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Stellar Names Feature on Defender Burghley Masterclass Roster

By on Jul 11, 2024 12:30 pm -

Photo courtesy of Defender Burghley Horse Trials.

Defender Burghley’s brilliant main-arena Masterclasses are one of the major highlights of the event and 2024 features our most star-studded line-up yet.

Dressage maestro Carl Hester, who is expected to be competing at his seventh Olympics in August, returns to Burghley to present his extremely popular Masterclass during the lunchtime break from the CCI5* action on Friday (September 6); and we are delighted to welcome three fantastic new demonstrations from William and Pippa Funnell, William and Alice Fox-Pitt and Henrietta Knight.

Triple Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer Henrietta Knight will present a Masterclass on Re-educating the Racehorse during the lunchtime break on Thursday, September 5.

Henrietta will work with four riders who have retrained their ex-racehorses to achieve success in other disciplines: Katie Dashwood (Minella Rebellion), Amanda Brieditis (Kilmarnock Lad), Sarah Pinfield (Kings Bridge) and Lizzie Harris (Glen Forsa).

After the CCI5* dressage has concluded for the day on Thursday, William and Alice Fox-Pitt will take the stage with their Masterclass titled Preparing for Burghley.

William, who has recently retired from top-level eventing, has a record 14 CCI5* wins to his credit, including an astonishing six at Defender Burghley. ITV Racing presenter Alice Fox-Pitt is the only woman to have completed both Mars Badminton Horse Trials and the Grand National course at Aintree.

In what is sure to be a highly entertaining climax to Burghley’s host of Masterclasses, the illustrious husband-and-wife team of showjumper William and eventer Pippa Funnell – herself a dual Burghley winner – will present show jumping after dressage finishes on Friday afternoon.

Don’t miss the chance to see and hear from some of the biggest names in the sport. Book your tickets and Grandstand seats now.

Halo Shines Bright in Aston le Walls CCI4*-S

By on Jul 8, 2024 12:30 pm -

Piggy March and Halo. Photo by Matt Nuttall Photography.

Jayne Mcgivern’s lovely grey stallion Halo won the CCI4*S under Piggy March after jumping the second fastest cross-country round of the day at the Project Pony sponsored Aston-le-Walls on the final day of competition. Halo is a past CCI4*S Blenheim winner, and was sixth at Blenheim CCI4*L last season.

Jayne owns Dash Grange Sud, as well as past Derby winner Golden Horn. Piggy said, “I saw Halo at Osberton when Kevin McNab had just won the CCI3*L, and Kevin said he was going to castrate the horse ahead of selling him. I knew Jayne wasn’t averse to having a stallion so we suggested him to her.

“If he wasn’t a stallion he would be the nicest, easiest horse in the whole wide world, and he’s a diamond to ride. Some days he sees more ‘pretty blond girls’ than others and is a bit more of a lad since doing stud duties, but he still goes out in the field, albeit with a very high fence around it.

“Our plan is to take him back to Blenheim, it’s local to Jayne, and if that goes well, possibly Pau – but with horses, you make plan A and end up with plan D so who knows!”

Badminton 2024 runners up Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint were the only combination to make the optimum time – this speedy pair were also the fastest at Badminton. Irish rider Lucy finished on her 29.5 dressage score, emphasising the depth of the current Irish pool of riders.

“He’s a dolt in the stable and will roll as many times as he can in a day, but he’s a real trier and wants to do his job,” Lucy said of her horse. “I came to Aston last year and thought the cross-country was really intense, with some interesting lines so it’s a great prep run ahead of any autumn goal. Hopefully we’ll get to Burghley in September.”

Tom McEwen and MHS Brown Jack completed the top three.

Paris-bound Austin O’Connor and the Salty Syndicate’s Colorado Blue won the special ‘Olympic horses’ Advanced section. Winners of the Maryland 5 Star last autumn, the pair also finished runners up at both Thoresby and Bramham CCI4*S classes this year.

Irish team-mate Aoife Clark came closest to catching Austin, taking the runner up spot on Sportsfield Freelance while France’s Gaspard Maksud completed the podium riding Zaragoza II.

British team member Ros Canter with her European Champion and Badminton winner Lordships Graffalo finished fourth. Leading through the first two phases, Ros kept her foot off the accelerator across country, adding 18 time penalties to her score.

Riders were full of praise for the fantastic going on the cross-country – if not for the intermittent heavy downpours. It’s no surprise that Aston-le-Walls is such a popular venue.

Full results from the weekend can be found here.

Ros Canter Reclaims Top Spot on FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings

By on Jul 3, 2024 10:06 am -

Ros Canter and Izilot DHI. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Nine months after losing the lead in the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings, Rosalind Canter (GBR) has reclaimed the number one position. She replaces Olympic gold medallist and compatriot Oliver Townend, who had held the top spot since October 2023.

Canter’s rise to the top is marked by her impressive ascent from third place last month. As the reigning European Champion, she stands out as the only athlete to surpass the 500-point mark, boasting 519 points. Townend follows in second place with 492 points, while fellow Brit Tom McEwen secures third with 454 points.

“I was quite shocked to hear I’m world number one, as it was something that wasn’t on my radar. It’s really exciting news, and I’m thrilled for my whole team because this is a joint effort. I’ve been really lucky to have some fantastic horses in my team,” Rosalind Canter said.

Lara de Liedekerke-Meier celebrates her special homebred Hooney. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The latest FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings also highlight other notable performances. Belgium’s Lara De Liedekerke-Meier has climbed ten places to fourth position with 406 points, thanks to her victory at the CCI5*-L in Luhmühlen (GER) with Hooney d’Arville. World Champion Yasmin Ingham (GBR) rounds out the top five with 389 points.

British athletes have dominated the rankings in recent months, occupying eight positions within the Top 10. However, their dominance has waned just weeks before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Currently, five British athletes remain in the Top 10, with Wills Oakden (370 points) in seventh place.

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Among the other top-ranked athletes, Boyd Martin (USA) holds sixth place, while New Zealand’s Jonelle and Tim Price occupy the eighth and ninth spots respectively. Maxime Livio (FRA) completes the Top 10.

The full updated FEI World Rankings can be found here.

Stable View’s First Adult Team Challenge Features Camaraderie and Team Spirit

By on Jun 30, 2024 9:30 am -

Three members of Team Amateur Hour posing in front of their jump.

The Summer Horse Trials was host to the first Stable View Adult Team Challenge. After much success at the USEA Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Championships and Stable View Alumni Cup in May, the Adult Team Challenge was born. The Aiken Opener, the April CCI4*, the Summer Horse Trials, and Oktoberfest will all host these challenges. Ribbons and prizes are given to teams placing first through third. In addition, Diane Bird decorates the cross-country jumps. For this show she decorated one fence for each team.

The Summer Horse Trials saw ten teams compete. Victory Hill won on a final team score of 96.52. With only three team members they did not have a drop score; really putting the pressure on each rider. Every rider finished on their dressage score. Elizabeth Moore rode her own Obi 1 in the Novice. She shared, “I am always happy to come to Stable View even though we are “commuting” from the Raleigh area because I know it will be very well run and the footing will be excellent. This time was no exception, even though it was very hot and dry, they rolled the course and watered it in certain places as well as the arenas. Additionally, our course, which was designed by Mogie Bearden Muller, was very inviting and confidence-building for our horses. The show jumping warm-up was also nice in both the location and the similarity to the competition arena. We are super grateful for the organizers committing to have a team challenge and happy to have been fortunate to win it on this occasion! Thank you to everyone who made this happen!”

Claire Nestor rode a French Connexion in the Novice Rider Division. She said, “The team challenge was a lot of fun, it was nice to see as a barn we were all able to have consistent rides through each phase. This was my first time at Stable View and it did not disappoint. Between the volunteers being so kind, the beautiful facility, and having the opportunity to watch the Olympic team it made for a very memorable event. Winning the adult challenge was the icing on the cake, along with completing my AEC requirements!”

Alison Eyth and Bella Chloe also competed in the Novice Rider division. She shared, “It was a very well-run event and a lot of fun! We didn’t expect to see a jump named after our team – thank you for that surprise. The course was well-designed and it was a lot of fun to jump in the same arena that the Olympic team jumped in!”

