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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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Are You Ready For It? LRK3DE Lexington CCI4*-S Live Updates

By on Apr 29, 2023 9:05 am -

This dachsund is ready to welcome 4*-S riders into the Cosequin Cove at fence 7. Photo via CrossCountryApp.

Good morning one and all! We are just about ready to get underway here in Kentucky with the cross country phase for the Lexington CCI4*-S riders. We have 47 riders to see this morning, beginning with Sara Kozumplik and her veteran partner, Rubens D’Ysieux out of the box at 9:15 a.m.

I’ll be providing updates from on the ground here, so refresh this page periodically for the latest updates.

Want to take a peek at Derek di Grazia’s designs for the 4*-S division? Click here to check it out on CrossCountryApp. Need help accessing the USEF Network on ClipMyHorse.TV live stream? Click here.

LRK3DE: [Website] [5* Times] [5* Scores] [4* Times] [4* Scores] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Tickets] [EN’s Form Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Ultimate Guide]

[Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage of the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event]

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11:40 a.m. Tracey has retired Reg the Ledge after a runout at the B of the Mighty Moguls, ending their day here. And that is a wrap on cross country for the Lexington CCI4*-S! We’ll be back at 1:20 with the start of the CCI5*. Here’s a look at the full leaderboard.

11:38 a.m. So it will be Canada leading the pack ahead of Sunday with Karl Slezak and the aptly-named Hot Bobo in first place on a score of 29.3 ahead of Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California. This is of course still pending confirmation, and remember they may be reviewing Liz’s pin at the MIM Table. If it DOES get removed, she would go back onto a 29.3, tied with Karl. Here’s a look at the top 10 after cross country:

11:37 a.m. Tracey is still giving Reg the Ledge a strong ride as they come through the Rolex Grand Slam at 14. She has the course to herself now with Sara through the finish.

11:36 a.m. Sara is into time now, so she will drop down in the placements a little. But I think the more important part of these two clear rounds will be the education she’s gotten from Jimmy, who I know was riding on her shoulder today. Well done, Sara.

11:35 a.m. Eeek! Sara and Rocky shuffle their way through the Park Question, but they are safely through. Reg the Ledge has stopped at the brush oxer at the DEFENDER Off Road at 10. Clear on the second attempt.

11:35 a.m. Just the two last riders on course now. I’m not sure Sara is going to catch the time, but she’s certainly kicking on.

11:33 a.m. Andrew and Wakita 54 go skiing a bit down the hill at the Mighty Moguls at 19, but they’re looking like they’re going to get home clear with time.

11:32 a.m. Our final pair, Tracey Bienemann and Reg the Ledge are now on course.

11:31 a.m. Our penultimate pair, Sara Kozumplik and Rock Phantom, are out of the box. “Rocky” peeks really hard at the in to the Cosequin Cove, but they’re through the question. Sara is riding with a green ribbon in honor of her longtime friend and mentor, Jimmy Wofford.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

11:28 a.m. Joining us out of the box are Andrew McConnon and Wakita 54. Andrew sadly withdrew his 5* horse, Ferrie’s Cello, before the jog earlier this week, so this is his sole ride this weekend. JM Durr is clear through the Park Question with Blue Rodeo.

11:27 a.m. Tamie isn’t going to catch the time despite her best efforts, leaving the door open for Sara Kozumplik and Rock Phantom to try to get it done faster. I would probably have put my money on Tamie to get home clear, but Elliot did require a bit of set-up early on for the fences, which always eats precious seconds. If Sara can get Rock Phantom into a flow, they may get closer.

11:26 a.m. Elliot I think tapped the rail into the Park Question, but it stays in place. A big airy jump over the C gets them out and away for home.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

11:25 a.m. Joining us now are John Michael Durr and Blue Rodeo. Sadly, Blue Rodeo’s emotional support mini will not be accompanying him out on cross country today.

11:24 a.m. Sarah Kuhn is having a lovely spin here, and you’d think their next stop this fall will be a 5*.

11:23 a.m. Tamie is going for it with Elliot, who is an incredible galloper. They’re clear through the DEFENDER Off Road at 10. Sarah Kuhn is clear through 16, coming to the coffin.

11:21 a.m. Hannah Sue is really going for it out here with Capitol H I M, who looks a bit tired but they’re home with about 15 seconds’ worth of penalties.

11:21 a.m. It sounds like Liz is going to try to have the MIM pin she had down at 18 reviewed.

11:20 a.m. Tamie and bestie Heather Morris came more prepared to the start box this time with Elliot V, with a lead in to prevent any shenanigans.

11:18 a.m. Now out of the box are Aiken-based Sarah Kuhn and Mr. Cash van de Start.

11:17 a.m. Meg Kep gives Anakin some encouragement early on:

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

11:16 a.m. Heather and Vincent Chase are home clear with about 45 seconds of time. We’re also joined by Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol H I M.

11:14 a.m. Vinnie leaves his right leg at the rails into the Park Question, but I don’t know if the pin went. They’re clear through this tough question. I don’t see a pin penalty on the record, so I think they’re clear.

11:12 a.m. Joining us now are Meg Kepferle and Anakin. Jamie is clear through the Park Question, and Heather is clear through the Root Cellar at 12.

Vincent Chase says WEEEE HANG ON MOM THIS IS FINEEEE at the Rolex Grand Slam. GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

11:11 a.m. Heather and her OTTB, “Vinnie” are clear through the Cosequin Cove. Vinnie had some tie-back-like surgery this off-season, which has helped this pair now be able to go a little quicker across the ground.

11:09 a.m. Jamie and Summer Bay run into trouble at the DEFENDER Off Road. They’re clear on the second attempt. Mia Braundel is clear through the coffin. Heather Gillette and Vincent Chase are our latest starters.

11:07 a.m. Now joining us are another Canadian pair, Jamie Kellock and Summer Bay.

11:05 a.m. Our latest starters are Mia Braundel and Cashmere. They’re clear through the Cosequin Cove. Jessie and Fluorescent Adolescent are clear through the coffin at the Park Question.

11:03 a.m. Fluorescent Adolescent and Jessie Phoenix get to the out of the DEFENDER Off Road on an awkward stride, but they get the job done. Mia Farley adds a little time but what a round for her today — keep an eye on this young lady.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

11:02 a.m. Mia Farley is two for two at the Park Question, with a lovely ride now with BGS Firecracker.

11:00 a.m. No! FE Golden Eye looks like he never got his eye on the B at the Mighty Moguls and has a runout here.

10:59 a.m. Now on course is the first of our splashily colored horses, Fluorescent Adolescent, piloted by Jessie Phoenix.

10:57 a.m. Mia and “Cracks” get a little squirrelly through the Cosequin Cove, but they have no issues adjusting.

10:56 a.m. What a ride through the coffin for Bec and Ernie — sticky but straight and Bec just looks thrilled. Love this for them. We’re also joined by Mia Farley and her second ride, the lovely and fiery, as suggested by her name, BGS Firecracker.

10:53 a.m. Anna and Fernhill That Guy Jack demolish the rails at the Park Question — luckily those are pinned. They are clear on their second attempt and are now home. Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye, with whom she does some pure show jumping with, are on course. Bec should be coming to the Park Question soon.

10:52 a.m. Danny and Cecelia will be over time but I’m not sure she’ll be too sad about that. What a treasure this little mare is. Fun fact: Danny found this mare on Sport Horse Nation!

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

10:51 a.m. Danny and Cecelia are neatly through the coffin – this mare!! There are no words. Meanwhile out of the box are Australia’s Bec Braitling and Caravaggio II (“Ernie”).

10:49 a.m. Danny makes a good save at the big water at the Rolex Grand Slam, nicely sat! Meanwhile, Cecelia is like, “okay lady, hang on up there”.

10:48 a.m. Now joining us are Anna Loschiavo and Fernhill That Guy Jack, hailing from Area I and Vermont.

10:47 a.m. Cooley Flight rattles the MIM pin with both front and hind legs at the Park Question, but it stays put.

10:46 a.m. Ryan is having a really lovely round on Cooley Flight, looking super smooth and in tandem. Danny Moguel is scrappy through the dachsund question at the Cosequin Cove.

10:44 a.m. #MexICan! Danny Moguel and the 20 years young Cecelia are out of the box.

10:44 a.m. Australia’s Ryan Wood and Cooley Flight are now underway.

10:43 a.m. Liz is going to come into some time, and she’ll not hold her lead now. Apparently I jinxed Will and Pfun as they’re retired at 12B, the drop off the Root Cellar.

10:41 a.m. Liz is clear through the Park Question as well as the MIM Table that fell with Cooley Nutcracker. I personally feel that appeals should be able to be lodged for frangible pins, as this one seemed to be pretty unrelated to a potential problem to my eye.

