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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.

Latest Articles Written

Sneak a Peek + Snag a Ticket: $100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field is Coming Soon

By on Feb 1, 2024 9:30 am -

Will Faudree and Pfun. Photo by Shelby Allen.

There has come to be no better way to open the eventing season in what feels like an unofficial, official way than the annual Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field (Aiken, SC), happening March 1 and 2.

Designed to be a spectator-friendly pipe-opener for horses that are on the handier side (or, practice for those who could use some more of this!), Grand-Prix Eventing is a condensed event run over two days and consisting of a dressage, show jumping, cross country format. Cross country, designed by Capt. Mark Phillips, is an arenacross-type course, much removed from its long format predecessor but nonetheless an exciting “taster” of the thrill of the sport. In my opinion, this format is a natural way to invite newcomers to the sport of eventing — the fact that it takes place literally in the center of Aiken at Bruce’s Field is the icing on the “welcome to eventing” cake.

This year, the prize pot grows from an initial $50,000 to now be a $100,000 purse — in eventing, you don’t often see prize money like this outside of CCI5* events — thanks to the incoming title sponsor, Conceal. Taylor Harris Insurance Services also returns as presenting sponsor.

We won’t have a final roster of entries for a few weeks yet, but a few have begun to sprinkle in to the entry status here. The crew at Grand-Prix Eventing also tells me there will be some exciting visitors from overseas.

As of publication, the confirmed entries for this year’s GPE are:

  • Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way + Pfun
  • Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan
  • Lillian Heard and Dassett Olympus + LCC Barnaby

Liz Halliday-Sharp celebrates the taste of sweet, sweet victory in 2023. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Other tentatively committed riders include previous winners Boyd Martin and Liz Halliday, Sharon White, Emily Hamel, Doug Payne, Caroline Pamukcu, Jennie Brannigan, and more. We’ll be sure to keep you up to date with the latest entry confirmations, so stay tuned for more. Riders will also be riding for the benefit of local charities (to be named for 2024).

Tickets are still available for this not-to-be-missed event, so come on down March 1 and 2. You can purchase yours starting at just $30 for two-day admission by clicking here.

Opportunity Alert: Apply Now for the Waredaca Eventing Foundation Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund Scholarship

By on Jan 31, 2024 11:30 am -

Photo courtesy of Waredaca.

We’re always on the lookout for opportunity offerings from around the eventing community, and here’s one that should be on your radar if you’re aiming for a Classic Three-Day competition this year! Here’s the skinny:

The Waredaca Eventing Education Foundation (WEEF) is pleased to announce an expansion of the 2024 Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund Scholarships thanks to the generous donations of WEEF supporters and several USEA Classic Three-Day event organizers. This year’s scholarship funds will be awarded to several riders from across the country and includes entries to various USEA Classic Three-Day events spread out from coast to coast!

The Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund Scholarship was created in 2023 to honor the late Jimmy Wofford. Wofford was influential in creating the Classic-Three Day series and was a strong supporter of these events. Like Wofford, previous scholarship recipients showed a dedication to the sport of eventing here in the U.S. through volunteering, continuing education, and competing. You can read more on Jimmy’s thoughts about the classic long format here.

Novice Three-Day competitors Emma Keahon and Wil’Ya Love Me on course at the 2015 Waredaca Classic event. Photo by Kate Samuels.

The 2024 Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund Scholarship winners — at least one adult amateur and at least one junior rider — will each be awarded $1000 cash support to be used towards training and expenses related to competing in a 2024 USEA Classic Three-Day Event. In addition, Scholarship winners will also be awarded one entry to one of the following participating Classic Three-Day Events:

  • Indiana Eventing Association (IN) May 31-June 2
  • The Event at Rebecca Farm (MT) July 17-21
  • Spokane Sport Horse 10th Annual Fall HTs (WA) September 26-29
  • Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event (KY) October 16-20
  • Waredaca Classic Three-Day Event (MD) October 25-27
  • Note: additional events may be added to the above list should they choose to participate in the Wofford Scholarship program

James Wofford on Carawich, 1978. Photo courtesy of Gamecock Photo.

The 2024 Jimmy Wofford Memorial Fund Scholarship is open to adult amateur and junior riders competing at any level within USEA. Applicants must be working towards competing in a 2024 USEA Classic Three-Day Event and be in need of financial support to achieve this competition goal. Applicants must also demonstrate their commitment to the sport of eventing through proof of volunteering. Those who have previously participated in, or are currently participating in any other USEA/USEF grant or development program are not eligible for the Wofford Scholarship.

The application deadline is April 1, 2024. Please click HERE for more information and online application.

If you would like to support this scholarship and other WEEF projects, please donate HERE.

About the USEA Classic Series

The USEA Classic Series keeps the spirit of the classic long ­format three­-day events alive for Beginner Novice through the Preliminary levels, including the Modified level as well. Competitors can experience the rush of endurance day, including roads and tracks, steeplechase, the vet box, and cross­-country, as well as participate in formal veterinary inspections and educational activities with experts on the ins and outs of competing in a long ­format three-­day event. Riders who compete in a USEA Classic Series event during the year will have the chance to win a variety of prizes at the events from USEA sponsors. Click here to learn more about the USEA Classic Series.

The USEA would like to thank bronze sponsors SmartPak Equine and D.G. Stackhouse & Ellis Saddles, as well as contributing sponsors Bates Saddles and Parker Equine Insurance for supporting the USEA Classic Series.

Remembering Bendigo

By on Jan 30, 2024 9:30 am -

Ema Klugman and Bendigo. Photo by Shelby Allen.

