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.
The sunny and superb Nicola Wilson. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Excellent news! Nearly four and a half months after her fall at Badminton in May, British European champion Nicola Wilson has been discharged from the spinal rehabilitation unit at The James Cook University Hospital and has returned to her home and family.
“I’m so, so grateful to medical team at Badminton, who saved my life,” Nicola said in a video update from her home. “I’m so indebted to you for doing that and for putting me in the position where I am now.”
Nicola goes on to thank the staff at both Southmead Hospital as well as James Cook — her newfound family, as she puts it — for helping her navigate her rehabilitation. Her spinal injury has affected the mobility of her arms, hands, and to some extent legs, necessitating the re-learning of some functions.
“My arms, as you’ve seen in the various videos, have also been getting better, but they are much much further behind my legs,” Nicola shared. “I still can’t feel my hands. And I need my eyes to know whether I’ve got something in my hand or not. I need my eyes to know where my feet are where my arms and hands are.”
Despite the long road ahead, Nicola remains unflinchingly positive and pragmatic — at the end of the day, being home with her family has become the biggest blessing of all. “There is a lot more rehab and work to be done, but I’m so delighted to have phase one completed and behind me,” she said.
You can watch and hear more from Nicola in her video update below. We continue to wish her and her family well as she progresses in her recovery and will share more updates as they are posted. We’re all pulling for you, Nicola!
Good evening/morning! I’m feeling (sort of) bright-eyed and (sort of) bushy-tailed and ready to kick off another day of dressage action from the 2022 FEI World Championships. Today we’ll see the remaining pairs from the 16 teams and the rest of the individual riders in front of the Ground Jury consisting of President and judge at C Christina Klingspor (SWE), judge at H Peter Gray (CAN), and judge at B Christian Steiner (AUT).
Just a few notables from the morning sessions today include:
Ariel Grald (USA) and Leamore Master Plan – 9:38 a.m. local / 3:38 a.m. EST – 32.5
Julia Krajewski (GER) and Amande de B’Neville – 10:10 a.m. local / 4:10 a.m. EST – 26.1
Holly Jacks (CAN) and Candy King – 10:41 a.m. local / 4:41 a.m. EST – 32.4
Tamie Smith (USA) and Mai Baum – 12:00 p.m. local / 6:00 a.m. EST – 24.1
Tom McEwen (GBR) and Toledo de Kerser – 12:16 p.m. local / 6:16 a.m. EST – 25.6
Then this afternoon, Abby Powell will pick up with updates from the remainder of the tests, which will include the team anchor rotation (Boyd Martin is anchor for the U.S., Mike Winter is anchor for Canada, Oliver Townend is anchor for Great Britain). You can view full times here and live scores here.
Riders will be using FEI 5* Test B — you can view the test to follow along here.
I’ll be updating you as each rider comes in, but I highly encourage you to pick up a pass to watch yourself on FEI.TV, which is a part of ClipMyHorse.TV. You can learn more and sign up here (there is a free trial for new members!).
To use this live update thread, start from the bottom. I’ll be adding updates as they happen to the top!
7:02 a.m. EST: That’ll do it for me this morning. Abby Powell will be along in about an hour to bring you live updates from the conclusion of dressage and you will definitely want to be sure to tune in for the anchor rider rotation! Thanks for following along with me, and keep an eye out for the midday report coming your way soon. In the meantime, you can see individual scores here and team rankings here.
6:53 a.m. EST: A 30.6 and a strong debut for Alina Dibowski, who will slot into the top 25 for now! And that will take us up to our lunch break. Laura Collett’s lead remains unchallenged, but there are a few newcomers to the top 10. The team standings show Great Britain in gold, the U.S. in silver, and New Zealand in bronze position. All four-member teams have one more rider still to send, and remember one score from all but the Austrians and Brazilians will be dropped.
Current individual top 15.
Current team standings.
6:47 a.m. EST: Carlos Parro and Goliath score a 32.9, besting their average at this level for a Brazilian boost. Now our final rider of this group will be German individual, Alina Dibowski, making her debut aboard Barbados 26 (Moravia x Babilonia xx, by Jape xx). Fun fact: Alina’s father, Andreas Dibowski, last competed at these World Championships in Tryon, and now Alina steps up as the next generation.
6:37 a.m. EST: A 34.5 for Harold and the Austrians after a really nice effort from the inexperienced Mountbatton 2. Fun fact: Dr. Ambros is a dentist by day! We now just have two more to see before the lunch break. Next in will be Brazilian rider Carlos Parro with Goliath (Chello III VDL x Octa, by Belisar). The Brazilians are also a three-person team after the withdrawal of Ruy Fonseca yesterday.
6:30 a.m. EST: And that’s a great score for Kevin: a 25.7 puts this pair into sixth individually and puts Australia into fifth in the team standings. An adorable reaction from the kiss and cry:
6:28 a.m. EST: This is going to be a strong test for the Australians, who have really thrown down in this first phase so far this weekend! Kevin trends in the mid-20s as he comes into the canter stretch circle. For reference, this pair scored a 31.2 in Tokyo and average around a 30 at the 4*/5* level.
6:23 a.m. EST: We’ll now move to our next team rider for Australia, Tokyo Olympians Kevin McNab and Scuderia 1918 Don Quidam (Quidam de Revel x Ava van de Holtakkers, by Argentinus).
6:21 a.m. EST: Great Britain takes back the gold medal position with a 25.6 scored by Tom McEwen. This will put Tom right behind Tamie into equal fourth with Monica Spencer. Team GB now goes onto a score of 71.1 with the U.S. not far behind on a 77.5.
6:19 a.m. EST: Midway through their canter work, Tom and Toledo’s score comes down into the high 20s.
6:16 a.m. EST: Blast! Tom also has a break in the first medium trot and will also have to climb his way back to a better score.
6:15 a.m. EST: Tom needs to score a 24 or better to get onto the individual podium, and he has scored a 23 — a 23.4, to be exact, at Badminton earlier this year.
6:13 a.m. EST: A great test from Olympic veteran Toshiyuki Tanaka, who earns a 32.5 for the Japanese. Well the heavy hitters are basically going to keep coming through the rest of the day, and next up are Tokyo individual silver and team gold medalists Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser (Diamant de Semilly x Ariane du Prieure II, by Papillon Rouge). This is yet another we can anticipate sliding into the top 5 — or potentially higher.
6:12 a.m. EST:. Bam! What a halt from Toshiyuki and Swiper:
GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
6:07 a.m. EST: With Tamie’s score added, the U.S. actually now goes into gold position (with one member yet to come for most teams) on a total score of 77.6! We now move to the next member of Team Japan, Toshiyuki Tanaka and Swiper JRA (Contenda x Amber Pacific, breeding unknown).
6:06 a.m. EST: Well Tamie will really be kicking herself about that bobble in the medium, and I wouldn’t call this the most flash test we’ve seen from this pair, but I’m also being picky and this is nonetheless going to be a competitive team score for the Americans. A 24.1 puts this pair highest of the Americans into third!
GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
6:04 a.m. EST: So far, so clean through the first two changes. Score still coming down, though I don’t think we’re looking at a 20.
6:02 a.m. EST: After starting in the mid-30s due to that break in the medium, Tamie and Mai Baum are now down in the high 20s.
5:59 a.m. EST: And here we go! Now in the ring are the U.S.’ Tamie Smith and Mai Baum (Loredano 2- Ramira, by Rike). This pair obviously stands as one challenger to Laura’s sub-20. Rats — they’ve had a break in their first medium already, but I know Tamie can dial Mai Baum in to claw her way back.
5:58 a.m. EST: A 26.1 puts Jonelle and McClaren into the top 5!
5:54 a.m. EST: It can be really challenging to take an established horse from another rider, and Jonelle and McClaren have had a few growing pains as their relatively new partnership has progressed. They did score a 24.4 at Pau last year, so are a good threat to the top 10 today with a solid effort.
5:53 a.m. EST: And we are back with multi-Olympian and World Championships rider Jonelle Price, coming forward for New Zealand with former Mark Todd ride McClaren (Clarimo x Toni 1, by Landjunge).
5:35 a.m. EST: A 31.9 is a great debut for Aminda and Joystick, besting their 4* average of 33. We now move into the last judging break of the morning, and you’ll want to make sure you’re settled in for our next group which will include Jonelle Price, Tamie Smith, Toshiyuki Tanaka, Tom McEwen, and more!
5:31 a.m. EST: Aminda is getting Dancing Queen as her first song, love it.
5:28 a.m. EST: Next in for the Swedes are Aminda Ingulfson and Joystick (Jaguar Mail x For Joy SN, by Cardento 933), another pair making their major championship debut (and another horse by Jaguar Mail!)
5:26 a.m. EST: What a nice test from this experienced pair! They shave a few off their Tokyo score (33.5) and will be on a 30.1 and is currently inside the top 20.
5:20 a.m. EST: Now coming forward for the home team are Tokyo Olympic pair Susanna Bordone and Imperial van de Holtakkers (Quidam de Revel x Ava van de Holtakkers, by Argentinus). Fun fact about this 14-year-old Belgian gelding: Imperial van de Holtakkers previously competed at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon with former rider, Belgian Joris Vanspringel. Susanna is also coming back from a pelvis injury sustained at the Avenches Nations Cup leg in July, so she’s made a really impressive comeback to make it to these World Championships.
5:17 a.m. EST: This horse just looks like a marathon athlete to me. I can’t wait to watch this pair tomorrow! They score a 26.8 and slide right into the top 10.
GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
5:16 a.m. EST: Robin and Grandeur de Lully CH scored a 26 en route to victory here in May. Currently, they’re trending around 27.6 as they move into their canter work.
5:14 a.m. EST: Next up for the Swiss are Olympian Robin Godel with Grandeur de Lully CH (Greco de Lully CH x Miola, by Apartos), winners of the test event here at Pratoni earlier this year.
5:13 a.m. EST: Personally, I also loved Antonio’s brown tack. Now I’m curious: where do you stand on brown dressage tack?? I’m really asking the important questions here…
Brown tack for the win? GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
5:11 a.m. EST: Antonio and Duque HSM score a 31.9 to best their average and give Spain the best score they’ve had so far this week! Spain goes onto a total team score of 101.3.
Did you know… ❓
After yesterday’s great scores, Great Britain could set a new FEI Eventing World Championships record for the first phase. 😮
They need Tom McEwen or Oliver Townend to score below 27.9 today!
5:02 a.m. EST: A lovely 31.6 for Lara and Hermione d’Arville, who makes her championship and 5* test debut today. Nicely done! Next in will be Spanish team rider Antonio Cejudo Caro making his championship debut aboard Duque HSM (River Dance x La Mona 2, by Limbus).
4:56 a.m. EST: Next to see are team members for Belgium, Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Hermione d’Arville (Birkhof’s Royaldik x Kyra du Relais Pachis, by Kashmir van Schuttershof), another 9-year-old produced out of Arville’s well-established breeding program.
4:55 a.m. EST: A 27.4 and a smashing debut for this French pair, putting France into the team lead at this juncture!
4:49 a.m. EST: Gosh, I’m loving this mare’s splashy white legs!
GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
4:45 a.m. EST: The movement of extended canter into a stretching circle is so tough, I imagine. The judges are looking for the horse to remain in self-carriage as the rider lets the reins lengthen, and not every horse reaches out for the bit in these scenarios, especially after a big extended canter. Anyway, Holly finishes with a huge smile and earns a 32.4 provisionally to go into the top 25. The Canadians are all on relatively strong scores that will give them a good opportunity to climb. Just one more rider for this team to go in Mike Winter and El Mundo. Next in will be French rider Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza (Cevin Z x unrecorded dam), making their championship debut this week after a strong showing at Aachen earlier this year. This is another 9-year-old in the field.
4:43 a.m. EST: Not quite square behind in the halt and a bit resistant in the rein-back, but a beautiful first change for Holly and Candy King.
GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
4:39 a.m. EST: Welcome back! We’re getting back underway in just a moment with Holly Jacks, who will look to put a competitive test on the board for the Canadians. This pair snuck under the 30-mark at Maryland last year, scoring a 29.9 on this test. Can they match or beat that today?
