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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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EN’s Ultimate Guide to the 2024 Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International

By on Mar 13, 2024 9:42 am -

Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Schedule

There’s a lot of activity on tap starting Wednesday, when most of the competitors will arrive to the Park. At 1 pm ET, Ariel Grald will lead a 4* course walk (meet at the start box if you plan to join this walk) to show you what Ian Stark has up his sleeve for Saturday. Then this evening beginning at 4:30, there will be a Southern Pines Welcome Party sponsored by Southern Pines Equine Associates, hosted at the CDP Stables Competitors Lounge next to the admin office.

Competition begins Thursday, with Ring 1 hosting the 4* pairs beginning at 9:20 a.m., and the remainder of the FEI divisions slotted into Rings 2 and 3. At 6 p.m. Thursday, there will be a USEA Grooms Group Education Night.

Friday, the National divisions will do their dressage while the FEI divisions head over to the Twin Gates Farm Derby Field for show jumping starting at 10:00 a.m. with the 3* division. The 4* division will jump beginning at 12 p.m.

Saturday brings the conclusion of National dressage as well as some National and all FEI cross country, which will kick off at 8 a.m. with the Open Intermediate division. The 4* will start cross country at 11:46 a.m.

Sunday is cross country day for Novice through Prelim, while the Intermediate and Advanced pairs will wrap up their weekend with show jumping.

You can view the full event schedule, which is subject to change, here.

Caroline Martin and HSH Blake. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

What It’s Like to Attend This Event

It’s hard not to feel like Carolina International marks a pivotal spot on the road to Kentucky or, this year, the Olympics. We’ve written more about the implications of this weekend further down in this article, but suffice it to say that it always feels like a charged atmosphere here at the Horse Park. Whether you’re a first-time competitor doing the Novice or a seasoned 5* rider heading to Kentucky, there is something up to snuff for you here. I always enjoy seeing the family-friendly activities that abound at this event — it’s not something you see everywhere, and I feel the team here has gone above and beyond to make this an event that really attracts the local community. If you haven’t had a chance to see this venue yet, never fear! I’ll be doing a venue walk with Ariel Grald later this week, so keep an eye out for that on the Carolina International social media platforms.

The Officials

The full list of officials and rider reps for this week can be found here.

For the Yanmar America CCI4*-S division, the Ground Jury will consist of Robert Stevenson (USA) as president and Peter Gray (CAN). Ian Stark has once more designed the cross country for the 4* and Advanced divisions, while Beth Perkins has designed the remainder of the cross country courses. Marc Donovan also returns to design show jumping across divisions.

Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Entries

There’s a stacked line-up in the feature CCI4*-S class, which features a number of highlights – you’ll be able to catch the entire US Pan Ams team in action, for example, with Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire, Liz Halliday and Miks Master C, Sharon White and Claus 63, and individual gold medallists Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake all coming forward to vie for the title here. Elsewhere in the 38-strong field, you’ll find Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestylee, winners of the Best First-Timer award at the 2023 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, Will Faudree with the evergreen Pfun and the exciting Mama’s Magic Way, with whom he finished in the top twenty at Burghley last year – and the top ten here. Ariel Grald‘s Leamore Master Plan begins his 2024 season here too after sitting out much of last year, and no doubt he’ll once again use his Carolina pipe-opener as a stepping-stone to delivering yet another barnstorming clear around one of the world’s five-star courses — though which one will remain to be seen.

Fans of Liz Halliday will be kept nearly as busy as the ultra-competitive woman herself: she has four rides in this class, and beyond the aforementioned Miks Master C, she’ll also ride USEF CCI4*-L National Champion Cooley Nutcracker (top ten in his last six FEI runs), Cooley Moonshine (purveyor of a very smart 25.6 in the CCI4*-L at Rebecca last year), and Cooley Quicksilver (he’s back, baby – and needs little introduction after that Luhmühlen top-five finish in 2022!). Liz is proud to be supported by Ocala Horse Properties.

Doug Payne‘s making a pretty good effort at rivalling Liz’s busy schedule: he’s got three entered in the feature class in ten-year-old Camarillo, enormously experienced five-star machine Quantum Leap (that’s five CCI5* top tens under his belt, if you’re counting!) and the exciting nine-year-old Quiberon, who comes forward for just his third-ever four-star.

Some of the biggest fan-favorite horses and riders in the US have spent a significant amount of time globe-trotting, and so it’ll be a treat to watch them again on home soil. Those include Emily Hamel‘s seriously high-flying Corvett, who’s our EN top tip for a horse you want to catch over a fence for your Insta story (trust us!), Allie Knowles and her five-star ride Morswood, Meghan Donoghue and the much-loved ex-racehorse Palm Crescent, and young rider Cassie Sanger and her exceptionally cool Fernhill Zorro, who delivered a performance well beyond their years at last year’s Boekelo CCI4*-L.

There’s two exciting entries up to bat for Phillip Dutton: Quasi Cool, who has seven top-ten FEI finishes with Phillip under his belt, but who had much of 2023 off games, is back in action and ready to deliver a comeback king performance, while the up-and-coming talent Possante will make his hotly-anticipated stateside four-star debut, having finished fifth in his sole previous run at the level in the prestigious eight-and-nine-year-old class at Blenheim with Emily King aboard.

Will Coleman and Diabolo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

We’ll also see last year’s champion Will Coleman, though not on his 2023 winner Chin Tonic, but rather, his exciting Aussie import Diabolo, who comes to Carolina for his first FEI run of the year, off the back of two consecutive top-three finishes at the level at the end of last season.

The CCI4*-S might be Carolina’s crown jewel, but there’s plenty going on elsewhere in the divisions, too: there’s 36 classy combinations battling out in the CCI3*-S, 28 in the CCI2*-S, and 19 contesting the CCI1*, arguably the division all of us at Team EN are keenest to sneak a catch-ride in, especially after catching up with some of its competitors last year. Plus, with national classes from Novice through Advanced, you’ll never run out of combinations to cheer on. Check out the entries in full here.

Sarah Kuhn and Mr. Cash Van De Start. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Implications

The Paris Olympics may still be a few months away, and there’s a lot of crucial events on the calendar between now and then, but Carolina’s CCI4*-S represents the first significant step towards booking a flight to France. The U.S. selectors will no doubt be watching these early-season performances closely, and a great run here will set horses and riders alike up for their spring long-format bids – whether that’s en route to the short list or, perhaps, a fight for the title at Kentucky.

Stories to Follow

OTTB lovers will have plenty of reasons to make their voices of support heard from the sidelines — and one pair they’ll be keen to keep close tabs on in the CCI4*-S is Rachel Lawson and High Tide. Rachel plays a key role in helping OTTBs find their person, and their career, after the track as a busy sourcer and producer, and High Tide is the horse that started that love affair for her. Find out more about their journey so far, and Rachel’s work with Thoroughbreds, in this profile.

Do pint-sized powerhouses make your heart sing? Then you’ll love watching Briggs Surratt and the teeny-weeny (but don’t tell her that!) Corture, who tops out at just 14.2hh but has yet to find a fence she thinks is too big for her. She was bred by fellow CCI4*-S competitor Elisa Wallace, who’ll be riding her 2022 USEF CCI3*-L National Champion, Renkum Corsair.

Speaking of breeding top sport horses, one rider who knows a thing or two about that is Alexa Thompson. She’s got two homebreds lined up to compete in the CCI3*-S – Parlez Clear and Clear Candidate — and while her CCI4*-S entry isn’t a homebred, there’s plenty of reason to lend her and Just To Be Clear your support. This’ll be Lexington-based Alexa’s first four-star in the US after making her debut at the level in Europe last year while based with France’s Maxime Livio. Her debut at Strzegom in October saw her finish seventh in a hot field, beating some guy called…hang on, let us check our notes…Michael Jung? IDK, maybe you’ve heard of him.

We’ve also gotten confirmation that none other than Ian Stark himself will be riding this weekend, taking part in the Lumbee River EMC Festival Pro-Am Challenge, which pairs up professional and amateur riders for some friendly competition throughout the event. Ian’s been lent a horse by Caroline Pamukcu, a 5-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding who’s a new addition to the program and ready to tackle the Open Training level with Ian riding. Don’t worry, we’ll be doing plenty of documenting for this! Ian loves to get a leg up every now and then, and this isn’t the first time he’s teamed up with Caroline for a catch-ride; he competed at the USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships at the Maryland 5 Star in 2022 with HSH Best Kept Secret.

Have a story tip from Carolina? We’d love to hear about it! Tip us by emailing [email protected].

Boyd Martin and Miss Lulu Herself. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

How to Watch and Follow Along

Horse & Country has the live feed for this weekend, bringing back 5* rider Holly Hudspeth and a roster of guest stars on commentary for all three phases of 4* competition (and cross country action across divisions, too!). You will need an H&C+ membership (You can save 15% on an annual membership using code EVENTINGNATION15) or a one-time event pass to gain access to this event. Click here to log in and watch or see your subscription options by clicking here.

You can see what other events are live streaming around the world by accessing our 4* and 5* Where to Watch Guide here.

Who Jumped It Best? Twin Rivers Intermediate

By on Mar 12, 2024 10:00 am -

We’ve got a West Coast edition of Who Jumped It Best for you this week, shot at Twin Rivers (Paso Robles, CA) spring kick-off event earlier this month. You can read the full recap of the weekend here.

