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Equestrian Sport Confirmed in Initial Program For Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games

By on Feb 4, 2022 11:00 am -

Photo by FEI/Christophe Taniere.

The FEI President has welcomed the announcement by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that Equestrian sport is officially confirmed in the Initial Sports Programme for Los Angeles 2028.

The confirmation for inclusion in the LA 2028 Initial Sports Programme took place yesterday during the IOC session in Beijing (CHN), and followed the announcement by the IOC in December 2021 that equestrian sport was amongst the 28 sports proposed.

“We are delighted with this confirmation, which is a glowing endorsement of the valuable contribution and legacy that equestrian sport brings to the Olympic movement” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

“However, this is only a first step. The Equestrian Disciplines for LA 2028 will be decided mid-2023 and the Equestrian Events and the Quota for LA will only be decided after Paris 2024”.

Universality, integrity and fairness, gender equality and popularity were highlighted as key requirements of the evaluation criteria to determine the Disciplines and Events for the programme, in line with the recommendations of Olympic Agenda 2020+5. Athlete safety, environmental sustainability and keeping the sport relevant to youth were also reiterated as significant factors in the decision making process.

“We are committed to deliver successful sport at the Olympics and are passionate about universality and growing our sport to reach new audiences and develop talent around the world” FEI President Ingmar De Vos continued.

“Youth participation and development play a key role in this process, and will ensure we have a diverse and inclusive equestrian community for young people to grow, progress and strive for Olympic greatness.

“The youth are the future and with equestrian sport in the LA2028 programme, a youth focused Games, it’s an added incentive for our ambitious young athletes to prepare to showcase their talent on the biggest world stage.

“Consolidation of our place in the LA 2028 Olympic programme will keep the equestrian community strong and resilient in this competitive sporting landscape.”

MARS Bromont Rising U25 Grant Program Returns for 2022 Competitions

By on Feb 2, 2022 9:00 am -

Quebec’s Melissa Boutin (CAN) and Threes are Wild at the Bromont CCI-S in 2021. Photo by Cealy Teatly.

The MARS Bromont Rising U25 scholarship program is pleased to announce that following two years of pandemic related cancellations of the program, grants will be available once again for riders aged 25 and under.

Bromont organizer Sue Ockendon has had a long-time dream of offering financial support “to recognize and support the youth in the sport; the future of Eventing in North America.”

Bromont Horse Trials located in Quebec, Canada, with its European charm has been a popular destination for North American competitors and provides a unique opportunity for athletes heading to their first international competition.

2019 was the first year the Mars Bromont Rising U25 scholarship program was offered and was the brainchild of organizer Sue Ockendon and the late Steve Blauner.

Steve had a vision of supporting young eventers from the US and Canada who were not yet under the radar of national U25 training programs. Riders competing at any level of FEI competition offered are eligible to apply.

MARS Bromont Rising U25 grants of up to $2,500 will be awarded to ten successful applicants to help assist with travel expenses and entry fees for the MARS Bromont CCI happening June 8-12, 2022. In addition, classroom presentations will be made by course designers, High Performance riders and a dressage test analysis by a 5* FEI judge. Optional coaching during the three-day event is also available.

The MARS Bromont Rising Program is delighted to announce that the same financial assistance will be given to 10 athletes traveling to Galway Downs International to be held November 2-6 in 2022. This is the first time the grant has been offered to a West coast competition and organizer, Robert Kellerhouse could not be more delighted, stating “we are honored to be the West Coast host for the MARS Bromont Rising U25 grants. This program will inspire it’s recipients to do more as it shines a light on those up-and-coming athletes and provides a lift in advancing their abilities in our sport”.

Grant application forms and hotel information can be found on the respective websites;

MARS Bromont CCI
June 8-12, 2022
CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L, CCI2*-L
https://bromontcci.com

Galway Downs International 3-day Event
November 2-6, 2022
CCI4*L, CCI3*L, CCI2*L
https://galwaydowns.net/

For more information contact Program Director Peter Gray [email protected].

Popular Painted Ponies Art Walk Returns to Southern Pines

By on Jan 30, 2022 10:00 am -

Photo courtesy of Carolina Horse Park.

Soon, the Painted Ponies will roam the streets of downtown Southern Pines! The third annual Painted Ponies Art Walk runs from January 29 through the end of March as 15 fiberglass Ponies line Broad Street for visitors to enjoy as they stroll through downtown. The ponies include 9 large horse sculptures along with 6 smaller colts. After the Art Walk is over, the ponies will be auctioned off on Saturday, April 9, with the proceeds benefitting the Carolina Horse Park Foundation.

“The Carolina Horse Park is proud to once again bring the Painted Ponies Art Walk to downtown Southern Pines. It demonstrates our commitment to our local businesses and artists while also highlighting our equestrian heritage and community,” said Bryan Rosenberg, chairman of the board for the Carolina Horse Park. “The Art Walk has been a phenomenal community effort. We look forward to visitors and residents enjoying the Painted Ponies while they line Broad Street and generously supporting the online auction on April 9.”

Local businesses coordinated to sponsor the Painted Ponies that will be placed at 15 locations in downtown Southern Pines. Artists from the region donated their time and talent to transform the ponies into exquisite works of art. Once the display ends, the Painted Ponies will be removed and auctioned off through an online auction on Saturday, April 9.

Photo courtesy of Carolina Horse Park.

The 2022 Painted Ponies Sponsors are:

  • Aberdeen Supply Company

     

  • Ashten’s Restaurant and Bar

     

  • Assertive Professionals

     

  • Audrey Wiggins

     

  • BHGRE Lifestyle Property Partners

     

  • Cabin Branch Tack Shop

     

  • Casino Guitars

     

  • DAHR

     

  • Dreher Financial Partners

     

  • Duncraig Manor & Gardens

     

  • English Riding Supply

     

  • FirstHealth of the Carolinas

     

  • Front Runner Realty Group

     

  • Glenda Kirby, The Amazing Grace Farm

     

  • Moore Exposure

     

  • NC State College of Veterinary Medicine

     

  • NorthState Insurance & Advisors

     

  • Opulence & DUXIANA of Southern Pines

     

  • Phreestyle Equestrian Artwork

     

  • Railhouse Brewery

     

  • Southern Pines Equine Associates

     

  • Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique

     

  • The Neon Rooster

     

  • Truist

     

  • Twin Gates Farm

     

  • Valkyrie Sporthorses

     

  • Windy Hill Creative

Visitors viewing the Painted Ponies Art Walk are invited to use the hashtag #PaintedPoniesCHP when taking pictures and posting them to social media.
The Carolina Horse Park (CHP) Foundation was established to support a 315-acre, nationally recognized premier equine competition venue and land preserve located in Hoke County, NC.

Founded in 1998 as a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization by equestrian enthusiasts, CHP is dedicated to the preservation of open space for equestrian events, as well as educational and recreational purposes.

For more information about the Painted Ponies Art Walk and Auction, visit www.CarolinaHorsePark.com.

US Equestrian Announces Athletes Selected to 2022 Eventing 25 Emerging Athlete Program

By on Jan 28, 2022 1:20 pm -

Alina Patterson and Flashback. Photo by Abby Powell.

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the athletes selected for the 2022 USEF Eventing Emerging Athlete Program. Eventers age 25 and under are eligible for the program, which identifies and supports athlete/horse combinations that have shown the potential to develop into future U.S. team candidates.

