View Classifieds
Articles Written 173
Article Views 148,080

Edited Press Release

Achievements

Become an Eventing Nation Blogger

About Edited Press Release

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

Latest Articles Written

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.