders will school all three phases of Eventing: dressage, cross-country, and show jumping.

The GMHA Junior Horsemanship Clinic is celebrating its 68th Anniversary June 23-30 in 2024! Our professional staff and extensive facility make this an amazing opportunity!

In addition to the scholarships listed above, which may be awarded for JHC, there are specific scholarships just for JHC.

Learn more about the Junior Horsemanship Clinic through our JHC page.

We invite you to become a member of the most well-loved, oldest and continuously operating horse association in the country.

Located in South Woodstock, Vermont, GMHA is made up of passionate horsemen and women who value the connection between horse, human and nature. Founded in 1926, Green Mountain Horse Association’s focus was directed to its annual horse show and marking a growing network of trails. Since that time, GMHA expanded its events to include competitive trail, combined driving, dressage and horse trials, in addition to the hunter/jumper events. Moreover, GMHA continues to educate and develop horsemen and women and up and coming youth equestrians through clinics and camps.

Members’ support helps to ensure that GMHA, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, will continue to exist for generations to come, and will continue to preserve our important legacy in the equestrian community. Membership ensures the continuation of GMHA’s positive impact on the equestrian sport and its inherent land preservation and trail maintenance, all geared toward fostering the bond between horse and rider. Support the sport and the facility that brings joy to so many. GMHA members will receive Membership Perks, thanks to the support of its business sponsors. Become a member and obtain special discounts!

The Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant Committee & the Aiken Horse Park Foundation Announce Inaugural Winner

By on Dec 5, 2023 9:30 am -

Isabelle Bosley and Night Quality. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant Committee & the Aiken Horse Park Foundation are pleased to congratulate Isabelle Bosley on being selected as the inaugural recipient of the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant.

Isabelle Bosley has been riding her entire life, and started eventing at age eight. She has worked for 5* rider, Lillian Heard, for the last eight years and is slowly building up her own business. With Lillian’s guidance, Isabelle has hopes of being at the top of the sport one day. Isabelle has competed through the 4* level and has three main competition horses, all at different levels, that she has produced with the help of Lillian.

On being informed that she was selected as the recipient for the 2023 grant, Isabelle commented:

“I am incredibly honored and grateful to receive this grant. Annie was a fantastic horsewoman in this sport, and someone I looked up to not only as a rider but also as a person. I feel very privileged to be chosen as the inaugural recipient, and am looking forward to the opportunities this grant will present in the 2024 season!”

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.

Isabelle Bosley and Night Quality. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Twenty-seven applications were received for the 2023 grant. All applicants had to meet the following criteria:

  • 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 by January thirty-one (31) of application year

This year’s applicants represented four prominent disciplines in the Aiken area; Eventing, Hunter/Jumper, Driving, and Dressage. Their applications, additional responses, and letters of recommendation, were diligently reviewed, with a primary focus on the applicant’s strong connections to Aiken, substantial experience in the equestrian profession, well-crafted future plans, and, most importantly, the candidate’s demonstration that they share a kindred spirit with Annie. Ultimately the candidate chosen was someone who consistently extends support and encouragement to others while simultaneously pursuing their own journey to the upper echelons of the sport.

While the grant funds will be made available to Isabelle in early 2024, we will formally celebrate her during the 2024 $100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services. For more information on how you can attend, see the information at the bottom of this release. We hope everyone will join us!

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

In the spirit of Annie’s vision and legacy, the Aiken Horse Park Foundation 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.

Please consider making a donation to the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Fund, so that we can continue to grow the impact of these annual grants.

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 raised $135,000.00. These funds will serve as the initial corpus to provide for the annual grant program.

We encourage everyone to continue to donate to this fund in support of Annie’s memory so that more aspiring young professionals may experience the impact of Annie’s gift.

Back to Back Victories for Maxime Livio in the Agria Top 10 Indoor Eventing

By on Dec 4, 2023 11:00 am -

Agria Top 10 Indoor Eventing brings together some of the world’s very best eventing riders. In the Sunday final, France’s Maxime Livio was best of them all. He secured the victory with Boleybawn Prince and the duo thereby repeated their 2022 win.

Maxime Livio and Boleybawn Prince won the very first Agria Top 10 Indoor Eventing final in 2022 and when this hugely popular event was back in Friends Arena this year, the pair showed masterclass and copied the victory. Last year the duo won the warm-up class as well, where this year they were third. For 19-year-old Boleybawn Prince this was the last time at Friends Arena as he is set to retire after his next competition.

Maxime Livio-Boleybawn Prince. Credit to Roland Thunholm/SIHS.

“It’s always a big pleasure when you are thinking of a plan, because you have a nice horse, and you manage to follow this plan”, Maxime Livio summarizes his ride.

“And for sure with this horse I have quite a lot of pressure. Because if I do my job well, I’m 100% sure he will do his job well. So if he misses something it’s because I miss something. So it’s quite a lot of pressure, not regarding the competition but more regarding our relationship, because since he’s so generous I really would like to ride my very best. When I manage to do that, most of the time he is really successful. I’m very happy to have such a horse.”

Cyril Gavrilovic from Belgium guided his good jumper Gatine de l’Aubree sensibly around the challenging course for a clear round, which was enough for second place as the Christmas-inspired jumps caused trouble for some of the other riders. Sweden’s Frida Andersén and Box Compris saw a quick ride, but collected some expensive penalties. They ended up third in what was the mare’s last competition as Box Compris is now set to go into breeding.

After winning the warm-up class earlier in the week, American Boyd Martin finished 4th on the Swedish horse Caruccio Paradise, a catch ride we saw him finish 5th on at the event last year. Caruccio Paradise has been campaigned through the 3* level with Johan Lundin and the 2* level with Klara Liden Kiraly.


<a href="https://online.equipe.com/startlists/899072"

Click here for full results from the competition.