EN reporter and 5* rider Ema Klugman announced this week the passing of her veteran partner, Bendigo, following complications from colic surgery last week. The Saddlebred/Thoroughbred gelding was 22 years old.

Bendigo was the type of horse that was quickly written off as “not much” but “safe enough” when Ema first found him when she was just 14, with help from coach and mentor Packy McGaughan. 10 years old at the time, Bendigo had done some show jumping but was for all intents and purposes a diamond in the rough, and a horse Packy figured would be suitable for his student to do her first events and move up through Preliminary on.

Hold my beer, said Ben.

Ema Klugman and Bendigo. Photo by Shelby Allen.

“He’s full of surprises,” Ema told me ahead of her 5* debut at Kentucky in 2021. “He doesn’t have the scope or the raw ability of a horse like (Marilyn Little’s 4* winner) RF Scandalous or (Liz Halliday Sharp’s five-star horse) Deniro Z, so he kind of has to make his way. He just has a huge amount of heart.”

It’s a story we’ve heard many times, and it’s one that — speaking for myself, at least — we can find in our memories when asked why we love eventing as much as we do: The horse that wasn’t supposed to amount to much, but continued to surprise.

This was Bendigo.

We #BelieveInBendigo! Photo by Elena Perea.

He didn’t love dressage, but when Ema cantered down center line for the first time in Rolex Stadium, he was with her. He pulled average scores on the flat, but you could almost always count on him to jump right up the standings with his skills across the country and over the show jumps. Ema, as any other rider with a horse moving to 5* for the first time, was ready to learn whether or not she’d created a 5* horse over the better part of a decade.

Ema Klugman and Bendigo. Photo by Sally Spickard.

I was positioned on cross country on the back third of the course. The question was two open corners at the top of a hill, following a long pull up from the famous infield section at Kentucky. I was nervous, as one is for a friend on cross country. Would Ben look winded at this point — probably almost 9 minutes into this grueling cross country test — doing his first 5* at the age of 19? But then I heard it:

“Whoaaaa, Ben…easy, buddy…whoaaaa, Ben.”

I heard it before I saw them, and nearly before I could focus my camera lens, Ema and Ben were through the combination and galloping away, the horse on the bridle and on the bit, ears flat and stride long. I shouldn’t have worried.

I know Ema would have wanted to finish what would be Bendigo’s final 5* at Maryland that year, but at the final water complex just a few questions from the finish, she pulled him up. He would have kept jumping and galloping, and they could have finished, but Ema made a decision in the moment. He owed her nothing, and he had begun to tell her he was tired. It was an anti-climatic finish on paper, and certainly a disappointment for any competitor, but that decision will continue to live in my brain as an example of what it means to finish with integrity — whatever that may mean on that day.

After he was retired from upper-level competition, Bendigo went on to teach other riders. He competed at the Area II Championships and the American Eventing Championships with amateur rider Julie Bigham at Training level.

He even took me for a flat ride last fall, thanks to Ema’s generosity.

I watch the video of myself riding Ben often. It was nothing major. I am very rusty, and it was wet outside. We worked on some basic canter pirouette work, and as I went back out to the long side, I could hear Ema on the other side of the camera, her voice full of fondness.

“Good boy! Good boy, Ben!”

We will all miss you, Bendigo.

My words are just mine. You can read some of Ema’s reflections on Bendigo’s career here. An excerpt from Ema feels like the most fitting ending to this tribute:

“The best way I can describe Bendigo is that he has imposter syndrome, ADHD, anxiety, stage fright, and probably several other unnamed demons that he had to overcome to become the horse he became for me. He was never “meant to be” a 5* horse, or even a four- or three-star horse for that matter. He is half-Saddlebred, after all! He (and we) attempted to go beyond who he was meant to be -— and he did that not for himself but for me. I won’t ever meet a horse with more generosity of spirit.”

Ema Klugman and Bendigo. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Try This Strength and Balance Drill for All Disciplines from Pippa Funnell

By on Jan 27, 2024 10:00 am -

In a true exemplification of the “never stop learning” adage, Rolex Grand Slam winner Pippa Funnell shared a training exercise that’s useful for all disciplines as we prep for another season. Using just a few poles set up strategically and a few small jumps, Pippa demonstrates a technical exercise ridden without stirrups to strengthen the rider’s balance and position.

You can see Pippa demonstrating the exercise in the video below (can’t see it? Click here to watch it on Instagram). Notice how she uses her seat, leg, and body to collect and execute downward transitions, using this change in balance to affect the horse’s stride without leveraging on the bit.

Watch, then try it for yourself!

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Jan 26, 2024 12:01 am -

Wintery weather conditions didn’t keep the eventers away last weekend at Stable View’s season opener horse trials, which ran nearly 300 starters braving the cold weather. Thanks to the hardworking grounds crew at Stable View, the water jumps were kept unfrozen and the footing was kept aerated to keep it from getting too wet and frozen over the weekend. It was a true team effort, and it’s one Stable View owners Barry and Cyndy Olliff are proud to be a part of. “The easy thing would have been to cancel, but it’s not down to us,” Barry noted, expressing his gratitude for the officials and helped make decisions to keep running in a safe way.

Here’s to warmer weather for the next eventing competition at Stable View, which will be the first Eventing Academy of 2024, February 16-18. Check it out here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Full Gallop Farm January H.T (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Rocking Horse Winter I H.T. (Altoona, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

News & Notes:

Here’s a useful analogy to think of when it comes to balance in the saddle. When you carry a bag of feed over your shoulder, your weight shifts to compensate and balance. This is a tip Buck Davidson brought to a recent clinic from Practical Horseman’s Win a Day Clinic Contest. [11 more tips from Buck here]

USEA members! There’s a very valuable survey currently being circulated in an effort by the USEA to collect sentiments and data points pertaining to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Your opinion is valued and important, so take a few minutes to fill it out here.