Amateur Hour placed second in the challenge and finished on a 98.09. Andrea McAllister rode Call Me Commander in the Modified and finished on their dressage score. She shared, “We fully embraced our amateur status this weekend by (over) celebrating our successes and laughing together at our hiccups. In the end our incredible horses had our back and made us look pretty good! Team Amateur Hour really lived up to its name this weekend! The team consisted of four friends that met in North Carolina while training with Holly Hepp Hudspeth year ago, they have stayed in touch over the years, always trying to coordinate to go to the same shows. They all work full-time jobs and really bond about the sacrifices and coordination required to manage it all. When the team challenge came out, they jumped at the opportunity, even after a famous quote of the weekend, ‘You already stress yourselves enough, why do you want to add even more pressure?’

“I’m glad there was a drop score.” – after a team member had an unplanned swim at the water.

“I’m glad I chose the right team horse.” – after a team member got TE for jumping the wrong SJ on her other horse.

Allie Keresman and Will Power also finished on their dressage score in the Modified. Allie said, “Our team was made up of all adult amateurs which is where our team name “Amateur Hour” came from. We were all very excited to have a jump combination named after us on the cross-country course also. It was fun to compete as a team and cheer each other on all weekend. I love that more shows are doing Adult team challenges. As adult amateurs, we do this sport for fun after all!” Amanda Curtis and Theforgottenone also finished on their dressage score in the Modified. Jaime Daly and Anglico rode in the Training Division.

Team Thunder took the third-place honors. Brian Kilgo-Kelly and Caspian finished on their dressage score of 31.1 in the Training. Lauren Lindsay and FGF Nothing for Free also competed in the Training and only added one rail to their score. Darci Phelps and Sandro Street completed the Modified and Melissa Nice and Smokin Meers competed in the Intermediate. Darci shared, “It was really fun to cheer each other on.”

Start organizing your adult team challenge teams now for Oktoberfest, September 27th-29th.

Tickets for Eventing at Aachen 2026 FEI World Championships On Sale 6/28

By on Jun 27, 2024 11:30 am -

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum at Aachen. Photo by Libby Law.

In 2026, the world of equestrian sport will return to the place where history has already been made several times at World and European Championships. During the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026, the battle will be on for gold, silver and bronze at the traditional showgrounds in front of the gates of the old imperial city again from August 11th-23rd.

Photo courtesy of Aachen 2026.

Want to experience these unforgettable moments? Then, don’t hesitate! Besides Show Jumping and Dressage tickets for the disciplines Eventing, Vaulting and Driving are available from 8am CEST on Friday, June 28.

Look forward to being there to sense that special tension, that tingle in the air, which can only be experienced in Aachen. Secure your tickets for the FEI World Championships Aachen 2026 here, from the hotline on +49 (0)241-9171111 or from the offices of the Aachen-Laurensberger Rennverein.

Great Britain Makes Change to Nominated Entries Ahead of Paris Team Selection

By on Jun 25, 2024 12:00 pm -

Ros Canter and MHS Seventeen. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

British Equestrian and the British Eventing Selectors have added a further combination to the eventing nominated entry list, following the withdrawal of Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class on June 11. Rosalind Canter now has MHS Seventeen, owned by Deirdre Johnston and Lady Milnes Coates, added to the list to join her other two nominated rides, Izilot DHI and Lordships Graffalo.

The 12 eventing athlete and horse combination will be submitted in alphabetical order to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) as our nominated entries for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on June 25 2024.

Horse and rider detail:

Ros Canter (38) from Hallington, Lincolnshire, with Deirdre Johnston and Lady Milnes Coates’ MHS Seventeen (bay, gelding, 11yrs, 16hh, Callahan x Quidam Junior I, Breeder: Mary Brennan GBR).

The full longlist of nominated entries for the defending gold medalists can be found here.

View more of EN’s coverage of the Paris Olympics here. We are pleased to bring you our Olympic coverage with support from Kentucky Performance Products.

Dutch Team for Paris Announced

By on Jun 25, 2024 10:59 am -

Janneke Boonzaaijer and ACSI Champ de Tailleur. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Netherlands have named the teams they will be sending to Paris in a month’s time for the Olympics.

National coach Andrew Heffernan says: “I’m looking forward to going to Paris with these four riders. My goal – and assignment – is to achieve a top 6-8 ranking with the team and I have the confidence that these riders can do that. The competitions we participated in during the preparation have ensured that we travel to Paris very well prepared. Horses and riders have shown that they can do it.”

The following riders and alternates have been tapped for eventing in Paris:

Janneke Boonzaadjer and ACSI Champ de Tailleur (by Quidam de Revel, gray, gelding, 2007)
Owner: Hetty Roozendaal and Lieke van der Werf
Groom: Ria Westeneng

Direct Reserve:
I’m Special N NOP (by I’m Special de Muze, brown, mare, 2013)
Owner: Sandhoeve Stables – Bas de Grood and Janneke Boonzaadjer
Groom: Ria Westeneng

Sanne de Jong and Enjoy. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Sanne de Jong and Enjoy (v. Cartano, gray, mare, 2009)
Owner: Sanne de Jong and Jantien van Zon
Groom: Jantien van Zon

Raf Kooremans and Crossborder Radar Love (by Diarado, brown, gelding, 2013)
Owner: Jeanine Steentjes
Groom: Lydie Kooremans

Traveling Reserve: Elaine Pen and Diwali (s.Cardento, dark brown, mare, 2008)
Owner: Eli and Stephanie Leenaars
Groom: Sabine Heijn

First Alternate: Tim Lips and Eckinops D’am (by Naiade Du Baret, chestnut, gelding, 2014)
Owner: Lips Stables
Groom: Sammie Aanraad

Alternate Horse for Sanne de Jong:

Global Faerlie Flashy (s.Primitive Fairytale, dark brown, mare, 2012)
Owner: Morgan Sheehy and Van Zon and de Jong Hippique
Groom: Jantien van Zon

National coach: Andrew Heffernan
Team veterinarian: Leendert Jan Hofland

View more of EN’s coverage of the Paris Olympics here. We are pleased to bring you our Olympic coverage with support from Kentucky Performance Products.

Applications Now Open for Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant

By on Jun 24, 2024 4:07 pm -

The Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant is now open to qualified applicants! The 2025 recipient shall receive $20,000 in funding. All applicants must be:

  • Professional member in good standing with their respective national governing body
  • US citizen or legal resident
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Reside in Aiken, SC, for a minimum of 3 months annually
  • Between the ages of 18 and 30 years of age by January 31st of application year

This grant is open to riders of all disciplines. The deadline to apply for the 2025 grant is September 30th, 2024. For more information and the online application, visit aikenhorsepark.org/annie-goodwin-rising-star.

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. In 2024, the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant was awarded to Isabelle Bosley.

Announcing the 2024 Rebecca Farm Travel Grant Recipients

By on Jun 22, 2024 9:30 am -

James Alliston and Karma secure his third victory in a row at Rebecca Farm. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

The Event at Rebecca Farm is set to begin in less than one month in Kalispell, Montana. Competitors from around the country are preparing to travel to the event, and thanks to the generosity of the Broussard Family Charitable Foundation and administration of the USEA Foundation, that trip will be made more accessible through the Rebecca Farm Travel Grants.

For 2024, applications for those grants were accepted through June 1, and recipients were notified by June 15 of their selection to receive those grant funds. Since the inception of these travel grants in 2011, over $200,000 has been awarded to help offset expenses related to competing at Rebecca Farm as riders pursue their eventing dreams of representing the U.S. at international competition.

These grants are available to any rider of any age who is successfully competing at the CCI3* or higher levels and has not already represented the U.S. at the Olympics, World Championships, or Pan American Games.

Alexa Thompson and Just To Be Clear. Photo by Sally Spickard.