Wesko Equestrian Foundation Young Eventers Pathway Applications Open

By on Dec 2, 2023 4:35 pm -

Photo courtesy of the Wesko Equestrian Foundation.

The Wesko Equestrian Foundation launched its first project in 2018, the Young Eventers Programme, where the Foundation aimed to support the transition from Young Rider to Senior and amateur to professional. Moving into 2023, the Foundation expanded its support of young event riders via the new Young Eventers Pathway. Our aim is to support young eventers from every background to become better and more viable athletes. The Foundation’s vision is to create an eventing community and peer learning environment that surrounds the riders who are participating in the programme.

Moving into 2024, Wesko has combined the three separate pathways from 2023 (Grassroots, 2/3* and 4/5* level), into one new Young Eventers Pathway. The new Pathway will accommodate up to 16 riders, between the ages of 21 and 28-years-old, and will not only offer three separate training events with our coaching team of European Champion Nicola Wilson, 5* dressage judge Nikki Herbert, and British Equestrian Assistant Performance Manager Philip Surl, but will also have access to a 12-month education programme, that will offer riders support in a variety of areas, from business to media training, fitness and nutrition, and to equine welfare.

The education programme will be free for all Pathway members, while ridden coaching sessions are £160 for two days and cross-country training will be £60 per rider. These fees are inclusivee of training (with one or two horses per session), venue hire, stabling, meals, refreshments, and unmounted activities.

The total value of training days is between £300-350 per rider, per day, but the Foundation is pleased to be able to subsidise access to this training and education programme, thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, including Pathway partner Agria Equine Lifetime. All ridden training taking place at Solihull Riding Club.

Riders can apply from 1st December to the 15th December here. Applicants must be based in the United Kingdom and able to commit to all of the relevant Pathway dates. These dates are as follows:

JANUARY – 11th

  • Induction day to outline the programme
  • Social Media & Sponsorship support from Sarah Skillin
  • Introduction to insurance from Agria Equine Lifetime
  • Kitting out session with team kit, supported by Toggi and Agria
  • Discussion around aims and goals for the 2024 season
  • Discussion of individual support plans

FEBRUARY  – 3rd – 4th 

  • Dressage training with Nikki Herbert (1 lesson per rider)
  • Showjumping training on day 1 (2 sessions per rider)
  • Area Cross-country training on day 2 (2 sessions per rider)
  • Jumping coach – Philip Surl
  • Dismounted activities and education sessions TBC
  • All to stable on-site, unless local to commute for evening meal and education session

APRIL – 25th – 26th

  • Dressage training with Nikki Herbert (1 lesson per rider)
  • Showjumping training on day 1 (2 sessions per rider)
  • Cross-country training on day 2 (2 sessions per rider)
  • Jumping coach – Nicola Wilson
  • Dismounted activities and education sessions TBC
  • All to stable on-site, unless local to commute for evening meal and education session

JUNE/JULY – TBC

  • Cross-country training day to focus on Novice – Advanced level riding
  • Coach – TBC

BADMINTON & BURGHLEY

  • Course walking support and advice will be available for riders competing in the 5* and Grassroots events
  • Media support for those competing at 5* level

BRAMHAM

  • Course walks and support for riders competing in the 4*

 

On Sale Now: Get Your Tickets for the 2024 $100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field

By on Dec 2, 2023 1:00 pm -

Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration, winners of the Retired Racehorse Project Highpoint Thoroughbred Award at LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing, Bruce’s Field, Aiken, SC in 2021. Photo by Chris Quinn.

Festive season present idea alert! Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 $100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services. VIP and General Admission tickets are both available for purchase online for this fast, furious, and incredibly fun showcase of upper-level eventing action, set to take place March 1 and 2 at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, South Carolina.

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

One Full Event Pass which grants access to Friday, March 1st Dressage & Show Jumping a Saturday, March 2nd Cross-Country:

  • Full Event Pass $30.00 (Friday, March 1st & Saturday, March 2nd)

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

  • Friday, March 1st Only Pass $20.00 (Dressage & Show Jumping)
  • Saturday, March 2nd 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.

VIP tickets include:

  • Invitation to the Thursday evening, February 29th, Welcome Party
  • Ring side for the Friday evening, March 1st, Show Jumping
  • Prime viewing locations for the Saturday, March 2nd, Cross-Country
  • Access to all VIP areas (VIP tent & Chalets) for the entire event
  • Food & Beverage served
  • VIP Parking

VIP tickets start at $1,000.00. For more information on Reserved Tables, Chalets, or Tailgate Parking Spots, please contact [email protected]. In need of somewhere to stay in Aiken for the weekend? Check out this handy list of recommended hotels and B&Bs in the area. Happy spectating!

Preview the Line-Up + How to Watch Sweden International Horse Show’s Agria Top 10 Indoor Eventing

By on Nov 30, 2023 11:00 am -

Boyd Martin and Caruccio Paradise – Sweden International Horse Show Indoor Eventing

I’ve just returned home after being part of such a sensational show in Stockholm.

I was very grateful to be invited by the Swedish Federation and get the ride on the young superstar, Caruccio Paradise. To ride a horse of this caliber at this great event was truly a privilege. We finished 5th both nights of competition and he handled the atmosphere like a champion. I’d like to thank the owners, Klara Calle’s groom, and the horse’s usual rider, Johan Lundin. Johan went above and beyond looking after me last week and showing me around Sweden.

From a rider’s point of view this show was such a wonderful education. To be riding in the thick of the best riders and horses in the world and watching them school and then compete on such a big stage with 13,000 fans was a real treat. It was great to have Silva there to experience it with me as well.

If anyone out there is looking for a very special
7 y/o horse that looks to have the ability for the 5* levels, Calle is for sale!

Posted by Boyd Martin on Tuesday, November 29, 2022

The stage is set for the Agria Indoor Eventing at the Sweden International Horse Show this weekend. Last year’s winner, Maxime Livio, is back, as is runner-up Frida Andersén. “This year I hope I’m at least a hundredth faster!” says Frida.

