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Sally Spickard

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About Sally Spickard

Sally Spickard is a Korean adoptee living in San Diego, California. Sally joined the Eventing Nation team in 2013 and has subsequently written for Noelle Floyd, Heels Down Mag, and other publications both in and out of the equestrian world. Sally is an eventing fan through and through and enjoys telling the stories of riders who are not well-represented within equestrian media.

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Fire to the Rain: Boyd Martin and Commando 3 Dance in the Deluge as Best of Friday at Defender Kentucky

By on Apr 25, 2025 7:31 pm -

Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

So before we get into the nitty gritty of what went down (literally) on Friday in the Defender Kentucky 5* dressage finale, I thought I’d just lead with a little Chat GPT-written diddy, which works the best if you sing it out loud to the tune of “Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele:

He rode in, boots squishin’ down the lane,
Helmet brim drippin’, horse cussin’ the rain,
Commando’s eyes said, “Mate, you’re insane,”
But Boyd just laughed like, “That’s eventin’, babe!”

I threw my dreams into the muck and prayed,
Set fire to the centerline and danced anyway,
The heavens opened, the judges stayed,
And somehow we strutted through the watery parade.

‘Cause we set fire to the rain,
Half-passed like a runaway train,
Splashed through puddles, still nailed the frame,
And left the scoreboard callin’ our name —

The crowd wore ponchos, the judges wore frowns,
His breeches looked like a Starbucks knockdown,
Commando 3 said, “Bro, we’re goin’ down!”
And Boyd just hollered, “Keep your head down, clown!”

Yeah, we set fire to the rain,
Trotted bold through the soggy domain,
Stayed on track while the world went insane,
Now we’ll see who’s laughing after cross-country day.

ANYWAY. I digress.

As you can see by the photo above, we had quite the dramatic finale to dressage here at the always-weather-bipolar Kentucky, and it was the task of one Boyd Martin to get the job done in an absolute deluge aboard Yankee Creek Ranch’s Commando 3 (Connor 48 – R-Adelgunde, by Amigo xx). There was one shot left to, well, maybe not topple Michael Jung from his 18.6 throne, but at least close the gap significantly. Several riders had given it as a shot, and the closest so far had been Great Britain’s Tom McEwen with Brookfield Quality, who went into second on a 26.2.

Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Not to be outdone, Boyd gritted his teeth and laid down an incredible effort with the 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding, earning a handful of 9s from the three judges (Christian Steiner at C, Anne-Mette Binder at E and Peter Gray at M), including one from Peter Gray for the Collective Mark judging harmony between horse and rider. The pair was also awarded a 10 on movement 16 of the test (Transition to collected canter left. Collected canter. Extended canter), all leading to an initial tie with Tom on a 26.2 that was later adjusted to a 26.0 to put Boyd alone in second heading into cross country tomorrow.

“He’s very good on the flat — flamboyant, good-looking, full of presence and enthusiasm,” Boyd commented after his test, water dripping from his tails. “He can be a bit spooky, so I’m glad we had arena familiarization. Strangely, the rain seemed to keep his head down! He was impeccably behaved. I was very pleased.”

Boyd was fairly non-plussed, as most event riders would be, about the monsoon. “I’ve been through it all,” he said. “There are always factors you can’t control — weather, footing, minor hiccups. You just adapt, stay positive, and focus on what you can influence.”

Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Boyd hopes to get a first 5* done with this horse that he’s been quite keen on since he acquired the ride from Sweden’s Louise Romeike in 2022. He had “that look” of a real championship-type horse, Boyd mused in the early days of his partnership with “Connor”. While their initial debut at Maryland 5 Star last fall ended prematurely with a fall, it’s inarguable that this horse is one of Boyd’s top rides (and he’s got plenty of them, as he puts it: “I think this is the best group of five-star horses I’ve had.”) as we look ahead to the FEI World Equestrian Championships at Aachen next summer.

“To have three horses score in the 20s — it’s been a huge amount of work,” Boyd said. He also delivered a 27.9 with Luke 140 as the first ride of the afternoon, shaving several points off the 30.1 he scored in his 5* debut at Luhmühlen in 2023. Luke 140 went on to finish fourth, finishing on that score. “It’s sort of a relief when it all comes together. You stay up late at night wondering if something’s going to go wrong. Of course, there are things they could have done better, but generally speaking, I was just relieved that it wasn’t disastrous.”

Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Tom McEwen (GBR) then slides into third after Boyd’s score adjustment, and he was equally pleased with the work put in by “Nervous Norris”, as Brookfield Quality (OBOS Quality 004 – Bay Coffey Cavalier, by Cavalier Royale) is affectionately called due to his spooky nature. Alison Swinburn, John and Chloe Perry’s 16-year-old Irish gelding was consistent in his marks for the most part, not quite earning the flashy 9s and 10 of Boyd’s score but staying competitive throughout all movements to earn his 26.2.

“He never lets anyone down,” Tom said. “He can be a bit nervous, but he’s an absolute legend. I’m so pleased with him — I really felt we got the most out of the test. We were on par with the scores at this level, but I was absolutely delighted. He handled the atmosphere like a trooper, even though he can be a bit spooky. I still can’t get him past that tent outside, so I’m really proud of him.”

Tom’s taken a somewhat unique approach to prepping for this run with this particular horse, noting that his pathway using mostly National-level competitions was slightly different from what he might do with other horses. “We began by doing an open Novice, then an open Intermediate, then another open Novice,” Tom commented, noting that he didn’t target any FEI events in the lead-up. “It’s a different pathway compared to most people heading to a five-star, but it’s worked for us.” Tom also takes advantage of galloping at British race trainer Nicki Henderson’s track, which allowed him to put on the finishing touches of fitness before hopping the plane to the U.S.

For Tom, the “non-traditional” path is all about confidence. Monica Spencer (NZL) takes a similar approach with Artist for her final event before a 5*, choosing often to run a lower level like a Prelim or an Intermediate to really boost the confidence of her horse before the big show. “It’s all about confidence for him,” Tom said. “Allowing him to run around smoothly and relaxed is key. The more relaxed he is, the better chance he has of producing his best test.”

Libussa Lübbeke and Carmia 34. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Germany’s Libussa Lübbeke, who is making her Kentucky debut and starting her second 5* this weekend, sits in fourth place overnight on a score of 27.1 with Caramia 34 (Comte – Floretta, by Fabriano). It’s a real family affair for the Lübbeke clan, who’ve all come over to the States to cheer Libussa on. In fact, Libussa’s brother, Frank, actually used to ride her horse and competed the now 14-year-old Hanoverian mare through the 3* level before she took over the reins.

“She’s been with my family since 2009,” Libussa explained. “My parents owned her originally, and my brother produced her through the lower levels. It’s really special for us to be here together. We’ve been enjoying every moment and making the most of the experience.”

“After completing Luhmühlen last year, we realized the opportunity was there,” she said of the decision to get on a plane and debut at Kentucky. “We thought, ‘We have the chance now, so let’s go for it.’ It’s been wonderful to make it happen.”

Libussa’s score bests her previous 5* score of 31.9 earned at Luhmühlen. A product of the Warendorf educational program for young German riders has made Libussa into an all-out competitor at the age of 24. She’s won three team medals at Junior Europeans, one of which was in 2022 with this horse, and so she’s certainly one to keep an eye on as she continues to gain experience at this top level.

Tim Price and Falco. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Tim Price (NZL) replaced himself in the top five after hitting the board with both Jarillo and Happy Boy yesterday, slotting now into fifth with his Olympic horse and Pau winner (2021), Sue Benson’s Falco (Cardenio 2 – Witta, by Weinberg), on a score of 27.8. It’s a score right on par for this horse’s typical performance, and Tim was pleased with his experienced partner, who finished sixth individually in Paris last summer.

“I thought he was phenomenal,” he said. “He was through, nicely connected, and really proving his quality. This morning in the warm-up he was quite buzzy, and I worried I might have overdone it, but I trusted our partnership and the fact he knows his job. He felt great in the ring, and I managed to carry that feeling right through my round. A couple of mistakes, of course, but at this level you have to execute almost perfectly — it’s not gifted, it’s earned through practice.”

Falco’s a strong shout to make a bit more of a climb over the next two days, having come second at Maryland last year, winning individual and team bronze at World Championships in Pratoni in 2022 and, of course, won Pau back in 2021, which was his 5* debut.

Meanwhile, Tim’s other two rides, Jarillo and Happy Boy, drop down slightly, into equal seventh and ninth, respectively.

Boyd Martin and Luke 140. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We’re all pleased to see Luke 140 (Landos I – Omega VI, by Limbus) back at the level after a hiatus from various injuries since his last run and fourth-place finish at Luhmühlen in 2023. His 27.9 is good for sixth best on the board heading into cross country.

“He had two blips, but he’s a great dressage horse,” Boyd commented. “Being here for a couple of days to familiarize him with the arena made a big difference. In the warm-up I could tell he was in top form, and he performed really well out there. My favorite part of the test, though, was the walk. He really ‘walked the walk,’ which is our biggest challenge — anticipating the next movement — and he walked every step.” Boyd and Luke earned two 7s and a 6.5 for their extended walk work.

Luke has, famously, always been a bit of a cheeky boy, spinning Boyd off many times (“seven times this year, which sounds ridiculous!”), but the strategic pre-riding and hacking he’s done here at Kentucky has resulted in the 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by the Luke 140 Syndicate feeling more settled, which really showed in his dressage work between the boards.

“He’s a high-energy horse and can struggle with particular exercises,” Boyd elaborated. “Because we work him so much here, he’s more settled; at home he’s quite a handful — bursting with enthusiasm.”

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

And so we’ll still have Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk to beat after the conclusion of dressage. He’s got 7.4 penalties, or 18.5 seconds of time, in hand tomorrow. We know Michael has no general trouble making the time, but Derek di Grazia has changed a bit up on his course this year, and some riders have mused that the track feels a bit more twisting than it typically does. It’s Kentucky, though, and there will be plenty of stretches to gallop and get back up on the markers if needed. We’ll have a full preview coming tomorrow morning on EN, but you can view the guided tour with Derek here on CrossCountryApp.

About 20 penalties separate first from 23rd place in the standings, so we will see a fair share of influence tomorrow. Cross country has been pushed back slightly to 9:30 a.m. (4*-S) to allow for some overnight weather to clear out, and the 5* will begin at 1:30 p.m. You can follow along live in Cheg’s live blog, which will publish in the morning for the 4*, and also using the live stream links in the list below.

In the meantime, dry off, pour a glass of wine, put on some Adele, and give the song at the start of this report a shot once you’re at least two glasses in. Go Eventing.

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

Another Day, Another Record for Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH at Defender Kentucky Day One

By on Apr 24, 2025 7:43 pm -

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We were treated to yet another record set by German Olympic champion Michael Jung much earlier than usual in the drawn order on Thursday at Defender Kentucky. While his record-setting (again!) 18.6 earned with fischerChipmunk FRH (Contendro I – Havanna, by Heraldik, owned by Deutsches Olympiade-Komitee für Reiterei e.V., Klaus & Sabine Fischer, & Joachim Jung) now might leave some of the competitors yet to come feeling like they’re riding for second, there is just something special about witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime combination — who really don’t campaign heavily and certainly don’t do a ton of 5*s, particularly during a major championship cycle.