For 2024, the recipients of the grants will be:

CCI4*

  • Ashley Adams
  • James Alliston
  • Sophie Click
  • Auburn Excell Brady
  • Stephanie Goodman
  • Marc Grandia
  • Taren Hoffos
  • Morgan Houberg
  • Karen O’neal
  • Dani Sussman
  • Alexa Thompson
  • Samantha Tinney
  • Julie Wolfert

Megan McIver and Igor. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

CCI3*

  • Madeline Backus
  • Rebecca Brown
  • Kristine Burgess
  • Kayla Dumler
  • Kristi Foresman
  • Erin Grandia
  • Anni Grandia-Dodson
  • Christina Henriksen
  • India McEvoy
  • Megan McIver
  • Olivia Miller
  • Emily Pestl-Dimmitt
  • Ellen Sebanc

New for 2024: While in the past all travel grant recipients were expected to sit for an interview with the Rebecca Broussard Developing Rider Grants Committee during the course of The Event at Rebecca Farm, the success of the program and resultant expansion of the pool of applicants have rendered such a universal interview procedure impractical.

Accordingly, starting in 2024 there will no longer be an expectation that all applicants must sign up to be interviewed; instead, the Grant Committee may, at its discretion, choose to invite certain applicants to sit for interviews during the event. Such invitations to interview will be conveyed by email, text, or phone communications directed to the applicants.

British Team Confirmed for CHIO Aachen

By on Jun 18, 2024 9:59 am -

Emily King and Valmy Biats. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

British Eventing is pleased to announce the squad that have been selected to represent Great Britain at CHIO Aachen, Germany between July 5 – 6 are as follows:

  • Kirsty Chabert from Salisbury, Wiltshire, with 15-year-old mare Classic VI, owned by Carol Somers, John Johnston and Kate Ward.
  • Laura Collett from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, with 15-year-old gelding Dacapo, owned by Gillian Morris-Adams, Diana Chappell, Carolyn Taylor and Mr & Mrs M Smedley.
  • David Doel from Chippenham, Wiltshire, with nine-year-old gelding Kenzo Power B, owned by Gillian Jonas.
  • Emily King from Holywell, Clwyd, with 15-year-old gelding Valmy Biats, owned by rider, Philippe Brivois and The Valmy Biats Syndicate.
  • Izzy Taylor from Bicester, Oxfordshire, with nine-year-old gelding SBH Big Wall, owned by Jane Timmis.

The team of four and one individual will be declared after the veterinary check and the squad will be accompanied by Chef d’Equipe Philip Surl

The British Eventing teams are supported by the British Equestrian Federation’s World Class Programme, funded by UK Sport through the National Lottery. The Programme focuses on identifying talent, developing potential and maximising medal-winning performances on the world stage.

Ireland Announces Nominated Entries for Paris Olympics

By on Jun 10, 2024 1:39 pm -

Horse Sport Ireland is delighted to nominate the athlete/horse combinations for consideration by the Olympic Federation of Ireland (OFI) to represent Team Ireland in Eventing at the Paris Olympic Games.

Eventing High Performance Director Dag Albert has chosen to nominate Susie Berry with Wellfields Lincoln, Sarah Ennis with the Irish Sport Horse Action Lady M and Austin O’Connor with Colorado Blue for the Games,  with the competition taking place in late July.

The P Alternate Athlete/Horse combination will be Aoife Clark with Sportsfield Freelance, and reserve combinations also nominated are listed below.

Dag Albert said: “It is an honour and privilege to be leading the Irish team into the Paris Olympic Games this summer and I’m absolutely delighted with the athletes and their horses, who have been raising their performances week-on-week as we have gotten to this point in the selection process.

“The strength and depth we have in Irish eventing currently is probably at its highest ever and it made the decision difficult, as the athletes and their horses really pushed each other to make it to Paris.

“It is a huge undertaking for themselves to reach this level and also their teams at home to have the horses performing at the levels required to reach an Olympic Games – I’m extremely proud of them all.

“I must thank Horse Sport Ireland, Sport Ireland and the OFI for all their support of the team and riders, and of course the eventing community in Ireland for always backing us.”

The combinations nominated for consideration for selection, in alphabetical by the OFI are:

Susie Berry (Co. Down) with Wellfields Lincoln, owned by Sue Wilkinson and Anne Marling.

Sarah Ennis (Co. Dublin) with Action Lady M, owned by Andrew Cox and Susanne Macken.

Austin O’Connor (Co. Cork) with Colorado Blue, owned by the Salty Syndicate, Gill Watson, Philippa Smith, Jenny Burall.

The following combination has been selected as P Alternate:

Aoife Clark (Co. Kildare) with Sportsfield Freelance, owned by the Freelance Syndicate.

Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

The following combinations have been selected as team alternates and are listed in alphabetical order:

Ian Cassells (Co. Dublin) with Millridge Atlantis (ISH), owned by Fiona and Gerry Leahy.

Robbie Kearns (Co. Limerick) with Ballyvillane OBOS (ISH), owned by Richard Ames.

Jennifer Kuehnle (Co. Laois) with Polly Blue Eyes, owned by Hans Kuehnle.

Lucy Latta (Co. Wexford) with RCA Patron Saint, owned by Lesley, David and Alison Crampton.

Padraig McCarthy (Co. Tipperary) with Pomp N Circumstance, owned by Rachel and Sarah Gough.

Joseph Murphy (Co. Westmeath) with Calmaro, owned by Richard and Tanya Ames, Claire and Charlie Mayne, and Annette O’Callaghan.

Austin O’Connor (Co. Cork) with Isazsa, owned by Lesley Rose.

Sam Watson (Co. Carlow) with Ballyneety Rocketman (ISH), owned by Hannah and Sam Watson.

BREEDING:

Action Lady M (ISH) – 2014 mare by Pilot Blue (KWPN) out of Action G (ISH) by Acorado (HOLST). Breeder: Susanne Macken. Owner: Andrew Cox. Rider: Sarah Ennis (IRL)

BALLYVILLANE OBOS (ISH) – 2013 gelding by OBOS Quality 004 (OLD) out of Gleesons Coolcorran (ISH) by Young Convinced (TB). Breeder: Tim Gleeson Owner: Richard Ames. Rider: Robbie Kearns

BALLYNEETY ROCKETMAN (ISH) – 2014 bay stallion by Diamond Discovery (USA TB) out of Ballyneety Macrocket (ISH) by Errigal Flight (ISH). Bred by James Hickey, Co Limerick. Owner: Hannah & Sam Watson. Rider: Sam Watson (IRL).

MILLRIDGE ATLANTIS (ISH) – 2014 gelding by Dinan Cascaletto (ISH) out of Kereen Sue (ISH) by Warrenstown You 2 (ISH). Breeder: Sean O’Loughlin, Co Kilkenny. Owner: Fiona Leahy and Gerry Leahy. Rider: Ian Cassells (IRL)

View more of EN’s coverage of the Paris Olympics here.

Sara Kozumplik Takes Top Honors in Open Intermediate at 2024 Essex Horse Trials

By on Jun 3, 2024 11:00 am -

Sara Kozumplik and Rubens d’Ysieux. Photo by AK Dragoo Photography.

Sara Kozumplik and Rubens D’ysieux put all the pieces together this weekend to secure the win of the Open Intermediate division at the 2024 Essex Horse Trials. Sara and the 19-year-old Selle Francais gelding, owned by Edith Ramekia, jumped clear over Morgan Rowsell’s Cross-Country course to clinch the title on a final score of 28.9.

“Rubens (aka, The Unicorn) felt great. He cruised around and jumped everything out of stride. We know each other really well so we had a great time. He trotted up sound after, and wasn’t breathing too hard.”, Sara said of her partner.

Lillian Heard Wood and Bassett Olympus finished the division in second on a 33.4 with just a bit of time on cross country, followed by Maya Clarkson and Clueso to round out the top three in Open Intermediate.

Lillian continued her good day with Bellines Quality Lady, a 2016 Irish Sport Horse owned by the Bellines Quality Lady Syndicate, to clinch the win in the Open Preliminary to finish on her dressage score of 26.3.

Lillian Heard Wood and Bellines Quality Lady. Photo by AK Dragoo Photography.