4:27 a.m. EST: Hear from Ariel Grald after her test with Leamore Master Plan:
In her Championship debut at #Pratoni2022, Ariel Grald Equestrian and Leamore Master Plan score a 32.5. Hear what she had to say after her test 👇 #USAEventing
Posted by USA Eventing on Friday, September 16, 2022
4:22 a.m. EST: Really tactful riding from Padraig and a nice looking test from Fallulah. They’ll take a score of 29.4 into the jumping phases — not quite a 5* test personal best, but an improvement from their Badminton mark of 31.7. We now move into the first judging break of the day and will return at 4:41 a.m. EST with Canadian team member Holly Jacks and Candy King (Grafenstolz x Eye Candy, by Moothyeb)!
4:19 a.m. EST: Fallulah looks a bit impressed in her early trot work but now seems to be putting her ears back to listen more intently in her 8-meter circles.
4:17 a.m. EST: Julia’s is the lowest score for the Germans so far, and they still have anchor rider Michael Jung with fischerChipmunk to come later today. We’ll now move on to the next team member for Ireland, Padraig McCarthy and Fallulah (Fidertanz 2 x Devona, by Di Versace). This should be a competitive test for the Irish.
4:15 a.m. EST: Ah, what a nice test from the reigning champions! They’re going to go into fourth for now on a 26.1 and Julia looks thrilled:
GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
4:11 a.m. EST: Julia is really riding a forward test, trending around 25.0 at the moment.
4:08 a.m. EST: A lovely final change to really finish strong for Balázs, who has brought Clover 15 up the levels himself. A 33.3 is a great showing for this pair, and they’ll head into the jumping phases looking to finish on that mark. Well, now we’re in for a treat as our reigning Olympic champion enters next. For Germany, Julia Krajewski and Amande de B’Neville (Oscar des Fontaines – Perle be B’Néville, by Elan de la Cour). I’m not sure this pair will quite catch Laura’s sub-20, but they’re more than capable of hitting the low 20s so let’s settle in and watch.
4:06 a.m. EST: Some tension in the rein-back and now in the canter work is raising the pair’s score a little.
4:03 a.m. EST: This is a really nice test so far in this World Championship debut for Balázs. Trending sub-30 so far.
3:59 a.m. EST: Just a small bobble in the flying change work for Just Kidding but a solid test otherwise to score a 31.2 to go into 17th. This will be a bit higher than Amanda wanted to start off, but it’s no slouchy score at this juncture. Our next and final (for now) individual rider will be our sole Hungarian representative, Balázs Kaizinger and Clover 15 (Carrico x Lara, by LandCapitol), one of the youngest horses here this weekend at just nine.
3:57 a.m. EST: Now some music from Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, which I am very here for.
#sorrynotsorry
3:55 a.m. EST: Much like fellow Kiwi horse Artist, this is another little Thoroughbred who can dance! Amanda and Just Kidding are capable of scoring a mid-20s mark, and they’re currently buoyed by..Pirates of the Caribbean music? I think?
3:52 a.m. EST: A 36.2 is just a hair lower than this pair’s typical average and puts them into 35th for the moment. Our next to see will be Kiwi individual Amanda Pottinger and another Thoroughbred gelding, Just Kidding. I know I’ve mentioned this before, but I find it so cool that Just Kidding is sired by 2000 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus. The stallion spent time in the Southern Hemisphere during his breeding days for Coolmore Stud.
3:50 a.m. EST: Fifty Fifty wouldn’t be the most keen for this phase, but she’s really eager to at least give it a shot — and boy, Patrick looks absolutely thrilled. Love these reactions:
GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
3:46 a.m. EST: Next to see will be Swiss individual pair Patrick Rüegg and Fifty Fifty ((Fidertanz 2 x Meerfuerstin, by Friedensfuerst 1), riding in their first World Championships after repping the Swiss in European Championship competition previously.
3:44 a.m. EST: A 32.5 provisionally puts Ariel and “Simon” into 23rd for now. This shaves a few marks off the pair’s Badminton score of 35.4 (which Ariel went on to climb from, finishing eventually in 15th!). This is a personal best on the 5* test for the combination.
3:43 a.m. EST: K, I don’t think I’m trusting the on-screen score yet this morning, as Ariel’s score hasn’t budged from 30.0 throughout her test.
3:43 a.m. EST: Some lovelyyyyy canter work from Ariel. A bit late on their second change after a nearly flawless first one.
3:40 a.m. EST: I must say, I’m quite disappointed in the live stream graphics for this week. During the live stream for World Championships for Dressage/Show Jumping/Para Dressage/Vaulting in Herning, Denmark last month, each horse and rider were listed on screen with the grooms taking care of each horse. I’ve yet to see grooms listed on this live stream (same carrier), and would love to see this issue fixed for the jumping phases.
3:39 a.m. EST: This pair is capable of squeaking into the 20s, and they’re hovering on the edge right now at around a 30 as they head across the diagonal on their extended trot. Simon’s looking like he’s fighting fit (as expected!) but is managing the adrenaline well so far.
3:37 a.m. EST: Ok, the live score had to have been off as Shenae scores a 26.3 to go into fifth early on. We now move to our next U.S. rider, individual pair Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan (Master Imp – Ardragh Bash, by Cavalier Royale) making their championship debut. This pair historically hasn’t gotten quite as low of scores as they’d like to, but you can bet they’re a good pair to have eyes on to jump around clear.
3:35 a.m. EST: Whew, looks like Shenae was sitting on a bit of a powder keg and did an excellent job of riding through it. Bold Venture has a healthy spook as the audience cheers, but Shenae keeps her seat and luckily doesn’t have an early dismount!
GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
3:33 a.m. EST: This is another rider who traveled from her base in Australia to be here this week. Bold Venture is Shenae’s primary horse, and one riding an ex-racehorse to boot! They’re trending around the 35.0 mark right now but are well capable of getting lower in the final marks.
3:30 a.m. EST: We are just about to get underway with day two with the next Australian rider, Shenae Lowings and Bold Venture (Devaraja x Royal Zam, by Zamoff), riding as individuals this week.
Laura Collett (GBR) celebrates a personal best with London 52. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
2022 Badminton winner Laura Collett entered the ring at FEI World Championships this afternoon as the second British team member to ride her test. Bringing forward the stunning London 52, Laura laid down what we’ve all rather come to expect at this point: a near-flawless test that scored under 20 penalty marks.
Laura’s final mark of 19.3 sets a personal best for both her and London 52 in FEI competition, so what a time to peak! “He definitely loves the crowd,” Laura debriefed to the press after her ride. “He went in that arena and he was like, ‘Yeah, everyone’s here to see me.’ And he was just a pleasure to work with.
“I think once I got the first centerline out the way, I thought, ‘Oh Carl [Hester] will be happy now,'” she continued, noting that she’d been working on the little details to work on getting that much better. “And then from then on, it just felt like he just got better and better and I could just have a lovely time basically.”
Laura scored a 25.8 in Tokyo, a mark she knew she could’ve done better with, so it feels good to have this phase done and dusted and in a spot she knew she was capable of getting to. The challenge ahead is tall, and there is still much to do, but take a moment to soak in the ride:
It’s that time for our customary rounds of social media from Thursday at FEI World Championships! Isn’t social media just such a great thing (sometimes)? Here’s a look at what everyone’s been up to, including a few sneak peeks of cross country and a glimpse of the famous (infamous?) “Pratoni Pants” that one acquires after walking the course…
“They’re ready to go, they’re fighting fit but it’s always a relief to get through the first trot-up” Samantha Clark talks to Christina Ober, head team vet for the New Zealand eventing team at Pratoni 2022 World CHhmapionships https://t.co/dwaln0tUwQ#eventing#Pratoni2022pic.twitter.com/Ry6ROPDiOk
Monica Spencer celebrates her leading score with Artist. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
When the trip to your first World Championships involves a travel time of over 50 hours and several days in the trailer, you want to make good on your shot to make an impact.
Monica Spencer did just that with her unraced New Zealand Thoroughbred, Artist (Guillotine xx – Maxamore xx, by Volksraad xx), taking a decisive early-days lead at the pair’s first FEI World Championships with a dressage mark of 25.6.
Monica, who found out she’d been named to the New Zealand squad just three days before Artist’s flight out of New Zealand (“you kind of plan like you’re going in case you’re going and then all of a sudden you’re going!”), traveled more than 50 hours in total from her home in Taupo, New Zealand to Clarke Johnstone’s current base in Gloucestershire, England. This is her first time competing in the Northern Hemisphere, and as such the trip necessitated leaving her husband, Spencer, and her 10-month-old son, Gus, behind at home.
“I’ve been away for five weeks, so [I’m] a little more emotional than I normally,” she said. But the task at hand is in full focus, and she’s pleased with the start she’s made — a score she knows the horse she’s had since his four-year-old year is capable of earning.
“It’s, you know, we can do it at home and then you come to a stage like this and you always think some things could fall apart and hope they won’t,” she said. “But he was a trooper. He was relaxed, he just did what he was asked.”
The incredible mover caught Monica’s eye at his first show in New Zealand, where he was under the re-training of Polly MacDonald. Originally bred by Windsor Park Stud in New Zealand to race but not showing enough speed for the task, he’d been sold on and had begun his new career. “I saw him at his first show from the other side the warm up and I promptly trotted over to Polly and asked if she would sell them and I’ve had him ever since,” she explained.
Monica Spencer and Artist. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Monica will be the pathfinder for the Kiwis come Saturday, and this combination has an excellent cross country record to give them a boost. “There’s enough to do — it would be very easy to make a mistake, but I think everything’s jumpable so just got to piece it all together,” she said of the challenge ahead.
Monica Spencer pats Artist after taking the early lead this morning. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
It’s that time!
I’m so excited to welcome you to the first day of actual competition at the 2022 FEI World Championships for Eventing, hosted this year in absolutely picture-perfect Rocca di Papa, Italy at Pratoni del Vivaro. This was the host site of the 1998 World Equestrian Games and is sure to be a true test of the 89-strong field representing 26 nations this week.
We are just about ready to get underway with the first day of dressage, and you’ve got myself along with Abby Powell ready to bring you up-to-date commentary while Tilly Berendt and Shelby Allen work on site. I’ll be updating you as each rider comes in, but I highly encourage you to pick up a pass to watch yourself on FEI.TV, which is a part of ClipMyHorse.TV. You can learn more and sign up here (there is a free trial for new members!).
Our Ground Jury today includes President and judge at C Christina Klingspor (SWE), judge at H Peter Gray (CAN), and judge at B Christian Steiner (AUT). Tilly Berendt caught up with Peter Gray, who is officiating his first World Championships (and has also competed himself in the 1990 World Championships in Stockholm), earlier this year and it’s definitely a cool read if you’d like to study up.
We’ll be underway at 9:30 a.m. local time, which is 3:30 a.m. EST and, sigh, 12:30 a.m. for me out here in California. This morning we’ll see a total of 22 horses and riders, including the first rotation of team riders. After an hour or so lunch break, Abby Powell will pick up live updates for the afternoon session.
There are sure to be a myriad of beautiful tests this morning, but some key notables to key an eye on include:
Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo (CAN): 9:46 a.m. local / 3:46 a.m. EST – 34.8
Will Coleman and Off the Record (USA): 11:05 a.m. local / 5:05 a.m. EST – 26.4
Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo (GBR): 11:21 a.m. local / 5:21 a.m. EST – 26.2
Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir (GBR): 12:00 p.m. local / 6:00 a.m. EST – 21.9
We aren’t likely to see the eventual dressage winner in these first few groups, but here are a few horses Equiratings recommends keeping an eye on in the coming sessions:
Riders will be using FEI 5* Test B — you can view the test to follow along here, and if you want a really cool breakdown of the test, check out our Dressage Debrief with Peter Gray over Michael Jung’s Kentucky test with fischerChipmunk FRH:
To use this live update thread, start from the bottom. I’ll be adding updates as they happen to the top!
6:52 a.m. EST: This will be another test marred by some tension, and Shutterflyke will take a score in the 40s into the jumping phases. And that will do us for the morning session! Here’s a look at your top 10 individuals and top 9 teams (full scores here), with quite a few more heavy hitters yet to come this afternoon. Abby Powell will be along in about an hour to bring you live updates from the next sessions, and our eyes on the ground Tilly and Shelby will have more content than you can possibly handle coming your way shortly as well. Thanks for following along with me early this morning!