10:40 a.m. We are also joined by Will Faudree and Pfun (my favorites and picks to win this weekend — but really it’s because I’m hoping Will sees this and decides I deserve to have a little sit on “Ted”. I can dream, right?). These two should really enjoy this track.

10:39 a.m. We haven’t seen a ton of Karl and Hot Bobo, but man I really like this little mare. He’s made the time and has put himself definitively on the selectors’ radar for this fall’s Pan American Games with a double clear round. Nice job!

10:38 a.m. Liz Halliday-Sharp isn’t pushing Cooley Be Cool too hard, as this is a prep for Luhmuhlen (depending on how this weekend goes), but he is also a pretty easy traveler who doesn’t look to need a ton of set-up and management.

10:37 a.m. Leah Lang Gluscic and her 18-years-young OTTB, AP Prime come home in 6 minutes, 42 seconds. Lovely job!

10:35 a.m. Liz Halliday-Sharp is back with Cooley Be Cool to see if she can still keep an overnight lead after the earlier issue with Cooley Nutcracker.

10:34 a.m. Jacob celebrates his ride through the coffin — he’s home now with just some time.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

10:33 a.m. We are joined by Leah Lang Gluscic and AP Prime as well as Canada’s Karl Slezak and Hot Bobo (great name).

10:32 a.m. Jacob Fletcher has a lovely textbook ride through the Park Question.

10:31 a.m. Super rats, it looks like Elisa has fallen from Renkum Corsair now at the Mighty Moguls. I believe she’s back on her feet and they both look to be ok, but WHAT a bummer – so close to home.

10:29 a.m. Elisa Wallace and Renkum Corsair once again show off their excellent footwork through the Park Question — he did something similar at the coffin at Carolina earlier this year. What a dude.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

10:27 a.m. Jacob Fletcher and Fabian join us now; winners of the 4*-S at TerraNova last fall and tactfully produced to this level.

10:25 a.m. We’re joined now by Elisa Wallace and Renkum Corsair. Sadly, Missy had an issue at the Mighty Moguls at 19B, but she is now home safe.

10:25 a.m. Tamie takes the clubhouse lead on a score of 29.2. (Update: Adjusted to 30.0).

10:24 a.m. Missy Miller and Quinn have a strong ride through the Park Question and have just one more combination between them and the finish. Missy moved to California last year to work with Tamie Smith, and she told us earlier this week that, among other things, they’ve figured out Quinn’s nutrition to help him feel and perform his best. A clear round here will be a big boost for this pair, who are trying to get to their first 5*.

10:22 a.m. Tamie and California will add some time but they are home clear. We’re also joined by Canada’s Hanna Bundy and Lovely Assistant.

10:21 a.m. Solaguayre California is clear through the Park Question and has a slight stutter at the Mighty Moguls, but both she and Tamie are just gritting this out to get home.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

10:20 a.m Melanie Smith looks to have run into some trouble at the Park Question but was through on second attempt and is now home. We’re also joined by Missy Miller and Quinn.

10:16 a.m. Tamie Smith very nearly gets out of the box tardy due to some adrenaline from Solaguayre California, but they’re underway! Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire have a stellar round and come home just over time.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

10:13 a.m. Melanie Smith really has to work to make the Cosequin Cove work. She’ll want to get Shakedown Street on her aids as they get into the bulk of the track.

10:13 a.m. James Alliston is home clear with 4 time faults. Mia Farley (go girl!) is our clubhouse leader at the moment.

10:12 a.m. Melanie Smith and Shakedown Street are joining us now. James Alliston and Karma have a neat trip through the Park Question.

10:09 a.m. Next to see will be Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire — one of the 5* pairs contesting this 4* division here.

Doug will come to the Park Question next. He’s coming in conservatively but it pays off and they’re clear through it.

10:07 a.m. Doug is having to set Camarillo up a little for some of these combinations — this one looked full of it at the beginning and could just need some help getting his attention and balance on the task at hand.

10:06 a.m. We’ll next see James Alliston and Karma on course.

10:05 a.m. Rats! Alex and MHS Fernhill Finale grind to a halt in front of the upright rails at the Park Question. Alex does well to stay on and get herself righted, and now her horse is saying no at the ditch on the re-present. They’ll call it a day here.

Always pat your horse. GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

10:04 a.m. Jessie is home with about 17 seconds of time. Alex Baugh should soon be at the Park Question.

10:02 a.m. Doug Payne and Camarillo will be our next starters.

10:01 a.m. Alexandra Baugh and MHS Fernhill Finale are the next starters. We hardly saw Mia, unfortunately, but she’s home just three seconds over time. What a day to be on a Thoroughbred!

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

10:00 a.m. Weeeee — Jessie uses all her experience to keep Watson GS on his line on the C element of the Cosequin Cove.

9:57 a.m. Jessie Phoenix and Watson GS are our latest starters.

9:56 a.m. Colleen Loach has had an issue at the Park Question now with Vermont. Clear on the long option.

9:55 a.m.: We’re joined now by Mia Farley with the first of her two rides, David O’Connor’s OTTB, Phelps.

9:55 a.m. Vermont is careful here at the Le Chameau Double Brush.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

9:54 a.m. Vermont is one of the biggest horses in the field this weekend at nearly 18 hands tall. He’s a dream boat, just so smooth as butter. Meanwhile, Phillip Dutton has caught the optimum time with Azure. Mare power!

9:51 a.m. Dani Sussman and Jos Bravio are home now. They’ll be upset about that trouble at the coffin no doubt, but lots of info to take home with them after this ride.

9:50 a.m. Our newest starters are Colleen Loach and Vermont. Dani Sussman and Jos Bravio’s trouble comes to a head at the Park Question. Jos Bravio stopped at the ditch first, then stopped at the C on the second attempt. She’s coming back around for the long option now.

9:49 a.m. About 12 time faults for Arielle Aharoni and Dutch Times.

9:48 a.m. Did you know this is the only mare Phillip has had at this level? Whatcha got against the ladies, Phil? Eh? (Just kidding)

9:47 a.m. Some neat footwork from Dutch Times through the Park Question. Jos Bravio is looking a little impressed, and Dani’s encouraging him to get in front of her leg.

9:46 a.m. Phillip Dutton and Azure are the newest starters.

9:45 a.m. Next out of the box are Dani Sussman and Jos Bravio. I just love this Argentinian gelding and hope this pair has a great ride.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

9:44 a.m. Madeline Scott and Crosby’s Gold have had trouble at the Park Question coffin, with a stop at the A and then the B. They’ve called it a day and will take the walk home.

9:41 a.m. Hayley and Dunedin Black Watch stop the clock just two seconds over the time. Nicely done!

9:41 a.m: We haven’t seen much of Hayley, but she looks to be absolutely getting great shots over some of these fences by my view. We’re also now joined by Madeline Scott and Crosby’s Gold as well as Arielle Aharoni and Dutch Times.

9:39 a.m: Here’s a look at what happened with Liz. She will be gutted about that. I wouldn’t say this incident prevented a fall – it’s hard to even see the hit happen.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

9:38 a.m. No! Liz has a pin at fence 18, the MIM Table. So that’ll be 11 penalties added and the lead lost.

9:37 a.m. Hayley and “Nelson” don’t hang around through the second water at Cosequin Cove. I just love this little Thoroughbred. Meanwhile, Liz Halliday-Sharp is making her way to the Park Question — Cooley Nutcracker takes just a bitttt of a stumble after the ditch but all good and over the C.

9:36 a.m. Dan is into time penalties now, so he won’t be the double clear of the day. He’s got about 12 seconds of time as his final, but what a round!

9:36 a.m Joining us now are Hayley Frielick and Dunedin Black Watch, hailing from New Zealand.

9:35 a.m. A lovely straight, careful trip through the Park Question for Dan Kreitl and Carmango. Just a few left for them, and they aren’t hanging around.

9:34 a.m. Dan gets some big cheers and has major pats for Carmango after the Cosequin Cove.

9:33 a.m. And here’s out overnight leader, Liz Halliday-Sharp, riding Cooley Nutcracker. She has a couple of seconds of time in hand over herself.

9:32 a.m. Ariel Grald has withdrawn Leamore Master Plan.

9:31 a.m. Dan Kreitl is quick and efficient through the MARS water at 4. Both Shannon Lilley and Lindsay Traisnel are home.

9:30 a.m.: And he’s the fastest man in all the land: Dan Kreitl, the only one to make the time in this tough Lexington 4*-S — ever!

9:29 a.m.: The Park Question claims its first victim, with Ideal HX just not quite reading the very narrow triple chevron at the C element. They’re clear on the second attempt.

9:28 a.m. It looks like Allie has had some trouble and is calling it a day at the first water, MARS Sustainability Bay.

9:27 a.m.: The big brush oxer out of the DEFENDER Off Road is riding quite long now. Riders watching will be taking notes. We also have Allie Knowles and Business Class joining us on course.