Lillian said of the mare, “Foxy is green at the level so this was a great course for her. It was a hard course but not crazy hard. And she’s fast, so its fun to be able to make the time on her.” She continued saying, “The tracks were amazing and were developed to give the horses confidence. It was the best footing so far this year. It was like running on a cloud.”

Essex Horse Trials also gave out two other awards, the Jean and Elliott Haller Perpetual Trophy for Horsemanship and The Golden Nugget Memorial Trophy.

2024 Jean and Elliott Haller Perpetual Trophy Winner, Sara Kelson, with Morgan Rowsell and Sally Ike. Photo by AK Dragoo Photography.

The Jean and Elliott Haller Perpetual Trophy for Horsemanship was presented to the rider who demonstrates good horsemanship and a superior partnership between horse and rider regardless of their division. Jean and Elliot Haller were the owners of Hoopstick Farm, the site of the first Essex Horse Trials. In addition, they were the parents of Roger Haller, an icon in the sport of Eventing. As a family, they loved their horses and equestrian sport. This trophy was donated by Mrs. Ann David, a close friend of the Hallers and the owner of Hoopstick Farm for over 40 years. Our 2024 Winner was Sara Kelson!

2024 Golden Nugget Award Winner, Olivia Hicok pictured with trainer, Clarissa Wilmerding. Photo by AK Dragoo Photography.

The Golden Nugget Award was donated by Clarissa Wilmerding to encourage the development of young riders as well-rounded horsemen with an appreciation for Eventing and a commitment to good sportsmanship. Clarissa grew up fox hunting with the Essex Fox Hounds and was an active member of the Somerset Hills Pony Club. Her partnership with her first pony, Golden Nugget, fostered the determination and perseverance essential to Eventing. As a professional rider, Clarissa continues to teach and mentor pony clubbers. The trophy was awarded to the lowest-scoring member of pony club aged 18 or younger in any division. Our 2024 winner was Olivia Hicok, who finished 3rd in the Beginner Novice B Division aboard Huckleberry, on a 29.1.

14 year-old Olivia was thrilled with her day and thankful for this award saying, “Huckleberry was amazing and jumped everything like a pro. It’s very special to win my trainer’s trophy. I want to thank my mom for helping me, supporting me, and getting me to all my lessons that has made all my hard work pay off.”

Additional information on the Essex Horse Trials is available at https://www.essexhorsetrials.org. Proceeds of the event benefit the Greater Newark Life Camp which brings 300 inner city youth to summer day camp in the country in Somerset County for six weeks for an enriching educational experience. For more information on the Greater Newark Life Camp please visit https://greaternewarklifecamp.org.

Essex H.T. (Gladstone, NJ): [Website] [Results]

Ireland is on Top of the World in Millstreet Nations Cup

By on Jun 2, 2024 7:00 pm -

The victorious Irish team (Jennifer Kuehnle, Patrick Whelan, Ian Cassells and Robbie Kearns) in the FEI Nations Cup™ leg held at Millstreet International Horse Trials, Co Cork, Ireland with team manager Dag Albert. Photo by Bit-Media.

The Irish National Anthem rang out not once, but twice in quick succession over the final day of the Millstreet International Horse Trials, Co Cork, as the home team secured victory in a high-class FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ and Sam Watson from Co Carlow clinched the Noel C Duggan Engineering CCI4*-L win on his own and wife Hannah ‘Sparkles’ Watson’s Irish Sport Horse Ballyneety Rocketman.

The FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ win was a great boost to Irish morale ahead of the Paris Olympic Games later this summer and team manager Dag Albert admitted the selectors had a greater choice than normal for the squad that will be announced later this month: “They’re a great bunch of riders and they really wanted to win this on home ground. The scoring was very tight but they came through in the jumping phases.”

Only 11.5 penalties separated the five teams, with the USA second, Australia third, Britain fourth and New Zealand, down to three riders with the withdrawal of Clarke Johnstone, fifth.

Jennifer Kuehnle, who was under pressure across country as the team anchorwoman, finished eighth individually on Polly Blue Eyes, Patrick Whelan was ninth on Altitiu, Ian Cassells was 19th on Millridge Atlantis and Robbie Kearns was 29th on Ballyvillane OBOS.

Technical delegate Neil Mackenzie-Hall from New Zealand said: “It was a brilliant competition and a great result. Eventing is about three disciplines and today cross-country proved the decider.”

Millstreet represented a first 4* win since 2020 for the 2018 world silver medallist Sam Watson, 38. “It’s taken a while to get Rocketman to this stage, but he’s here now and it’s great to fly the Irish flag,” he said.

The U.S. rising star Cosby Green, 23, who competed at Millstreet last year, achieved her best result so far on her 2024 European Development Tour; she finished second on the 14-year-old Highly Suspicious and put the pressure on Sam with a clear jumping round.

In a highly international line-up, the top placings remained unchanged after jumping, with Jonelle Price (NZL) third on Chilli’s Midnight Star, Caroline Pamukcu (USA) fourth on She’s The One and Ryuzo Kitajima (JAP) fifth on Corona Xtreme JRA fifth. Britain’s Rose Nesbitt rose two places to sixth with a clear on EG Michaelangelo.

The Australian Olympian Christopher Burton, who is currently combining top-level showjumping with eventing, scored his first win with new ride Shadow Man, having led throughout in the Connollys Red Mills CCI4*-S, which had incorporated the FEI Nations Cup™.

He finished 5 seconds within the optimum cross-country time of 6 minutes 11 seconds with a beautifully executed round. “That is the monkey off my back,” he joked. “This really is a special horse and I’m privileged to ride him.”

He also praised the cross country course team, and designer Mike Etherington-Smith, who he described as “the best in the world”, for their hard work overnight in re-routing the track for the CCI4*-S to achieve better ground after such a wet spring; by the time the class started, the going was perfect.

It was a good competition for Australia, with Kevin McNab second on Scuderia 1918 A Best Friend and sixth on Faro Imp, and Andrew Barnett, a first-time visitor to the northern hemisphere, fourth on Go Tosca. Japan’s Ryuzo Kitajima was third on Feroza Nieuwmoed and Ireland’s Ian Cassells, who rode four clear rounds in the class, finished best on Kellys Quality, fifth.

There was a British top four in the CCI3*-L: Sam Ecroyd was first and fourth on Bloomfield Manuscript and Boleybawn Lecrae, Tom Grant was the runner-up on the Irish Sport Horse Tommy Cruise and Emily King was fourth on Maserati de Landetta Z.

The Donagh Hickey Motors CCI2*-L was a victory for Samantha Lissington, who led from flagfall on Mr Cookie Time; the New Zealander had a particularly busy afternoon as she also dominated the Coral Cove Championship with a one-two on Nadal and Never Know MB.

Ireland was back on the podium for the Foran Equine CCI2*-S when Elizabeth Power show jumped clear on Balladeer Clintender to overhaul long-time leader Caitie Slater, who incurred four faults on Derena Super Star, and there were more home victories for Chloe Fagan, who captured the Carr & Davy & Martin CCI1*-Intro on the six-year-old Gervada by Vadamos, and Carla Williamson and Galco who headed the Pony CCI1*-L.

During a highly competitive and successful weekend, Millstreet united with the international eventing community in holding a two-minute silence to remember British rider Georgie Campbell, who died after a fall at Bicton, UK, last weekend. As Sam Watson received his prize, he said: “Seeing my wife and kids watching me, my thoughts go straight to Jesse Campbell [husband]. Time is precious and I know the eventing world will wrap their arms around him.”

Millstreet International Horse Trials (Nations Cup) (Co. Cork, Ireland) [Website] [Scores] [Free Live Stream Replay NC Dressage 1] [Free Live Stream Replay NC Dressage 2] [Free Live Stream Replay NC Show Jumping] [Free Live Stream Replay NC Cross Country] [Complete Live Stream Replays – CMH]

Sam Watson Rockets to CCI4*-L Lead at Millstreet

By on Jun 1, 2024 6:49 pm -

Ireland’s Sam Watson takes the lead in the Noel C Duggan Engineering CCI4*-L at Millstreet International Horse Trials with a superb cross-country performance on Ballyneety Rocketman. Photo by Bit-Media.