Believe it or not, the test wasn’t the world record beater — the top two scores currently stand from the Paris Olympics, where Michael actually earned one of those with this horse (a 17.8). The record currently belongs to Great Britain’s Laura Collett and London 52, who also laid down a teens score in Paris with a stunning 17.3.

But back to Kentucky and today. This score will go down as the third lowest 5* score on record (since tracking begin in 2008) and also the new lowest score at Kentucky (beating, lol, himself), and for his part Michael was, naturally, pleased with the 17-year-old Hanoverian gelding. This winter, he prepped a little differently than he ordinarily would, traveling to Italy to do some CSI1* show jumping competition rather than campaigning him at events.

“Normally I’d have more prep events, but there weren’t many good options near home, and we had a dry spring,” Michael elaborated. “So I focused on training and galloping at home. I trust Chipmunk — he doesn’t need a lot of competition to be ready. He had a longer break after Paris, and I started really focusing on his training again in February—building up his endurance and muscle. He’s in great shape now.”

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

At this point in their partnership, Michael and Chipmunk certainly know each other well, and that does shine through in these incredible scores they’re able to achieve together. “He’s the kind of horse you dream of having,” he said. “He’s lovely to ride in dressage, and at home he’s very uncomplicated — once you get to know him. He seems calm on the outside, but he’s actually quite sensitive inside. It took a while after I got him to build a real partnership. But once you understand him, he’s so easy and relaxed.”

That relaxation is key: among a total of five 10s earned from judges Christian Steiner at C, Anne-Mette Binder at E and Peter Gray at M, one of those came from Peter for the collective mark which judges the harmony between horse and rider. The pair also earned 10s, all from Christian Steiner at C, on the first movement (their entrance, halt, salute, and first collected trot), movement 14 (transition to collected trot, track right), movement 20 (serpentine of three loops with a flying change), and movement 24 (flying change). Interestingly, though, the judges were actually the most in “disagreement” on Michael’s score, to the tune of a spread of 12 percentage points between the highest and lowest total percentage score. Christian at C was the most generous with his marks, while Anne-Mette Binder was the lowest.

Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Paris Olympian Clarke Johnstone (NZL) makes his return to Kentucky for the first time since the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010, where he earned a team bronze medal for the Kiwis. He brings forward his Paris horse, Menlo Park (Berlin – Faerie Queen, by Rock King) and currently sits equal second with Tim Price (NZL) on a score of 28.4, a tick or two higher than the 25.7 earned in Paris and the 26.3 earned in the horse’s first 5* at Pau last fall, but certainly still well within their competitive average on the flat.

“It was a really solid test,” Clarke said of Menlo Park, who is owned by the rider and Jean & Rob Johnstone. “A couple of little things could have been better, but overall, ‘Jacko’ was really rideable and focused. I always say the bigger the stadium, the better he goes — and this is about as big as stadiums get. So I’m really proud of him. He was a good boy. I think this test was pretty comparable to the one in Paris. I made one mistake there, too, but Jacko was maybe a bit more energetic in that atmosphere. It was actually raining during our test in Paris, and that seemed to freshen him up. Today, I felt like I had to encourage him a bit more, which may be where we lost a few marks. But it was still a tidy test — and there’s a long way to go in the weekend.”

“It’s been 15 years since I was last here — at the World Championships in 2010,” Clarke said later in the press conference. “I’ve wanted to come back ever since. As [Michael] said, it’s a stunning venue, and everyone is so welcoming. It’s a real privilege to return after all these years.”

Clarke has also changed up his prep a little this year, having been pleased with the 15-year-old British Sport Horse’s performance at Paris. Like Michael, he also spent some time show jumping in the off-season, traveling to Spain to compete on the Sunshine Tour (a path often taken by Tim and Jonelle Price, as well as others). “I was pleased with Paris overall — great dressage and cross country, though I had a rail in show jumping,” Clarke mused. “Since then, I did a month of show jumping in Spain and had a couple of Intermediate runs and a four-short in England. It’s been a dry spring, which suits my horse; he prefers firm ground. He’s not the fastest but has good stamina, so I’ve focused on getting him as fit as possible for Saturday’s long, hilly cross country.”

Tim Price and Jarillo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Tim Price is well-sat to make a strong run this week with three horses, two of which sit in the top five after today’s competition. The 11-year-old KWPN Jarillo (Dantos – Fiorilla, by Alicante), owned by Lucy Allison, Francis Stead, and James and Rachel Good, is the highest-placed today, sitting equal second on a score of 28.4. It’s a little above the 27.2 this horse earned in his 5* debut at Pau, where he went on to finish ninth despite the horrendous weather conditions, but Tim was pleased with the horse’s development as he steps up to an arguably tougher, in some ways, second 5*.

“That day was really tough,” Tim said. “But I was impressed with how well he coped. He did feel tired at the end, but sometimes horses need to experience that to build stamina. He’s come out this year stronger and more established. I just need to feel my way around and give him a smart ride — hopefully Pau set him up well for this weekend.”

“This is a young horse — green and unpredictable — but super talented,” Tim said of his test today with Jarillo. “For him to go in there, focus on me, stay on the job, and even have an element of relaxation — I was really happy with that. He can be easily distracted. I stopped to take his boots off and he was staring off at a golf cart way in the distance. He’s a bit of a skylark, but in the arena today, he really tuned in.”

Tim Price and Happy Boy. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Happy Boy (Indoctro – W. Amelusina 17, by Odermus R), a 13-year-old KWPN gelding owned by Tim alongside Susan Lamb and Therese Miller, is seeking his first 5* completion after withdrawing from competition at his two starts in 2023 (Luhmühlen and Pau). He’s had another year of experience in the time since, culminating in a win at the Blenheim 4*-L, which is a truly challenging 4*-L that really sets the mark of whether a horse shows the mettle for the 5* level. He squeaked in under the 30 mark with a 29.1, an improvement over his Pau score of 32.9, to sit fourth overnight.

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Boyd Martin will be the best-placed U.S. rider going into Friday, riding his first of three rides, the Annie Goodwin Syndicate’s Fedarman B (Eurocommerce Washington – Paulien B, by Fedor), early in the day to the tune of a 29.8 to round out the early top five. It’s not quite a personal best for “Bruno”, who’s starting his fourth 5* this week and first one at Kentucky, but just a hair-breadth over the 29.5 he earned at Pau last fall and also a shade lower than his Paris Olympics score of 30.5.

“Bruno went really well,” Boyd said. “I was really pleased with him. He’s such a nice, quiet, laid-back horse, and I thought the energy in the ring today was just right. It was one of our better tests. Still a few little things to tidy up, but overall I was really happy. He’s a pretty laid-back character, and he’s a bit of a veteran now, so he knows the drill. He understands when to hold it together and when he can breathe a bit. He kind of knows the test at this point, so he’s a pleasure to ride.”

We’ll now look ahead to the second half of the field tomorrow, which for the 5* will kick off at 1:00 p.m. ET with Boyd Martin and Luke 140. Other “ones to watch” tomorrow (though no one is highly likely to threaten Michael’s record today) include Monica Spencer and Artist, potentials to at least take over the second spot, Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality, Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri, Harry Meade and Graffenacht, and Boyd again with Commando 3. You can see who goes when here. Stay tuned for our live blog coming at the start of the 5*, and catch up on today’s blog here.

Don’t forget to look for our utterly ridiculous Chinch in a backpack starting tomorrow for our Chase the Chinch challenge if you’re here on site! Learn more about it here.

As always, Go Eventing!

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

EN’s Ultimate Guide to Following the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

By on Apr 24, 2025 8:28 am -

It’s very nearly time to get the party started in earnest at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian! Before we get too in the weeds, there is a LOT of information to keep track of this week, so we’ve gathered as much of it as we can for you so you can make the most of your trip or virtual follow-along!

Keep this Ultimate Guide bookmarked as we’ll be adding things to it as the week progresses. Have fun, and Go Eventing!

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

How to Watch

Wherever you are in the world, you’ll be able to watch live! If you’re in the U.S., you can either use your USEF membership or grab a FREE Fan membership that will give you access to the live stream all week. You can see both options here.

For everyone else, ClipMyHorse.TV will be your host for the live stream. A membership is required to access the live feed and on demand replays. You can click here to see more on the CMH live feed (note: the link we’ve used is a U.S.-based link; you may just need to search for Kentucky Three-Day from your own browser if you’re outside of the U.S.).

Social Media Channels and Hashtags

The official Defender Kentucky pages are linked below:

Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok

You can follow along with EN on Facebook here and on Instagram here. We’ll also be making use of our Instagram Broadcast Channel, Go Eventing, for more on the ground updates, so be sure to join the channel here.

If you want to join the conversation on social media, you can use the following official hashtags:

#TheBestWeekendAllYear #Eventing #2025K3DE

What’s Happening On Site?

Great question! You can view the event’s Official Schedule here as well as our unofficial guide to other happenings here.

EN’s Coverage

Below, we’ll keep a list updated of our coverage both leading up to and during Defender Kentucky. Our all-new Form Guide can also be found here. You can view all horses in drawn order on the first tab, and all horses in alphabetical order on the second. Tap or click on a horse’s profile to open their full card of recent form, fun facts and more.

FRIDAY, APRIL 25

Fire to the Rain: Boyd Martin and Commando 3 Dance in the Deluge as Best of Friday at Defender Kentucky

Will Coleman Claims Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S Dressage Lead with Off The Record

The Action Continues at Defender Kentucky: Live Blog from the 5* Dressage on Day Two

THURSDAY, APRIL 24

Another Day, Another Record for Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH at Defender Kentucky Day One

Dutton and Denim Take Thursday Dressage Lead of Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S

The Weekend Starts Today: Live Blog from Defender Kentucky 5* – Dressage Day One

Chase the Chinch: The Go Eventing Podcast is Coming to Kentucky

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23

One Horse Eliminated, 34 Forward to CCI5* Competition at Defender Kentucky

The Form Guide Has Landed: Meet the Horses and Riders of the Defender Kentucky CCI5*

2025 ROOKIE PROFILES

No Shortcuts, No Regrets: Arden Wildasin’s Journey to 5* with Sunday Times

5* Rookie Shannon Lilley Won’t Accept ‘No’ for an Answer

Just the Two of Us: Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Grey are Ready to Tackle Debut 5* at Kentucky

5* Rookie Cassie Sanger is Starting A New Chapter

‘One Step at a Time’: Lucienne Bellissimo Aims for 5* Debut at Defender Kentucky with Dyri

Hard Work, Determination and (Imperio) Magic Turn Mary Bess Davis’ 5* Dreams into Reality

PRE-EVENT COVERAGE

Get a First Look at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Cross Country Course

Olympic Champion Christian Kukuk Tops Impressive Field of Show Jumping Athletes Set to Compete in Kentucky International CSI5*

Defender Kentucky 5* Draw Order Released: Tim Price is Pathfinder

Justin’s Place Named Official Charity of 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian

Preview the Entry List for the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S at Defender Kentucky

Defender Kentucky CCI5* Entry Preview: The Olympic Champion Returns

CSI5* Show Jumping to Run Alongside Defender Kentucky CCI5* in 2025

EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

One Horse Eliminated, 34 Forward to CCI5* Competition at Defender Kentucky

By on Apr 23, 2025 6:07 pm -

Jennie Brannigan and Twilightslastgleam. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We started off Defender Kentucky week with a side of unfortunate drama this afternoon as the 35 CCI5* entries came forward to present to the Ground Jury, presided over by Christian Steiner (AUT) and joined by Anne-Mette Binder (DEN) and Peter Gray (CAN).