Participants in the Emerging Athlete Program have the opportunity to work with U.S. Eventing Development and Emerging Coach Leslie Law in honing their skills in competition as well as their knowledge of the pathway to high performance.

Athletes are selected for the Emerging Athlete Program based on their application, which includes their results at the CCI3*-L level. Applicants who have not yet achieved an MER at a CCI3*-L may be talent spotted into the program by the Performance Advisory Team. For this year’s program, applicants were evaluated at assessment sessions in January at Stable View in Aiken, S.C.; Caroline Martin Eventing in Ocala, Fla.; and at Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, Calif.

The following athletes are listed in alphabetical order.

Alex Baugh (Lexington, Ky.)
Isabelle Bosley (Cochranville, Pa.)
Sophie Click (Snoqualmie, Wash.)
Cornelia Dorr (Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass.)
Mia Farley (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.)
Cosby Green (Lexington, Ky.)
Tommy Greengard (Malibu, Calif.)*
Savannah Gwin (San Clemente, Calif.)
Katie Lichten (South Hamilton, Mass.)
Alina Patterson (Chehalis, Wash.)
Meg Pellegrini (Wayne, Pa.)
Cassie Sanger (Lakeville, Conn.)*
Maddy Tempkin (Sebastapol, Calif.)
Haley Turner (Alamo, Calif.)*
*Denotes athlete was talented spotted for assessment sessions.

To learn more about the Eventing Pathway Program, please contact Christina Vaughn, Director of Eventing Performance and Program Support, at [email protected].

US Equestrian Launches New USEF Safe Sport PSA & MAAP Policies Campaign

By on Jan 26, 2022 3:00 pm -

We are glad that US Equestrian continues to step up its efforts to protect its minor athletes from abuse. The governing body issued the following update today:

“US Equestrian has launched an expansion of the USEF Safe Sport and Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP) campaign with important video messages from US Equestrian President Tom O’Mara and USEF General Counsel, Sonja Keating. The new videos reinforce US Equestrian’s ongoing commitment to creating and maintaining a welcoming, safe, enjoyable, and supportive environment for all, especially children and their families. One of the videos is specifically dedicated to creating awareness of the newly amended MAAPP which took effect January 1, 2022. The video conveys the policies developed to limit one-on-one interactions between adults and minors, now apply both on and off competition grounds. These policies are required by federal law and have been implemented as additional measures to further our efforts to protect minors from abuse.

“The videos will be shared on US Equestrian social media platforms, appear within the USEF Safe Sport hub, run on USEF Network, and be provided to competition organizers via the Competition Resource Center on usef.org, offering access to share the videos with exhibitors and participants via their communication platforms.

“The campaign is a reminder that the equestrian community as a whole is part of the solution, and it is a shared responsibility of our community. With continued commitment, we will collectively make our sport the safest place possible for all to enjoy.”

You can view these and other videos here.  Some helpful educational links, at a glance:

To learn more about the updated Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention policies and how you can be a part of achieving safety for all participants, click here. 

$50K Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field to Offer VIP Chalets

By on Jan 20, 2022 1:00 pm -

Photo courtesy of Aiken Horse Park Foundation.

The Organizers of the 2022 $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services (GPE), would like to extend a unique VIP opportunity to interested parties. The 2022 showcase will be held March 4 & 5 at Bruce’s Field, Aiken, SC.

Last year in an effort to social distance, in lieu of a large VIP tent, the event introduced private VIP chalets for the $5,000 sponsorship level and up. Due to the massive popularity of this format, they will continue using the VIP chalets for the 2022 event. These chalets seat six, and come with a prime viewing location for all the adrenaline pumping action! There will be menus of available catering options closer to the event. The Park encourages everyone to make the 10×10 space your own, and decorate the chalet to your taste!

Photo courtesy of Aiken Horse Park Foundation.

Please be aware that space is limited and there is a finite number of VIP Chalets that can be accommodated. VIP Chalets and General Admission Tickets are on sale now at: aikenhorsepark.org/eventing 

An Eventing “Showcase” is a unique version of Eventing competition that condenses the traditional country-side Eventing environment into a spectator friendly venue. The showcase format allows the general public the chance to be up close and personal, right next to the galloping lanes and massive fences, and experience the thrilling sport of Eventing in a whole new way. This equestrian triathlon presents a prime opportunity for top eventing riders to kick start their competition season, and to welcome the public to an exciting fast-paced equestrian event.

Learn more by visiting the website here.

Photo courtesy of Aiken Horse Park Foundation.

Dates and Location Announced for 2022 USEF Young Rider Eventing Championship

By on Jan 19, 2022 4:43 pm -

Crockett Miller and Mr. Panda on course at the inaugural Youth Team Challenge event at Stable View Horse Trials in March 2021. Photo by GRCPhoto.com.

US Equestrian has released the dates and location today for the 2022 USEF Young Rider Eventing Championship, which serves to replace the Adequan®/USEF Youth Team Challenge series that took place in 2021. The new-look championship will take place at the Tryon International Three-Day Event, November 10-13, in Mill Spring, N.C., and will award Championship titles at CCI1*-L, CCI2*-L, and CCI3*-L. Applications and area declaration forms can be found on the Athlete Dashboard and will be accepted now through May 1, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) ET.

The USEF Youth Team Challenge Task Force took feedback from Area Coordinators and participants in evaluating the YTC program and created the new championship in response to best serve the needs of the community. Host bids for the championship were accepted from November 20 through December 14, 2021, with the popular site of the 2018 World Equestrian Games ultimately winning out.

Click here for selection procedures and more information about the USEF Young Rider Eventing Championship or contact Christina Vaughn, Director of Eventing Performance & Program Support, at [email protected]. We’d also love to hear your thoughts on the new championship – does the change feel more exciting and cohesive to you as a competitor, or does the loss of regional championships make it more difficult for you to compete? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

Eventing Supporters Honored at USEF Pegasus Awards Dinner Celebration

By on Jan 14, 2022 9:00 am -

Howard Simpson and David O’Connor at the 2018 USEA Awards Banquet. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The 2022 Pegasus Awards Dinner Celebration was held last night at the USEF Annual Meeting in Naples, Fla., and we were pleased to see contributors to the sport of eventing honored.

Howard Simpson of Lake Forest, Ill. was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to major equestrian events in the U.S. He and his wife, the late Martha Smith Simpson, hosted the first American Continental Young Riders Championship at their Temple Farms in 1985. In 1988, the competition became the North American Young Rider Championships, now called the North American Youth Championships. He served as the director of the NAYC for more than 20 years.

Simpson was instrumental in the creation of the Kentucky Three-Day Event as the first CCI4* (now CCI5*) in the country, and later led the evaluation team that recommended the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill as the second CCI5* in North America.

Simpson has been active in governance of equestrian sport over the years. He was on the Board of Directors and several committees and councils for US Equestrian. He was on the Board of Governors, served as Vice President of Communications, and is currently a member of the Rebecca Broussard International Developing Rider Grant Selection Committee for the United States Eventing Association Foundation.

The late Tremaine Cooper, a prolific course designer, as well as Sue Hershey, who was instrumental in starting the USEA ICP program, were honored with a Richard E. McDevitt Award of Merit.