Today’s selection of moments in time comes from the Open Intermediate division, and was shot by Sherry Stewart. Take a look at the candidates, then cast your vote in the poll at the bottom of this article.

Happy voting, and Go Eventing!

Taren Hoffos and Regalla. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Tamie Smith and Crafty Don. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Erin Grandia and Hyacinth. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Marc Grandia and Campari FFF. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Sophie Click and Tarantino 54. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Josie Thompson and Pistol Annie. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

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

Jolie Wentworth and Kismet Klosterbrau. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Julia Beauchamp Crandon and MGH Capa Vilou. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Riding for Annie: Catching Up with Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant Recipient Isabelle Bosley

By on Mar 12, 2024 9:00 am -

Isabelle Bosely and Night Quality. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Annie Goodwin continues to live on through the dedication of friends, family, and supporters who have paid tribute to the Aiken, SC local since her sudden passing in 2021. The creation of the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant as well as the annual awarding of the Annie Goodwin Sportsmanship Award at Grand-Prix Eventing (won in 2024 by Austin O’Connor) each spring are two ongoing reminders of Annie’s generosity of spirit and genuine love for the horses and people surrounding her.

Last year, it was announced that the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant would be awarded to an Aiken-area budding professional. The grant “provides financial support for young professional equestrians establishing the early years of their business and wishing to continue their equestrian education and competition,” according to the web page created for the program. The intent of this grant is to “foster, support and develop Aiken’s young equestrians who embody Annie’s character and dedication in their respective sports.”

The inaugural recipient of this financial award is Isabelle Bosley, who’s spent the better part of a decade working alongside 5* rider Lillian Heard as she works her way up through the levels with her personal horse, Night Quality, and explores the realm of branching off on her own.

It can certainly be daunting, the thought of hanging one’s own shingle out after years of mentorship. Isabelle considers herself fortunate to have worked with Lillian as her program grew, providing a chance for Isabelle to witness firsthand how a successful business is built. “I feel really lucky with my timing,” she explained. “When I first started, we had I think 10 horses in the barn total, so over time as our barn has grown and I’ve gotten more independent, it’s all grown at the same time. Lillian’s gotten more horses, more clients and working students, but it’s kind of worked that it’s all grown together, which has been really cool.”

Isabelle Bosley and Night Quality. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Over time, Isabelle has taken on more riding responsibilities that will eventually feed her business as she launches it. She’s picked up a supportive owner, for whom she now campaigns young horses, and also plays an important role campaigning sales horses for Lillian, which is always a strong move for making connections. She learns this side of the business while also learning the ins and outs of producing an upper level horse; the now-13-year-old Irish gelding Night Quality has been her partner for this particular venture.

“He’s been my first horse that I’ve taken past Training, so not only my first Advanced horse, I hadn’t even gone past Prelim before I had him,” Isabelle said of “Millbrook”, who came to the U.S. first as a sale horse. Isabelle had to that point been primarily riding free Thoroughbreds she’d bartered for rides on, and had sold enough project horses that she now had enough to purchase a young horse to produce. “I was riding him as a sale horse every day. He’s definitely a little quirky and funny, but I really got to liking him and he was in my budget. I thought I could re-sell him as a Prelim horse down the road.”

Famous last words, as Isabelle soon found she had a horse she felt she could move up with, giving her a world of experience and competitive mileage. In 2021, the pair stepped out at the Advanced level, collecting enough competitive results to put herself on the radar of the US Eventing Pathway Program and stamping a ticket to the UK as part of the Nations Cup team competing at Bramham in 2022.

Looking back on the experience she’s had at the Advanced and 4* level, Isabelle applies the term “learning curve”, as many riders do when first stepping up to this top level of the sport. A mixed bag of results and a heartbreaking elimination at their final UK event (Houghton Hall) sent Isabelle back to the States feeling low. Here is where her Aiken connections picked her up once more, though.

“I definitely felt pretty rock bottom when I came home from England,” she said. “I just wanted to come home and curl up in a hole and die. I kept thinking, ‘I don’t want to have to go to Boyd’s tomorrow and look everyone in the face.’ But I think Boyd was one of the first ones who came up to me when I went to the barn; they all just told me about their first international experience and how they totally bombed. ‘It’s ok, no one will remember that!’ they all said. And that made me feel really good about it. Like, ‘it’s ok, it’s not the end of your career.’

Isabelle talked more about her experiences with Dr. Tyler Held in an interview for our “Between the Ears” series. Read it here.

Isabelle Bosley and Night Quality. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

After returning home and after comparing notes — she’d felt Millbrook just wasn’t quite right during his trip overseas — it was found that the horse had come down with EPM. “I wasn’t sure, though, because they always say the horses are a little tired after a big travel, and I knew the competition over there was that much tougher — was it that, or was it something else?” she questioned.

Isabelle says it took nearly a year for her horse to begin to feel better in his body after the EPM diagnosis and treatment. She’s taken a patience-first approach with her upper-level riding, opting to scale back to a lower level and build the confidence, fine-tune the details, before asking for another go at Advanced.

“To be quite honest, it took him awhile to feel really ok in his body again. I think being under that pressure while struggling with that [EPM], it definitely knocked him out, he was totally healthy but just didn’t feel right for awhile,” Isabelle elaborated. “And it was also a mental thing; it took a lot of confidence away from him not having his body feel right and he’s so careful, I think it really scared him. I’ve had to take awhile to build him back up, just going out and jumping Novice fences again and again. All around, it’s been a pretty big learning lesson, but in hindsight we’ve both really grown from it.”

Isabelle hopes she’ll eventually be able to move back up to the Advanced and 4* level, but in the meantime she’s removed the competitive pressure from her goal-setting, aiming only to ensure she and Millbrook are safe and confident when they do choose to move up. It’s a simultaneously difficult and easy decision: it’s hard to feel like you aren’t “making it” as an Advanced or 4*/5* rider (especially when you’ve only got one horse to take you there right now), but it’s also the easiest decision in the world (or, it should be) to do what’s right for your horse.

As she prepares for the season ahead, Isabelle is eager to use the benefits of the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant to increase her lesson load. “I’ve already had so many lessons this winter, more than I think I ever have, and from each one you can take something new back to your program at home,” she said. “Lillian remains my main mentor, and having a great community here in Aiken to learn from is a great addition.”

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

At the end of the day, Isabelle says, it’s simply an honor to be chosen to represent Annie Goodwin’s spirit, expressing her gratitude to the Goodwin family, whom she was able to meet and get to know at Grand-Prix Eventing, and the supporters of the program.

“I think the whole grant is a really incredible idea and a really nice way to honor her memory, and I feel really grateful that I was the first person to get it,” she said. “At the end of the day, the grant could have been $10 and it would’ve been special to me. The money is really just the icing on the cake. Annie was the kind of the rider — the type of person — I want to grow into. I always really respected her, and was so happy she was in our community. She always made the day a bit better whenever you saw her.”

If you’d like to make a donation or otherwise support the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant, you can click here to obtain more information.

Saturday Video: Ride Along at #GPE2024 with Boyd and Bruno

By on Mar 9, 2024 12:00 pm -

What you see vs. what I see 👀

What you see vs. what I see 👀

Get a first hand look at the Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce's Field course aboard Fedarman B thanks to JockeyCam!

Posted by Boyd Martin on Wednesday, March 6, 2024

The Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field is always full of excitement, and now you can get a riders-eye view of what it’s like to twist and turn around this motocross-style track, courtesy of Boyd Martin and JockeyCam! Would you ride this course?

Catch up on our coverage of #GPE2024 here.

Clarification Provided on FEI’s Non-Rights Holder Rules for Media and Content

By on Mar 8, 2024 12:42 pm -

Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir take the individual title at the most recent FEI World Championships (Italy – 2022). Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The buzz was high on social media this week as the FEI’s Non-Rights Holders’ Guidelines for Publishing on Social Media at FEI Named Events were circulated, raising the ire of sport fans and stakeholders at the implications of the rules. “Censorship” and “welfare” were two key trends identified within the various conversations sparked around these rules, and in response the FEI has published a clarifying document to add additional context to these rules.

I’ve done my best to break down these NRH Guidelines, as well as the FEI’s clarification of the policy, below. What I have written in the final section of this article is reflective of my personal experience and opinion as a member of the equestrian media for over a decade.

What is a Non-Rights Holder?

According to the policy, the FEI Non-Rights Holder category includes Athletes, Athlete Support Personnel, Athlete Entourage (e.g. grooms, agents etc.), Horse Owners, National Federations, Officials and Accredited Media, including broadcasters.

A Rights-Holder in this instance refers to a platform that has been designated as the official broadcast platform of the event. This would apply to platforms such as FEI TV, Clip My Horse TV, Horse & Country etc.

Gaspard Maskud and Zaragoza. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

What is considered Field of Play?

The Field of Play includes the main arena, warm-up area, kiss & cry, leaders’ lounge and entrance/exit area, as well as the cross-country course in Eventing and the marathon course in Driving.

What is considered an FEI-Named event?