Frida Andersén was only a hundredth of a second from victory when Agria Top 10 Indoor Eventing had its world premiere in Friends Arena a year ago. Now she is back to give top French rider Maxime Livio another match in the fight for the prestigious victory.

“It’s great fun to get the chance again. It’s a great experience for us event riders to be able to enter such a large arena and ride in front of full stands,” she says.

But there are probably more who are hungry for the victory and the prize money of a total of SEK 700,000 (about $67,500 USD). World No. 3 Boyd Martin from the USA is back in Stockholm, as is Sweden’s Sofia Sjöborg, who was second in the qualifiers last year. Also in the starting field is the Briton David Doel, who was successful in Burghley’s 5* competition last autumn, where he rode into second place.

Frida Andersén and Box Compris get a chance for revenge at Friends Arena when a new winner is to be crowned in Agria Top 10 Indoor Eventing. Photo: Roland Thunholm

“There will be tough opposition. I have to hope that I have the margins on my side this time,” says Frida Andersén, who brings the same horse as last time, Box Compris. “It feels safe and this format suits her so well. She is small, fast and maneuverable. It will actually be her last competition, as it is intended that she will go into breeding after that.”

Staffan Lidbeck is competition leader for Agria Top 10 Indoor Eventing. He looks forward to good sport. “It is a starting field with several very good riders. The audience can expect a very exciting and fast-paced competition.”

A total of ten riders from seven nations start in the Agria Top 10 Indoor Eventing. The competition is decided by a qualifier on Thursday evening and a final on Sunday evening. The result in the qualifier determines the starting order in the final, where the winner of the qualifier goes out as the last starter.

You can watch the Agira Top 10 Indoor Eventing live on Horse & Country here. The Thursday qualifier will take place today (11/30) at 9:30 p.m. local time / 3:30 p.m. ET. The final will occur Sunday at 8 p.m. local time / 2 p.m. ET.

Complete starting field:

Boyd Martin – USA
Julien Despontin – BEL
Peter Flarup – DEN
Maxime Livio – FRA
Cyril Gavrilovic – BEL
Frida Andersén – SWE
Sofia Sjöborg – SWE
Anna Freskgård – SWE
Jordy Wilken – NED
David Doel – GBR

Strides for Equality Equestrian Awards Winter 2023/2024 Ever So Sweet Scholarship to Toria Walker

By on Nov 29, 2023 12:30 pm -

Photo by Genna Fogelberg / GF Films, LLC.

Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) and the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Foundation are proud to announce the awarding of the Winter 2023/2024 Ever So Sweet Scholarship (ESS) to Toria Walker.

The Ever So Sweet Scholarship, the first of its kind, provides a fully-funded opportunity for riders from diverse backgrounds to train with 5* eventer and show jumper Sara Kozumplik. Toria Walker, Nashville, Tenn. was selected by the Strides for Equality Equestrians leadership committee from a pool of impressive candidates. All applicants were encouraged to apply again for the Summer 2024 Ever So Sweet award.

Walker, 29, was thrilled to hear she was the recipient of this award. She has been working with her adopted ex-racehorse, Wes, since April of 2022 after becoming an equestrian as an adult. She works with event trainer Lauran Romanelli currently, and is looking forward to building on her education with this immersive program.

“I am incredibly honored for this opportunity,” Walker expressed with gratitude. “I am fully aware that such opportunities are not easily accessible to many individuals, which is why I intend to make the most of it. This will serve as a stepping stone for my equestrian career. My plan is to ride as frequently as possible, on a diverse range of horses, and absorb as much valuable information as I can. Following this experience, my goal is to establish a stronger partnership with Wes, enhance my technique, allow him to gain valuable experience, and establish a solid foundation to kickstart the competition season in 2024.”

Toria noted that on her New Year’s resolutions list for 2023, she wrote that she wanted to go to Florida to ride. “But I had no idea how that was going to happen,” she recalled. Eventually, she met fellow equestrian Key Moore, at a horse show in Atlanta. Moore, who received a Leg Up Grant in 2022 from Strides for Equality Equestrians, suggested that Walker connected with the group. Thanks to the connections she made, she was able to meet her current trainer, Lauren Romanelli, and now becomes the Winter 2023/2024 recipient of the scholarship.

Photo by Genna Fogelberg / GF Films, LLC.

“I would advocate for equal opportunities and access to resources for individuals from all backgrounds,” Walker wrote in her ESS application on the subject of equitable access in equestrian sports. “This could involve working with organizations and stakeholders to develop programs that provide financial assistance, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities to individuals who may face barriers to entry in the equestrian world. Furthermore, I would emphasize the importance of education and awareness regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion within the equestrian community. This could involve organizing workshops, seminars, and training sessions to educate equestrians about the value of inclusivity and the steps they can take to create a more welcoming environment. By fostering a culture of understanding and respect, we can work towards eliminating discrimination and bias within the equestrian world.”

The Ever So Sweet Scholarship is supported by Edy Rameika and Sara Kozumplik. Beginning in summer 2021, bi-annual scholarship recipients were awarded funding to immerse themselves in a high-performance training program with Sara at Overlook Farm Equestrian Center in Berryville, Virginia for three months. During the winter, the scholarship provides two months of training with Sara in Ocala, Florida. The scholarship covers expenses for full board and training costs for a horse, several lessons per week, housing for the rider, a stipend to cover living expenses, competition fees, and coaching at competitions. Participants learn to manage, care for, and compete horses in an immersive program and will have the opportunity to work as part of the team in all aspects of running a large, competitive barn.