9:27 a.m.: Man, what a trip from Lindsay and Bacyrouge. They stutter into the coffin on the way home, but the pin stays put.

9:25 a.m.: Lindsay is really kicking for the flow with Bacyrouge — this is a super pair who had some success at Bromont last year in trying conditions. They’re skipping around this one!

9:24 a.m.: We now have Shannon Lilley and Ideal HX out of the box. Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan were supposed to be second out, so perhaps they had a small delay in warm-up.

9:24 a.m.: Sara is making her way home, she’ll be a little over a minute over the optimum, but she’s done another big one with her old friend.

9:21 a.m.: We have a new starter, slightly out of order, Canada’s Lindsay Traisnel and Bacyrouge.

GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

9:20 a.m. EST: Sara and Rubens are definitely scrapping their way through this, but these are the times when partnership and trust gets you through the tough moments!

9:18 a.m. EST:: Rubens reeeeeaches for the out on the DEFENDER Off-Road at 10 but he shows his scope and is clear through.

9:16 a.m. EST: Rubens is handy with his feet at the first in to the MARS Sustainability Bay at 4.

And away they go! GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.

9:15 a.m. EST:: We’re underway! Sara Kozumplik is underway, currently sitting 22nd on a score of 33.1.

9:10 a.m. EST: The optimum time for this “short” course is 6 minutes, 44 seconds, meaning the riders won’t be tackling the meat of the ground here — but don’t let that fool you. They don’t call this “mini-Kentucky” for no reason!

A Walk in the Park (Not Really): Preview the LRK3DE CCI5* Cross Country Course

By on Apr 29, 2023 7:00 am -

3, 2, 1, go! Have a great ride. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

I feel I’m running low on descriptive phrases, because every time I sit down to write a preview of one of Derek di Grazia’s courses, the first thing that comes to mind is inevitably “classic Derek”. It’s probably not the most original idea to start every preview as such, so I’ll do some thinking on a different starter.

But it’s true. Each course designer has a signature style, made evident as you walk the carefully planned tracks and lines laid out for the competitors come Saturday. For Derek, the job is about making the most use of the undulating terrain that he knows so well here at the Kentucky Horse Park. He’s had the gig here since 2011, starting his thought process for the next season’s iteration nearly as soon as the final horse has crossed the finish flags.

“I think in little ways, the course changes every year,” Derek commented. “I like to think even though I think we certainly have features here which I think will always be used, and we’ll try to maybe develop some new ones here and there, but I think that it’s sort of how you lay it all out. It’s a matter of trying to mix it up each year and giving riders something new to look at, and also I think having something that’s different so that the the spectator to come every year we’re going to see a different course.”

One down, 27 to go. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The most valuable commodity in eventing is land. The 2023 CCI5* cross country makes excellent use of several hundred acres of bluegrass to create a track that suits a good galloper and allows riders to establish a rhythm early on rather than turning them in circles. The out-and-back nature of the track takes advantage of every elevation change and undulation — and if you’re Derek, you’ve spotted each of the above and strategically placed a fence in a way that makes even a straightforward table require a good bit of thinking and footwork.

Let’s dive in to Derek’s designs, which as always feature incredibly built and intricately carved designs by the building team led by Mick Costello, Tyson Rementer, Dave Leonard, Levi Ryckawaert, and Graham Schick.

The optimum time for the CCI5* track is 11 minutes, 26 seconds — 25 seconds longer than the 2022 track and the longest optimum time dating back to at least 2013. As a result, fitness will be a key factor (as it typically is), and riders will want to look after their horses early on in order to push through that final minute safely.

Fence 3, the Meadow Oxer. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Early Going

The competitors will have three fences to get them underway: The Red, White and Bluegrass (1), Cedar Lodge (2), and Meadow Oxer (3). These early fences are your typical rhythm builders, and shouldn’t cause any issues unless a horse is having difficulty establishing said rhythm early on.

Fence 4ABC, The MARS Sustainability Bay. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Down to Business

Our first combination question will come, as has been usual in past years, at fence 4ABC, the MARS Sustainability Bay. Riders will approach this question from a different direction this year, dropping in over a rolltop and kicking forward and up a steep include to a narrow table at B before a handy, right-handed turn to an angled brush at the C element. The forward-thinking nature of the striding here will encourage riders to get into their attacking pants early on, before the more complex questions come up later.

Fence 5, the Le Chameau Leap. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

A long gallop into the steeplechase field will bring the riders to the beautifully built Le Chameau Leap, a fairly innocuous upright rail over a ditch with a welcoming flat landing on the back side. This will give the riders a nice, boldness-boosting ride, which should set them up well after a left-handed turn to fence 6ABCD, the famous Park Question.

The Park Question is typically set up as a coffin complex, and in this year’s version we’ll see the competitors tested on their ability to organize and turn right to test their accuracy — they’ll only have a small handful of strides to make a clean right turn after popping the ditch at B to navigate two narrow and tall triple brush arrowheads. The B and C are set on *just* enough of a non-straight line to begin to separate the cream from the crop here, as riders who get popped out of position over the ditch will struggle to get through the brushes neatly.

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Fence 7, the Fox’s Den, will sneak up on some unprepared combinations, as it’s set back into a small grove of trees and around a relatively blind right hand turn following a gallop up the hill. To add insult to injury, the fence is built to quite narrow specs, making it that much more of an accuracy question. Depending on the weather, shadows could play a factor here — one advantage of an overcast day.

The next combination — a new one on the track this year — will come up at fence 8ABC, where riders will get a good shot over the massive, airy Equestrian Events Trifecta triple bar. The B element is a 1.90m spread narrow table, followed by an open oxer. This line is on a slight downhill, which could pull a keen horse down into a drive-by, but there are several options for lines for riders to choose.

This is another marker of a Derek track: he doesn’t want the riders to be too married to a number of strides, instead he’d prefer that they ride the stride they feel and focus instead on keeping their line.

The infamous Ditch Brush. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Into the Infield

Here at Kentucky, horses and riders cross across three massive fields, each with its own sense of terrain and character. From the combination at 8, the riders will gallop down the hill into the infield where most of the tailgating and spectators can be found. They’ll first tackle the Ditch Brush (9), which generally won’t cause too many issues and if anything looks a bit shorter on the brush height than it has in previous iterations. It does make a great photo, though, so be sure to stop by for a few rides.

After the Ditch Brush, it’s on to the Rolex Grand Slam Challenge at 10ABCD, where Derek has made use of a BC element to really challenge riders to commit to a decision. Multiple letters on one fence indicate that the rider cannot opt for an option if they have difficulty at that element. It’s a bit of alphabet soup used by designers, and so riders will need to commit to one route or the other, as if they have an issue at the brush corner in the water here they’ll have to figure out a way to get over that fence before continuing on up a mildly steep incline to a narrow brush chevron.

From here, the riders will gallop up the biggest hill on the track en route to the back end and turning point at Pete’s Hollow (12ABC). A big log will welcome riders into the Hollow, after which they’ll roller coaster down a steep hill to navigate a pair of angled logs. There is only one route here, where typically you’d see a long route, and this will once more be an exercise not in counting strides but in managing the horse that’s underneath you. The angles required to keep a line between the logs will be a stiff challenge, additionally.

After a nice pull down the hill, a great opportunity for horses to take a breath and catch a second wind, riders will pop the Blade and Bow Bourbon Table at 13 before tackling the Narrow Knolls at 14AB. This question makes good use of the two mounds set on an angle, making this another right-handed accuracy question, with two wide and narrow tables to up the ante in terms of challenge.

Fence 15, the Wofford Rails, is my personal favorite fence on the track this year. It’s a new addition built and placed in homage to the late and loved Jimmy Wofford. It’s an interesting question, and while I think it’ll ride just fine, it’s by no means a gimme. On first glance, my thought was “huh, Jimmy gets a single fence. He might’ve wanted more of a challenge than that.”

And then I walked the line to approach the wide oxer. Just before the takeoff point, there’s a small undulation with a mild slope to the right. I’d be surprised if we saw any major issues here, but the shrewd placement of this fence will make it one that riders will need to have their line found and committed to in order to get a good shot. In other words, it’ll require some thinking and reacting to what’s happening under you — a core philosophy Jimmy instilled in his students throughout his entire career. I think he’d be pleased.

Photo by Sally Spickard.

Into the Splash

Next, the riders will hop into the iconic Defender Head of the Lake at 16, 17 and 18. There’s always a good amount to do at this question, and what stands out to me at this version is the different types of jumps each fence will require. After a big drop in over a gorgeous carving of…trout? bass? tuna?…riders will need to quickly gather up and organize to make a neat hop over a second fish in the water. From there, they’ll make a left-handed turn to a set of upright rails (they’ll have the option to go to the left or the right side), which will require a neat, show jumping ride. From there, they’ll bound back into the water and gather up for a big bank out of the water, with one short stride before a meaty left-handed brush corner.