This a select number of events, which the FEI owns the broadcast rights to:

– Longines League of Nations™

– Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ – Western European League and North American League

– FEI Dressage World Cup™ – Western European League

– FEI Driving World Cup™

– FEI Vaulting World Cup™ Final

– FEI Eventing Nations Cup™

– FEI Championships for Seniors (European Championships, World Championships)

If I’m a spectator at an FEI-Named event, what can I and can’t I do?

“If attending an FEI Named Event (i.e. FEI World Cup round), no, the same rules apply to anyone who has not secured the rights. If at a non FEI-Named event, it will depend on agreements in place between the Organisers and their Rights Holders. If you purchased a ticket for the event, there will likely be Terms & Conditions on the ticket or during the ticket purchase process that details your rights.”

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum at Kentucky in 2023. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

What about events like Kentucky or Badminton? Do these rules apply?

Generally speaking, each individual event will have its own media policy. Field of Play footage is generally prohibited for members of the media, but spectators have historically been non-enforced when it comes to these policies.

Why did the FEI make these rules?

“There have been guidelines in place and publicly available on the FEI website for around 5 years explaining what is permitted for Non-Rights Holders at FEI-Named Events. The FEI’s experience with the previous guidelines was that they were not achieving their purpose; stakeholders seemed confused as to what they could and could not do leading to multiple cases of NRHs publishing FOP content from FEI-Named Events on social media and/or commercialising such content.

Following a review, it was decided to refine and clarify the previous guidelines so that each relevant stakeholder group could have a clear understanding of what is and is not permitted to publish

The main change is in relation to previous references to non-rights holding media being able to post some short clips of the field of play to their Instagram channels, which have now been removed to be in line with the contractual agreements.

This restriction, while it has created some controversy, is standard industry practice in sports, and you will find similar regulations apply to many other sporting events.”

Doug Payne and Vandiver. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Are these rules intended to be censorship?

“Absolutely not. These guidelines are in no-way an attempt to censor anyone or prohibit transparency at events; they are in place to ensure the rights of Rights Holding Broadcasters at FEI-Named-Events are fully respected. For complete transparency, the events are streamed live and in their entirety on FEI TV and/or the FEI YouTube channel, and are also available to watch afterwards.

If someone sees behavior they have a concern about while on-site at any FEI Event, including the FEI Named Events, there is no issue with the person filming the behavior in question. We strongly encourage anyone who has observed concerning behaviour to report it by sharing the footage directly with the FEI for follow up.”

Huadong Sun and Lady Chin V’T Moerven Z compete in the Tokyo Olympics (2021). Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

What this means for the future

It remains evident that video content is growing in popularity, with many riders and events choosing to move to the TikTok video and Instagram Reel format for sharing their updates from competition and training at home. As a member of the accredited media at both FEI and USEF-sanctioned events, the rules of play have been admittedly unclear and limiting in terms of video capture.

For example, the capturing of Field of Play footage is not allowed at major events such as the Kentucky Three-Day Event and the Maryland 5 Star. EN has worked with the media liasions of these events to ensure that capturing footage for things such as Instagram Reels is acceptable, but I would nonetheless implore the FEI and individual federations such as USEF to enact a more comprehensive media policy that factors in the evolution of content creation. While it’s clear and understandable that a broadcast host (i.e. FEI TV, ClipMyHorse TV, USEF Network, or Horse & Country) should retain all rights to full rounds and Field of Play footage, there still exists a “gray area” in which short-form video should have a place.

While these NRH Guidelines are in place for FEI-named events only at this time, should this evolve into enforcement at all FEI-sanctioned events, it would create a wider issue of enforcement and identification of acceptability. I believe a standard content policy should be created in tandem with these NRH Guidelines so that content creators and official photographers can have their own niche as they continue to play their vital role of promoting the sport and raising its visibility and consumer reach.

On the #RoadtoCarolina with 2023 4*-S Winner Will Coleman

By on Mar 8, 2024 9:30 am -

SRF Carolina International Yanmar 4*-S Winner Will Coleman stands with Jon Richardson, Yanmar’s Director of Rural Lifestyle

Will Coleman’s year has gotten off to a rocking start with a 1-2 finish in the $100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase (Aiken, SC) earlier this month, and now his preparation continues in earnest with some major goals on the horizon. One pathway he’ll take en route to his larger goals this year will be the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International, which will take place in Raeford, NC March 14-17. This year, the 2023 winner of the CCI4*-S division has entered one of his rising stars: the Diabolo Group’s Diabolo (Diarado – Roulett M).

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS at Carolina in 2023. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Carolina is a place Will has had much success in the past — in fact, he’s a three-time defending champion in the 4*-S division, long hailed as one of the best preparation events for a spring CCI5*, winning on each of his top three horses (Off the Record in 2021, Dondante in 2022, and Chin Tonic HS in 2023) in as many attempts.

“It’s probably the best spring course,” Will said of the Ian Stark-designed cross country that also features a healthy amount of terrain for additional fitness. This will be the final year of Ian Stark’s design at Carolina Horse Park as his retirement looms; the event will change hands to Derek di Grazia beginning in 2025.

Carolina’s cross country course is one we always look forward to as a proper 5* prep. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“It’s one of the few spring tracks that kind of offers a five-star feel,” Will continued. “You have a really serious coffin and you have big, imposing waters. And for horses that are aiming for five-star, there’s actually not that many events now that have that kind of stuff — that still sort of old school type cross country jumps that you will see it five-star level. And that’s important, for the horses to see that sort of thing now and then.”

Diabolo is a newer addition to Will’s burgeoning string. While stablemates Chin Tonic HS and Off the Record will bypass the 5*s this spring as they eye a potential selection to the Olympic team, “Dab” is preparing for a debut at the 5* level. Originally campaigned in Australia by Gemma Tinney through the 4*-L level, Will was clued in to the 2012 Holsteiner gelding by his wife, Katie, who showed him a video. He credits Katie’s eye for horses with his subsequent interest in acquiring the horse, traveling down to Australia with his father for a whirlwind few days during which he tried Diabolo several times.

Will Coleman and Diabolo. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Upon arriving to the northern hemisphere, Will commented that the gelding encountered some health complications from the big move, which prevented him from stepping right out into competition. But more time never hurts, especially with a horse that’s already been going at a high level with another rider. Following a few “getting to know you” events together, Will secured a second place finish in the Intermediate Championships at AEC last summer and went on to two podium finishes at the 4* level (the 4*-S at Morven Park and the 4*-L at TerraNova, to be specific) to cap off the year.

It’s safe to say that Carolina International remains a large part of Will’s annual preparation schedule, and it’s not just the courses that keep him coming back year after year. “Well, the golf in the area certainly helps,” he smiled. “But really, it’s a great event overall. They look after everybody — owners, sponsors, horses. They’ve done a marvelous, marvelous job with the footing. We’re sad to see Ian [Stark] go, but you know, they’re putting it in the hands of Derek so we can feel really good about that. And I hope it stays as it’s been, because I think it’s been really important for producing horses for five-star. There’s actually not that many runs now that actually do that. Long live Carolina!”

Lindsay Traisnel and Bacyrouge. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

And even if you aren’t a 4*-S competitor, there is literally something for everyone at Carolina, which has supported the newer 1* and Modified levels as well as added a Novice division for 2024. It’s a family-friendly event with plenty of shopping, food, and recreation available to keep even the non-horsey family members entertained. We look forward to seeing you in just a week’s time in beautiful North Carolina!

SRF Carolina International: [Website] [Entries] [Schedule] [Volunteer] [Carolina Club] [Painted Ponies Auction] [Live Stream]

It’s All Happening: Check In on Construction Progress at Paris Olympic Equestrian Venue

By on Mar 7, 2024 2:09 pm -

🇫🇷🐎 Retour en images sur le chantier du site olympique de l’Etoile Royale du château de Versailles pour les Jeux…

Posted by Château de Versailles on Thursday, March 7, 2024

The time is coming! Construction is well underway to erect the massive infrastructure required to host the equestrian disciplines at Château de Versailles for the upcoming Paris Olympics (July 26 through August 11), and we’ve got a peek at the progress thanks to an update provided by the venue on social media.

We’re still awaiting the first glimpse at Pierre le Goupil’s cross country design for the eventing, but you can view some images from the arena and warm-up ring construction in the post above or the gallery below. The five events of the modern pentathlon (swimming, fencing, riding, running and shooting) will also be held at the Palace of Versailles.

The eventing will take place on the following schedule:

July 26: First Horse Inspection
July 27: Dressage
July 28: Cross Country
July 29: Second Horse Inspection, Show Jumping Team and Individual Rounds, Medals

View the full schedule of equestrian events at Paris here.

Where will the athletes be housed during the Games? Take a peek inside Olympic Village in the Instagram post below:

EN is proud to partner with Kentucky Performance Products for coverage of the Paris Olympics. Click here to learn all about KPP and their line-up of science- and research-backed nutritional support products.

Previewing the First CCI4*-S of the 2024 Season: Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. & International

By on Mar 7, 2024 9:30 am -

Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol HIM. Photo by Liz Crawley Photography.

The big 4* season is upon us here in the U.S., and the action kicks off for the top horses and riders this weekend at Bouckaert Equestrian, formerly known as Chattahoochee Hills in Georgia. A total of 34 horses and riders are entered in the headlining 4*-S division this weekend, along with a slew of riders from divisions ranging from 2* up on the FEI side and from Novice up on the National side.