Irish rider Sam Watson is renowned for not wasting time across country and he has soared up the rankings with a classy performance in the Noel C Duggan Engineering CCI4*-L at Millstreet International Horse Trials, Co Cork.

Riding the appropriately named Ballyneety Rocketman, the Co Carlow horseman has risen from ninth place after dressage to head the cross-country leaderboard, the only rider with time penalties in single figures.

He has a show jumping rail and time penalties in hand over Cosby Green, one of a large contingent of U.S. riders and joined by riders currently on the USEF European Developmental Tour; she was jointly second fastest with 20 time penalties on Highly Suspicious.

New Zealander Jonelle Price is third on Chilli’s Midnight Star and the dressage leaders, Caroline Pamukcu and She’s The One from the USA, are lying fourth after incurring 26.8 time penalties.

The 10-year-old Ballyneety Rocketman, bred by James Hickey by Diamond Discovery, was sold by the Ryan family as a three-year-old at the Goresbridge for Gold sale. ‘It was 2018 and I was all fired up after the World Equestrian Games [where Ireland won team silver] so I bought him,’ explains Sam.

“He’s an old-fashioned horse, by a thoroughbred [Diamond Discovery] and very blood, and he is a work in progress, but when you look at Badminton and Burghley, I knew I was on the right track. The cross-country track here at Millstreet was very fair, but it was twisty in parts and once the horse opens up, it can be hard to bring him back.”

Team Ireland had a good day in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup TM as the only country to boast four clear jumping rounds (albeit with a couple of time penalties) and the team has risen to third behind New Zealand and the USA with a mere 8.9 penalties covering the five teams going into tomorrow’s cross-country finale.

Australia is now fourth, but two Aussies head the individual leaderboard for the Connollys Red Mills CCI4*-S: Christopher Burton retained his lead with a clear jumping round on Shadow Man and Kevin McNab (Scuderia 1918 A Best Friend) rose two places to second with a faultless performance.

The antipodean theme continued at 2* level with New Zealander Samantha Lissington retaining her lead in the Donal Hickey Motors CCI2*-L on Mr Cookie Time and scoring a one-two with Nadal and Never Know MB in the Coral Cove Young Horse Championship, while Australia’s Isobel English took the Foran Equine CCI2*-S on Jockeyhall Maximum Cruise.

It was also a good day to be called Sam, as Britain’s Sam Ecroyd was the man of the moment across the two 3*s, winning the Eventing Ireland CCI3*-S on Stewart and Vicky Irlam’s Chapel House, an Irish Sport horse bred by John O’Sullivan by Sibon W, and, with his partner Emily King, dominating the CCI3*-L, in which they hold four of the top five places after cross-country.

Sam, who only incurred 0.4 of a time penalty in three cross-country rounds, praised the Millstreet team led by course-designer Mike Etherington-Smith. ‘The course rode the best it could, considering the recent wet weather; the distances and fences had all been well adjusted to the conditions and it created good pictures,’ he said.

He leads the CCI3*-L on Bloomfield Manuscript and does not have a show jumping fence in hand over Emily, second on Sunny Side Up, but has a 4-penalty advantage over British rider Tom Grant (Tommy Cruise), who has risen from 11th after dressage to third after cross-country.

Emily is also lying fourth on Maserati de Landetta Z and Sam is fifth on Boleybawn Lecrae. Sarah Ennis is best of the home side, in sixth place on Onceuponatime.

For the home nation, Carla Williamson, daughter of former National Hunt jockey Norman Williamson, leads the Pony 1* after cross-country on Ardeo Fireman and Galco.

Sunday’s cross-country action starts with the FEI Nations CupTM at 9am and the tension is palpable with Olympic places at stake.

Millstreet International Horse Trials (Nations Cup) (Co. Cork, Ireland) [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Scoring] [Free Live Stream NC Dressage 1] [Free Live Stream NC Dressage 2] [Free Live Stream NC Show Jumping] [Free Live Stream NC Cross Country] [Complete Live Stream – CMH]

Burto is Back in the Sunlight at Millstreet

By on May 31, 2024 1:43 pm -

Christopher Burton returns to the eventing world in style, taking the dressage lead in the Connollys Red Mills CCI4*-S at Millstreet International Horse Trials on Shadow Man. Photo by Bit-Media.

Australian rider Christopher Burton demonstrated that he has lost none of his eventing artistry when taking the dressage lead in the Connollys Red Mills CCI4*-S at Millstreet International Horse Trials, Co Cork, Ireland.

The 2016 Olympic eventing team bronze medallist and Burghley winner known in the sport as ‘Burto’ has been concentrating on showjumping since the summer of 2021 — only last weekend he was representing Australia at the Rome Nations Cup — but this year has been combining it with a return to the international eventing stage.

He scored 25.7 with an elegant test on new ride Shadow Man, a 14-year-old Belgian Warmblood produced to CCI5* level by British rider Ben Hobday.

“I haven’t lost it!” joked Burto, explaining that he managed to acquire Shadow Man literally at the eleventh hour before the January 15, 2024 cut-off point for registering a horse with a nation for potential Olympic selection. ‘On January 14 I asked my wife how she felt about my going eventing again — she said “oh no”! — but by the end of next day we owned a percentage of Shadow Man.

“Ben has been very good to me, helping me get used to the horse, who has been beautifully produced and is an absolute joy to ride. He is so easy to get along with.”

Millstreet is an Olympic selection trial for several nations and the Australia currently holds three of the top four places in the CCI4*-S, which incorporates the FEI Eventing Nations Cup TM. First-day leader Andrew Barnett is now in second place on Go Tosca and Millstreet regular Kevin McNab is fourth on Scuderia 1918 A Best Friend. Germany’s Felix Etzel is third on the stallion TSF Polartanz and Jennifer Kuehnle is best of the Irish in fifth place on Sammy Davis Junior.

Sam Ecroyd is in pole position after dressage in the CCI3*-L with a mark of 27.9 on Bloomfield Manuscript, an Irish Sport Horse by Financial Reward previously produced by Mark Davidson.

“I only took on the ride this year so I can’t take too much credit,” said the British rider. “I think he has the ability to be a top horse but he is very big, very Thoroughbred and needs to grow and develop.”

“I come to Millstreet because it is one of the best cross-country courses; it’s immaculate, they do a great job of mowing it and it always has nice big distances.”

Britain’s Kirsty Chabert is a regular prize-winner at Millstreet and she currently heads the Eventing Ireland CCI3*-S after dressage with a score of 26.1, riding Hanerina SSF, a 12-year-old Dutch warmblood mare previously competed by owner Nicole Pearson who rides for Hong Kong.

Antipodean domination continues in the Donal Hickey CCI2*-L, in which New Zealander Samantha Lissington and the seven-year-old Dutch warmblood Mr Cookie Time scored 22.2 to hold a clear lead over US rider Mya Poulos on Cock-A-Doodle-Do.

The Foran Equine CCI2*-S is led by Ireland’s Caitie Slater riding Derena Super Star and the CCI2*-S Coral Cove Championship for young horses, named for the great event horse bred by the Duggan family, is headed by British rider John Tilley, who is based in Ireland at Carol Gee’s Fernhill Stud, aboard Wellfields Casino Royal, a Hanoverian by Casiro.

Ciara O’Connor leads the Carr & Day & Martin CCI1*-Intro on the seven-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare Ashwood Iron Lady.

Competitors in the Noel C Duggan Engineering CCI4*-L, which is headed by American Caroline Pamukcu, will be first out on the cross-country course tomorrow, from 8am.

Millstreet International Horse Trials (Nations Cup) (Co. Cork, Ireland) [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Scoring] [Free Live Stream NC Dressage 1] [Free Live Stream NC Dressage 2] [Free Live Stream NC Show Jumping] [Free Live Stream NC Cross Country] [Complete Live Stream – CMH]

Australia Leads the Nations at Millstreet International Horse Trials

By on May 30, 2024 1:14 pm -

Andrew Barnett and Go Tosca. Photo by Bit-Media.

Competition has got off to an exciting start at Ireland’s premier horse trials, the Millstreet International (Co Cork, Ireland) where Australia holds a fractional lead over New Zealand in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup TM, in which members of all five teams have completed the dressage phase.