You can view a complete list of award winners here.

Ireland’s Youth Eventing High Performance Team Managers Confirmed Up to 2024

By on Jan 7, 2022 1:00 pm -

Horse Sport Ireland announced today the appointment of the three team managers for Ireland’s Youth Eventing High Performance Program up to Oct. 31, 2024.

Sue Shortt was re-appointed as U21 (Young Rider) and U25 team manager. Dag Albert was re-appointed as U18 (Junior) team manager, while Jane Kinsella was appointed as Pony (U16) team manager.

Denis Duggan, who took up his position as the new CEO of Horse Sport Ireland this week, said, “I am delighted to see the calibre of team managers that have come forward for the Eventing High Performance Youth Programs and I am looking forward to working with all of them during 2022 and beyond and hopefully securing more podium places at Championship level.”

 


Dag Albert and Sue Shortt. Photo via Horse Sport Ireland.

Sue Shortt has held the position of High Performance Team Manager for Ireland’s Under 21 (Young Rider) Eventing team since 2019. A native of Kildare, Sue has represented Ireland in eventing at Under 18, Under 21 and Senior levels including the Athens and Sydney Olympic Games and the WEG in Jerez, Spain. From 2005 to 2013, Sue was High Performance Team Manager for the Irish Pony team during which time the team and individual riders achieved numerous medal successes at European Championship level. In 2021, Sue was team manager of the GAIN Equine Nutrition Irish Young Rider (U21) Eventing team that won the silver medal at the FEI European Eventing Championships in Segersjö, Sweden.

Speaking after her reappointment, Sue said, “I am delighted to renew my contract with Horse Sport Ireland for a further three years. We have a large squad of riders again this year, including five combinations that were part of the silver medal winning team in 2021. I am really looking forward to working with all the riders and hopefully we can go one better in 2022!”

Swedish-born Dag Albert was first appointed to the position of High Performance Team Manager for Ireland’s Under 18 (Junior) Eventing team in 2019. Dag is one of Sweden’s most experienced eventing riders. He has successfully represented his country at Under 16, 18 and Under 21 level and is a BE Accredited Coach. Dag has competed numerous times at Badminton and Burghley and has represented his country at European and World Championships along with the Olympic Games at Atlanta in 1996 and Beijing in 2008. Dag managed the GAIN Equine Nutrition Irish Junior (U18) team to a sixth place finish at the 2021 European Championships in Segersjö, Sweden.

Dag commented, “I am delighted to have been re-appointed as Junior Eventing team manager. We have a very talented group of riders in the Junior High Performance squad including four riders who competed at last year’s European Championships so they bring a lot of experience with them. We also have some exciting riders moving up from ponies. The squad has already started training and we are looking forward to the season ahead.”

Jane Kinsella. Photo via Horse Sport Ireland.

A native of Kildare and now living in Meath, Jane Kinsella has a PhD in Parasitology, a QQI level 6 in training, delivery and evaluation. Jane is a HSI Level 2 coach and is currently completing the Coach Developer course with Sport Ireland. Jane has represented Ireland in Eventing at European Championship level and has over 20 years High Performance coaching experience. She coaches from grass roots to 5* level and has a proven track record of delivering success at the highest level in both Eventing and Show Jumping. Jane has coached athletes on every Pony Eventing European squad since 2013, securing many top 10 and medal winning performances.

Jane was awarded ‘HSI Development Coach of the year in 2017 and is looking forward to taking up the position of Irish Pony Eventing team manager. “I am delighted to accept the role of High Performance team manager for Ireland’s Pony Eventing team,” she said. “I would like to thank Horse Sport Ireland for this opportunity and I am looking forward to working with the incredibly talented riders and their associated support networks. The Irish Pony squads have been hugely successful over the last number of years and I aim, not only to maintain and improve upon the medal successes at European Championship level, but also to develop strength and depth in the Pony squad, producing well-educated, competitive riders of the future.“

Reminder: Learn Your 2022 USEF Eventing Dressage Tests

By on Jan 5, 2022 11:59 am -

This press release was first published on EN on September 17, 2021.

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Sally Spickard.

US Equestrian has announced the publication of the new 2022 USEF Eventing Dressage Tests for Beginner Novice through Advanced, effective December 1, 2021, through November 30, 2025.

The tests are published on the USEA website and can be found here. The digital PDF versions of the judge’s copies of the tests will be available for purchase on the ShopUSEA website.

2022 USEF Dressage Tests

(Effective beginning December 1, 2021)

Beginner Novice: Test A | Test B

Novice: Test A | Test B | Novice Three-Day

Training: Test A | Test B | Training Three-Day

Modified: Test A | Test B | Test C | Modified Three-Day

Preliminary: Test A | Test B | Test C | Preliminary Three-Day

Intermediate: Test A | Test B | Test C

Advanced: Test A | Test B

The 2022 USEF Intermediate Test C, which is written for use in a 20×40 arena, may only be used for Eventing competitions that demonstrate a topographical or logistical hardship which renders the venue unable to assemble a 20×60 arena in the designated competition area. The process to request permission to use this test can be found here.

Best of 2021 Video Countdown: #3 – ‘She Knew What She Was Doing’

By on Dec 29, 2021 12:00 pm -

Each day between now and the New Year we’re counting down the top 20 most popular videos shared on EN in 2021. The #3 spot goes to this video, which garnered 5,065 views when it was originally posted on August 5, 2021.

*Trigger warning* This video contains discussions of sexual abuse and misconduct.

Young athletes, particularly those in elite sports, are more frequently sexually abused by coaches when they are competing at a higher level. There are several reasons for this. None of which are “she knew what she was doing.” The second PSA of the #WeRideTogether campaign has launched features Maggie Kehring, a survivor of abuse bt world champion show jumper Rich Fellers who has since been banned from the sport.

#WeRideTogether gives a voice to survivor stories, provides resources to report abuse and get help, and offers educational information for athletes, coaches, and families. Sexual misconduct and abuse have long been an issue in equestrian sport, and is often ignored, minimized, or wrongly blamed on the victim. The equestrian community is no longer sitting idly by.

The microsite will be updated on an ongoing basis to provide a safe place for survivors to share their experiences. It is intended a true movement and cultural shift that demands increased accountability from trainers and coaches, gives survivors a safe platform for their voice, and helps diminish the stigma and fear of coming forward.

Visit WeRideTogether.Today to learn more.

Will Coleman & Chin Tonic Receive the USET Foundation’s Connaught Grant in Memory of Bruce Duchossois

By on Dec 14, 2021 2:00 pm -

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation has named Olympic eventer Will Coleman of Gordonsville, Virginia, and his mount, Chin Tonic, a nine-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Hyperion Stud, LLC, the recipients of the 2022 Connaught Grant.

Each year, the USET Foundation administers up to $25,000 to a CCI1* or CCI2* horse in the U.S. that is seen as a potential candidate to represent the U.S. Eventing team on an international level. The grant was established by Caroline Moran in memory of her dear friend, the late R. Bruce Duchossois, who was passionate about and dedicated to encouraging the development of eventing horses in the United States, and is named after the famous eventing horse Connaught, who was owned by Duchossois and ridden by Phillip Dutton.