These early season 4* events provide a preview of the horses aiming for spring 4*-L or 5* events, and this year in particular we’re keeping a keen eye on these prep events as many riders will be vying for a berth to the upcoming Paris Olympics. There’s also a healthy prize fund on offer this weekend, with $12,000 up for grabs in the 4* division. While we won’t typically see all combinations putting the pedal down in the jumping phases this early in the season, we’re nonetheless in for a top competition.

Gillian Warner will be reporting on Bouckaert Farm’s 4* this weekend with a comprehensive final report coming your way after the conclusion of the event. You can also follow along with live scoring here; competition begins tomorrow (Friday) and will conclude on Saturday for the 4* pairs.

Hanna Bundy and Lovely Assistant. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Highlighting this weekend’s entry list are several Canadian riders, all putting their best foot forward to catch the eye of the Canadian selectors after our neighbors to the north cemented their team qualification for Paris at the Pan American Games last fall. We’ll see riders such as Hanna Bundy with Lovely Assistant, Katie Malensek with Landjaeger, Colleen Loach with FE Golden Eye and Vermont, and Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me competing in the 4*-S.

Other key names to watch include Phillip Dutton, who brings forward Azure, Denim, and newer ride Jewelent — and he’s also riding alongside his daughter, Olivia, who’s just started her Advanced and 4* career with former 5* horse Sea of Clouds.

Mia Farley, who stole all our hearts with her gutsy performance at her first 5* last fall at Maryland, will return to action with the off-track Thoroughbred Phelps. Hannah Sue Hollberg is also entered with Capitol HIM; this pair was the top-placed U.S. combination at the Maryland 5 Star last year and will look to build on that result this spring.

Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley. Photo by Christine Quinn.

We’ll also see the return of Lady Chatterley, who had a quiet 2023 after winning USEA Mare of the Year in 2022. She’ll return to the level with Olympic gold medalist Leslie Law in the irons, coming off a romp around the Rocking Horse Advanced last month to kick off her season.

Other ones to watch who could be good for the lion’s share of the prize fund include Caroline Pamukcu with King’s Especiale, Alyssa Phillips and Oskar, and Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy.

You can view the full entry list here. Stay tuned for much more coming your way from Bouckaert Farm soon!

Bouckaert Equestrian coverage has been brought to you with support from Ocala Horse Properties.

Bouckaert Equestrian HT and International: [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

Remembering Seacookie

By on Mar 6, 2024 1:00 pm -

William Fox-Pitt and Seacookie TSF at Pau. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Seacookie, one of the past stars of British Olympian William Fox-Pitt, has passed away at the age of 25. The Trakehner gelding was living out his retirement at Catherine Witt’s farm, and she shared the news on social media earlier this week.

OUR HEARTS ARE BROKEN HERE AT ROOKERY..We have said our last goodbyes to our Beloved Seacookie . So thankful that I had…

Posted by Catherine Witt on Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Seacookie (Helikon – Sonnenwende) came to William after being purchased from Ingrid Klimke, who had produced him since his 4-year-old year, finishing 8th in the World Young Horse Breeding Championships at Le Lion as a 7-year-old. With William, Seacookie accumulated multiple strong results at the now-5* level, including six finishes within the top 10 and podium finishes at Pau (1st – 2013), Kentucky (2nd – 2013), and Burghley (2nd – 2010). Seacookie was also 6th in his debut at Kentucky in 2009.

William Fox-Pitt & Seacookie winning Pau CCI4* 2013. Photo by Kate Samuels.

Enjoy a few highlights from a brilliant career. We will remember Seacookie fondly!

Who Jumped It Best? Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field

By on Mar 3, 2024 9:00 am -

It’ll be awhile before we’re fully recovered from the action (in a good way!) at this year’s Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field, so to keep the party going we’ve put together our first Who Jumped It Best? of 2024 for your consideration!

Take a look at the following pairs captured over the fence 19, the Palmetto Golf Club. Most of the fences on course are built and designed to pay homage to the local area of Aiken. Captain Mark Phillips designs the course at Bruce’s Field, and the jumps are all built by the immensely talented team of ETB Equine Construction.

You can cast your vote in the poll at the bottom of this post. Eternal EN karma to the winner! We can’t wait to see next year at Grand-Prix Eventing!

Catch up on our full coverage of #GPE2024, with support from Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt Real Estate, here.

Doug Payne and Quantum Leap. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Liz Halliday and Miks Master C. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Shannon Lilley and Eindhoven Garette. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Sharon White and Claus 63. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Doug Payne and Quiberon. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Liz Halliday and Cooley Quicksilver. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg TSF. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Doug Payne and Camarillo. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Colleen Loach and Vermont. Photo by Sally Spickard.

We’re pleased to team up with Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt, with her robust expertise and portfolio of property options in the Aiken area, as the sponsor of our coverage of the Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field. Seasonal or year-round, southern charm and the sporting lifestyle await you in Aiken!

Two for the Road: Coleman Swoops to 1-2 Finish at Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase

By on Mar 2, 2024 7:00 pm -

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Shelby Allen.

It’s always a safe bet that the cross country finale of the annual Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services stands to shake up the standings. Indeed, this year’s course — beefed up by Capt. Mark Phillips to up the ante for the increased $100,000 prize fund — held true to tradition and exerted its influence to ensure a nail-biting conclusion to the weekend.

Despite this influence, though, one pair stood above the rest: Will Coleman and Hyperion Stud’s Chin Tonic HS. After earning the lead after dressage with a flowing test worth a 26.5 from the judges (Paris Olympics Ground Jury member Xavier Le Sauce and the USA’s Valerie Pride), Will and “Chin” never looked back.

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Shelby Allen.

A hard-to-come-by double clear over Michel Vaillancourt’s show jumping course yesterday in the rain set them up for the win today, and though Will was cagey all week on how hard he’d try to make the time, he needn’t have worried much about that element. As the last to leave the start box today, he had a luxurious 16 seconds in hand and a guaranteed win after piloting the Off the Record Syndicate’s Off the Record to a quick clear that secured him a lead that could only be beat by “Timmy’s” stablemate.

He needed about 10 seconds of that time in hand, coming home handily with the all-class Holsteiner gelding by Chin Champ to earn his first Grand-Prix Eventing victory — and $53,000 worth of the prize pot.

“It was a pretty good week at the office,” Will commented. “A little different for us. We aren’t used to doing that [type of course], but it’s great. It’s good for the sport, I think, for other events to see that as possible. And what they’ve been able to create here is pretty, pretty cool. So it’s an awesome legacy for Bruce [Duchossois].”

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

“I think for everyone it’s probably a little outside their comfort zone,” he continued. “It’s 28 fences, packed into four minutes. You feel like you’re in a tumble dryer. You have to think fast, and the horses have to react. And I think it was helpful, I mean, even just the crowds, and some of the technicality that Mark laid out, I do think that there’s something the horses will take away from it, that’s very positive. So I was really pleased with both of my guys, and it served its purpose 1,000% coming here. I mean, it’s nice to win as well, but I think even if they hadn’t won, I still feel like I got what I wanted out of coming here. I do think championships are becoming a bit more like that — the modern sport is going a little bit more that way. I still really love the five-stars, but this is going to be a part or at least a taste of what the maybe the sport might be trending towards.”

With two horses well-positioned to make a bid for the U.S. team heading to the Paris Olympics this summer, Will circled this event on the calendar early on as he was making his plan for the season. Ordinarily, he told us this week, he wouldn’t necessarily put this event on his calendar when preparing for a 5* event. This year, he’s setting his horses up with strategic runs to help them peak just in time for a team selection, should that be how the cards fall.

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

“I still had a job to do for the last horse, for Chin, to give him a good ride and be responsible about how I took him around. And this is something we’re using for preparation for things down the road. So there was really no change in approach. It was more just, I probably backed off a little bit, given the fact that I had a little cushion with the time but I still wanted to go out there and give him a bit of a strong ride so that I could learn and see how he was thinking.”

Off the Record had one of the classiest rounds of the day, displaying just how strong his partnership is with Will. “Yeah, he’s just an amazing horse,” Will agreed. “He was really thinking with me the whole way. And I felt like he was on autopilot. Honestly, it was a really cool experience just how he was just almost reading the questions before I did. And you don’t often have those opportunities, but I think as horses get older, and they’ve been with you for a long time, you do start to feel like it’s kind of one mind out there. And it’s sort of what we had today. It was very, very cool.”

The extra dollars in the bank account certainly make the drive home tomorrow that much more enjoyable — after Will enjoys a round of golf as a part of the GPE Silent Auction put on over the weekend. As an extra and very well-deserved addition to the monies won, #supergrooms Hailey Burlock and Erin Jarboe took home the Groom’s Prize this weekend, which was funded by several generous donors from the Aiken area. Well done, ladies!

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Finishing in the money again with the Annie Goodwin Syndicate’s Fedarman B is Boyd Martin, who bases in the Aiken area at Stable View this time of year. Boyd had a shot to finish second, but picked up 10 seconds of time with “Bruno” to finish on a score of 35.3 in third place overall. Boyd’s also taken a similar approach to Will with his season planning, as he’s well-sat this year to make a strong run at the Olympic squad. Fedarman B would be one horse he’s preparing to make a bid with, and en route to a potential team selection the 14-year-old Dutch gelding by Eurocommerce Washington. He’ll aim for the Lexington 4*S at the end of April.