What the heck is the Equine Activity Liability Act, and why should you care about it? Well, we all know riding horses is, well, not the safest choice of activity in the world, but there are other facets of liability that pertain to even being on property at an equine facility. Read up on how this can affect you and your business here.

Customers and employees alike were surprised to hear news that Haygain Ltd. has entered administration, appearing to cease business operations and laying off employees. No word yet on what the future of the company, best known for its heavenly hay steamers that fill your barn with enough aroma to make you strongly consider adding hay to your own diet, considering the cost of a bale these days. [Haygain Goes into Administration]

Video Break:

EN writer Amanda Chance recently shared an experience she had with her horse after listening to this excellent “Ask An Expert” on Ride iQ, focusing on the topic of equine ulcers. Here’s Amanda:

And here’s the episode of “Ask An Expert” that got her spidey sense tingling:

Systems Nearly Go for West Coast AEC in 2025; Championship to Return to Kentucky 2026-2028

By on Jan 25, 2024 12:30 pm -

Galway Downs’ main arena boasts unique spectator seating and a backdrop of flags representing an international array of competitors. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

After soliciting expressions of interest to host the next USEA American Eventing Championships, the US Eventing Association (USEA) has announced it has begun contract negotiations to host a fully West coast-based Championship in 2025 at Galway Downs in Temecula, CA. The 2025 AEC would be held from Tuesday, August 26 through Sunday, August 31, welcoming qualified competitors from the newly-recognized Starter division up through Advanced. The qualifying period for the next AEC typically begins each spring for the following year’s championship (for example, qualification for 2024 AEC began on May 22, 2023).

The announcement brings AEC fully to the West coast for the first time; to this point, the host sites furthest west were Rebecca Farm (Montana – 2022) and Colorado Horse Park (2019), along with a multi-year stint at Texas Rose Horse Park. It’s a representation of the strong eventing population that lives and competes west of the Mississippi, and particularly up and down the massive state of California.

You can read more about eventing in California in our deep dive from 2023 here.

Galway Downs, located in Southern California’s wine country of Temecula, has experienced much development and improvement over the past few years, thanks in large part to the efforts of Equestrian Facility Manager Robert Kellerhouse. The venue has also played host to multiple top-level jumper and dressage competitions, many of which under the banner of Nilforushan Equisport Events, that continue to drive the consumer experience to the next level. Some extra fun? Galway Downs is also home to a bustling race community, with a full training track and several race stables based there year-round.

Kick for home! Photo by Sally Spickard.

Galway Downs also features 400 permanent stalls and a total of 14 arenas, alongside its full cross country course that is equipped to host all levels up through its annual CCI4*-L in the fall. The venue hosted the 2023 USEF CCI2*-L and USEF CCI4*-L Eventing National Championships and the 2023 USEF Eventing Young Rider National Championships, presented by USEA.

“Galway Downs is excited to bring the 2025 USEA American Eventing Championships to the West Coast,” said Robert Kellerhouse. “We wish to thank to the USEA for the opportunity and are looking forward to working together with them in furtherance of a successful event.”

“We want to run the type of event where people would be tempted, regardless of their location, to make the trip out,” Robert elaborated. “We want to try and make this thing as great a success as they had in Kentucky. It’s incredible, I’m so happy. It’s a recognition of the success we’ve had in Temecula, what my buddy Ali [Nilforushan] has done with his jumper shows and a higher frequency of top shows, what the dressage community has brought here, what Ken [Smith] has done with the wineries, and the ranch homes on campus adds to people’s experience. Couple that together with the fact that Tamie [Smith] wins Kentucky, and it all morphs itself into getting more attention. All of them carry heavy weight.”

Part of Robert’s vision is an event that entices riders to make the trip, even from the East coast. Galway Downs remains a large part of the eventing tapestry on the West coast, and will be front and center as one of the most prominent venues close by to the LA Olympics in 2028 (which of course, we know the status of eventing is yet to be determined, but we’re holding out hope). “The whole world’s attention is going to be on a region. People are going to talk about Southern California and I’ll tell you what: when I was a kid during the 1984 Olympics, all of the sudden people weren’t calling me a jockey anymore. They knew what equestrian sports were. That’s the impact that this platform can have.”

Further to this announcement, the USEA also confirmed that Kentucky Horse Park has also entered contract finalizations to host AEC in 2026, 2027, and 2028. Galway Downs will have the option to apply for another hosting of AEC for 2029. The Horse Park makes much sense in the eyes of many competitors, both from a logistical (the venue is nearly as centrally located as one could be in a country the size of the U.S.) and a sentimental perspective (who doesn’t want to gallop through the iconic “Head of the Lake” — but without all the hooplah of having to make it to a 5* event like Kentucky?). The dates, pending contract finalization, for the 2026-2028 AEC would be:

  • 2026: Tuesday, Aug. 25—Sunday, Aug. 30
  • 2027: Tuesday, Aug. 31—Sunday, Sep. 5
  • 2028: Tuesday, Aug. 22—Sunday, Sep. 3

You can read more on this news in the USEA’s release here.

Meet Phillip Dutton’s Newest Ride

By on Jan 17, 2024 12:30 pm -

Phillip Dutton’s got a new ride in his stable ahead of this new season, and he’s spending some time sharing his “getting to know you” days on social media.