Adjustability will be tantamount here, and the horses will need to be paying attention and riders will need to be committed to their plan here to navigate this on the first try.

Wofford’s Rails at 15. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Turning for Home

After popping the Creekside Oxer at 19, the next challenge will be at the top of the hill on the way back toward home. The Normandy Bank at 20AB and 21 is another steering question, and at this point riders will be looking to get their horses home as they begin to tire. Adjustability is one of the first things you begin to lose when fatigue sets in, so the fitter and nippier horses will have an easier time getting up the bank and making a neat left-hand turn to a sharp angle of double brushes. Fortunately for some, the two brushes are separately numbered, so a greener horse or a tired horse could be eased with a circular route over the 20B and 21 elements if needed.

Three beefy combinations stand between this point in the course and the finish, though Derek has also included several single fences that should offer a let-up to encourage the horses home in good spirits. First up of the remaining trio of combinations is the gorgeously adorable corgi fence at Cosequin Cove (23ABC). You’ll want to kick for the B element, a 1.45m brush oxer out of the water, before turning left to set up for a hefty solid corner at the C element. Horses that have lost the rideability factor at this point in the course will struggle to sort their feet out, though there is an option to go long should you have an issue or a tiring horse here.

There will be three single fences to pick off before the final combination, and one that stands to pose plenty of trouble as the penultimate question on course. The Angled Trakehners (27AB) are set on three strides for the direct option, with another option placed as a long route. I’d guess we’ll see a few pairs opt for the safer route here. I’d personally prefer to see a frangible or MIM-clipped fence here at this point in the course, but the round shape of the trakehner logs tends to be more inviting for even a tired horse.

You’ve made it! Photo by Tilly Berendt.

From here, it’s a straight shot to the final jump, the welcome sight of the Lucky Horseshoe flanked by Land Rover Defenders. This is an inviting rolltop with brush on top that will be a sight for many sore eyes after a grueling 11 and a half minutes.

You can view the entire CCI5* track thanks to CrossCountryApp below or here. There are several videos featuring Derek’s commentary on various questions, so it’s worth a flip through.

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Want a virtual walk? Take a peek at our course preview reel on Instagram (click here if the embedded post below does not display in your browser):

Keep scrolling for a full gallery of fences on the 5* track.

The Lexington CCI4*-S riders will be the first to see tomorrow, and you can check out their shorter-but-still-stiff track below or here.

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Sara Kozumplik and her old hand partner, Rubens d’Ysieux, will be the first to see in the 4* at 9:15 a.m. EST. Buck Davidson and Erroll Gobey will be the first to see at 1:20 p.m. in the 5*.

View 4* Ride Times
View 5* Ride Times

LRK3DE: [Website] [5* Times] [5* Scores] [4* Times] [4* Scores] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Tickets] [EN’s Form Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Ultimate Guide]

[Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage of the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event]

Want more LRK3DE info each day during competition? Sign up for the free LRK3DE Daily Digest email, which will be sent each day through Monday, May 1. Find all of EN’s latest coverage, sponsor promotions and discounts, chances to win daily giveaways, and much more! Click here to sign up.

Behind the Barn: Do You Know Tamie Smith? How About Liz Halliday-Sharp?

By on Apr 28, 2023 11:00 am -

The Behind the Barn series produced by Athletux and Josh Walker are always a ripe source of entertainment, and we’re catching up on a few of the episodes to kick off your Friday:

First up, enjoy this hilarious look at what the riders know about Tamie Smith (spoiler: not as much as they think!) and Liz Halliday-Sharp:

What about who the most competitive rider is? The nicest? The funniest? Best Hunger Games partner? Find out:

Would you beat the riders at Kentucky trivia? Try your hand:

To view all Behind the Barn episodes, click here!

LRK3DE: [Website] [5* Times] [5* Scores] [4* Times] [4* Scores] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Tickets] [EN’s Form Guide] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Ultimate Guide]

[Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage of the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event]

Want more LRK3DE info each day during competition? Sign up for the free LRK3DE Daily Digest email, which will be sent each day through Monday, May 1. Find all of EN’s latest coverage, sponsor promotions and discounts, chances to win daily giveaways, and much more! Click here to sign up.

Behind the Barn: Trick or Treat

By on Apr 26, 2023 4:26 pm -

We love the Behind the Barn short video series produced by Athletux for the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, and the latest drop features a few of the horses competing this weekend and their very favorite treat. What would you add to the list?

Be sure to keep an eye on the LRK3DE YouTube channel here for more daily Behind the Barn videos!

LRK3DE: [Website] [5* Entries] [4* Entries] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Tickets] [EN’s Coverage]

[Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage of the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event]

Want more LRK3DE info each day during competition? Sign up for the free LRK3DE Daily Digest email, which will be sent each day beginning Tuesday, April 25 through Monday, May 1. Find all of EN’s latest coverage, sponsor promotions and discounts, chances to win daily giveaways, and much more! Click here to sign up.

Toss a Chinch, Win a Prize at the Ecogold Booth This Week at LRK3DE

By on Apr 26, 2023 11:00 am -

You’d be hard pressed to find the EN team taking life seriously on most days, and Kentucky week is no exception. What’s life without a little humor, anyway?

If you’re heading to Kentucky this week, we’ve got a big reason for you to stop by and visit the Ecogold booth each day.

(But we also think Chinch may have some protesting to do when he sees his itinerary for the week…)

Please join us and the Ecogold team all week at LRK3DE for a Chinch Toss prize game. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. EST at the Ecogold booth (#167 on Custom Made Road in the Indoor Trade Fair), the Chinch Toss will open, challenging even the most athletic Bags champions of the world to a top-flight endeavor (Chinch asked us to write it that way).

Take your turn and give Chinch a good chuck, and if you hit a target on our board you could win prizes like EN stickers, Ecogold merch, Soap for Dirty Equestrians, or even an all-new #goeventing Secure XC Pad from Ecogold!

You could win an all-new EN #goeventing Secure XC Pad from Ecogold — if your Chinch Toss skills are up to speed!

We can’t wait to see you in Kentucky, and we along with Chinch will see you at the Ecogold booth very soon!

Go Eventing.

LRK3DE: [Website] [5* Entries] [4* Entries] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Tickets] [EN’s Coverage]

[Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage of the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event]

Want more LRK3DE info each day during competition? Sign up for the free LRK3DE Daily Digest email, which will be sent each day beginning Tuesday, April 25 through Monday, May 1. Find all of EN’s latest coverage, sponsor promotions and discounts, chances to win daily giveaways, and much more! Click here to sign up.

LRK3DE Social Media: The Arrivals Begin

By on Apr 25, 2023 11:00 am -

It’s high time to check in on our favorite 4* and 5* combinations as they make their respective ways to the Kentucky Horse Park this week for a wee little horse show. Let’s dive right in to some social posts from arrivals at LRK3DE!

LRK3DE: [Website] [5* Entries] [4* Entries] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [Tickets] [EN’s Coverage]

Monday Video: Watch Shane Rose and Virgil’s Adelaide International CCI5* Cross Country

By on Apr 24, 2023 4:00 pm -

We may be into Kentucky week already, but a CCI5* event has already happened in 2023!

This is unusual, as Kentucky usually marks the official start of the 5* season. However, due to schedule changes, it was decided that the sole Southern Hemisphere 5*, Adelaide International at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival, would run in April instead of its typical late-year date. This marked the first time the Australian 5* has been run since 2019; the event missed three consecutive runnings due to ongoing complications from the Covid-19 pandemic.

So it was a triumphant return to the city parklands of Adelaide — one of the most unique venues to be seen in the eventing community!

Olympic veterans Shane Rose and Virgil, who were tenth together individually at Tokyo in 2021, managed to sneak into the lead on cross country day this weekend, eventually going on to take the Adelaide International title.

If you missed the Adelaide action and want to catch up, you can do so on Horse & Country here (subscription required).

Your Live Stream Guide to the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event

By on Apr 24, 2023 9:00 am -

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

This time next week, we’ll be joining throngs of other eventing diehards on our annual pilgrimage to Lexington for the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian.

This year for anyone relying on live streaming to keep up with the events on site, things will look just a little different with the movement of USEF Network to Clip My Horse TV. Fortunately, there are still plenty of opportunities to tune in at little or no cost, no matter where you live!

Where to Watch LRK3DE

This year’s competition will be live streamed via USEF Network, powered by Clip My Horse TV. This platform will serve the global audience, meaning you can watch the Kentucky action live from your own home, wherever you may be in the world.

The live stream for this year’s LRK3DE can be found here.

How Much Does it Cost to Watch LRK3DE?

If you’re a current USEF member or fan member, you can sync your membership with Clip My Horse TV to gain access to all events streaming under the USEF Network banner. If you are not a current USEF member, you can sign up for a free Fan Membership, which will allow you to watch the live stream at no cost.