“It was for sure a much more challenging, demanding course this year and it took a fair bit of riding actually,” Boyd said. He finished in 17th with Yankee Creek Ranch’s Commando 3, who activated a frangible pin at fence 8. The Turner family’s Tsetserleg TSF had a trip up the bank at fence 21, after which Boyd opted to retire.

“I was on three top horses and my green one sort of misread the corner, but then jumped the rest of the track well and then Thomas had a bit of a mishap at the bank. I dusted myself off and Bruno had a fantastic round. He’s such an honest horse. He’s light in the mouth, and he’s quick and he’s agile. I sort of went about the speed that I felt comfortable at without sort of taking too many risks.”

Liz Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Though she couldn’t quite get the hat trick of victories done, 2022 and 2023 GPE winner Liz Halliday secured a fourth place finish in the money with Ocala Horse Properties‘ and Debbie Halliday’s Cooley Nutcracker, who handily jumped around with 7.2 time penalties for a finishing score of 38.8.

“I was absolutely thrilled, he’s still young and he’s never done anything like this before,” Liz, who had the chance to ride in front of her full group of owners (“That never happens that we’re all in the same place!”), said. “It’s his first run of the year, and I sort of of said to his owners that I was just going to listen to him and give him a good run today rather than chase the time like a madwoman, and he was just absolutely brilliant. I think it was a great experience for him to have to do the twists and the turns with the crowds. I was really over the moon with how he jumped that drop — he’s a very careful, good jumper and in the past he would have really over-jumped everything, and so I was just thrilled.”

Cooley Quicksilver has a neat trip down the Broken Bridge question. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Liz admits she was one of the critics of the Barton’s Pond Broken Bridge jump that had everyone buzzing all week as the newest addition to Capt. Mark Phillips’ arsenal on course this year, but was pleased to find all three of her horses read and jumped the question quite well. The advice from the designer was not to bounce the bank, which was set to be a short one-stride, but after the first few horses bounced the drop neatly, almost everyone went on to do the bounce.

“I ranted and raved about hating the bank but then all my horses jumped it great!” Liz laughed. “We all learned something this week — what we all learned is that the longer distance gave them enough room and they all jumped it really well.”

Liz has a busy few weeks ahead of her with her string, with all three horses heading next to Carolina International in two weeks’ time. Cooley Nutcracker is preparing for his 5* debut at Kentucky at the end of April, while Cooley Quicksilver will hit the Tryon 4*-L and Miks Master C will do the 4*-S at Kentucky.

Monica Spencer and Artist. Photo by Shelby Allen.

New Zealand’s Monica Spencer also enjoyed a successful weekend in her first big run since becoming a semi-permanent resident of the U.S. with her off-track Thoroughbred, Artist. Monica sold off most of her horses and moved her operation to the U.S., basing out of Sweet Dixie South in Ocala for the time being and planning to stay here in the States for at least the next two years. Monica is yet another rider here this weekend vying for a coveted Olympic spot, and with a strong performance at World Championships in 2022 as well as the Maryland 5 Star, she’ll certainly be on the map for the Kiwis.

For her efforts with the nippy and good-galloping Artist, Monica also took home awards for Top Rookie and Top Thoroughbred. We’ll see her head for the Defender Kentucky 5* at the end of April, where she’ll stand to make a strong bid for a podium finish there.

Will Coleman, Doug Payne, and Sharon White gather intel before their rides. Photo by Shelby Allen.

In total, 19 of the 30 starting pairs produced clear rounds today, though the 4:18 optimum time proved, as always, difficult to catch. So much so that Canadian rider Waylon Roberts with the Koppin family’s OKE Ruby R were the sole pair to catch the time, finishing bang on it in fact.

Waylon Roberts and OKE Ruby R storm to the sole clear inside the time. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The most influential fences would wind up being the Broken Bridge at 10, which unseated Phillip Dutton from Possante and Sara Kozumplik from Rubens d’Ysieux, the Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt Corner of Whiskey & Easy at fence 8, which caught out a handful of riders with runouts and also had an activated frangible pin by Boyd Martin and Commando 3. The Aiken Post Office corners (fence 18 and 27) also caused a bit of trouble, unseating Ireland’s Austin O’Connor from Carlson 119, who came up lame on a foreleg but is reported to be uninjured, as is his rider. Austin collected the Annie Goodwin Sportsmanship Award as well.

I look forward to this event every single year, and if you haven’t had a chance to experience it in person I suggest you put it on your bucket list. While of course it’s a much different format than the sport we’re familiar with, it’s an excellent showcase of eventing in a very spectator-friendly way.

Shannon Lilley and Eindhoven Garette catch some air. Photo by Shelby Allen.

“It’s fantastic that Aiken’s got this sort of premiere event,” Boyd Martin concurred. “I think it’s sort of the first proper, big time competition for the season for all the event horses that have been building their fitness up in December, January and February and I think because it’s a short course it doesn’t put any too much too much strain on the horse’s legs.”

The atmosphere here at Bruce’s Field is unrivaled and the energy is electric, and I have to say a big thank you to the organizing team, the Aiken Horse Park Foundation, the incredible sponsors who support this event, and the volunteers who spent their days (especially in the slop yesterday!) helping ensure things ran smoothly.

EN now kicks on for Carolina International, with remote coverage from Bouckaert International’s 4*S next weekend coming your way as well as we look ahead to a very big year. Thank you as always for following along with us — Go Eventing.

$100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Final Scores] [Live Stream Replays] [EN’s Coverage] [Ultimate Guide]

We’re pleased to team up with Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt, with her robust expertise and portfolio of property options in the Aiken area, as the sponsor of our coverage of the Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field. Seasonal or year-round, southern charm and the sporting lifestyle await you in Aiken!

Revised Eventing Format Submitted to IOC for LA 2028 Consideration

By on Mar 1, 2024 2:41 pm -

The new proposed format for eventing in the Olympics would see cross country held as the final team phase of competition. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Horse & Hound has today reported that the FEI has confirmed its submission of a revised eventing format to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which, if approved, will change the look and feel of the sport as we know it in Olympic competition.

Originally proposed in this year’s FEI Eventing Seminar — “The message of the IOC president was very clear: change, or be changed,” FEI president Ingmar de Vos said then — the proposed format will shift to a mixed short-format and long-format event, with cross country being the final phase of team competition. It’s been emphasized that the cross country would still adhere to a longer, championship level of around 10 minutes’ optimum time, but this phase would be run as the final, medal-deciding phase. For individual medals, a fourth day designated for a final show jumping round would be added, making it a long-format — though not in the traditional sense, as competitors competing in the full run of the competition will showjump both the day before, and the day after, cross country.

“The details pertaining to the technical aspects of the proposed format will be discussed in detail next year in the framework of the revision of the FEI regulations for equestrian events at the Olympic Games, once the IOC has provided its feedback,” an FEI spokesperson told Horse & Hound, who reported this news first.

The motivation for placing cross country as the final phase comes from a desire to increase spectator and broadcast appeal, and given the popularity of cross country, making this the finale of the team event is intended to heighten excitement and fan engagement.

It’s to be expected that if approved, this format will take a healthy dose of acceptance as the traditional format of eventing would be pushed further back into the history books. Many riders and sport stakeholders have also expressed a desire for the FEI to abandon its IOC affiliation altogether, at least where eventing is concerned, and instead throw its full support behind the seven CCI5* events around the world.

The next step now will be to wait for the IOC to make its determinations as to the approval of the sport in the LA Olympics – a process for which there’s no clear timeline. There is also the question of a venue that can host the sport — the Eventing Seminar in January made it clear that using an existing all-in-one facility is now a priority for the sport at the Games – though there are several suitable venues that are capable of hosting in the LA area and, in some cases, a pitching process has already begun.

We’ll provide more on this developing story as it becomes available.

Read More: Eventing at LA Olympics Unconfirmed; Subject to Format Change

EN’s Ultimate Guide to the 2024 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field

By on Feb 29, 2024 9:30 am -

Kendal Lehari and Audacious. Photo by Shelby Allen.

While the season has been well underway for several weeks, it feels very much like the annual Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field is an unofficial opening to the eventing year. Title sponsored by Conceal and presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services with a $100,000 pot of prize money on the line, this year’s festival promises to be top quality and full of some of the best riders in the world.

The action gets underway in earnest tomorrow, with dressage and show jumping kicking us off on Friday and concluding with cross country on Saturday. The “condensed” showcase format means the cross country will be much shorter than you’d typically see — the optimum time is generally under 5 or 6 minutes, and oftentimes jumps are jumped in both directions to maximize the use of space — which also means the event is incredibly spectator-friendly.

If you’re wanting to take in the sights this weekend in Aiken, you can still grab a general admission ticket by clicking here. The event is also seeking a few more volunteers, particularly for cross country crossing on Saturday. Click here to sign up — you will also receive free admission to the entire event.

The event will be live streamed on Horse & Country, and you can either use your H&C+ membership or buy a one-time event pass to follow along. Click here to view your options and access the live stream.

The schedule is below:

As you can see, there is plenty on the docket to take in, including demonstrations, course walks, and the return of the “Cowboy Up!” challenge.

