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Sally Spickard

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About Sally Spickard

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

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It’s Here! Big, Bad Burghley Returns and Here are Your Live XC Updates

By on Sep 3, 2022 6:21 am -

The Voltaire Design Bank to Triple Bar at 22AB presents an interesting visual question that could catch some pairs out.

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We’ve been waiting for this moment for, well, three years to be exact as the famous “Big, Bad Burghley” makes a triumphant return to the British fixture list in 2022 following a Covid-induced hiatus. We’ve enjoyed two days of top quality dressage that featured a whole slew of 5* and FEI personal bests, and we’re left with exactly what the doctor ordered: a tightly bunched, 52-strong field nearly all separated by one refusal or less.

It’s a stamina test for the ages at Burghley, and new designer Derek di Grazia has a shrewd affinity for using the terrain to put riders to a mental test as well as a physical one. All of that to say: buckle in tight, and get ready for the ride!

You can preview Derek’s track, which riders say has them thinking about options, long routes, and whether or not they actually know the alphabet, here. The optimum time is a beefy one: 11 minutes, 20 seconds set across 6460 meters of undulating terrain.

Derek di Grazia’s 2022 Burghley course. The bulk of the course’s intensity appears in the first third, with 5ABCDE through to 10ABCDEF

With scores as tightly packed as they are, virtually every ride stands to be near the top of the board when the dust settles today, but below are a handful of notables to earmark, namely the U.S. riders and the top five after dressage. The full cross country order of go can be found here and you can also study up in drawn order using Tilly’s Form Guide here.

  • Woods Baughman and C’est la Vie 135: 11:50 a.m. BST / 6:50 a.m. EST – Eliminated
  • Cornelia Dorr and Daytona Beach 8: 12:05 p.m. BST / 7:05 a.m. EST – CLEAR 8.4 time
  • Piggy March and Vanir Kamira: 12:35 p.m. BST / 7:35 a.m. EST – CLEAR .4 time
  • Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent: 12:40 p.m. BST / 7:40 p.m. EST – 20 jumping, 35.6 time
  • Emily Hamel and Corvett: 1:10 p.m. BST / 8:10 a.m. EST – CLEAR, 30.4 time
  • Sarah Bullimore and Corouet: 1:15 p.m. BST / 8:15 a.m. EST – 20 penalties, RETIRED
  • Tim Price and Vitali: 1:40 p.m. BST / 8:40 a.m. EST – CLEAR, 5.2 time
  • Kitty King and Vendredi Biats: 3:10 p.m. BST / 10:10 a.m. EST – 11 penalties, 6.0 time
  • Oliver Townend and Swallow Springs: 3:45 p.m. BST / 10:45 a.m. EST – Eliminated

In the meantime, settle in and refresh this page periodically to see the latest updates. I won’t be doing many GIFs of action here, but I encourage you to follow along with these updates as well as live on Burghley TV here. I’m wishing SAFE, clear and fast rounds to all. Let’s get to it!

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials:  [Website] [Scoring] [ XC Ride Times] [Live Stream] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Coverage]

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11:33 a.m. EST: A few quick stats: The course today saw a 60.8% completion rate with 31 of 51 starters finishing. Of those 31 finishers, 24 were clear with time. Just one, Jonelle Price and Classic Moet, made the time. The fence report is not viewable in full right now, but no doubt the corner coming out of the Holland Cooper Leaf Pit, the corner in the water at the Trout Hatchery, and the Fairfax & Favor Boot Racks come to mind as particularly influential questions.

11:16 a.m. EST: Tom speaks very pragmatically about his pin and the course. “It’s a five-star-plus,” he describes. “It’s a true test of relationship for horse and rider.” He observes that many riders made smart decisions to call it not their day, while others such as Piggy made it look “like a Pony Club course” — indeed the type of separation you look for at these top levels.

11:15 a.m. EST: So here is your top 10 following a very exciting and influential cross country. At this time I’ve heard nothing in terms of injuries to horses or riders, which is always great news. I’ll drop in a few more notes and thoughts before I wrap up, but thank you for following along with me all morning! Full scores can be found here.

11:13 a.m. EST: Here’s a look at Tom and CHF Cooliser’s pin:

GIF via Burghley TV.

11:10 a.m. EST: Well lots to catch up on here: Tom had the front pin of the Fairfax & Favor Boot Racks’ second oxer, picking up 11 penalties there. Meanwhile, Oliver’s weekend is over as he and Swallow Springs fall at the corner in the water at the Trout Hatchery — they both appear to be fine. That means Tom has the track to himself and will be the last one.

11:06 a.m. EST: Cathal Daniels and Rioghan Rua did not hang about but still pick up 30 seconds of time. Oliver leaves about 3 strides away from the out of the Leaf Pit with a bold Swallow Springs. Tom works hard through the Defender at the Dairy Farm and climb over the final log but are through.

11:04 a.m. EST: And our last of the day, Oliver and Swallow Springs, are now on course. They can’t quite catch Piggy for the lead, but they can hang on to second.

11:01 a.m. EST: 9.8 time for Pippa and Majas Hope, who finish a cracking and gutsy round.

11:00 a.m. EST: We’ve just got two more to see, and the first of those is Tom McEwen and CHF Cooliser.

10:58 a.m. EST: Oooo! Pippa uses every ounce of her experience to squeeze through the Defender at the Dairy Farm question.

GIF via Burghley TV.

10:57 a.m. EST: Also on course and straight as an arrow through the Leaf Pit are Cathal Daniels and Rigohan Rua.

10:56 a.m. EST: Ros will be no worse than fifth tonight as she comes home with just about 30 seconds of time. Pippa takes a flag at the Maltings Corners but is clear through.

10:52 a.m. EST: Pippa is really kicking on with Majas Hope as Ros navigates the Defender at the Dairy Farm question and thinks about home.

10:50 a.m. EST: Pippa Funnell and Majas Hope are away and Ros is clear through 12 with Pencos Crown Jewel.

10:47 a.m. EST: Emma Hyslop-Webb and Darrant have called it a day after Darrant ground to a halt in front of the first Fairfax & Favor Boot Rack where Kitty just had her pin. Emma has opted to retire here, and she had been really having to work to get around so I think she’ll have made the right call here.

10:45 a.m. EST: Here’s a look at the save Kitty and Vendredi Biats made at the Fairfax & Favor Boot Racks. I’m sure “Froggy” doesn’t even realize he had the pin, but it did what it was created to do:

GIF via Burghley TV.

10:44 a.m. EST: So this means Vanir Kamira cannot be beaten for the lead tonight as we have just a handful of pairs left to see. Ros Canter and Pencos Crown Jewel could stay near the top with a clear and fast round, and they’re away now.

10:37 a.m. EST: Oh my gosh! Kitty nearly falls victim to the oxer at the top of the track, similar to Sammi and Susie, but they keep their feet. They will pick up 11 penalties here as the frangible pin does its job, which will knock her from the lead.

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10:41 a.m. EST: Well Kitty finishes 15 seconds over and carrying that 11, but wow what a stellar round for this pair. This won’t be the last we see of them to be sure.

10:36 a.m. EST: Through the Dairy Mound question at 18. Going long at the Leaf Pit are Emma Hyslop-Webb and Darrant.

10:34 a.m. EST: Nearly flawless through the Trout Hatchery for Kitty and Vendredi Biats.

10:32 a.m. EST: Kitty rides smart and gutsy through the Leaf Pit — she means business.

10:30 a.m. EST: Looks like Phil is aiming to get home on his debut, opting for a lot of long routes so far — that’s what those are there for, and Derek’s long routes are, again, among those that won’t sap your energy quite so much.

10:29 a.m. EST: Anddddd here we go: overnight leaders Kitty King and Vendredi Biats are away. Can they do it?

10:27 a.m. EST: Sarah Clark and Balou Jeanz have made it home about a minute over — what an accomplishment for this scrappy pair! Phil shouts for the long route at the Leaf Pit.

10:25 a.m. EST: I seem to have missed it, but Richard Skelt and Credo III have retired at the Leaf Pit. Phil Brown and Harry Robinson are also underway and our Aussie rider Sarah is still scrapping her way around and is getting close to home.

10:23 a.m. EST: While I’m sharing opinions, I also would like to see the commentators speak more on the subject of safety when horses are stopped, rather than only sympathizing that the rider does not get to finish or speculating that they would have finished.

10:21 a.m. EST: Looks like Rosie and Balladeer Humbel Guy have been flagged. I think this is the Ground Jury opting to stop a clearly tired pair. This is not meant to be personal, but I really appreciate this decision. No one wants to be pulled up, and yes riders are capable of nursing horses home, but the Ground Jury retains the right to do this and I frankly don’t feel it happens enough.

10:19 a.m. EST: Rosie is going to have trouble nursing Balladeer Humbel Guy home. He stumble-banks the Voltaire Design Bank and they’ve still got a healthy handful of questions left between now and home.

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10:17 a.m. EST: YAS girl, Sarah is going for it in what will be the biggest challenge she and Balou Jeanz have seen, making the direct out of the Leaf Pit happen. Rosie Thomas and Balladeer Humbel Guy sort of feel their way through the Defender at the Dairy Farm question and almost come to grief at the Cottesmore Leap but somehow save it!

GIF via Burghley TV.

10:13 a.m. EST: Tom impresses yet again with another clear round and just nine seconds accumulated on cross country with the stunning Capels Hollow Drift. He’ll be on a 32.5 with 9 seconds added. Sarah Clark and LV Balou Jeanz, all the way over from Australia, are our latest starters.

10:12 a.m. EST: Tom Jackson is quite close to the time as he heads for home — can he be the second inside?

10:09 a.m. EST: Just 10 more to see with the withdrawal of Tim Price’s third ride, Polystar. Tim explained earlier that with the horse being older (17) and not in a very competitive position after dressage, he didn’t feel it was the best day to give it a go.

10:07 a.m. EST We’re back underway as Tom Jackson is restarted. Rosie Thomas and Balladeer Humbel Guy will be the next to see.

10:06 a.m. EST: I’ve just looked at scores and it looks like both Susie and Sammi have been given Horse Falls (Susie was originally given a Rider Fall).

10:03 a.m. EST: They’re going to hold Tom now as they tend to Sammi, Finduss and the fence they fell at (both horse and rider appear to be fine).

10:01 a.m. EST: Ah! Sammi and Finduss PFB are the latest to fall victim to the big Fairfax & Favor Boot Racks, so that will be the end of their day. A very similar fall to Susie and Ringwood LB’s.

10:00 a.m. EST: Helen Wilson and My Ernie finish a gutsy round and are home clear! We’re also joined by Tom Jackson and Capels Hollow Drift, who have a bold ride through the Leaf Pit that should give them a good feeling as they continue on.

9:58 a.m. EST: Bubby says she actually watched her Badminton round before going out today. “It’s both of our Burghley debuts, so I had no idea how he was going to jump [the Leaf Pit]…so when I got that out of the way, I was like ‘game on, let’s go’.”

Love to see riders taking care of their horses in the box. GIF via Burghley TV.

9:57 a.m. EST: Might be the best finish shot of the day so far:

GIF via Burghley TV.

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9:54 a.m. EST: Helen and My Ernie climb over the brush at the Trout Hatchery but they’re through it!

9:53 a.m. EST: Bubby’s going to get into time penalties here as Cola is tiring, but what a partnership as he continues to dig for her. And they’ve done it! 25 seconds over but what a round.

9:52 a.m. EST: Next away are Australian pair Sammi Birch and Finduss PFB.

9:50 a.m. EST: Bubby taps Cola twice on the shoulder to bring him back onto his line as they knife through the Defender Dairy Mound. Helen shouts “Long!” at the Leaf Pit and navigates the longer alternate route.

9:48 a.m. EST: Helen Wilson returned to this level for the first time in 16 years at Badminton earlier this year with My Ernie, and now we’ll see how My Ernie’s hunting experience helps him navigate the terrain here.

9:47 a.m. EST: I just love Cola’s style: super snappy up front and careful without taking too much time. What a keen expression, too — you can tell how well this pair knows each other. Nicely, boldly ridden at the tough Leaf Pit:

GIF via Burghley TV.

9:44 a.m. EST: Cedric Lyard navigates home with Unum De’Or, 40+ seconds over but clear and ears pricked at the end.

9:42 a.m. EST: Uber-talented young rider Bubby Upton is now away with Cola III. If she can get to the end, you can bet she’ll be riding extra smart as her Badminton weekend ended at one of the final fences earlier this year.

9:41 a.m. EST: I thought William might pull up after the early blip, and now he’s done that. Gutting, but I can appreciate this decision from both him and Sarah earlier. Experience, yes, is valuable, but horses first is always the right call and there is always another event.

9:40 a.m. EST: No!! Oratorio is the latest to duck out to the right at the out of the Leaf Pit, and William loses his stirrup as he regroups for the alternate. Ugh, what a bummer so early on.

9:39 a.m. EST: William sees his forward distance about 10 strides out for the second fence, really setting the tone for Oratorio early on:

GIF via Burghley TV.

9:37 a.m. EST: Here comes William! He’s away the Oratorio II, who may have won Kentucky last year had it not been for a super unfortunate tumble towards the end of the track.

9:35 a.m. EST: Cedric has a strong ride through the Leaf Pit, standing off the corner on the out but making it happen as Michael navigates the Dairy Farm question at 18.

9:33 a.m. EST: Arthur is home clear and another Frenchman now joins the course, Cedric Lyard and Unum De’Or. Michael Owen is clear through the Trout Hatchery.

9:31 a.m. EST: Arthur Duffort is taking his time toward the end and having quite a few awkward jumps but they’re getting close to home.

9:26 a.m. EST: Looks like we are getting back underway as Arthur restarts. Michael Owen and Bradeley Law will be the next starters.

9:24 a.m. EST: Ringwood LB is checked out and cooled out by the on-site team:

GIF via Burghley TV.

9:21 a.m. EST: Oh no! Susie Berry and Ringwood LB have a tumble at the huge oxer at the highest part of the track, fence 19 the Fairfax & Favor Boot Racks. They’ll go onto a hold just to make sure all is well (Ringwood LB’s shoulder didn’t really hit the ground, so she’s been assessed a Rider Fall at this point), but they are on their feet and appear to be ok. Jonelle comments that this is a really tough part of the course, having climbed all the way up to this point and dealing with the undulation that saps energy. She says she’s surprised there haven’t been more mistakes at this fence.

9:16 a.m. EST: Arthur Duffort and Toronto d’Aurois are the latest starters. Hollie Swain and Solo bank the Voltaire Design Bank but are no worse for the wear.

GIF via Burghley TV.

9:13 a.m. EST: Irish rider Susie Berry goes long at the Leaf Pit with the 5* debutant Ringwood LB. Meanwhile CMS Google has made a fan in me as she finishes with just one blip and a world of experience, ears pricked and galloping well through the finish. Kristina Hall-Jackson is a participant in the Wesko Equestrian Foundation, receiving funding and coaching to get her prepped for this debut.

GIF via Burghley TV.

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9:06 a.m. EST: Kristina Hall-Jackson and CMS Google have a seriously brave jump over the B element of the Trout Hatchery, but that boldness catches up with them at the EF element as they can’t quite get there and duck to the left. Kate Shapland and Uris Cavalier picked up another 20 at fence 22, the alternate triple bar wedge after the Voltaire Design Bank jump. Hollie Swain and Solo are our newest starters and are the latest to fall victim to the direct route at the Leaf Pit. Bummer!

GIF via Burghley TV.

9:03 a.m. EST: Tregilder takes a big jump at the penultimate Parasol Table and unfortunately can’t stick the landing, tumbling and sending Oliver out the side. They are both up, Tregilder looks a bit jelly-legged but hopefully will be no worse for the wear. Next out of the box are another debut pair, Kristina Hall-Jackson and CMS Google. Our other debut pair on course, Kate Shapland and Uris Cavalier, have put their early trouble behind them and have jumped clear through 21 now.

9:01 a.m. EST: Oliver has 42 seconds left to get home with a tiring Tregilder.

8:58 a.m. EST: 5* debutants Kate Shapland and Uris Cavalier are also on course and pick up a 20 at the Defender Valley at 8. Oliver is clear through 21 and riding aggressively with Tregilder.

8:56 a.m. EST: Tim is likely not going to hit the time, but he’s not far off as he comes to the final fence. That’s 13 seconds over and a successful Burghley debut for the 12-year-old Vitali. We’ve also learned he’s withdrawn Polystar, so that’s a finished day for the Prices.

8:52 a.m. EST: Oliver Townend is now away with Tregilder.

8:49 a.m. EST: Jonelle provides some perspective on the tricky Leaf Pit question, which has emerged as one of the more influential questions at this halfway-or-so mark.

“[The] drop off the Leaf Pit…you know we’ve never had anything on such a related distance, and obviously there’s unpredictability of how they’re going to come off that drop. But I think the key is to try and get a pushing five strives to set you up for the three [to the corner]. I think we’ve seen a few that are getting there a little bit too easy on the five and then the horses are landing short. And then you’ve got a little rise on the ground to a very big corner, and they’re just not quite able to get up there with enough impulsion on the three.”

8:45 a.m. EST: Jonelle now joins us in the commentary box as her hubby, Tim, sets out with Vitali.

8:43 a.m. EST: Zara is the latest to fall victim to the left-handed corner at the Leaf Pit as Class Affair doesn’t lock on and ducks out. She’s put her hand up and won’t continue on.

8:40 a.m. EST: Tom Rowland and Possible Mission catch a shoulder at the B element of fence 10, the Trout Hatchery. They’re both immediately up and appear to be ok as Zara Tindall with Class Affair leaves the start box.

8:39 a.m. EST: Oh, I’ve just noticed they’ve taken away Emily’s 20 at the Trout Hatchery, giving her a clear with 30.4 time.

8:35 a.m. EST: Tom Rowland and Possible Mission are our next starters, while Felicity Collins has opted to pull up RSH Contend OR at Herbert’s Hollow at 9.

8:32 a.m. JP Sheffield and Kiltar OBOS duck out at fence 5, the Defender Valley. We’re also joined by Felicity Collins who picks up an early 20 with RSH Contend OR at the Leaf Pit.

8:28 a.m. EST: Well she’ll be bummed about that 20 but Corvett finishes in great form and notches a fourth different 5* cross country completion: Kentucky, Maryland, Badminton, and now Burghley.

8:26 a.m. EST: Because I know we were all waiting for a shot of Corvett at the Cottesmore Leap…

GIF via Burghley TV.

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8:24 a.m. EST: First-timer Alice Casburn has come home clear about 17 seconds over!! What a thrill.

8:23 a.m. EST: Rats! Corouet has ducked out at the final element of the direct route at the Leaf Pit, and actually Sarah has put her hand up to retire. No point in going on for the additional wear and tear when their competitiveness has been shot.

8:20 a.m. EST: We’re now joined by Sarah Bullimore and Corouet, while Emily Hamel and Corvett have a look as they get into the water at the Trout Hatchery. Bummer if she’s given a 20 — very similar to what happened to her at Badminton. Looks like she has been assessed a 20.

8:19 a.m. EST: As if we needed more reason to be impressed, Jonelle says her watch stopped just as soon as she left the box. Partnership, feel, and experience pay off here.

8:17 a.m. EST: Now on course are our final American pair, Emily Hamel and her high-jumping Corvett.

8:16 a.m. EST: What a treat to watch Classic Moet, who at 19 years young just turned in the FIRST DOUBLE CLEAR of the day. Three seconds under! My favorite thing, among many, about “Molly” is the fact that her expression never changes and she just keeps going. What a horse. What a privilege to watch her.

GIF via Burghley TV.

8:13 a.m. EST: Tom Crisp just rode a clear round with three broken ribs, in case you were feeling a bit tired today…

8:13 a.m. EST: Richard Jones is triumphantly home clear with a fit-looking Alfies Clover who was still galloping away from the Parasol Table, second to last fence.

GIF via Burghley TV.