Riders will also make professional connections that might otherwise be unattainable and play an active role in fostering a more inclusive environment within the sport. “I’ve had to overcome many challenges in my life as an upper-level event rider, but I never had the challenge of feeling like the sport wasn’t easily available to me. This scholarship allows access for those that currently don’t have a clear pathway to fight for their dreams,” Sara Kozumplik said when explaining why she and Edy Rameika decided to offer the opportunity. The Ever So Sweet scholarship is an important step toward increasing diversity and inclusion in equestrian sports.

Ever So Sweet coach Sara Kozumplik, pictured here with two ESS alumni, Sierra Lesny and Micah Green. Photo by Lisa Madren.

Rameika shares the passion for providing opportunities for deserving riders, “Our family loves horses and the sport of eventing. My daughters, Roxanne and Nadine, began riding when they were quite young. They rode and competed through high school, and Roxanne continued into her college career. We are very fortunate. But there are students in underserved communities who have the passion and talent for the sport but perhaps not the means. Roxanne passed away in 2017 but her passion lives on through her family. Nadine, Sara, and I want to honor Roxanne and Nadine’s Native American heritage and their love of eventing through this scholarship in the hopes of helping to keep others’ dreams alive. Ever So Sweet is a song that was beloved to Roxanne and Nadine, especially during those memorable years of riding.”

Past Ever So Sweet Scholarship recipient Sierra Lesny is now a full-time staff member at Overlook Farm, helping run Sara’s busy eventing and show jumping program and assisting with riding of young and sale or training horses. Sierra says Ever So Sweet helped the trajectory of her career. “Growing up, not seeing many people that look like me in the horse world was disheartening,” Sierra said. “Putting people in this space so that younger kids grow up seeing someone that looks like them, doing the things that they want to do is the most important.”

Applications will open in Q1 of 2024 for the Summer Ever So Sweet Scholarship. Interested applicants can visit https://www.stridesforequality.org/blog/eversosweet for information.

Strides for Equality Equestrians is always open to additional opportunities for equitable inclusion within all equestrian sports. If you’d like to be involved, get in touch with SEE by emailing [email protected].

Event Riders Win Big At Horse & Hound Awards

By on Nov 24, 2023 2:42 pm -

Eventer Alice Casburn takes the Tommy Hilfiger Young Equestrian of the Year award. Photo by Peter Nixon.

Terry Pendry, stud groom to The late Queen, received the Lifetime Achievement award at last night’s Horse & Hound Awards, in partnership with NAF.
Terry worked for Her Majesty from 1994 until her death in 2022, springing to public prominence when he accompanied Fell pony Carltonlima Emma at The Queen’s funeral. He retired earlier this year.

“Thank you Horse & Hound, I am deeply humbled and honoured. You were Her Majesty’s favourite magazine – along with the Racing Post,” said Terry as he accepted the award. “I had many magical moments riding with Her Majesty. She was the most amazing lady, she served with such grace and dignity. We miss her so very much. But we have to turn the pages of history. Her Majesty and the late Duke of Edinburgh had long and fulfilled lives. They are at rest now in St George’s Chapel. I am there regularly and I let her know every week how Emma [The late Queen’s last favourite hack] is getting on and how the old racehorses are doing.”

Some 300 people enjoyed the glitz and glamour of the awards ceremony and dancing afterwards at Dallas Burston Polo Club, Warwickshire.

Event riders were the big winners of the night, with Badminton victor and European champion Ros Canter named HorseDialog Professional Rider of the Year, Amy Dixon landing the Spillers Horse Feeds Amateur Rider of the Year title and Alice Casburn the Tommy Hilfiger Young Rider of the Year award.

Dressage was well represented when double European medallist and world champion Glamourdale, ridden by Lottie Fry, scooped the Stretch & Flex by Equilibrium Dressage Horse of the Year prize. National circuit hero Flying Tinker II, a home-bred for rider Mark Edwards, was named Whickr Showjumping Horse of the Year, while in showing Horse of the Year Show supreme champion Forgeland Hyde Park picked up the EQUO-sponsored title.

In addition, unsung heroes from the worlds of farriery, veterinary practice and volunteering were among the winners, while eight-year-old Dylan Ward, who continues to pursue his riding dreams during treatment for a rare form of bone cancer, took home The Horse & Hound Podcast Inspiration of the Year award.

The Horse & Hound Awards 2023 winners are:
● Stretch & Flex by Equilibrium Dressage Horse of the Year: Glamourdale
● Black Nova Designs Event Horse of the Year: Lordships Graffalo
● Whickr Showjumping Horse of the Year: Flying Tinker II
● EQUO Show Horse of the Year: Forgeland Hyde Park
● HorseDialog Professional Rider of the Year: Ros Canter
● Spillers Horse Feeds Amateur Rider of the Year: Amy Dixon
● Tommy Hilfiger Young Rider of the Year: Alice Casburn
● NAF Five Star PROFEET Farrier of the Year: Matt Strawson
● Absorbine Groom of the Year: Lucy Scudamore
● NAF Natural VetCare Unsung Hero of the Year: Sarah Hills
● Baileys Horse Feeds Vet of the Year: Sophie Fulton
● Agria Horse of a Lifetime: Cashel Bay JJ
● The Horse & Hound Podcast Inspiration of the Year: Dylan Ward
● The Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement award: Terry Pendry

Lucienne Bellissimo Stays on Top After Cross-Country in the Galati Yacht Sales CCI4*-L at TerraNova

By on Nov 18, 2023 9:30 pm -

Lucienne Bellissimo and Tremanton. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The following press release was provided by The Event at TerraNova.

Lucienne Bellissimo (GBR) of Campobello, South Carolina, blasted across the cross-country course in the Galati Yacht Sales CCI4*-L, presented by Insurance Office of America, at The Event at TerraNova, maintaining her status as leader on Tremanton (Graffentoltz/Trevia), a bay Thoroughbred-cross mare. Bellissimo also took the lead in the CCI1*-L with Duke’s Jory (Duke of Heart/Zajora), a bay Holsteiner gelding. Both horses are owned by Horse Scout Eventing LLC.