Clip My Horse TV carries multiple live streams for the FEI and other global events (they carried this year’s FEI World Cup Finals for Jumping and Dressage, as well as last year’s FEI World Championships, for example), and you’ll need a full subscription to the platform to be able to see their full roster of content. You can sign up for a free 30-day trial and membership here. A premium membership to Clip My Horse TV starts at $179.99 per year or $19.99 per month. Terms and conditions apply.

What is the Schedule for LRK3DE?

You can view the full schedule for both the CCI5* and CCI4*-S here. Both divisions will be live streamed.

Will the Competition Be Available On Demand?

Yes! Clip My Horse TV will archive each phase, and generally you can click through a list of competitors to skip to a specific ride, throughout the weekend. The competition videos will remain available for on-demand viewing with your subscription or USEF login or USEF Member or Subscriber login. Note: USEF Fan members can only watch live.

[Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage of the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event]

Want more LRK3DE info each day during competition? Sign up for the free LRK3DE Daily Digest email, which will be sent each day beginning Tuesday, April 25 through Monday, May 1. Find all of EN’s latest coverage, sponsor promotions and discounts, chances to win daily giveaways, and much more! Click here to sign up.

It’s Time to Play LRK3DE Pick ‘Em & Win with Achieve Equine!

By on Apr 24, 2023 9:00 am -

FLAIR Strips and VIP Equestrian ambassador Phillip Dutton, pictured here at Kentucky with Sea of Clouds in 2022. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Happy Kentucky week!

It’s our favorite time of year here at EN, and one of the best ways to celebrate the opening of the #BestWeekendAllYear is to open the entries for our annual Pick ‘Em and Win contest.

This year, we’ve partnered with Achieve Equine to give one U.S.-based winner a prize pack consisting of FLAIR Strips, a VIP Equestrian pad (it’s super cool — read our review here!), and some Achieve Equine swag.

If it’s your first time playing, or you need a refresher, here’s a primer:

To enter, use the embedded form below or click here if you can’t see or use the form.

You’ll enter some basic information and then select the CCI5* pair you feel will take the win this week. For tie-breaking purposes, you’ll also enter what score you believe your chosen pair will finish on. One winner will be selected from the correct answers at the end of the week, with the closest finishing score without going over earning the win.

You must enter by Thursday, April 27 at 12:45 p.m. EST, ahead of the first CCI5* dressage test. You may edit your response ahead of this cutoff time. We’ll announce and notify the winner during the week of May 1.

You can view the full and current entry list here. Best of luck, and Go Eventing!

[Click here if the form below does not display or function in your browser]

Sunday Video: A 2017 LRK3DE Retrospective with Erin Kanara

By on Apr 23, 2023 1:30 pm -

We love a good retrospective, especially ahead of a major CCI5*, and today we’re going back in the archives to revisit Erin Kanara (née Sylvester) and Mettraise’s cross country round at Kentucky in 2017. Each year, Land Rover awards a lease to the rider achieving the Land Rover Ride of the Day as the closest to the optimum time. Erin and the 2004 Thoroughbred mare by Metfield finished their ride bang on the time of 11 minutes, 17 seconds.

Who will win the prize this year? We’ll find out in just under a week’s time!

[Click here to catch up on all of EN’s coverage of the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event]

Want more LRK3DE info each day during competition? Sign up for the free LRK3DE Daily Digest email, which will be sent each day beginning Tuesday, April 25 through Monday, May 1. Find all of EN’s latest coverage, sponsor promotions and discounts, chances to win daily giveaways, and much more! Click here to sign up.

Join EN + Ride iQ for a LRK3DE Cross Country Preview!

By on Apr 20, 2023 2:30 pm -

Kyle Carter entertains the group at the EN x Ride iQ course walk at Kentucky in 2022. Photo by Sally Spickard.

It’s that time of year again! We’re reuniting with our friends at Ride iQ for what’s become an annual tradition: previewing the cross country course with experts and entertainment!

For this year’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, we’ll be touring Derek di Grazia’s cross country track with the guidance of Canadian Olympian and Ride iQ coach Kyle Carter as well as British Performance Manager for Eventing, Dickie Waygood. Here’s the need-to-know:

Where and when is the EN x Ride iQ Course Preview happening?

Meet us at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 28 at the iconic Head of the Lake water complex (next to Rolex Stadium). Kyle and Dickie will lead us on a tour of some of the key parts of the 2023 course starting from this point. Be prepared for some walking, and this event will proceed rain or shine.

Do I need to sign up for the XC Preview?

Please do! It’s free to sign up and helps us plan. You’ll also be put on the communications list to be updated via text. Also, the first 30 people to register to attend in person will receive a limited edition tote bag stuffed with swag from our amazing sponsors! The tote bags can be picked up beginning Thursday at the Ride iQ booth (indoor trade fair, booth #190 in Giltedge Lane). One tote bag will also contain a Golden Ticket worth $150 in shopping at the DappleBay booth.

Click here to register! We’ll let you know if you’re on the list for a tote.

What if I’m not attending LRK3DE in person?

We’ll miss you! If you register for the XC Preview, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a super-fancy, all-new Vespucci Square Raised Figure-8 Bridle from World Equestrian Brands, just because we want to treat you!

Click here to register!

Want more LRK3DE info each day during competition? Sign up for the free LRK3DE Daily Digest email, which will be sent each day beginning Tuesday, April 25 through Monday, May 1. Find all of EN’s latest coverage, sponsor promotions and discounts, chances to win daily giveaways, and much more! Click here to sign up.

Defending Champion Withdrawn from 2023 Badminton Horse Trials

By on Apr 18, 2023 1:00 pm -

A childhood dream come true: Laura Collett wins Badminton 2022. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

The 2023 Badminton Horse Trials field thinned by one today with Laura Collett’s announcement that she has withdrawn 2022 winner London 52 from this year’s competition. An ill-timed heel grab with lingering soreness was cited as the reason for the withdrawal; Laura will instead aim the 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding at the German CCI5* at Luhmühlen in June.

“Absolutely gutted to say I’ve withdrawn LONDON 52 from this years Badminton 5*,” Laura wrote on her Instagram. “He struck into himself last week and was very sore … Thankfully with some special shoes from @greigelliott [sic] he is now sound and back in work but he has missed all his prep runs … after many sleepless nights I’ve decided that it’s just not meant to be this year.
LONDON 52 owes me absolutely nothing and I owe it to him to make the right decision and I know deep down that this is the right decision even though it’s heartbreaking.

The main thing is he’s ok and we will now reroute to Luhmuhlen 5*.”

We wish London 52 a speedy recovery and will look forward to seeing these Tokyo medalists and Pratoni partners back in action in June. In the meantime, Laura still has one ride to focus on at Badminton in the 14-year-old Dacapo.

[Click here to view the current 2023 Badminton entry list]

[Click here to catch up on EN’s coverage of Badminton]

Two Scholarships Currently Open via Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE)

By on Apr 15, 2023 10:42 am -

Sierra Lesny, recipient of the second Ever So Sweet scholarship, and her OTTB Pea. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Strides for Equality Equestrians is currently accepting applications for Leg Up Scholarships from the Maryland International Equestrian Foundation. These scholarships are geared towards diverse, young equestrians competing at a grassroots level. Scholarship recipients will receive a credit of $500 towards Maryland Horse Trials entries and schooling opportunities at Loch Moy Farm over the next year.

The Ever So Sweet Scholarship, which is the first of its kind, provides a fully-funded internship opportunity for riders from diverse backgrounds to train with an upper-level professional rider. Qualified recipients will train with Sara Kozumplik at her farms in Virginia and Florida. Special thanks to Edy Rameika for funding the scholarship.

Edy Rameika and Sara Kozumplik Murphy will provide bi-annual sponsored internships for riders to train with Sara. Scholarship recipients will receive funding to immerse themselves in a high-performance training program with Sara at Overlook Farm Equestrian Center in Berryville, VA for three months. During the winter, the scholarship will provide two months of training with Sara in Florida. Sara will determine the exact dates of each scholarship period in coordination with the awardee. The scholarship will cover expenses for full board and training costs for the horse, several lessons per week, housing for the rider, a stipend to cover living expenses, competition fees, and coaching at competitions. Participants will learn to manage, care for, and compete horses in an immersive program and will have the opportunity to work as part of the team in all aspects of running a large, competitive barn.

Riders will also make professional connections that would otherwise be unattainable and play an active role in fostering a more inclusive environment within the sport. “I’ve had to overcome many challenges in my life as an upper-level event rider, but I never had the challenge of feeling like the sport wasn’t easily available to me. This scholarship allows access for those that currently don’t have a clear pathway to fight for their dreams,” Sara said when explaining why they decided to offer the opportunity. The Ever So Sweet scholarship is an important first step toward increasing diversity and inclusion in equestrian sports.