8:11 a.m. EST: Jonelle is a second up on the clock with about 5 minutes to go. Alice Casburn and Topspin are away for their first 5* cross country!

8:07 a.m. EST: Tom Crisp with Liberty and Glory are home clear with about 27 seconds of time. A really cool horse! Richard and Alfies Clover are clear through 18 and Jonelle makes quick work of the Leaf Pit with Classic Moet.

8:04 a.m. EST: Jonelle Price and Classic Moet are the next to join us! Can’t wait for this. Meanwhile Harry Meade and Nicole Brown are stepping in to take over commentary.

8:04 a.m. EST: Richard opts for the longer route at the Leaf Pit and he’s clear there. The thing about Derek’s long routes is that they’re long, but they still allow the rider to flow so their momentum is not interrupted. So if your plan is to go long, you can do so without feeling you’ve wasted precious time.

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8:00 a.m. EST: Now away are local favorites Richard Jones with Alfies Clover. A few years back Richard actually lost a good bit of one of his ring fingers, which caused him to have to relearn how to hold his reins. He’s no worse for the wear though and is a very consistent cross country rider.

7:58 a.m. EST: Tom Crisp and Liberty and Glory are our next out while Meghan is home. She will be so bummed about that 20 that really shouldn’t have been but what a round otherwise!

7:56 a.m. EST: Danielle Dunn and Grandslam sadly come to grief at fence 10, the Trout Hatchery. It seems this pair had a bit of trouble communicating about pace and that catches up with them here as they both fall. They are up and seem to be fine.

7:53 a.m. EST: Meghan will be frustrated after losing some balance at the Joules at the Malting, forcing her to opt for the alternate but picking up a 20 in the process. Meanwhile, Grandslam shows his scope and bravery at the out of the Leaf Pit. Here’s a look at an elated Piggy finishing with Vanir Kamira:

GIF via Burghley TV.

7:52 a.m. EST: Piggy is going to do it! Nearly! She’s just one second over — what a horse!

7:50 a.m. EST: Angus Smales and ESI Phoenix are home clear, about a minute over but safe! Angus isn’t just an event rider: he’s a hunt rider and course designer to boot! Meanwhile, we’re joined by Danielle Dunn and the 17-year-old Grandslam. Vanir Kamira is still looking quite fresh at 26. Meghan is clear through 12.

7:48 a.m. EST: Piggy and Vanir Kamira knife their way through the Defender at the Dairy Mounds at 18. Meghan clears the Leaf Pit, nice riding!

GIF via Burghley TV.

7:45 a.m. EST: And we’re away with Meghan O’Donoghue and the badass Thoroughbred Palm Crescent. Piggy is clear through 12.

7:42 a.m. EST: Good call, Francis. He’s made the choice to pull up DHI Purple Rain, heartbreakingly close to home but given how the horse was jumping back at 18 I think this was the only call.

7:42 a.m. EST: And here we go! Former Badminton winners Piggy March and Vanir Kamira are on track.

7:41 a.m. EST: DHI Purple Rain banks the Voltaire Design Bank and demolishes the Triple Bar afterward. This one is going to be one who will need a lot of help to finish.

7:38 a.m. EST: DHI Purple Rain looking a bit tired as he feels his way through the Defender Valley at 18. Andrew James has brought Celtic Morning Star home with two early blips but a positive finish!

7:35 a.m. EST: Angus Smales and ESI Phoenix will be the next to see on course.

7:33 a.m. EST: Wills isn’t going to be as close as he was earlier to the time, but he’s only about 22 seconds over as he crosses the finish. This is a 5* first-timer horse — what an effort! Meanwhile, Francis and DHI Purple Rain are clear through 10.

7:30 a.m. EST: Francis Whittington and DHI Purple Rain are the latest on course.

7:28 a.m. EST: Celtic Morning Star hesitates at the drop to the Leaf Pit and then ducks out at the third element of the straight route. They’re clear on the alternate attempt. That element has caught out a few riders because of its positioning and striding.

7:28 a.m. EST: Wills Oakden is almost bang on his minute markers with about 5 minutes to go. Can he get closer?

7:26 a.m. EST: “I was so nervous last night, I just wanted to finish!” an elated Cornelia Dorr says. We’d say you accomplished that!

7:25 a.m. EST: Andrew James now joins us with the son of Chilli Morning, Celtic Morning Star.

7:23 a.m. EST: Cornelia absolutely smashed her debut here, picking up 8.4 time to be the quickest so far and move into third provisionally. Way to go, lady!

7:22 a.m. EST: Our next out will be Wills Oakden with Oughterard Cooley. Cornelia is nearly home, she won’t catch the time but she’s not going to far off if she can get home safe.

7:19 a.m. EST: Ah what a bummer. Rodolphe has a bit of a slow motion fall at the fence in the water at the Trout Hatchery. Both totally ok, except maybe for ego.

7:16 a.m. EST: If you can believe it, Cornelia’s the quickest so far as she gets into the final third or so of the course. Come on girl!

7:16 a.m. EST:Rodolphe Scherer and Song du Magay now join us on course as Cornelia tackles the Joules at the Maltings (fence 14).

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7:14 a.m. EST: Clear with 13.6 time for Padraig and the super-class HHS Noble Call. Meanwhile Cornelia is through the Leaf Pit, look at this excellent footwork from Daytona Beach 8:

GIF via Burghley TV.

7:11 a.m. EST: Can you imagine doing your first 5* at Burghley? That’s what Cornelia Dorr, our next American, and several others are doing this weekend. Talk about brave — I’m here for it! Cornelia now joins us with the lovely and spicy Daytona Beach 8.

7:09 a.m. EST: Interestingly, HHS Noble Call is show jumping bred (Fortunas – Noblina, by Cavalier Royale), yet he’s made this track look the smoothest so far. Here’s a look at Padraig and this super cool horse over the famous Cottesmore Leap:

7:08 a.m. EST: Well, I’m going to stop typing that I like someone because evidently that’s a jinx today. Tiger Mail says no again at fence 6, the Oxer Over Ditch, and Phoebe has put her hand up. Bummer, but a smart call as that isn’t the feeling either of them wants to have on a track like this.

7:06 a.m. EST: Blast, Tiger Mail stops at the B element of the first combination in the arena, not quite one you’d expect to see an issue with. They’ll now have to carry on with that early 20.

7:05 a.m. EST: One of my favorite storylines of the week, Phoebe Buckley with the little Tiger Mail by Jaguar Mail, are now out on course. Padraig is clear through 12 with HHS Noble Call and having a really positive ride so far.

7:02 a.m. EST: We’re back underway with Padraig McCarthy and HHS Noble Call.

6:59 a.m. EST: Pippa says she had to work quite hard the whole way around. We’re still on a hold for now.

6:58 a.m. EST: It looks like Woods is going to call it a day during this hold, which is probably the smartest call carrying the 3 refusals. What a huge bummer, I feel for him with the tumult he experienced coming over. As his coach Sharon would say, your greatest opportunity for growth comes from moments like this. Chin up, Woods.

6:54 a.m. EST: Sadly Woods now has a second runout at the Defender Valley, not the feeling you want to have so early on. Sadly HD Bronze and Harry Mutch have had an issue at the Cottesmore Leap, taking a funny leap and then landing on his stifle in the brush. He’s out of it now but I hope his stifle is ok, bless him. Woods is showing on three refusals now, another at 10 the Trout Hatchery. We’re also on a hold while they attend to HD Bronze and the Cottesmore Leap fence.

6:53 a.m. EST: Woods has to play alphabet soup after running out at the third element of the Leaf Pit. Super frustrating I’m sure.

6:51 a.m. EST: A track like this really could suit a horse like C’est La Vie 135 quite well, but control will be a factor.

6:50 a.m. EST: Whoops. A bit of a fudgey distance for “Contendro”, who can be very strong in this phase. Getting into a rideable rhythm will be imperative for this pair, who need to be on the same page to tackle this challenge.

6:47 a.m. EST: Nice job, Pippa! Billy Walk On is home clear with 49 seconds of time. Time is going to play a big role today, I think. Tim accrued 14.4 (36 seconds) with Bango. Meanwhile, Harry Mutch is clear through the Leaf Pit with a huge leap over the final element on the direct route. Our first American on course will be Woods Baughman and C’est la Vie 135, next out!

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6:46 a.m. EST: Come on, Billy! Pippa is clear through the Lion Bridge at 27.

6:45 a.m. EST: Now out on course are Harry Mutch with HD Bronze, currently on a score of 30.8.

6:44 a.m. EST: Sadly Emma and Waldo fall at the out of the Holland Cooper Leaf Pit — Waldo gave it quite an effort and just caught his front legs on the jump, tossing himself over and rolling onto Emma. They are both up and seem to be fine. Tim’s clear pathfinder could signal one of two things: a doable track or a false sense of security.

6:42 a.m. EST: Emma Hyslop-Webb and Waldo III are our next on course. Meanwhile Tim has done exactly what he set out to do, jumping a clear round and pulling up a fit-looking Bango. No word on their time yet.

6:40 a.m. EST: Pippa Funnell really has to work to get Billy Walk On through the Trout Hatchery water at 10. Billy is again quite looky on course but he’s listening — Pippa’s going to look for him to gain confidence as they continue around about a third of the way through. Time is clear through 27, the Lion Bridge water, taking the alternate option to jump the fence following the water instead of the boat in the water. This alternate doesn’t appear to take much extra time and could be a safe choice for a horse that’s tiring toward the end (but I’m not sure how much this applies to Bango, who is still galloping quite well!).

6:38 a.m. EST: Bango is still looking full of run as Tim takes a big half-halt as Bango tackles the terrain ahead of the Rolex oxer at 15.

6:36 a.m. EST: Now joining us is defending winner Pippa Funnell with Billy Walk On, who can be a bit cheeky in this phase so she’s set out on a strong rhythm. Meanwhile Tim has cleared the big open corners and upright gate at 13 and 14.

6:33 a.m. EST: Tim is riding craftily here as Bango can be quite strong. But he’s an excellent cross country horse on his day. They make it through the straight route (which only consists of 3 elements) at the Holland Cooper Leaf Pit.

6:31 a.m. EST: And we are underway with Tim and Bango, coming forward on a score of 29.8.

6:25 a.m. EST: I’m not even riding and I could barely sleep last night in anticipation of today. I watched the course preview on Burghley TV last night and cannot wait to see how some of these questions ride. Tim Price and Bango will be our first to see in just a few minutes, so buckle in and get ready! You can take another look at the track in Tilly’s course preview and rider reaction roundup here.

Friday at #AEC2022: The First Champions are Crowned

By on Sep 2, 2022 9:55 pm -

Friday is already upon us and that means roughly half of the USEA American Eventing Championships winners were crowned. The Modified through Advanced levels concluded their competitions with show jumping today, while the Novice and Training divisions ran cross country and the Beginner Novice divisions began with dressage.

Here’s a look at your newly-crowned winners and current division leaders:

$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: Morgan Wenell and Kremer VD Falieberg (26.1)
USEA Training Horse Championship: Jennette Scanlon and Zoltaire (24.3)
USEA Training Jr. Championship: Lizzie Hoff and HSH Limited Edition (24.0)
USEA Training Rider Championship: Sarah Ross and Fernhill Heart Throb (28.6)
Festival Open Novice A: McLaine Mangum and Grantstown Mr. Big (31.7)
Festival Open Novice B: Teresa Harcourt and Csongor (26.4)
USEA Novice Amateur Championship: Jennifer Williams Southworth and Special Agent (27.2)
USEA Novice Horse Championship: Tommy Greengard and Cappachina (24.9)
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: Katrina Catto and Moinin’s Boy (29.7) – 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)

We’ll be adding more report excerpts and photos to this post, so keep checking back!

A Magical Finish to the Modified Championship at #AEC2022

If your eyes felt a little misty this morning following the USEA Open Modified Championship show jumping rounds taking place at the 2022 USEA American Eventing Championship (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds, you weren’t alone. Madison Langerak’s white glove came up to catch her tears of joy while her other hand fell on Normandy Kivalo’s glistening neck after a clear round, signaling that they had indeed taken the win, finishing on their impressive dressage score of 20.6 from Wednesday. It was Leonie Padgett aboard her own 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Cooley Precision (Arkan x ISHD Baronscourt) who earned second place with a score of 31.0, and Ashley Horowitz piloting her 6-year-old Thoroughbred mare Tiny Dancer (Fusaichi Pegasus x Burren) brought home third place on their score of 44.7.

The real reason for emotion, though, stems from a place of Langerak and “Norman” bringing a long-time goal to full fruition despite some recent health hardships that kept the 10-year-old Hungarian Sport Horse out of the game unexpectedly and sporadically between summer 2019 and summer of 2020. The flashy and stout chestnut seemed to know this was his time to shine after making a full recovery after two colic surgeries and a torn tendon, giving Langerak a fleet of moments that she won’t soon forget.

“I’m overwhelmed. It’s something that I definitely wanted to achieve for a really long time, and you know, we went to Kentucky last year and our lead up to it definitely didn’t condone a fast cross-country round so I kind of had to sacrifice the speed,” said Langerak. “I know we didn’t place as high as I know he’s capable of so it’s really nice to come back this year and really redeem ourselves.” A savory redemption it was indeed. In a typical championship, there’s this incessant need to know what’s next for a winner, but for those who have followed Langerak and Norman since their flawless dressage test on Wednesday, our concern really comes down to ensuring his health and happiness after this event, given his history.

[Read the full Modified recap]

Tomorrow, the Training and Novice divisions close out competition with show jumping while Beginner Novice tackles cross country. You can view the full schedule + watch the live stream here.

USEA American Eventing Championships (Kalispell, MT): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores] [Livestream] [Shannon Brinkman Photography] [Ride On Video]

That’s Dressage, Done and Dusted: Friday’s Social Media from Burghley

By on Sep 2, 2022 7:54 pm -

With just over 50 entries in this year’s field, it feels like the days have been a little shorter than what I’m accustomed to. I’m sure it doesn’t feel that way for the riders, but I’m kind of into it. It’s not that I don’t enjoy the 80+ entry fields, but the quality of riding I’ve seen so far this week has really left me with a good feeling, and while there were fewer combinations than perhaps we’re used to seeing at Burghley it felt like a celebration of quality over quantity. Just my two cents — either way, I’m just happy to have a Burghley to follow, period!

Enough of my yammering, though. You came here to rider-stalk on Instagram and, well, I’m here to help you out. Consider this your #FollowFriday advice!

Burghley 2022: Website | Live Scores | Burghley TV | XC Ride Times | Form Guide | EN’s Coverage | EN’s Twitter | EN’s Instagram

Evening stables at Burghley.

Posted by Jackie Potts Equestrian Services on Thursday, September 1, 2022

Beautiful Burghley house 🌟👌🙌
And a rare photo of Sarah and I not in breeches!

Posted by Rachelle Verma on Thursday, September 1, 2022

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Day 2 Live Updates

By on Sep 2, 2022 4:30 am -

Piggy March and Vanir Kamira hit the first of their goals for the week with a five-star personal best. Photo by Libby Law.

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Welcome back to Burghley! Yesterday we were treated to a wonderful day of dressage competition, which saw Sarah Bullimore take the early lead aboard the diminutive Corouet on a score of 22.5. Breathing right down their heels are Piggy March and Vanir Kamira, who laid down a 22.6 to lead for the better part of day one.

Today we’ll wrap up dressage competition, beginning with Tim Price and Vitali (Contender x Noble Lady I, by Heraldik), Tim’s partner for the Tokyo Olympics last year owned by himself along with Joe and Alex Giannamore. You can study up on Tim and the rest of today’s competitors here in Tilly’s Form Guide.

Burghley TV has been hard at work to bring you the best quality product out there. You can sign up for a one-time fee of about $23 USD or £20 GBP right here.

Judges for this weekend are Andrew Bennie (NZL), Katrin Eichinger-Kniely (AUT), and Judy Hancock (GBR). You can view the full list of ride times and scores here. If you want more Burghley news delivered straight to your inbox, you can also sign up for our FREE Burghley Daily Digest email — full of updates, links, photos, and stories — here.

And we have a special treat for you! We’re bringing back our live chats (if you’re an OG EN reader, you might remember our live chats from back in the day at Kentucky). This is a test run for us, so please bear with any technical difficulties! The chat is limited to 50 users at once, so if you get a Chat Full message try again later! We are using this as a test, and can always upgrade capacity later if this works well. Can’t see the embedded chat below? Try this link.

Refresh this page periodically for more updates — the most recent can be found at the top, so if you want updates from the beginning scroll to the bottom.

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials: 
[Website] [Scoring] [Live Stream] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Coverage]

To check out the full scores, and times for today’s tests, click here — or, if you want to try to catch the highlights of the day, here are some of the biggest tests yet to come:

  • Tim Price and Vitali — 10.00 a.m. BST/5.00 a.m. EST – 21.3
  • Susie Berry and Ringwood LB – 10.40 a.m. BST/5.40 a.m. EST – 29.6
  • William Fox-Pitt and Oratorio  – 11.31 a.m. BST/6.31 a.m. EST – 30.2
  • Bubby Upton and Cola III – 11.39 a.m. BST/6.39 a.m. EST -28.3
  • Kitty King and Vendredi Biats – 14.25 p.m. BST/9.25 a.m. EST – 21.2
  • Ros Canter and Pencos Crown Jewel – 15.05 p.m. BST/10.05 a.m. EST – 24.2
  • Tom McEwen and CHF Cooliser – 15.29 p.m. BST/10.29 a.m. EST – 25.6
  • Tim Price and Polystar I – 15.37 p.m. BST/10.37 a.m. EST – 31.0
  • Oliver Townend and Swallow Springs – 15.45 p.m. BST/10.45 a.m. EST
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10:53 a.m. EST: Here’s a look at your final top 10 after the completion of dressage. Our American riders have been pushed down out of the top 10, but Meghan O’Donoghue will remain the highest-placed in 15th with Palm Crescent. Woods Baughman is in 16th with C’est La Vie 135, Emily Hamel and Corvett in 41st and Cornelia Dorr and Daytona Beach 8 in 50th. It’s a very tight field: 21.1 penalties separate first place from 52nd, and one 20 penalty error tomorrow separates 50 horses in this field. We know Burghley is nothing if not a jumping competition, and riders have been labeling Derek di Grazia’s debut track as “a thinking track” that will require riders to know their lines and options. It’s a true test of stamina here, so we can be sure that the leaderboard will likely look much different when the dust settles tomorrow. Tilly will be along with the day’s report later on, but in the meantime thank you for following along! Full scores here. Cross country will begin at 11:30 a.m. BST / 6:30 a.m. EST tomorrow, and I’ll see you back here then!

10:50 a.m. EST: And that will do us! Oliver finishes a solid test, earning a 9 from Katrin Eichinger-Kniely at M on his Harmony mark and collecting a total score of 23.4 — also a Burghley best for Oliver — and fifth place overnight.

10:42 a.m. EST: A little bit of tension sneaks into this test, but some really nice moments for Tim and Polystar. They will take a score of 31.0 for 20th place for now. Tim’ll be a busy guy tomorrow with three rides, all with a solid chance of competing for the top placings, tomorrow. We now move to our final rider of the order, Oliver Townend with former Andrew Nicholson ride Swallow Springs (Chillout – Kilila, by Cult Hero), who is owned by Paul and Diana Ridgeon. This pair escaped a horse fall/flag penalty at Badminton earlier this year and will look for a clear round free from controversy tomorrow. I’m not sure this horse will challenge with a 21, but he’s well capable of a low or mid-20s score, and we know Oliver is excellent with his ring craft.

10:39 a.m. EST: Pro tip from Carl: The slower the horse goes at the walk, the more “dangerous” the walk becomes in terms of losing marks and quality.