Late in the order came Jennie Brannigan with Tim and Nina Gardner’s Twilightsgleam, who was to start his sixth 5* competition this week. “Comic” (also known affectionately as “Grandpa”) was initially sent to the holding area to re-inspect, and after Jennie presented again the Ground Jury took a lengthy amount of time to come to a decision. Sadly, the decision was not to accept the 15-year-old Thoroughbred gelding forward to competition.

Jennie was, understandably, emotional about the situation, made somewhat more stressful earlier on when the announcer had a delay in letting her know that her first ride, FE Lifestyle, was accepted.

“I love this horse so much, and he already has given me so much,” Jennie told EN. “He doesn’t owe us a single thing, and really, wholeheartedly, if he is not quite right, we would never want to run him. We have struggled with his feet over the years, but I pride myself on being a good horseman, and so I am more embarrassed than anything. I’ve not sure I have ever been spun at a jog. The most important thing, though, is that there will ALWAYS be another horse show. There will NEVER be another Grandpa. The Gardners are such experienced owners and have always supported his every need to keep him happy and healthy. He is my heart horse, and I would never want him to run if he isn’t 100%, and I am the most emotional about that. We love him, and we will always put him first.”

Boyd Martin and Luke 140. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Beyond that, the rest of the inspection was without any drama (well, not if you ask Dyri, who was CLEARLY ready to show people exactly how athletic he is), and all remaining 34 horses were accepted and will move on to dressage starting tomorrow afternoon.

You can find ride times for dressage for both the 4* and 5* here. We’ll be back later on with Tilly Berendt’s (in?)famous Golden Chinch Awards, to be sure to check back!

Go Eventing.

EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

Defender Kentucky (KY): [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [Ultimate Guide] [Form Guide]

Dressage Test Hacks: How to Memorize Like a Pro (Without Melting Down at A)

By on Apr 23, 2025 10:00 am -

Presented by Dressage TestPro

Hannah Sue Hollberg and Carsonstown. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Let’s be real here: memorizing a dressage test can sometimes feel like trying to learn an interpretive dance routine designed by a particularly sadistic choreographer. One second, you’re trotting along confidently and the next, you’re blanking out so hard that your horse starts making executive decisions, and usually to the tune of a score between 2-4 for that movement. As you move up the levels, the tests become more and more technical, which means the mental gymnastics become even more panic-inducing (if you’re anything like us).

It may be Kentucky week, where the true pros who very rarely (but sometimes do! They are human, too!) go “off course” in a test, but if you’re like me and find big time events like this to be inspiring, watching the quality of test we often see at this level makes me want to learn more about how to really ride a test. That starts with knowing it, which really, truthfully, can be a really difficult part of the job. To add on, not everyone learns in the same way.

But fear not! With a little strategy (and maybe a great sidekick like Dressage TestPro), you can hack your dressage test and ride with confidence in your ability to remember where the heck you’re going.

1. Break It Into Bite-Sized Chunks

Trying to memorize your entire test in one go is like trying to eat an entire pizza in one sitting: technically possible (no judgement from us, I just did this on Friday, if we’re being honest), but inadvisable.

Instead, divide the test into sections:

  • Opening movements (centerline and first few turns)
  • The meat of the test (transitions, changes of pace, lateral work if applicable)
  • Final movements (the home stretch)

Memorize one section at a time and only move on when you can mentally ride through it without hesitation. As Sharon White mentioned on the most recent episode of The Go Eventing Podcast, she doesn’t want to be thinking about the test when she’s in the ring. She wants to have her full focus on her horse, with the test itself being second nature due to the practice she’s put in to know it well.

2. Walk It Out

You might look slightly unhinged marching around your living room whispering “K-X-M, change rein” under your breath, but physically walking your test really does help cement the pattern in your brain (don’t like, we know you’ve tried it at least once!). If you have a big enough space, use cones or random household objects to recreate the dressage ring.

3. Visualize Like a Gold Medalist

Your brain doesn’t know the difference between actually riding the test and vividly imagining riding the test.

Top riders swear by this trick: close your eyes, breathe, and mentally ride through each movement as if you were in the arena. Feel the rhythm, the transitions, and the geometry of what you’re riding.

4. Say It Out Loud

Some riders recite their tests like a script or subject their significant other or barn friends to endless repetition. But repetition is a key to learning! Repeating the test out loud reinforces memory and helps with timing.

5. Use Dressage TestPro Like a Secret Weapon

We’ve really embraced technology in recent years, and there are now several educational equestrian apps and websites available. Dressage TestPro is one such tool which lets you study your test on the go, quiz yourself, draw it out on the screen (with a feature that will correct you if you go the wrong way!) and even watch it played out on a virtual arena. It’s like having a dressage coach in your pocket—minus the judgmental eyebrow raise.

Dressage TestPro leverages the idea of visualization and varying learning styles to help riders stress less about this key part of our sport. There are several editions of the app available, depending on which test you need and what country you’re in. You can view all of the available editions here. In-app purchases of either monthly or annual access to all available/current tests cost $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year (note: the price is subject to variance depending on your currency and country).

6. Drill the “Oh No” Moments

Identify the trickiest parts of your test: the movement that always trips you up or the transition you inevitably ride too early, or maybe your circles are just a hair off-center. Ride those sections more often than the easy ones so they feel automatic when you’re under pressure. Remember: repetition is a skill we all need in this sport (and beyond!).

7. Look at the Test from the Big Picture

While breaking the test down into chunks or practicing specific movements on repeat are excellent tips, it’s also useful to look at your test from the big picture. Remember: the test-writers aren’t just writing down movements arbitrarily. There is a rhyme and reason for each, and for the sequence of the movements. Sit down and read your test from start to finish (and better yet, find a video and watch it being ridden) and look at it through the lens of how each movement complements the next. You may be able to identify more of a flow than you originally thought, and when something feels natural and complementary, it becomes easier to commit to memory.

And if you want even more help? We can guarantee that you can find a dressage judge who’s willing to sit down with you to read through the test. If you check out your local calendar of events, you may also find a “Fix-A-Test” clinic near you; these are set up with an arena and a judge, but the premise is to ride your test and receive feedback from the judge directly afterward. They’re very useful practice events!

By following these tips (and downloading Dressage TestPro for an extra edge), you’ll have your test memorized in no time—and hopefully with less likelihood your brain will suddenly go blank and cease to have a single thought (of logic, at least – intrusive thoughts seem to remain regardless) as soon as you enter at A.

Now go forth, ride those movements like a boss, and may your centerlines always be straight!

Want to learn more about Dressage TestPro? Click here to read our full review!

How EN Does Product Reviews:

We believe that product reviews are the most useful when they’re honest. We will always let you know if we’ve been compensated in some way for writing a product review; in all review cases, we reserve the right to write with honesty on our experience with a product. This review of Dressage TestPro was compensated as a part of an advertising package. The review reflects our writer’s full experience using this product.

Remembering Timothy Holekamp

By on Apr 22, 2025 12:00 pm -

USEA/Meagan Delisle photo

The eventing community mourns the passing of Dr. Timothy Holekamp, who died on April 20. A lifelong horseman, forward-thinking breeder, and tireless advocate for young horses and U.S. breeding, Tim leaves behind a profound and enduring legacy within our sport.

Together with his wife, Cheryl, Tim founded New Spring Farm in Missouri, where the couple cultivated a breeding program that would help redefine what American-bred horses could achieve on the world stage. Among their most celebrated success stories is the Trakehner stallion Windfall — who represented the U.S. at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and helped bring home a team bronze medal with Darren Chiacchia — purchased and imported from Germany with the intention to influence North American breeding lines with his genetics. Windfall became one of the most influential eventing stallions in modern history, leaving a lasting and ongoing mark on sport horse breeding in North America in particular.

One such progeny standout was Tsetserleg TSF (“Thomas”), a Trakehner gelding by Windfall who earned both team and individual gold medals at the 2019 Pan American Games and represented the U.S. at two World Championships with Boyd Martin. Tsetserleg, who is owned by the Turner family, went on to become one of the most consistent and admired 5* horses in the country, and is still campaigning today at the age of 18.

But Tim’s contributions extended far beyond the successes of the horses he and Cheryl produced. A fierce supporter of developing young horses and U.S. breeding programs, he and Cheryl helped launch the Holekamp/Turner Le Lion d’Angers Grant through the USEA. The grant provides travel funding each year to the top-placed 7-year-old who went through the USEA Young Event Horse Championships who is qualified to represent the U.S. at the FEI World Breeding Eventing Championships in Le Lion d’Angers, France. The goal? To give U.S.-produced horses a chance to compete against the best in the world — and to show that they belong there.

Tim co-chaired the USEA Young Event Horse Committee, served as President of the American Trakehner Association, and opened the doors of New Spring Farm to clinics, breed inspections, and countless educational opportunities. He believed deeply in American horses, American riders, and the power of a well-laid foundation.

For his efforts, Tim and Cheryl were honored as the 2019 Trakehner Breeders of the Year by the German Trakehner Verband — the first Americans ever to receive the distinction. But those who knew Tim will remember him even more for his generosity, his intellect, his conviction, and his absolute joy in watching a young horse come into its own.

Tim Holekamp’s legacy will live on in the horses he bred, the riders he supported, the programs he shaped, and the belief he instilled in an entire generation of U.S. breeders. We send our deepest condolences to Cheryl and to all who loved and admired him.

Rest well, Tim. You helped build the path forward.

The Form Guide Has Landed: Meet the Horses and Riders of the Defender Kentucky CCI5*

By on Apr 22, 2025 9:30 am -

It’s time to unveil our first 5* Form Guide of 2025! This year, we’ve reimagined our Form Guides to make them easier to consume and simpler for our team to put together. We’ve housed this year’s Form Guide on Notion, and you can view it and interact with it below or by clicking here.

The horses and riders of the 5* field are listed in drawn order. You can also click over to the “Event Horse Database” tab on the left panel, then the “All Horses” tab to view all of the horses in alphabetical order, then expand each profile card from there. By clicking or tapping on a profile card, you’ll also be able to see things like Fun Facts and recent form for each competitor.

Who are you rooting for this year? Let us know your pick, plus what you think of our reformatted Form Guide, in the comments or by emailing [email protected]!

We’ll also be bringing you a few on the ground insights exclusively for you, our followers, over on our Instagram Broadcast Channel here. You’ll be able to comment on and react to our posts and join the conversation as it happens!

Can’t view the embedded form below, or want to view it in full glory? We definitely recommend viewing this in its own window or within the free Notion app. Click here to view the Form Guide in a new window!

Just the Two of Us: Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Grey are Ready to Tackle Debut 5* at Kentucky

By on Apr 19, 2025 9:00 am -

Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Gray. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

When Brooke Burchianti can’t sleep, she’s usually thinking about Kentucky.

“I’m not at all mentally stable about this,” she laughs. “It’s all I think about—when I’m trying to fall asleep, when I’m trying to relax. I know there’s nothing I can do until we’re there, but that doesn’t stop my brain.”

It’s a refreshingly honest admission from a rider stepping up to her first 5* at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, and a reminder that behind every stellar, confidence-inducing cross country round is a whole host of grit, self-doubt, and sheer perseverance.