6:47 a.m. EST: Our final before the lunch break will be Czech rider Miroslav Trunda with Shutterflyke.
6:44 a.m. EST: Aistis is navigating this test quite well as Commander VG comes a bit undone in the extended and some changes. What a calm, cool rider and a good partner for this horse. A rueful shake of the head and a grin is all you need to know this is a rider who has fully accepted his horse as he is. Maybe he’ll be trying to tame the Lippizaner moves for the next test, though…
Commander VG says “I WILL FLY AWAY”. GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV,
6:43 a.m. EST: Commander VG is a cross country horse through and through, and we knew he wouldn’t grab a low score today but this will be another to watch for jumps up the board on Saturday.
6:38 a.m. EST: Next to see will be Lithuanian individuals Aistis Vitkauskas and Commander VG (Viegaard’s Come Back II x Nione Fortuna, by Abantos NRA STB 83 4). Korntawat scores a 32.0 to go into 10th place.
Korntawat Samran and Uster de Chanay. GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
6:31 a.m. EST: A 30.1 for Fouaad provisionally puts him into sixth. We now will move to our sole Thai representative, Tokyo Olympian Korntawat Samran with Uster de Chanay (Negus de b’Neville x Ironne de Chanay, by Clyde de la Combe). This is a newer ride for Korntawat.
6:29 a.m. EST: Fouaad has to exercise some tact in this canter work as Siegneur Medicott has decided that’s enough of this silly putting his head down crap and it’s time for the fun stuff. They should still sneak in under the 30s based on their trends. I’d love to see this pair have a great weekend as individuals here!
6:27 a.m. EST: A slight bobble in the walk work bumps Fouaad up into the 28 range.
6:21 a.m. EST: Hanne is grinning ear to ear as she finishes her test. They won’t be competitive in this phase, scoring a 44.3 and will look to climb the ranks in the jumping phases. Just a few before our lunch break, and next in are India’s sole pair and Tokyo Olympians Fouaad Mirza with Siegneur Medicott (Seigneur d’Alleray xx – Gina XIII, by Finley-M). This is another that’s well capable of slipping under the 30 mark. They scored a 28 in Tokyo and most recently at Arville scored a 26.6.
6:14 a.m EST: Super Swede! A big cheer from the gathered crowd for Niklas Lindback and Focus Filiocus, who also slide into the 20s for a 29.0 provisionally and fifth place. This is quite a good mark for this pair, who typically scores in the low-to-mid-30s. What a time to throw a sub-30 down, way to go! Next in will be individual pair for Denmark, Hanne Wind Ramsgaard and her homebred Amequ Torino (Toulouse – Staugaard’s Flying Colour, by Cosmeo).
6:08 a.m. EST: Next up in this block of individuals is Swedish rider Niklas Lindback with Focus Filiocus (Feliciano 823 x Blue Bells, by Be My Chief) — a very Harry Potter-sounding name, if you ask me.
6:06 a.m. EST: Yasmin scores a 21.9 to go into the lead! What a time for a personal best. For reference, Yasmin scored a 28.1 at Kentucky, where she eventually came in second.
Yasmin Ingham celebrates a killer test with Banzai du Loir. GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
6:05 a.m. EST Banzai du Loir’s ears flop a bit on his stretch circle as Banzai has him in a lovely, relaxed way of going. Without being there in person it’s hard to say for sure, but this ring doesn’t give me the claustrophobic, atmospheric vibes that, perhaps, Herning would have had for the other World Championships. I do believe this will be our morning leader — a great test from Yas!
6:00 a.m. EST: And we are underway now with Yasmin and Banzai du Loir (Nouma d’Auzay x Gerboise du Cochet, by Livarot), who are trending a very impressive 21.7 as they go into their extended trot.
5:38 a.m. EST: A look at the top five as they stand currently:
5:33 a.m. EST: Shane and Virgil are enjoying a really nice ride, with some canter work that shows uphill balance. Shane gives Virgil a big pat and they score a 31.5, shaving a hair off their Tokyo score of 31.7 and going into fifth. We’re now into the final judging break of the morning session and will resume at 6:00 a.m. EST with British individual rider and Kentucky runner-up Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir. This pair is a serious contender for an individual medal in what is their first World Championships appearance.
GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
5:26 a.m. EST: What a test from this young superstar, Lordships Graffalo! Looks like they will go onto a 26.6 for third place behind Monica and Will, provisionally. Next to see will be Australian Olympians Shane Rose and Virgil. Ah – 26.2 for Ros, and that will put her ahead of Will and into second.
Ros’ cheering section is out in full force! GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
5:24 a.m. EST: Will’s score has been updated to a 26.4. Meanwhile, Ros is trending at about 27 as she goes into her stretch circle.
5:21 a.m. EST: This is a combination who could slip into the lead early on here. They scored a 26 at Badminton, which is just about their average in 4* competition. Ope, we’re onto James Bond theme music now. I feel like I’m playing musical score SongPop.
5:18 a.m. EST: A really nice test from Ryuzo and Cekatinka, who has a little spook after her final halt because why not? A 32.2 is right around their average at this level and will slot them into fifth. We will now have the first of the defending World Champion team and the defending individual World Champion herself, Ros Canter, who debuts the exciting Lordships Graffalo (Grafenstolz x Cornish Queen, by Rock King), who was second in his first 5* at Badminton this spring.
5:15 a.m. EST: Now the music has moved onto the Jurassic Park theme music. What are you trying to say, Pratoni?? I thought I heard a bit of Oh Susannah (Oklahoma? Something Americana, at least) during Will’s test. I have questions.
5:13 a.m. EST: Our first Japanese rider, Ryuzo Kitajima, now comes in with the former Tim Price ride Cekatinka JRA (King Kolibri x Katinka, by Julio Marnier), who was top-10 at the last World Championships in Tryon with Tim.
5:11 a.m. EST: Monica’s score is updated to a 25.6. Will is right on her heels, scoring a 26.5 provisionally and into second for now. I know there will be things Will would like to have been better but this is a great spot for the Americans early on.
I always love Will’s quiet pats at the end of his tests. GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
5:09 a.m. EST: Nice changes from Will and Off the Record. Down towards 26.7 now.
5:08 a.m. EST: A lovely halt from Will, who is trending at about a 27.7 at the moment.
5:06 a.m. EST: Will and “Timmy” put in a lovely test at Great Meadow last month, scoring a 23.9 at the 4* level. Their average at the 4* and 5* level is a 27.3, but on their day they could threaten Monica and Artist’s score.
5:05 a.m. EST: Ok, now I have to compose myself as our first Americans are in the ring: Will Coleman, your 2021 Aachen champion, and Off the Record (Arkansas – Drumagoland Bay, by Ard Ohio) are up centerline.
5:02 a.m. EST: Gosh, what a great walk from this little Thoroughbred. Wow! What a test! They score a 25.5 — a new leader by a very healthy margin! I can’t stop using exclamation points! Here’s another one!
GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
4:58 a.m. EST: Guys and gals, I think a Thoroughbred is about to take the (early but still!) lead at World Championships. We’ll see how the walk and canter work comes out..
4:57 a.m. EST: A 38.3 for Malin Josefsson and Golden Midnight, and wow — Monica gets started with a lovely medium trot.
4:54 a.m. EST: Malin loses a few marks in her canter work and changes, but she’s going to make a strong pathfinder for the Swedish come Saturday and will have a respectable score to start on. We’ll now start the Kiwis off with Monica Spencer and Artist, a Thoroughbred of unknown breeding with whom Monica’s been partnered since the gelding was four. They’ve traveled all the way from New Zealand for this chance to make their World Championship debut. Artist was racing-bred in New Zealand but did not race. Love to see some Thoroughbreds representing here this week!
4:50 a.m. EST: A fun fact about Malin, who is also half Japanese: She balances riding with a ‘proper’ job as a small animal vet in Sweden alongside her parents. They also breed German Shepherds.
4:47 a.m. EST: Arianna is trending about a 33.5 as she comes up centerline! They earn a 33.3 and will go into fourth at the moment. Nicely done, gals. Next in will be the first Swedish rider, Malin Josefsson and Golden Midnight (Goldmine x Duva, by Maraton). This is their third championship but their first Worlds appearance.
Arianna Schivo salutes the judges after her test. GIF via ClipMyHorse.TV.
4:40 a.m. EST: And we’re getting ready to get back underway with Arianna and Quefira de L’Ormeau. This pair were 25th individually in Tokyo last year, which was their second Olympic appearance together. This combination typically scores in the mid-30s in 4* and 5* competition, most recently scoring a 37.2 at Badminton earlier this year. They did score a 32.8 at the 2018 WEG at Tryon — can they best that today?
4:36 a.m. EST: I’ve just heard over the announcements that Ruy Fonseca has withdrawn Ballypatrick SRS this morning. This pair was held in the horse inspection yesterday but were passed when they re-presented. That will leave the Brazilian team without a score to drop as their team will move forward with three riders.
4:34 a.m. EST: Psst! Want to sneak a peek at the cross country course ahead of our official preview?? CrossCountryApp has just dropped their map!
4:26 a.m. EST: We’ll now head into our first break of the day and will resume in just a few minutes at 4:41 a.m. EST with Arianna Schivo and Quefira de L’Ormeau (Iolisco de Quinhon*HN x Isabelle du Brulot, by Beausejour IV), a very experienced pair riding for home team Italy in their second World Championships appearance. Here’s a look at the first seven scores:
4:24 a.m. EST: Aw, Nadja is thrilled and gets probably the biggest cheer of the morning so far. She scores a 31.8, not quite a personal best ever but it bests her average and sets the Swiss up nicely to start things off — she’ll go into second for the moment. Really well done!
4:23 a.m. EST: Nadja is really putting in a strong effort here in her canter work, trending down towards a 31 as she comes into her flying change work.
4:22 a.m. EST: Catch up with Sam Watson after his test with SAP Talisman:
4:16 a.m. EST: A really nice performance from Esteban and the sensitive, diminutive Milana 23. They will score a 36.4 to best their average and go into fifth for now. Next to see is the first Swiss rider, Nadja Minder making her Championship debut with Toblerone (Yarlands Summer Song x Medelyne, breeding unknown). This 15-year-old Swiss gelding shares a sire with Astier’s horse, Alertamalib’or. A 33.7 is Nadja’s average at this level with this horse.
4:07 a.m. EST: Senne and Google van Alsingen really put in a great effort for their team this morning and will hit the board on a provisional score of 36.1, which is good for fourth at the moment. We’ll next see the first Spanish rider, Esteban Benitez Valle with the 18-year-old Warmblood mare Milana 23 (Medoc x Morka, by Flemmingh). This is another pair who won’t threaten the top on day one, averaging a 39 at this level. Esteban also makes his World Championship debut this weekend with Milana 23.
4:07 a.m. EST: A look at Astier’s scores:
3:59 a.m. EST: A really lovely test from Astier and Alertamalib’or, what a lovely type this one is! They will go onto a 30.8 provisionally and into the early lead. Next up for the Belgians will be Senne Vervaecke and Google van Alsingen (Watch Me x Pinot Brun VH Pannehof, by Forever), a pair that’s come up the levels together and make their Senior championship team debut this week. Senne is well-traveled through the Junior and Young Rider championship ranks, though so this step up comes as a natural progression for the talented 25-year-old. This pair typically hits the board a bit higher in the marks, so we won’t expect them to threaten Astier’s score but they will be looking to put their team into a good position as trailblazers — a role that will become even more important come Saturday.
3:57 a.m. EST: A look at score trends for the first three so far:
3:55 a.m. EST: A 34.8 for Hawley and Jollybo. We’re off to a pretty strong start with Nicolas, who had some gorgeous work in his medium trot.
3:53 a.m. EST: And now the French will start their week, sending forward Astier Nicolas and Alertamalib’or (Summer Song x Dambine, by Prince Ig’Or), a 12-year-old Anglo-Arab gelding who might be our first score in the 20s if they can get near their average of 27.9.
3:51 a.m. EST: Hawley and Jollybo have been averaging about a 33.7 in 4* and 5* competition lately, though they’ve shown some flashes of even lower and even into the high-20s in the past. This test isn’t going to be their best score ever but should hit the board in that mid-30s range to get Canada on the board.