10:33 a.m. EST: I really enjoy this mare. She’s got excellent presence and a natural uphill balance that will serve her well as she continues to gain strength. She was a pleasure to watch at Badminton and you’ll definitely want to mark her as one to watch tomorrow. She scores a 25.6 to go into sixth — a personal best for “Eliza” in her FEI career and surely not the lowest she can go. Tim Price will next bring forward the 17-year-old Polystar I (Polytraum x Waldbeere, by Waldstar), who is owned by longtime Team Price owner and supporter Trisha Rickards. This is a horse who’s had a few different partners through the years, and this is a 5* debut. The Westphalian gelding has scored quite well in the past, so we’ll see how close Tim can get here.

A stellar performance from Tom McEwen and CHF Cooliser. GIF via Burghley TV.

10:26 a.m. EST: Carl recommends better use of half-halts to help Rioghan Rua rebalance and avoid going onto her forehand. She and Cathal score a 33.5 to go into 26th overall. We’ll next see Pratoni-bound Tom McEwen with CHF Cooliser (Womanizer – Super Spring, by Ramiro B), who should put in a low-30s score in her second 5* start. She jumped a steady clear at Badminton earlier this year in her debut and Tom will look to build on that foundation this weekend.

10:21 a.m. EST: Next up will be Irish fan favorite and individual European bronze medalist from 2019, Cathal Daniels with Rioghan Rua (Jack of Diamonds – Highland Destiny, by Flagmount King). This 15-year-old Irish mare is capable of a sub-30 score but typically averages more in the low-30s.

10:19 a.m. EST: A couple of lost marks but a lovely test to watch from Pippa Funnell and Majas Hope, who earn two 8s on their Harmony mark leading to a 28.5 for 10th currently.

10:16 a.m. EST: Ros describes Pencos Crown Jewel as not the biggest fan of people (relatable, tbh) and says her goal was a sub-30, so the “over achievement” has her over the moon.

10:12 a.m. EST: A lovely, correct test from Ros and Pencos Crown Jewel to earn a 24.2 — a best Burghley score for Ros — to go into fifth place. Now in we’ll have defending Burghley champion Pippa Funnel with Majas Hope (Porter Rhodes – Brown Sue), who were 14th at Kentucky earlier this spring.

GIF via Burghley TV.

10:07 a.m. EST: Carl doesn’t miss a single detail and explains how the “twisting and turning” nature of this FEI 5* Test B really allows riders to show suppleness (or highlights how much suppleness is still needed, for some!). I can’t recommend watching these live streams enough, not just from the perspective of seeing the full competition but also for the usefulness of good commentators for education. I don’t ride much these days, but I feel I’ve not stopped learning from simply watching so many of these events.

10:04 a.m. EST: It’s time for the final session and a very special treat in the commentary booth: joining superstar Nicole Brown is none other than British dressage legend, Carl Hester! We can’t wait – there should surely be some gems coming from Carl’s expansive perspective this afternoon. We’ve got six left to see, starting with reigning World Champion and Pratoni-bound Ros Canter with Pencos Crown Jewel (Jumbo – Cornish Queen, by Rock King), a 13-year-old British-bred mare owned by Kate James and Annie Makin. This mare finished fourth in her 5* debut at Bicton last year and is more than capable of putting down a sub-30 test. Fun fact: Carl Hester used to ride the great stallion Jumbo!

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9:47 a.m. EST: Kitty King shares her less than ideal prep leading up to her great start this weekend:

“Obviously, I was aiming for championships missed out on selection. So, you know, it means a lot to go pretty good. It’s been quite tricky, because obviously I was really hoping to get to Pratoni, so my final prep for Burghley wouldn’t have been what I have done. So I’m hoping that’s not gonna kind of make life too tricky tomorrow. I’d normally give him a slow run round [before] and I instead he ran around Hartpury reasonably quickly.

So I’m just hoping that’s not going to wind him up too much and make him too keen for tomorrow because he needs to be listening and needs to be listening to my aids and slowing down when we need to slow down and not arguing about it. So yeah, it’s not been ideal. I would have done something definitely different if we I knew I was definitely coming here, but we were trying to give the horse the best prep for the World Games. So it’s been tricky, but you know, we’re here and we’re really enjoying Burghley and it’s great to be back. I’m looking for a completion — I’ve never managed to complete before, so I’m hoping it’s third time lucky!”

The depth of the Brits is nothing to sneeze at, and Kitty’s energy this weekend is throwing me back to Sinead Halpin and Allison Springer’s epic weekend at this very event in 2012, shortly after both riders were left off the U.S. team heading to the London Olympics. Go get ’em, Kitty.

That feeling when you missed out on Worlds but throw down a 21.2 at Burghley instead. GIF via Burghley TV.

9:40 a.m. EST: Emma and Darrant close out this penultimate group, earning a 38.2. We’ll be back in about 25 minutes with Ros Canter and Pencos Crown Jewel.

9:36 a.m. EST: I think the live feed is back, somewhat, and we’re now joined by Emma Hyslop-Webb and Darrant (Warrant – Noberlina, by Lux), a 14-year-old KWPN gelding who’s had a bit of a rough and tumble journey to get to this point. He’s a bit spooky in the ring, but Emma’s using her experience to squeeze the points she can out of the test.

9:34 a.m. EST: Well we missed it, but she’s done it!! Kitty King takes the lead, squeaking past Tim Price with a 21.2 to take over first position with Vendredi Biats!

9:33 a.m. EST: Live stream has gone out again, blast — will update when it comes back!

9:30 a.m. EST: Vendredi Biats earns a 9 on his rein-back from judge at M Katrin Eichinger-Kniely.

9:28 a.m. EST: Relatable reaction shot from Phil Brown:

GIF via Burghley TV.

9:26 a.m. EST: Well now here’s one we’ve been waiting to see: Kitty King now brings forward the 13-year-old French gelding, Vendredi Biats (Winningmood – Liane Normande, by Camelia de Ruelles). Owned by Diana Bown, Sally Lloyd Baker, Sally Eyre and Samantha Wilson, Vendredi Biats is one that easily could’ve been named to the team heading to Italy for World Championships, but we’re pleased to get a chance to see this pair here at Burghley nonetheless. This pair scored a 24.8 in their debut at this level at Badminton and will look to prove the selectors that they deserve a shot on the next team this weekend.

9:24 a.m. EST: Oh gosh, I think Phil’s made a fan out of me. He’s so adorably happy with his ride, and he should be: he and Harry Robinson earn a 35.4 for their debut!

9:15 a.m. EST: Richard and Credo finish their test and Credo struts out of the arena on a mission to find cross country as soon as possible. They’ll take a score of 35.9. This is a personal best at this level for this pair, who will have their work cut out for them as they seek their first completion of a 5* event. Next in will be another first-time pair, Phil Brown and Harry Robinson (Laytender – Jodie, by Ontario), a 14-year-old British-bred gelding owned by Orbit Electrical Services Ltd. This is a quite local pair to Burghley and they’re well-prepped to give their first 5* a proper crack: they’ve collected clear jumping rounds at tough UK events such as Blair Castle, Barbury and Bramham. Dressage wouldn’t be the strongest suit for them, but a low or mid-30s score would set them up well for a strong debut.

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9:08 a.m. EST: A really nice test from this Australian pair and we wish them the best of luck this week! Sarah and LV Balou Jeanz score a 34.3, putting them just outside of the top 25. This improves on their Adelaide score by 4.2 penalty points — always a great direction to trend in! It sounds like Sarah has been working with Bettina Hoy, both in Australia and here in the UK. Next in will be Richard Skelt and Credo III (VDL Tenerife – Tandora, by Marlon). Credo III is another who will struggle to put in a competitive mark here — but again, it’s Burghley and almost any dressage mark is competitive if you can manage to finish on it!

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9:03 a.m. EST: A 43.3 gets Rose and Balladeer Humbel Guy started for the week, and now we’ll move on to Sarah Clark and LV Balou Jeanz (Balou du Rouet – Cotton Jenny, by Colombia) — great name. This pair actually made the trek from Australia for their Burghley debut — they moved up to the 5* level at Adelaide in 2019 — and have been based in the UK with David Doel leading up to the event.

8:56 a.m. EST: Some tension manifests in this test for Balladeer Humbel Guy, who is likely seeing the most atmosphere he’s ever been in here at Burghley as a debutant horse. This guy doesn’t look to have a naughty bone in his body, and he’s trying hard to keep his focus on the task at hand.

8:53 a.m. EST: Well, I’ll eat my words then! Tom and Capels Hollow Drift pull out a 28.9 to slip into the top 10. Nicely done! Next up we’ll have Rosie Thomas, returning to the 5* level for the first time in a decade, and Balladeer Humbel Guy (Loughehoe Guy – Humbel Lass, by Humbel).

8:40 a.m. EST: Welcome back! I’ve had a quick cat nap (California is not the most fun place to work these live streams from!) and ready to kick back up with Tom Jackson and Capels Hollow Drift (Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan – Lucky Crest, by Lucky Gift), an 11-year-old Irish gelding owned by Patricia Davenport, Milly Simmie, and Sarah Webb. This pair was top-20 at Badminton in their debut at the level earlier this year, and likely won’t squeeze out a low-20s score to challenge the top of the board but should find themselves well within striking distance if they’re able to jump clear. Just 13 more pairs are left to see in this first phase, so let’s get to it!

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7:03 a.m. EST: A quick look at the top 10 after this morning’s rides (full scores here). If you’re tuned in for the live stream, stay on it as there will be a Carl Hester Dressage Masterclass happening on the break!

7:01 a.m. EST: Very classily ridden for Sammi Birch, who clearly knows Finduss PFB like the back of her hand. This will take us into a lunch break — this field is going by quite quickly! We’ll be back at 8:45 a.m. EST / 1:45 p.m. BST with Tom Jackson and Capel’s Hollow Drift. Plenty of heavy hitters still yet to come this afternoon, so stay tuned.

6:54 a.m. EST: Bubby Upton says she tweaked her warm-up for Cola III after he “went a bit flat” in the arena at Badminton (she scored a 36). Today, she shortened her warm-up to just 15 minutes and put her trust in Cola to lock in despite the shorter timeline, and that seems to really have paid off. Meanwhile into the ring come Australia’s Sammi Birch with the 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Finduss PFB (Saffier – Belle Miranda, by Sarantos), owned by Sammi alongside Parkfield Breeding.

Bubby Upton gives Cola a big pat after a stellar test. GIF via Burghley TV.

6:54 a.m. EST: A 32.0, shaving 6.9 penalties off their Badminton score, for Helen and My Ernie!

6:50 a.m. EST: A fun fact about My Ernie: he only began his eventing career in 2019 and didn’t do his first FEI event until 2020. It was through no fault of his own — he didn’t travel very well as a young horse, so Helen put her focus on hunting the gelding instead of going eventing straight away to give him some self-assurance. That hunting experience has proven to be invaluable as a foundation for his eventing career, and even though they had some growing pains in their 5* debut at Badminton this year, they’ll have put that experience under their belt ahead of tomorrow’s test.

6:49 a.m. EST: Wise words that I’m probably going to put on a t-shirt from William: “I might have a lucky day, or I might fall off!”

6:45 a.m. EST: That was a really strong test, despite a few lost marks in the changes. Bubby scores two 8s on her Harmony mark and receives a 28.2 to go into the top 10! That shaves nearly 10 points off her Badminton score. Well done! Next up are fan favorite pair Helen Wilson with My Ernie (Cardento – Whoopiminka, by Cantos).

6:44 a.m. EST: A decent amount of variance on these movement scores between judges, particularly between Andrew at C and Judy at E. Bubby is losing a few marks in her canter work as some tension bubbles up, but she’s still receiving competitive marks.

6:42 a.m. EST: Andrew Bennie at C gives Bubby a 9 on her extended walk — Cola does have a lovely, active and reaching walk. A bit of bracing in the rein-back and now let’s see what the canter looks like.

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6:41 a.m. EST: This pair earned a 30.4 at Badminton in their debut at this level, but it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility to see them squeak under the 30 mark if their canter work quality can match that of their trot work.

6:38 a.m. EST: Bubby Upton and Cola III (Catoki – Vanessa XII, by Contender) will be the next to see, and this is one on a bit of a revenge tour after an incredibly frustrating stop at the final fence, of all fences, at Badminton earlier this year. But she’s the defending British U25 champion, so we know the girl has nerves of steel already. Her entrance just oozes competence and confidence, and I’m eager to see this test. A 9 from Andrew at C on the halt and salute. The judge at E, Judy Hancock, gave the same movement a 5.5 as Cola was not quite square behind.

6:36 a.m. EST: Well that won’t quite be the end result William was likely hoping for today, but if there’s anything we know about him it’s that he’ll have accepted this as fact and already moved his focus on to the task at hand tomorrow. He earns a 30.2 and will go into 11th for now.

6:35 a.m. EST: A bit of a bobble in the first change for Oratorio brings in some sub-par marks, but he recovers well to earn 7s and 8s in his next change and the subsequent extended.

6:32 a.m. EST: Some really strong scores — plenty of 8s and 8.5s as he heads into the walk work — coming in for William so far. This is one of my all-time favorite riders to watch. The simplicity with which he approaches riding and training is wonderful.

Ah! Blast. Oratorio looked up and realized he was at Burghley and then flubbed his rein-back quite stylistically. That’ll bring him down from threatening Tim and Sarah in the lead, but this should still be an easy top 10 score surely.

6:28 a.m. EST: A 33.6 and current top-20 for Cedric. We’ll now move on to a name you may or may not know: William Fox-Pitt will ride the 13-year-old British-bred gelding Oratorio II (Oslo Biats – Cinnamon Brulee, by Topanoora). This is a horse by one of William’s earlier 5* horses, Oslo Biats, making this an extra-special one that’s been among those who’ve helped get William back at this level — and competing for the win, too. This pair could certainly threaten the top 5, if not the top of the board with one of those personal bests we’ve been seeing so many of.

6:26 a.m. EST: Ok, here we go! Back up now. Let’s catch up: Michael Owen has finished his test (no score quite yet) and we’re about 3/4 of the way through Frenchman Cedric Lyard and Unum De’Or’s (Yarlands Summer Song – Fee du Logis, by Prince Ig’Or) test.

6:23 a.m. EST: Still nothing here on the live stream, so I’ll pick back up whenever it comes back up!

6:18 a.m. EST: Ope, well there goes the live stream. Hopefully just a small glitch!

6:15 a.m. EST: Bradeley Law must have heard me type out his age, because he tosses in a…buck/rear/hop?…on the first centerline approach. Duly noted, pal, duly noted.

6:13 a.m. EST: We’re back and ready to get underway with our next to see. Michael Owen will ride his very experienced partner Bradeley Law (Mill Law – Scarlet Lady). At 18, this is Bradeley Law’s seventh 5* start and third time at Burghley; most recently here this pair was 19th. Look for them to earn a low-to-mid-30s score to start things off today. John Kyle is now joined in the commentary booth by Zara Tindall — I have to say I am really enjoying the commentary this weekend!

5:56 a.m. EST: That brings us to our first break, and we’ll pick up in about 20 minutes with Michael Owen and Bradeley Law.

5:54 a.m. EST: A 33.2 is not an awful score here at Burghley, as Tina Cook reminds us — this is an event where a quick clear jumping will move you up the board (as is the case at any good 5* event).

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5:53 a.m. EST: Some tension is going to bring this score a bit higher than this horse is likely capable of, but man I am really liking Toronto d’Aurois. He just wants to have a look around at everyone who came to see him! Looking forward to watching this pair tomorrow.

5:45 a.m. EST: Some bobbles in the changes will mar an otherwise lovely test from Susie and Ringwood LB, who at 13 still will grow and improve in his strength as he continues his education. One thing Tina points out is that the horse allowed Susie to actually ride him, which honestly is often more key than natural talent in this sport. Susie earns a 29.6 and will go into seventh for now. Lots of potential to like here! Our last before the first break of the morning (thank goodness because I am in desperate need of coffee) will be Frenchman Arthur Duffort with Toronto d’Aurois (Polack II – Jovaly d’Aurois, by Daloubet d’Evordes, who he owns alongside Julie and Paul Gatien. This horse debuted at the level at this event in 2019 and should be another who will hit the board in the 30s ahead of tomorrow’s cross country.

5:37 a.m. EST: Safe to say Solo is ready for the jumping, but what nice “diplomatic” riding (as Bettina Hoy would say) to ride the horse you have on the day — something we can all remember! A 42.3 for this pair to start on. Next in for Ireland will be Pratoni-bound Susie Berry with 5* debutant horse Ringwood LB (Iroko – Seoidin Alainn, by Master Imp), owned by Helen and Nick Caton. This is a horse that’s capable of a sub-30 score, so we’ll see what sort of marks they’ll pull this morning. Susie, lucky girl, has been basing with Piggy March to hone her skills this year — what an opportunity that must be!

Relateable: when your horse can’t get away from the dressage ring fast enough. GIF via Burghley TV.

5:34 a.m. EST: Oliver Townend commented earlier that his second ride, Swallow Springs — who’s been tapped as a potential winner this weekend — may not be quite as built or bred for the dressage as Vitali, but that he should be “close enough” if he rides well.

5:31 a.m. EST: Next up, another Kiwi rider and a Burghley debut for Hollie Swain with the 13-year-old Solo (Solos Landtinus – Manie Af Sulsted, by Praestegardens Hamlet), who is owned by John Bodenham. This pair averages in the mid-high-30s, but, as Tina Cook describes, “he’s a handful” that requires tactful riding in this phase.

5:29 a.m. EST: Well Kristina looks pleased with her debut test, and her mare seemed to take a breath and begin to work with more relaxation in the canter work to bring her marks up. She’ll take a first-phase score of 33.0 into the jumping phases.

5:22 a.m. EST: A 37.5 and a respectable debut for Kate Shapland! We’ll now see another British horse, Kristina Hall-Jackson and CMS Google (Baltimore – Shalom Internet, by Cavalier), another pair making their first 5* appearance and another beneficiary of the Wesko Equestrian Foundation training program with Pippa Funnell.

5:17 a.m. EST: “I know he’s capable of that kind of score, but to actually put it together in the warm up and have him stay with you…I was very happy,” Tim commented after his ride that took the lead. “When he’s not focused and a little nervy, that’s when nothing’s there for me. I was able to go out there and stay soft with him and that’s why we were able to deliver such a harmonious day. I’m not a dressage rider, I just gallop around jumps well sometimes. I know the horse is capable of it, and it’s kind of on me to bring that out in him.”

5:14 a.m. EST: Oliver earns a 27.5, shaving a couple marks off the 29.5 Tregilder received in his long-awaited 5* debut at Bicton last year. We’ll now see a 5* debutant pair, Kate Shapland and Uris Cavalier (Uranium du Hossoit – Smoothstep Cavalier, by Cavalier Royale). Kate works with Chris Burton as she produces this horse — the only FEI horse she’s had — up the levels.

5:12 a.m. EST: After struggling through the first change, Oliver brings the marks up into the 7-8 territory on the back half of the test. He’s not quite going to catch the leaders, but a workmanlike test for Tregilder and Oliver looks pleased enough.

5:07 a.m. EST: A 21.3 from Tim Price, his best-ever score at this level! That will easily slot into the lead early on here. That will give my Eventing Manager team a nice boost, thanks Time! Next up, we’re really stacking them in here as British World Championships team member Oliver Townend now brings forward the Hazeldines and Mitchell Fox Group’s Tregilder (Royal Concorde x Trewins, by Hand In Glove).

5:05 a.m. EST: Live marks aren’t quite loading just yet, but what a really lovely test from Tim and Vitali, who is just 12 this year but has really stepped up to the plate as a member of Tim’s string in all three phases.

5:00 a.m. EST:: Good morning! We’re ready to kick off this morning and what a treat to see Tim Price with his Tokyo partner, Vitali (Contender – Noble Lady I, by Heraldik), first up!