Below you’ll find links to all relevant information, including entries, order of go, and more. Be sure to follow along on Instagram with @goeventing and @grandprix_eventing for much more from on the ground. Shelby Allen, Taleen Hanna, and I will be your eyes on the ground all weekend, and we’ll have more for you coming soon.

NEED TO KNOW INFO

We’re pleased to introduce Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt, with her robust expertise and portfolio of property options in the Aiken area, as the sponsor of our coverage of the Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field. Seasonal or year-round, southern charm and the sporting lifestyle await you in Aiken!

Scholarship Alert: Maryland International Equestrian Foundation

By on Feb 22, 2024 9:30 am -

Eventers can use all the help they can find to make ends meet in this sport, and so we’re eager to share opportunities for scholarships or grants that someone who reads EN might benefit from. If you have a verified opportunity we can spread the word about, please tip us by emailing [email protected]. 

Valerie Pride, a 2022 MIEF FEI Scholarship recipient, and Favian at the 2022 Maryland 5 Star. Photo by Abby Powell.

The latest open opportunity comes to us from the Maryland International Equestrian Foundation (MIEF), which sponsors a variety of scholarships throughout each year. You can view current opportunities on their website here.

Two scholarships are currently open for applications:

MIEF FEI Scholarship

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

Applications are open from January 15, 2024 to May 1, 2024. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Recipients will be announced May 15, 2024.

Applicant Criteria:

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

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

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

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

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

  • Previous applicants are encouraged to re-apply

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

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

Merrylegs Junior Rider Scholarship

The Merrylegs Junior Rider scholarships are geared towards diverse, young equestrians who are competing at a grassroots level. Scholarship recipients will receive a credit of $500 towards Highland Series Horse Trials, Twilight Events, Pick Your Time/Test Dressage & Blue Ribbon Jump Round show entries and any schooling opportunities at Loch Moy Farm over the next year. The scholarship period is one year after the date the recipient enters their first event. After this period, unused scholarship funds will expire. Loch Moy Farm offers a variety of fun and accessible opportunities throughout the year for grassroots riders to learn and compete.

Applications for this initial round are due May 1, 2024. TWO scholarships will be awarded during this round.

Applicant Criteria:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To submit your application or share the form with a friend, click here. 

Remembering More Inspiration

By on Feb 21, 2024 10:36 am -

Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Holly Jacks-Smither’s longtime 5* partner, More Inspiration, this week at the age of 19. More Inspiration, or “Morris” as many knew him, was the horse of a lifetime for Holly, who began her FEI career with the Thoroughbred gelding and would eventually reach the top of the mountain with a 5* debut in 2017.

“My $2000 sales investment who I couldn’t sell, stuck around to change my life. If it wasn’t for you, Morris, I would have been on a totally different career path,” Holly wrote in tribute to More Inspiration on social media. “You taught me that hard work truly pays off; that thinking outside the box is a must to be successful with the tricky ones; that a big heart matters more than confirmation; and that hard work and perseverance get results.

Holly Jacks and More Inspiration. Photo by Kingfisher Media Services.

“From a gallop girl at Woodbine Race track where we met, to my first Nations Cup in Aachen, Germany, my first 5 star [sic] at Kentucky, and my first European 5 star in Pau, France… we did it all together. I’ll never have another horse like you. Thank you for challenging me, teaching me and giving me so much joy. But most importantly, thank you for being my soul mate and making me believe that life can be changed because of one special Ottb and a dream. I hope that you are playing bite-the-hand with all the people we have lost the last few years. Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough . Make sure you have a good buck and squeal as you gallop through heaven’s doors. I’ll meet you on the other side.”

More Inspiration
(April 3 2005- February 19 2024 )

My $2000 sales investment who I couldn’t sell, stuck around to…

Posted by Holly Jacks-Smither on Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Holly first became acquainted with More Inspiration when he was a two-year-old still on the racetrack in Canada. When his racing career ended at the age of four, his trainer contacted Holly for help restarting and selling him. In the end, Holly’s grandfather helped her purchase the gelding for $2,000 (out of her college fund, no less!) when a buyer didn’t materialize (and she’d begun to take a liking to him, at any rate).

Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

As his training progressed, Morris revealed himself to be careful and (as most top athletes are) quirky, to the point where many close to Holly advised her to sell him and move on. He would be too careful for the sport of eventing, they said. Cross country penalties dotted their record as they moved to the Advanced and then-3* level.

Morris was also swaybacked, making him unique and also challenging when it came to fitting tack. “He has to work a lot harder than the average horse because of the way he’s built,” Holly said in an interview with Heels Down Magazine.

But then, things began to click.

Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration at Aachen. Photo by Jenni Autry.

It was a trip to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and its famous indoor eventing class that would be a catalyst for a strengthened partnership between the two.

“[Coach Jon Holling] was hard on me,” Holly told The Chronicle of the Horse back then. “It was, ‘You’re either going to make it work, which I don’t think your horse is brave enough, or you’re going to sell him,’” she said. “I brought him out at Pine Top and jumped him around Advanced, and he was just a different horse after being at The Royal. He’s the bravest he’s ever been.”

The rest was yet to be written. Holly was invited to compete at CHIO Aachen (Germany) by the Canadian team, where she finished 30th individually in what would have been the toughest and most technical test of their skills to date. They’d have their growing pains, but all came to fruition a few years later when Holly achieved a lifelong goal of cantering down centerline in Rolex Stadium.

“You kick yourself now for taking the option because you want to be competitive, but it’s our first four-star and he’s amazing and I didn’t want to make him do something he couldn’t do,” Holly said of her first 5* cross country round. “He came home sound and happy and this horse owes me nothing. He carried me around — I didn’t help him.”

Holly Jacks and More Inspiration. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The pair’s most competitive result at the 5* level came at Pau in 2019, where she and Morris finished 12th. “I’m thrilled with my horse and thrilled with my weekend in general,” she told Tilly Berendt that year. “I’m so glad I made it here – not just to be at the show, but because of the people I’ve met along the way, these amazing connections that will stay with me forever.”

In 2021, Holly announced she was retiring Morris from competition after a heart condition was discovered by a vet ahead of the Kentucky Three-Day Event. He continued to be a large part of her life for the rest of his life, remaining an eternal source of inspiration and gratitude for the thousands of miles traveled and lessons learned.

“You have been with me through thick and thin,” Holly wrote when Morris was retired. “You took me from a gallop girl to a 5-star event rider. You taught me that 5-star horses don’t need to be fancy and well bred. They can have crooked legs, sway backs and huge hearts.”

Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Entry Update: Nearly 40 Top Horses + Riders to Compete for $100k

By on Feb 21, 2024 9:30 am -

Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist. Photo by Sally Spickard.

We’re pleased to introduce Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt, with her robust expertise and portfolio of property options in the Aiken area, as the sponsor of our coverage of the Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field. Seasonal or year-round, southern charm and the sporting lifestyle await you in Aiken!

We’re nearing the end of the entry period for the $100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, and the roster has boomed into arguably the most competitive in the event’s young history. At the time of publication, we’ve hit almost 40 entries with some exciting late additions added over the weekend for the March 1 and 2 showcase event.

Highlighting the entries is Maryland 5* winner Austin O’Connor, who will ride Amanda Beale Clement’s experienced 4* horse, Carlson 119 in his first appearance at Grand-Prix Eventing.

Austin, riding for Ireland, ups the international flavor of the entry list along with recently-relocated rider from New Zealand, Monica Spencer, who will compete fan-favorite OTTB Artist at this event for the first time.

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Double Sixteen. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Pan American Games individual gold medalist and team silver medalist Caroline Pamukcu has also thrown her name in the hat as one who will certainly be vying for that hefty prize pot, tapping HSH Double Sixteen (owned by Caroline and her mother Sherrie, as well as the Baltodano family) for the task.

Fellow speed demon Doug Payne will also bring three horses: Quiberon (owned by Doug and Jessica Payne), Quantum Leap (also owned by Doug and Jessica), and Camarillo (owned by Doug Payne and Patrice Jennings-Rado). Fun fact: all three Payne rides were bred right here in the USA by Elizabeth Callahan.

Doug Payne and Camarillo compete at the 2023 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival. Photo by Shelby Allen.

You can view the full and most up to date roster by clicking here.

General admission and VIP tickets are still available for this event, which really should not be missed if you’re in the area or within range! Click here to scope out your options.

For those of you unable to join us in person, H&C+ will carry the live feed. Bookmark this page (and don’t forget to check out our just-launched live stream hub for all your viewing needs!) for direct access to the live feed. Watching on Horse & Country requires either an H&C+ subscription (good for live and on-demand viewing) or a one-time event pass (good for live and on-demand viewing for 30 days). If you aren’t already an H&C+ subscriber, you can save 15% on an annual membership using code EVENTINGNATION15.

Audit Opportunity Available for Jonelle Price’s Canadian High Performance Clinic in Ocala

By on Feb 20, 2024 9:30 am -

Jonelle Price and Grappa Nera. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

An exciting opportunity to learn from one of the best riders in the world has emerged! New Zealand Olympic rider Jonelle Price will be teaching a clinic for the Canadian High Performance squad February 27-29 in Ocala, FL. Here’s the scoop on how to pick up an auditing pass:

Canadian Eventing High Performance welcomes Jonelle Price from February 27-29th in Ocala, FL, where she will work with the Canadian National Team Program Athletes in their preparations for the upcoming season and the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Winner of multiple CCI5*s, including Badminton and Luhmuhlen, as well as Medalist at the Olympics and World Championships, Jonelle brings a wealth of knowledge, passion and enthusiasm to Team Canada.