As the recipient of the Connaught Grant, Coleman, who is an athlete on US Equestrian’s Eventing High Performance 2021 Pre-Elite Training List with other top mounts, will be able to use the funds to support further competition and training with Chin Tonic with the aim of riding for the United States on the international stage.

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“Obviously winning the Connaught Grant is a tremendous honor, primarily because of who it represents and the horse it represents,” said Coleman who represented the U.S. at the 2012 London Olympic Games and the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, North Carolina. “Bruce Duchossois was such a generous person and an incredibly supportive horse owner for Phillip Dutton for so many years. He was the backbone for Phillip as well as for horse shows and equestrian endeavors around the country. He supported the community in such a humble way, and I always had a tremendous amount of respect for him. I genuinely enjoyed the times I got to be around him, so I’m very honored for this horse to be recognized.

“Chin Tonic is owned by Hyperion Stud and Vicky Castegren,” continued Coleman. “Vicky has been an incredible supporter of mine for many years. Chin Tonic was a horse she bought as a two-year-old stallion. He’s an incredible athlete, and he is a testament to patience. We’ve been taking our time with him and allowing him to develop physically and mentally. I’m really pleased with the horse he’s become. There’s still another level to be attained so we still have work to do, and the Connaught Grant will be hugely helpful in that regard.”

For Coleman, grants have allowed him to gain international experience over the years, and he’s grateful for the support from Caroline Moran and the USET Foundation that is offered to up-and-coming eventing talent. “The grants are a huge benefit to horses and riders,” he explained. “If you’re lucky enough to get one, they’re a bonus and something that emboldens you to do the country and do the U.S. team proud. My team and I are all very, very appreciative of the grants.

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. By Shannon Brinkman Photography.

“Caroline is already a horse owner for other riders, so for her to so generously donate funds to someone who she may not support as an owner speaks to how the country as a whole wants to see the American eventing program succeed,” stated Coleman. “Her generosity contributes to a greater sense of camaraderie and shows that we’re all on the same team. I think that speaks volumes.”

Coleman, who made history as the first American to win CCIO4*-S at CHIO Aachen in September 2021 with Off The Record, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse owned by the Off The Record Syndicate, has no plans to rest on his laurels with any of his horses. “I’m very humbled by the win at CHIO Aachen, and I’m anxious to keep working and keep getting better,” he shared. “I love producing horses. I’d love to get some other ones, maybe a horse like Chin Tonic, that can go back there and do as well as Off The Record.”

Thanks to the Connaught Grant, Coleman and Chin Tonic can continue their training with the goal of representing the United States in future international competitions.

Equestrian Sport Named in Olympic Program for Los Angeles 2028

By on Dec 10, 2021 3:00 pm -

Photo by FEI/Christophe Taniere.

The FEI President has welcomed the announcement by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that equestrian sport will be proposed for inclusion in the Olympic programme for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

During the IOC Executive Board meeting yesterday, the initial list of twenty-eight sports to be recommended the LA28 Initial Sports Programme, which includes equestrian, was agreed and is now subject to final approval at the IOC Session in February 2022. Discussions also focussed on defining the process for finalising the disciplines in each sport offering early certainty to athletes, National Olympic Committees (NOCs), International Federations (IFs) and the Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (OCOG).

Universality, integrity and fairness, gender equality and popularity were highlighted as key requirements of the evaluation criteria which will be used to determine the disciplines and events for the programme, in line with the recommendations of Olympic Agenda 2020+5. Athlete safety, environmental sustainability and keeping the sport relevant to youth were also reiterated as significant factors in the decision making process.

“I am confident equestrian sport, a celebration of the unique bond between human and equine athletes, has its place in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games programme,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

“The recent endorsement from the IOC following the success of the Tokyo 2020 Games reflected on the positive changes the FEI made, highlighting our willingness to adapt and modernise our sport.

“We had more flags. Universality was one of the key requirements in Agenda 2020 alongside making the sport easier to understand and more exciting for a broader audience – criteria which remain fundamental going forward”

The IOC also published figures this week which revealed the Tokyo 2020 Games reached a global broadcast audience of more than three billion people across linear TV and digital platforms. This significant and rapid growth in the change of the digital landscape, meant more fans were able to experience the Games, with greater accessibility to more content than ever before.

“The collective future of equestrian sport depends on our position in the Olympic movement,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos continued.

“We need to guarantee global visibility of our sport in the media and digital platforms, and continue to showcase relevant content and entice new fans. We have this opportunity every four years and consolidating equestrian sport in the Olympic Movement is crucial for the FEI and for our community.”

“Another key focus for the FEI is Youth development. Keeping the youth engaged in equestrian sport and inspiring new generations to make the Olympic Games their goal. We have robust development programmes around the world targeting the next generation of athletes, but also fans and industry professionals, because equestrian sport is a way of life that is multifaceted and extremely diverse. How we engage with younger generations is vital in our pathway to the future”.

In 2017 when the IOC allocated the 2028 Olympic Games to Los Angeles during the IOC Session in Lima (PER), the FEI President welcomed this great opportunity that this candidate city could deliver the Games in a cost-effective way. The United States have a long and successful equestrian tradition, and has developed as a country with sustained equestrian excellence on an international stage. The equestrian venue in Los Angeles will have the stunning sports backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains and will offer a fantastic opportunity to showcase our sport.

The approval of the Initial Sports Programme will take place in February 2022 and the finalisation of the events and athlete quota will be confirmed in December 2024, following the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

 

Review This: New USEF Rule Changes for Amateurs + More

By on Dec 5, 2021 10:00 am -

The USEF Board of Directors met on November 22, 2021 and approved the following Extraordinary Rule Changes that went into effect on December 1, 2021.

Amateur Rule Changes Put Forward by the USEF Amateur Task Force

  • GR1306.1
    Allows amateurs to accept remuneration for performing specified barn duties, including lunging, without affecting their amateur status.
  • GR1306.1
    Increases the value of a non-monetary token or gift of appreciation an amateur can receive from less than $300 to less than $1,000 annually.
  • GR1306.2
    Allows amateurs to receive renumeration as a Social Media Influencer or Social Media Brand Ambassador. The rule change also designates individuals who accept remuneration for the use of commercially logoed items while on competition grounds as Sponsored Riders, and therefore professionals. The rule change added definitions for Social Media Influencer, Social Media Brand Ambassador, and Sponsored Riders to differentiate between activities allowed and disallowed by amateur participants.
  • GR1306.2
    Allows amateurs in the American Saddlebred, Saddle Seat Equitation, Morgan, Arabian, Andalusian/Lusitano, National Show Horse, Paso Fino, and Western Divisions to accept remuneration for teaching beginner riding lessons in a non-competition environment for fewer than 20 hours a week under the following conditions:

    1. The amateur must register with USEF prior to performing any instruction.
    2. Total lesson time cannot exceed 20 hours per calendar week.
    3. Lessons must be given under the oversight of a USEF Competing Member in good standing who is designated as a Professional.
    4. Lessons cannot be conducted at a competition, including Federation Licensed Competitions and non-licensed competitions.
    5. Student must be a beginner who has not competed and is not competing at any level of competition, and lessons must not exceed the basic beginner level.
    6. Teacher must maintain a log of all lessons. Log must include lesson date, lesson time and name of student.
    7. A USEF Competing Member designated as a Professional must review the teacher’s log and verify its accuracy.
    8. The teacher and professional are responsible and accountable for compliance with this rule.
    9. USEF may request proof of compliance and refusal to provide such proof constitutes a violation of the rule.
      Information on the registration process for amateurs who plan to teach beginner lessons will be available soon.
  • GR1306.6
    Includes a one-time exception for individuals aged 18 to 25 who engage in professional activities to reapply for amateur status after a utilizing a three-month waiting period.