3:47 a.m. EST: A 37.8 for Sam Watson. Hawley and Jolly (has Hawley sent out a Christmas card that says “Have a Hawley Jolly Christmas” yet? Because that should happen soon if not) have one little bobble coming out of their first halt but are now into their trot work and looking more in sync.
3:46 a.m. EST: Next to see is our first of the North Americans: Hawley Bennett-Awad comes in now with the 18-year-old mare Jollybo (Jumbo x Polly Coldunnell, by Danzig Connection). This is the second Worlds appearance for this pair together, who also competed at the WEG in Tryon.
3:44 a.m. EST: Ah, what a lovely stretching circle at the canter for SAP Talisman. A really sold effort here to start things off for the Irish team. Sam looks like he’ll be a little higher than their usual average but not for lack of effort. Christoph’s score is confirmed at 32.8.
3:42 a.m. EST: Whoops, SAP Talisman says “wait, you don’t want me to keep going?”, adding a few extra obedient rein-back steps. I just love this horse and his “I can do it!” attitude. Also, the music here makes me feel like I’m watching a sad scene in a war movie? So.. if you’re into that mood.
3:41 a.m. EST: SAP Talisman is showing a bit more relaxation early on in his test. He wouldn’t be the fanciest mover of this lot, but he’s keen to do the right thing. This pair typically averages a mid-30s mark in this phase and so far are trending at about a 36.8 as they get into their walk work.
3:40 a.m. EST: A look at the breakdown of Christoph’s scores:
3:35 a.m. EST: And now we’re seeing some just lovely work in the canter from Carjatan S, who has had quite a successful year thus far. This score is going to hit the board a bit higher than they’d initially have liked to start, but it’s looking like a low or mid-30s score to start the week off for the Germans. We’ll next see the first for the Irish, Sam Watson with the young but supremely talented and class SAP Talisman (Puissance x Ali Row, by All Royal), who stepped up in incredible fashion to represent Ireland at Europeans last year as a late call-up. He gets his proper due this week at Worlds as an 11-year-old. Provisionally, 32.8 for Christoph.
3:33 a.m. EST: If you’re a breeding aficionado and want to follow along with the patterns and trends in this year’s field, you can also purchase a copy of Breed.Ride.Compete’s breeding data for this weekend here. And you can find more bits and pieces about each pair entered here.
3:32 a.m. EST: Oh dear, another bobble here in the extended trot — I think this one will settle a bit more into the canter work.
3:31 a.m. EST: Carjatan S has been bit by the tension bug here early on in the test, unable to get into much of a medium trot because the gray gelding is just feeling himself a bit extra this morning.
3:30 a.m. EST: Andddd…first horse up the centerline – go! Thank you so much for tuning in with us bright and early this morning. We’re getting ready to kick this party off officially with German rider Christoph Wahler with Carjatan S (Clearway x Kajenna, by Galant Vert).
Before we dive headfirst into today’s social media recap from Pratoni, a major shout to German eventing blogger, videographer, all around content creator, and most importantly badass human Juliane Barth aka @julis_eventer, who has teamed up with us this week for some epic Instagram content and dropped her first Reel today. Nothing quite captures the essence of equestrian sport like the visual arts, and I’m so proud to have both Julis as well as Tilly Berendt and Shelby Allen on the ground and bringing all of us along for the ride.
Wednesday marked trot-up day for the field of competitors at the 2022 FEI World Championships for Eventing, and a total of 89 horses representing 26 countries will now go forward to tomorrow.
One of my favorite parts of these World Championship events is the number of riders from all over the globe who gather to compete, yes, but also to celebrate this incredible sport we are lucky to have. Scrolling through my social media feeds introduces me to riders and horses I haven’t seen before and now I’m here to share some of those missives with you. Without further ado, today’s social media recap — and it’s a big one!
Christoph Wahler and Carjatan S. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
The first orders of go have been released for the 2022 FEI World Championships for Eventing at Pratoni del Vivaro, and we now know who will lead the way in both the dressage and cross country phases of competition. Show jumping on Sunday will, of course, be held in reverse order of individual standing to determine team and individual medals.
Germany drew the first spot out of the 27 country berths yesterday, and they’ve put forward Christoph Wahler and Carjatan S as their pathfinders. They’ll be the first in front of the dressage judges tomorrow and the first out of the start box on Saturday. The role of pathfinder is no easy feat — you’ve walked the course, but you’re nonetheless essentially riding blind without any visuals on how the track is riding. But Christoph and Carjatan S, who were seventh individually at last year’s European Championships, are a strong cross country pair with slew of clear round experience on their record to call on for this challenge.
The order of go also gives us the first look at the team and individual designations for each country sending a full roster. For pathfinder Germany, Alina Dibowski and Barbados 26, making their World Championships debut, will ride as individuals. This leaves 2014 World Champion Sandra Auffarth (Viamant du Matz), 2010 World Champion Michael Jung (fischerChipmunk FRH), 2020 Olympic Champion Julia Krajewski (Amande de B’Neville), and Christoph as the team.
Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg. Photo by Shelby Allen.
Looking to the rest of the order, some notables include:
Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo will lead off for the Canadians with Mike Winter and El Mundo out last for the team. Dana Cooke and Mississippi will compete as individuals.
For the U.S., Will Coleman will be the pathfinder as the 11th to see with Off the Record. Boyd Martin will anchor with Tsetserleg TSF, and Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan are the individual pair.
The defending British will send Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo first out as 13th to go, while Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir — also making their World Championships debut this week — will ride shortly after as individuals. Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class will anchor Team GB.
Full Thursday dressage times can be found here, while Friday times are here. Cross country times will be released on Friday, but riders will appear in the same order they do for dressage.
We’ll have much more from Pratoni coming your way in a constant drip all week, so keep coming back for more!
Happy Pratoni week! we’re as keyed up as a fit event horse on a runway, so to release some of this nervous excitement we’ve busied ourselves with this World Championships trivia game from our friends at Sterling Essentials.
Use the form below to take our World Championships quiz. We’ll draw a winner from the top scorers on Monday, September 19 to receive a bundle of Sterling Essentials all-natural leather care goodies, perfect for your tack cleaning regimen (or, you know, for starting a new one — no judgement here).
Hint: Most of the questions found below can be answered using our Ultimate Guide or our Form Guide 😉
Disclaimer: This contest is sponsored by Sterling Essentials LLC. All emails collected from entries will be shared with the sponsor, and you may receive marketing emails from EN and Sterling Essentials. We will not share your information outside of these parties, and you may unsubscribe at any point in time.
To play, use the embedded form below or click here. Good luck, and Go Eventing!
One travel essential for the riders repping the U.S. at Pratoni this week is the portable Haygain HG One steamer — plus, it makes an excellent spot to shoot the cover for your next album of questionable quality obscure pop covers.
Speaking of Pratoni, you have until midnight Eastern time tonight to enter our Pratoni Pick ‘Em and Win contest! You could win a massive prize pack featuring a bucket of Kentucky Performance Products goodies, a $100 gift card from Ocala Horse Properties, a 2-in-1 Iconic Equestrian saddle pad from Achieve Equine, and a bundle of EN merch from Dapplebay. Your assignment is to correctly predict the gold medal-winning team and individual at World Championships this week. [Ready to play? Click here!]
Let’s hear it for the winners of this year’s Area 8 championships! Held at the Park Equine Kentucky Classique earlier this month, the Area 8 championships crowned seven winners. [Meet the Champions]
A judge has rule that Michael Barisone will remain in custody so he can receive continued mental health treatment at a New Jersey psychiatric hospital. The dressage trainer was found not guilty of attempted murder on account of insanity earlier this year. [Read the full story]
Riders the world over continue to pay tribute after the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ahead of her funeral service next week. A lifelong equestrian and horse lover, Her Majesty will forever be loved for, among many other things, her affinity for animals. [Riders pay tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth]
Michael Jung could well be poised to take the individual gold for Germany at this week’s World Championships, reclaiming the title he won back in 2010. But how did he get where he is? And how can we emulate his success? [Tips from Michael Jung]
#TackFacts from Sterling Essentials: Did you miss Gillian Warner’s review of the all-natural Sterling Essentials leather care line? Catch up here!
The excitement is building as we get nearer to the action at the 2022 FEI World Championships for Eventing! The competition begins in earnest with the First Horse Inspection at 1:30 p.m. local time / 7:30 a.m. EST. We’ll be tweeting the jog live as is tradition over on @EventingNation, so be sure to follow along there!
Before we get underway officially, let’s have a look at the latest social media posts from on the ground. Most horses arrived yesterday or earlier and spent today getting out for a quick leg stretch or school on the flat.
It’s nearly go time for the 2022 FEI World Championships for Eventing! We’ll kick things off in earnest tomorrow (Wednesday) with the First Horse Inspection, and today the chefs for each team will meet and a draw will take place to determine order of go for the teams (in fact, that’s probably happened by the time you read this!).
As is tradition here on EN, our team has put their collective nerd hat on and has submitted their picks for teams and individuals to beat this week, along with a “Dark Horse” pick. For these World Championships, we invite you to play along too!
To participate, please fill in your picks for TEAM GOLD and INDIVIDUAL GOLD, along with the finishing score for each using the entry form at the bottom of this page. Ties will be broken using score predictions — the closest to the finishing score without going over will win in the event of a tie.
Up for grabs is a prize bundle containing:
A bucket from Kentucky Performance Products featuring Trouble Free Paste, 5 lb bucket of Summer Games Electrolyte, 1 lb Joint Armor, and a coupon for 20% off and free shipping
Bundle of EN Merch including #goeventing hat, tote bag, and sticker pack
(Note: One primary U.S.-based winner will be drawn from correct picks to receive the grand prize. Additionally, one international-based winner will also be drawn to receive a bundle of EN Merch! Prizes will be drawn the week of September 19 and the winners will be announced in News & Notes and notified via email.)
Need help making your picks? Check out the list of Definite Entries here and EN’s Ultimate Guide to FEI World Championships here. You can also check out our team’s picks below.
Entries are due by midnight EST on Thursday, September 15. Use the entry form at the bottom of this post or click here if it isn’t visible in your browser!
Has anyone ever seen Oliver Townend jump for joy before?! A historic moment, indeed. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.
SHELBY ALLEN
Team Gold: Great Britain
If consensus is any evidence, then just keep reading below to see who our team almost unanimously thinks will take the whole bag. Great Britain has arguably the strongest teams coming forward this week, and though we don’t yet know who will ride as the individual, they basically can’t pick wrong — this team is a whose who of top five-star finishers.
Reigning world champion Ros Canter’s Lordships Graffalo may be green in age, but he’s freaky competitive and a second-place finish at Badminton this spring sealed the deal for their place this week. Oliver Townend is a stalwart of the British team and he’s massively competitive, especially aboard previous Kentucky CCI5*-L winner Ballaghmor Class.
Speaking of competitive, Laura Collett and her best buddy London 52 are headed to Italy with a recent Badminton win in their pocket alongside British Eventing up-and-comer Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir, who were second at Kentucky this spring.
Individual Gold: Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser
I notably skipped one member of my team gold pick, Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser. An unlucky tumble ended their Badminton weekend early this spring, sadly too, considering they were sitting in second on 23.4. Toledo is a keenly athletic horse, and the terrain shouldn’t bother this pair, so I’m hoping he’ll keep fighting through to the very last fence.
Dark Horse: Team USA
Every championship is a massive deal for the U.S. team who have seemed to be perennial underdogs in recent history, but I like to think this year is different. I think we have a healthy mix of seasoned vets, new faces and an extra crate of tannerite in the trailer to spark it all off.
I’m excited to see Ariel Grald given this huge opportunity with Leamore Master Plan. To take your “first upper level horse” to a World Championships is the stuff of miracles. We can expected polished, competitive rides from the stalwarts of Boyd Martin, Lauren Nicholson and Will Coleman. And if the stars align, we may see Tamie Smith and the unicorn Mai Baum up on the individual podium when all is done too.
Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser (pictured at WEG in 2018) will look to send Team GB to the top of the podium once more. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.