Brooke, 26, is one of the most relatable rookies you’ll meet this year at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. Based in Washington, PA—closer to Pittsburgh than to the heart of the East Coast eventing scene most associated with living in Pennsylvania—she grew up surrounded by horses thanks to her mom, Karen, who competed through what is now the 3* level, and her grandmother, Joanne, who focused on dressage.

“I was kind of just born into it,” Brooke explains. “My mom put me on her big dressage horse when I was three, and that was it. I don’t think I ever considered doing anything else.”

Her first partner in crime was Roxy, a 28-year-old Welsh pony mare who packed her around her very first unrecognized starter event at the age of eight. “She was a literal saint,” Brooke recalls. “I remember being so nervous—I thought I’d forget my course in show jumping. My mom walked me through the start box, and I was just sweating and so serious about it. But after that event, I knew—this was all I wanted to do.”

She worked her way up through the levels the way so many riders do—on hard-knocking, budget-friendly horses that taught her more than any polished schoolmaster ever could. One of those was her Thoroughbred mare Eternal Hope, who took her to Young Riders and her first FEI events. Hope wasn’t fancy—“she hated dressage,” Brooke says with a laugh—but she had heart, especially on cross country.

Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Grey. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“She just lived for it,” she says. “She wasn’t the easiest, but she made me fall in love with that feeling of galloping something that really wanted to do the job with you.”

After college in Virginia, Brooke returned to her hometown and began working out of her mom’s farm. It’s not exactly eventing central. “People hear Pennsylvania and think I’m down the road from Boyd or Phillip, but I’m five hours from that part of the state. It’s not a very horsey area, so I do a lot of traveling to get to shows or lessons.”

She also doesn’t have a big team or a string of horses at her disposal. In fact, Cooley Space Grey—“Astro” around the barn—is the only horse she has competing at the top levels. But he’s been the one to take her farther than she thought possible.

“I bought him in Ireland as a six-year-old,” she says. “And honestly, I got eliminated a lot at first. He was super difficult—spooky, careful, not easy to ride at all. There were times I thought, ‘What did I do?’”

She remembers falling off at their first Beginner Novice at home in Winona. “He jumped a fence huge, landed and propped, and off I went. I was like, ‘Great start.’”

But something in her gut said to keep going. And little by little, Astro began to trust her.

“I think that was the key—earning his trust. He’s not the kind of horse you can bully or convince,” she muses. “He has to believe you, and he has to know you’re not going to ask him to do something he can’t do. Once he got that, he started giving me everything.”

Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Grey. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Their climb up the levels has been slow, deliberate, and full of lessons. There were dressage scores that missed qualifications by a hair. There were long-format events where Brooke debated whether to even start, only to have her mom encourage her to see the big picture.

“She said, ‘Look, it’s another run, another experience. That matters more than a qualifying score sometimes.’ And she was right.”

Brooke’s 4*-L results include a clear round at Bromont, a solid effort at Morven, and a strong showing at TerraNova last fall, where they finally ticked the last box to qualify for Kentucky.

But even with the boxes ticked, Brooke is quick to temper expectations. “I just want to finish,” she says. “That’s the goal. A clean cross country round would be amazing. A clean stadium would be amazing. But finishing—getting through it—is what I want.”

That humility comes with experience—hard-won over time, with plenty of ups and downs. It also comes from the reality of producing your only upper-level horse without a built-in safety net.

“I don’t have five horses jumping 1.30 every week,” she says. “So I have to stay sharp with what I have. I’ll set a fence big in a jump school, just to keep my eye in, even if I only jump it once or twice. My other horses are going Training or Prelim. But every bit helps.”

Photo by Sally Spickard.

To stay sane in the lead-up, Brooke’s turned to physical outlets—gym sessions, hikes, swimming. Anything to quiet the noise in her head. “I know I’ve done everything I can to prepare. But still—it’s Kentucky. I’m a worrier. I just have to keep moving and try not to overthink everything.”

She’s hoping to reconnect with Emily Hamel once on site—Emily helped her during a stint in Aiken and has been a mentor, especially since their horses share a similar temperament.

“Emily’s been so helpful. Her journey with [Corvett] has been amazing to watch, and it gives me hope because he hasn’t been the easiest either. She gets it.”

In a sport that often glorifies speed and shiny results, Brooke’s story is a powerful reminder that slow and steady—coupled with belief and quiet tenacity—can still get you to the top.

“There’s no big team behind me, no perfect prep. It’s just me, my mom, my horse, and a lot of hard work,” she says. “I don’t know what’s going to happen in Kentucky, but I know I’ve done the best I can. And I’m proud of that.”

EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

Get a First Look at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Cross Country Course

By on Apr 18, 2025 10:22 am -

It’s time to take a peek behind the curtain and see the fruits of the labors of the top-notch course designing and building team at Kentucky! In just over a week’s time, we’ll be heading out for cross country at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, and Samantha Clark went out for an early preview with designer in residence Derek di Grazia.

The direction of the course has been reversed again this year, which sees some combinations like the coffin coming early in the going at fence 6, and Pete’s Hollow tackled before riders head to the iconic Head of the Lake. There’s certainly plenty to do, and while this preview only touches on some of the major combinations on course there will be many more challenges — both in terms of fences as well as terrain — on this approximately 11 minute, 20 second track (official optimum time has yet to be confirmed).

You can catch up on more Kentucky content, including the latest Behind the Barn interviews, on the event’s YouTube channel here.

EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

‘One Step at a Time’: Lucienne Bellissimo Aims for 5* Debut at Defender Kentucky with Dyri

By on Apr 17, 2025 12:00 pm -

Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri. Photo by Shelby Allen.

For Lucienne Bellissimo (GBR), the path to her 5* debut at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event hasn’t been paved with shortcuts or serendipity. It’s been a long, grueling climb, marked by heartbreak, grit, reinvention, and above all, perseverance.

But as Lucienne prepares to ride down the centerline at the Kentucky Horse Park with Dyri it finally feels like the moment she’s been working toward for over two decades has arrived.
“It genuinely means a ridiculous amount to me,” Lucienne says. “But I’m trying not to let it mean too much—because then you try too hard. And with this horse, it has to be about patience. It always has.”

Dyri is a horse Lucienne’s produced tactfully with this goal in mind, managing his general spookiness with patience and ensuring that she’s elevating his confidence while also developing his strength to become increasingly competitive across all three phases.

Imported from Germany as an eight-year-old, he had spent the early years of his career with an amateur rider, jumping 1.10m and dabbling in low-level dressage. Later, Germany’s Dirk Schrade campaigned him through the 2* level before Lucienne took the chance and brought him home. “He’s by Diarado, which makes him incredibly athletic,” she describes. “But he’s also spooky and a bit fragile mentally. He’d be in the lead and then just stop—see a ditch or water and shut down four or five strides out.”

Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Lucienne knew right away that this horse wasn’t going to be a quick project. But she also knew he had something special—if only she could find the right way to bring it out.

Over the past few years, Lucienne has invested heavily in Dyri’s education, traveling the country to expose him to varied questions and atmospheres. From Rebecca Farm to Morven Park, from Stable View to Tryon, she’s carefully built a program around the gelding’s unique needs: long gallops on undulating ground, slow and consistent fitness work, minimal jumping to preserve his freshness, and careful planning of competitions. “He’s better when he has more time between fences,” she says. “And he’s one of those who needs to feel a little cheeky—like he’s got something to say. That’s when he gives you his best.”

This careful production isn’t new to Lucienne—it’s the thread that’s run through her entire riding career. But what’s different this time is that she’s still in the irons.

In the past, she’s produced dozens of international-level horses, only to move them on or experience one setback or the other before they reached their peak. Eventing – and any success one finds within it – takes grit and hard work, and Lucienne has built her program on self-reliance. At just 19, she was running a 60-horse operation in the UK while backing and selling horses to keep the lights on. By her early twenties, she was juggling that workload with a five-year chiropractic degree and a growing reputation for producing sale horses.

“I’ve sold hundreds of horses,” she says. “That’s how I built this business. But when you sell everything, you never get to see how far you can really go. That’s what’s different now.”
Her decision to stay in the saddle is all the more remarkable considering how many times life nearly forced her out of it.

Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri. Photo by Sally Spickard.

In 2013, a riding accident shattered her foot and ankle, putting her in a wheelchair for a year. While she rehabbed, she lost several owners and had to sell much of her string. It was a devastating blow—but instead of giving up, Lucienne doubled down. She launched Horse Scout Limited, a platform focused on equestrian services and sales, and hustled to raise capital across Europe to get it off the ground. The business, combined with her unshakable work ethic, bought her the independence she’d fought so hard to earn.

Then, in 2018, another freak accident nearly ended everything. While driving in England, a deer ran into the road. Lucienne swerved instinctively—and in the aftermath, had broken 28 bones, punctured both lungs, and faced another long, painful road back. “I’m full of titanium now,” she says with a dry laugh. “You can see it in my riding—my right shoulder sits lower than my left. But I’m lucky. I’m still here.”

The recovery was grueling, both physically and emotionally. But Lucienne is not someone who quits. “I’ve had some very dark days,” she says. “But after years of not being able to walk, after losing horses and owners and getting knocked down again and again—you come to appreciate the small things. Just getting to make the entry for Kentucky is a privilege.”

She credits that perspective with helping her weather the sport’s many inevitable heartbreaks—including the loss of a promising mare, Diamond Duette, who colicked shortly after her 5* qualification. “That one broke my heart,” she says. “But it happens to all of us. And I’ve learned to take a breath and remember how much joy I got out of producing her up to that point. That’s what keeps you healthy in your head.”

Her philosophy now is simple: stay pragmatic, stay focused, and above all, stay patient. “You’ve got to pick your moment,” she says. “I know my horse. I’ve put the time in. Now we just go out there and do our job.”

Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Kentucky won’t be about chasing the win—not yet. The goal is a positive, educational trip for both horse and rider. “He’s fit, he’s strong, and mentally he feels in a good space,” Lucienne says. “He’s been in work since November 1. I’ve taken my time. I haven’t rushed him. I want him to come home confident and happy and feeling like he can do it again.”

Even now, with Kentucky on the horizon, Lucienne continues to think like a producer. “Every year, I make a deal with myself: whichever 13-year-old horse isn’t my top horse, as well as two of my top young horses, I sell. That’s how I keep the business running,” she explains. “I love producing them. But I don’t know how long my body will let me keep riding at this level. So I need the model to work.”

For now, though, Dyri stays. And in just a few weeks’ time, Lucienne will ride into the Rolex Stadium for the first time, not as a seller, not as a groom, not as a spectator—but as a competitor.

“It’s been 20 years in the making,” she says. “This is everything I’ve ever wanted in sport. But I’m not putting that pressure on this weekend. This is just the beginning.”

Want to learn even more about Lucienne? You’re in luck! Her Behind the Barn interview with Frankie Thieriot-Stutes and Lynn Symansky just dropped, and you can watch it below:

EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

Getting the Kentucky Party Started: Behind the Barn with Will Coleman

By on Apr 11, 2025 9:30 am -

Will Coleman and Off The Record. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

It’s time to get the Defender Kentucky party started in earnest! We’re less than two weeks away from the 2025 running (get your tickets here), and Athletux has reprised their Behind the Barn interview series. This year, we’ve got Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Lynn Symansky leading the charge with interviews that will cover all sorts of fun topics. The first victim interviewee this year is Will Coleman. Tune in and learn how much weight Will carries in the laundry room and much more:

International Olympic Committee Confirms Equestrian Quota for LA28; Eventing Included

By on Apr 9, 2025 1:49 pm -

Noor Slauoui and Cash In Hand compete at the Paris Olympics. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board held a meeting and a subsequent press conference today to release final athlete quotas ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Building on the success of the Paris Olympics in 2024, the IOC has determined to keep the athlete quotas the same, at 10,500 athletes.