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#AEC2022 Day 2: Upper Level Cross Country, Lower Level Dressage at Rebecca Farm

By on Sep 1, 2022 10:52 pm -

James Alliston and Paper Jam lead the way in the Advanced Championship. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Time to check in on our USEA American Eventing Championship competitors! Many thanks to the hardworking team at the USEA for the awesome press releases, which are used in part below.

Today, the upper levels (Modified through Advanced) tackled Ian Stark’s cross country track, which certainly stood up to the task of presenting a championship-caliber challenge. More than a few pairs were caught out throughout the day, primarily stemming from a need to embrace the Ian Stark way and keep kicking. These riders will all take home some valuable information, clear round or not, from their experiences today.

Here’s a quick look at division leaders:

$60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final: James Alliston and Paper Jame (32.1)
USEA Intermediate Championship: Travis Atkinson and Don Darco (32.3)
Bates USEA Jr./YR Preliminary Championship: Maddie Smith and Versace (40.2)
Bates USEA Preliminary Horse Championship: Nicole Aden and Illustrator (26.8)
Bates USEA Preliminary Rider Championship: Ghislane Homan-Taylor and Mt. Whitney (32.4)
Bates USEA Preliminary Amateur Championship: Amy Haugen and Ebenholtz (27.2)
Festival Open Preliminary: Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 (20.0)
Festival Open Modified: Sarah Sullivan and La Copine (22.4)
USEA Open Modified Championship: Madison Langerak and Normandy Kivalo (20.6)
Festival Open Training: Stephanie Goodman and Esmèe (23.8)
USEA Training Amateur Championship: Morgan Wenell and Kremer VD Falieberg (26.1)
USEA Training Horse Championship: Jennette Scanlon and Zoltaire (23.1)
USEA Training Jr. Championship: Lizzie Hoff and HSH Limited Edition (24.0)
USEA Training Rider Championship: Cindy Kennedy and Third Times the Charm (26.5)
Festival Open Novice A: Tommy Greengard and Shark (24.4)
Festival Open Novice B: Dani Sussman and Bacana (24.4)
USEA Novice Amateur Championship: Jennifer Williams Southworth and Special Agent (27.2)
USEA Novice Horse Championship: Tommy Greengard and Cappachina (23.3)
USEA Novice Jr. Championship: Olivia Keye and Oso Mighty (27.2)
USEA Novice Rider Championship: Alyssa Cairo and Paddington (25.4)

Dressage begins tomorrow for the Beginner Novice divisions, while the upper levels conclude with show jumping and the Novice through Training riders go cross country. You can view the full schedule here. Tomorrow’s live stream will primarily feature show jumping, but one main camera will be positioned for some cross country viewing too. Check out the full schedule and the stream here.

The following press release excerpts were written by Meagan DeLisle for the USEA:

Helen Alliston and Ebay are second in the Advanced Championship following cross country. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

It’s Alliston Versus Alliston in $60,000 Adequan® USEA Advanced Final

It is the battle of the Allistons in the $60,000 Adequan® USEA Advanced Final during the 2022 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds. The husband and wife duo currently sit hold all three of the podium spots following cross-country day with James in the lead aboard the 13-year-old Hanoverian gelding Paper Jam (Paparazzo x Reely Jammin XX) on a score of 32.1. Helen, who was the overnight leader following dressage, has moved down to the second place position with the 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding Ebay (Escudo x Contessa), and James also has a claim on the third place spot with the horse the Alliston’s have brought along since he was a yearling: the 8-year-old Canadian Warmblood gelding Nemesis (by Novalis).

“The horses were really good,” James commented. “The time was really tight so I think it was a benefit having multiple horses because I realized to get near the time you really had to be on it from the start really. Even then, I didn’t make it, but it was definitely tight.” Riding Paper Jam, James added just 1.2-time penalties to their dressage score and incurred 5.2-time penalties with Nemesis.

Comparing this year’s AEC track to the four-star held at Rebecca Farm in July, James reflected: “I think in July I was going slower in the longs because you have more time. But with all of this money on the line, you are pretty motivated to be as competitive as you possibly can. I think just adding the speed makes everything harder. The horses have to make split-second decisions and things don’t always come up perfect when you are going that sort of speed.”

Helen added 7.2-time penalties to their score after crossing the finish flags of Ian Stark’s Advanced course. “That was awesome,” said Helen. “I had a lot of fun. I went as fast as I possibly could, but it wasn’t quite fast enough, unfortunately. The horse was awesome and I don’t think I would change the way I rode anything. He jumped beautifully and felt like a pro. I was thrilled.”

[Read the full Advanced recap]

Travis Atkinson and Don Darco are in control of the Intermediate Championship. hoto by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Atkinson Enjoys the Ride as He Leads USEA Intermediate Championships at #AEC2022

Time was definitely a factor in the USEA Intermediate Championship at the 2022 USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds as horse and rider pairs contested Ian Stark’s cross-country track on Thursday. Of the 11 pairs to compete, only one went double-clear. Adding just 2.8-time penalties to their dressage score to take the lead going into the final phase was Travis Atkinson of Lehi, Utah, and his own 13-year-old Zweibrucker gelding Don Darco (Damarco x Gong Lee).

Dressed in red, white, and blue, Atkinson piloted “Darco” skilfully around Stark’s track despite an early miscommunication with a crossing guard, which he attributes to part of the reason why he found himself incurring the handful of time penalties. Overall, however, Atkinson was very pleased with the horse’s performance.

“He is my first horse to move up through the levels,” he shared. “We have been learning the ropes together. I got him as kind of a troubled horse, he is a little bit spooky and can be a little funny here or there. But on cross-country, he really seems to want to do the job. He is fun out there and is a game horse– even when he worries he is looking for a way to get the job done. He was great today, as good as I could have expected him to be. At the end of the day, it didn’t really matter, it moved us where we needed to be in order to be in contention for the win tomorrow.”

Darco and Atkinson have competed on the grounds at Rebecca Farm once before in 2021 where they competed in the Preliminary division. Going into show jumping, the pair were in the lead, but two rails cost them the win. “We were both a little less educated back then, so we are hoping we finish a little stronger tomorrow than what we did back then,” Atkinson reflected.

Looking to improve on last year’s performance, Atkinson sought the help of John Michael Durr in relation to their show jumping efforts. “In the past, our show jumping phase hasn’t been our strongest,” he said. “For me, I want to go and jump clear tomorrow obviously, but at the end of the day, my outlook with this horse is a lot bigger so I want to go in and have a good show jump round. If that is a clear round, then that is what I am going for. If it doesn’t, we just go to the next show and keep chipping away at it like we always do.”

[Read the full Intermediate recap]

Two Colic Surgeries and a Torn Tendon Don’t Hold Leader of USEA Modified Championship Back at #AEC2022

Madison Langerak and Kelly Langerak’s 10-year-old Hungarian Sporthorse Normandy Kivalo (Kalaska De Semilly x Carina) clenched tight to their overnight lead in the USEA Modified Championships during the 2022 American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds with a double-clear cross-country performance on Thursday afternoon. The partnership goes into the final phase of the Championship with a nearly 7-point lead above the current second-place pair with their impressive dressage score of 20.6.

“He came out of the box and at fence number three, he spooked so hard and I lost my stirrup and I thought he was going to run out,” Langerak shared after her ride. “After that, I sat down and buckled in, and rode harder than I thought I was going to have to and got the job done. Normally he’s pretty slow so I was happy to look at my watch and be up on the time by the end of it.”

While Normandy Kivalo has had what Langerak refers to as a “picture-perfect upbringing in eventing,” it hasn’t come without its challenges. The horse has overcome two colic surgeries and overcome a torn tendon in his career so far. “We were actually headed to Montana a week after he had his first colic surgery where we were supposed to be for our first two-star. And then his first colic surgery happened and then the next year he tore a tendon, then he had another colic surgery and he’s just kind of a disaster—a walking disaster—but every year somehow he makes it out again.” As a testament to that, the pair competed in last year’s AEC held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, where they finished in ninth place in the Bates USEA Preliminary Amateur Championship.

“Honestly he’s had such a successful career at Preliminary that he very much could have been doing that but I took him Modified this spring at Spokane and he got a 17 in dressage and he killed cross-country. He won that but he came home a little weird so I kind of just decided to take it easy on him all summer. I just rode him at home and set my sights on this show because obviously, this would mean the most to me. So I really did not do anything this year. I had no plan and I have no plan after this but I just know the horse so well at this point and I know how consistent and reliable he is in the dressage phase in particular that it made it really easy to come out here and perform.”

[Read the full Modified recap]

Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF are within striking distance of the leader in the Intermediate Championship. hoto by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

USEA American Eventing Championships (Kalispell, MT): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores] [Livestream] [Shannon Brinkman Photography] [Ride On Video]

 

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Thursday at Burghley: A Social Media Recap

By on Sep 1, 2022 8:00 pm -

With the first day of dancing in the books at Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, it’s time to take a gander around at what everyone’s been up to this lovely Thursday…

Burghley 2022: Website | Live Scores|Burghley TV | Form Guide | EN’s Coverage | EN’s Twitter | EN’s Instagram

Preview All 7 Cross Country Courses at USEA American Eventing Championships

By on Sep 1, 2022 9:00 am -

For about half of the riders competing at USEA American Eventing Championships this week, cross country will kick off today. Ian Stark is the course designer at Rebecca Farm for this AEC cycle, and you can take a virtual spin around each track thanks to Cross Country App.

Beginner Novice

Fence 7 on the AEC Beginner Novice track features a flagged entrance into water between two “saloon” buildings. Photo via CrossCountryApp.

While Beginner Novice courses don’t typically have much in the way of related fences, these tracks are as much about the big picture and the terrain as anything else. Riders will want to keep their legs active at fence 12 here, lest they pick up a silly 20 due to a peek at the water that’s behind the hanging log. Photo via Cross Country App.

[View the full track]

Novice

Fence 9 on the AEC Novice course, the Petroglyph Log. Photo via Cross Country App.

Following a slightly more forgiving but similar question earlier on, the Adequan Fort to Wagon at 14AB will now test the riders’ skill application for going forward and turning. Photo via Cross Country App.

[View the full track]

Training

A friendly reminder at fence 2 on the AEC Training track! Photo via Cross Country App.

Light and shadows are likely to play a factor here at fence 7AB on the Training track. Photo via Cross Country App.

[View the full track]

Modified

Riders will be faced with a visually tricky A element at fence 5 on the Modified AEC course. They’ll have some time — but not a lot if the horse ends up off its line due to a peek at the snake-dragon — before the B element, a narrow table set at an angle after the water exit. Photo via Cross Country App.

Later on the Modified course, Ian once more tests the riders on angled questions related to water. The first water question will have given riders information to use for their ride here. Photo via Cross Country App.

[View the full track]

Preliminary

Fence 11 on the AEC Prelim track, the Adequan Moose, Drop into Water to Corner. I recall a 4* question that was somewhat similar to this question here not too long ago. Photo via Cross Country App.

[View the full track]

Intermediate

The first combination comes up quickly on the Intermediate track — fence 3 to be exact. Ian will want riders to be confident and bold here, which could be a big ask for a pair that has yet to find a rhythm. A forward ride here will set horses up well to continue on with confidence. Photo via Cross Country App.

[View the full track]

Advanced

It’s Alphabet Soup at the first water complex on the AEC Advanced track. Riders will negotiate four progressively narrower elements and tricky terrain here. Photo via Cross Country App.

The C and D elements of the water at 6. Photo via Cross Country App.

Two brush corners are difficult enough, but the terrain in between is what makes this a true Advanced Championship question. Riders will be paying close attention to their lines here as the terrain will encourage drifting and runouts. Photo via Cross Country App.

[View the full track]

Don’t miss all the cross country action today beginning at 8:30 a.m. MST / 10:30 a.m. EST with the Preliminary Championship. You can find live stream links and more information here. Today’s cross country schedule is as follows:

USEA American Eventing Championships (Kalispell, MT): [Website] [Ride Times/Live Scores] [Livestream]

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials Dressage Day 1 Live Updates

By on Sep 1, 2022 4:30 am -

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I can’t believe it’s been three years since we’ve last published these words, but here we are: it’s time for action at the return of the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials!

Back for the first time since 2019 (global pandemics will do that to you), “Big, Bad Burghley” features some new scenery and new faces to take in. This includes the debut of new course designer Derek di Grazia, whose track we’ll take a look at in the coming days.

But first, it’s time to settle in for two days of dressage. I’ll be plugged in and watching alongside you each day, bringing you live updates here in this thread. Let me be clear, though, nothing can really bring you the experience from afar like a good live stream, and we know the team behind Burghley TV has been hard at work to bring you the best quality product out there. You can sign up for a one-time fee of about $23 USD or £20 GBP right here.

We’ll see the first 26 of the 52-combination field today in front of judges Andrew Bennie (NZL), Katrin Eichinger-Kniely (AUT), and Judy Hancock (GBR). You can view the full list of ride times and scores here.

Notable ride times for today (Thursday) include:

  • Tim Price and Bango – 9:45 a.m. BST / 4:45 a.m. EST – 29.8
  • Pippa Funnell and Billy Walk On – 9:53 a.m. BST / 4:53 a.m. EST – 26.2
  • Woods Baughman and C’est la Vie 135 – 10:17 a.m. BST / 5:17 a.m. EST – 29.8
  • Cornelia Dorr and Daytona Beach 8 – 11:05 a.m. BST / 6:05 a.m. EST – 39.0
  • Piggy March and Vanir Kamira – 1:30 p.m. BST / 10:30 a.m. EST – 22.6
  • Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent – 1:38 p.m. BST / 10:38 a.m. EST – 29.7
  • Jonelle Price and Classic Moet – 2:10 p.m. BST / 11:10 a.m. EST – 31.5
  • Emily Hamel and Corvett – 2:50 p.m. BST / 11:50 a.m. EST – 37.3
  • Sarah Bullimore and Corouet – 2:58 p.m. BST / 11:58 a.m. EST – 22.5
  • Zara Tindall and Class Affair – 3:30 p.m. BST / 12:30 p.m. EST – 28.4

Of course, our “notable” list may have left off someone you’re keen to follow — you can check out Tilly’s incredible-as-always Form Guide to each combination competing this week to pick out your “must-watch” list. If you want more Burghley news delivered straight to your inbox, you can also sign up for our FREE Burghley Daily Digest email — full of updates, links, photos, and stories — here.

For now, pour some coffee and enjoy with me! I always love when people join in on the discussion, and I apologize that our comment section is a disaster — in lieu of commenting your play-by-plays on this post, head over to our Facebook page to comment there. Refresh this page periodically for more updates — the most recent can be found at the top, so if you want updates from the beginning scroll to the bottom.

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials: 
[Website] [Scoring] [Live Stream] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Coverage]

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10:40 a.m. EST: And that will do us for the first day of competition! Tilly will be along later with the full report — you can also catch her lunch break report here if you missed it. If you’re tuned in to the Burghley TV live stream, keep it going for a bit as the British World Championships team will be demo-ing their dressage tests shortly. I’ll be back tomorrow with another live update thread from the final day of dressage, and I’ll also add a few scoring notes to this thread shortly. Thanks for following along!

10:36 a.m. EST: Zara earns two 8s for her Harmony mark, scoring a 28.4 total for fourth place after day one. This is a personal best for this pair. Quite a few of those today on day one! Here’s a look at today’s leaderboard, with half of the combinations completing their tests (you can also view full scores here):

10:29 a.m. EST: Zara Tindall brings forward the 13-year-old Class Affair (OBOS Quality x Ruby’s Rosshaven Flight, by Laughtons Flight), who is owned by the Gleadhill House Stud, who will be seeking redemption after coming to grief at the famous Burghley Leaf Pit in 2019.

10:29 a.m. EST: “He was a very naughty boy, in the canter work particularly,” Felicity said ruefully after her ride. “It’s such a shame because we’re so nearly there with this horse, and I think he was on a pretty amazing mark going into the walk. But it’s definitely not a dressage competition. I think as younger riders, the standard is just so high that we put so much pressure on ourselves. The expectation is so high because I know my horse is so capable.”

10:27 a.m. EST: Tom Rowland finishes with Possible Mission, earning a 31.2 including an 8 from Andrew at C for his Harmony mark. This will be good for a top 10 placing at the moment. We’ll close out the day next with British rider Zara Tindall and Class Affair.

10:21 a.m. EST: Tom Rowland and the “Supercob” Possible Mission (Temple Clover – Bahrain Supreme) will be the penultimate pair to see today, coming forward for their fourth start at this level and their return to Burghley after debuting here in 2018. Historically, “Hunter” will score a mid-30s at this level, so we’ll see if he can shave a few marks off today.

10:19 a.m. EST: Felicity loses a few marks on the back half of her test, scoring a 33.2 for 12th at the moment.

10:13 a.m. EST: Sarah Bullimore’s score has been adjusted down to a 22.5, making her the clear leader ahead of Piggy. The drawback is that Sarah sustained a knee injury earlier this week — thus prompting William Fox-Pitt to jog Corouet for her yesterday — but says she’s taking it one day at a time with lots of therapy to get herself into a good spot come Saturday. We hope she’s got an e-bike for course walking!

Just a few more to see today, and we’re now joined by Felicity Collins and RSH Contend OR (Nintender – Coulonia, by Toulon), a horse I really loved after watching their weekend at Badminton where they finished 21st. Felicity is a winner of many titles as a young rider, and you can bet she’ll be on plenty of senior teams as her career continues to progress.

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10:11 a.m. EST: JP and Kiltar OBOS won’t threaten the leaders today, but as this is a debut for this young horse there was a lot to like and build on from here. Remember: this arena is quite imposing, throwing off major “fishbowl” vibes that can undo even the most seasoned of horses.

10:10 a.m. EST: The shopping at Burghley, as always, looks just sumptuous:

10:04 a.m. EST: Next to see will be British pair JP Sheffield and Kiltar OBOS (OBOS Quality x Photo Finish, by Hallodri), a 12-year-old Irish gelding making his debut at this level.

10:02 a.m. EST: Whew, what a nice test! A 22.6 for Sarah and Corouet, going into a tie with Piggy March and Vanir Kamira for the lead.

10:00 a.m. EST: I missed it, but I believe Sarah scored a 10 on her halt in front of Andrew Bennie at C. Corouet scored a 25.7 in what was his debut at this level at Kentucky, and could well beat that today. He receives another 9 from Andrew on his first flying change.

9:57 a.m. EST: Somehow not the smallest horse in the field this year (Pheobe Buckley’s Tiger Mail checks in at 14.3 for the honor this week), Sarah Bullimore’s Corouet has a personality thrice as big as his stature. This pair had a somewhat disappointing result at Kentucky this spring, an event at which they’d been pegged as potential winners, and will be looking to emulate their European Championships performance from 2021. They’re scoring fairly well so far, even earning a rare 9 for their left shoulder-in from Andrew Bennie at C.

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9:56 a.m. EST: Well Emily will want a few of those marks back as Corvett certainly had his mind on more fun things like jumping (see example below). They earn a 37.3, which despite Emily’s disappointment is still a personal best at this level in three attempts. Now go finish on it, girl!

Barry says, “let’s spice this dressage business up a little, shall we?”. GIF via Burghley TV.

9:50 a.m. EST: We’re back with the beginning of the final group here on day one at Burghley, and it’s none other than our final U.S. rider, Emily Hamel with her own Corvett (Corrido – Tina XII, by Clearway) next to see. This pair make their fourth 5* start this week and will look to improve on their result at Badminton, where a pesky lost line led to a runout midway around cross country, marring an otherwise brilliant trip. Dressage wouldn’t be the strongest suit for “Barry”, who prefers to jump four feet higher than all the maxed out cross country jumps to showing that same exuberance in the first phase, but a mid-30s today would be pleasing for Emily.

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9:26 a.m. EST: Here’s a look at the judging percentages as they stand currently (note: they are not in leaderboard order). What trends do you see? Click here to view all scores.