Edy shares the passion for providing opportunities for deserving riders, “Our family loves horses and the sport of eventing. My daughters, Roxanne and Nadine, began riding when they were quite young. They rode and competed through high school, and Roxanne continued into her college career. We are very fortunate. But there are students in underserved communities who have the passion and talent for the sport but perhaps not the means. Roxanne passed away in 2017 but her passion lives on through her family. Nadine, Sara, and I want to honor Roxanne and Nadine’s Native American heritage and their love of eventing through this scholarship in the hopes of helping to keep others’ dreams alive. Ever So Sweet is a song that was beloved to Roxanne and Nadine, especially during those memorable years of riding.”

Applicants must…

  • Be a minimum of 16 years old and able to drive.
  • Be based in the United States.
  • Have access to their own horse, either owned or leased.
  • Be dedicated to developing a career path in equine sports.
  • Be willing to track expenses for reimbursement.
  • Be willing to share their experience as part of the ESS Scholarship in blogs, vlogs, social & print media.
  • Be committed to using knowledge gained during the Scholarship period to increase access to equestrian sports for underrepresented groups.

Apply for the Summer 2023 Ever So Sweet Scholarship by May 7 by clicking here.

Applications for this initial round of the Leg Up Scholarship are due April 24, 2023. TWO scholarships will be awarded during this round.

The scholarship can be used to cover the cost of entries, schooling fees, or stabling for events at Loch Moy Farm. Scholarship funds may be used at any of the events in the Maryland Horse Trials calendar. The scholarship period is one year after the date the recipient enters their first event. After this period unused scholarship funds will expire.

This scholarship is geared towards young riders who are just starting their competitive careers. Loch Moy offers a variety of fun and accessible opportunities throughout the year for grassroots riders to learn and compete. Staff at SEE and the Maryland Horse Trials are happy to assist scholarship recipients with planning how they will use their scholarship funds to take advantage of the many exciting events on their calendar.

Applicants should be…

  • Young people riding at a grassroots level who would like to compete at the elementary, beginner novice, or novice levels.
  • 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 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 as part of SEE blogs, vlogs, social & print media.

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

Nestled in the hills of Adamstown, Maryland, the Highlands at Loch Moy Farm provides the perfect setting and facility for Horse Trials, Cross-Country Schooling, and other exciting community and sporting events. Just 15 minutes from Frederick, Maryland, and 30 minutes from Leesburg, Virginia.

The Maryland Horse Trials hosts back-to-back weekends of USEA Recognized Horse Trials as well as many other schooling events and clinics.

The Maryland International Equestrian Foundation (MIEF) is dedicated to supporting equestrian sport from grass roots to FEI level at Loch Moy Farm, and committed to providing funding for the development of dedicated riders from diverse backgrounds to compete at the top levels of our sport.

In addition to sponsoring SEE Leg Up Scholarships for grassroots riders, MIEF also offers scholarships equivalent to riders competing at the 1*, 2*, 3* and 4* levels at the July Maryland International.

#TrainingTipTuesday: Improve Your Simple Changes and Canter-Trot Transitions

By on Apr 11, 2023 3:30 pm -

A simple change of lead through the trot will appear on your dressage tests as you move into the Preliminary and above level of eventing, so it’s a good thing to practice these transitions at home. Not only are simple changes tested, they’re also a key ingredient to eventually moving on to flying changes. At the least, the canter-trot-canter transition is highly useful for achieving balance, impulsion, and straightness.

But this is often a task easier said than done — as are most things with riding, let’s be honest — so Amelia Newcomb has broken this concept down in one of her latest instructional videos. I’ll borrow some notes from this video’s description:

Your goal for your trot-canter-trot transitions across the diagonal is to turn up the diagonal at canter, transition to trot just before X, use 5-6 trot steps to change bend, and transition back to canter. This is your end goal, but when we are beginning to teach the transition, we’ll use much more trot to prepare.

To start teaching the change of lead through trot:
1) Pick up the canter, and turn onto a diagonal line
2) At X, or slightly after, transition to trot
3) Change bend, and pick up the canter again at C

As your horse gets better and better at this exercise, you can decrease the amount of trot in between the canter until you reach your goal of just 5-6 trot steps on the diagonal! When you are riding this exercise, make sure to ride good corners and get your horse bending. Even ride a little shoulder fore as you are working on these transitions.

If your horse is running through your aids, or has trouble bending during your transition down to trot, try riding some 10m circles at X. You can do a figure eight pattern with these circles or just ride one 10m circle. To ride the figure eight:
1) At X, start circling the direction you were originally tracking (if you were going left, then circle left first, and vice versa)
2) Coming out of your first circle, change bend, and ride a circle the other direction
3) Then, as you are finishing your second circle, continue on the diagonal

You can learn much more from Amelia on her full YouTube page here — plenty of great info here to take back to your own rides! Save this one and try it on your own.

Check Out the Full Slate of Action on the LRK3DE Schedule

By on Apr 11, 2023 11:00 am -

A feeling like no other: the Rolex Stadium, full of people united by the love of horses once again. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

We’ll all be meeting in Kentucky before we know it, and a full slate of action awaits as the #BestWeekendAllYear gets underway beginning Wednesday, April 26. The full confirmed schedule of events and demonstrations has been published, so let’s dive in and find out what we have to look forward to at LRK3DE this year!

Coming soon, EN will also be publishing a guide to autograph signings, course walks, sponsor promotions, and other happenings as we become aware of them. Want more info each day? Sign up for the free LRK3DE Daily Digest email, which will be sent each day beginning Tuesday, April 25 through Monday, May 1. Find all of EN’s latest coverage, sponsor promotions and discounts, chances to win daily giveaways, and much more! Click here to sign up.

View the full schedule here

View the CCI5* Entries

View the CCI4*-S Entries

Still need tickets or tailgating? You can snag some here. 

Wednesday, April 26

  • 1 p.m. Cross-Country Course Open to Public
  • 2 p.m. First Horse Inspection; CCI5*-L only, sponsored by Hagyard Pharmacy — High Hope Inspection Lane
  • 2:30–5 p.m. Competitor Arena Familiarization – Thursday Competitors only, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim — Rolex Stadium

Thursday, April 27

  • 7 a.m. Gates Open
  • 7:15 a.m. –6 p.m. Hospitality Tents Open (Hospitality Ticket Required)
  • 7:45 a.m. CCI4*-S Dressage Test Ride — Rolex Stadium
  • 8 – 11:30 a.m. CCI4*-S Dressage Tests Begin — Rolex Stadium
  • 8:00 a.m.–6 p.m. Sponsor Village & Courtyard, The Hill, and Trade Fair Open
  • 12:15 p.m. CCI5*-L Dressage Test Ride — Rolex Stadium
  • 12:45 –4:30 p.m. CCI5*-L Dressage Tests Begin— Rolex Stadium
  • 4:45–7:15 p.m. Arena Familiarization – Friday Competitors only, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim — Rolex Stadium

Friday, April 28

  • 7 a.m. Gates Open
  • 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Hospitality Tents Open (Hospitality Ticket Required)
  • 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sponsor Village & Courtyard, The Hill, and Trade Fair Open
  • 8–11:30 a.m. CCI4*-S Dressage Tests Resume — Rolex Stadium
  • 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Champions Live! — Walnut Arena
  • 11 a.m. Kentucky Invitational CSI3* Jog, sponsored by Hagyard Pharmacy-Claiborne Ring
  • 12:30–3:30 p.m. Demonstrations and Exhibitions — Walnut Ring
  • – 12:30–1:30 p.m.: Retired Racehorse Project
  • – 1:30–3:30 p.m.: EEI Mounted Games Invitational Round 1
  • 12:30 – 4:10 p.m. CCI5*-L Dressage Tests Resume — Rolex Stadium
  • 6 p.m. Grand Prix Hospitality Tents Open (Grand Prix Hospitality Ticket Required)
  • 7 p.m. Kentucky Invitational CSI3* $38,700 Welcome Speed Cup 1.45m, presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute — Rolex Stadium – Hospitality tent for Grand Prix to be open from 6-9 p.m. Other tents to remain open until 9 p.m.