Included in this quota are equestrian sports, with 200 athletes delegated to the LA28 quota across all three Olympic disciplines of show jumping, dressage, and eventing. This confirms the inclusion of eventing in the sport program at this juncture, which is validating news considering some uncertainty that had surrounded the matter leading up to Paris that eventing was in a vulnerable position in terms of its inclusion in future Olympic cycles.

What we know:

  • The IOC has confirmed a quota of 200 athletes for equestrian sports at LA28, across show jumping, dressage, and eventing.
    • The sport-specific quotas are as follows: 75 for Show Jumping, 60 for Dressage, and 65 for Eventing
  • The IOC has confirmed that they have approved the general venue plans submitted by LA28, which do include the allocation of Galway Downs as the host site for equestrian. LA28, however, has yet to firmly confirm its final plans for venue allocations. We do know there is ongoing uncertainty surrounding host venues, including beach volleyball and sailing, that will likely impact the timing of the final venue plan release to the public.
    • “Today, the Executive Board has validated the master plan in broad terms, and that’s a really practical and very helpful step forward as for the announcement, including each and every detail, let’s be clear, this will be the responsibility of LA,” said Christophe Dubi, Olympic Games Executive Director, at the press conference when we asked about the venue plan and final approval of host venues.

What we don’t know:

  • We don’t know if eventing will undergo any format changes for Los Angeles. A revised format that would hold cross country last had been floated in the past, but we have not seen any confirmation of any format changes, though it’s a potential that this could yet happen.
  • We also do not yet know the specific qualification criteria for equestrian sports, nor do we know the selection trial schedule. These items will be released as the Olympics draw closer.
    • From an FEI press release: The qualification systems for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games were discussed at the recent FEI Sports Forum. The proposals will be put forward for approval by the FEI General Assembly 2025 and will afterwards be provided to the IOC for final review and sign off. The summary of discussions and the presentation made during the session dedicated to the LA28 Olympic qualification systems are available here.

“We are extremely pleased with today’s IOC decision,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said in a press release. “The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games were a historic success for equestrian sport, which proved very popular with the live crowds and TV and online viewers worldwide. It’s a great news that our numbers remain unchanged and we are looking forward to delivering exciting sport at the same level of excellence.”

Bradley Champagne: Crafting a Career in Young Horse Development

By on Apr 8, 2025 9:30 am -

Bradley Champagne and Nicciola KW (“Nikki”) compete at the USEA Young Event Horse Championships in 2022. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Bradley Champagne didn’t set out to become a young horse specialist.

Like many ambitious event riders, he once had (well, still has, to be fair) Olympic dreams and a scrappy horse named Taz from a backyard in Northern Ontario that he was convinced would take him there.

But careers in the horse industry often evolve in unexpected ways, and over time, Bradley found himself drawn to a role that not only suited his skills but also filled a growing need in the sport.

Now, after more than a decade riding for Boyd Martin, he has carved out a niche that allows him to shape the next generation of event horses, from their first steps under saddle to the early stages of their careers.

Bradley grew up around horses but wasn’t immersed in formal competition until his late teens. His introduction to eventing was a local Pony Club clinic, where he realized that the cross country skills he’d been practicing—jumping logs in the woods and galloping through snowbanks—actually had a place in organized sport. Dressage, at first, was an obstacle to be endured. “I hated it with every ounce of my body,” he admits. “But I knew if I could just get through that 15-minute ride, I could go jump.”

Bradley and his pony, Ace, test out some cross country “back in the day”.

That early love for the jumping phases carried him through his first competitions and eventually led him to the U.S., where he took a chance on a job with Boyd Martin.

At 19, he wasn’t sure where he wanted his riding career to go, only that he wanted to keep learning. The opportunity at Windurra was a deep-end dive into top-level eventing. “I didn’t really have a plan. I just knew I wanted to be doing this, and I figured if I was going to do it, I might as well jump into a program where I’d either sink or swim,” Bradley says.

For years, he was an all-around team member, doing whatever needed to be done. Like many riders who start in top programs, he rode a variety of horses, from schoolmasters to young, developing horses. Slowly, a pattern emerged. He gravitated toward the ones that needed a little more time, a little more patience—the ones with quirks to figure out. He found he had a knack for working with young horses, and eventually, Boyd noticed, too.

One day, while discussing future plans, Boyd made it official: Bradley would take on the role of young horse manager.

What started as an organic shift has now become his specialty. These days, Bradley spends most of his time starting horses that will either join Boyd’s string or go on to other riders. It’s work that requires a unique blend of patience, adaptability, and trust in the process.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to producing young horses, something Bradley has learned through experience. Some take to it quickly, jumping small courses within weeks. Others require months of slow, deliberate work before they’re comfortable enough to move forward. The key, he says, is to avoid forcing anything: “The biggest thing Boyd taught me was to trust what I know and take it slow. There’s no rush. The last thing you want is for them to have a bad experience.”

Bradley works with a young horse in the roundpen at Windurra.

Bradley’s goal isn’t just to produce talented event horses. It’s to develop young horses in a way that gives them the best possible foundation, no matter where they end up. “One of my main goals is definitely to be known for producing young horses in a way that sets them up for a successful career in whatever discipline they end up pursuing,” Bradley affirms. That philosophy means creating positive early experiences, building trust, and ensuring that each horse leaves his program with a solid education, whether they go on to be eventers, show jumpers, or even amateurs’ trusted partners.

Letting them go is the hardest part. It’s an inevitable reality of the job, but it doesn’t make it any easier. Some move on to Boyd’s upper-level string, while others are sold to new homes.

“As much as I want to tell myself I won’t get attached, I do,” Bradley admits. It’s just a part of the job. If you aren’t forming some sort of bond or attachment, chances are, you’re not actually setting the horse up for success. “You have to form a connection. Otherwise, you’re just putting them through the process.”

Still, he wouldn’t trade the feeling of seeing his young prodigies succeed, whether it’s in a major event or simply moving smoothly through a new challenge.

One of Bradley’s proudest moments came with a mare named Nicciola KW (“Nikki”), a dressage-bred mare who was originally purchased off a video by an owner of Silva Martin’s. After getting her started under saddle and realizing her potential in the jumping, he brought her through the levels and eventually took her to the Young Event Horse Championships in Maryland. “She placed third and won the show jumping portion, and that was such an unreal feeling—to be in that victory gallop on something I’d done every step with.”

Bradley Champagne and Excel Star Bravo 2. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Though he still has his own competitive goals–and a small string of talented young horses with which he’s got a shot to accomplish those–Bradley doesn’t feel torn between developing young horses and chasing upper-level ambitions. He’s keeping an eye on a few promising young prospects, but he doesn’t get too far ahead of himself. “I used to think, ‘I’m going to win the Olympics on this backyard horse from Northern Ontario.’ Now, I focus on what’s in front of me and let the rest happen,” he says.

For other riders looking for a career in the sport, young horse development is a path more should consider. It requires a specific skill set and the right learning environment, but it’s a viable and deeply rewarding way to stay involved in high-performance horses without the pressure of maintaining an upper-level string. “You have to be under someone who knows what they’re doing and can really teach you,” Bradley advises. “And you have to be patient—really patient.”

This role, one he came to, in some ways, by accident, is one Bradley finds much fulfillment from, and it’s a model that others can realistically follow. As U.S. eventing builds its breeding and development pipeline, riders like Bradley are playing a crucial role in producing the sport’s future stars. It’s a job that requires long-term vision, a deep understanding of horses, and a willingness to trust the process. And while not every young horse he starts will go on to the top levels, every single one will leave his program better prepared for whatever career lies ahead.

It’s Been ‘Pfun’: Will Faudree’s Stalwart Partner Steps Down from Upper-Level Competition

By on Apr 7, 2025 1:31 pm -

Will Faudree and Pfun. Photo by Sally Spickard.

As Will Faudree jumped the penultimate fence on cross country during the CCI4*-S at the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International last month, he felt a wave of emotion rising up within him.

He was aboard his longtime upper-level horse, Pfun, a horse he’d had a relationship with for well over the past decade, who was en route to completing an astonishing nine times at this venue just down the road from Will’s Gavilan Farm home base. Across those nine completions, Pfun finished outside of the top 10 just once.

This run at Carolina seemed a fitting finale to Pfun’s lengthy career at the upper levels, and as Will neared the finish flags, the enormity of this decision began to hit home.

“It was just so fun,” Will said. “I jumped the second-to-last fence and reached down and started petting him, and I couldn’t believe we were galloping to the last jump of our career together. I’ll never forget that round. I didn’t have one ‘funny’ fence. It was really rather emotional.”

“Teddy” was a dark gray color when he was imported from Ireland as a coming four-year-old. Originally, he was sourced by Julie Richards and sent to former USEF chef d’equipe Bobby Costello, who was still actively competing but beginning to consider a step back, to produce. During a couple of summers, Will rode the horse while Bobby traveled. In time, Bobby wound up asking Will to take on the horse with the intention of selling him.

Will Faudree and Pfun. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Thanks to the support of Will’s longtime owner, Jennifer Mosing of Sterling Silver Stables, Pfun became a rooted part of his string. The thought, initially at least, was that if the horse didn’t work out as a top horse for Will, he’d be marketable as a resale or a perfect fit for Jennifer’s kids to eventually ride.

“I just really liked the horse,” Will recalled. “He didn’t have a very natural gallop at the time, but he was always an unbelievable jumper. No one was sure if he’d learn to gallop or make it to the top levels, but I believed in him because he was just so fun to ride and to jump.”

In 2015, Pfun stepped up to the Advanced level and was short-listed for the U.S. team heading to the Pan American Games that year. That fall, though, Will broke his neck in a fall from a different horse, which saw Pfun get an extended vacation until Will healed and was ready to get back out competing.

Christina Curiale and Pfun. Photo by Jenni Autry.

From 2016 on, Pfun was a stalwart campaigner for Will. He would go on to complete three CCI5* events and started a fourth at Kentucky in 2022 when Will opted to pull him up on cross country. At that point, Will made a decision based on the previous seasons of understanding what his horses needed.

“The level of fitness needed for that level was getting hard on his body,” Will reflected. “So we backed off. We prioritized Short events and things like the Showcase [at Bruce’s Field] with him, and I even did a Grand Prix in Ocala with him.”

Pfun was, of course, not quite ready to hang up his horseshoes in full even if 5* events weren’t on the docket anymore. “At the end of last year, I told Jennifer I’d really like to do Carolina on him one more time,” Will said. “It’s a venue he loves. He doesn’t owe me anything, as trite as that may sound. And at Carolina this year, he jumped around like a nine-year-old. I jogged him up after and he looked like a million bucks. I took him for a hack the next day.”

Will Faudree and Pfun. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

As a rider who takes much pride in the longevity of his horses’ careers at the upper levels, this finale was fitting for Will and Pfun. It’s a common adage amongst eventers that we always want to retire our horses at the right time – not too early, and certainly not too late to the point where an injury or accident occurs. Will feels he accomplished this ultimate goal with this incredibly special horse.