9:26 a.m. EST: Ooo – it sounds like the British team for the FEI World Championships is here at Burghley this week and will ride their dressage tests later this afternoon for some final polish and practice. These tests will be shown on the Burghley TV live stream, so be sure to tune in!

9:23 a.m. EST: Alice Casburn scores a 33.8, her best score at the 5* level thus far, with Topspin despite losing a few marks on her final change. We’ll now move into a short break ahead of the next group, which will begin with American rider Emily Hamel and her own Corvett.

9:20 a.m. EST: “She’s very well. It’s fantastic to have her here,” Jonelle said of Classic Moet. “All year long it’s sort of just been one week at a time, and every week she’s just sort of put her hand up and said yeah I’m going.”

“It’s Burghley — it’s big, it’s huge in places, very large in others,” Jonelle said, noting that she viewed it a bit through “rose colored glasses” on her first spin around, knowing the experience she’s going to be sitting on. “It’s what we were expecting, and you look at it through the eyes of what you’re sat on.”

9:17 a.m. EST: Next in the ring will be 20-year-old Alice Casburn and Caroline Casburn’s Topspin (Zento x Capriati). Alice, a gutsy young rider, finished in the top 20 at Badminton earlier this spring and now makes her third 5* start. What was I doing when I was 20?? Certainly not completing multiple 5* events, that’s for sure…

9:16 a.m. EST: A few marks lost in the flying changes for Classic Moet, so I don’t think we’ll see a personal best here. But — and I feel a bit like a broken record here — this won’t be a dressage show, and this is a horse we will see doing her best to finish on her starting mark. Jonelle and Molly earn a 31.5 — nearly mirroring the 31.4 scored at Badminton.

9:13 a.m. EST: Jonelle’s scoring a bit up and down — lower for some of the extended movements and higher for her transitions and lateral work — as she moves into her canter work. Where Classic Moet may “lack” in expression, she’s helped by her maturity and experience as well as Jonelle’s ring craft.

9:09 a.m. EST: And now here we go with New Zealand’s Jonelle Price with her 2018 Badminton winner, Classic Moet (Classic x Gamston Bubbles, by Bohemond). At 19 years young, “Molly” makes her 12th start at the 5* level, including World Championships, and while dressage is decidedly not her favorite phase she is capable of putting in a sub-30 score.

9:08 a.m. EST: While they won’t challenge the leaders, Richard and Alfies Clover scored quite consistently throughout their test — a marker of success we probably don’t talk about enough. Exemplary of this are their consistent 7-7.5-7 collective scores for Harmony. They score a 31.1 — quite a solid showing, particularly for a pair we can anticipate climbing through the jumping phases.

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9:01 a.m. EST: Local to this area, Richard Jones now canters down centerline aboard the 15-year-old Alfies Clover (Tajraasi XX x Aoifes Clover, by Clover Hill). This pair is a consistent one, most recently finishing top 10 at Badminton earlier this year. They have scored a 30 in the past — at Burghley, in fact — but a low-to-mid-30s score is probably closer to what we’ll see from the judges today.

8:59 a.m. EST: Libery and Glory was certainly fighting fit, and Tom did an excellent job of riding tactfully and coaxing the points he could. This effort earns the pair a 36.0, shaving a few points off their Badminton (38.9) score earlier this year.

8:53 a.m. EST: Danielle Dunn and Grandslam score a 34.5 to go into 11th for the time being. This is also a personal best at the 5* level for this pair — well done! Tom Crisp with the 15-year-old British mare Liberty and Glory (Caretino Glory – Little Runnymede xx) will be the next to see. This lovely mare is owned by Robin and Patricia Balfour (who also bred the mare) and Sophie Crisp.

8:50 a.m. EST: Meghan O’Donoghue celebrates with Palm Crescent after a delightful test:

8:46 a.m. EST: “I didn’t want to let her down,” Piggy said after her ride. “It felt like one of the hardest tests I’ve had to ride with her. She felt quite hot, she got quite warm, she was very sneezy just before she went in.” But despite her misgivings, Piggy pulled it out and is supremely tickled with the results. Next in, we’ll have British rider Danielle Dunn with the 17-year-old British gelding, Grandslam (Sandro B – Foxy Dora).

8:44 a.m. EST: Meghan O’Donoghue delivers a really nice test with Palm Crescent, earning a very respectable personal best of 29.7!

8:38 a.m. EST: Next up, U.S. pair Meghan O’Donoghue brings forward the 16-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Palm Crescent (Quiet American – Edey’s Village). This pair have scored as low as 32 at the 5* level and will be looking to improve on their marks today.

8:37 a.m. EST: Wow! Piggy and “Tillybean” score a 22.6 — a definitive personal best for the 17-year-old mare — to take the lead! What a lovely test from this pair. Plus, we know they can jump a fast clear on Saturday…the plot thickens!

Huge pats for Vanir Kamira after earning a very competitive 22.6. GIF via Burghley TV.

8:29 a.m. EST: John Kyle now joins us back in the booth alongside Yogi Breisner. Loving the commentary so far!

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8:21 a.m. EST: We’re back and ready to kick off the afternoon session on the first day of competition at Land Rover Burghley in just a few minutes. Starting us off is a very near and dear pair, Piggy March with her 2019 Badminton winner, Vanir Kamira Camiro de Haar Z – Fair Caledonian, by Dixi). I just love this quote:

“She’s a pain in the ass 362 days a year, and she’s really tricky to manage,” said Piggy when she won in 2019. “She’s not the nicest of things to ride, you know, and she’s difficult, but she’s amazing – I say it all so fondly, because we all love her to bits. She’s a true five-star horse that comes to form at Badminton and Burghley. The rest of the time, she feels pretty ordinary, and you have to work pretty hard for what you can get. She doesn’t find any of it easy, and if I’d built that [showjumping] course at home and practiced it on the same side of the arena, I could do it fifty times and never have a clear round. There’s something about her, and those great little mares that just do enough when they need to. If they’re on your side, they’re just incredible.”

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7:22 a.m. EST: Quite the Jumping Masterclass here during the lunch break (featuring a celeb sighting: none other than World Championships-bound Tokyo gold medalist Laura Collett)!:

GIF via Burghley TV.

7:12 a.m. EST: Some additional study material for your dressage-viewing (I also use Tilly’s epic Form Guide to accompany these live updates with more context!):

7:05 a.m. EST: Burghley is doing an excellent job with their digital content this year — for example, we’re currently being treated to a front-row seat at the Yogi Breisner Jumping Masterclass happening during the lunch break. And if you’re hankering for a peek at cross country and Derek di Grazia’s debut as Burghley designer, you can watch the full course preview here and an interview with Derek here.

Still need a Burghley TV pass? You can sign up for a one-time fee of about $23 USD or £20 GBP right here.

7:03 a.m. EST: When you bring your pony to Burghley (JK, that’s a 5* horse, Sarah Bullimore’s Corouet!)…

It caused great amusement yesterday when William trotted up Carouet for Sarah Bullimore as she was unable to run.

Posted by Jackie Potts Equestrian Services on Thursday, September 1, 2022

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6:53 a.m. EST: Angus scores a 33.7 — a cleverly ridden test, notes Bettina — with ESI Phoenix. We’ll now move into the lunch break at Burghley and will resume in about an hour and a half, at 8:30 a.m EST / 1:30 p.m. BST with Piggy March and her stalwart partner, Vanir Kamira. Here’s a look at the top scores as they stand following the first 13 pairs:

6:50 a.m. EST: Today I learned that ATM vans are evidently a thing?

6:48 a.m. EST: “Our weaknesses are our changes,” Francis Whittington comments on his test with DHI Purple Rain. “That was still showing in the test, but the rest of the work has come up.”

6:45 a.m. EST: Francis Whittington earns a 34.1 with “Prince” to go into seventh for now. Meanwhile, Andrew James was given a 36.4 with Celtic Morning Star. Next up are British pair Angus Smales and ESI Phoenix (Clover Echo – Catina), a 13-year-old Irish gelding owned by Diana Birch and Charlotte Straker.

6:42 a.m. EST: Bettina observes that DHI Purple Rain’s changes are “too quick in front”, which is what we’d typically call “late behind”. An interesting way to think of this, relating it more closely to riding the horse from back to front.

6:38 a.m. EST: I’ll update with Andrew’s score shortly — next in will be Francis Whittington with DHI Purple Rain (Arthos R x Wynona VWG’s, by Niveau), who was top-15 at Bicton in his debut at the level last year. This horse averages a mid-30s test in general, but more importantly his barn name is, indeed, Prince. Context (as if you needed it) below:

6:30 a.m. EST: Next to see will be Andrew James with Celtic Morning Star (Chilli Morning – Rebels Riches, by Rich Rebel) owned and bred by Michelle Harries. You’ll surely recognize Celtic Morning Star’s sire, 2015 Badminton winner and William Fox-Pitt partner Chilli Morning. This beloved British sire had much success in his breeding career, producing Bicton 5* winner Chilli Knight (Gemma Tattersall).

6:28 a.m. EST: An interesting range on some of Wills scores as he earns a 32.4, a new personal best at the 5* level. That’s good for sixth at the moment.

Wills gives Oughterard Cooley after his test, the first at the level for the 12-year-old gelding. GIF via Burghley TV.

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6:26 a.m. EST: “I think it’s the best five-star in the world,” Rodolphe says of Burghley. “Every year, Burghley is like World Championships.”

6:20 a.m. EST: A 30.3 for Song du Magay, an excellent score for this pair that’s good for early fourth place. Next to see will be Wills Oakden and Oughterard Cooley (Puissance – Oughterard Sky Cruise, by Cruising), a 12-year-old Irish gelding making his 5* debut.

6:15 a.m. EST French rider Rodolphe Scherer — a very busy man these days as a rider and a coach, including for the Bromont Rising Program this year — brings forward the 16-year-old Selle Francais gelding Song du Magay (Summer Song x Indra, by Hand In Glove). This is a return to the level for Rodolphe, who last competed at Burghley in 2016. Be sure you’re following Tilly Berendt on Instagram for more behind the scenes from Burghley — she just posted a video of Rodolphe’s very chill warm-up, which seems to have paid off in the ring!

6:11 a.m. EST: “Diplomatic” is how Bettina describes Cornelia’s very tactful riding here. Daytona is certainly fit for the task ahead on Saturday, that much is sure! They score a 39.0 in their debut. I know Cornelia’ll be wanting for a better score as their partnership continues to grow, but a sub-40 in your 5* debut aboard a very spicy and fit mare is absolutely nothing to be displeased about and she looks pleased nonetheless! A nicely ridden test from this 24-year-old rising star.

6:08 a.m. EST: Rats, we’re definitely seeing the return of the dragon here so far in Cornelia’s test, with lots of tension manifesting in the trot work so far. Bettina notes how difficult it is to ride forward into the bridle when a horse is so tense. “Even these tense horses, you need to keep them enough in front of the leg so they’re not over-reacting to your hands. But it is not an easy ride in this arena,” Bettina says, recalling a time she chose to retire in the first phase here with the notoriously-fractious Lanfranco in 2013. Bettina also explains why she likes this test (5* test B) because of its testing of balance.

6:06 a.m. EST: Fun times! Bettina Hoy joins Nicole Brown in the commentary booth for this session, so we’re in for a treat. Bettina is well-known for her prowess and competitiveness in this phase, so we know she has some perspective to share. Cornelia enters with Daytona Beach 8. Another fun fact: both of our U.S. riders so far are supported by our friends at World Equestrian Brands!

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6:02 a.m. EST: We’re preparing to get back underway with the second group of the day. Cornelia Dorr will make her long-awaited 5* debut aboard the stunning 12-year-old Oldenburg mare Daytona Beach 8 (Duke of Hearts x Sandance, by Santander H). Cornelia’s been based in the UK this year, working hard with Kevin McNab and seeing that hard work paying off in the mare’s dressage marks. Cornelia and Daytona finished top-10 at the Avenches Nations Cup leg earlier this year, and while I know this weekend will primarily be about experience I can’t help but be eager to see what polish Cornelia’s added in the intervening weeks.

5:38 a.m. EST: Tiger Mail earns a 38.9 in his Burghley debut for a tickled-looking Phoebe. Fun fact: Phoebe actually won an embryo transfer with Jaguar Mail as a prize for competing here at Burghley aboard Tiger Mail’s dam, Little Tiger. We’ll now go into a short break of about 20 minutes, after which we’ll resume with our next U.S. rider, Cornelia Dorr and Daytona Beach 8.

GIF via Burghley TV.

5:32 a.m. EST: Next in will be British rider Phoebe Buckley with the 12-year-old Tiger Mail (Jaguar Mail – Little Tiger, by Java Tiger) making his Burghley debut. This is a homebred of Phoebe’s, who at 14.3 hands tall gives off major pocket rocket vibes.

5:28 a.m. EST: HHS Noble Call makes his third 5* start this weekend at Burghley, and while his marks here aren’t going to make a threat to the top of the board, he’s one you can anticipate turning in a quick clear come Saturday. “Ben” is a former 1.30m show jumper, so we imagine his taste for dressage ranges from “lukewarm” to “no thanks”. He’s a genuine type of guy, though, and he and Padraig earn a 39.0, improving on their most recent 5* score at Badminton (41.4).

5:23 a.m. EST: Next up will be Irish Olympian Padraig McCarthy, making his Burghley debut (how is that even possible?) with the 11-year-old HHS Noble Call (Fortunas – Noblina, by Cavalier Royale).

5:22 a.m. EST: The biggest cheer of the early going and a 29.8 for Woods and C’est la Vie 135. He’ll tie Tim Price and Bango for early second.

GIF via Burghley TV.

5:18 a.m. EST: Woods has Contendro in a nice, forward rhythm, really trusting him to ride into the bridle despite some evident exuberance. This spring at Kentucky, Woods had a near-miss with another horse in the warm-up just before his test, and there was..much tension in their debut test. Woods will be determined to show what he knows he and this horse can accomplish today. They earn a 9 from one judge on their extended walk.

5:15 a.m. EST: Next up will be our first rider from the U.S., current 4* National Champion Woods Baughman with C’est la Vie 135 (Contendro I – Anette), contesting their second 5* this weekend after making their debut at Kentucky this spring. Woods had quite the adventure getting over to England, enduring several canceled flights for both himself and “Contendro”, but they made it by the skin of their teeth. Woods gets help this weekend from longtime coach Sharon White as well as German Olympian Bettina Hoy, and this is one pair we can anticipate a competitive mark from on their day.

5:14 a.m. EST: 7s across the board for Harry’s Harmony mark, and he scores a 31.8 — his best at the level so far. Well done!

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5:12 a.m. EST: Pro tip from Tina Cook: if your horse has a good walk, show it off! The walk is a gait we often overlook, especially in eventing when our horses might be that much more tense from fitness. But a walk score is a healthy portion of your final mark!

5:10 a.m. EST: At 25, this is Harry’s first time at Burghley competing, though he and HD Bronze have completed Badminton as well as the Bicton one-off 5*. Beneficiaries of training with Pippa Funnell as part of the Wesko Equestrian Foundation, this is an exciting young rider on a self-produced horse.

5:07 a.m. EST: Emma and her 19-year-old partner, Waldo III, earn a 37.5 and look pleased with their ride. This is an improvement off their 5* debut score of 44.0. Next in will be another Brit, Harry Mutch with the 16-year-old Irish gelding HD Bronze (Limmerick – Northern Madera, by Toca Madera).

5:00 a.m. EST: Next to see will be Emma Hyslop-Webb with Waldo III (Faldo – Naomi, by Henzo), who return to this level here for the first time since Badminton in 2019.

UPDATE: Pippa’s score was later updated to a 26.2.

4:58 a.m. EST: A lovely, rhythmic test turned in for Pippa Funnell and Billy Walk On. They should slip ahead of Tim into the early-days lead, scoring two 8.5s on their Collective Mark for Harmony. And they do! They score a 26.3, improving on their last Burghley score of 29.9 but not quite hitting the Bicton mark of 23.9.

4:53 a.m. EST: Second to see will be British Grand Slam winner and most recent Burghley winner Pippa Funnell with the 13-year-old gelding out of her and husband William’s Billy Stud program. Billy Walk On (Billy Mexico – Shannon Line, by Golden Bash) very nearly won the “pop-up” 5* at Bicton in 2021, finishing second there after winning the dressage, but has historically struggled to collect clear jumping phases.

4:50 a.m. EST: Tina Cook has joined John Kyle in the booth for this first session, and she shares some really useful thoughts on riding the horse you have to its skill level and level of training. She reminds us that we aren’t suddenly going to teach our horses a new skill in the ring, and that we have to remember to ride what we have and show it in the best way possible. She uses Tim’s halt and rein-back as an example of keeping a lid on and riding the horse on the day. Tim and Bango earned a 29.8, just a tick over his 29.6 earned at Burghley in 2019.

4:46 a.m. EST: And we’re underway! Tim Price is the first to see today with Bango (Garrison Royal – No Sale, by Don Tristan) after the withdrawal of drawn trailblazers Oliver Townend and As Is. “Uno” won’t be one to win the dressage, but he will put in a solid mid-20s to low-30s score based on historic averages.

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Day One in Montana: AEC is Officially Underway!

By on Aug 31, 2022 9:30 pm -

Name a better backdrop, I’ll wait. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

We’re having our usual FOMO scrolling through social media as beautiful image after beautiful images pop up from those riding at USEA American Eventing Championships this weekend. While we’re sad not to be there in person this year, we’re cheering hard and following along from afar all week long!

Day one of competition brought dressage for the Modified through Advanced riders. The AEC always run on a bit of a staggered schedule to allow for a balanced schedule. Tomorrow, the lower levels will begin their competition while the upper levels will tackle Ian Stark’s cross country challenge.

Helen Alliston praises Ebay for a job well done. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Don’t forget, a ton of action is available via live stream all week long thanks to Ride On Video, Horse & Country, and the USEA. More info on the live stream here.

More #AEC2022 content over on the USEA’s website here.

Bec Braitling and Caravaggio II strike quite a profile. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Let’s recap today’s scores:

$60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final: Helen Alliston and Ebay (25.2)
USEA Intermediate Championship: Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF (25.3)
Bates USEA Jr./YR Preliminary Championship: Reese Blinks and I’M Jaguar (25.0)
Bates USEA Preliminary Horse Championship: Jordan Linstedt and Lovely Lola (24.1)
Bates USEA Preliminary Rider Championship: Haley Dwight and WS Radagast (28.4)
Festival Open Preliminary: Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 (20.0)
Festival Open Modified: Sarah Sullivan and La Copine (22.4)

USEA American Eventing Championships (Kalispell, MT): [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Live Scores] [Livestream]

Auburn Excell Brady traveled from her California base to contest the $60,000 Advanced Championship. They’re off to a solid start, scoring 29.9 to sit second after dressage. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

As always, Shannon Brinkman Photography and her crew are on the ground as official photographers. You can click here to order your photos from the week.

Last but not least, enjoy some social snippets from the early days of #AEC2022:

World Championships Replacement Named for Team Canada After Withdrawal of Colleen Loach

By on Aug 30, 2022 6:51 pm -

Dana Cooke and FE Mississippi. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Equestrian Canada has named Dana Cooke and the FE Mississippi Syndicate’s FE Mississippi to the squad traveling to Pratoni del Vivaro for the FEI World Championships for Eventing in just two weeks’ time. The announcement comes after the withdrawal of Vermont by Colleen Loach; the 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding sustained a sprained fetlock in his most recent run at Bromont earlier in August.

📣 FEI World Championships update on the Canadian Eventing Team:
Colleen Loach has made the difficult decision to…

Posted by Equestrian Canada Équestre on Tuesday, August 30, 2022

Dana and FE Mississippi (Cassini II – Liastra, by Legaat), a 12-year-old German mare otherwise known as “Miss Perfect”, have been based in the UK this year, competing at the likes of Millstreet CCI4*-L in June and the Hartpury International CCI4*-S this month. This pair also represented Canada at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, though their weekend came to an early end following cross country.