TILLY BERENDT
Team Gold: Team GB
The British squad is TERRIFYINGLY good, once again, and they’ll head to Italy with the confidence of a nation that holds basically every gold medal there is to win at the moment (except the Pony European team gold, but we’ll allow that). I think Germany’s going to give them a serious run for their money, though, and it’ll come right down to the wire over a tough, terrain-y showjumping track on Sunday. One of those two teams will win — by the tiniest of margins.
Individual Gold: A who’s who of top finishers
It’s going to be a head to head between Michael Jung and the ineffable fischerChipmunk FRH and Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser, for me. Laura Collett and London 52 have an enormous chance, but we’ve not yet seen ‘Dan’ tackle terrain like this (and he had a hold mid-round at Badminton, so it’s enough of a question mark) — but Toledo has stay for days and looks at his absolute peak after that whoopsy at Badminton this spring. That said, though, there’s no part of me that would be surprised if Germany’s Christoph Wahler snuck in and sealed the deal with Carjatan S. They’re incredible on the flat, and can go sub-25, and the gelding is a real stayer. He peaks in the second half of the season, and generally show jumps exceptionally well. They’ve got everything it takes to get it done.
Dark Horse: Vive la France
It feels like cheating to refer to the French as a ‘dark horse’ front – but they do always seem to sneak out of nowhere to get the job done. This year’s squad is full of new faces and young horses, but when you start to delve into their results and recent performances, you’ll realise they’re an incredibly formidable bunch. I’m particularly excited to see UK-based Gaspard Maksud make his championship debut with Zaragoza, a nine-year-old who’s been extraordinarily impressive. They were right up there in the final selection trial at Haras du Pin — or Diet Pratoni — and could really put their names on the map this week. I’m also enormously excited to see what the Swiss team does this week, and I think we should see them nab their Olympic qualification here pretty easily — a huge step up for this developing eventing nation.
Tom Carlile’s exciting Darmagnac de Beliard at Bramham. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
AMANDA CHANCE
Team Gold: Team France
Tempting to go for the obvious choice with Team GB (the depth of their team is incredible) but where’s the fun in that?!? Plus I think it’s safe to say that if there’s something we’ve all learned in the past decade or so, it’s that the French tend to fly under the radar then pop up out of seemingly nowhere and do really well in team competition. You can never count them out, plus I’m a Tom Carlisle mega fangirl, so… Vive la France!
Individual Gold: Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos
This is the best cross country horse in the world right now (fight me, it’s a hill I’m100% willing to die on) and King of the FOD. He won’t be at the top after dressage, but I’m hoping the jumping phases have a heavy influence. To me Vassily is everything an event horse should be, an absolute joy to watch, and I can’t wait to see him eat up Pratoni – hopefully he gets some nice shiny golden hardware to hang up alongside his Olympic silver!
Dark Horse: Team Japan
This one is purely sentimental but I would love nothing more than to see Team Japan make it onto the podium. It was gutting to see them not finish a team on their home turf in Tokyo after putting in so many years worth of prep just for that occasion, and I think they’ll be seeking some redemption. Hopefully the eventing gods are on their side!
Tamie Smith and Mai Baum are textbook over Badminton’s beefiest showjumping track. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.
TALEEN HANNA
Team Gold: Team USA
I may be a little biased since I live in the U.S., but Team USA has an overall solid team and might be capable of pulling it out this week.
Individual Gold: Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH
Michael is an all-time favorite of mine and I feel like it’s a pretty safe choice to put my bets on him winning!
Dark Horse: Tamie Smith and Mai Baum
They have been working extra hard — especially lately. I think they might surprise us!
Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir. Photo by Abby Powell.
EMA KLUGMAN
Team Gold: Germany
It’s always hard to bet against the Germans, and this year they really seem to have a strong team with horses and riders with strengths in all three phases. Occasionally in the past the cross country has caught them out (i.e. in Tokyo, when they suffered from a mistake on cross country and only had three riders with the Olympic format), but I think having a drop score at the Worlds will mean that they are virtually bulletproof, even if one of their team riders does have a problem on cross country.
Individual Gold: Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir
As a young professional in our sport of eventing, I find it awe-inspiring that Yasmin was not only competitive enough at the top level to make a senior team, but also made the British team, which is arguably the most competitive to be selected for, given the country’s strength and depth. As she did at Kentucky this spring, where she finished second, this young woman seems to show up to play and to win. Her horse doesn’t appear to have a weakness, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them on the individual podium, if not atop it.
Dark Horse: Tamie Smith and Mai Baum
A literal “dark horse,” the striking black gelding has the capability to win the dressage and add nothing to that score if everything goes their way in each phase of competition. If they can do that, it may be a real fairytale weekend for this long-term partnership.
Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.
ABBY POWELL
Team Gold: Is Team GB the strongest in the world right now? Is the sky blue? Do dogs bark?
Individual Gold: Ros Canter defends her title
Perhaps this is going a bit out on a limb since he’s such a young horse and of course there is such formidable competition even on their own team, but I think Ros Canter< will defend her title as World Champion with the 10-year-old Lordships Graffalo. This pair has already shown impressive consistency and garnered a number of top placings, including second place at Badminton this spring at the gelding’s 5* debut. I mean, c’mon.
Dark Horse: Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos
Speaking of consistency…Vassily de Lassos, Andrew Hoy’s FOD unicorn, will never be far off the front. While he doesn’t hit the lower 20s dressage scores, this horse is a jumping freak in the best possible way. Let this blow your mind: he’s only accrued 1.2 total jumping phase penalties in all his FEI starts over the last three years. If everyone else is having a bit of trouble in the later two phases, then this pair will steal the title.
Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.
SALLY SPICKARD
Team Gold: A head-to-head between the Brits and the Germans
It won’t be surprising to see the defending World and Olympic champion British duke it out with the equally impressive German team this week — at this juncture, it’s really anyone’s call as to who will be the last standing atop the podium. I think this event will, more than some others, come down to cross country and its unique challenge that’s sure to feature “thinking questions” from designer Giuseppe della Chiesa. Add in a healthy amount of Italian terrain and a dash of heat and humidity, and we’ve got conditions that will warrant endurance and horsemanship above all else.
But this championship will be won on brains, not brawn. As Giuseppe told Tilly, “A tired horse on a hill will not finish; he just stops. He says, ‘I’ve had enough’. But a tired horse on flat ground, if the rider has a bit of a brain, has the chance of a softer route to bring him home. I didn’t use that so much in the short-format competition, but in the long-format, I will. I’ve always been a big believe that you must do hills early on and finish flat.”
Individual Gold: Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos
It feels a bit silly to bet against the fischerChipmunks, London 52s, Amande de B’Nevilles, and Ballaghmor Classes of the world, but I — along with many of our team members here — have a good feeling about Andrew Hoy’s magical unicorn, Vassily de Lassos. Skip on down to Abby’s write-up about Vassily de Lassos’ nearly impeccable cross country record, which speaks for itself. Andrew benefitted from a hold on cross country in Tokyo, but likely could have caught the tricky time regardless of that and would go on to collect an individual and a team medal for Australia that week. Andrew’s chosen his competition schedule for the 13-year-old Anglo-Arab gelding — whose breeding will also be bonus for this event — smartly, picking events where his horse’s versatility and rideability can truly shine. This pair was fifth in the 4*-L (different cross country designer) at Pratoni in 2020 and will lead the charge for the Australians this week.
Dark Horse: Team USA
The all-important Olympic qualification is on the line for all countries fielding a team at Pratoni. The top seven teams — excluding host country France, should they finish in this realm — will collect their qualification berth for Paris, taking the pressure off for the next couple of years. While this is the foundational goal, Team USA won’t be going into Pratoni with *just* a qualification in mind — they’ve put together one of the strongest teams in recent memory and are heading into championship week with medals on the mind.
Under the guidance of interim chef d’equipe Bobby Costello, the mix of new faces and experience on the U.S. team bring a wealth of recent successes to the table. Team USA has not achieved the results it’s sought in the past few championship and Olympic cycles — could this be the week of the turnaround?
In particular, I’m keen to see the very experienced Tsetserleg take a spin around this cross country track, and I also look forward to the Anglo-Arab Vermiculus’ performance for Lauren Nicholson — this is another pair that, to my eye at least, seems perfectly suited to this type of track. And of course, you’ve got the 2021 Aachen winners (Will Coleman and Off the Record) as well as the guaranteed-to-dazzle Mai Baum and the consistent Leamore Master Plan sporting the stars and stripes this week, and I for one think we could be looking at a podium team if things go well for the Americans.
Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
GILLIAN WARNER
Team Gold: Great Britain
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the British team defend their title from Tryon in 2018. With an incredibly experienced and impressive team in Laura Collett, Ros Canter, Oliver Townend, Tom McEwen, and Yasmin Ingham, the British team is bringing some hard hitters, consistent pairings, and a talented senior team debutante in Yasmin Ingham. I’d expect this team to leave a massive impression.
Individual Gold: Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH
Every time I think I’ve selected my pick for individual gold, I think of yet another strong pair, or factor to consider. It just goes to show how intensely exciting this week will be! Not particularly surprising, but Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH are top of my list. However, could we see a similar showing as Kentucky this past spring? With Yasmin Ingham’s remarkable showing in Kentucky, her senior team debut could be similarly competitive.
Now it’s your turn! Submit your picks below or here by midnight EST on Thursday, September 15 to be eligible to win. Can’t see the embedded post below? Click here to enter.
Disclaimer: This form collects email addresses, which will be shared with the presenting sponsors of this contest. You may receive emails from Kentucky Performance Products, Ocala Horse Properties, Achieve Equine and EN — but you can unsubscribe at any point in time, and we won’t share your information outside of these parties.
We are absolutely spoiled with a full calendar of eventing for the first time in recent history, and the adventure continues this week as the long-awaited 2022 FEI World Championships for Eventing kick off Wednesday, September 14 with the first horse inspection.
If you aren’t lucky enough to attend in person (I feel your pain there!), I’ve rounded up the best ways to follow along from wherever you are, so keep this post bookmarked (along with our Ultimate Guide to World Championships, of course) and share with your fellow eventing nerd friends.
Additionally, it’s likely I’ve missed some information on international viewing, so please feel free to email [email protected] or comment on this post if you have more details than I found!
The global broadcast will be carried by FEI.TV, which is now a part of ClipMyHorse.TV. You’ll need a subscription to access the stream, which starts at $17.03/month —- but this will also get you access to the entirety of their global streaming schedule, including all the World Championships disciplines, plus a jam-packed archive of competitions and programs. There is also a free trial for new users, and the service can be canceled at any point in time. Bonus: the World Championships for Driving are also set to be held at Pratoni the week following eventing and will also be broadcast live on FEI.TV.
To access the live stream from wherever you are, click here. Highlights and winning rounds will also be uploaded to the FEI’s YouTube channel.