Jewelent (Valent – Bellaney Jewel, by Rosalier) is a 10-year-old Irish gelding most recently campaigned by Ireland’s Clare Abbott through the 5* level (the pair started Badminton in 2022, but withdrew ahead of show jumping following a clear cross country). Claire and Jewelent also represented the Irish at the 2021 FEI European Eventing Championships, finishing in the top 15 individually.

Clare Abbott and Jewelent. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Carol Gee of Fernhill Sporthorses eventually connected Phillip to “Julian”, whom Phillip describes as “a real blood type of horse, but he is also quiet and sensible. A lot of the training has been done, so now it’s just a case of creating a good partnership and getting his trust in me.”

With the support of the “Jewelent Group”, comprised of longtime supporters Ann Jones, David and Patricia Vos, Tracy Egan, Tom Tierney, John Ingram and Caroline Moran, Phillip added this promising youngster to his string and now sets to work forming a partnership.
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You can view a few videos of Phillip and Julian below or over on the @duttoneventing Instagram page. We’ll look forward to following along!

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Jan 12, 2024 12:01 am -

It’s wild to think we’re already hurtling toward a new season (words I know I write every year; I’m probably due for some fresh thoughts, but that’s a tomorrow task), but here we are! Training camps are in full swing, with both the USEA’s EA21 camps and the USEF’s U25 camps taking place around the country in recent weeks.

One of my favorite bits of these camps is seeing the gorgeous work of the creatives who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the concepts to life. Content is a beast that’s never satisfied, and the time spend on creating those Reels we all share or the recaps detailing the training is high. So, be sure to follow the creators who breathe so much life into our sport!

U.S. Weekend Preview

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks (Reddick, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Friday News & Reading:

Speaking of cool views of training camps, check out these Behind the Lens shots from EA21 over on the USEA’s website.

Check in on the happenings down south at the Robert Dover Horsemanship Clinic, always a great source for back-to-basics tips and reminders for all disciplines. [Riders Go Back to Basics]

Can you quantify “harmony” on horseback? Well, researchers are trying to answer that question. How? By taking measurements of the rider’s pelvis position at certain points during a ride. A part of Dr. Celeste Wilkins’s (University of Hartpury Margaret Giffen Centre for Rider Performance) PhD research, the study intends to identify a correlation, if there is one to be found, so that we can have a greater understanding of the concept of harmony and how to achieve it. [Is Harmony Measurable?]

Sponsor Corner:

Have you heard?? Stable View is getting a new arena! The new arena will be built by Attwood Equestrian. Watch as they prep for it on News from Stable View:

Friday Video:

More U25 content for your enjoyment:

Want to Ride with William Fox-Pitt? How to Win an Ocala Clinic Spot

By on Jan 10, 2024 9:30 am -

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

British Olympian William Fox-Pitt is returning to the States for another winter clinic tour, which will also coincide with a stop at the $100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field (Aiken, SC) the first weekend in March. If riding with William is on your bucket list you’ll want to keep reading.

William will be teaching two clinics in Ocala, FL during this tour, and Eventing Nation is pleased to be hosting a contest to award one spot in the clinic being held February 27 and 28 at Overlook Farm South (show jumping) and Barnstaple South (cross country). Levels from Beginner Novice through Intermediate will be welcomed for this clinic, with riders divided into small-to-medium sized groups for instruction.

William Fox-Pitt teaches at Liz Halliday-Sharp’s winter base, Horsepower Equestrian in Ocala. Photo by Lisa Madren.

So, how do you win your spot?

Tell us a story! How did you catch the eventing bug? What connected you to the horse you have today? Did a top rider make a strong impression on you? Or perhaps a childhood trainer?

We want to know why you love eventing — simple as that. Write us a short story (350-750 words is great, but you can write something shorter or longer if you desire; entries will not be judged on length) telling us why you’ve chosen this sport to call home.

The EN team along with a handful of guest selectors will choose a winner from a group of semi-finalists chosen by EN. We may select some stories to share with our readers by way of an article under your byline on EN.

The deadline to submit your entry is Wednesday, January 24 at 5 pm ET. You can submit your entry using this link or by emailing it to [email protected]. Please include a photo of you and your horse, as well as your desired Clinic Level, with emailed entries. The winner will be announced on Thursday, February 1.

What’s covered by this award: Entry fee to William Fox-Pitt’s clinic in Ocala February 27 and 28, admission to Barn Dinner and Cocktail Party hosted by Sara Kozumplik, Rhonda Sexton, and Derek Strine
What’s not covered by this award: Transportation/hauling to and from the clinic locations, stabling, housing, food/drink outside of Barn Dinner and Cocktail Party

Dates Announced for Shapley’s USEA Grooms Program Education Series in Aiken

By on Jan 8, 2024 9:30 am -

Boyd Martin, Tsetserleg TSF, and supergroom Steph Simpson. Photo by Abby Powell.

Back by popular demand this winter is the Shapley’s USEA Grooms Program Education Series, an annual lecture and demonstration series hosted in Aiken at Bruce’s Field designed to further horse care and horsemanship among all equestrians.

On the schedule for 2024 include sessions arranged by Emma Ford and led by Stephanie Simpson, Boyd Martin, Saxon Alexandra, Anna Pesta Dunaway, PhD, and more.

The cost for attending each lecture is $5 + a small processing fee, all proceeds from which will be used to benefit the USEA Grooms Program. You can anticipate each lecture/session to last about 90 minutes, and you should also plan to bring your own chair.