Team Canada will be flying out in the coming days to their base camp not far from the World Championships venue. Please join us in congratulating Dana and FE Mississippi on their call up!

If you’re looking for more from the FEI World Championships for Eventing, don’t miss out on our Ultimate Guide here.

It’s AEC Week! How to Follow Along

By on Aug 30, 2022 9:06 am -

James Alliston and Nemesis. Photo by RedBayStock.com.

The USEA American Eventing Championships are finally here as eventers once again trek up to the beautiful Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, MT. This year’s AEC features both Championship and Festival classes from Beginner Novice up through Advanced, making for a top-notch competition to wrap up the U.S. championship period.

Whether you’re attending/competing in person or following along from back at home, use this guide for all the information you need. While we don’t have a reporter on the ground in Montana this week, we will be bringing you daily recaps and social media round-ups, so stay tuned for much more!

The Entries

The small-but-mighty $60,000 Adequan® USEA Advanced Final 2022 features primarily riders from the West coast, including three rides for James Alliston and two for Kaylawna Smith-Cook. You can preview the full entry list and ride times (as well as scoring beginning tomorrow for some divisions) for Horse, Rider, and Festival divisions here.

The Live Stream

Ride On Video will be providing the bulk of the live stream this weekend, featuring a little bit of a stream for each division throughout the week. The live stream can be viewed here as well as here (the second link won’t have commentary but will show more riders). The schedule (which is subject to change) is as follows — all times shown below are Mountain Standard:

WEDNESDAY, August 31st
DRESSAGE
Main Feed – Ring 1
9:00am – 10:25am Bates Preliminary Rider Championships
10:35am – 12:00pm Bates Preliminary Amateur Championships
1:30pm – 3:35pm Open Intermediate Championships
4:20pm – 5:30pm Advanced Championships

Feed 2 – Ring 2
8:30am – 9:00 Modified Championships
9:15am – 10:45am Bates Preliminary Horse Championships
1:00pm – 2:15pm Bates Preliminary JR/Y.R. Championships

THURSDAY, September 1st
Main Feed
CROSS COUNTRY
8:30am – 9:55am Preliminary Championships
10:10am – 11:05am Festival Open Preliminary
11:35am – 12:15pm Intermediate Championships
12:50pm – 1:50pm Advanced Championships
2:25pm – 2:35pm Modified Championships
2:50pm – 3:45pm Festival Open Modified

Feed 2 – Ring 1
DRESSAGE
8:30am – 11-35am Novice Junior Championships

FRIDAY, September 2nd
Main Feed
SHOW JUMPING
9:00am – 9:35am Festival Open Modified
9:50am – 10:00am Modified Championships
10:55am – 11:50am Festival Open Preliminary
12:45pm – 1:00pm Bates Preliminary Horse Championships
1:15pm – 1:35pm Bates Preliminary JR/Y.R. Championships
2:20pm – 2:45pm Bates Preliminary Amateur Championships
3:00pm – 3:25pm Bates Preliminary Rider Championships
4:25pm – 4:50pm Open Intermediate Championships
5:45pm – 6:00pm $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Championships

Feed 2
CROSS COUNTRY (Single Camera)
8:30am – 10:55am Training Championships
11:10am – 12:10pm Festival Open Training
12:40pm – 2:10pm Festival Open Novice
2:25pm – 5:50pm Novice Championships

SATURDAY, September 3rd
Main Feed
SHOW JUMPING
8:00am – 8:40am Training Horse Championships
8:55am – 9:40am Training Junior Championships
10:30am – 11:15am Training Amateur Championships
11:30am – 11:55am Training Rider Championships
1:00pm – 1:35pm Novice Horse Championships
1:50pm – 2:45pm Novice Junior Championships
3:45pm – 4:45pm Novice Amateur Championships
5:00pm – 5:50pm Novice Rider Championships

Feed 2
CROSS COUNTRY (Single Camera)
9:00am – 11:45am Beginner Novice Championships
12:00pm – 1:10pm Festival Open Beginner Novice

SUNDAY, September 4th
Main Feed
SHOW JUMPING
8:00am – 8:15am Beginner Novice Horse Championships
8:30am – 9:15am Beginner Novice Junior Championships
10:00am – 10:55am Beginner Novice Amateur Championships
11:10am – 12:00pm Beginner Novice Rider Championships
1:00pm – 1:35pm Festival Open Beginner Novice A
1:40pm – 2:20pm Festival Open Beginner Novice B

USEA American Eventing Championships: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream] [Shannon Brinkman Photography]

Best of luck and have keep kicking to all competing this week! Enjoy some Instagram snippets from arrivals in Montana:

 

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A post shared by Julie Carani (@juliecarani)

 

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A post shared by Daren Wieferich (@avid747)

 

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Liz Halliday-Sharp Takes Dual Victories, Team USA’s Ready to Fly at MARS Great Meadow

By on Aug 28, 2022 9:00 pm -

Cooley Quicksilver proves once again his competitive nature with another 4*-S win. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

We knew we wouldn’t see every pair going for the notoriously difficult optimum time at MARS Great Meadow International, but a few of the top 10 riders gave it a good crack in the CCI4*-S conclusion this hot, balmy afternoon.

In the end, it would be Liz Halliday-Sharp with The Monster Partnership’s (Ocala Horse Properties, Renee Lane, Deborah Halliday) Cooley Quicksilver (Womanizer – Kylemore Crystal, by Creggan Diamond) who steadily crept up from their starting placing of fifth to take the overall win. She wins by the skin of her teeth on a 25.6 — just one second of time added on cross country — as Team USA member Tamie Smith let the Ahearn family and Eric Markell’s Mai Baum (Loredano 2 – Ramira, by Rike) cruise home to finish on a score of 26.9.

“Monster”, who is 11 this year, has already proven himself to be a competitor: he was fifth at Luhmühlen’s 5* in June, just after winning the tough Lexington 4*-S in April. This is his second 4*-S win, and Liz says the Irish gelding is feeling more professional with each go.

“I was completely thrilled with him,” Liz commented. “It’s his first run back since Luhmühlen, and he just keeps getting better. I mean, he’s only an eleven-year-old, so he’s done quite a lot. But he is still young horse and he was just totally professional in all three phases, and I couldn’t be more pleased with him.”

A 26.5 is a competitive finishing score anywhere in the world, Liz noted. “And that’s something I always strive for.” Liz has penciled the Maryland 5 Star in for both Cooley Quicksilver and her stalwart partner, Deniro Z, also owned by Ocala Horse Properties, who finished inside the top 10 on a score of 36.1.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Shanroe Cooley pick up a win en route to a trip to France this fall. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Liz also secured a second win in the 3*-S this weekend with Ocala Horse Properties Shanroe Cooley (Dallas VDL – Shanroe Sapphie), who at seven will aim for October’s FEI World Young Horse Breeding Championships in France. This was a wire-to-wire win for Liz, finishing the weekend without adding any penalties to their dressage score of 26.1.

Partnered with Liz since his four-year-old year, “Dallas” has been tapped for Le Lion for some time now as Liz produced him through the levels. “He just finds it really easy,” she said. “So it’s nice now because I’m going to go to his next run and just tone everything down a little bit since this was the first time I put a bit of pressure into him. And I think that was good for him. Now we can just settle down a little and have a nice run a Stable View [in September]. And then hopefully he’ll go in a really strong position for a lovely young Seven Year Old World Championships.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum cruised around with just a few seconds of time. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Team USA Ticks the Boxes

For the combinations heading to Pratoni for FEI World Championships, today was intended to be a challenge without asking too much of each horse. Chef d’equipe Bobby Costello reaffirmed his role as supporter, noting that each rider knows their horse best and knew the type of ride each needed.

Tamie Smith said she opted to let Mai Baum pick the pace out of the box, saying she was even a bit surprised to see she’d only come home with 6.4 time penalties as she thought they’d just cruised around.

“This is his first run since Badminton,” Tamie said. “And this is kind of what I do before a big Long format…He actually went faster than I expected him to. So I was kind of pleasantly surprised to that I only had six time when I got through the finish flags.”

With a handful of problems scattered around the course but primarily time playing a factor, some riders noted that the course felt somewhat ‘soft’, however Tamie says it suited what she felt her horse needed.

“I don’t think you can really say it’s too soft,” she explained. “Because, for me, I’m not trying to have, you know, a really hard run. I’m just trying to get him thinking and look in between the flags. And that was enough to do out there to get the horses back on their game.”

Ground also played a role in riders’ decision to crank on the gas pedal; several pairs simply opted to withdraw, including second-placed Will Coleman (Chin Champ – Wildera, by Quinar Z) and Hyperion Stud’s Chin Tonic HS. Will had been on the fence on Saturday night regarding cross country today, and opted to save his talented young horse’s legs for another run. Despite the harder summer ground, riders were also complimentary of the organizing and grounds crews’ efforts to aerate and work the track.

“But it’s very challenging anywhere in the Mid Atlantic,” Bobby Costello said of the going. “I think everybody rode their horses very intelligently. The riders rode very smart, quick enough to give their horses a work but nothing crazy. So I was really happy.”

Will Coleman and Off the Record make quick work of a massive brush table on course. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Looking to the rest of the U.S. team riders: Will Coleman‘s Pratoni horse, the Off the Record Syndicate’s Off the Record (Arkansas – Drumagoland Bay, by Ard Ohio) is the next highest-placed on the weekend, picking up eight seconds of time but still moving up to third overall on a final score of 31.1. Ariel Grald and Annie Eldridge’s Leamore Master Plan (Master Imp – Ardragh Bash) collected 20 seconds of time to end in 11th on a 38.9. Boyd Martin came home 30 seconds over time with the Turner family’s Tsetserleg, who looked to be skipping around a Novice. Lauren Nicholson brought Ms. Jacqueline Mars’ Vermiculus home clear with 19 seconds of time to finish inside the top 20. Reserve pair Phillip Dutton with the Z Partnership’s Z (Asca Z – Bellabouche, by Babouche VH Gehucht Z) also turned in a steady clear round, amassing 16.8 time penalties.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

All Eyes on Pratoni

The riders and grooms will now focus on the long journey that begins this coming Friday, which will take the horses out of USET headquarters in Gladstone, NJ. The Americans are basing in France at Vittel, a venue east of Paris that hosts FEI eventing along with racing, polo, and training facilities. Eventing Elite Program and Team Facilitator aka Logistics Chief and Senior Cat Herder Max Corcoran along with Bobby Costello chose the venue while at Aachen earlier this summer, describing it as having all the facilities the team would need for final training: including ample opportunity for show jumping practice on grass.

It’s an established fact that the horses going to Pratoni have experience jumping on grass. Most jumped around Badminton this year, and they’ve all at some point competed at venues such as Carolina International and Red Hills here in the States, both of which have historically held show jumping on grass. But jumping on grass is not something we do much in this country, especially once you leave the lower level events in search of higher level offerings.

For his part, Bobby isn’t particularly fazed: “Honestly, we jump on grass all the time at my farm!” he laughed.

Most of the horses on the squad have clear rounds on grass on their records, but Bobby acknowledges the fact that this weekend, with its show jumping on groomed footing held ahead of cross country, would leave some space for necessary practice in France.

“I believe all of these horses that are on the squad have jumped and jumped well on grass, so I’m not overly concerned,” he said. “Also, the footing there is kind of an ash base, so I think it will not be overly slick conditions should they get some moisture. And we definitely will be jumping on grass while we’re training in France.”

It’s been an intense experience for Bobby, who was appointed Interim Chef d’Equipe in April of this year, a role last held by Erik Duvander. While Erik still works privately with most of the riders on the squad for Pratoni, Bobby’s the one steering the ship. While it may not have been on his to-do list in the moment, Bobby’s extensive experience lends itself well to this role: he’s competed at the Olympic level of the sport, working with multiple coaches and Chefs during these years, held positions on countless committees and leadership boards, and has acted as a High Performance selector. In many ways, one could surmise it was the next logical step for someone who is already quite well-respected within the community.

“I honestly didn’t know, going into it, exactly what it was going to take for me to do this job successfully,” he elaborated. “I’ve been lucky that I’ve seen every single part of [the sport], so nothing has been a surprise. But, no one has done this job strictly just as a Chef d’Equipe. You’re slightly one step removed, kind of looking in and being of support when it’s necessary. And kind of knowing when to step back because riders know their programs are working on all cylinders. I guess I didn’t know exactly what it would be like, but I’ve been very, very happy with the experience.”

Only time will tell if Bobby will consider keeping the position after Pratoni — for now, he’s contracted to lead the team to Italy, and he says he’s keeping an open mind but focusing on the task at hand first. The role is tough: there are many more weekends spent away from home, more pressure, more expectations. Bobby, who says he really enjoys working with riders as a coach, says he wants to ensure that he gives a lot of thought to what he wants to do next.

“I actually don’t think I’m going to know until I’m on the other side of Pratoni,” he said. “At least in the last several years, this has not been the ‘master plan’ for me. I truly love a lot of the coaching and helping riders at the upper levels, and I get a lot out of that. And in all honesty, that will be a big question: am I willing to give a little bit of that up?”

Overall, for Bobby this final outing for the U.S. squad ticked the boxes. “I think overall it was a really good prep event,” he explained. “I could not have been happier with the way the horses looked in the dressage. We all have in mind what their scoring potential is, and I think all the horses are right in that zone. Show jumping for the most part was good, but there were a couple of horses that underperformed a bit. But I think it will only make those riders go home and really give some thought to what needs to be tweaked — and I think it really is just more of a tweak. Today [cross country] I think went very well. I think everybody rode their horses very intelligently. I left it, after discussions with the riders, very much in their hands. I think they know I trust their judgement, and they all want to be very competitive in Pratoni. They knew the rides they needed to give their horses today and I am in full support.”

We still await the final confirmation of which four pairs will make up the U.S. team and which pair will compete as an individual — we can expect that announcement sometime between now and the final entry deadline of September 5.

It’s been a hot, balmy weekend at Great Meadow, but I had an absolute blast as always. I’ll leave you with some social media missives below, but in the meantime thank you for following along with us all weekend. Next up, Tilly Berendt will make a quick pit stop at a little event called Burghley before she heads to Pratoni the following week, so stay tuned right here on EN for all the eventing coverage you can handle and a whole lot you don’t need.

As always, #goeventing.

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Take a Walk Around David O’Connor’s CCI4*-S Cross Country Track at MARS Great Meadow

By on Aug 28, 2022 9:00 am -

Fence 18AB, the MARS Sustainability Bay Lobster Trap, features a slightly more forgiving B element than last year’s brush arrowhead.

Fact: The Plains, Virginia wouldn’t be known for being flat. Despite its position early on in the beginnings of the fall season, David O’Connor’s track remains a formidable test for any combination, seasoned or otherwise. This year’s 4*-S track is no exception, and while the general ebb and flow of the track has similarities to its 2021 edition, some questions have been tweaked and added for this year.

You can view the full course below or, if the embedded post does not show up in your browser, here.

The track features 32 jumping efforts across 22 numbered obstacles, set on a 3740 meter track at an optimum time of 6 minutes, 34 seconds. Time is famously difficult to achieve here, and not every rider will be gunning for it to be sure. Many horses here, aside from the Pratoni-bound, will be aiming for big fall Long formats, including the Maryland 5 Star and Pau. Others will be looking for a test of mettle, putting the pedal down to really go for the top of the podium.

To that end, it’s a fascinating task a course designer is assigned: you must, in this instance, be giving enough of a test of World Championship-caliber horses without expending too much effort, be objectively challenging for greener horses or riders to set them up for a positive experience, and be mindful of where the horses are at in their respective fitness programs at this point in the “new” season” — among many, many other factors.

Fortunately here, the terrain provides a significant enough challenge that fitness can be tested. David’s questions frequently ask riders to select their line and commit to it, and while dimensionally it’s not the largest course (though there are a couple of positively massive fences on the track — the Brush Table at fence 9A is particularly top of mind to me), it will provide riders with a healthy amount of data to analyze later.

The dimensionally imposing Brush Table at fence 9A. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Cross country for the CCI4*-S begins today at about 1:30 p.m. EST and can be viewed live with your H&C+ subscription here. The order of go for today can be found here.

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Tamie Smith Remains in Control of MARS Great Meadow CCI4*-S

By on Aug 27, 2022 9:00 pm -

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum solidified their roles on Team USA with a double clear round. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Team USA put their show jumping chops to the test this evening as the sun began to ease its relentless beating on the Virginia hills at MARS Great Meadow International, making for some enjoyable viewing for the gathered spectators. It’s a strong 4*-S division here, but much focus centers on the riders making up the six-strong contingent heading to FEI World Championships for Eventing next month at Pratoni del Vivaro. This weekend is acting as a final observation event for the team, and performances here will be weighted as the selectors make their final nominations of the four team spots and one individual berth.

Rails did fall, though other factors will certainly shape the end performance come Sunday at World Championships: for starters, the show jumping at Pratoni will be held on grass, which isn’t a scene often observed here in the U.S. Despite this, most of the horses selected to rep the U.S. in Italy have recently jumped on grass. There will also be ample opportunity to practice on grass once the team reaches their pre-event training camp in France. Secondly, of course, show jumping will come as the final phase of competition, while the phase is traditionally held ahead of cross country here at Great Meadow.

Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan make a strong case for a coveted team spot with a strong double clear. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Holding on to her lead and collecting a rare clear round on Chris Barnard’s show jumping track will be California-based Tamie Smith with the Ahearn family and Eric Markell’s Mai Baum (Loredano 2 – Ramira, by Rike), remaining on their initial score of 20.5. As the top 10 will run David O’Connor’s cross country course in reverse order of placing tomorrow, Tamie will be the final rider to see. It’s likely safe to think Tamie may not to gun for the win, however, meaning some time collected could open up the door for another pair to snag the win.

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS add nothing to their dressage score to remain well within striking distance, should they choose to pursue the win on Sunday. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Someone like, perhaps, Will Coleman with Hyperion Stud’s Chin Tonic HS (Chin Champ – Wildera, by Quinar Z), who will also remain on his dressage mark of 21.9 to sit second overnight. Will’s potentially aiming at the Morven 4*-L in October as this horse’s primary fall goal, and told EN he’d make the call on whether he’d make a go for it tomorrow when he’s able to assess the ground. Another pair to potentially threaten the winner’s spot on the podium are Liz Halliday-Sharp with The Monster Partnership’s (Ocala Horse Properties, Renee Lane, Deborah Halliday) Cooley Quicksilver (Womanizer – Kylemore Crystal, by Creggan Diamond), moving up from fifth into third on their starting score of 25.2.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver swiftly collect a clear round. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Looking to the rest of Team USA, Will Coleman secured a nearly-clear round with one rail down aboard the Off the Record Syndicate’s Off the Record (Arkansas – Drumagoland Bay, by Ard Ohio), remaining in fourth on a 27.9. Ariel Grald also secured a strong clear round inside the time with Annie Eldridge’s Leamore Master Plan (Master Imp – Ardragh Bash), remaining on their initial score of 30.9 and moving from 19th into 13th.

Lauren Nicholson and Vermiculus add three rails to their dressage mark ahead of Sunday’s cross country. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Reserve combination Phillip Dutton with the Z Partnership’s Z (Asca Z – Bellabouche, by Babouche VH Gehucht Z), lowered one rail to go into Sunday on a two-phase score of 32.6. Boyd Martin and the Turner family’s Tsetserleg as well as Lauren Nicholson and Ms. Jacqueline Mars Vermiculus (Sazeram – Wake Me Gently) lowered three rails to drop down a few placings.

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg lowered three rails. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Looking to our Canadian representatives heading to Pratoni, Holly Jacks-Smither and the Candy King Syndicate’s Candy King had three rails down to put them onto a two-phase score of 42.4.