An intriguing and open contest is assured as a mere 8 penalties covers the five countries, with the USA third, Great Britain fourth and Ireland fifth.

Australia’s Andrew Barnett, who is paying his first visit to the northern hemisphere, is best of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup TM riders, having achieved the only sub-30 mark (29.0), with the 13-year-old gelding Go Tosca.

Andrew, who is a full-time coach based in the Hunter Valley, was formerly a show jumper but got into eventing when his partner, Tarsha Hammond, was pregnant with their first child in 2012. He has brought over just the one horse, winner of the Sydney CCI4*-L last year, and is based with British team trainer Christopher Bartle in Yorkshire while the Australian Olympic selection process is underway.

“It was a big commitment to come here – my poor partner is teaching flat out while I’m away,” he explained. “I went to New Zealand last year for the Trans-Tasman competition and got a bit of a taste for travel. It’s got to be done [a visit to Europe] – I went to Badminton on cross-country day and it was amazing.”

The dressage phase for the Connollys Red Mills CCI4*-S, which incorporates the FEI Nations CupTM, continues tomorrow. British team rider Stephen Heal is currently second on Quidam de Lux, ahead of the USA’s Alyssa Phillips (Oskar) and the New Zealand couple Jonelle and Tim Price riding McClaren and Chio 20 respectively.

U.S. Olympic long-listed rider Caroline Pamukcu leads the Noel C Duggan Engineering CCI4*-L, for which the dressage phase is now complete, on the nine-year-old mare She’s The One, formerly ridden for France by Gaspar Maksud.

Caroline, who is trained by Pippa Funnell, is one of six riders of the USEF European Developmental Tour and was awarded the Karen Stives grant in memory of the 1984 Olympic medallist.

Her mark of 28.2 is the mare’s best at this level and gives her a 3.5-penalty advantage over the Netherlands’ Andrew Heffernan riding Gideon. Nine nations are represented among the 19 CCI4*-L competitors, with Sam Watson, ninth on Ballyneety Rocketman, the best-placed Irish rider.

The winners of the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse qualifiers were John Tilley with Jerpoint Will (four-year-old) and Ciara O’Connor riding Ashwood Rio.

Owners and riders have been admiring the beautifully presented cross-country tracks where, despite an extremely wet spring, there are some 50 newly built fences. ‘The weather has been a challenge,’ commented 4* and 3* designer Mike Etherington-Smith, who observed that Millstreet has received some 6ft of water over the past 12 months. ‘The knock-on effect of that is that we have had to be flexible with our plans and it’s all thanks to Thomas Duggan [event director] and his excellent team.’

Dressage for all classes bar the CCI4*-L continues tomorrow (Friday) from 8am.

Millstreet International Horse Trials (Nations Cup) (Co. Cork, Ireland) [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Scoring] [Free Live Stream NC Dressage 1] [Free Live Stream NC Dressage 2] [Free Live Stream NC Show Jumping] [Free Live Stream NC Cross Country] [Complete Live Stream – CMH]

Eventing Community Stands Together to Remember Georgie Campbell

By on May 30, 2024 10:54 am -

Georgie Campbell and Cooley Earl. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

It was with extreme sadness that British Eventing found themselves announcing the passing of Georgie Campbell (nee Strang), aged 36, following her fall at Bicton International Horse Trials, Devon on Sunday 26 May.

Georgie was an extremely talented and accomplished rider who applied herself to the sport whole-heartedly. Her passion for eventing, her personality and zest for life saw her loved and respected by her fellow competitors. Her tragic loss of life doing what she enjoyed most, has seen an outpouring of love and support for Jesse and the family and friends she leaves behind.

As you will have seen, we have had a dedicated Support Line set up for anyone who has been affected by the incident via the British Eventing Support Trust. The dedicated line is open any time, day or night, where anyone needing help during this time will be connected with a mental health professional who will ensure you’re given the most appropriate support.

As a community, we will take a moment at all British Eventing events this weekend, as well as at Millstreet in Ireland where several of Georgie’s friends will be competing, to stand quietly together and reflect. We ask members and supporters, whether at an event or at home, to join us at 12 noon to stop and take 2 minutes to reflect on Georgie’s life and quietly send thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.

There will be British Eventing Support Trust and BE Staff at all events this weekend to answer any questions you might have.

If you require access to the support being provided by British Eventing and the British Eventing Support Trust, please click here or you can email [email protected] or call 07780 008877. You can also find further resources for support here.

Can we also point you to a wonderful podcast by Nicole Brown and Sam Watson from Equiratings, expressing the thoughts of the eventing community, which might also help. Please click here to listen.

Top Riders to Contest MARS Bromont CCI4*

By on May 28, 2024 1:23 pm -

World number three ranked eventing rider, USA’s Boyd Martin on course with Chiraz at the 2023 MARS Bromont CCI.
Martin will bring horses for the CCI2*, 3* and 4*-L next week. © Cealy Tetley Photo

With just a few hours until entries close, Bromont Horse Trials is excited to announce just a few of the top local and international riders entered to compete at the MARS Bromont CCI4* taking place June 6-9, 2024 at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park.

Widely considered one of the most prestigious and longest-running three-day events in North America, athletes will compete for $25,000 in prize money and awards offered by the generous sponsors of the MARS Bromont Three Day Event.

Local Olympian Colleen Loach (Dunham, QC) has been a Canadian team member since 2015. She participated in the Rio and Tokyo Olympics, the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Tryon (2018) as well as winning bronze at two Pan-American Games (Toronto and Lima.) Loach has entered FE Golden Eye in the CCI4*-S.

“Bromont is one of my favourite competitions and not just because it’s so close to home!” says Loach. “Bromont’s charm is its low-key, top class atmosphere in a beautiful setting. The rolling terrain makes for excellent cross-country, designed by one of the best in the world, Derek Di Grazia.”

Canadian Olympic rider Colleen Loach of Dunham, QC, on course with FE Golden Eye
at the 2023 MARS Bromont CCI. © Michelle Dunn Photo

Fellow Canadian teammates Jessica Phoenix of Cannington, ON (5-time Pan-Am medalist and Canadian Olympian) and Lindsay Traisnel of Windsor, ON (team gold and individual bronze at the 2023 Pan-American Games) join Loach on the current list of entries. Phoenix has three of her top horses entered in the CCI4*-S: Fluorescent Adolescent, Freedom GS and Watson GS. Traisnel is bringing her long-time partner Bacyrouge — or “Dreamy” as he’s known at home.

World number three ranked eventing rider and three-time Olympian, Boyd Martin (Cochranville, PA), will be one of the busiest riders next week, with horses entered in the CCI2*, 3* and 4*-L. Martin recently finished in second and fourth at the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S and will be looking to go one better here in Bromont.

2023 MARS Bromont CCI4*-L winners Phillip Dutton (USA) and Azure. © Michelle Dunn Photo

America’s Phillip Dutton (West Grove, PA) has competed in every Olympic Games since 1996, winning team gold with Australia in 1996 and 2000, and as a member of the U.S. team in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020, winning individual bronze at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. He has competed in seven FEI World Equestrian Games, representing the U.S. for the first time in 2006. Dutton also won the CCI4*-L at Bromont in 2023 riding Azure.

This year he’s bringing an up-and-coming young horse, Kassiopea Preziosa to contest the CCI2*-L. Joining her father will be young rider Olivia Dutton, who is taking part in the MARS Bromont Rising educational program with Sea of Clouds. Following their recent top-20 finish in the CCI4*-S in Kentucky, they will be attempting their first CCI4*-L, the penultimate level of international competition.

Making it truly international is Lucienne Bellissimo (GBR) competing in the CCI4*-L with Dyri.

Lucienne Belissimo will represent Great Britain in Bromont with Dyri, shown here
at the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S in Kentucky. © Allison Pezzack for Michelle Dunn Photo

New this year is the addition of fun, family-friendly canine activities starting at 3:00pm Saturday, June 8. The Monteregie Agility Club will be performing demos including agility, frisbee and freestyle; there will be a dog parade; and special guests Canada’s international Cani-Cross medalists Sandra Lallier and Daniel Lusignan will also be part of the action. Best of all, your own dog is welcome (on a leash) to come be part of the fun.