The 2024 schedule is as follows:

January 23: Interactive lecture about fascia and functional anatomy with Saxon Alexandra (They/Them) from Actuality Equine (ActualityEquine.org)

January 30: Getting horses fit for the occasion with current World #3 FEI rider Boyd Martin

February 6: Traveling with horses with Stephanie Simpson, Olympic head Groom to World Team silver medalist Boyd Martin

February 13: Nutrition for Equine Athletes at any Level with Anna Pesta Dunaway, PhD.

February 20: All about Gastric health with Kate Echeverria, DVM,MS, DACVIM from KE Equine of Norton, MA.

February 27: From Problem to Partnership: Three Easy Steps to Solving Equine Behavior with Aiken local, Equine Behavior Specialist Julie Robins of The Horsemanship Academy.

You can sign up for any or all of the above sessions by clicking here.

The USEA Grooms Program was formed in December 2021 by USEA President, Max Corcoran, and top-level eventers Lauren Nicholson and Shannon Lilley. This program is being designed to create a holistic approach for ensuring current and future eventing grooms, the sport’s unsung heroes, receive the development and training to be top-class performers in the role. The program aims for grooms to be acknowledged and rewarded for their accomplishments, as well as to gain access to the resources for expanding their career opportunities. The program aims to provide education and resources for educating U.S. eventing grooms, with a pipeline for future candidates.

Applications Open for 2024 Zara Buren Memorial Award

By on Jan 6, 2024 12:00 pm -

Zara Buren and Make My Day. Photo by Ian Woodley.

Applications are open for the 2024 Zara Buren Memorial Award, distributed each year in honor of Ontario young rider Zara Buren, who passed away in 2020 and whose horsemanship and bright spirit are remembered within the eventing community and beyond.

The Zara Buren Memorial Foundation was established with the focus on helping youth with the desire, talent, and work ethic to pursue their passion. The Memorial Foundation will support the Zara Buren Memorial Award to be given annually through the Ontario Eventing Association to a junior rider who exhibits a passion for eventing, sportsmanship and a commitment to their horse. Zara was a talented rider with an intense dedication to training and learning, always putting her horse first.

The Zara Buren Memorial Award provides financial support to a rider within the Ontario Equestrian Association, age 18 or under, who displays “horsemanship, sportsmanship and a positive attitude” as well as involvement within the community through mentorship, volunteering, etc.

You can read more about the award and the inspiration behind it in this EN article from 2021.

Applications are due by January 17. More information + the application can be found here. The award recipient will be announced around mid-February 2024.

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Jan 5, 2024 5:30 am -

A new baby eventer is on the way! Many happy returns to Cornelia Dorr Fletcher and Jacob Fletcher on the news of an incoming family member. We’ll be looking out for that kiddo at Kentucky in about 18 years.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Sporting Days Farm January Horse Trials I (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Friday News & Reading:

We know Elisa Wallace not only as an eventer, but also as a pro mustang trainer. It was actually a bucket list item of Elisa’s to train a mustang, and the path she started led her to some pretty amazing experiences and horses. [Elisa Wallace on Mustangs]

Boyd Martin has made an annual trip to Japan to teach a clinic put on by the JRA, the National Riding Club Association of Japan and Godolphin, and the focal point is always on former racehorses. With this year’s clinic in the books, there are lessons to be learned from all. [Boyd Martin Gets Back to His Roots]

USEA EA 21 National Camp is well underway, and the rest of us who aren’t still enjoying our youthful years can live vicariously thanks to some excellent reports from on the ground. In Temecula, CA, West coast riders are honing in on their fundamentals, something that rings true no matter what type of riding you do. [Fundamentals Have Their Moment]

Video Break:

I polled our team to find out who would try this with their horse, and it’s a pretty even split on “100% would do” and “would probably get kicked in the head”.

Thursday News & Notes from Achieve Equine

By on Jan 4, 2024 12:01 am -

Photo courtesy of Phyllis Dawson.

Well, it’s that time of year again: the annual Windchase Eventing Polar Dive is in the books, and while I personally won’t be joining in on these festivities, I’ll happily receive and circulate the resulting photos! I guess they do say a good cold plunge is good for mental health, but so is an iced coffee so I think I’ll stick with that for now. More power to those brave working students, though!

U.S. Weekend Preview

Sporting Days Farm January Horse Trials I (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Thursday News & Reading

Need some help setting some quality goals for 2024? You and me both. Luckily there are plenty of resources out there to help us reach our goals, and Coach Daniel Stewart sits down with USEA Podcast host Nicole Brown to discuss how to make the most of your strategy skills. [Goal Setting for 2024]

Today I learned that Boston University has a burgeoning equestrian teamed, helmed by coach Phyllis Cervelli. With a lifetime of horses on her card, Phyllis has brought her knowledge and her desire to enable young equestrians to become the best versions of themselves to the team environment — and it’s paying off. [Phyllis Cervelli Develops Thinking Riders]

You can never have enough tips on running a barn smoothly and safely. Here are 13 more to add to your toolbox this winter.

Working with a young horse this winter, or a horse who tends to hollow in the back? Try these exercises to encourage a lengthening and stretching of the neck.

Sponsor Corner:

Are you stocked up on FLAIR Equine Nasal Strips for this season? Click here to snag your favorite color!

Video Break:

While we’re all here slogging away through winter, EN’s Gillian Warner is off on another adventure, this time to the Southern Hemisphere. Check out her latest post:

Don’t Miss Michael Pollard on the Equestrian Voices Podcast

By on Jan 2, 2024 2:00 pm -

Here at EN, we’re big fans of one Michael Pollard, who quietly took leave from the sport for almost a decade before recently deciding to get back into horses, in some capacity at least. Michael took some time to sit down with Equestrian Voices podcast host Caroline Culbertson, diving into everything that happened in the most recent years of his eventing career, what matters the most to him, and how horses have saved him time and time again.