Tomorrow’s cross country track, designed by David O’Connor, promises to be up to its usual Great Meadow standard, will take the 4*-S combinations over a total of 3740 meters with 32 jumping efforts set at 22 numbered questions. The optimum time is 6 minutes, 34 seconds and, as it typical here on Virginia’s rolling hills, features a healthy fitness test and shrewdly thought-out placement of questions according to terrain. You can view the course below or, if the embedded post does not show up, here.

Let’s do a quick look in on the other divisions competing here. Today’s action saw the Preliminary and CCI2*-S winners crowned (to which I was lucky enough to have a front-row seat as I brought my long-suffering boyfriend along for the full volunteering experience today), along with show jumping for the humongous CCI3*-S division this afternoon.

CCI3*-S: Liz Halliday-Sharp and Ocala Horse Properties’ Shanroe Cooley (Dallas VDL – Shanroe Sapphie) retain their lead, adding no penalties in show jumping to their dressage score of 26.1.

CCI2*-S: Alyssa Phillips and Cornelius Bo won here last year (and many times in between) and now pick up another win in the 2*-S, finishing on 27.2, very nearly on an identical score to 2021 (27.5). This is Cornelius Bo’s first outing since he (surprise) won the 3*-L at Ocala in April — are we looking at the next winner of the Maryland 3*-L?

Preliminary A: Hannah Sue Hollberg also picks up a wire-to-wire win with Ms. Jacqueline Mars and Christa Schmidt’s J (Farfan M – Fairway). This is the fourth outing at the level for the seven-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding and his first win.

Preliminary B: Another start-to-finish victor was crowned in the Prelim B division: Erin Kanara piloted Claudia Schultze’s Windchase Lionstar (Brandenburg’s Windstar – Mah). The seven-year-old bred by Phyllis Dawson picks up his second win at the Preliminary level.

Tomorrow we’ll conclude competition with cross country for the 3*-S and 4*-S divisions. The 3*-S will be the first to see at 9 a.m. EST tomorrow, followed by the 4* at 1:27 p.m. EST. Both divisions will be live streamed on Horse & Country here. I’ll be back with a final wrap-up from MARS Great Meadow tomorrow evening. Until then, stay cool and Go Eventing.

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Enjoy a few social snippets from Saturday at Great Meadow:

Team USA Clusters at Top of MARS Great Meadow CCI4*-S Leaderboard on Day One

By on Aug 26, 2022 7:00 pm -

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

We are well underway here at the 2022 MARS Great Meadow International in The Plains, VA, where a robust entry list in the CCI4*-S also features the members of Team USA heading to Pratoni in Italy for the FEI World Championships for Eventing in just a few days’ time. This weekend is intended to be a final observation event for the riders selected for World Championships.

While none of the Team USA riders here will necessarily be gunning for the win over the next two days, there are still the ever-important selections of the final team and individual designations yet to come, so a solid performance is still key.

Under the watchful eye of interim chef d’equipe Bobby Costello, the majority of the U.S. riders were slotted into the final group this afternoon in front of judges Peter Gray and Christina Klingspor. Surprising no one, it’s Tamie Smith and Mai Baum (Loredano 2 – Ramira, by Rike) leading the way as the penultimate pair to see on a score of 20.5.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum show us how to earn a 20.5. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Alex and Ellen Ahearn and Eric Markell’s 16-year-old Mai Baum, known for his glamour in the first phase, earned a 20.5 on a day when low-20s scores were flashing seemingly one after another.

Tamie says her experience as the traveling reserve in Tokyo last year, while difficult, gave her a lot of valuable experience that she plans to put to good use at Pratoni.

“It’s great having Boyd and Phil and Will, Lauren, you know, they’ve been on multiple championship teams and so just feeding off of their experience watching, and being there in Tokyo, although very difficult, I did just have the mindset of what can I get from every aspect,” Tamie said. “And, you know, they do say there’s nothing like going to a championship and after you get there, you understand that so, having been there, I think I know what to expect. I have a great partnership with my horse and I think we have an awesome team and great camaraderie and all the horses are phenomenal. I looked at the scores and I saw all of them and they looked like they put in even better tests than they have been so it’s really exciting.”

Earlier in the day, Will Coleman and Hyperion Stud’s Chin Tonic HS (Chin Champ – Wildera, by Quinar Z) earned a 21.9 to take early command. This is the 10-year-old’s return to competition after finishing 10th at Aachen in July, and it’s not hard to envision the stunning Holsteiner gelding wearing the stars and stripes in Paris in two years’ time. For now, though, Will’s concentration remains on strength, finesse, and valuable experience — the flashy gelding is of course not short on talent, but often with the naturally talented ones patience is prudent.

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg continue to show improvement on what was already a competitive foundation. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Teammate Boyd Martin and the Turner family’s Tsetserleg (Windfall II – Thabana, by Buddenbrock) continue to fine-tune their partnership, underscoring their nearly decade-long partnership with an international personal best of 22.1 this afternoon. This pair will take the most experience into the competition at Pratoni, and Boyd reckons “Thomas” is well up to the task.

“My fella’s in in fantastic form,” Boyd said. “He’s been training very, very well and…I feel like he’s in the best condition he’s ever been in. He’s improving still and he’s, like you said, a veteran and what a legend horse to be able to get on a team for a fourth time. I’m very grateful for Chris and Tommy [Turner], who backed me with not only this horse with a bunch of horses, and I think we’ve got a mission ahead of us. It’s a long trip to World Championships. They’re a brutally tough contest and I really feel we’ve got five or six wicked good horses, and if everyone can pull out a personal best, we’re in with a shot. So it’s pretty easy to say that and it’s very hard to do it, so we’ll give it our best.”

Will Coleman and his Pratoni horse, the Off the Record Syndicate’s Off the Record (Arkansas – Drumagoland Bay, by Ard Ohio) also hit a high mark, earning a 23.9 from the judges to sit fourth overnight.

“Well, [I’ve] just been trying to get better,” Will said when asked what he’d been working on since his mid-summer European tour at Luhmühlen and Aachen. “We’ve all got, I think, great individual teams behind each of us — owners, coaches, family — and I’m lucky to be very well-supported in all those regards. So I wouldn’t say I’ve been doing anything different. I’ve just been trying to continue on the program that I’m on. And that’s how I’m going to approach Pratoni, as just another horse show.”

Lauren Nicholson gives a wave to the crowd aboard Vermiculus. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Lauren Nicholson and Ms. Jacqueline Mars’ Vermiculus (Sazeram – Wake Me Gently) staved off some “naughty Bug” moments to earn a 27.0 and sit tenth overnight. Lauren, along with Kim Severson, had a chance to see what was in store at Pratoni earlier this year at the FEI Nations Cup Eventing leg and test event and she shared one key piece of advice:

“If I had one piece of advice for anyone going, it’s don’t wear white pants or socks or shoes,” she warned. “Everything’s black from the knee down with the volcanic dust, but it’s a super unique venue.” It’s true: the soil at Pratoni is a unique mixture that contains volcanic ash — something Tilly observed might actually make for excellent going despite the hot, dry temperatures during Italian summer.

“I think [the selectors] really picked the right group of horses for it because it’s extremely steep and hilly while also they utilize a lot of the terrain they have,” Lauren continued. “A combination of big massive five-star fences and also ‘terrain-y’ little skip through things. It’s a very rural area, but the venue is beautiful. I think it’ll be a lot of fun for anybody going to watch because it’s all very compact and easy to get to while also having a lot of space for the horses to go ride, hack, and everything else. So I think it’s going to be a really exceptional venue for the championships. And it’ll be a proper World Championship track.”

Ariel Grald and Annie Eldridge’s Leamore Master Plan (Master Imp – Ardragh Bash) earned a 30.9 for 19th overall.

“It’s an honor to be up here with all these great riders and I’m excited to learn from them through this whole process,” Ariel said. “And it’s just an exciting time to be representing the U.S. As we’ve all said, we all have really great programs that have gotten us here to this point. So I think something that’s really important to stay focused on is continuing the success that we’ve had to all be named to the team and to just keep the momentum going moving forward into Pratoni.”

Reserve for the Pratoni team are Phillip Dutton and Z (Asca Z – Bellabouche, by Babouche VH Gehucht Z) scored 28.6 and will be in 13th ahead of tomorrow’s show jumping. The reserve position is one Phillip’s experienced somewhat recently: in 2016, he was called up as the reserve with Mighty Nice and would go on to win the individual bronze medal. Unenviable of a position as reserve may be, it’s nonetheless a vital role and one not lacking pressure: at a moment’s notice, you must be ready to step up and deliver the performance of a lifetime.

“It’s an important role to be ready there if the unfortunate happens, and hopefully it won’t, because most of the hard work’s been done,” Phillip commented. “And so we sort of just hopefully cruise on home, but I’ve got to be ready if something does happen and be ready to move in.”

While the first phase is not where the competition is won, one still has to leave today thinking there was a lot to like about the performances and resulting scores we saw. Bobby Costello agrees.

“Knock on wood, it’s been a great lead-up so far,” he said. “I think all of us are looking incredibly fit. I think all the riders are feeling very confident. I think, obviously, the dressage is coming along really, really well. So my job is just to, in the next few weeks, kind of be supporting what they do.”

The lead-up to this World Championships is slightly different in a leadership sense: while Erik Duvander is no longer the chef for Team USA, he still works with the majority of riders selected on a private basis. While Bobby has been appointed interim chef, coaching has been left up to the individual riders to decide what program works best for them.

“We have kind of decentralized coaching now,” Bobby said. “Everybody has their program, and my job is just to kind of be there and support them, given them encouragement when they need it, but honestly, try not to get too much in the way and try to just kind of bring the whole group together as a unit. And that will be happening more and more over the next few weeks.”

Holly Jacks-Smither and Candy King. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

The Americans are of course not the only Pratoni-bound contenders here at Great Meadow: Holly Jacks-Smither opted to bring the Candy King Syndicate’s Candy King (Birkhof’s Grafenstolz – Eye Candy) ahead of her trip next week to represent Canada. She decided to bring the 12-year-old British Sport Horse south to Virginia rather than trekking north to Bromont and then back to JFK to fly out. Second, she also felt this venue might give the horse, who will be experiencing his first championship, a good shot at acclimating to bigger atmosphere.

It’s been a winding road to this point for Holly, who will also be representing Canada in a major championship (she’s got prior team experience, though, with two Nations Cup competitions under her belt) for the first time. Last year, she unexpectedly had to retire her longtime 5* partner, More Inspiration, after the discovery of a heart murmur. Then, she thought she would have to sell Candy King, even going as far as to list him on the open market. Fate stepped in, however, and a team of her supporters formed the Candy King Syndicate to keep the horse with her.

As for Candy King stepping up, Holly’s feeling confident. “This will be his first big championship, but he’s just gotten better at every competition he’s gone to,” she said, crediting her longtime coach Buck Davidson for his guidance along the way. Holly earned a 30.4 to sit 16th overnight, and was heading off to walk the course with Buck to make a final plan on how much of the track she’ll run come Sunday.

There are, of course, many other combinations contesting the FEI and Preliminary divisions here at MARS Great Meadow International; let’s do a quick check of the leaderboards:

CCI3*-S: Liz Halliday-Sharp currently leads the way (26.1) with Ocala Horse Properties‘ Shanroe Cooley (Dallas VDL – Shanroe Sapphie), who we hear is aiming for the FEI World Young Horse Breeding Championships in France this fall as a seven-year-old.

CCI2*-S: Alyssa Phillips and the ever-talented Cornelius Bo (Concours Complet – Charlotte, by Carismo) won the first phase on a score of 23.2.

Preliminary A: Hannah Sue Hollberg and Ms. Jacqueline Mars and Christa Schmidt’s J (Farfan M – Fairway) earnedd a 20.5 to lead the way following the first phase ahead of Saturday’s jumping phases.

Preliminary B: Erin Kanara and Claudia Schultze’s Windchase Lionstar (Brandenburg’s Windstar – Mah) score a 25.5 to lead the way in the early going.

Tomorrow we’ll have a jam-packed day of jumping: the Preliminary and CCI2*-S pairs will show jump, followed by cross country later in the day. Meanwhile, the CCI3*-S and CCI4*-s horses will jump later on, the 3* beginning at 1:10 p.m. EST and the 4* beginning at 5:08 p.m. EST. You can view the full show jumping order of go here and the full Saturday cross country order of go here.

There are also a myriad of fun activities to see and do here if you’re coming to take in the action! Competitors can relax ringside in the riders’ tent provided by Hilltop Bio. On Saturday, there will be a tailgate spot with food and drinks put on by STRIDER. There’s plenty of shopping and food (including handcrafted popsicles, which if you ask me are the best addition to the refreshments line-up this year) to enjoy, so come on out and have some fun with us!

If you’re far away or unable to come, Horse & Country is providing the live stream all weekend long here.

#MARSGMI: 
[Website] [Schedule] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Order of Go] [Scoring] [Live Stream] [Volunteer] [Tickets] [Erin Gilmore Photography] [EN’s Coverage]
Enjoy a few social media snippets from Friday in The Plains:

 

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Checking In with Valerie Pride’s English Experience

By on Aug 24, 2022 3:13 pm -

When Valerie Pride sat down during the off season to do some thinking on what the 2022 season would look like, she focused on something other than a major spring five-star event. It wasn’t for lack of a capable horse; her longtime partner, Favian, finished in the top-25 at Maryland 5 Star last year and had gone into vacation feeling healthy and sound. But while more five-star events remain a goal of Valerie’s, this season emerged as an opportunity to pursue a different goal: world experience.

“I’ve never had the experience to go overseas, not even to groom,” she explained. “I’ve been to Badminton as a spectator/eventing junkie, but that’s about the extent of it. Favian is getting to be slightly on the older side, and he’s feeling wonderful so it felt like this was kind of my chance to go and do it.”

At 14, Favian is certainly well within his competitive prime period, and Valerie wants to make the most of having a happy and sound partner to go on adventures with. So she set about a whirlwind of planning, contacting British eventing great William Fox-Pitt (with whom she’d connected over the winter thanks to a clinic organized by Sara Kozumplik and who she also shares a connection with through Mary Guinness, Tamarillo’s owner), who graciously offered to let her base with him in Dorset, England.

Initially, the Luhmühlen 5* was a goal for Valerie this spring. But with Covid still running rampant and some areas experiencing closures and shutdowns, she felt it safer to wait. From this decision came another: “The more I was thinking about it and talking to people, the more I thought going to be competitive at a four-star just felt like an excellent plan,” she explained.

Thus, a plan began to take shape to compete at Blenheim Palace International’s September CCI4-L — which as recently as 2021 yielded a Kentucky runner-up in Great Britain’s Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir (who were also just tapped to represent the defending champs at Pratoni next month).

Of course, leaving behind a fully operational business isn’t an easy task. On top of the travel logistics, Valerie’s grandmother passed away shortly before her departure. Amongst all of the turbulence, though, Valerie maintained a steady determination. “I’m so grateful to my clients,” she said. “I realize this is a big ask on them because they would like me here, but we’re going to try to do FaceTime lessons. And that should be able to keep everyone going. My husband is amazing, I already leave him to go south for the winter and now I’m leaving him again to go to England! He’s going to come over for Blenheim.”

Since arriving in England earlier this month, Valerie’s gotten off to a successful start — though she’ll be the first to admit it’s been quite the whirlwind of a learning experience! #Supergroom Conner Ann Clark flew over with Favian, where he was received by the capable team at Fox-Pitt Eventing before she turned around to return to the U.S. and help run the ship at home for Valerie. She also was unable to fly Favian’s famous emotional support mini, Theodore, due to paperwork complications (luckily, William has offered up his daughter’s Shetland as a stand-in for Theodore), but has reported that Favian has taken the changes in stride.

Here are some missives from Valerie’s email updates, which you can sign up for on the Blue Clover Eventing website:

“I have been very lucky that William has been here nearly this entire week for lessons. I will call it Blenheim Bootcamp! In my dressage lesson, I thought three times at least the lesson was over and ‘oh no, pick back up those reins and let’s make it better’ and that inevitably leads to something else to work on. And we did!

He emphasizes softness and stillness which is rather incredible for a man whose left leg is as strong as my entire body. He has declared war on Favian’s mouth — Favian chomps as a habit. It doesn’t matter if it’s in his stall, in the crossties, or in a 5* dressage test. It’s his thing. Well, William doesn’t want it to be a thing!

Another William thing! Tails! Oh boy, does this one make me nervous. I’m watching a jump session the other day and William disappears after warm-up (ok maybe not all that unusual) but the re-appears talking to me about something else with the pair of scissors from the feed room visible in his hands (unusual). He walks up to the horse, has the rider stop, and then and there bangs it nearly above the hocks. Satisfying? I suppose so because it was immediately gratifying to see. Terrifying? Definitely. Because I know his next target — even though I have explained that we have a fake tail #sleepwithoneeyeopen

I do feel forever grateful that they have bestowed upon us a real British tail wrap. It’s so flattering and proper! Now they must teach me how to actually tie it.

As silly as this sounds, the other biggest takeaway from this trip has been about walking. Thus far I have spent you-don’t-even-want-to-know how much money and invested so much time and effort into walking in my daily lessons. It’s so hard! To walk with a purpose is really a feat and yet all of Williams horses do it without an ounce of hesitation. For hours each day. Favian and I are playing catch up and making literally every step count. I have a new faith and confidence and William to back me up if Favian doesn’t want to hear it!

I recognize my limitations and have adopted a fitness program in the gym upstairs in his office. I call it my dojo. You walk in to hundreds of pictures on the wall. Mostly winning. Some epic saves, and some epic fails. Championship trophies are on the ground being used as door stoppers! In the middle of my most trying, defeated moments of the workout session, I look up to see William smiling on some podium or grinning on a victory gallop. And I fight. And I focus! Don’t you try to coast through your week — you know I won’t, either!”

Valerie and Favian enjoyed a sixth place finish in their first English event at Aston le Walls two weeks ago, and next Valerie will jet up to Scotland to judge at Blair Castle International this weekend. Above all, she’s enjoying the full immersion into a world-class program, eager to bring her new knowledge back home. The support she’s had to make this trip happen has been immeasurable, she says. “It just really feels like so many people are trying to make it work. There is some pressure — you want to do well — but it’s about the experience and being able to bring that back to help everyone else.”

Blenheim Palace commences during the same week as FEI World Championships for Eventing, and we’ll be sure to keep up with Valerie and Favian as their English adventure continues!

Go Eventing.

A Star-Studded 4* + Final Outing for Team USA & More: Previewing MARS Great Meadow International

By on Aug 24, 2022 1:00 pm -

Will Coleman and Off The Record. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

We’re just a day away from the start of competition at one of the landmark summer events on the calendar each year at MARS Great Meadow International. Held in The Plains, VA, this event has become a late-summer staple for horses coming into full prep mode for their respective fall destinations. This weekend is also the final outing for the U.S. riders (and a Canadian or two) heading to Italy for the FEI World Championships in September, which means there is a positively stacked CCI4*-S division featuring on the docket.

If you’re as eager as we are to follow along with Great Meadow, here’s a quick primer on what you need to know:

The Entries

A total of 43 entries feature in the CCI4*-S division, including Team USA’s squad plus one Canadian pair heading to Pratoni. Just a few notable Friday dressage ride times include (* indicates a World Championships rider or reserve rider):

  • Will Coleman and DonDante: 8:15 a.m. EST
  • Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire: 8:37 a.m. EST
  • Doug Payne and Quantum Leap: 9:40 a.m. EST
  • Lauren Nicholson and Vermiculus*: 9:55 a.m. EST
  • Boyd Martin and Fedarman B: 10:02 a.m. EST
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver: 10:10 a.m. EST
  • Buck Davidson and Erroll Gobey: 10:45 a.m. EST
  • Tamie Smith and Solaguayre California: 11:15 a.m. EST
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp and Deniro Z: 1:30 p.m. EST
  • Holly Jacks Smither and Candy King*: 1:37 p.m. EST
  • Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg*: 2:10 p.m. EST
  • Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan*: 2:18 p.m. EST
  • Will Coleman and Off the Record*: 2:40 p.m. EST
  • Phillip Dutton and Z*: 2:48 p.m. EST
  • Tamie Smith and Mai Baum*: 2:55 p.m. EST

You can view the full entry list on the Order of Go here.