The complete updated Amateur Rule is available here. 

If you now qualify as an amateur under these new rules and wish to be reclassified as an Amateur, please submit a letter to the Regulation Department outlining the horse related activities which previously led you to select/hold professional status and explain, as accurately as possible why you believe you are now eligible for Amateur status. You must also verify that you are otherwise eligible for amateur status. The letter must be signed and notarized. The letter can be sent to [email protected]. The Regulation Department will review the letter and update your status accordingly. Any concerns surrounding the request will be forwarded to the Hearing Committee Co-Chairs for review. The Regulation Department may request additional information from you, as necessary. No fee will be required from individuals who are benefiting from the changes to the rule.

Safety and Welfare Rule Changes

  • GR849
    Any human injury occurring at a licensed competition of which competition management is made aware must also be reported to the Federation on the applicable Accident/Injury form, including injuries to non-competitors such as grooms, spectators, owners, etc.
  • GR702.1
    Violations of the 2021 updated USEF Code of Conduct are now included in the list of violations against which penalties may be imposed.
  • DR 133.5
    Remove “riding without stirrups” from the list of additional movements and exercises that may be requested in Dressage Seat Equitation classes. This is a safety issue, as it impacts young children, some new to dressage, and those who compete on borrowed horses.
  • AR221.15
    Adding lameness to the list of penalties in Arabian Ranch Horse Riding and Ranch Horse Rail Pleasure classes, thereby providing judges the ability to disqualify an entry if warranted.
  • EV153.4
    For safety reasons an Eventing competitor who receives a Compulsory Retirement Penalty at Training level or above, will not be given permission to ride the cross-country course.
  • EV108
    In Eventing, placement poles are now prohibited for jumps at National Horse Trials.

In addition, several Competition Task Force proposed rule changes specific to the Hunter/Jumper competition environment were approved that will take effect December 1, 2022 for the 2023 competition year. These rule changes were necessary to support the 2023 Hunter/Jumper competition restructure approved by the USEF Board earlier this year. USEF and USHJA have been working collaboratively to initiate these rule changes in order to address the needs and priorities identified through member and competitor feedback that include:

  • Safety, fairness and enjoyment
  • Accessibility based on location, cost and offerings
  • Opportunities to attend well-organized, appropriate quality competitions at all levels that comply with standards
  • Meaningful recognition for horses and athletes at all levels
  • Simplification of the sport

The Competition Task Force will be hosting a member webinar in the coming weeks and providing additional resources to assist competition organizers and members in better understanding the updated competition structure.

_____________

A comprehensive list of the rule changes approved by the Board of Directors at the November 22, 2021 Meeting can be seen here.

USEF Crowns 2021 Youth Team Challenge Champions Ahead of Major Change to Series

By on Dec 1, 2021 12:00 pm -

Chloe Johnson and Chilli Bean. Photo by Leslie Potter/US Equestrian.

With last month’s West Coast Final in Temecula, California well in the rearview, US Equestrian has crowned its 2021 overall champions in the Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge series, which aims to provide the country’s stars of the future with valuable opportunities to gain team mileage and ride under pressure. This year, we’ve seen eight legs throughout the season at events around the country, which have hosted classes at CCI1*, CCI2*, and CCI3*.

This year’s overall CCI1* Champion is Chloe Johnson, who lives in Dallas, Texas, and represents Area V with her spring-heeled New Zealand Sport Horse mare Chilli Bean (Chilli Morning x Curtain Call). While en route to total domination as an individual, she also played a valuable part in her team, which was made up of riders from several areas and ultimately took second place.

“It was a wonderful experience to be on a team with such supportive people,” Chloe says. “While Area V didn’t have our own team in the 1*, everyone else from Area V encouraged each other and helped each other out in the barn. Our combined area 1* team allowed me to meet new, incredibly nice people from areas other than Area V that I may not have had the chance to meet otherwise.”

Rebecca Roth and Chapter Two. Photo by Leslie Potter/US Equestrian.

The overall CCI2* title goes to Rebecca Roth of Malone, Wisconsin, who piloted the Thoroughbred gelding Chapter Two (More Than Ready x Winds of March) to the top spot, helping her area IV team to second place in the process. This adds another title to the pair’s collection — they were the Area IV Preliminary Champions in 2020.

Audrey Sanborn and OBOS Quality Time. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Finally, Area VI rider Audrey Sanborn proved the increasing strength in depth of the West Coast scene, taking the overall CCI3* top honours with her Irish Sport Horse gelding OBOS Quality Time (OBOS Quality 004 x Diamond DI). Though the San Luis Obispo-based rider’s team didn’t finish on the podium this year, they’ve got plenty to be excited about for the seasons to come.

Area II riders swept the boards in the team rankings, taking the win at all three levels.

This will be the last time we see the Youth Team Challenge program in this format, however: following extensive feedback from Area Coordinators and athletes, the USEF Youth Team Challenge Task Force opted to propose a singular championship, which would combat issues of low participation at some legs. The proposal was approved by the Eventing Sport Committee, the International Disciplines Committee, and the USEF Board of Directors, and bidding opened yesterday for prospective hosts of the new championship, which will host the CCI1*-L, CCI2*-L, and CCI3*-L championship in the latter part of the season. We’ll be sharing more information on the bids soon, but in the meantime, inquiries can be directed to Christina Vaugh, Director of Eventing and Program Support, at [email protected].

2021 Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge series results

CCI1* Overall Individual Standings:

  1. Chloe Johnson
  2. Ella Braundel
  3. Claudia Oppedisano
  4. Grace Mykityshyn
  5. Juliana Cassar
  6. Camryn Chung
  7. Matthew Heinzle
  8. Crockett Miller

CCI1* Overall Team Standings

  1. Area II
  2. Area III, Area V, Area VII (tie) 

CCI2* Overall Individual Standings:

  1. Rebecca Roth
  2. Jackson Dillard
  3. Jack Curtis
  4. Lea Adamas- Blackmore
  5. Kiera Kenny
  6. Pip Hayes
  7. Claire Strehlow
  8. Eliana Thompson

CCI2* Overall Team Standings

  1. Area II
  2. Area IV
  3. Area VI

CCI3* Overall Individual Standings:

  1. Audrey Sanborn
  2. Madison Temkin
  3. Alexandra Baugh
  4. Meg Pellegrini
  5. Sydney Solomon
  6. Sarah bowman
  7. Isabel Bosley
    Ben Noonan (tie)

CCI3* Overall Team Standings:

  1. Area II
  2. Area V
  3. Area III

Tryon International Equestrian Center Awarded 2022 Week 19 CCI4*-L on East Coast

By on Nov 30, 2021 2:00 pm -

Tamie Smith and EnVogue. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Following the cancellation of the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event for 2022, US Equestrian opened a one-week bid process to fill the date on the 2022 U.S. Eventing Calendar for one year only. Per the 2022 U.S. FEI Eventing Calendar Policies and Procedures, applications to host the CCI4*-L level during the 2022 competition season are accepted by invitation only.