It’s a truly vulnerable interview you definitely won’t want to miss. If you prefer to listen in traditional podcast form, you can find the episode online here.

Two Riders Awarded C Square Farm – Excel Star Sporthorses Amateur Scholarships

By on Jan 2, 2024 12:00 pm -

5* rider Courtney Cooper, of C Square Farm and Excel Star Sporthorses, announced late last year an excellent opportunity for amateur riders to come and train with her throughout this year. After receiving dozes of applications, Micki McDaniel and Jen Clapp have been selected as the inaugural winners for this scholarship.

Both winners will receive board for themselves and one horse for a total of 7 days in 2024, including daily lessons on their horses, and the possibility to ride other horses and coaching at an event if they choose to compete while working with Courtney.

Here’s a bit about each winner:

Micki McDaniel and Magic Artist. Photo courtesy of Micki McDaniel.

Micki McDaniel owns Magic Artist, an Irish Sport Horse mare.

Magic and Micki have been partners for 7 years and have competed successfully at T and M/T levels. They live outside of Lexington, KY, and Micki grew up in pony club and has been eventing for many years. Micki adds, “We are looking forward to working with Courtney on our goals of making a comeback after a rough year for them in 2023, and moving up to M in the near future.”

Jen Clapp and Sidamo de Brio. Photo by Joan Davis / Flatlandsfoto.

Jen Clapp owns Sidamo de Brio, aka Muggsy, a Connemara/Oldenburg cross gelding

Jen teaches high school English at an urban school just outside Boston, where she has worked for over 25 years. She has ridden all her life, but discovered Eventing while working at the Stoneleigh-Burnham School; her first event was at Kent School in 1992 and she has been a dedicated eventer ever since. She lives on a small farm with her husband, three cats, and a couple of horses. She has owned Muggsy for three years. Jen notes “He has the best brain of any horse I’ve ever had!”

“We look forward to hosting both Micki and Jen and hope everyone will follow along on their adventures,” Courtney wrote in the winner announcement. We’ll be catching up with both scholarship recipients throughout their time with Courtney, so stay tuned for more here on EN!

Sunday Funday: Mic’d Up with Leo Martin

By on Dec 31, 2023 9:30 am -

It’s safe to assume that at least one of the Martin boys will follow in mom or dad’s footsteps/hoofprints, and it’s a common sight to see the boys astride their respective ponies at Windurra. In this instance, Leo is choosing to follow Boyd’s example with his own mic’d up video. You won’t want to miss this special episode of “eventers’ kids say the darndest things!”.

Click here to watch on Instagram if the video above does not display in your browser.

Announcing the Achieve Equine #SuperGrooms of the Year

By on Dec 28, 2023 9:45 am -

Hannah Black with Jennie Brannigan’s Twilightslastgleam and Stella Artois. Photo by Abby Powell.

It’s that time! We received a multitude of nominations for our end of year #SuperGroom award, presented by Achieve Equine, and while we found the task to be nearly impossible, we let the nominations speak for themselves.

So, without further ado, we’re pleased to crown not just one but two #SuperGrooms to Rule Them All! Receiving four separate nominations each and taking home this year’s award are:

  • Stephanie Simpson (head cat wrangler, Boyd Martin)
  • Hannah Black (resident bad ass, Jennie Brannigan)

Stephanie Simpson and Tsetserleg in Tokyo. Photo via Stephanie Simpson.

Here are a few excerpts from the nominations these grooms received:

Stephanie Simpson: “Not only is she the backbone of the Windurra operation, she will always offer or arrange to help anyone if needed or asked. Doesn’t matter how busy she is, she will help with a smile on her face and a friendly word of encouragement. She is a true advocate for the horses and an amazing horsewoman.”

Stephanie Simpson: “No matter what the horses always come first and the attention to detail and care never wavers. She will fly to Europe one week and then groom 6 young horses at the next week and gives every horse the same care. She is truly one in a million and over my 10 years with Boyd I’ve seen many grooms come and go and she is hands down the top one.”

Hannah Black: “Hannah is an incredibly hard worker, extremely detail oriented, and can make a horse look better than absolutely anyone else can!!! Her horses – no matter how many Jennie is riding – always look immaculate.”

We’d also like to make an Honorable Mention for a very special nomination we received for one Mark Rowland, who was nominated for his skills as horse husband and #supergroom:

“Mark is the definition of a super groom, being from UK originally, and a bit old school, he always makes sure not only that a horse is turned out properly, but he goes above and beyond with making sure anyone’s horses needs are met from our barn, not just mine. Mark is most at home working with horses, they shine for him, he can also muck a stall like no one else lol, but really, the horses always look amazing. He is also an artist so he can free hand a quarter mark with the precision of a master painter, and takes pride in raking an aisle or shedrow to perfection. Our entire barn leans on Mark at events, he is quick to lend a hand to anyone who needs extra help, especially when it comes to studs. I’m back riding an competing after 37 years away from the saddle, I count on Mark in so many ways, he gives me confidence to spread my wings and soar, polished boots and all. Cheers to all the supergrooms, mine is extra special as he warms up my side of the bed at night so I don’t get into cold sheets. Mark Rowland is the best groom and husband and I couldn’t be a prouder wife.”

These fantastic and hardworking grooms will receive prizes from Achieve Equine to start their 2024 with a bang. Stay tuned for many more #SuperGroom profiles coming your way soon, and as always – Go Eventing!