“I’m just so proud,” he said. “He’s had such a long career, and hopefully he has another twenty years left. He’s been the most consistent relationship in my life for the last fifteen years. I had to think outside the box to get him fit, but he always responded.”

While Pfun won’t fully retire from eventing altogether, he won’t contest anymore 4* or higher events. Will has it in mind that perhaps he’ll teach some of his students, but he will stay in work. “He’s been a competitive athlete his whole life, and I think that’s important to maintain to some degree,” he said. “Without the pressure of gallop sets and trot sets, I think he’ll enjoy himself even more. He’s just going to have fun now.”

Will Faudree and Pfun. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

As Will focuses his efforts on his other top horse, Mama’s Magic Way, as well as a strong string of younger horses, he’ll continue to take the lessons and the gratitude he’s learned from Pfun with him.

“I’m going to miss him so much,” he said. “He’s been such a friend – so consistent, so fun. Honestly, it’s been one of the greatest privileges and honors of my career to ride him. Everyone always believed in his jumping, but I believed in him. I’m so grateful for everything he gave me.”

To have a horse at the top for so long, and truly, actually, enjoying the job in the process, is a reward that, for Will, trumps any ribbon or trophy. “The dream of him doing what he did at Carolina, and me getting on and taking him for a hack the next day…that dream satisfies me more than any plaque.”

Preview the Entry List for the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S at Defender Kentucky

By on Apr 2, 2025 12:02 pm -

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Entries for the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, which runs alongside the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event’s CCI5* class, have been published after some logistical juggling on the part of the organizing team to accommodate as many entries as possible in 2025. This 4*-S has grown in scope since its inaugural year in 2021, and is now widely known as both a bucket-list event as well as a stiff test of mettle as a horse and/or rider prepares to step up to 5* or a 4*-L later on in the season. Joking referred to as a “5*-Short” by many, this division always promises a competitive field, and that trend remains true for this year’s entries.

A total of 67 pairs are currently entered in the 4*-S, but we do anticipate that number to drop slightly as a few riders have entered on more than the maximum allowed number of two horses. Naturally, there are likely to be a few withdrawals ahead of competition as well, but for now let’s preview the list we have so far.

Notable on the entry list are Will Coleman and Hyperion Stud’s Chin Tonic HS, multi-time winners at the 4* level and 11th in their sole 5* start at Kentucky back in 2022. Chin Tonic HS narrowly missed out on a team spot for the Paris Olympics in 2024 when a relatively minor but ill-timed injury saw the now 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding sidelined just before Kentucky last spring. Now, “Chin” is back in action, taking home the Grand Prix Eventing Showcase win at the start of March and building on that with a handy 3*-S win at TerraNova just last weekend.

Will has been open about his plans to target the next World Championships (happening at Aachen in Germany next year) with this horse, prioritizing 4* competitions on this path instead of pushing to get to another 5*. This combination will be favored to win this competition at Kentucky.

Will Coleman and Off the Record. Photo by Shelby Allen.

But similar to Michael Jung’s presence in the 5*, the entry of Chin Tonic HS is of course no guarantee of a victory in this US Equestrian Open of Eventing qualifier leg. We’ve got several other pairs that will mount a serious threat to Will’s win chances, including one of his own other entries, Off the Record. This stalwart partner of Will’s who carried him to the first-ever U.S. victory at CHIO Aachen in 2022, is another horse who won’t necessarily be aiming at a 5* in the near future, but he should certainly be counted in as winner potential with his consistency in all three phases for Will. There’s also a third entry on the books for Will, who will have to narrow down the selection to two horses when it’s all said and done, in a new ride, the 10-year-old Irish mare Very Dignified. Previously campaigned through the 4* level by Ireland’s Robbie Kearns, this mare was added to Will’s string this year, and they’ve eased into things with an Intermediate run at Bouckaert Equestrian last month. This is an exciting new ride, one who’s won at the 4*-L level before (Mallow – 2024), and while we may not end up seeing this mare in Kentucky, she’s certainly one to keep an eye on as her partnership with her new rider progresses.

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Also poised to make a serious run at the win are Paris Olympians Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake. Blake is another horse that’s very much on a Championship trajectory, and while we could see some changes to Caroline’s entries at Kentucky based on whether or not she is awarded a berth on the USEF European Development Tour that would take her to Europe instead, this pair is another one to watch for a potential win in the 4*. Blake also ran a 3*-S, at Carolina in mid-March, with Caroline for a lower-key pipe opener as both he and his rider get back into the swing of things, Blake after his Paris break and Caroline after returning from maternity leave just a few weeks ago.

Caroline has also entered the towering King’s Especiale, another horse she believes has Championship and real 5* potential who’s coming off of a top-15 finish in the 4*-S at Carolina International last month en route to Kentucky.

Phillip Dutton and Possante. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Phillip Dutton has prioritized the 4*-S for his entries this year, though he is planning to head to Luhmühlen in June (we aren’t sure which horses are targeting this 5* just yet). To that end, he’s only got 4* entries this year in two of his current top rides, Denim and Possante. Both of these horses had excellent runs at the Grand Prix Eventing Showcase in Aiken earlier in the season, and they also both finished well at TerraNova’s 4*-S last weekend, at which cross country exerted its fair share of influence.

Alyssa Phillips and Oskar. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Alyssa Phillips is entered again this year with Oskar, who was the inaugural winner of this division back in 2021. Alyssa traveled to Germany to compete at CHIO Aachen last year, where they finished 15th individually. This year, they’ve come out with an Advanced win at Bouckaert Equestrian in March and are poised to make a run at a second title, carrying with them the ability to compete in all three phases.

Allison Springer and No May Moon. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Another pair you should definitely count in for a winner threat is Allison Springer with Bromont 4*-L winner No May Moon, a formidable competitor who is a strong shout for some serious leaderboard climbing in the jumping phases.

Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

The West coast is sending a strong contingent of consistently competitive 4* horses to Kentucky this year, represented well by Taren Hoffos with two rides in Master Class and Regalla, Tommy Greengard (who spent some time overseas last year training with Tim and Jonelle Price) with That’s Me Z (who finished inside the top 16 at Le Lion d’Angers’ 7-year-old World Championship last fall) and Joshuay MBF, Kentucky 5* winner Tamie Smith and Kynan, James Alliston with a handful of horses that will eventually become two rides: Cora, Paper Jam, Nemesis, and Irish Pop, Sophie Click and Tarantino 54, and Molly Duda with Disco Traveler.

Of course, this preview barely scratches the surface of all of the combinations we’ll see in this very exciting field, so be sure to take a look at the full list below or here on the Kentucky website.

We’ll keep you posted of more developments on both entry lists for Kentucky as it draws ever closer, so keep an eye out right here on EN for the latest news. You can also view our 5* entry preview here.

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [EN’s Coverage]

EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

Full Cosequin 4*-S entry list:

Rider Horse Country
Arielle Aharoni COOLEY BALTIC SEA
Christina Aharoni		 USA
James Alliston NEMESIS
Alliston Equestrian		 USA
James Alliston CORA
Alliston Equestrian		 USA
James Alliston PAPER JAM
Alliston Equestrian and Ric Plummer		 USA
James Alliston IRISH POP
Alliston Equestrian, Grace Brownrigg, Margaret Burchell		 USA
Lisa Barry ROSIE’S AVENTADORA
Lisa Barry		 USA
Tracey Bienemann VENEZUELAN RIVER
Tracey Bienemann		 USA
Tracey Bienemann MENLO PARK
Carol McRoy		 USA
Jennie Brannigan FE CONNORY
Nina and Tim Gardner, Jennie Brannigan		 USA
Jan Byyny BEAUTIFUL STORM
Jan Byyny, Jo Byyny, and Richard Byyny		 USA
Kimmy Cecere OS HERMINTAGE
Kimmy Cecere		 USA
Sophia Click TARANTINO 54
Sophie Click		 USA
William Coleman VERY DIGNIFIED
Jerome Broussard, Elizabeth Lendrum, Gloria Callen		 USA
William Coleman OFF THE RECORD
Off The Record Syndicate		 USA
William Coleman CHIN TONIC
Hyperion Stud		 USA
Alexander Conrad MALIBU PREACHER
Alexander Conrad		 USA
Dana Cooke FE QUATTRO
FE Quattro Syndicate LLC		 CAN
Hallie Coon LUCKY FORTUNA
Hallie Coon		 USA
Hallie Coon CUTE GIRL
Helen Coon, Hallie Coon		 USA
Sarah Cousins WIZARD
OTTB Syndicate		 USA
Bruce (Buck) Davidson Jr COOLEY CANDYMAN
Buck Davidson and Carl Segal		 USA
Gabby Dickerson TRADITIONALLY FERNHILL
Roland Millican		 USA
Molly Duda DISCO TRAVELER
Molly Duda		 USA
Olivia Dutton SEA OF CLOUDS
Sea of Clouds Partnership		 USA
Phillip Dutton DENIM
Caroline Moran, Ann Jones, Ann Lapides, Neill Sites		 USA
Phillip Dutton POSSANTE
The Possante Group		 USA
Mia Farley BGS CALCULATED CHAOS
Mia Farley		 USA
Mia Farley INVICTUS
Karen O’Connor		 USA
Kristi Foresman KINGSTON REUVEKAMP’S
Kristi Foresman		 USA
Hayley Frielick DUNEDIN BLACK WATCH
Kathryn Robertson		 NZL
Hayley Frielick SPORTSFIELD LUMIERE
Hayley Frielick		 NZL
Savannah Fulton CASH POINT
Nelson Warnell		 USA
Colin Gaffney BAYMAX
Colin Gaffney		 USA
Heather Gillette VINCENT CHASE
Heather Gillette		 USA
Ariel Grald DIARA
Annie Eldridge		 USA
Tommy Greengard JOSHUAY MBF
Tommy Greengard		 USA
Tommy Greengard THAT’S ME Z
Andrea Pfeiffer, Tommy Greengard		 USA
Taren Hoffos MASTER CLASS
Copperstrong Group, LLC and Taren Hoffos		 USA
Taren Hoffos REGALLA
Carolyn Hoffos		 USA
Cole Horn MBF COOLEY PERMISSION TO LAND
Cole Horn		 USA
Erin Kanara CHARMED VICTORY
Kaelen Speck		 USA
Ema Klugman RF REDFERN
Team Fern		 AUS
Ema Klugman CHIRAZ
Chiraz Syndicate, Ema Klugman		 AUS
Alexandra Knowles MORSWOOD
Katherine O’Brien		 USA
Ali Kuhn LITTLE HAIL
John Crowell		 USA
Sarah Kuhn MR. CASH VAN DE START
Deborah Kuhn		 USA
Rachel Lawson HIGH TIDE
Rachel Lawson		 USA
Emily Mastervich RIO DE JANEIRO
Nicholas Beshear		 USA
Sophia Middlebrook PRONTISSIMO
Christa Schmidt		 USA
Nilson Moreira Da Silva ELMO
Nilson Moreira Da Silva, Patricia Jefferson and Georgine Muntz		 BRA
Chris Newton NOBLE DISCOVERY
Maxine Preston		 USA
Alexander O’Neal REDTAIL PENUMBRA
Alexander O’Neal		 USA
Caroline Pamukcu KING’S ESPECIALE
Redfield King’s HX Group		 USA
Caroline Pamukcu HSH BLAKE
Mollie Hoff, Deniz and Caroline Pamukcu, Sherrie Martin		 USA
Alyssa Phillips OSKAR
Alyssa and Julie Phillips		 USA
Jessica Phoenix FREEDOM GS
Charlotte Schickedanz		 CAN
Tamra Smith KYNAN
Kynan Syndicate LLC		 USA
Braden Speck BSF LIAM
Braden Speck		 USA
Allison Springer NO MAY MOON
Nancy Winter		 USA
Allison Springer VANDYKE
The RICO Syndicate LLC		 USA
Briggs Surratt CORTURE
Briggs Surratt and Rick Wallace		 USA
Lynn Symansky BOUNCE 6
Linda Graves, Alice Lawaetz		 USA
Chris Talley FE MARCO POLO
Allison Pratt		 USA
Skyeler Voss ARGYLE
Argyle Syndicate, LLC.		 USA
Robin Walker SBT BAROLO
Robin Walker, Alston Kerr and Roger Schramm		 USA
Elisa Wallace LISSAVORRA QUALITY
Donna Biggs		 USA
Arden Wildasin BILLY BEAUFORT
Arden, James, and Sarah Wildasin		 USA

Wesley Clover Parks: A New Era for Eventing in Canada

By on Apr 2, 2025 9:30 am -

Photo by Sunkist Media.