**Also happening Friday will be the annual EN x Ride iQ Course Walk, and we’ve got an exciting special guest leading the way this year! Stay tuned for advance sign-ups and more information coming soon.**

Saturday, April 29

  • 7 a.m. Gates Open (including Land Rover Tailgating)
  • 7:30 a.m.– 4:45 p.m. Hospitality Tents Open (Hospitality Ticket Required)
  • 7:30 a.m. –6 p.m. Sponsor Village & Courtyard, The Hill, and Trade Fair Open
  • 8:30 a.m. Deadline for Tailgating Vehicles to be Parked
  • 8:30 – 11 a.m. Demonstrations and Exhibitions — Walnut Ring
  • – 8:30 a.m. EEI Mounted Games Invitational Round 2
  • – 10 a.m.: Retired Racehorse Project
  • 9 – 11:45 a.m CCI4*-S Cross-Country Test
  • Noon Kentucky Invitational CSI3* Course Walk — Rolex Stadium
  • 12:30 p.m. CSI3* Rider Autograph Session – Hagyard Tent (#312/313, The Hill)
  • 1–4:15 p.m. CCI5*-L Cross-Country Test
  • 5 p.m. Grand Prix Hospitality Tents Open (Grand Prix Hospitality Ticket Required)
  • 6 p.m. $226,000 Kentucky Invitational CSI3* 1.60m — Rolex Stadium – Hospitality tent for Grand Prix to be open from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Other tents to remain open until 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 30

  • 7 a.m. Gates Open
  • 7:15 a.m. Non-Denominational Worship Service — Zoetis Schooling Complex, Pavilion between Stonelea/Claiborne Rings
  • 7:30 a.m. CCI4*-S and CCI5*-L Horse Inspection, sponsored by Hagyard Pharmacy — High Hope Inspection Lane
  • 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Hospitality Tents Open (Hospitality Ticket Required)
  • 8 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Sponsor Village & Courtyard, The Hill, and Trade Fair Open
  • 10:15 a.m. Opening Ceremony, WEG Team Recognition and Presentation of Officials and Flags — Rolex Stadium
  • 10:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CCI4*-S Jumping Test; reverse order of placing — Rolex Stadium
  • 12:30 – 12:45 p.m. Presentation of the Awards — Rolex Stadium
  • 1:15 p.m. CCI5*-L Jumping Course Open for Competitor Inspection — Rolex Stadium
  • 1:45 p.m. Drag – Rolex Stadium
  • 2 p.m. CCI5*-L Jumping Test first group; reverse order of placing — Rolex Stadium
  • 3 p.m. CCI5*-L Jumping Test second group; reverse order of placing; awards immediately after — Rolex Stadium
  • 4 p.m. Presentation of the Awards — Rolex Stadium

Previewing the $60,000 Stable View FEI & H.T. This Weekend

By on Apr 5, 2023 9:00 am -

Emily Hamel and Corvett. Photo by Shelby Allen.

As the spring 5* events loom ever closer, each competition gives us more insights into the entrants’ preparation and form as they head into their major destinations. This weekend’s CCI4*-S at Stable View in Aiken, SC, is one of the final prep events available for Kentucky and Badminton-bound horses.

You’ll recall some major overhauls made to the USEF eventing calendar for 2023 through 2027. These changes have come to play with mixed reviews, with fewer Advanced and 4* events now available to riders preparing 5* horses, and more competition for coveted dates on the calendar for organizers to navigate. More on this to come..

For its part, Stable View offers a strong purse for cash-poor eventers (come on – it’s a known fact at this point, isn’t it?), with a total of $60,000 on the line for FEI competitors. $30,000 of this is offered for the CCI4*, $20,0000 for the CCI3*, and $10,000 for the CCI2*. Additional prize offerings include:

  • $2,000 Amanda Bader Award ($1,000 to the lowest-scoring dressage pair who completes the 4*, and $500 each to the lowest scoring dressage pairs who complete the CCI3* and CCI2*)
  • FITS $100 Gift Certificate awarded to the first place finisher in the CCI2*, CCI3*, and CCI4*
  • Thoroughbred Incentive Program awards at each level
  • A slew of prizes offered to choose from for National winners – see the new Stable View Winners Table when you win this weekend!

This weekend will see a roster of 35 horses and riders in the headlining CCI4*-S division. Absent from the list are 2022 winners of this division, Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS (who opted instead to win the Carolina 4* this month). However, a strong field awaits the challenges ahead, including notables such as:

  • Former Oktoberfest winner Z, piloted by longtime partner Phillip Dutton
  • Will Coleman and his Pratoni horse, Off the Record
  • Grand-Prix Eventing winner and Carolina 4* runners-up Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C, as well as Deniro Z
  • Aiken-based fan favorite Sarah Kuhn and Mr. Cash van de Start
  • Boyd Martin with his Tokyo and Pratoni partner, Tsetserleg, as well as the talented mare Contessa
  • Soon-to-be 5* debutants Andrew McConnon with Ferrie’s Cello as well as Sydney Solomon with Early Review C
  • Doug Payne with defending USEF National Champion Quantum Leap, as well as Camarillo and Starr Witness
  • Jennie Saville with four strong rides in FE Connory, FE Lifestyle, Stella Artois, and Twilightslastgleam

Stable View will also play host to robust CCI3*-S and CCI2*-S divisions, as well as National offerings from Training level up through Advanced. You can view the full entry list here. FEI action gets underway with dressage and show jumping on Friday, followed by cross country on Saturday.

There’s always much fun to be had at a Stable View event. Here are a few other happenings to be on the look out for all weekend:

  • Join Capt. Mark Phillips and Boyd Martin for an exclusive peek at the CCI4*-S cross country track, Friday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. All are welcome! Please meet on the cross country side of the Hunt Box lodging.
  • Enjoy family-friendly fare during Graze & Gaze on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, 5pm-7pm downstairs in the Pavilion at Ollie’s Inn. There will also be an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday evening for children beginning at 6:30pm, followed by 7pm for the adults. The Easter Bunny will hand out Cadbury chocolate eggs!
  • Last call for VIP tickets this weekend! To reserve a Tailgate spot along the cross country course, or a Pavilion Patron pass, please e-mail [email protected].
  • Competitors will find coffee, tea, water, dry snacks, yogurt, and sodas in the Rider Lounges. Pop-up hospitality tents are set up by the Main Outdoor and Tree arenas.
  • Stroll along vendor row for apparel, tack, barn supplies, and gifts courtesy of Cowgirl Up with Green, Griffinbrook, The Mane Monogram, and VTO Saddlery. Harmony Chiropractic will also be present to discuss the benefits of equine and human chiropractic adjustments.
  • In addition to ribbons, please collect your prize (1st through 6th place) from an assortment of options at the Show Office.
  • Creative prizes this weekend include: A saltwater treadmill/combi floor session from Engineered Equine Performance to the Trainer and Rider with the most horses;  a brown Renaissance bridle from Prestige Italia for the high point Young Rider; and a “recovery basket” for rider & horse by Harmony Chiropractic for the competitor with the “Best Save” on course.
  • Food trucks this weekend include Lobster Dogs (Friday only), the Loco Lemonade Stand, R&L Vending, Roasted & Toasted, and The Skinny Taco.

Shelby Allen and I will be on the ground providing the media experience on behalf of Stable View. There is no live stream of the action this weekend, but we’ll be doing all we can to keep you up to speed. Be sure to follow @goeventing and @stableviewaiken on Instagram for the latest. 

Join Capt. Mark Phillips and Boyd Martin for a 4* XC Preview at Stable View

By on Apr 4, 2023 1:00 pm -

Boyd Martin and On Cue. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Are you competing or otherwise attending the $60,000 Stable View FEI & H.T. this weekend? You’re invited to take a closer look at some of the questions the CCI4* competitors will be tackling on Saturday, with expert guidance and entertainment provided by designer Capt. Mark Phillips and Olympian Boyd Martin.

It’s one thing to watch a course being ridden – it’s a whole other to get up close and personal with the questions being asked of the horses and riders. You’ll gain useful insights on why a question is presented the way it is, and how it should be ridden – all information that can be applied at any level. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for free education!

Capt. Mark Phillips surveying the scene as cross country kicks off at Stable View in 2022.

This event is free and open to all, presented by Stable View Farm and Eventing Nation. Please join us on the cross country side of the Hunt Box lodging (see map below) at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 7. Be prepared for some walking, though we will not be walking the entire course – and bring your questions! Updates to the schedule will be made in this post and on Stable View’s social media, so keep an eye out for any changes.

Boyd and Capt. Phillips will be available for questions, photos, and autographs after the walk concludes.

Stable View FEI & H.T. (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer]

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Apr 4, 2023 7:00 am -

I’m always a sucker for a cute “Where Are They Now?” story, and this morning’s comes to us from Jessie Phoenix and her longtime upper-level horse, Pavarotti. These days, “Rotti” is teaching the next generation all about what it means to ride — and looking pretty pleased to have landed the gig!