In support of the Canadian Eventing High-Performance Program, we’re opening this unique experience up to auditors for a cost of $150 USD per person (includes all three days)

The schedule for this clinic includes:

  • February 27, 2024: Dressage
  • February 28, 2024: Cross Country
  • February 29, 2024: Show Jumping

All three days, each auditor will receive full access to the training sessions, lunch, and refreshments. The cost for auditing is $150 for the three days. If you’re interested in registering to audit this clinic, please click here, and the organizing team will contact you with payment and venue details!

Don’t delay; spots are limited!

Remembering Courageous Comet

By on Feb 15, 2024 9:30 am -

Becky Holder and Courageous Comet. Photo courtesy of Michelle Dunn.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of the great OTTB ambassador and 5* event horse Courageous Comet, who was partnered with the equally great Becky Holder through his lengthy career. The Thoroughbred gelding by Comet Shine was 28 years old. He had been in retirement residence with Becky at her North Carolina farm.

He’s a horse that needs little introduction, especially for Thoroughbred fans (and who isn’t, really?). A few years ago, I posted a query on my Facebook page: what horse would you dream of taking for a spin around a big track like Kentucky? Courageous Comet was the first response for multiple people.

While a packer he may not have been for just anyone, he certainly enjoyed some time as “professor”, taking Becky’s husband Tom for a spin after stepping down from the upper levels.

Tom and Becky Holder with Courageous Comet. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

“Tom bought Comet for Becky as a ‘quasi-wedding present,'” Leslie Threlkeld wrote at the time. “And while she increased the vested ownership shares to 49%, Tom maintained a 51% majority ownership. Wanting to make sure he had a chance to sit on his future investment, Tom rode Comet some even in the early days. Today, Tom stays busy with work but Becky encouraged him to find the time to practice riding so they could take Comet to a low-key competition. ‘I wasn’t quite sure how excited Comet would be, but he was an angel!’ Becky beamed.”

In addition to his accolades as a family member, Comet certainly had plenty of bragging rights as a competitor. He and Becky made their first then-4* start together at Luhmühlen and would quickly become stalwarts at the level; they completed five then CCI4* events, including a top-5 finish at Burghley in 2006 and a second place finish at Kentucky in 2008 that earned them a berth to the 2008 Olympics. They also finished on the podium at Kentucky in 2010 and represented the USA at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. Before his career as an eventer, Comet was also a decently successful racehorse, with 36 starts, multiple wins, and nearly $75,000 in purses earned from his first job.

Look back at Becky and Courageous Comet show jumping at Kentucky in 2008, when they finished second overall:

You can harken back to the “OG” days of Eventing Nation, when John Their himself was still writing the words, for an interview with Becky at Comet’s final Advanced competition, by clicking here.

It’s safe to say that this incredible horse gave many of us today “the bug”, and instilled (or confirmed) in us the love of the gutsy ex-racehorse. He will be sorely missed by all of us here at EN and well beyond.

Read more from the USEA’s In Memoriam here.

How to Support the Canadian Eventing to Paris Fundraiser

By on Feb 14, 2024 9:30 am -

The Canadian team impressed with a come from behind gold medal at the 2023 Pan American Games. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The Canadian High Performance Advisory Group and supporters of Canadian eventing have announced a new fundraising effort as the bolstered team aims for the upcoming Summer Olympics in Paris.

“After winning gold [in 2023] at the Pan American Games in Santiago, the Canadian Eventing Team has their sights set on the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and they need your help to get there,” a press release stated.

The fundraiser consists of a “Canadian Eventing to Paris Online Auction”, which is underway as we speak and will close on February 17. You can choose from a hearty selection of nearly 200 items with a combined value of $40,000 CDN — a good chunk needed to send the Canadians hopping to Europe!

The auction closes at 4:00 pm (PST) on February 17th. More items are being added daily — click here to access the auction on Facebook!

5 Reasons We’re Looking Forward to the 2024 Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International

By on Feb 12, 2024 9:30 am -

Doug Payne and Quantum Leap. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

A big season cometh, as the 2024 Olympics loom closer and we look ahead to the roadmap that will lead us all the way to Paris. Olympic hopefuls will have worked their way backward from late July, earmarking the pathway they and their advisors feel will set themselves up well for eventual selection and success on a team.

One important step along that preparation path — both for the Olympics as well as the various spring three-day events — is the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI & H.T., arguably among the biggest early-season challenges and a true “let’s see where we’re at” test set among the trees in Raeford, NC. This year’s Carolina International, held at Carolina Horse Park, will take place March 14-17.

But it isn’t just about the big names and the top level of competition. In fact, one of my personal favorite things about this event is its attention paid to the other levels, including a popular CCI1*-S and National divisions from Novice to Advanced.

Here are just a few of our other favorite things about Carolina:

A true challenge for all, no matter the level

Sandra Holden and Evil Munchkin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We wrote an article about the CCI1*-S division after the 2023 event, and I feel strongly that including newer levels like Modified and 1* are important for education and for giving riders an attainable goal. As someone who has no aspirations to go above Preliminary level, the 1* is such a cool goal to have. It feels like something I could do safely and confidently, perhaps en route to Prelim, or perhaps as my top goal — who knows and who cares? It’s a great option to have, and it’s also beneficial for the production of younger horses. 5 stars (it felt inappropriate to give it a “1 star” rating).

For a new challenge this year, the event will host the Lumbee River EMC Festival Pro-Am Challenge, teaming up professional and amateur riders. There is no cost to join a team, so click here to learn more.

A convenient and well-laid out venue

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

There is something to be said about a venue that uses its space smartly (and one that has permanent bathrooms available!). I always love visiting venues like Carolina Horse Park, which are nicely laid out and well-kept. There is a decent amount of atmosphere, which of course wouldn’t be every horse’s favorite, but I find it to be less overwhelming and more exciting. It’s just the right amount of “things going on” for horses (and riders) to gain some experience in busier environments.

A star-studded roster

Sarah Kuhn and Mr. Cash Van De Start. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Ok, yes, you’re also right — the roster in the 4* and Advanced divisions is always a big draw for the sporting fans among us. This is a big stop on the road to Kentucky’s spring 5* event, and many of the horses we’ll see in these divisions will be prepping for a major spring event. You also typically get to see some horses and/or riders who are newer to the level, giving you a glimpse of “ones to watch” for the future.

Entries will continue to populate through the event’s closing date on February 27, but the list is already promising. We’ll see the return of three-time winning rider Will Coleman, who so far has entered the Diabolo Group LLC’s Diabolo. Ariel Grald, who is based not far from this venue in Southern Pines, has entered Annie Eldridge (also the owner of Setters’ Run Farm) horses Diara and Leamore Master Plan, who is returning to competition after being sidelined most of 2023. Another Southern Pines rider, Andrew McConnon, will swing back into action with top horses Ferrie’s Cello (owned by Jeanne Shigo) and Wakita 54 (owned by Andrew). You can preview the full entry list here.

A strong challenge on cross country

The much-talked about water question on the 2023 CCI4*-S course. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We’re getting into the final days of Ian Stark’s designing career, so we’re going to enjoy these brilliant courses while we still can! Ian Stark has been the designer for Carolina’s 4*/Advanced track for nearly a decade, and his tracks here are given an extra boost of difficulty by the terrain and wooded areas scattered throughout the park’s acreage. For those in the other divisions, the course’s are designed and set by Beth Perkins, who also sets a technical and challenging track that’s appropriate for each level, making this truly an event not to be missed for the well-prepared and practiced.

You can take a glimpse at some action from last year’s 4* cross country below.

Plenty for the horse husbands and kids to do

We all appreciate the long-suffering horse husbands and horse wives and horse kids, who typically spend their days at horse shows as stand-in grooms or wishing a drink cart would magically appear alongside them, golf course style. Well, sign those wonderful family members up for a trip to Carolina International, because there’s a full weekend of family-friendly activities, plenty of food and drink options, and a beautiful locale to spend time in when you’re not at the show.

If you’re visiting the area for the first time, be sure to check out neighboring Southern Pines, which is full of amazing restaurants (I’ll go ahead and throw in my favorite recommendation, Red’s Corner, formerly owned by 5* rider Jurgens) and beautiful scenery to enjoy. Carolina International also coincides with the annual Painted Ponies Art Walk & Auction, which is an event not to be missed.

And if you’re the VIP type, the Carolina Club is a great way to experience all that Carolina International has to offer. These tickets tend to sell fast, so don’t wait to get your hands on them here.

Entries are open for the SRF Carolina International CCI & H.T. Get yours in before February 27 and join us for the fun!

EN is proud to partner with Carolina International for pre-event promotion and media services on the ground. Interested in joining us as a member of the media for this year’s SRF Carolina International? Click here to submit your credential application.

$100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Entry Update: Defending Champs Return

By on Feb 9, 2024 9:30 am -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Two of the three riders who have won the Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field (this year sponsored by Conceal, with $100,000 in prize money) will return this year (March 1 and 2) to square off — but they’ll certainly have plenty of competition from others as the entry list continues to grow.