For over a decade, Wesley Clover Parks has been a staple of equestrian sport in Ottawa, Canada, but 2025 marks a pivotal era for the 500-acre facility as it officially steps onto the FEI eventing stage. This year, Wesley Clover Parks will host CCI1* and CCI2* competition, expanding its already impressive resume of international show jumping and dressage events, as well as nationally recognized eventing competition.

While the eventing community welcomes this new addition to the competition calendar, the story of Wesley Clover Parks runs far deeper than just another event venue. This is a facility with history, vision, and a long-term commitment to not only growing equestrian sport but also making it more accessible to the broader community.

From Community Staple to Equestrian Powerhouse

An aerial view of Wesley Clover Parks. Photo by Randy Harquail.

Originally established in the 1960s, the park was developed by the National Capital Commission (NCC) and leased by a local municipality. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, it flourished as a premier equestrian destination, hosting show jumping, dressage, and eventing competitions—including the well-known Capital Classic Show Jumping Tournament.. However, as the decades passed, changing city structures and a lack of reinvestment led to the facility’s decline.

By the early 2000s, the park was losing money to the tune of a quarter-million per year, and its infrastructure—once a crown jewel in Canadian equestrian sport—was visibly aging. The city lacked the resources to maintain it, and its future looked uncertain.
That’s when the Wesley Clover Foundation, spearheaded by Karen Sparks, stepped in.

“We knew the park needed to be more than just an equestrian venue. It had to serve the entire community, not just the small percentage of people involved in horses,” Karen explains. “At the same time, we wanted to honor the equestrian legacy that made this place special.”

What followed was a complete transformation. Under new management, Wesley Clover Parks became a multi-sport outdoor hub, offering:

  • Equestrian competitions (show jumping, dressage, and now FEI eventing)
  • A riding school with beginner-friendly access to horses
  • Cross-country ski trails & mountain biking
  • Soccer fields & charity runs
  • Outdoor education programs for kids
  • Concerts & community events

Despite its diversification, equestrian sport remains at the heart of Wesley Clover Parks, and its eventing expansion is a direct reflection of that commitment.

A New Frontier: Eventing at Wesley Clover Parks

A competitor gallops through the newer water complex on course at Wesley Clover Parks. Photo by Golden Canon Photography.

With an established history in show jumping and dressage, adding FEI eventing to the roster was a logical next step.

“We’ve spent the last few years investing heavily in our cross country course,” says Karen. “We now have two water complexes, one designed by Tokyo Olympics course builder and U.S.-based designer Jay Hambly, along with ditches, banks, and solid galloping ground. We’re ready to take eventing to the next level here.”

Wesley Clover Parks will host its first FEI event this September, featuring CCI1* and CCI2* divisions.

But this is just the beginning. The long-term vision is to bring the North American Young Rider Championships (NAYC) back to a single venue that hosts all three disciplines—eventing, show jumping, and dressage—something that hasn’t been done in several years; most recently, the three disciplines were hosted at the Kentucky Horse Park in 2015 but have since been split across multiple venues and time periods.

“We know it’s a long-term goal, but we’re laying the groundwork now,” Karen says. “If we can grow our eventing offerings steadily, we’ll be in a strong position to host major championships in the future.”

Investing in the Future: Young Horses and Young Riders

Photo by Golden Canon Photography.

Further to this is a cornerstone of Wesley Clover Parks’ core philosophies: supporting young horse and rider development.
For jumpers, the facility already offers free entries and prize money for young horse divisions, making it more affordable for breeders and trainers to bring young horses along. That same support structure is now being implemented for eventing, with a focus on:

  • Divisions for all levels (from EV60 to FEI)
  • Schooling opportunities throughout the season
  • Scholarships and bursaries for developing riders funded by the Laframboise Family Legacy Donation
  • Community engagement programs to introduce more people to eventing

“We want to create an environment where young horses and riders have a pathway to success, while also making equestrian sport more accessible,” Karen emphasizes.

The Road to September and Beyond

With its first major event set for September 2025, Wesley Clover Parks is officially entering the international eventing scene, and the team is eager to showcase everything the venue has to offer.

In the meantime, the park will continue working toward its bigger vision—one that balances high-level sport with community integration.

“This isn’t just about hosting another event. It’s about making eventing, and equestrian sport in general, more sustainable in Canada. That starts with building facilities that work not just for elite riders, but for the broader community as well.”

And if the past decade is any indication, Wesley Clover Parks is just getting started.

This article was supported by Wesley Clover Parks. To learn more about Wesley Clover Parks, click here. 

Riders Testing Out AI-Written Dressage Tests; FEI Reviewing Legality

By on Apr 1, 2025 9:30 am -

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS, who would be likely beneficiaries of a customized test that contains directives written in the style of Soulja Boy, such as “half-pass right from P-L, get my swag on”. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Word is spreading through the barns that several upper-level riders have quietly turned to AI tools—like ChatGPT—to help create customized dressage tests designed to highlight their horse’s strengths (and conveniently avoid their weaknesses).

“I just asked it to write a test that downplays our sticky right lead and shows off his medium trot,” one rider, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “It gave me a test that starts at X and ends with a philosophical reflection. Honestly? Not bad.”

EN has obtained some of the tests, and movements include:

“Begin at X, vibe diagonally toward E while manifesting impulsion.”
“Transition from collected trot to working canter, then emotionally spiral into a flying change.”
“Final halt. Salute. Tell the judge how that made you feel.”

While technically not illegal—yet—officials say they’re reviewing the situation closely. The FEI’s newly-formed AI Ethics & Innovation Committee is expected to issue a statement later this month.

“Well, I think riders should understand that the tests were written for a reason and direct purpose,” one official commented. “But AI really needs to be used carefully as we don’t want people inflating their scores by customizing their test.”

One test even made it as far as an official schooling show before the judge raised an eyebrow at a line reading: “Leg yield left, right, then both at once if you’re feeling spicy.”

Editor’s Note: We’re not saying you shouldn’t use AI to help you write a freestyle. Just… maybe double-check the results before submitting them to the show secretary. And also — it’s April 1st. We’d never lie to you. Except today.

Defender Kentucky CCI5* Entry Preview: The Olympic Champion Returns

By on Mar 27, 2025 10:50 am -

Michael Jung (GER) wins individual gold at the Paris Olympics with fischerChipmunk FRH (who competed as ‘Chipmunk’ in Paris per FEI regulations on naming). Photo by Tilly Berendt.

It’s high 5* season and we now look ahead to the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, which has revealed its entry list for us to obsessively study. We’ve got a strong field full of Olympians, former winners or podium finishers both here at Kentucky and elsewhere at 5* events, a bursting roster of 5* rookies, and much more to look forward to, so let’s dive right in.

[To view the full CCI5* list, click here]

Entries for the Cosequin Lexington 4*-S will be posted soon; keep an eye on the Kentucky website here!

First, the headlining division of the weekend. Featuring on the list is one Olympic champion (three times over, that is) in Germany’s Michael Jung, who brings forward the 17-year-old fischerChipmunk FRH for another run at 5* glory.

Michael and Chipmunk haven’t been to Kentucky since 2022 (when they set an astonishing record for the lowest-ever finishing 5* score and largest margin of victory at this event on a 20.1, as well as the title of most Kentucky wins for a single rider for Michael), as the Hanoverian gelding was saved for championships in the intervening years. Michael, in all likelihood, has this fall’s FEI European Eventing Championships at Blenheim in mind, as well as potentially the FEI World Championships at Aachen in 2026 with this special horse, and as far as 5*s go, it’s difficult not to think that this run could be one of, if not the, last we’ll see Chipmunk at the level. Of course, this is some speculation on my part, but the point remains: whatever the future may hold, enjoy this incredible era of success, longevity, and consistency.

But it’s not just a shoo-in win for Germany — far from it! We’ve got a big contingent of international entries and a good number of U.S. pairs that will launch their own assault on the top of the podium come Sunday.

Tim Price and Falco. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

That includes Maryland 5 Star runner-up and Paris Olympics sixth-place individual finisher Falco, teamed up with Tim Price (NZL). This 16-year-old Hanoverian owned by Sue Benson for Tim is making his first visit to Kentucky, and if his performance at Maryland is anything to go on, it’s safe to say the U.S. suits him just fine. Tim’s also got a second entry in the 11-year-old Jarillo, who made an impressive debut at soggy, soggy Pau last October for a top 10 finish, and a third in the 13-year-old Blenheim 4*-L winner from 2024, Happy Boy, who has started but been withdrawn from two 5*s and will be looking for what could be a competitive first completion in Kentucky.

Tom McEwen and JL Dublin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Paris Olympic team gold medalist Tom McEwen (GBR) has cross-entered Kentucky and Badminton with both JL Dublin and Brookfield Quality, and so we should anticipate that at least one of these will travel over for Kentucky. Tom’s come achingly close to the win here at Kentucky as recently as 2024 when he was second with JL Dublin behind Oliver Townend (GBR) and Cooley Rosalent (who are opting for Badminton this year, along with Maryland 5 Star winner Ballaghmor Class).

Harry Meade and Superstition. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Also representing Great Britain is Harry Meade, who’s absolutely flush with 5* horses once more this season with three entered here at Kentucky (and cross-entered at Badminton while he finalizes his plans), as well as some on the waitlist at Badminton. For Kentucky, Harry currently has entered Superstition, Et Hop du Matz, and Graffenacht, a former ride of the now-retired William Fox-Pitt who’s very nearly won at th level a couple of times and is coming off an early-season 4*-L win at Montelibretti in Italy. It remains to be seen exactly which horses from the cross-entered pairs will end up at Kentucky, but we’ll be sure to keep you updated as we see any movement on either Kentucky or Badminton’s entry list.