Events Opening This Week:

Hunt Club Farms H.T. (VA), Otter Creek Spring H.T. (WI), Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (GA) , Fair Hill International Spring H.T. (MD), Spring Gulch H.T. (CO),

Events Closing Today:

Ocala International Festival of Eventing (FL), Fair Hill International April CCI & H.T. (MD), River Glen Spring H.T. (TN), Sporting Days Farm April H.T. III (SC), Meadowcreek Park Spring Social H.T. (TX)

Tuesday News & Notes

Fancy heading to Harvard to play polo? That’s exactly what West Philadelphia’s Alyssa Perren, who has spent much of her high school life in the Work to Ride riding and polo program, is heading to do after learning she was accepted to the prestigious Ivy League university. [Heading to Harvard]

Meet this month’s USEA VIP Volunteer: Kayla DeHart, hailing from Area IX. If something needs to be done at an event in Area IX, you can be sure Kayla Dehart’s thought of it — and that’s the type of person who makes our sport whole. [VIP Volunteer – April]

Need a new tool for your jumping days? Try these tried-and-true trips for utilizing four-stride lines from show jumping rider Kama Godek. [The Usefulness of the 4-Stride Line]

If you struggle with riding anxiety, the first thing to remember is that you’re far from alone. Then, pull up resources like this article from The Chronicle of the Horse to call to mind next time you struggle.

Sponsor Corner:

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Tuesday Video Break:

It’s FEI World Cup Finals week in Omaha! If you follow show jumping, vaulting, and dressage, you’ll want to keep up with the action from Nebraska all week long. Germany’s own Queen Klimke will be competing later this week with the amazing Franziskus — take a look at one of their recent freestyle performances below:

#FlashbackFriday Video from SmartPak: Ping Around Kentucky with Theodore O’Connor

By on Mar 31, 2023 3:30 pm -

Remember that time when a pony finished on the podium at Kentucky? You can watch all three phases of this Super Pony’s memorable performance above.

Most eventing fans will recognize the name Theodore O’Connor, the legendary, small but mighty partner of Karen O’Connor. Standing just 14.2 hands, “Teddy” may have been small statured, but you wouldn’t have wanted to tell him this.

Theodore O’Connor was a unique mix of Shetland, Arabian, and Thoroughbred (Witty Boy – Chelsea’s Melody, by Honestturn), bred by Wynn Norman. The story of Wynn’s breeding career is quite a good one — you can go down the rabbit hole in this Chronicle of the Horse write-up from 2008, and her program was built from the Thoroughbred she purchased off the track and a Shetland/Arabian mare.

Partnering with Karen from 2005 until his early passing due to an accident in 2008, Theodore O’Connor picked up a win in the then CIC3* at The Fork and added a Pan American games individual and team medal in 2007. He inspired a full generation of eventers, and even a Breyer Horse, and we’ll never tire of watching these archive vidoes of him at his peak.

Have you heard of the SmartPak SmartBarns service yet? SmartPak wants to make it easier for you to take great care of the horses and clients in your barn. The SmartBarn Services Team pairs you with your very own Barn Consultant, giving you access to exclusive benefits, including: Supplement advice & planning, Personalized account management, and Inside access to SmartPak Experts. Visit smartpak.com/SmartBarns to learn more.

Gallery: Welcome to The Event at TerraNova

By on Mar 30, 2023 8:03 pm -

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Be Cool. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Take a normal horse show, but add a beach.

That’s the vibe in Myakka City, FL, just inland from the Gulf side of Florida, to the south of Tampa. TerraNova Equestrian became a hot spot on many riders’ calendars this year, closing with about 400 entries including a 53-strong CCI4*-S and a 72-strong CCI3*-S division.

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Our on the road reporters, Amanda Chance and Hillary McMichael, will have much more coming your way from TerraNova this week, but in the meantime we’ve got some gorgeous shots from the event’s official photographer, Shannon Brinkman, to share.

Friday will bring the conclusion of FEI dressage as well as show jumping. FEI divisions will run cross country on Saturday. You can view the full schedule of events here. There is no live stream of this event, but you can follow along with live scores here.

Spotted: yes, our favorite emotional support mini, Nugget, made the trip with JM Durr!

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Here’s a look at your leaders so far:

CCI4*-S: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Be Cool – 26.6
CCI3*-S: Phillip Dutton and Denim – 29.4
CCI2*-S: Will Coleman and DHI Anchorman – 21.5

The Event at TerraNova: [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [EN’s Coverage]

Spring Eventing in Full Swing: How to Follow Galway Downs, TerraNova, Strzegom and Thoresby This Week

By on Mar 30, 2023 8:30 am -

It’s that wonderful time of year for us eventing nerds: events happening each weekend and that tangible feeling of “something’s coming…” heavy in the air. It’s very nearly 5* season — in fact, the southern hemisphere will get the calendar started this year with the Adelaide International CCI5* happening April 20-23. From there, it’s straight into Kentucky (April 27-30), followed by Badminton (May 5-8).

Ahead of those major events is a full slate of preparatory action, and that continues this weekend with four important CCI4*-S happening in California, Florida, Great Britain, and Poland. Keep reading for information on how to follow along with each event.

Galway Downs International

Erin Kellerhouse and Woodford Reserve. Photo by Sally Spickard.

FEI World Championships silver medalists Tamie Smith and the Ahearn family’s Mai Baum headline the CCI4*-S in southern California at Galway Downs this weekend. With Mai Baum, Elliot V, and Danito entered in the 5* at Land Rover Kentucky, this will be a key prep for the Smith string, who will also be accompanied on the bus to Kentucky by Solaguayre California to compete in the Lexington CCI4*-S. Also joining the 4*-S line-up at Galway are James Alliston and Nemesis, also aimed at the Kentucky 5*, as are new California residents Missy Miller and Quinn, who will make their debut at the 5* level in April.

Ride On Video will host a complementary live stream of multiple divisions throughout the week. You can find the live stream here. The schedule is as follows (subject to change):

Galway Downs International: [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Strzegom International Spring Open

Photo by Mariusz Chmieliński.

Some of the sport’s biggest names signed up to participate in Poland’s 4* season opener at Strzegom, including multi-medalist Michael Jung and his Pratoni partner, fischerChipmunk. No word yet on where Michael plans to make his spring destination with “Chipmunk”. We will also see Sandra Auffarth, Olympic bronze medalist and world champion who is entered at Kentucky with Viamant du Matz, as well as Dutch rider Merel Blom, team bronze medalist of the World Equestrian Games. Germany’s Alina Dibowski is also entered, and will be making the trip to Kentucky at the end of April with Barbados 26.

Strzegom Spring Open I: [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [More Coverage]

The Event at TerraNova

Jacob Fletcher and Fabian fly around Capt. Mark Phillips’ TerraNova cross country track at TerraNova in 2022. Photo by Al Green Photo.

Over 50 riders will contest the CCI4*-S held at TerraNova in Myakka City, FL this weekend — the most robust roster of any spring 4*-S in the U.S. The entry list is a uniquely exciting one, a healthy mixture of 5*-aimed horses as well as horses and riders stepping up to the 4* level for the first time. Among these are two Mexican riders in the 4* (along with a slew of other entries across divisions): Eduardo Rivero Frangoso, who is contesting his first 4* with the 9-year-old gelding, Coloso. He’s accompanied in this division by Guillermo German de Campo and his Caribbean Games and Pan American Games partner, the 17-year-old gelding Quelite. Team Mexico can frequently be found in Florida and Aiken each winter, and in preparation for this year’s Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, the excitement around these strongly developing programs continues to build.

There is sadly no live stream of TerraNova this weekend, but we’ll be helping keep you abreast of the action thanks to roving reporters Amanda Chance and Hillary McMichael.

The Event at TerraNova: [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [EN’s Coverage]

Thorseby International Eventing Spring Carnival

The striking backdrop of Thoresby House. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography for BEDE Events.

If you’re looking for a Badminton preview — and then some — look no further than the beefy, chock-full entry list at Thoresby International. As is par for British eventers, the winter weather has seen many events abandoned or truncated, making this weekend all the more exciting and important as a pipe-opener for the spring ahead. Tilly pulled together a chunky entry preview for Thoresby here, and she’ll be joined on the road by 2022 Blogger Contest winner Diana Gilbertson. We wish them well with three days of dressage ahead of them — godspeed, ladies!

Horse & Country will carry the live stream for Thoresby this weekend, and you can view using your H&C+ subscription or by purchasing a one-time viewing pass for just about $20. If you’re in need of a subscription, we’ve brought back our discount code for 15% off the cost of an annual subscription. Simply use code EVENTINGNATION15 (the code is case-sensitive) at checkout and you’ll be all set to go!

Thoresby Eventing Spring Carnival: [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring/Schedule] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

#TrainingTipTuesday Video Break: Warming Up for Cross Country with Liz Halliday-Sharp

By on Mar 28, 2023 4:00 pm -

You know we love a good educational video here at EN, and here’s another that’s popped back up on our feeds this week. Liz Halliday-Sharp shares some advice for using your warm-up fences when preparing for cross country in this video from Practical Horseman On Demand.

The driving force of your horse’s power over fences? The hind end. If you can cultivate a feeling that your horse’s hind legs are taking you somewhere, you’ll leave the start box with more confidence and options.

Save, watch, and learn!