Liz Halliday has entered this popular showcase event that’s the first major stop on many a top rider’s calendar — and carries a rare six-figure purse to up the appeal — with three horses: 2023 winner Miks Master C (owned by Ocala Horse Properties and Deborah Palmer), Cooley Quicksilver (owned by The Monster Partnership + Ocala Horse Properties), and Cooley Nutcracker (owned by Nutcracker Syndicate + Ocala Horse Properties). Liz also won this event in 2019 (its inaugural year) with Fernhill By Night and in 2020 with Deniro Z.

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B en route to the win in 2022. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

Squaring up for the challenge will be 2022 winner Boyd Martin, who will bring back the horse he won with, Fedarman B (owned by the Annie Goodwin Syndicate) as well as stalwart veteran Tsetserleg (owned by Christine, Thomas, and Tommie Turner) and rising star Commando 3 (owned by Yankee Creek Ranch LLC).

These former winners aside, the entry list continues to grow with plenty of contenders for the top prize. That list includes riders such as Will Coleman, Phillip Dutton, Colleen Loach, Ariel Grald, Will Faudree, Sydney Elliott, Doug Payne, and many other 4* and 5* horses and riders. We anticipate more entries to pile in as the closing date draws near — and we’re still awaiting confirmation of some international entries coming to catch-ride!

It’s also not too late to grab your tickets for this event, which truly puts spectators front and center with the action, right in the heart of Aiken, SC. Click here to learn more about Grand-Prix Eventing and to buy your tickets or VIP experience.

We’re pleased to introduce Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt, with her robust expertise and portfolio of property options in the Aiken area, as the sponsor of our coverage of the Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field. Seasonal or year-round, southern charm and the sporting lifestyle await you in Aiken!

Magical Mustangs: Catching Up with Elisa Wallace

By on Feb 2, 2024 9:30 am -

Photo courtesy of Elisa Wallace.

What began as a bucket list tick evolved into a full-fledged adventure for Elisa Wallace. It was a friend, fellow mustang trainer and eventer Rebecca Brown, who first encouraged Elisa to sign up for the annual Mustang Magic competition. For Elisa, it was an opportunity for a new challenge: if she could train a mustang, surely it would solidify her prowess as a horse trainer and perhaps give her the opportunity to become an ambassador for the once-wild horse.

Fast forward to today, over a decade later, and now about 10 mustangs are in residence at Elisa’s Ocala, FL base. She’s taken multiple mustangs out eventing, including the famous Fledge and Rune as well as the gray mare Hwin. Elisa gains much fulfillment from promoting the mustang as an excellent horse for any discipline, and now spends some of her time (when she isn’t also producing and competing event horses) training and re-homing mustangs to other riders.

“In training them you just get addicted,” Elisa explained. “Each one kind of teaches you something new, and you just want to keep doing it. I think they’re great horses for people to have, too. They can fit that little niche, so that’s my goal. I train one and try to fulfill that with someone.”

Elisa Wallace and Fledge. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Elisa’s latest mustang project was a return to the Mustang Magic competition. This competition, held in Texas, during the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, gives approximately 25 trainers the opportunity to bond with a train a mustang over the course of a 100 days. The event then culminates with a Trainer’s Challenge consisting of a handling and conditioning class, a maneuvers class, a trail class, and a freestyle for finalists. The prize pot of $50,000 sweetens the deal, and the mustangs are then auctioned to the public following the competition.

Initially, Mustang Magic was not in Elisa’s plans for the year. She laughed when I asked what changed her mind. “You’re going to laugh at me, but,” she began. “I had a dream. [Four-time Mustang Makeover champion and respected horseman] Bobby Kerr was in it. In this dream I was a working student for Bobby. He asked me if I was going to do the Magic and I said ‘no’ and he goes ‘well you should’. And so I woke up and said ‘well I guess I’m going to do Magic this year!’ So that was my reasoning for it.”

Dior’s glow-up. Photo courtesy of Elisa Wallace.

In September, Elisa traveled to Texas to make her selection from a group of recently rounded-up mustangs. The 26 trainers drew numbers to make their selections; naturally, having an early pick is beneficial, but you must be prepared with a list of alternates. Elisa, luckily, had a few on her list as she drew #20.

“It was tough because you’re going through strategy-wise of who to pick,” Elisa said. “I analyzed for hours and when it came down to it, I had Dior on my list. She was the boss mare of her pen, I just went ‘screw it Elisa, go for color!’ She was already on the list, but it was just one of those things.”

“Dior”, as she came to be known, is a beautiful palomino color. Elisa, for this competition, knew she would be giving the horse up for auction/adoption following the competition, so she was looking for a horse that would be a suitable all-arounder, perhaps one that could also do some Western riding. The mare seemed to tick the right boxes.

“I tell you – that mare cracks me up,” she laughed. “She was like ‘finally!’ [upon getting into the barn]. The first night mustangs are in a stall they normally don’t sleep. That mare slept — she was covered head to toe in shavings. The name Dior kind of fit. She’s kind of ‘bougie’ and Dior also means ‘gold’.”

Elisa chronicled her training process with Dior in a full playlist of videos on YouTube — I’ll drop the playlist below for you to watch at leisure:

“She was a very fun mare to train,” Elisa said. “She was very confident in some ways and I’m still super busy because I also had a three-day in November, so I was glad that she was special. It takes a special horse for the makeover. I didn’t have any of the flashy tricks on her, but she was very good about very practical things, which I thought was very handy. I was able to go and work her on cows and I took a roping lesson off of her. One thing I really love about doing the mustang stuff is it kind of pushed out of my comfort zone. I get to learn so much more, I feel like, and break things up. She did a little starter event at [Florida Horse Park] and it was basically underwater; her first time in a dressage ring and she scored a 34. Won her little starter division. She loved going out on cross country. She was just a little star.”

The competition yielded a strong result for Elisa, who made the finals and finished in sixth overall, out of the 26 original trainers. Elisa was impressed with how Dior handled the intense atmosphere, even staying calm when a prop got stuck in her girth during their final freestyle performance.

The bittersweet part came at the end, when Dior would be auctioned and meet her new owner.

Dior meets her new owner, Sierra Gowen. Photo courtesy of Elisa Wallace.

“Dior was one of the last to go and the girl that ended up getting her wants to do eventing,” Elisa said. “Her name is Sierra and she’s also a bodyworker and Dior is going to be her first mustang. And it just so happens she lives back where I used to live in Canton [Georgia], so she has a lot of connections to a lot of my old students who are her trainers. So it worked out. I was happy with the outcome with it and I think Dior is where she needs to be. I was happy and pleased with myself that I produced a good horse. I cried, I had poor Sierra crying, but that’s just so I can train another one. I try to train one and just do the same thing.”

Elisa always emphasizes that each horse teaches her something new. I asked what she had learned during her time with Dior. “Really utilizing the horse’s strengths,” she said, after a moment of thought. “Try not to focus too much on their weaknesses; it’s more minimizing their weaknesses and maximizing their strengths. When I ignored some of the weaker things that I didn’t necessarily like, that would just kind of go away if I just focused on the more positive things. And really the lesson for me, which oftentimes can get lost, is that horses are supposed to be fun and we’re supposed to enjoy our time with our horses. The training process gets frustrating, we all get frustrated, but you want to have fun and that’s kind of what we lose.”

Photo courtesy of Elisa Wallace.

Here, she compares the level of trust and bond that’s required to compete in an event like Mustang Magic to that required to go out on cross country with an event horse.

“These horses that are previously wild, because of the bond you’ve built, they trust you. It’s what we want to attain with any of our horses. The mustangs and Thoroughbred stuff — it’s why I like to do it. Your event horses aren’t going to push for you if they don’t trust you. It’s the same thing when you get the trust of the mustang. Those horses try for you and at the end of the day, that is all you can ask for.”

Clinic Entry Contest with William Fox-Pitt: And the Winner Is…

By on Feb 1, 2024 5:30 pm -

Sierra Lesny rides cross country in front of William Fox-Pitt. Photo by Lisa Madren.

Last month, we announced a contest to give away an entry to William Fox-Pitt’s February clinic in Ocala, FL. The clinic will be hosted February 27 and 28 at Overlook Farm South (show jumping) and Barnstaple South (cross country). We asked you to submit an entry detailing the story of why you love eventing, what got you into the sport, or anything else pertaining to the love of the sport — and you delivered!

We received almost 50 entries to this contest, making the final decision that much more difficult. But after much deliberation amongst our team, we’ve landed on our winner, who will receive a complimentary spot in the clinic on both days at their chosen level.

Photo courtesy of Sarah Clark.

Please join us in congratulating Sarah Clark! Sarah’s essay, “I Was Lucky to Be There” on how she got into eventing is a story we’ll be sharing in the coming days here on EN, and it’s one that shows us just how much eventing and horses can bring us together, heal wounds, and make us believe we are capable.

Thanks to the generosity of the clinic organizers, we’ll be offering free auditing passes to the other five finalists who were chosen from the initial pool of applicants. You’ll receive an email from EN this week if this applies to you!

Thank you to all who took the time to enter and share their stories with us. We’ll be on site for the first day of the clinic at Overlook Farm South and will bring you much more from on location.

Go Eventing!