The bid process opened October 21, and closed October 29 for one competition on the East Coast to run the CCI4*-L level on Week 19 of the U.S. Eventing Calendar, May 11-15, 2022. Once the bid period ended, organizer feedback was sought from organizers hosting FEI competitions two weeks prior to and two weeks after the proposed competition.

The bid was ultimately awarded to the Tryon International Equestrian Center (“TIEC”). TIEC will host the CCI4*-L during the Tryon International May 3-Day Event on May 16-19, 2022. TIEC was also awarded the following levels: CCI1*, CCI3*-S, CCI3*-L, CCI4*-S. The bid application was recommended for approval by the USEF Calendar Working Group, Eventing Sport Committee, and International Disciplines Council before receiving Board of Directors approval on Monday, November 22.

All FEI competitions are subject to FEI approval. See the FEI Calendar here.

Please note that a new calendar process will go into effect for 2023-2027. For more information, visit the USEF Eventing Calendar Process webpage. Inquiries can be directed to [email protected].

FEI Representatives Visit Pratoni 2022 World Championships for Eventing, Driving, Endurance Site in Rocca di Papa

By on Nov 29, 2021 12:00 pm -

Photo via Pratoni 2022 on Facebook.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) recently held meetings at the Pratoni del Vivaro with the twelve directors of the different departments involved in the organisation of the FEI World Championships Eventing, Driving and Endurance to assess work being done together with Italian Equestrian Sports Federation’s OC in preparing for the event.

A visit to the historical facilities built to host the 1960 Rome Olympic Games was followed by a workshop organised in Rome at the Italian National Olympic Committee’s headquarters where throughout the day meetings of the various work groups were held.

The FEI World Championships Eventing and Driving that will be held at the historical equestrian centre Pratoni del Vivaro from September 14-25 September next year, hosting the best horses and riders and spectators from every continent, will be a qualifying opportunity for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and will attract great attention from the media. About 80 horses are expected to arrive for the Eventing Championships and 250 for the Driving (four-in-hand competitions).

Photo via Pratoni 2022 on Facebook.

Work to adapt the facilities to technical infrastructures needed (stables, arenas, cross country and marathon courses) and welcome services (parking, stands, restaurants, shopping area) for the over 40,000 spectators expected over the two weeks of competitions, started months ago and the 140 hectares of the estate will present an unmatchable stage when opened.

This was confirmed by the Mayor of Rocca di Papa, Veronica Cimino, who spoke, as did the President of the FISE, Marco Di Paola, and Secretary General Simone Perillo, greeting the participants in the workshop.

Tim Hadaway, Director, Games Operations, coordinated the meeting attended by the FEI Directors of the three disciplines for which world championships will be held in Italy and assign the 2022 medals (Sweden’s Catrin Norinder for Eventing, Portugal’s Manuel Bandeira de Mello for Driving and Jordan’s Christina Abu-Dayyeh for Endurance) discussing matters with key representatives of the FISE Organising Committee. The FEI World Championship Endurance 2022 will also be held in Italy, not at the Pratoni but at Isola della Scala (Verona) on October 22nd.

Photo via Pratoni2022 on Facebook.

“I am especially delighted about this return to Pratoni, a location and an equestrian centre that has already in the past hosted sporting events at the highest possible levels in this discipline, above all the 1960 Olympic Games and the 1998 WEG,” FEI Eventing Director Catrin Norinder said. “I cannot wait for next September to come as we will be happy to be attending such a great sporting event and do everything possible to support the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation in its organisation.”

Simone Perillo, Secretary General for the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation, echoed the excitement: “We are enthusiastic about the fruitful days spent working together with the FEI in view of the 2022 World Championships. Assigning this extraordinary event to Italy provides significant evidence of the trust the FEI has in our federation. Significant investments made will provide an important legacy for these facilities that are a strategic centre for equestrian sports and not only top-level competitions.”

To learn more about Pratoni 2022, click here.

Ingrid Klimke’s Daughter, Greta Busacker, Wins Longines FEI Rising Star Award

By on Nov 18, 2021 9:00 am -

Longines FEI Rising Star Greta Busacker (GER) with Semieke Rothenberger and Mathieu Baumgartner.
Photo by FEI/Dirk Caremans.

Eventers were well represented in the final nominee pool for the 2021 FEI awards: Julia Krajewski (GER) for Best Athlete, Greta Busacker (GER) for Rising Star, Stephanie Simpson (USA) for Best Groom and Laura Collett (GBR) for Against All Odds. All are deserving, but only one took home the top honor at the awards gala in Antwerp, Belgium yesterday evening: exciting German young rider Greta Busacker.

The 19-year-old took home this year’s Longines FEI Rising Star Award and a Longines timepiece. Individual and team champion at this year’s FEI Eventing European Championships for Young Riders, and bronze medallist at the 2021 German National Championships for Young Riders, Greta Busacker is quickly making a name for herself in the sport. Her win made the FEI Awards a decidedly family affair, with her mother and eventing legend Ingrid Klimke a recipient of the 2019 and 2020 Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Awards.

“I’m very pleased to receive the Longines FEI Rising Star Award. Words can’t describe how honoured I feel because there are so many young talented riders out there,” she said. “They work as hard I do and I get to stand here. This is for my whole team, my family, my friends. Without them I’d be nothing.”

She also paid tribute to her horse, the 10-year old Oldenburg gelding Scrabble, with whom she has been competing since 2019. “With Scrabble, I’ve learned to be patient. When I stand in the starting box and the countdown is on, I know that I can trust him one hundred percent. He has such courage and never gives up. Our connection is such a strong bond. Thank you Scrabble!”

Longines’ Vice President Marketing Matthieu Baumgartner was present in Antwerp to present the Longines FEI Rising Star Award created to recognise young athletes between the ages of 14 and 21 who demonstrate outstanding equestrian sporting talent.

“Young athletes like Greta are the future of equestrian sports and we are delighted and honoured to play a part in what we know will be a long and accomplished career,” he said.

“Longines presents an award which celebrates young talent, while telling their story of determination and passion for a sport. These young stars are the future of equestrian sports and we hope that they will continue to inspire budding equestrians around the world for many years to come.”

Other winners included:

  • Peder Fredricson (SWE) took the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Award, adding to his already impressive trophy cabinet of Olympic and European Championship medals, as well as his number one spot on the Longines World Ranking that he took in October 2021 for the first time in his career.

  • It was definitely Sweden’s night as Marie Johansson took the Cavalor FEI Best Groom Award, in recognition of her hard work and dedication in looking after Dressage athlete Patrik Kittel’s horses.

  • The 2021 FEI Solidarity Award went to China’s Equuleus Charity, which aims to support young, underprivileged students to reach their equestrian dream while successfully completing their academic studies.

  • Taking the FEI Against All Odds Award was Beatrice de Lavalette (USA), who lost both legs in the March 2016 terrorist attack at the Zaventem Airport in Brussels (BEL) and went on to make her first Paralympic debut in Tokyo earlier this year in the sport of Para Dressage.

 

This year’s winners were decided by combining 50% of the public votes cast on FEI.org and on the Chinese social media platform WeChat, and 50% of the judges’ votes.