[View the Badminton entry list here]

Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Hooney d’Arville. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We’re also looking forward to welcoming yet another Paris Olympian in Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier (whose name, if I’m being honest, is right up there with La Biosthetique Sam’s in terms of my pride in my ability to now spell it without double-checking it), who will be bringing her 2024 Luhmühlen winner Hooney d’Arville for what will be Lara’s first trip to the Bluegrass since she competed at the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Lara’s an bright ball of energy and this mare she’s entered is a particularly special one: Hooney’s dam, Nooney Blue, was Lara’s first big-time horse, taking her to Junior, Young Rider, and Senior Championships, carrying her to a first 4* win, and many more achievements — including the aforementioned WEG, at which Belgium finished sixth as a nation. Nooney recently passed away at the age of 28, making this trip bak to Kentucky an incredibly sentimental one.

Joseph Murphy and Calmaro. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Whew – we aren’t even midway through the plethora of internationals! We’ll also see entries from Calvin Böckmann (GER) and The Phantom of the Opera, who competed at Kentucky in 2024, Jonelle Price (NZL) and her Paris horse Hiarado, and Clarke Johnstone (NZL) with his Paris horse, Menlo Park, Joseph Murphy (IRL) and Calmaro, who return to the 5* level for the first time since they came ninth at Kentucky in 2022. Libussa Lübbeke (GER) and Caramia 34, an exciting young pair out of the Warendorf production system in Germany who finished in the top 20 in their 5* debut at Luhmühlen last year and would have done even better had it not been for a tricky pin activation that resulted in 11 penalties.

Monica Spencer and Artist. Photo by Sally Spickard.

U.S.-based Kiwi pair, Monica Spencer and Artist, make a return to Kentucky after finishing seventh last year and 11th at Burghley later on in the year. This full Thoroughbred gelding is inarguably one to watch this weekend, and he’s coming off two strong prep runs at the Stirling Venture Capital Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field and Carolina International, where an annoying pin penalty held them from claiming the 4*-S win.  Monica’s based herself in Virginia for the next few seasons, with several young horses currently progressing through the 2* and 3* levels. It’s just Monica, her husband Andrew, and her son Gus running the ship with this growing string of horses — a true family effort.

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Next up, the North Americans, and there are certainly some pairs here who will be a serious threat to the podium. Boyd Martin has three horses entered, including his Paris horse, Fedarman B, and his direct reserve horse, Commando 3. Boyd finished within sight of the podium in Paris as the top-placed U.S. rider with “Bruno” (5th) and as he was targeted toward Paris previously, this will actually be his first 5* run at Kentucky. Boyd noted last year that he had used strategy with this horse, who he took the reins for on behalf of the late Annie Goodwin, targeting Luhmühlen and Pau as his first 5*s because of their potential similarity to the Paris cross country. He’s run Fedarman B in the 4* here (4th – 2024), and this will be an exciting third 5* endeavor for a fan-favorite pair.

Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Commando 3 was poised for a competitive debut at Maryland last fall, but the attempt ended early after he parted ways with Boyd early on cross country. The fall wasn’t a cause for concern, and he’d come second in the 4*-S at Kentucky earlier in the year after laying down a 28.9 in the dressage and accumulating just three seconds of time on cross country. So we know he handled the terrain at the shorter distance just fine, and he’s coming off of a 22.6 dressage score in the 3*-S at Carolina earlier this month. Should all things go to plan, this could easily be a podium pair and hopefully the first of a string of success at this top level.

Boyd Martin and Luke 140. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Luke 140 also makes a return to the 5* level after a slightly longer hiatus than his stablemates as he was sidelined for the majority of last year. He finished fourth in his 5* debut at Luhmühlen in 2023 and is another horse well capable of going sub-30 on the flat. That gives Boyd three potential aces to make a strong run for that coveted 5* win.

We’ve also got several North American (or at least, based in North America) pairs who are some serious leaderboard climber threats that would be great additions to your Eventing Manager team.

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Double Sixteen. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Among those are HSH Double Sixteen, ridden by U.S. Olympian Caroline Pamukcu in his 5* debut. “Six” is a 10-year-old full Thoroughbred gelding who won his 4*-S prep outing at Bouckaert Equestrian in early March. While he’s not likely to pull a sub-30 at this stage, he is quick-footed and can deliver a clear round on show jumping day at a long format.

Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach Z. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Another to keep an eye on will be Australia’s Ema Klugman with Bronte Beach Z, who finished fourth at Carolina (contributing to a whole haul of US Equestrian Open points for Ema, resulting in her sitting second on the leaderboard behind Phillip Dutton) after starting the weekend in 13th. Ema and Bronte were 21st in the 13-year-old Zangersheide mare’s 5* debut last year and were well on their way to another strong performance at Maryland when they unluckily parted ways at the MARS Sustainability Bay water late on course (and not for a lack of effort to stay together!).

Jennie Brannigan and Twilightslastgleam. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Jennie Brannigan has been off to a cracking start this year, winning the Carolina 4*-S with FE Lifestyle, who’s cross-entered at Kentucky but will most likely be heading to Badminton instead. She will have the full Thoroughbred, Twilightslastgleam, with her in Kentucky as another big threat to make some moves up in the standings. He was 16th at Kentucky last year and fifth at Maryland in the fall.

Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Morven Park 4*-L winner Julie Wolfert is another climber, taking the victory in Leesburg after starting about mid-pack following dressage with SSH Playboy. This is an exciting — and long-awaited — 5* debut for Julie, whose Rookie profile we’ll have coming your way soon!

Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Grey. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Speaking of rookies, we’ve got quite the class this year! Let’s welcome the following to the 5* ranks:

  • Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times
  • Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Gray
  • Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre
  • Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy
  • Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri
  • Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic
  • Shannon Lilley and Eindhoven Garette

A warm welcome back to the 5* level to Matt Brown, who returns with a debut horse in Alderwood after last competing at the level at Kentucky in 2017 with Super Socks BCF. Photo by Sally Spickard.

While somehow this preview has ballooned to 1700 words, believe it or not there are still some pairs I didn’t dive into, but we’ll have much more information on each competitor in our Form Guide, coming the week of Kentucky. In the meantime, here’s a look at the full entries:

James Alliston USA Karma
Calvin Böckmann GER The Phantom Of The Opera
Lucienne Bellissimo GBR Dyri
Rebecca Braitling AUS Caravaggio II
Jennie Brannigan USA FE Lifestyle
Jennie Brannigan USA Twilightslastgleam
Matthew Brown USA Alderwood
Brooke Burchianti USA Cooley Space Grey
Katherine Coleman USA Monbeg Senna
Bruce (Buck) Davidson Jr USA Sorocaima
Mary Bess Davis USA Imperio Magic
Lara De Liedekerke – Meier BEL Hooney D’Arville
Emily Hamel USA Corvett
Hannah Sue Hollberg USA Carsonstown
Clarke Johnstone NZL Menilo Park
Michael Jung GER Fischerchipmunk FRH
Ema Klugman AUS Bronte Beach Z
Libussa Lübbeke GER Caramia 34
Shannon Lilley USA Eindhoven Garette
Boyd Martin USA Luke 140
Boyd Martin USA Commando 3
Boyd Martin USA Fedarman B
Tom McEwen GBR Brookfield Quality
Tom McEwen GBR Jl Dublin
Harry Meade GBR Et Hop Du Matz
Harry Meade GBR Grafennacht
Harry Meade GBR Superstition
Joseph Murphy IRL Calmaro
Lauren Nicholson USA I’ll Have Another
Caroline Pamukcu USA HSH Double Sixteen
Jessica Phoenix CAN Fluorescent Adolescent
Jonelle Price NZL Hiarado
Tim Price NZL Falco
Tim Price NZL Happy Boy
Tim Price NZL Jarillo
Cassie Sanger USA Redfield Fyre
Monica Spencer NZL Artist
Lindsay Traisnel CAN Bacyrouge
Sharon White USA Claus 63
Arden Wildasin USA Sunday Times
Julie Wolfert USA SSH Playboy

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [EN’s Coverage]

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MARS Badminton Entries Live with 86 Combinations

By on Mar 24, 2025 12:15 pm -

Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

It’s a big week in eventing land as we’re getting a glimpse at entries for the first two CCI5* events in the northern hemisphere at Defender Kentucky and MARS Badminton. Of course, we also have Adelaide sandwiched in between the two as the second 5* of the 2025 calendar (and we’re very excited to be sending a reporter down under for the first time in EN history this year! More on that soon).

MARS Badminton is the first entry list to drop, and we’ve got a strong field of 86 competitors representing 14 nations who’ve put their entry forward.

Emily King and Valmy Biats. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

Featuring on the list are our 2024 Badminton winners, Caroline Powell (NZL) and Greenacres Special Cavalier as well as several other pairs that hit the top ten in last year’s running: Lucy Latta (IRL) and RCA Patron Saint finished second in their 5* debut last year, Emily King (GBR) will bring back Valmy Biats to repeat or improve on their fourth-place finish in 2024, Jonelle Price (NZL) returns with 2024 sixth-place finisher Grappa Nera, as does her husband, Tim, with 2024 eighth-place finisher Vitali, as well as Tom Rowland (GBR) and seventh-place finisher Dreamliner and Bubby Upton (GBR) with her top talent, Cola.

We’ve also got entries from Oliver Townend (GBR) and 2024 MARS Maryland 5 Star winner Ballaghmor Class, who is 18 this year but Oliver intimated last fall that he didn’t feel “Thomas” was ready to step down just yet. Oliver has also entered his 2024 Defender Kentucky winner, Cooley Rosalent, who ended her 2024 season with a top-20 finish at the very soggy Pau in southern France.

Alex Hua Tian and Jilsonne van Bareelhof. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Several smaller federations are also represented at Badminton this year, including two entries for China with Alex Hua Tian‘s Chicko as well as his most recent Olympic horse, Jilsonne Van Bareelhof, with whom he finished in the top 25 individually in Paris last summer. Japan is sending forward one entry in Tokyo Olympians Ryuzo Kitajima and Feroza Nieuwmoed, who were in the top 15 at Burghley last fall. Portugal is represented by Paris Olympian Manuel Grave and Carat de Bremoy, whose Olympic effort came to an unfortunate early end with a fall on cross country that saw Manual go home with some injuries to nurse (Carat de Bremoy was uninjured). Lithuania is anchored by longtime 5* competitor Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG.

Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle. Photo by Sally Spickard.

For the North American-based riders, we have a handful of entries from the U.S. on the docket in Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle, UK-based Americans Grace Taylor and Game Changer and Tiana Coudray with Cancaras Girl, and U.S.-based Kiwi Joe Mayer with Harbin.

Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

Two of the three Paris Olympic team gold medalist horses for Great Britain feature on the list in Tom McEwen‘s JL Dublin as well as Ros Canter‘s Lordships Graffalo. We’ve heard Laura Collett is aiming London 52 for Luhmühlen (Germany) in June (come on Laura, we want a London 52 sighting stateside!!), but she is still well-represented on the Badminton list with her two up-and-comers, Hester and Bling.

We do know that some of the combinations listed on the Badminton entries have also entered Kentucky as an option, so this list is certain to shift a bit as we get closer to the event’s start date of May 7. Once Defender Kentucky entries are revealed, we’ll know a bit more about which pairs we can expect to see at which 5*.

Of course, this preview only scratches the surface of the full list, so be sure to check out the full roster as it stands now here. Stay tuned for much more coming your way right here on EN, your go-to source for 5* info!

EN’s coverage of MARS Badminton is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

MARS Badminton: [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Tickets] [Badminton TV]