Also new this year are the introduction of special awards in memory of Mary Anne and Guy Laframboise, whose Farm of the Mountain training centre served eventers and equestrian sport in Canada for nearly 50 years. The Laframboise Family Legacy Awards will be given out to the highest placed U25 rider from any division at the MARS Bromont CCI, and to the highest placed U18 Canadian rider at Petit/Little Bromont the following weekend. There will also be an individual award of excellence presented annually at the MARS Bromont CCI to someone who has made a significant life commitment to enriching the sport of eventing.

Everyone will love the addition of fun canine activities including agility, a dog parade
and Cani-Cross demonstrations, beginning at 3:00pm Saturday, June 8. © Tom von Kapherr Photo

If you are not able to be here in Bromont, all the action will be broadcast free on the new official YouTube channel www.YouTube.com/@BromontEventing starting with the first horse inspection at 3:00pm EST Wednesday, June 5. The livestream will also be simulcast on the RNS Video Media channel as well as for free on Horse & Country TV.

The opening phase, dressage, will be held over Thursday/Friday (June 6/7), the exciting and spectator-friendly cross-country will take place Saturday, June 8, and the event will conclude Sunday, June 9 with the show jumping phase, to determine the overall winners. Daily general admission and parking are completely free each day.

Renowned course designer Derek DiGrazia (USA), course designer for the Tokyo Olympics and some of the biggest three-day events in the world will be back at Bromont for 2024, to design the courses set amid the challenging terrain, with the help of Canada’s Jay Hambly.

Tight Margins at the Top Leave it All to Play for Sunday at Bicton International

By on May 25, 2024 6:00 pm -

Yasmin Ingham and Gypsie du Loir. Bicton Arena press photo.

Everyone enjoyed the sunny start to the day in Devon for the jumping phases at Bicton International Horse Trials. Three classes took to the cross country course while the showjumping got underway in the main arena for the TopSpec CCI4*-S.

The finest of margins separate first and second place in the Symonds & Sampson CCI3*-L with Gemma Stevens picking up 0.4 time penalties meaning that as Friday’s overnight leader, she slips down to second place. Yasmin Ingham and Gypsie Du Loir take the lead to head into the final day of competition tomorrow for the showjumping. This 8-year-old mare is owned by The Sue Davies Fund, so named after the sad passing of part-owner of several of Yas’ horses, Sue Davies in 2023. Janette Chinn, Sue’s daughter, also part owns the mare who started her eventing career with the Cheshire based former World Champion in 2022. Yas is no stranger to success with a ‘Du Loir’ horse from breeder Pierre Gouyé, her World Championship horse being Banzai Du Loir.

Anna Price and Keep Happy. Bicton Arena press photo.

Next to go cross country around the Helen West designed course were the Western Counties Equine Hospital CCI3*YR-L competitors. Leader after Thursday’s dressage, Anna Price and Keep Happy regained their lead from Ivy Fisher and Global Promise who picked up 15 penalties on the course. Hot on Anna’s heels are Joshua Levett and This Ones On You, followed by Isabelle Cook and Mexican Law. Bedfordshire based Anna and 9-year-old Pepsi, as the mare is known at home, stepped up to three-star level earlier this month with a top ten finish at Osberton.

Tom McEwen and Shannondale Arnold. Bicton Arena press photo.

The CCI2*-L class is sponsored by Mitchell & Webber, proud promoters of renewable liquid fuels to replace conventional fossil fuels across the South West, “We are delighted to be supporting Bicton as we have shared values in equestrian sports with social and environmental commitments,” said Robert Weedon from Mitchell & Webber. This class was the last to take on the cross country today, where the top 30 all went clear within the time, the course proving to be a great experience for these younger horses. As a result, the top of the leader board remained unchanged with Tom McEwen and Shannondale Arnold holding onto the lead with 26.5 ahead of Laura Collett on Balancero in second on 26.7 and Ros Canter on Silvesters Finesse in third on 26.8. Tightly bunched together at the top, it will be all to play for tomorrow, with none of the top three able to have even one pole down in order to maintain their position.

Laura Collett and London 52. Bicton Arena press photo.

Meanwhile, the TopSpec CCI4*-S showjumping phase was in full swing in the Western Counties main arena. The top eight go into the final day of competition on their dressage score, having all gone clear within the time. The top two remain unchanged from yesterday with Laura Collett and London 52 still on track for their campaign for another win having taken the title last year. Laura has partnered Dan, as he is known at home, to success on the biggest of stages including 5* wins at Luhmühlen in 2023, Badminton in 2022 and Pau in 2020, plus a top 10 finish at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021.

Tomorrow promises to be a final day full of thrilling eventing action as well as a packed schedule of demos, great shopping and fantastic food and drink.

Bicton Arena International (1) (Devon) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Huntington Farm Horse Trials Rolls Out Exciting Improvements and Changes in 2024

By on May 25, 2024 7:30 am -

Photo by Joan Davis / Flatlandsfoto.

Huntington Farm is pleased to announce exciting venue improvements and enhanced experiences for constituents at their 2024 USEA Recognized Horse Trials. These competitions will run July 6th-7th and August 3rd-4th at the Beginner Novice through the Preliminary levels in South Strafford, Vermont. In 2024, renowned Cross Country Course Designer Beth Perkins was brought on to lead the course upgrades and the development of new complexes.

Perkins has a long history with Huntington Farm as her family owned and operated the venue for nearly twenty years, during which time her father served as the Cross Country Designer. Perkins, a National and FEI Licensed Designer, is looking to add modern aspects of today’s sport while also featuring Huntington’s history. The most exciting developments in 2024 are the addition of a new water complex, upgraded galloping lanes and exceptional land management.

“I’m very honored to be asked (to design the Huntington course), it really is like going home for me. I’m excited to be back, it’s not a normal course design job, it is something special,” said Perkins. “I want to create a course that I would like to ride, and I want to keep it up to the standard as much as I possibly can. What I think is so special about Huntington is that it is not your run of the mill course. I think it will ask fair questions – part of the course will be an old-fashioned type of course and then open up into fields and feature more modern-day questions and open galloping type jumps.”

As the sport of Eventing has continued to adapt and evolve over the last 10 years, Area 1 has experienced cancellations of events on the competition calendar due to the loss of privately owned land and financial challenges. In March 2021, Skylar Clemens purchased Huntington Farm with a passion for reinvigorating Eventing in Area 1.

“We are deeply invested in making Huntington Farm Horse Trials into destination events in July and August to augment the Area 1 Calendar. Everyone on the Organizing Committee is committed to support the resurgence of Area 1 events through best practices, safety measures and outstanding Course Design,” stated Clemens.

Another main tenet Huntington Farm has prioritized is to provide an outstanding experience for all competitors, owners, sponsors and volunteers which is being led by deeply experienced leadership and organizing committees co-chaired by Clemens and CaroleAnn (Pinky) Tullar. In addition to cross country improvements, hospitality and vendor options have been upgraded to create an elite environment for all constituents.

“Having started my career within Eventing in Area 1, I am extremely excited to be involved with Huntington Farm and their improvements, as it is truly a staple of the Eventing calendar,” said Max Corcoran, Huntington Farm HT Organizing Committee Member and former USEA President.

To learn more about Huntington Farm Horse Trials click here.
To learn more about Sponsorship Opportunities click here.

All Systems Go for VHC Eventing presented by Capital Square

By on May 23, 2024 5:32 pm -

Mia Valdez and Midas Aiko. Photo by Sally Spickard.

It’s green lights and all systems go following the First Horse Inspection to kick off the competition at VHC Eventing, presented by Capital Square. The Ground Jury for the CCI2*-L and CCI1*-L divisions assessed all 26 combinations entered for competitive readiness, accepting all pairs with no holds or re-presentations.

I Love My Horse presented a Best Turned Out Award for the First Horse Inspection, giving a $150 gift certificate to Isabelle Blair and Get It Together, who are competing in the CCI2*-L.