More than 300 distinguished guests, including local sporting legends, National Federations, FEI partners and stakeholders attended the 13th FEI Awards, with equestrian commentator Steven Wilde (GBR) acting as Master of Ceremonies. Also present in Antwerp were all of the 2020 Award winners from 2020 — Ingrid Klimke, Semmieke Rothenberger, Carmen Thiemann, Angelika Trabert, Ebony Horse Club and — who were invited to join in the celebration following the cancellation of last year’s ceremony due to the pandemic.

“This is the first time since 2019 that we have been able to celebrate the stars of our sport in person,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “The global pandemic and the EHV-1 outbreak have been very tough on our industry, and I am pleased that we had the opportunity to bring together the community to celebrate these achievements tonight.

“This edition of the FEI Awards is special for me, not just because it is being held in a city close to my home in Belgium, but also because it is the FEI’s Centennial year. These Awards, and the high calibre of nominees every year, continue to be a testament to the growth of our sport and gives us great hope for the future.”

You can watch a replay of the awards gala here.

 

Paris 2024 Qualifications Dominate Discussion at FEI General Assembly

By on Nov 17, 2021 9:00 am -

FEI rules and regulations
FEI General Assembly Antwerp 2021
© FEI/Dirk Caremans

The Olympic and Paralympic qualification systems for Paris 2024 were the key topics for discussion at the Rules and Regulations session Tuesday, with the FEI President calling on the community to work together to safeguard the future of equestrian sport in the Olympic and Paralympic Movements.

Opening the Session, President Ingmar De Vos provided an overview of the comprehensive consultation process on the Paris 2024 qualification systems, which is still ongoing, and the IOC timelines.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has set a December 2021 deadline for all sports to submit their Qualification systems for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Due to the postponement of Tokyo 2020, the normal consultation process with the National Federations had to be shortened.

Approval of the Olympic formats will take place at the in-person IOC Executive Board at the beginning of February 2022. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) will publish the approved qualification systems for all sports, including Para Dressage in early 2022.

The FEI President informed delegates that a comprehensive consultation process on the Olympic Regulations and Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) will begin after the FEI Hybrid General Assembly 2021. The process will include a dedicated session at the FEI Sports Forum in April, the normal consultation process on the documents produced by the Technical Committees and further discussion at the General Assembly 2022 Rules Session prior to voting.

The MERs, which will be reviewed, will be an important element of the Rules Revision. Para Dressage MERs are already included in the Qualification Systems as the qualification period starts on 1 January 2022.

Also under discussion will be field-of-play decisions, the allocation of regional qualifying events and redistribution of unused quota places. The FEI President underscored that the proposed formats with teams of three, if approved by the General Assembly, will only apply to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and not FEI Championships, Games or Finals.

When the President opened the meeting to points from the floor, the European Equestrian Federation (EEF) representatives presented a last-minute EEF proposal on alternative qualification pathways, based on both teams of four and teams of three.

The proposal called for more emphasis on World Championships and the FEI Nations Cup™ Series as qualification pathways across the three disciplines, rather than Regional Championships.

FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez raised concerns that the proposal does not meet the IOC’s Olympic Qualification system principles, which include providing more than one opportunity for athletes/teams to qualify, fair and equal opportunities to qualify which do not necessitate expensive or extensive travel, and ensuring continental representation.

FEI Regional Group VIII Chair Jack Huang (TPE) stated that lack of preparation in the lead-up to the Games due to lockdowns around the world during the global Covid-19 pandemic could explain some less than optimal performances, but this would be eliminated by strengthening of the MERs for Paris 2024.

United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Director of Sport Will Connell called for longer term thinking on the Olympic formats that goes beyond Paris 2024, to include Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032. “We need to play the long game,” he said.

The FEI President agreed that, as the Olympic Regulations for Paris 2024 would be included in the FEI Sport Forum next year, qualification systems and formats for Los Angeles 2028 should feature in the 2023 FEI Sports forum.

Delegates, both in-person and online, were given the opportunity to speak. Interventions from the floor came from the Russian Federation, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Eurasian Federation, South Africa, Pan-American Equestrian Confederation (PAEC), Denmark, France, Canada, Cote d’Ivoire. There were also comments received online from the Philippines, Botswana, Hong Kong and Sweden, with the latter three countries expressing their support for a continuation of teams of three at the Olympic Games.

The FEI President confirmed to delegates that there would be a preliminary vote on teams of three or four prior to a vote on the qualification system.

After the discussion on the Olympic Regulations, the Session then moved on to clarifications on the proposed modifications to the FEI Statutes, General and Internal Regulations, Discipline Rules and the FEI Veterinary Regulations. There was also an update on Biosecurity requirements at FEI Events and use of the FEI HorseApp.

All proposed Rules amendments will be voted on at the FEI Hybrid General Assembly on 17 November 2022 and updated on Inside.FEI.org here in due course.

The FEI Hybrid General Assembly commences at 09:00 CET and will be available to watch on livestream here.

Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge – East Coast Final Winners Crowned at Tryon International

By on Nov 15, 2021 9:00 am -

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The Area Two/Three/Eight team brought home the win in CCI 3*-L Adequan®/USEF Youth Team Challenge East Coast Finals competition, held this weekend at Tryon International in Mill Spring, Nc., after strong performances all week, featuring riders Alexandra Baugh, Elizabeth Bortuzzo, Benjamin Noonan, and Sarah Bowman. The conglomerate whittled their eligible scores to three after Bortuzzo retired during Cross-Country competition, but it was smooth sailing for the remaining trio and resulted in a total score of 119.1.

The team composed by riders from Areas Five and Six ran into some penalties when rider falls forced fewer than three team members to complete all phases. Nevertheless, riders Kit Ferguson, Zara Flores-Kinney, Barret Phillips, and Savannah Gwin brought home a reserve team placing on a score of 1206.2 [1000 point penalty for an incomplete score in Show Jumping].

Winner winners! Photo by Sally Spickard.

Winning teammates Noonan, Bowman, Baugh, and Bortuzzo were highly complimentary of the opportunity to compete on a team, despite not knowing each other well in advance of the Finals.

“Being on the team this weekend, it’s wonderful because I enjoy the people I’m around. Having it [a team] in a lower pressure, but also high-pressure situation, it lets you be a part of a team, and you’re wanting the best for your other teammates,” said Noonan.

“I’ve never been on an Eventing team. I’ve never met anyone else on my team, or on the three star team, and we get here and we act like we’ve known each other forever,” said Bowman. “And overall, it’s a great experience.”

Noonan and Keep Kitty, his own 2011 Hanoverian mare (Kolibris Vulkano Dree Boeken x Escudo 19), were also champions in the individual bracket, completing the weekend on a score of 38.5. Second and third went to Alexandra Baugh, who rode MHS Fernhill Finale, the 2012 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Verdi x Olympic Lux) owned by Altorac Farm, to reserve and a score of 38.8, and her own I Spye, the 2011 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Harlequin du Carel x Lombardo), to a score of 41.4 for third.

“I was a little bit disappointed in Dressage, because I did not have the test I was hoping for,” Noonan relayed. “But, I tried to ignore that and move on … I had one of the best, maybe the best Cross-Country rounds I’ve had in my entire life. Show Jumping is my favorite phase, and my horse’s favorite phase, and it just all came together. So, we had a really great weekend, and we love being at Tryon. It’s absolutely incredible being here,” he raved.