In the final analysis, it all came down to the clock on the cross country course. Bellissimo completed the run with a razor-thin lead of two-tenths of a second over Jenny Caras (USA) of Cartersville, Georgia, on Trendy Fernhill (ARS Vivendi/Cruising Girl), a bay Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Elyse Eisenberg. Bellissimo scored 34.7 and Caras 34.9. Caras, the only rider to finish the course within the optimum time, also placed fourth on Sommersby (Sergeant Pepper/D’Mademoiselle), a bay Holsteiner gelding she co-owns with Jerry Hollis.

Both riders cleared all 30 fences on Capt. Mark Phillips’ 5,710-meter course, which competitors said was fair and rode well. The twisty-turny track was built progressively. The first six obstacles were straightforward, and then the technicality of the fences came up quickly.

Jenny Caras and Trendy Fernhill. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Bellissimo said her starting plan was to “just try and move a little bit on landing, and until I’ve got through the first couple of combinations, not try and get ahead of myself too much with her,” as it was Tremanton’s first 4*-L. Once the horse grew in confidence on the course and was “in a good head space,” Bellissimo said, “I started to put my foot down a little bit more and take a few more chances.” The mare stayed on task all the way through.

Caras called her two horses “complete opposites” and said they “couldn’t be more different.” While Trendy Fernhill has some mileage, this was only Sommersby’s third Advanced competition. “He tried really hard. He’s a little spooky, so you kind of have to keep him in front of you. I ended up being quick and efficient on him, which I was really pleased with.”

William Coleman, in second place going into cross-country, placed third with The Diabolo Group’s Diabolo, the gelding’s first 4*-L since coming to the U.S. from Australia earlier this year.

Will Coleman and Diabolo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Riders in all divisions found the courses educational. “Each fence asked a question that set you up for the next one,” said Alyssa Phillips (USA) of Fort Worth, Texas, who maintained the lead on her own Cornelius Bo (Concous Complet/Charlotte) in the The Estates at TerraNova CCI3*-L, presented by Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty. She said the sequence built the horses’ confidence and helped keep them mentally fresh. “The course rode fantastic.”

Alyssa Phillips and Cornelius Bo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The competition wraps up Sunday with the final horse inspection for the FEI divisions at 8 a.m., followed by show jumping, beginning with the 3*-L at 10:00 a.m. EST. The 4*-L will jump at 11:45, the 2*-L at 1:25 p.m., and the 1*-L at 3:30 p.m. You can view the full schedule here. And don’t forget you can watch the action free on TerraNova’s website and YouTube channel, and Horse & Country.

The Event at TerraNova: [Website] [Schedule] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Live Stream] [Volunteer]

Lucienne Bellissimo and Tremanton Lead after Dressage in CCI4*-L at TerraNova

By on Nov 17, 2023 4:00 pm -

Lucienne Bellissimo and Tremanton. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The press release below was provided by The Event at TerraNova.

Lucienne Bellissimo (GBR) of Campobello, South Carolina, took the lead as the dressage phase wrapped up Friday in the Galati Yacht Sales CCI4*-L, presented by Insurance Office of America at The Event at TerraNova. With a score of 31.5 on Tremanton (Graffentolz x Trevia), owned by Horse Scout Eventing LLC, a Thoroughbred cross mare, she blazed past Will Coleman (USA) of Ocala, Florida. He had held the lead since his ride on Thursday, when he scored 34.0 with Diabolo, owned by the Diabolo Group, a Holsteiner gelding (Diarado x Roulett M).

Tied for third with 34.9 were Buck Davidson (USA) of Unionville, Pennsylvania, on Erroll Gobey (Cassini II x Ulla II) owned by Cassandra Segal, and Jenny Caras (USA) of Cartersville, Georgia, on Trendy Fernhill (ARS Vivendi x Cruisings Girl), owned by Elyse Eisenberg.

This was Tremantons’s first 4*-L. “She seems to like this venue. She performs well and actually breathes in the ring,” said Bellissimo. The horse is “quite high in Thoroughbred blood on the dam side. Although she’s a naturally moving nice horse, she can almost become a little too tense in her test.” Bellissimo said she plans to do more 4*-Ls in the spring and “would like to have a crack at a 5* later in the season.”

Will Coleman and Diabolo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Coleman said his horse feels good going into Saturday’s cross country, “He’s up to it. Some people think it’s easier on a flat course like we have here, but for the horse, it can actually be more tiring.” After walking the cross-country course several times, Coleman said he’s confident about it but noted that there are “some sneaky places where you could get caught on runoffs.”

Buck Davidson and Erroll Gobey. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Davidson said he was very happy with his ride, adding that his horse “doesn’t always find dressage that easy.” He described him as complicated. “There are never two days that are the same. This is the first time in my career that I’ve felt confident of him in all three phases.” Davidson said the pair always crave the win, a trait that can be an advantage and a disadvantage. “One of us has to chill out and not want the win so intensely.”

Jenny Caras and Trendy Fernhill. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Caras said that she can always count on Trendy Fernhill. “He’s a good boy, but he can be spooky and reactive,” she said. She has had the horse since he was 4 years old. “He can be a little sharp, but we know each other so well that we can anticipate each other.” She is looking forward to cross country, which she feels presents some good course questions.

The Galati Yacht Sales CCI4*-L, presented by Insurance Office of America, and all the FEI divisions move to the cross-country phase on Saturday. The course was designed by Capt. Mark Phillips has and includes many obstacles inspired by area wildlife and landmarks.

Watch The Event at TerraNova livestream from home or the barn! Catch the exciting action of the Galati Yacht Sales CCI4*-L, presented by Insurance Office of America, as well as The Estates at TerraNova CCI3*-L, presented by Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

Take a walk around the cross country track below (or here on Instagram):

And preview the track on CrossCountryApp here.