The Schedule

The CCI4*-S competitors will begin their competition on Friday with dressage in front of judges Peter Gray (also a member of the Ground Jury for Pratoni) and Christina Klingspor, followed by show jumping Saturday evening beginning at 5:04 p.m. and concluding with show jumping on Sunday beginning at 1:27 p.m. Other divisions include a CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S, and Preliminary. A full schedule, along with ride times, can be found here.

How to Watch

Horse & Country is providing the live stream this year as they have for the past few seasons. You do need to have an H&C+ subscription (which starts at $9.99 per month and also comes with a free 30-day trial for new subscribers).

What to Do

There are always plenty of activities happening alongside the competition at Great Meadow. This year, Hilltop Bio is sponsoring a ringside competitors’ lounge. Spectators can also enjoy Great Meadow’s fall family festival with a vendor village, food trucks, tailgates, and catering. Tailgating and VIP passes are sold out, but general tickets and ringside spots still remain — click here to purchase your tickets if you plan to come and enjoy the fun.

You can also join STRIDER CEO Tara Swersie and COO Natasha Sprengers-Levine for a fun tailgate on cross country day (Sunday) beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the Piedmont Tailgates area near the show jumping arena. Food and drinks will be available (and we even hear Chinch might make an appearance), so be sure to add this stop to your list.

Last but certainly not least, there’s a very special occasion happening before 4* show jumping on Saturday: Lynn Symansky’s WEG and longtime 5* partner, Donner, will have a retirement ceremony in the main Flemming Farm Arena at 4:14 p.m.

How to Volunteer

There are still many volunteer positions open throughout the weekend. Volunteers for this event receive a t-shirt, box lunch, and passes to park and gain admission to the event. Currently, jobs such as Stabling Check-in, Office Help, Floaters, Cross Country Jump Judges, Hospitality, and Event Takedown are available and can be flexible to your schedule. Click here to see openings and sign up using Eventing Volunteers.

I will be on the ground all week at Great Meadow doing some volunteering/team stalking, so stay tuned for much more from Virginia!

MARS Great Meadow International: [Website] [Schedule] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Order of Go] [Scoring] [Live Stream] [Volunteer] [Tickets] [Erin Gilmore Photography] [EN’s Coverage]

Strides for Equality Equestrians Announces Immersive 3-Day Training Camp with Ashley Johnson

By on Aug 24, 2022 11:00 am -

Ashley Johnson and Tactical Maneuver. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Since Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) began in 2020, the group has focused on providing opportunity for riders from diverse backgrounds to access training and immersive experiences within the equine industry. With the formation of the Ever So Sweet Scholarship, supported by Edy Rameika and the USEA Foundation, SEE has given three deserving riders the chance to train with Sara Kozumplik in Florida or Virginia for several months.

But leaving home for months at a time isn’t always an option, yet there are countless riders who would benefit from an immersive training opportunity. In stepped 5* rider Ashley Johnson, who is the coach for a newly-announced 3-Day Training Camp opportunity through SEE.

One applicant will be selected to join Ashley at her own Totem Hill Farm in Ocala, FL. The camp will take place over three weekdays in December of 2022, and there is some flexibility regarding the dates. Room, board, and lessons will be provided. Applicants must arrange and pay for their own transportation to and from the camp.

“Strides for Equality Equestrians is doing meaningful work within our sport to promote a more equitable and inclusive culture towards Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) people,” Ashley said. “In developing this scholarship with them, my aim is to open another door in the three-day eventing community for a BIPOC rider to develop skills and have personal access to an active upper-level professional. I would love to see diversity in our sport become the norm instead of the exception, and I hope other professionals will join me in considering how they can open doors as well.”

Applicants with the ability to bring a horse are welcome to do so, otherwise a lesson horse maybe available. Applicants interested in using a lesson horse for the camp should provide a video of their riding to ensure they are an appropriate fit for one of Ashley’s available horses. Applications are due on October 15 (along with applications for the fall/winter award of the Ever So Sweet Scholarship), and you can learn more + apply here.

Want to support SEE’s ongoing mission? Mark your calendars for SEE Month, happening in celebration of the organization’s two-year anniversary all throughout the month of October. Click here to learn more about SEE Month and how you can participate.

Wednesday News & Notes from Haygain

By on Aug 24, 2022 12:01 am -

I know, I know — you weren’t really expecting to see a random movie poster as the lead to today’s News & Notes. But, I have a fun fact to go along with it: the newest addition to the Predator franchise (though you don’t have to have been a Predator fan to enjoy this new movie), Prey, was edited by amateur eventer Angela Catanzaro! Angela’s been sharing some of her work on her social media (talk about a cool gig!), and this movie marks one of her proudest accomplishments. Notable for this movie is its entirely-Indigenous cast and the availability of a Comanche language dub for the film. This article on Screen Rant provides some great background on the efforts that were made to properly represent the Comanche. It’s a good movie — I thoroughly enjoyed it despite the fact I wouldn’t call myself a Predator fan, plus I’m always interested in work that a fellow eventer does!

Naturally, my curiosity got the better of me and I’ve actually wound up on a very random cross country school with Angela before, so I reached out to her and she’s agreed to do a profile on her work-horse balance — stay tuned for that in the coming weeks!

U.S. Weekend Preview

MARS Great Meadow International: [Website] [Schedule] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Order of Go] [Scoring] [Live Stream] [Volunteer] [Tickets] [Erin Gilmore Photography] [EN’s Coverage]

Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T. (Santa Ynez, CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

Town Hill Farm H.T. (Lakeville, CT): [Website] [Scoring]

Major International Events

Land Rover Blair Castle International H.T. (Pitlochry, UK): [Website] [Schedule] [Timing & Scoring]

Millstreet International H.T. (Cork, Ireland): [Website] [Timing & Scoring]

Wednesday News & Reading

We’re keeping you in the loop on all things Pratoni as the FEI World Championships for Eventing loom closer. Be sure you’ve bookmarked our Ultimate Guide to FEI World Championships for all the latest coverage, and stay tuned for sign-ups to our free Pratoni Daily Digest coming soon!

If you’ve ever experienced the heart failure that accompanies a close call involving a phone and a horse show porta-potty, you’ll certainly want to help Carolina Horse Park raise funds for permanent bathrooms! The 2022 Envelope Challenge benefitting the Park’s “Fund a Potty” Project is now live and available for participation until September 30. Donors can “purchase” envelopes of different values, contributing towards the overall fundraising goal of $225,000. [Play the Envelope Challenge]

Team USA rider Tamie Smith has two staples in her arsenal when it comes to producing young horses. Her focus on each horse as an individual has lead to much success in building relationships, but that isn’t the only thing that’s important in her program. [More on how Tamie trains young horses]

I’m not going to lie, I’ve begun following show jumping a bit more closely because I am positively obsessed with newly-crowned World Champion King Edward. Also a team gold medalist in Tokyo, King Edward has done the #SuperSwedes proud — and he’s done much of it without shoes. In fact, rider Henrik von Eckermann calls the choice to remove King Edward’s shoes a game changer. [Read more about King Edward’s journey to world champion]

Been thinking of investing in a Haygain Forager? Here’s your sign! Haygain is offering a “buy more, save more” sale through Monday, August 29 on the popular slow-feed option, making it the perfect time to outfit multiple horses or an entire barn. [Shop the sale]

#TackFacts from Sterling Essentials:

Have you met Sterling Essentials’ newest product line yet? Sign me up for the Fresh Helmet Spray, for real. P.S.: you can save 10% off your order this month using code ENAUG.

Watch This on H&C+

Don’t miss the return of MARS Great Meadow International and the final outing for the Pratoni-bound Team USA, streaming live on H&C+ all weekend beginning Friday. Click here to view the live stream / subscribe to H&C+ (30 day free trial available for new members).

Wednesday Video Break

A throwback compilation from the 2019 MARS Great Meadow:

Tuesday Video Break: The Millbrook Hunt Tradition

By on Aug 23, 2022 5:00 pm -

Each August, the Millbrook Hunt begins its season in earnest. A tradition dating back to 1907, the Millbrook Hunt is an homage to history and an opportunity to enjoy the gorgeous landscapes of the Hudson River Valley. The Hunt also plays a key role in land stewardship and conservation.

We were incredibly sad to see Millbrook’s August Horse Trials, a popular fixture on the Area 1 calendar each year, canceled in 2022 after the event and a key landowner were unable to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. We’re hopeful that we’ll see the return of this event in 2023 and look forward to more Millbrook shorts like this one from our friend Marion de Vogel.

Ride iQ is Celebrating One Year! How to Enter Their Celebratory Giveaway

By on Aug 23, 2022 3:00 pm -

Graphic courtesy of Ride iQ.

Riding on your own has become more productive and enjoyable thanks to the rising popularity of Ride iQ, a virtual coaching and training app that provides access to guided “lessons” from top professionals such as Doug Payne, Leslie Law, Kyle Carter, Lauren Sprieser, and many more.

This month, Ride iQ is celebrating its one year anniversary, and they’re doing it up big with a cool giveaway from HorsePlay Tack Store. One lucky winner is going to receive a $3,000 shopping spree with HorsePlay, which is a women-owned business based out of Bend, OR featuring anything and everything riders need.

Here’s the scoop on the giveaway, which is taking entries until Thursday, August 25 (can’t see the embedded Instagram post below? Click here to view or here to view/enter on Facebook):

This grand prize just might be every equestrian’s dream giveaway (we know it’s ours)!

⭐️ The grand prize includes a $3,000 shopping spree to @horseplaybend, a 6-month Ride iQ membership, and awesome Ride iQ merch!

We’re excited to partner with HorsePlay on this MASSIVE giveaway! HorsePlay is a female-owned small business based out of Bend, Oregon (but don’t worry, everything’s online!) and they offer everything for the horse, rider, barn, and dog.

To enter, follow the steps below:

👉 Step 1: Follow @RideiQOfficial and @horseplaybend

👉 Step 2: If you’re not a Ride iQ member yet, download the Ride iQ app for iPhone or Android (link in bio) and start your 2-week free trial through the app. You can cancel anytime and maintain access through your trial, but we’re pretty sure you’ll love it! If you don’t believe us, check out our latest reel to see what members are saying about Ride iQ.️ (Ride iQ members: Step 2 is already complete ☑️)

👉 Step 3: Comment on this post with what you’d get at @horseplaybend if you won the shopping spree.

👉 BONUS: Share this post to your grid or stories for a bonus entry! Make sure to tag @RideiQOfficial and @horseplaybend so we don’t miss it!

📍The fine print: entries close Thursday, August 25th at 12pm ET and the winner will be announced and contacted on 8/26. This promotion is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with Instagram/Facebook. By entering, entrants confirm that they are 13+ years of age, release Instagram/Facebook of responsibility, and agree to Instagram/Facebook terms of use.

Colleen Loach Withdraws Vermont from Canadian Team for Pratoni

By on Aug 23, 2022 1:15 pm -

Colleen Loach and Vermont. Photo by Amber Heintzberger.

Canadian Olympian Colleen Loach announced today that she has withdrawn Vermont, owned by Peter Barry, from the FEI World Championships squad traveling to Italy next month. The 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding was a part of the Canadian team for the FEI Nations Cup leg at Bromont last weekend, contributing to a silver medal finish as a final prep for World Championships.

“Monty felt incredible in his final prep for the World’s at Bromont Nations Cup last weekend. Unfortunately he came off of [cross country] with a sprained fetlock and so we won’t have the privilege of representing Canada this fall in Italy,” Colleen wrote on social media. “Best of luck to team Canada over there and I will be sending positive vibes your way. A huge thank you to all of my sponsors and supporters. We couldn’t do it without you!”

Equestrian Canada will have the option to substitute a reserve rider onto its final squad heading to Pratoni. The federation had originally designated Dana Cooke (FE Mississippi) and Lisa Marie Fergusson (Honor Me) as reserve combinations. Definite entries are due on September 5, but we can expect an announcement from Canada on who will take Colleen’s place on the final roster ahead of this deadline.

France Names Squad for FEI World Championships at Pratoni

By on Aug 23, 2022 9:00 am -

#EVENTING #ATTELAGE FEI World Championships Pratoni – Roma 2022 –

Après les Mondiaux de Herning, direction Pratoni…

Posted by FFE – Equipe de France on Friday, August 19, 2022

Adding their squad to the Pratoni party are the French, historically among the more consistent podium finishers in World Championships history and looking to add some more hardware to their medal cabinet in Italy next month. A 6-combination squad has been named for FEI World Championships for Eventing, which begin in earnest on September 14 at Pratoni del Vivaro. The French are the current defending bronze medalists in both World Championship and Olympic competition, and we’ll see the return of one pair from the Tokyo team in Nicolas Touzaint and Absolut Gold HDC.

Nicolas Touizant (FRA) and Absolut Gold. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The named horses and riders are as follows, in alphabetical order:

  • Tom Carlile and Darmagnac de Béliard – nine-year-old Selle Français gelding (Canturo x Palme de Moyon, by Barbarian). Owned by S.C.E.A. de Beliard and Jean-Jacques Montagne, and groomed by Camille Coton.
  • Héloïse Le Guern and Canakine du Sudre Z – 12-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Felton du Mont*Charles de Gaul x Listia du Sudre, by Duc du Maurier). Owned by Bénédicte and Philippe Le Guern, and groomed by Bénédicte Le Guern.
  • Cyrielle Lefèvre and Armanjo Serosah –12-year-old Selle Français gelding (Romando de l’Abbaye x Jolyjo Serosah, by Sassanian). Owned by Charline Guerin, and groomed by Soizic Lefèvre.
  • Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza – nine-year-old British-bred Sport Horse mare (Cevin Z x unrecorded dam). Owned by Martin Thurlow and Jane Young, and groomed by Lucy-Anna Westaway.
  • Astier Nicolas and Alertamalib’or – 12-year-old Anglo-Arab gelding (Summer Song x Dambine, by Prince Ig’Or). Owned by Aliette Forien, Nicholas Paul, and the rider, and groomed by Laura Schmitt.
  • Nicolas Touzaint and Absolut Gold*HDC – 12-year-old Selle Français gelding (Birkhof’s Grafenstolz x Belle Meralaise, by Verglas). Owned by Haras des Coudrettes, and groomed by Aure Coulange.

France’s Nicolas Touzaint and Absolut Gold HDC. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Olympic team bronze medallists Nicolas Touzaint and Absolut*Gold HDC are the arguable lynchpins of this team — they finished sixth individually at the Games, and were tenth individually at the 2019 European Championships, where they were part of the fourth-placed French team. Nicolas’s own team experience is extraordinarily extensive: though this will be just his second World Championship (he last competed in a WEG in 2006 with his five-star champion Hidalgo de l’Ile), he’s competed at five Olympics and eight Senior European Championships. Most notably, perhaps, is that he’s been European Champion twice — and the second time he managed it, back in 2007, the Championships were held at Pratoni.

Astier Nicolas and Alertamalib’Or. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

He’s joined by Tokyo teammate Astier Nicolas, whose selected horse, the 2017 Seven-Year-Old World Champion Alertamalib’Or, might come as something of a surprise to those who had expected to see five-star partner Babylon de Gamma on the list. But although Alertamalib’Or slipped out of the spotlight for a not inconsiderable length of time due to injury, he’s been on exceptional form since his return, winning Saumur CCI4*-L this spring and taking 13th in the huge final selection trial at Haras du Pin CCIO4*-S this month. This will be a second World Championships for Astier, who took individual silver and team gold at the Rio Olympics with Piaf de b’Neville; he previously contested the 2018 WEG with former ride Vinci de la Vigne, finishing seventh.

Each of the four remaining combinations listed will be making a World Championships debut: Tom Carlile, the most experienced team rider of the four, has two European Championships under his belt (2015 and 2017) and was the travelling reserve for Tokyo, though none of those appearances were with the nine-year-old gelding Darmagnac de Beliard, with whom he was fourth at Bramham CCI4*-L in the horse’s level debut this summer. While he’s relatively inexperienced with just nine FEI starts on his record, the striking horse has finished in the top ten in eight of them.

Heloïse Le Guern and Canakine du Sudre Z complete their three-phase climb to take victory in Bramham’s Under-25 CCI4*-L. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

24-year-old Héloïse Le Guern makes her Senior championship debut in Pratoni after representing France a total of five times at Pony, Junior, and Young Rider European Championships. Her partnership with the former Cedric Lyard ride Canakine du Sudre Z saw her take top honours in Bramham’s coveted under-25 CCI4*-L this year, and they impressed for sixteenth place in the Pratoni test event CCIO4*-S back in May. British-based Frenchman Gaspard Maksud also made his French team debut this year, riding at Aachen with the exciting Zaragoza. They earned a spot well in the hunt after an impressive dressage performance, though a very late stumble on cross-country ended their weekend there early — but they redeemed themselves in the final selection trial at Haras du Pin this month, taking fourth place out of over 110 of the world’s fiercest competitors.

Cyrielle Lefevre and Armanjo Serosah. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

A string of very good cross-country performances over tough courses has earned Cyrielle Lefèvre and Armanjo Serosah their first call-up. They debuted at CCI5* at Pau in 2021, finishing clear and inside the time for twentieth place; this feat was followed by a confident run at Badminton this spring. Their top-twenty finish with a quick clear at Haras du Pin cemented their reputation as a swift, reliable pair in this phase — something that’ll prove vital over Pratoni’s tough hills.

The six named combinations will now travel to Saint-Martin de Brehal from the 27th of August to the 9th of September for a final training camp, during which the team, individual, and reserve allocations will be decided.

“For this final preparation stage, we have selected six couples who have run well this season and have been competing regularly for two seasons,” says French chef d’equipe Thierry Touzaint. “These horses are good gallopers, which is important because I think the cross country will be demanding. We know the site well; the course will have a lot of elevation so we will physically prepare our horses as well as possible. The training course is going to be used for that, but also to refine the dressage tests and make the last small adjustments to the showjumping. The novelty is also the arrival at the course of two young riders, who have an interesting profile for the future. This is the reason why I want to throw them in the deep end. In the end, it will be the five couples whose horses are in the best shape who will go to the world championships. The names will be announced on September 5.”

Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza seal the deal with an impressive performance at Haras du Pin. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“The Federation provides our riders and handlers with the best experts in their fields to optimize the talent of women, men and their horses,” says Serge Lecomte, President of the French federation, in a translated statement. “Within the French collective reigns a blue spirit, which pushes towards performance with the essential support of the owners and the teams who surround each one, made up of trainers, grooms, veterinarians, farriers… Together, well coordinated, we are stronger.”

“Our National Technical Director is the conductor of all these converging energies that allow France to maintain its rank in the battle of nations… Long live sport and may our best find their way to gold medals!”

The French federation’s National Technical Director, Sophie Dubourg, continues: “Less than two years from the 2024 Paris Games, we are leaving for these Eventing World Championships with the dual objective of obtaining medals, but also of seasoning pairs and riders in major championships. Our leaders will be keen to get on the podium after their fourth place in the teams four years ago at Tryon. Unlike the format of the World Equestrian Games and the Worlds in Herning a few days ago, these two championships are held a few days apart. If it is a pity not to benefit from the emulation created by this multidisciplinary side, there is no doubt that our teams in France will be able to find all the motivation to perform.”

“Participating in these events would not be possible without the support of the owners. We encourage them to keep their horses; their role is essential to allow riders to practice at the highest level and to excel under the colors of France. The federation supports high-potential couples through personalized support dedicated to them and those around them.
We hope that these Worlds will smile on us and we will fervently encourage our Blues!”

Final entries and team/individual designations are due to the FEI on September 5. Want to see more from #Pratoni2022? Click on over to our Ultimate Guide to FEI World Championships for more!