Thursday News & Notes from Achieve Equine

By on Dec 28, 2023 7:00 am -

It’s the time of year when I see everyone heading off to tropical getaways and wondering what I did wrong so that I’m not one of them. But I’ve got a running bucket list of places to go, and this spot, NIHI Sumba in Indonesia, popped up on my Instagram a few winters ago. We won’t talk about the fact that it popped up thanks to some NFL players I follow, so I’m going to go ahead and assume it’s out of my budget, but a girl can dream right?

U.S. Weekend Preview

It’s that time of year – nothing to add here.

Thursday News & Reading

How does one design proper cross country schooling questions as a coach? It’s an imperative skill that a coach must possess: knowing how to set appropriately challenging exercises for students. David O’Connor has some advice for coaches here.

#ICYMI: We’re re-sharing some of the top stories on EN in 2023, and you won’t want to miss Dr. Tyler Held’s column, “Between the Ears” with 5* rider Zoe Crawford, here.

What was the “oh crap!” moment of 2023? Find out over on Horse Nation.

Could there be new hope for injured tendons? A common injury in eventing, tendons are some of the most critical body parts that require much rehab when injured. New technology is emerging to help vets get ahead of these maladies — find out what the future might look like here.

Sponsor Corner:

We’ll be crowing our One #SuperGroom to Rule Them All later today — stay tuned to see who will take the crown, and catch up on all of the Achieve Equine #SuperGroom content from 2023 here.

Thursday Video Break:

What happens with Piggy March herself jumps your horse? Find out!

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum Lead the Way for Eventers in 2023 USEF Award Nominations

By on Dec 21, 2023 9:30 am -

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the 2023 Horse of the Year and Equestrian of the Year nominees. The International and National Horses of the Year will be announced at the 2023 SmartPak/USEF Horse of the Year Awards Dinner on Saturday, Jan. 13, and the International and National Equestrians of the Year will be announced at the 2023 Pegasus Awards Dinner on Sunday, Jan. 14, at the 2024 US Equestrian Annual Meeting in Louisville, Ky.

Horses of Honor and Equestrians of Honor are nominated by their USEF affiliate organization or USEF breed or discipline committee, and the finalists are selected by the USEF Awards Committee. The final Horses of the Year and Equestrians of the Year are determined by member voting.

Voting is open now through 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 29. Click here to vote now. Please note that you must be logged in to your USEF account to vote. After submitting your selections, you will receive an email asking you to confirm your vote. You must confirm your ballot in order for your votes to count!

[Click here to cast your votes]

Leading the way to represent the eventing sector of the sports are Land Rover Kentucky 5* winners Tamie Smith (nominated for International Equestrian of Honor) and the Ahearn and Markell family’s Mai Baum (nominated for National Horse of Honor). Not to be left out and also nominated are California-based para driver Tracy Bowman, who’s also heavily involved in eventing and has trained riders up through the 4* level, and her superstar horse, Albrecht’s Hoeve’s Lars (nominated for International Horse of Honor).

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Tamie Smith:

The William C. Steinkraus Trophy is presented to an equestrian competing in the Olympic disciplines of dressage, eventing, or show jumping.

Tamra “Tamie” Smith started off 2023 strong, finishing first, second, and fifth in the Galway Downs International Spring CCI4*-S. She partnered with Elliot V to finish third in the Twin Rivers Spring International CCI4*-S. Smith earned a major victory with Mai Baum at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian CCI5*-L, becoming the first American to win the event since 2008 and the first female to win since 2011. The win also secured them the Land Rover/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian. The pair then finished third in the CCIO4*-S at the CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival and helped secure a silver medal for the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team.

Later in the year, Smith and Kynan were second in The Event at Rebecca Farm CCI4*-S before being named as the Traveling Alternate for 2023 Pan American Games in Santigo, Chile. Smith racked up second, fourth, and fifth in the Twin Rivers Fall International CCI4*-S. She closed out her season with a sixth-place finish in the USEF CCI4*-L Eventing National Championship at Galway Downs.

Smith is currently ranked 27th on the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings, having reached a career high of fifth earlier in the year. Outside of competition, Smith contributes to the sport by serving on the USEF Eventing Athletes Working Group (2018-present).

Tracy Bowman (with Jolie Wentworth) and Albrecht’s Hoeve’s Lars. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Tracy Bowman:

The Becky Grand Hart Trophy is presented to international-level non-Olympic athletes.

Tracy Bowman is one of the world’s top para driving athletes with her Welsh Pony gelding Albrecht’s Hoeve’s Lars. The duo won the individual gold medal at the 2021 FEI Para Driving World Championship and aimed to defend their title at the 2023 FEI Para Driving World Championship. To prepare for the prestigious event, Bowman and “Lars” trained and competed in Europe throughout the summer. They won each national para combined driving event that they entered in the lead up to the world championship.

Bowman and Lars had a dominant performance at the 2023 FEI Para Driving World Championship. They led the Grade 1 competition from start to finish to earn the individual gold medal, winning the driven dressage and cones phases and finishing second in the marathon phase. Bowman and Lars also aided the U.S. Para Driving Team in clinching the team silver medal to conclude a fantastic event.

Bowman contributed to the USEF Driving Sport Committee, advising on the addition of para driving to the USEF Combined Driving Athlete Pathway Program and a USEF Para Driving National Championship. Outside of para driving, Bowman is an active supporter of the eventing community in California as the owner of Kismet Farm, and she has trained athletes to the CCI4* level.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Alex Jeffery.