The Event at TerraNova: [Website] [Schedule] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Live Stream] [Volunteer]

Alyssa Phillips Maintains Her Lead in The Estates at TerraNova CCI3*-L + Will Coleman Leads CCI4*-L

By on Nov 16, 2023 10:00 pm -

Alyssa Phillips (USA) and Cornelius Bo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The press release below was provided by The Event at TerraNova.

Alyssa Phillips (USA) of Fort Worth, Texas, rode Cornelius Bo, her 16.2-hand bay Hanoverian (Concours Complet x Charlotte), to the leading dressage score of 28.0 in The Estates at TerraNova CCI3*-L, presented by Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, on the opening day of The Event at TerraNova. Caroline Pamukcu (USA) on Redfield Dexter, owned by the Dexter Syndicate, a 16.3 hand bay Dutch Warmblood gelding (Dexter R x Zyreina/Weering), scored 30.9, standing in second.

Riders from 11 nations are competing across 11 divisions (Starter, Beginner Novice, Novice, Training, Preliminary, Intermediate, Advanced, CCI1*-L, CCI2*-L, CCI3*-L and CCI4*-L).

“Riding at this beautiful facility is amazing,” said Phillips. “I am so happy to be back here.” At the TerraNova event in April, she shattered her ankle. “So I came back. I’m very eager for some redemption, and I’m going to stay on my horse this time,” she said with a laugh.

Phillips is planning to move the horse up to the 4* level in the spring. She described “Corny” or “Corn Dog,” as he is known in the barn, as “the funniest character to be around. He’s hilarious.”

Caroline Pamukcu and Redfield Dexter. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Pamukcu, who hails from Riegelsville, Pennsylvania, described her horse similarly. “If you leave anything by his stall, he’ll take it and play with it. We’re hanging up stuffed animals for him in his stall right now so he has something to play with.” She will compete Friday in the CCI4*-L dressage with another horse, HSH Vamonos, owned by herself, RAH Resources LLC and Sherrie Martin, a 16.3-hand bay Zangersheide gelding (Andiamo VH Kapelhof Z x Quasimodelle).

Pamukcu’s first impression of the cross-country course after walking it was that it is quite flat, due to the Florida terrain. “They built it up and asked a lot of questions with a lot of different types of mounds and drops. It’s a very, very cool track.”

Will Coleman and Diabolo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Leading in the dressage phase of the Galati Yacht Sales CCI4*-L, presented by Insurance Office of America is Olympian Will Coleman (USA) with a score of 34.0 aboard Diabolo (Diarado x Roulett M), a 16.2-hand bay Holsteiner gelding owned by Diabolo Group, LLC. Coleman said it’s been a big transition for “Dab,” his stable name, who came from Australia this year. The pair has only been working together since February.

After an initial walk on the cross-country course, Coleman said he is still putting his plan together. He described the course as “well presented [for] the straight routes.” Still, he said, “Any time you’re jumping 4* jumps, it’s a stern test.”

The CCI3*-L and CCI4*-L riders rode their dressage tests for judges Gretchen Butts (USA), Robert Stevenson (USA) and Sandy Phillips (GBR).

Friday features the remainder of the remainder of the FEI dressage, plus the Horse Trials dressage.

Watch The Event at TerraNova livestream from home or the barn! Catch the exciting action of the Galati Yacht Sales CCI4*-L, presented by Insurance Office of America, as well as The Estates at TerraNova CCI3*-L, presented by Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

View highlights from Thursday’s action:

The Event at TerraNova: [Website] [Schedule] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Live Stream] [Volunteer]

The 2023 OBP League Winners: British Eventing Delivers Financial Rewards for Grassroots Consistency

By on Nov 16, 2023 12:00 pm -

BE100 League winners Sam Lees and Linkswood Rowen. Photo courtesy of Action Replay Photography/British Eventing.

The end of the season signals the completion of British Eventing’s Opposition Beaten Percentage (OBP) Leagues. With a whopping £10K prize pot, riders have eagerly awaited this moment to find out where they finished in the placings and whether they have won a share of the prize money. The wait is now over and we are delighted to announce the bumper final pay-out Top 3, alongside the September/October bonus pay out recipients.

The Leagues are designed around the concept of the Opposition Beaten Percentage (OBP), and acknowledge how competitive a combination was in a particular class – the greater the number of fellow competitors that they finished ahead of, the better the score. Some of our League Champions have finished on a strike rate of an incredible 100%!

Congratulations to our winners of the September/October bonus pay-out and the Top 3 from the bumper final pay-out:

Newcomers League

Our overall winner in the Newcomers League is Ollie Rowlands and 19-year-old Connemara gelding Nimbus Blaise. They won all three of their BE80s this season including Norton Disney (1), Stafford and Little Gatcombe (2) leaving them on an OBP of 100% and rewarding them with a fabulous £500!

Ollie and ‘Luis’ also won £400 when they topped both the BE80 and Newcomers leagues in the May/June period.

“Ollie and myself were completely amazed at winning such an incredible award,” said Ollie’s mum Fiona. “As a family we are fairly new to British Eventing – it was our first ever season last year. We never expected to be at the top of the league at the end of the season, it is just incredible and the perfect end to Ollie and Lui’s eventing season.

“Ollie has decided that he is going to use the prize money to treat his pony to some new things as well as some lessons over the winter to get them both ready for the 2024 season. I am not sure we can top this, but we will be looking forward to another fun season next year doing what they both love best!”

As Ollie had already received Performance Bonus pay-outs earlier in the year, the September/October Newcomer Performance Bonus pay-out goes to second-placed Faith Penn and Erwlas Jump For Gold who receive £200.