Tilly has graciously designed a few time zone cards for you as well, so here’s a look at the competition schedule in worldwide time zones:
There will also be select/limited coverage broadcast on various networks around the world. I wasn’t able to confirm specifics, but here is a list provided by the FEI of networks that will carry some sort of coverage from Pratoni — check your local listings for more:
Australia – 7plus
Brazil – COB (Brazilian Olympic Committee)
China – MIGU
Egypt – ONTIME Sports
Finland – Yle
Germany– ARD/ZDF
Italy – Rai
Netherlands – NOS
Norway – NRK
Poland – TVP
Sweden – SVT
Switzerland – SSR
UK – BBC
MENA – Dubai TV: Iran – Iraq – Israel – Jordan – Kuwait – Lebanon – Oman – Palestinian Territory – Qatar – Saudi Arabia – Syria – United Arab Emirates – Yemen
MENA – Abu Dhabi Media: Algeria – Bahrain – Chad – Djibouti – Egypt – Iran – Iraq – Israel – Jordan – Kuwait – Lebanon – Libya – Mauritania – Morocco – Oman – Palestinian Territory – Qatar – Saudi Arabia – Somalia – Sudan – Syria – Tunisia – United Arab Emirates – Yemen
Africa (9 countries) – StarTimes: Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, Uganda, Guinea, DRC, and South Africa
Delayed coverage will also be provided on Eurosport:
Pan-Europe: Albania – Algeria – Andorra – Armenia – Austria – Azerbaijan – Belarus – Belgium – Bosnia-Herzegovina – Bulgaria – Croatia – Czech Republic – Cyprus – Denmark – Egypt Estonia – Finland – France – Georgia – Germany – Greece – Hungary – Iceland – Ireland – Israel – Italy – Jordan – Kosovo – Kazakhstan – Kyrgyzstan – Latvia – Lebanon – Libya – Liechtenstein – Lithuania – Luxembourg – Macedonia – Malta – Moldova – Monaco – Morocco – Montenegro – Netherlands – Norway – Poland – Portugal – Romania – Russia – San Marino – Serbia – Slovakia – Slovenia, Spain – Sweden – Switzerland – Syria – Tajikistan – Tunisia – Turkmenistan – Turkey – United Kingdom – Ukraine – Uzbekistan – Vatican State
Pan-Asia: Afghanistan – Australia – Bangladesh – Bhutan – Brunei – Cambodia – Cook Islands – East Timor – Fiji – Federated States of Micronesia – French Polynesia – Guam – Hong Kong – India – Indonesia – Kiribati Islands – Laos – Macau – Malaysia – Maldives – Marshall Islands – Mongolia – Myanmar – Nauru – New Caledonia – Nepal – Niue – North Korea – North Mariana Islands – Pakistan – Papua New Guinea – Palau – Philippines – Pitcairn Islands – Samoa – Singapore – Solomon Islands – South Korea – Sri Lanka – Taiwan – Thailand – Tonga – Tuvalu – Vanuatu – Vietnam
Indian Sub-Continent: India – Bangladesh – Bhutan – Myanmar – Nepal – Pakistan – Sri Lanka
Highlights will be available on the following networks:
New Zealand – Country TV
Europe, Middle East and North Africa, Asia Pacific (including Australia and New Zealand), Latin America – CNBC
Pan-Africa – SuperSport: Angola – Benin – Botswana – Burkina Faso – Burundi – Cameroon – Cape Verde – Central African Republic – Chad – Comoros Islands – Congo – Democratic Republic of Congo – Djibouti – Equatorial Guinea – Eritrea – Ethiopia – Gabon – Gambia – Ghana – Guinea – Guinea Bissau – Ivory Coast – Kenya – Lesotho – Liberia – Madagascar – Malawi – Mali – Mauritania – Mauritius – Mayotte – Mozambique – Namibia – Niger – Nigeria – Reunion – Rwanda – Sao Tome and Principe – Senegal – Seychelles – Sierra Leone – Socotra – Somalia (including Somaliland) -South Africa – St Helena and Ascension – Sudan – South Sudan – Swaziland – Tanzania – Togo – Uganda – Zimbabwe – Zambia
It’s timeeeee! Horses and riders are arriving at Pratoni del Vivaro for this week’s FEI World Championships, and I am simply stoked to follow along from afar. We’ve got Shelby Allen and Tilly Berendt on the ground this week and Abby Powell and myself supporting remotely, so buckle in for an epic week of top-tier eventing!
Know someone who has made our sport better? Nominations are now open for the USEA Appreciation Award, intended to recognize someone for their dedication to the sport in a riding or a non-riding capacity. [Learn more & nominate someone]
Doug Payne stopped by the latest episode of the USEA Podcast with Nicole Brown to chat all things Vandiver, the Tokyo Olympics, running a bustling business, family, and much more. [When Nicole Met Doug]
Mexican rider Daniela Moguel is on a mission to grow eventing. As she treks to her second World Championships appearance with her darling mare Cecelia, she also hopes to enjoy the ride with her partner of a lifetime while also growing visibility for other riders hoping to get into the sport. [Bringing Eventing to the World]
Sponsor Corner: Our favorite listing from Ocala Horse Properties this week is a darling mini-farm just waiting for you (and me, into your guest room) to move in…
Changing your environment is instrumental for training and development, and Cathy Wieschhoff shares some tips from her farm in this minute with Cathy clip:
Liz Halliday-Sharp and Shanroe Cooley. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
It seems like only a few months ago that an exciting young horse popped up on Liz Halliday-Sharp’s social media channels. A frequent customer of Richard and Georgina Sheane’s Cooley Farm in Ireland, Liz can be counted on to have a slew of horses sourced from Ireland on her roster at all times.
One rising star on the Halliday-Sharp roster (a high compliment, considering most any horse in Liz’s stables at any point in time is most likely a superstar in the making) is a seven-year-old by Dallas VDL, Shanroe Cooley. Bred by Anthony Smyth, Shanroe Cooley (Dallas VDL – Shanroe Sapphire) was purchased as a four-year-old for Liz’s program, joining a strong string of her horses owned by Ocala Horse Properties.
It’s this gelding, who competed in the Irish Young Event Horse Finals in 2019, that’s been tapped for the FEI WBFSH World Young Horse Breeding Championships at Mondial du Lion in France. The annual fall event, which this year is scheduled for October 20-23, features World Championships for both six- and seven-year-old event horses at the CCI2*-L and CCI3*-L levels, respectively.
“I have always believed he was a [Le Lion] horse,” Liz explained after winning the 3*-S in wire-to-wire fashion at MARS Great Meadow International last month. Prior to that, “Dallas” was fifth in his first 3*-L at Bromont in June.
“He’s a really interesting horse,” Liz continued. “He’s wiser than his years. He’s never been bothered with atmosphere or anything like that, he just goes in and does his job.” That isn’t to say the Irish gelding is a simple ride, though. “He doesn’t look it, but he’s a tricky ride. He’s an internal worrier, definitely, and he’s sensitive.”
Liz Halliday-Sharp and Shanroe Cooley pick up a win en route to a trip to France this fall. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.
Had it not been for the fact Liz moved her full-time base to the U.S., she says she would likely have taken Shanroe Cooley to Le Lion as a six-year-old. Young horse championships are a “strike while the iron is hot” type of deal, where time is limited and age-outs come into conflict with what could have been all too frequently. But Liz knows she’s got a seven-year-old contender on her hands, and now the focus is on making sure the gelding peaks properly for his big event.
“It’s nice now because I’m going to go to his next run and just tone everything down a little bit since that was the first time I’ve put a bit of pressure on him,” Liz said at Great Meadow, where cross country ran last and she was pleasantly surprised to have gone quickly inside the optimum time. This run sets him up nicely to have a low-pressure run at Stable View later this month ahead of his flight to France. “I think that was good for him, and now we can settle down a little and have a nice run at Stable View.”
The road to Le Lion is long, but we’re enjoying the journey with Liz and will be checking in with her again as the Championships approach. You can learn more about FEI WBFSH World Young Horse Breeding Championships here.
This series is brought to you in partnership with Ocala Horse Properties — your home for prime equestrian real estate in Ocala and beyond. Find your dream farm or next investment opportunity here.
I can’t even fully express my excitement for next week’s FEI World Championships for Eventing in Italy. It’s going to be week packed full of epic eventing content, brought to you by our rockstar reporters on the ground, Shelby Allen and Tilly Berendt, with remote support from myself and Abby Powell throughout the week. We build our calendar around championships like this and can’t wait for you to join us!
When we’re talking about cross country courses and safety, does bigger mean safer? Capt. Mark Phillips muses on this topic in his post-Burghley debrief on Horse & Hound, and he raises some interesting thoughts, particularly on some of the horse falls seen on course. [Opinion: Mark Phillips on Burghley]
Ahead of next week’s FEI World Championships for Eventing, we’ve got the 2024 Olympics in Paris in mind. Why’s that? Because next week in Pratoni, riders will have their first opportunity to qualify for a team Olympic berth. [How to qualify for Paris, explained]
Know someone deserving of a USEF Lifetime Achievement Award or a Pegasus Medal of Honor? Nominations for these awards are due to US Equestrian by Wednesday, October 19. [Nominations Open for USEF Awards]
#TackFacts from Sterling Essentials: Keeping your tack in your car on a sunny day or during hot weather? You might be in for a big disappointment. Check out these tips in order to learn how to protect your tack from inadvertent damage:
A handy trick to have up your sleeve on a hot day! #goodlookingbartender #howaboutsomecheeseandcrackers
Get in touch with me to find out how to train your horse to fetch you a drink (or to happily accept a worming tube, stand calmly for the farrier, halt square at X in your dressage test, or anything else you can think of). Individual and group lessons, weekend clinics, theory evenings and online/distance learning available.
Madison Langerak and Normandy Kivalo’s (Kalaska de Semilly – Carina) partnership began in 2017, and they’ve successfully ticked up through the levels since then, even collecting a top-10 finish at USEA American Eventing Championships in 2021 as a Preliminary pair.
In 2022, Madison and “Norman” returned to AEC at Rebecca Farm, this time competing in the Open Modified Championship and earning the top prize in the process.
It was a meaningful prize for Madison, who returned to competition with her horse of a lifetime after some health complications kept him on the sidelines for the better part of two seasons.
“Honestly this was my last goal so I don’t know if I’ll come back next year to event or not, but I know he loves it so I’ll have to make sure there’s a way for him to keep doing it,” Madison told the USEA. “I just don’t know if I want to push him too hard with how delicate he is—he’s my delicate little flower. It’s the highest highs and the lowest lows with him. He’ll never go out and do a mediocre job by any means.”
You can take a spin around Ian Stark’s Modified track at #AEC2022 thanks to Madison’s GoPro — can’t see the embedded Instagram post below? Click here to watch or here to watch on Facebook.
For many combinations heading to FEI World Championships for Eventing (next week!), it’s time to hit the road to Italy. With 27 nations represented in this year’s entries for Worlds, the travel logistics are of epic proportions. While many combinations will be traveling from other parts of Europe and the UK, for others a trans-Atlantic trip is necessary, namely for our U.S., Canadian, and Mexican pairs.
We’ll be checking in on social media from the World Championships-bound horses and riders over the coming days, so let’s kick things off with a quick recap of travels thus far. The American riders will be based in Vittel, France in the days leading up to Pratoni, while the Canadians will head to a small training camp in Italy pre-competition. U.S.-based Mexican rider Daniela Moguel is also beginning her travels today with Cecelia, flying out of Miami.
Team USA Eventing heading out… next stop – Vittel France for training camp
Thank you Erika M. Nesler for allowing us to take over your fabulous farm
Onto the next! Go USA!
Kazuma Tomoto and Vinci de la Vigne. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.
A total of 90 horse and rider combinations will descend on Pratoni del Vivaro to the east of Rome, Italy, next week as the 2022 FEI World Championships for Eventing and Driving are finally upon us. Definite entries have just been released, confirming the nominated entries that were sent in last month.
Representing 27 countries, 16 of which will field a team of four riders (and most major governing bodies will also opt to fill their individual allotment) and the remainder of which will send individual competitors.
The all-important qualification for the 2024 Olympics in Paris lie front of mind for those competing in Italy next week. The top seven teams from Pratoni — excluding France, which as Olympic host country secures automatic qualification — will march on to Paris with their berth in hand. The remaining teams will need to qualify through other Championships such as 2023 European Championships or the 2023 Pan American Games, among others.
Individual berths, while not given out with Pratoni placings, are given to the top-ranked rider in each FEI group (A – North Western Europe, B – South Western Europe, C – Central & Eastern Europe; Central Asia, D & E – North America, Central & South America, F – Africa & Middle East, G – South East Asia, Oceania) and to countries which have not accepted a team berth.
Lea Siegl (AUT) and DSP Fighting Line. Photo by Sally Spickard.
Definite entries are primarily a narrowing-down from a country’s long list of qualified and in-contention riders. Most larger countries have already announced their traveling squad — visit our Ultimate Guide to FEI World Championships to catch up on team announcements — but some rosters have taken a clearer shape with this latest entry update:
Austria has narrowed its list to a three-rider team consisting of Harald Ambros with Mountbatton 2, Katrin Khoddam-Hazrati and Oklahoma 2, and Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line.
Belgium has named its five-rider squad (which will be divided into four team members and one individual competitor): Karin Donckers and Fletcha van T’Verahof, Jamo Verwimp and Mahalia, Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Hermione d’Arville, Senne Vervaecke and Google Van Alsingen, and Maarten Boon with Gravin van Cantos.
Japan will send a team of four to Italy: Ryuzo Kitajima and Cekatinka JRA, Yoshiaki Oiwa and Calle 44, Kazuma Tomoto and Vinci de la Vigne JRA, and Toshiyuki Tanaka with Swiper JRA.