Mai Baum:

The striking Mai Baum earned an impressive string of results in 2023. Mai Baum and Tamie Smith began the season on the West Coast with a win in the Galway Downs International Spring CCI4*-S. They traveled east for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ CCI5*-L. The pair added nothing to their dressage score of 24.2 to earn a historic victory, becoming the first American combination to win the event since 2008, and Smith being the first female to win since 2011. The win also secured them the Land Rover/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian.

Next, Mai Baum and Smith headed to Aachen, Germany, for the prestigious CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival. The pair then finished third in the CCIO4*-S as the highest-placed American combination and helped secure a silver medal for the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team. Despite being 17 years old, Mai Baum, or “Lexus” as he is known in the barn, proved that he is a talented U.S. eventing horse who continues to earn top results around the world.

Tracy Bowman (with Jolie Wentworth) and Albrecht’s Hoeve’s Lars. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Albrecht’s Hoeve’s Lars

Albrecht’s Hoeve’s Lars has a prolific record in the discipline of para driving. The 2009 Welsh Pony gelding won team and Grade II individual gold at the 2018 FEI Para Driving World Championship for the Netherlands with his previous owner. In 2021, Tracy Bowman purchased “Lars” and quickly formed a partnership. That year, they clinched Grade I individual gold at the FEI Para Driving World Championship. In 2023, Bowman had her sights set on defending their title.

Lars and Bowman trained and competed in Europe throughout the summer to prepare for the 2023 FEI Para Driving World Championship. They won each national para combined driving event that they entered in the lead up to the international event. Lars and Bowman demonstrated their skills at the World Championship by leading the Grade I competition from start to finish. The pair won the driven dressage and cones phases and finished second in the marathon phase on their way to earning the Grade I individual gold medal—Lars’s third consecutive para driving individual gold medal. Lars and Bowman also helped the U.S. Para Driving Team in taking home the team silver medal to conclude an impressive performance on the world stage.

Of course, a whole slew of horses and riders are also nominated, so be sure to check out all the nominees before casting your vote! Click here to read more about them.

A Quick OTTB Flat Lesson from Phillip and Olivia Dutton

By on Dec 20, 2023 12:30 pm -

One of the most important skills an event horse can have is adjustability — the ability to go forward and come back, in balance and in tune with the rider. Tune in for an excerpt from a recent lesson Phillip Dutton gave his daughter, Olivia, on the 6-year-old OTTB, Reese. You might find a thing or two to practice on your next ride!

[Click or tap here to watch this video on Instagram]

Equestrian Canada Names 2024 Eventing National Team High Performance Squad

By on Dec 20, 2023 9:30 am -

Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Ahead of the 2024 season and a big push to the Paris Olympics, Equestrian Canada has named its High Performance A and B Squad as well as its Developing Squad. All three groups of riders are a part of Canada’s Eventing National Team Program. With Olympic qualification earned at the Pan American Games, Canada is now full steam ahead to field a full team for the next Games, having missed their team berth at Tokyo (2020/2021).

The squads named as as follows:

High Performance A:

Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye (Peter Barry, Amanda Bernhard, Colleen Loach)
Jessica Phoenix and Wabbit (James Phillips, Jessica Phoenix)
Karl Slezak and Hot Bobo (Karl Slezak)
Michael Winter and El Mundo (Jonathan Nelson, Emma and Michael Winter)

High Performance B:

Hannah Bundy and Lovely Assistant (Juliana Hansen)
Kyle Carter and G Star Van de Klinkenberg (The Barnstaple Group)
Dana Cooke and Quattro (Kingfisher Park)
Kendal Lehari and Audacious (Kendal Lehari, Gwen and Rein Lehari) and Mitchell (Kendal Lehari)
Katie Malensek and Landjaeger (Katie Malensek)
Selena O’Hanlon and MS Thunderbolt (The Thunderbolt Syndicate)
Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent (Makayla Rydzik), Freedom GS (Charlotte Schickedanz), and Alekhine (Usha Knabe)
Waylon Roberts and OKE Ruby R (Michelle and John Koppin, Waylon Roberts)
Karl Slezak and Chevalier (Carol Wiley)
Lindsay Traisnel and Bacyrouge (Patricia Pearce)

Development:

Kimberley Begin and Ballinagore Rock Quality (Kimberley Begin)
Keira Evans and Khaya (Catherine Burrel)
Mikayla Hoffman and Eli (Mikayla Hoffman)
Cassandre LeBlanc and Riffel (Cassandre LeBlanc)
Kyle Charles Morton and Shannondale Gambit (Kyle Charles Morton)
Nadia Sabot and Neverquitdreaming (Nadia Sabot)
Mégane Sauve and Nuance (Mégane Sauve)

Congratulations to all! Go Eventing.

Christina Klingspor Named President of Paris Olympics Eventing Ground Jury

By on Dec 19, 2023 9:30 am -

Christina Klingspor (SWE) presides over the LRK3DE proceedings. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

A change has been made to the Ground Jury presiding over the eventing action at next summer’s Paris Olympics. Sweden’s Christina Klingspor, a frequent fixture of Ground Jury panels both in the U.S. and abroad, will now replace Anne-Mette Binder of Denmark after an update was made to the officials appointment list on December 15. Eventful Life first reported the changes.

Christina Klingspor served on the Ground Jury at the postponed 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

The other Ground Jury members remain as originally appointed: Xavier le Sauce (FRA), Robert Stevenson (USA) are on the Jury, while France’s Gaston Bileitczuk will take Assistant TD duties. Pierre le Goupil is the cross country designer.

The full list of official appointments for Paris can be found here.