1st (£500) Ollie Rowlands and Nimbus Blaise, 100%

2nd (£350) Faith Penn and Erwlas Jump For Gold, 97.9%

3rd (£250) Sam Lees and Linkswood Rowen, 96.3%

BE80 League

The overall BE80 League winner is 16-year-old Sophia Waterer from Suffolk with 11-year-old, 14.2hh Irish pony Nico II. They delivered four winning performances at Poplar Park, Horseheath, Blindley Heath (1) and Savills Chillington Hall Regional Youth Championships to give them an OBP of 100%. They receive a total prize fund of £700.

The pair were also winners of the July/August Newcomer and BE80 OBP League with an OBP of 100% for which they won £400.

“We got him when he was five and my sister Lilly bought him on and trained him,” said Sophia. “When she outgrew him a year ago, I took him on. We went to our first event and despite having never gone cross country on him, we won it.

“This season has been so exciting, but I couldn’t have achieved any of it without my instructor and my parents, so a big thank you to them. It’s surreal to win this prize and I’m looking forward to moving up the levels and hopefully making a name for myself. Next season, here we come!”

As Sophia had already received Performance Bonus pay-outs earlier in the year, the September/October BE80 Performance Bonus pay-out goes to second placed Emily Tamblyn and Knockenpower Rory who receive £200.

1st (£500) Sophia Waterer and Nico II, 100%

2nd (£350) Emily Tamblyn and Knockenpower Rory, 100%

3rd (£250) Ollie Rowlands and Nimbus Blaise, 100%

BE90 League

Our BE90 League Champion, Faith Penn from Coventry, has had a brilliant year, delivering two wins and a third at Solihull, Moreton Morrell and Swalcliffe Park respectively, giving her an OBP of 97.9% with 17hh, 13-year-old coloured gelding Erwlas Jump For Gold. They collect £700 for winning the league, an extra £250 for the September/October BE90 Performance Bonus pay-out, £350 for finishing second in the Newcomer league, and £200 for the September/October Newcomer Performance Bonus pay-out, giving them a total prize pay-out of £1,500!

“I am absolutely over the moon!” said Faith. “Having competed for many years but only just getting into eventing properly in the past year with my special boy Nemo (Erwlas Jump For Gold), I wasn’t aware of the OBP League until recently! So, it was an amazing surprise. This is new for both Nemo and I, as Nemo had never previously evented either, only showjumped, so this is a career change for him too, and he is loving it so much! As I only got Nemo halfway into the season, we had a very successful rest of the season together, including two wins in a row! I’m so excited to carry on our journey together next season.”

1st (£700) Faith Penn and Erwlas Jump For Gold, 97.9%

2nd (£500) Clara Ellen Hubbard and Furido J, 97.5%

3rd (£300) Claire Marshall and Glencroft Magic Moments, 97.4%

BE100 League

Essex-based Sam Lees and seven-year-old Linkswood Rowen were the winners of the BE100 League with an OBP of 96.3%. Sam and Linkswood Rowen were second in their first event of 2023 in the BE100 at Burnham Market International (1), third in the BE100 at Horseheath and won the BE100open at Little Downham.

Their BE100 campaign also saw them receive £300 for winning the Performance Bonus in March/April. For topping the BE100 league, they now win a whopping £1,000, as well as £250 for finishing third in the Newcomer league. Their total prize fund is £1,250!

“I’m delighted to win and we’re really pleased with his performance, this year,” said Sam. “He is a homebred and is seven now He is from our first crop of foals that we bred ourselves. We broke him in and he has really come into his own this year. He did a lot of flat work over the winter and that has really helped his results.”

As our winner had already received Performance Bonus pay-outs, the Performance Bonus passes down to second-placed Millie Plumb and Curolea Mike. They receive a £300 Performance Bonus pay-out for September and October.

1st (£1000) Sam Lees and Linkswood Rowen, 96.3%

2nd (£750) Millie Plumb and Curolea Mike, 95.1%

3rd (£500) Olivia Haddock and Kilpatrick Knight, 93.4%

What’s Happening at The Event at TerraNova This Weekend: Fun and Eventing Action for All

By on Nov 14, 2023 9:30 am -

Jacob Fletcher and Fabian fly around Capt. Mark Phillips’ TerraNova cross country track. Photo by Al Green Photo.

The Event at TerraNova, featuring the Galati Yacht Sales CCI4*-L, presented by Insurance Office of America, kicks off on Thursday, Nov. 16 through Sunday, Nov. 19 at TerraNova Equestrian Center (Myakka City, FL). In this Olympic year, equestrians representing the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Italy, New Zealand, Mexico, Sweden, Ireland, Belgium, Ecuador and Brazil will vie for the top prize and points toward their qualification for the Paris Games. In addition, The Event at TerraNova offers divisions for all levels in eventing competition.

The Event at TerraNova is a great way to spend a family-friendly day in the country and enjoy top-notch equestrian sport, fun kids’ activities, boutique shopping and food truck fare. For kids, TerraNova Tiny Town Children’s Village is a wonderland to explore and play. Throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, kids ages 5-12 are invited to a Mini Horsemanship Camp with Libby Neily and miniature horses.

Saturday kicks off bright and early with a sunrise walk on the cross-country course with the Riverview High School Kiltie Bagpipers.

At 8 a.m., the Cross-Country VIP experience begins. Tickets are available for purchase. Before the start of the FEI cross-country, the Manatee County Mounted Patrol will perform a flag presentation along with the singing of the National Anthem.

Then, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the TerraNova Pavilion, nationally-touring Christian recording artist Jonny Diaz and clean comedian Tim Boyd will perform. This nearly sold-out event benefits the Guardian Angels of SWFL and One More Child.

On Sunday, Nov. 19, during the show jumping phase of competition, the TerraNova Equestrian Foundation will host a special Empty Bowls event. Symbolizing the importance of coming together to fill the bowls of our community members in need, the event benefits the Food Bank of Manatee, a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Guests will enjoy a delicious lunch of soup, salad, bread and desserts from fan-favorite local restaurants and take home a keepsake ceramic bowl.