The Netherlands will not field a team this year, instead sending two individual pairs: Sanne de Jong and Enjoy as well as Jordy Wilken with Burry Spirit.
The full list of Definite Entries and much more information ahead of next week can be found here. FEI World Championships for Eventing begin in earnest on Wednesday, September 14 with the first horse inspection. Dressage will commence on September 15 and conclude on September 16, followed by cross country on Saturday, September 17 and show jumping on Sunday, September 18. All phases of competition will be live streamed on FEI.TV, which is now a part of ClipMyHorse.TV — click here to learn more and sign up.
Ireland’s Felicity Ward and Regal Bounty. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Horse Sport Ireland has announced a change to the roster of riders heading to FEI World Championships for Eventing in Italy at Pratoni del Vivaro next week. The change comes after Joseph Murphy’s horse, Calmaro, had a “setback in training”.
Acting High Performance Director for Eventing, Dag Albert, explained:
“Unfortunately Joseph’s horse has had a setback in training and so the decision has been made not to take the risk and travel him to Pratoni. He is a young horse and has had an outstanding year and we will save him for future Championships.”
Joseph Murphy and Calmaro. Photo by Abby Powell.
Taking Joseph’s spot on the roster and called up for her first Senior Championships squad is Felicity Ward, who will bring the 11-year-old Irish gelding Regal Bounty (Orestus VDL – Edge of Reason, by Senang Hati) , owned by James O’Callaghan. This pair had originally been long-listed and then named as non-traveling reserves for Pratoni. They’ve had a solid 2022 season thus far, which includes a top-15 finish in their 5* debut at Luhmühlen in June.
“We have a great reserve ready to travel, Felicity Ward and Regal Bounty who have been really consistent this year in their performances, this is an exciting opportunity for them to be part of the World Championships squad,” Dag Albert said.
The updated list of Irish riders heading to Italy — with team and individual designations yet to be announced — is:
Susie Berry with Monbeg By Design (ISH) [was Eskerhills Elixir] – 2012 gelding by Pacino (BWP) out of Eskerhills Lexis [ISH] by Puissance (ISH)[TIH]. Breeder: Fiona Molloy (Offaly). Owner: Helen Caton. Groom: Crisy Salmon
Padraig McCarthy with Fallulah (WESTF) – 2009 brown mare by Fidertanz 2 out of Devona by Di Versace. Bred by: Michael Norris, Owner: Amanda and Nicholas Boyle, Diane Brunsden, Peter Cattel and Padraig McCarthy. Groom: Jess Elliott
Austin O’Connor with Colorado Blue (SHBGB) – 2009 grey gelding by Jaguar Mail out of Rock Me Baby by Rock Kind. Bred by Mellon Stud, Owner Austin O’Connor and The Salty Syndicate Groom: Francesca Denning
Felicity Ward with Regal Bounty (ISH) – 2011 black gelding by Orestus VDL (KWPN) out of Edge of Reason (ISH) by Senang Hati (TB). Breeder: Miriam De Feu. Owner: James O’Callaghan
Sam Watson with SAP Talisman (ISH) – 2011 bay gelding by Puissance (ISH) out of Ali Row (TB) by All Royal (TB). Breeder: Rosemary Ponsonby. Owner: Hannah Watson and Julia Watson. Groom: Hannah Watson
Non-traveling Reserve:
Michael Ryan with Barnahown Corn Hill (ISH) – 2011 brown gelding by Chinook Eclipse (TB) (USA) and out of Mats Lady (UNK). Bred by Michael Lynch Co Cork. Owners: Carol and Tom Henry
Sunday at the USEA American Eventing Championships was all about the Beginner Novice riders, as all six divisions crowned their champions as the final competitors of the weekend at Rebecca Farm.
Here’s a look at all final scores from #AEC2022:
$60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final: Helen Alliston and Ebay (32.8)
USEA Intermediate Championship: Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF (32.9)
Bates USEA Jr./YR Preliminary Championship: Maddie Smith and Versace (44.2)
Bates USEA Preliminary Horse Championship: Nicole Aden and Illustrator (26.8)
Bates USEA Preliminary Rider Championship: Eileen Galoostian and Ardeo Lord Lancelot (34.5)
Bates USEA Preliminary Amateur Championship: Amy Haugen and Ebenholtz (31.2)
Festival Open Preliminary: Kelly Groot and Super Nova (23.4)
Festival Open Modified: Sarah Sullivan and La Copine (26.4)
USEA Open Modified Championship: Madison Langerak and Normandy Kivalo (20.6)
Festival Open Training: Stephanie Goodman and Esmèe (23.8)
USEA Training Amateur Championship: Amber Pearson and Chosen One DF (27.6)
USEA Training Horse Championship: Tommy Greengard and Shannondale Farm (25.8)
USEA Training Jr. Championship: Lizzie Hoff and HSH Limited Edition (24.8)
USEA Training Rider Championship: Sarah Ross and Fernhill Heart Throb (28.6)
Festival Open Novice A: McLaine Mangum and Grantstown Mr. Big (32.9)
Festival Open Novice B: Teresa Harcourt and Csongor (26.4)
USEA Novice Amateur Championship: Kyla Tovar and Kilcoltrim Jacko (28.3)
USEA Novice Horse Championship: Tommy Greengard and Cappachina (26.4)
USEA Novice Jr. Championship: Olivia Keye and Oso Mighty (27.2)
USEA Novice Rider Championship: Alyssa Cairo and Paddington (25.4)
Festival Open Beginner Novice A: Louise Leslie and Cnick Cnack JJM (32.2)
Festival Open Beginner Novice B: Kelly Schwisow and Redfield Out Of The Blue (26.3)
USEA Beginner Novice Amateur Championship: Jenna McFadden and Take a Shot (28.3)
USEA Beginner Novice Horse Championship: Madeline Backus and Slew the Blues (26.6)
USEA Beginner Novice Jr. Championship: Bridget Kelly and Windover Tarragon (27.8)
USEA Beginner Novice Rider Championship: Mandy Collins and Vatino (29.2)
The USEA Beginner Novice Championship took an early and fiery start to the day with ponies, horses and riders ready to leave their best round in the show jump arena, signaling the final phase on the final day of the American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds. The smokey skies gave way to a cloudless, picturesque backdrop as the sun shone bright on new winners through each level of this division.
USEA Beginner Novice Horse Championship
Madeline Backus aboard Brad Ray’s 9-year-old Quarter Horse Thoroughbred Slew the Blues (Slews Gold x Only Blue Crystal) took home the win in the USEA Beginner Novice Horse Championship after a stellar show jump round. A big smile for Backus and a big pat on the neck for Slew the Blues complimented the epic finish.
“I’m super proud of her—this is the first big show she’s been to and the first time she’s been in temporary stabling. She had a little meltdown the first couple of days but she’s just settled in and got to work every time I put my foot in the stirrup. I’m super impressed with her,” said Backus. “I was the first person on her back last July so she’s come along really quickly in a year and she’s just taken all the steps and keeps showing up for it.” The pair have plans to move up to the novice division this fall.
USEA Beginning Novice Junior Championship
Proudly celebrating a birthday and the first place finish in the USEA Beginner Novice Junior Championship is Bridget Kelly aboard her perky 13-year-old Connemara Quarter Horse mare named Windover Tarragon (Irish Parks Caraway finn x Del Poco Princess). An absolute ringside treat to watch in the arena, Windover Tarragon is undoubtedly a happy competitor.
“The AEC has been a long-time dream of mine. I’ve had this pony for two years, so when we first got this pony she was very stiff and just not at the level she is now so it’s been a challenging journey to bring her up—especially with the dressage. We’ve had a lot of problems with the dressage but dressage is my favorite things so I really like to work on it a lot. Getting that personal best score of ours and leaving from start to finish was just incredible. The show jumping was definitely nerve-wracking. Jumping last is a lot more stressful than it seems. It’s just an incredible feeling. I’m so happy and so proud of my pony.”
USEA Beginner Novice Amateur Championship
With a first place finish under her belt today, Jenna McFadden took the leading position of the victory gallop aboard Mackenzie Johnson’s 6-year-old Thoroughbred called Take a Shot (Grindstone x Easy Elegance). With unexpected but welcomed riding suggestions, McFadden finished on her dressage score to bring home an impressive win.
“Show jumping is definitely our hardest phase so it’s hard to leave that for last, especially when the pressure is on, but I’m very happy with how he was,” said McFadden. “I stress before [show jumping] but then I remember that I’m having fun. My trainer was going Preliminary this week so I was lucky to tag along for a course walk with Ian Stark. He definitely thought I was going Preliminary so he was telling me to ‘ride forward!’ I tried to use that same mentality, just smaller and slower, and it worked perfectly. He was fantastic.” He was better than I could have asked for for dressage and cross-country. In show jumping I had to fight for a couple of the turns but I just got scrappy and just rode like Ian Stark told me to.”
USEA Beginner Novice Rider Championship
Mandy Collins piloting Lillian Thiel’s 20-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Vatino (Patino x Inta) celebrated a first place win today finishing on her dressage score. After what seems like a few lifetimes. Collins is in tears having the lead in today’s victory gallop aboard a horse she clearly adores.
“I grew up as a kid riding outside of Atlanta and then I went to college and started my career, and I always thought I was going to get back into it but then 10, 15 years kind of passed. A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to start riding again and I saw pictures online of this event—that I never got to go to—and I’m here, on this horse, and it feels like an immense privilege,” said Collins. “He tries so hard for me. You come back with a new mentality as an adult rider and he just always looks out for my best interest. Going into the dressage arena, I was able to feel him relax and he just gave me that confidence to go in there and try my best because he put on his game face, too. He’s 20-years-old so he’s been around the block a little bit. To feel that confidence from phase to phase to phase when I’m not sure has just been a gamer changer for my confidence and progressing with my riding.”
Let’s hear it for all of our winners! We were with you in spirit all week and can’t wait until we’re back at AEC. Until then, safe travels home to all and #goeventing.
Bubby Upton and Cola chase the clock on the home stretch. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.
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It’s nearly time for the finale of the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials as we count down to the top 29 show jumping, which will begin at 2:30 p.m. BST / 9:30 a.m. EST.
This morning’s final horse inspection was a tense one, and three pairs were withdrawn overnight: Kate Shapland opted to withdraw Uris Cavalier, Michael Owen withdrew Bradeley Law, and Cathal Daniels withdrew Rioghan Rua.
It’s tight at the top — overnight leader does not have a pole in hand, and time has already proven to be a factor after the first session of the horses near the bottom of the standings earlier this morning. Paul Connor is today’s designer.
You can view the full order here and keep up with scores here. Show jumping goes very quickly, so these updates will likely be primarily text, but refresh this page periodically for the latest!
10:28 a.m. EST: That’ll do us for a wonderful weekend celebrating the return of Land Rover Burghley. I hope you’ve enjoyed following along with us and I can’t express how thrilled I am for these riders. Many congratulations to all, and Tilly will be along later today with the final report. Until then, Go Eventing!
I’ll leave you with one last missive:
GIF via Burghley TV.
10:23 a.m. EST: What a weekend. Piggy and Vanir Kamira become the 14th pair to win Badminton and Burghley. Tom Jackson winds up in second place in an fairytale result, and our own Cornelia Dorr finishes in the TOP 10 at her very first five-star. Someone put that lady on a team.
10:22 a.m. EST: Oh man, Piggy’s living dangerously but wow she does it! They’ve taken the Burghley title!!
10:21 a.m. EST: Piggy has 4A down and rubs the next few.
10:19 a.m. EST: Tom Jackson now moves into second place — I’d love to see a live view of his face right now — and Piggy has two rails and some time in hand as Tim lowers into third place. Let’s go Piggy!
10:18 a.m. EST: Tim has the second fence down with Vitali. He’s got a couple in hand to keep his position, and now Piggy has a bit more breathing room. Vitali has the in and out of the treble down.
10:18 a.m. EST: And now we’re into the final two. First up, Tim Price with his Tokyo partner, Vitali.
10:16 a.m. EST: Ah! Rats. Molly has two rails down and will drop into fourth, putting Tom Jackson on the podium in his very first Burghley. “We’ve dreamt of this, but to actually come and do it is another thing,” he tells Rosie Tapner. And just take a look at this finish:
GIF via Burghley TV.