Ridden competition begins in earnest on Friday, with an action-packed weekend awaiting our horses and riders. Friday’s schedule includes dressage and show jumping for the Preliminary, Intermediate, Advanced/Intermediate, Advanced CT, and FEI divisions.

The general event schedule, including ride times and orders of go, can be found here.

Competitors and spectators in attendance are invited to attend some special events happening on Friday, including an opportunity to come and meet the Capital Square team and get hydrated at the Stave Mill Pavillion from 12pm until 3pm. There will also be a reception with refreshments at the Stave Mill Pavillion during show jumping, sponsored by Triple Crown from 3pm until 4:30pm.

VHC Eventing also has some volunteer opportunities available throughout the weekend. Interested parties can sign up for a volunteer shift here.

VHC Eventing (Lexington, VA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Lotto Strzegom Horse Trials Announces Partnership with Goresbridge Go For Gold

By on May 21, 2024 12:00 pm -

Last week, Strzegom (Poland) and Goresbridge Go For Gold (Ireland) announced a partnership between the LOTTO Strzegom Horse Trials and The Goresbridge Go For Gold Sale for the first time. The Goresbridge Go For Gold Sale will become a sponsor of CCI4*-L competitions and will sponsor a voucher for the commission of 8 percent on a 30 k horse purchase to the winner of this class.

Image courtesy of Goresbridge Go for Gold.

Go For Gold

The Goresbridge Go For Gold Sale has long established itself as the premier source and showcase of Ireland’s finest potential event horses. Goresbridge Go For Gold is staged every November in Ireland’s Barnadown and the Amber Springs Hotel in Co Wexford, this year’s event promises to be the best one yet with the return of the gala luncheon.

Every year, the Goresbridge Go For Gold Sale brings together the best potential young event horses from Ireland in one place for one big sale. Around 80-100 amazing horses, starting from age three, are handpicked by experts of a highly experienced panel of producers and international riders.

In 2023, the sale achieved outstanding results, with a record auction price of €87,000 and an average price of €23,000. The four-year-old horses were a standout, selling for an average of €32,214.

Buyers from America, all over Europe and Britain were keen to snap up these top-quality horses. Among them were well-known names like Austin O’Connor, Oliver Townend, Emily King, Sam Ecroyd, and Max Warburton.

Lucy Latta and RCA Patron Saint. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Go For Gold Graduates

“Just a few weeks into the 2024 season our Go For Gold graduates have been racking up wins and placings on both sides of the Atlantic. The calibre of graduates worldwide and their extensive lists of accolades and achievements is a testament of the quality sold at Go For Gold,” says Ed Donohoe of Goresbridge Go For Gold..

At both the Badminton and Kentucky five star showcases, it was rewarding to see three Go For Gold graduates on the leaderboard. County Wexford’s Lucy Latta who rode in her first Badminton five star finished an amazing second on RCA Patron Saint while Sarah Ennis on board Grantstown Jackson completed in the top twenty.

Another Goresbridge Go For Gold graduate at Badminton Horse Trials was 18-year-old Copper Beach. Previously campaigned by Buck Davidson up to five-star, the veteran Cooper Beach was partnered by the young American Cosby Green (23), who on her Badminton debut, delivered a fantastic clear in the country and a memorable completion.

Ed Donohoe recalls, “Thinking back to our early Go For Gold sales, the sale of Copper Beach still stands out vividly. It’s truly satisfying to see this legend of an Irish horse still going strong at 18 years old.”

“We’re excited about Lucy Latta and Sarah Ennis, who are on the verge of their first five-star victories. It’s a great endorsement for our selection team and the wonderful job they do in selecting the best of young horse talent,” he added.

Flying the flag for the Go For Gold graduates at the Kentucky five-star showcase in America, was the impressive duo of Cooley Nutcracker ridden by Liz Halliday. As the current American CCI4*-L champions, the pair were first timers at the level and thrilled connections when filling eighth spot. Other international winners across the water include Ocala open victors Rock Phantom (Sara Kozumplik) and the young mare Crossfield Cara who, with Joe Meyer in the saddle trounced the two-star field in Tryon.

The list of Go For Gold graduates excelling on the British circuit this year is extensive, but standing out are are Kilcannon Mischief ridden by Olympic gold medallist Tom McKwen, MBF Connection (James Avery NZ), Kilcannon Sensation (Harry Meade), Gun Law (Ben Way) and Rehy Revelation ridden by Jack Pinkney.

Not forgetting the Ryan Page ridden show jumpers MBF Huntstown Cornet, Curraghraigue Q Hill and BP Ko Jax who have been on extraordinary form this year, all winning multiple classes up to 1.40 level.

Liz Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Go For Gold’s Expert Panel of Veterinarians

To ensure the well-being of the horses, each one undergoes a thorough health check by expert veterinarians. All horses catalogued undergo an approved five stage vetting conducted by specialist equine Veterinary Surgeons within 48 hours prior to the sale, and all will be sold with a set of digital X-rays taken by members of the Goresbridge Veterinary Panel.

These will be available for Veterinary Surgeons to inspect prior to sale and viewings will also be available on site with Veterinary Surgeon Hugh Suffern MVB MRCVS, Irish Team Vet for 13 years including 3 Olympic Games, 3 World and 6 European Championships.

The Goresbridge Go For Gold Sale is the place to find top event horses, attracting buyers from all over the world. With its fifteenth year, the sale continues to excel, offering great opportunities for buyers and sellers alike.

This year’s sale takes place on November 11, 12 & 13 2024. For more details, visit https://www.goresbridge.com/goforgold/ or contact Róisín McGrath at 0035359 977 5145.

Getting Back in the Saddle Can Pay Dividends

By on May 19, 2024 9:30 am -

Louis Rogers competes at Virginia Horse Center aboard One Plan. Photo by Swita Photography.

When Louis Rogers saddles up, you’d never guess that less than a year ago, he had a fall that left him unconscious, with thirteen broken ribs, a collapsed lung, a fractured collar bone and a cervical fracture. The placement of his injuries suggested the twelve-hundred-pound horse he’d been riding had also stepped on him.

“It’s a terrible thing to know that I heal well,” says Louis today. “I’m like the real estate industry that way. There are crashes. There are struggles. But over the decades, we keep trending better and better.”

Louis is founder and co-CEO of Capital Square, a vertically integrated real estate firm, specializing in tax-advantaged real estate investments as well as real estate development and property management. He is also an avid equestrian. As the son of a veterinarian, Louis grew up around countless animals. They were always in the house, in the barn and in the yard, and the same remains true for him today.

“Sometimes they growl. Sometimes they purr. Sometimes they stomp on your chest, making you question your sanity,” Louis laughs, putting a hand to his ribcage. “But the partnerships are also real, and they remind us that resilience is a skill always worth practicing, especially when the course isn’t always clear.”

In the past year, the real estate industry has had its own struggles. Skyrocketing insurance premiums, inflation and high interest rates created economic headwinds even experienced professionals found daunting. With forethought, Louis’ firm focused its resources into bolstering the company and controlling the controllable. By seizing intentional opportunities in a slower time period, Capital Square expanded the ways it could create its own exceptional product, including qualified opportunity zone (OZ) funds, Delaware statutory trusts (DSTs) and Capital Square’s growing real estate investment trust (REIT).

“We just get back up and keep riding, like Phillip Dutton at the Kentucky Three Day,” Louis continues. “One fall means nothing. That’s not the end of the story.”

Recovered from his injuries, Louis Rogers is back in the saddle, and he’s confident that the real estate industry will soon be there too. He’s quick to point out that Capital Square’s 28th DST offering recently went full cycle, resulting in an average 170.24% total return for investors. He often slides into the conversation that Capital Square’s tax-advantaged OZ investments elevated their sales in 2023, despite an industry decline.
Falls happen. Sometimes we can feel physically or metaphorically stomped on. The real estate industry has felt it, for sure.

Louis Rogers knows he was lucky, but he also knows that getting back into the saddle can pay dividends in the barn, at the office and for the quality of life we all aspire to.

To view more about the upcoming Horse Trials at Virginia Horse Center (May 23-26), click here.