Restaurants participating include Almazonica, Atria, Jaime’s Cake Creations, Georgie’s Garden Café, Michaels on East, Myakka City Grill, Owen’s Fish Camp, Pink Cloud Catering, Selva Sarasota, Tsunami and St. Armands Baking Company.

The Event at TerraNova is a must-attend event for the community, offering a range of activities anchored by world-class equestrian eventing competition.

The full entry list can be found here. There will also be a free live stream available to follow the action — you can access the feed at this link and also on Horse & Country.

SCHEDULE
(Subject to change)

WEDNESDAY
2 p.m. Horse Inspection for all FEI Long format horses.
3 p.m. All FEI Cross-Country Courses open for walking on foot only.

THURSDAY
9 a.m. FEI Dressage.
3 p.m. All National Cross-Country Courses open for walking on foot only.

FRIDAY
8 a.m. FEI and Horse Trials Dressage.

SATURDAY
6:50 a.m. Sunrise Cross-Country course walk with the Riverview High School Kiltie Bagpipers.
8 a.m. Horse Trials Show Jumping. Cross-Country VIP Experience begins.
9 a.m. FEI Cross-Country.
10:50 a.m. National Anthem with Manatee County Mounted Patrol.
4-7:30 p.m. Jonny Diaz and Tim Boyd perform.

SUNDAY
8 a.m. Horse Inspection for all FEI Long format horses.
9 a.m. All Horse Trials Cross-Country.
10 a.m. All FEI Show Jumping – Mounted awards following each division.
11 a.m. Empty Bowls Event to benefit Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.
Award Presentations

The Event at TerraNova: [Website] [Entries] [Live Stream] [Volunteer]

Andrew Barnett and Go Tosca Take 2023 Sydney 3DE CCI4*-L

By on Nov 12, 2023 9:45 am -

Andrew Barnett and Go Tosca. Photo courtesy of Sydney 3DE.

The Sydney 3 Day Event (Sydney 3DE) concluded Sunday at Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC) with the jumping phase across all grades and, as was expected with such tightly packed leaderboards, an exciting finale it certainly was!

In the CCI4*-L, Andrew Barnett and Go Tosca led the competition right from the start, delivering a lovely jumping round to seal the deal on their win. Olivia Barton and Henrik APH went clear to jump from third spot to second and Shenae Lowings and Bold Venture also had a super clear round and climbed from fifth after the cross country yesterday to third.

Andrew Barnett and Go Tosca. Photo courtesy of Sydney 3DE.

In the CCI3*-L Jess Somerfield and Finch Farm Carpentaria were sitting second after dressage and climbed to the lead yesterday after the cross country continued their fantastic form with a great clear round in the jumping phase to seal the win. Will Enzinger and Epic Xtreme were third coming out of the dressage phase and then slipped to fifth after the cross country had a magnificent clear in the jumping phase Sunday to climb three places to take out the second spot on the podium. Olivia Barton and APH Sodoku, with just 4 penalties in the Jumping phase, held on for third.

Courtesy of a super clear round in the jumping, Oliver Barrett and Sandhills Briar took the top spot from Christine Bates and Bloomfield Findon in the CCI2*-L, with Sam Lyle and Revelwood Stedintine holding on to third place.

What a fantastic three days of competition we had – see below for final podium spots:

BATES SADDLES CCI4*-L INTERNATIONAL
Andrew Barnett and Go Tosca – 29.30
Olivia Barton and Henrik APH – 33.30
Shenae Lowings and Bold Venture– 36.10

COPRICE CCI3*-L INTERNATIONAL
Jess Somerfield and Finch Farm Carpentaria – 28.2
Wilheim Enzinger and Epic Extreme – 32.7
Olivia Barton and APH Soduko – 35.5

ARIAT CCI2*-L INTERNATIONAL
Oliver Barrett and Sandhills Briar – 28.60
Christine Bates and Bloomfield Findon – 29.80
Sam Lyle and Revelwood Stedintine – 30.40

CLASS – KOHNKE’S OWN – REC EQUINE SPECIALISTS CCN1*-UA
Deon Stokes and Diamond B Baton Rouge – 25.40
Alexandra Wolters and Overproof – 26.90
Jess Somerfield and APH New Sensation – 27.6

KOHNKE’S OWN – REC EQUINE SPECIALISTS CCN1*-UB
Niki Rose and Dreamrush – 26.30
Charlie Richardson and A Foxy Lady – 27.80
Jess Somerfield and Valerius Scipo – 28.7

ANTARES – COMPLETELY EQUINE – EVENTING NSW EVA95-A
Brianna Harris and Twilight Finnigan HF – 23.70
Elizabeth Dawes and APH Witchcraft – 33.40
Emily Anker and Highfields Croatia – 34.00

COMPLETELY EQUINE – EVENTING NSW EVA95-B
Catherine Baxter and Koko Bean – 27.60
Zoe Hutchison and WHF Diametric – 30.00
William Bates and Lamondale Reveller – 30.60

EQUILUME – ROSE HIP VITAL – THE EVENTING BASE EVA80-A
Jim Walshe and Monteverdi – 25.00
Grace O’Toole and Vesper Martini – 29.20
Sarah Clark and Holiday -31.40

EQUILUME – ROSE HIP VITAL – THE EVENTING BASE EVA80-B
Charlotte Lalak and Klassik Grey Top – 22.80
Maddilyn Millington and Sovereign Park Trilogy – 23.30
Brielle Johnstone and Domingo – 29.40

ARIAT – EVENTING NSW EVA65-A
Claire Earle and Venture Harry Hamlet – 32.80
Zoe Cass and Wall Street – 34.50
Brielle Dawson and Canada – 36.30

ARIAT – EVENTING NSW EVA65-B
Verity Muscat and Little G Kid Coady – 27.80
Shiva Wiedeman and Goldview Image – 28.80
Taylah Glynn and MJK Red Baron – 29.60

Full scores and results can be found here.