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10:15 a.m. EST: And here’s Molly! Jonelle Price and Classic Moet come in, currently in third position and without a pole in hand. Molly wouldn’t be one who will necessarily guarantee a clear round, but she’s certainly got it in her.
10:13 a.m. EST: Wow, what a result for Tom! Tom will be at least fourth, improving on his top-16 finish at Badminton with a clear round. This horse is just 11, and it’s not hard to picture him on the next senior team for the Brits with these seriously consistent and improving results. If not, I know another country that would take this pair!
10:11 a.m. EST: Tom Jackson with the seriously impressive Capels Hollow Drift are now in the ring to defend their fourth position.
10:10 a.m. EST: There’s quite a tricky S-turn about midway through this track, and sadly Pencos Crown Jewel has the middle element down. She’s now added two more rails, which will drop her down a few placings. That’s still no worse than 11th for a debut, not too shabby, but she’ll have wanted to have one or all of those rails back.
10:09 a.m. EST: One rail down will drop Kitty down to seventh on a final score of 42.2, collecting her first Burghley completion — in the top 10, no less. Next in will be defending World Champ Ros Canter with the debutant horse Pencos Crown Jewel. This lady has a knack for producing a competitive result in a horse’s first five-star. Case in point? Her World Championships partner, Lordships Grafflo, who seriously impressed for a top finish in his own debut at Badminton.
10:07 a.m. EST: Love this reaction from Alice! Also a fun fact: Alice’s mother, Caroline, actually competed Topspin’s grand dam and dam — as well as the gelding himself — and eventually went on to breed Topspin and keep him in the family. Such a cool, full circle story!
GIF via Burghley TV.
10:06 a.m. EST: Well unfortunately that’s four rails and a second of time for Bubby, who will drop down out of the top 10. Next to see will be Kitty King and Vendredi Biats, who had an 11-penalty round yesterday to lose their lead but nonetheless impressed with their turn of foot. She’ll aim to finish in the top six or better with a clear round.
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10:05 a.m. EST: Bubby does not have a rail in hand to keep her spot, but she does have one to stay in the top 10. Unfortunately she’s had three down as she comes to the treble at 8.
10:04 a.m. EST: Wow! What a class round from Alice, who cements at least eighth place this weekend. What a star. Now on to another promising young superstar, Bubby Upton and Cola III. I’m not sure I could actually pick a favorite from yesterday, but Cola might be close.
10:02 a.m. EST: Alice Casburn, at 20 our youngest rider in the field this weekend, and Topspin are next to see, coming in in eighth position.
10:01 a.m. EST: “I think I’m speechless,” an elated Cornelia Dorr says. “She’s tried so hard and I’m really happy. She jumped out of her skin in there, especially after yesterday. It was hard. I definitely had to think about it in my turns and keep refreshing the canter.”
10:00 a.m. EST: Blast! Pippa has the third fence down, which will move Richard up at least one more spot. She’s also got 7A and 7C, the in and out of the treble down. The oxer at 8 also falls. Rats!
9:59 a.m. EST: Sadly a three-rail round will drop Wills out of the top 10, bumping Richard into the mix of the top placings. Pippa’s now back with Majas Hope, on a 49.0 and with no rails in hand to keep her place.
9:56 a.m. EST: A fantastic clear and the biggest cheer of the day so far for local favorite Richard Jones and Alfies Clover! He will step ahead of Pippa and Billy Walk On and at least maintain his 11th position but is likely to wind up well into the top 10. Another impressive young rider, Wills Oakden, now tgakes the track with Oughterard Cooley. This was another seriously stellar pair to ride yesterday. He’s got the first down unfortunately.
9:53 a.m. EST: Two rails drops Tom down a handful of places with CHF Cooliser. Richard Jones and Alfies Clover, in 11th place after cross country, will be the next to see. This is going fast — our winner will be crowned soon!
9:51 a.m. EST: Three rails and two seconds of time for Tim, who was still working to get rideability from Bango today. Next in will be Tom McEwen with the absolute boss mare CHF Cooliser.
9:50 a.m. EST: This girl:
GIF via Burghley TV.
9:49 a.m. EST: Next to see on a 42.2 currently are Tim Price and Bango, our trailblazers yesterday.
9:48 a.m. EST: It’s truly a weekend for the mares as Tom also collects a clear round with Liberty and Glory. What an impressive little horse.
9:46 a.m. EST: That’s a 47.4 finishing score for Cornelia, who’s basically guaranteed to keep moving up with the way these rounds are going. We’ll see where she ends up! Next in will be Tom Crisp and the lovely mare, Liberty and Glory.
9:45 a.m. EST: Gosh, Daytona Beach is such a jumper. That’s a DOUBLE CLEAR round for Cornelia!!! I am ECSTATIC!
9:42 a.m. EST: Two rails and clear on the time of 77 seconds for Arthur. We’ll now see our highest-placed U.S. pair, Cornelia Dorr and Daytona Beach 8. This pair really impressed in their five-star debut yesterday!
9:41 a.m. EST: Coming forward on a score of 49, we’ll now see Arthur Duffort and Toronto d’Aurois.
9:40 a.m. EST: Two time and two rails for Cedric, who will hold his position for now. Clear rounds are going to be valuable today!
9:38 a.m. EST: Next in will be French rider Cedric Lyard and Unum De’Or, currently 18th on a two-phase score of 51.2.
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9:36 a.m. EST: Catching up on the two American riders who jumped in this morning’s session: Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent had two rails and added 1.2 time, and Emily Hamel had one pole down with Corvett along with 1.6 time. Meanwhile, inside the time but four rails down for Padraig and HHS Noble Call.
9:35 a.m. EST: Just those three down and some time as Sarah completes her first Burghley! You’ll recall she came over all the way from Australia to tackle this event. What a feat! Next in will be Irish Olympian Padraig McCarthy and the absolutely “noble” HHS Noble Call.
9:33 a.m. EST: And that’s the first clear of the day for Pippa! Next in will be Australian rider Sarah Clark with LV Balou Jeanz. This pair was held this morning but later accepted on re-presentation. They sadly have the first three down to start their round.
9:31 a.m. EST: And we are underway! Pippa Funnell and Billy Walk On will be the first to see.
We’re nearly to the end of USEA American Eventing Championships and wow, what a busy week it’s been! We’ll get to the individual recaps and social media round-up soon, but first here’s a look at the scores:
$60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final: Helen Alliston and Ebay (32.8)
USEA Intermediate Championship: Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF (32.9)
Bates USEA Jr./YR Preliminary Championship: Maddie Smith and Versace (44.2)
Bates USEA Preliminary Horse Championship: Nicole Aden and Illustrator (26.8)
Bates USEA Preliminary Rider Championship: Eileen Galoostian and Ardeo Lord Lancelot (34.5)
Bates USEA Preliminary Amateur Championship: Amy Haugen and Ebenholtz (31.2)
Festival Open Preliminary: Kelly Groot and Super Nova (23.4)
Festival Open Modified: Sarah Sullivan and La Copine (26.4)
USEA Open Modified Championship: Madison Langerak and Normandy Kivalo (20.6)
Festival Open Training: Stephanie Goodman and Esmèe (23.8)
USEA Training Amateur Championship: Amber Pearson and Chosen One DF (27.6)
USEA Training Horse Championship: Tommy Greengard and Shannondale Farm (25.8)
USEA Training Jr. Championship: Lizzie Hoff and HSH Limited Edition (24.8)
USEA Training Rider Championship: Sarah Ross and Fernhill Heart Throb (28.6)
Festival Open Novice A: McLaine Mangum and Grantstown Mr. Big (32.9)
Festival Open Novice B: Teresa Harcourt and Csongor (26.4)
USEA Novice Amateur Championship: Kyla Tovar and Kilcoltrim Jacko (28.3)
USEA Novice Horse Championship: Tommy Greengard and Cappachina (26.4)
USEA Novice Jr. Championship: Olivia Keye and Oso Mighty (27.2)
USEA Novice Rider Championship: Alyssa Cairo and Paddington (25.4)
Festival Open Beginner Novice A: Julie Goodwin and Horse Of My Dreams (29.7)
Festival Open Beginner Novice B: Kelly Schwisow and Redfieldd Out Of The Blue (26.3)
USEA Beginner Novice Amateur Championship: Jenna McFadden and Take a Shot (28.3)
USEA Beginner Novice Horse Championship: Madeline Backus and Slew the Blues (26.6)
USEA Beginner Novice Jr. Championship: Bridget Kelly and Windover Tarragon (27.8)
USEA Beginner Novice Rider Championship: Mandy Collins and Vatino (29.2)
Crowds gathered ringside on Friday afternoon for the pinnacle event of the USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds: the final phase of the $60,000 Adequan® USEA Advanced Final. Friendly wagers were made amongst spectators: would an Alliston (who claimed each of the top three spots on the leaderboard) take home the win and if so– which one? Husband and wife duo James and Helen Alliston, based out of San Ramon, California, made the trek to Rebecca Farm for the second time this summer with one goal in mind: to win. For Helen, the hope was to win and schedule a much-needed vacation, but James had his sights set on investing in a new horse to add to their very successful string. With three Alliston-owned horses at the top of the leaderboard (and one more who sat in fifth following cross-country), the odds were in the Alliston’s favor.
Heading into show jumping, it was James’ mount gelding Paper Jam (Paparazzo x Reely Jammin XX) who was leading the division. Hot on the 13-year-old Hanoverian gelding’s heels, however, sat Helen’s longtime partner Ebay (Escudo x Contessa), a 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding who was just fractions of a point off of Paper Jam’s score. One rail would cost James the win (and potentially a new horse too!), but there wasn’t as much rivalry going on between the couple as there was amongst the crowd.
“I was rooting for him to jump clear because it is our horse and I knew he would sulk a lot, and that’s no good,” said Helen with a laugh. “But really, I just wanted to jump a clear round. My show jumping has been pretty poor this year, and he is a really careful jumper so I have been a little bit down on myself about that. So that is all I cared about.”
After dressage, it was Tommy Greengard who led the pack of talented horses and riders in the USEA Intermediate Championship at the 2022 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds on a score of 25.3 aboard his own 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Joshuay MBF (Foreign Affair x Fernacchy MBF). Heading into day two the duo, who both moved up to the level this year took to Ian Stark’s cross-country course and laid down a solid trip, but ultimately settled into second place behind Travis Atkinson and his own 13-year-old Zweibrucker gelding Don Darco (Damarco x Gong Lee) after accruing 7.4-time penalties.
Within striking distance of the title, Greengard knew he and Joshuay MBF has a chance at taking home the ultimate victory. Noting that “Josh” has a strong jump, Greengard reflected that they have had a green rail at every event this season. Honing in on their show jumping training at home, the pair walked into the arena at Rebecca Farm this afternoon hot and ready to roll. “He has won a lot,” the rider commented, “but it has not always been finishing on his dressage score this year. To have a double clear round was all that I was going for today. He is so amazing and he tried his guts out. We have been working really hard on the show jumping to get this moment. To have it come together today was huge.”
Show jumping at the 2022 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds brought the Bates USEA Preliminary Championship to a close today and ribbons were pinned on each winner before riders took off on their victory lap. With winners in every level, each offered different expectations and emotions to the table. This division had a wide range of riders who rode for the win and, most importantly, for their personal best.
Competitors in the USEA Training Championship divisions at the 2022 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds were in for a special treat on Friday morning as they geared up to gallop across an Ian Stark-designed cross-country course on the stunning grounds of Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Montana. The brisk morning brought forth peak cross-country conditions, allowing riders the opportunity to enjoy the ride of their lives at the foot of Glacier National Park.
Novice competitors left it all out on the field today as they conquered a challenging but fair championship cross-country course. The Ian Stark-designed course offered interesting questions for novice riders who may or may not have found them familiar but these leaders tackled each obstacle with the right answers to cohesively maintain their overnight lead.
The Beginner Novice competitors at the USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds took to the rolling hills of Rebecca Farm today to tackle Ian Stark’s cross-country course on Saturday. As the final level to leave the start box this week, the competitors had the benefit of watching several divisions negotiate the Montana terrain before they headed out on course. It clearly worked in their favor, as a majority of the competitors finished the phase with double-clear scores. All four dressage leaders have maintained their positions as we progress to the final day of AEC competition.