2*-L winning teams. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Area Two Claims CCI2*-L Title

Area Two took the win in CCI 2*-L Adequan®/USEF Youth Team Challenge East Coast Finals competition over five other teams, finishing on a score of 115.8 with teammates Jackson Dillard, Mia Braundel, Maddie Hale, and Kiera Kenny. Multiple riders or horses contested their first CCI2*-L at TIEC this weekend, including Kenny, Baundel, and Hale, whose horse also contested her first CCI 2*-L.

Dillard, who competes on the Clemson University Eventing Team, noted that “it’s always interesting when you work around other young professionals or up-and-coming young riders. They all have different backgrounds, and they all have different ways of interpreting things that are asked of you throughout the weekend, so being able to work with my teammates allowed me to learn a lot, and I’ll take a lot away from this weekend.”

Braundel reflected, “As a young professional, I really like being able to start getting team experience now. For the future, when we start going on to bigger things, I think it’s really helpful to be able to do this and have this experience.”

Jackson Dillard and Layla Q. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

“I love Area Two,” added Kenny, “and I’m very grateful to have been part of the team and it’s been really cool meeting everyone else on it. I have really good support, so my pressure was only as much as I put on myself. I was extremely happy with the outcome and really happy with my horse, who’s just been an amazing teacher for me this year. It’s very special.”

Hale agreed, saying, “I was just really grateful to have this experience and be part of the team. It was really amazing [to have] a team environment and I got to meet a lot of new people and new friends.”

Dillard was also first and third in the Individual competition, taking first with Layla Q, his 2011 Hanoverian mare (Loerke x Anhaltiner E), and earning third aboard Elmo, his 2009 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Van Gogh x Animo). “It was a wonderful experience to be here with Layla Q and Elmo this weekend. [Layla Q] really showed me what she’s capable of, and we’re going to keep moving forward with that. I look forward to it.” He concluded, “I’m nothing more than a product of the people behind me, so whether that’s my mother, my groom, the Clemson Eventing team where I’m a student, there’s a lot of people standing behind me that got me here and allowed me to be successful this weekend.”

1* Podium. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Two Teams Finish On CCI1*-L Podium

Two teams made it to the podium at the conclusion of CCI 1*-L Adequan®/USEF Youth Team Challenge East Coast Finals competition, with Area Two edging into the lead after Show Jumping for the win on a total score of 144.8 between teammates Ella Braundel, Caroline Brown, Grace Mykityshyn, and Juliana Cassar.

The team built by riders from Areas Three, Seven, and Five earned a reserve team title on the weekend, scoring a collective 153.3 points among Camryn Chung, Crockett Miller, Ava Holmes, and Chloe Johnson.

Johnson also took top honors in the individual race, almost beating one of her idols, Boyd Martin, aboard Chilli Bean. Canada’s Claudia Oppedisano and her own God of Thunder, the 2006 Thoroughbred Cross gelding (Matter of Courage x Unknown), scored 31.7 after three phases. Grace Mykityshyn and MTF Cooley Classic, the 2010 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Ars Vivendi x Olympic Lux) owned by Plain Dealing Farm, were third, going home with a podium-worthy score of 37.5 points.

“Chilli was absolutely a saint over the weekend. For Dressage, she perked right up as soon as we went in the ring and put down our best test ever,” Johnson divulged. “On Cross-Country, she’s always on it. She loves it, and she likes to go fast. She’ll cut any angle. I was really happy with her in the stadium. We took a rail, but that’s okay, it happens, and it was just an honest rail.

Boyd Martin and Chloe Johnson share the 1*-L victory lap. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

“He’s been my role model for years, just to be in the position I was in in Dressage and Cross-Country was an absolutely amazing feeling,” Johnson revealed about trading top places with Martin. “I know the horse he’s on, and I know the owner, who’s an amazing woman. After Dressage, just seeing that score … that feeling was absolutely unmatched. Even though we had this rail, which I just edged us out of first, I’m so incredibly proud of my mare. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to have competed against Boyd and gotten this experience with her.”

Mykityshyn gushed, “I’m just so happy to have a horse that’s so awesome in settings like this. It helps me stay calm when I get nervous. He was awesome. I feel like we’ve been working super hard on the flat, and I felt like that really paid off and scored a personal best.” She added, “I was really proud of how we were handling my nerves and just trying to get a feel more for him now too, after he’s tired and been here for a long week. He did have two rails, but he was so on it. I couldn’t have asked for a better horse.”

Canadian individual Oppedisano was “speechless” with her horse’s performance all weekend, she explained. “He was just on it for everything. And, he’s a Clydesdale-Thoroughbred, so Cross-Country is not the easiest for him to run. And he was just locked onto everything. I couldn’t have asked for a better week here.”

Claudia Oppedisano and God of Thunder. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Better still, she continued, was getting to compete under the lights in Tryon Stadium as the weekend came to a close. “It honestly was breathtaking getting in there,” she admitted. “I was actually kind of hoping to get to go under the lights. It was pretty cool to have that spotlight on us. Although it’s freezing, I’m glad that we got the chance to experience it.”

Her competitors agreed: “I feel like it definitely made the atmosphere feel bigger. You’ll see all the Grand Prix run under the lights here, and so it just felt like it was such a big deal, but still so chill at the same time,” Johnson commented. “It was just an incredible feeling.”

“It felt like I was in a dream, honestly, walking over here, at sunset, seeing the mountains. I’ve never been here before, and the venue is just amazing. They’ve done such a great job putting on this event,” Mykityshyn concluded.

The final results for the East Coast final of the YTC, both team and individual, are as follows:

Tryon International Three-Day Event (Tryon, Nc.): [Website] [Live Stream] [Final Scores] [EN’s Coverage]

Enjoy this gallery from the conclusion of the YTC, courtesy of Shannon Brinkman and her superstar team!

Don’t Miss this Professional Development Webinar from STRIDER & RideIQ November 9

By on Nov 6, 2021 2:00 pm -

Graphic courtesy of STRIDER.

Are you an eventer looking to expand your horse business in 2022?

Our friends at STRIDER and RideIQ are co-sponsoring a professional development webinar next week you’ll want to attend.

“Proven Business Models In the Horse World” will feature a roundtable discussion from Olympic Event Rider & Grand Prix Show Jumper Doug Payne, FEI Dressage Rider & Trainer Lauren Sprieser, and renown Western Dressage & Reining Trainer Colton Woods.

The webinar will be held Tuesday November 9th, 2021 on Zoom at 7:00PM EST. To reserve your spot, book here on STRIDER. There is no charge to attend but seats are limited and filling fast.

This is an excellent opportunity for you to hear business insights from some of the top names in the sport. There will be a 15-minute live Q&A session after the discussion moderated by Helena Harris of Stall and Stable. Bring your questions!

About the Panelists:

👤 Doug Payne is an Olympic Eventer Rider, CCI***** Eventer, FEI 4*, Grand Prix Show Jumper, and USDF Silver Medalist. As the top ranked American Eventer at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, his international experience also includes serving as part of the 2019 Gold Medal Winning US Equestrian Team at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.

In addition to his success as an international competitor, Payne holds USEF Judge’s & TD Licenses for Eventing and is a USEA ICP Level III certified instructor. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Rochester Institute of Technology, and is a graduate ‘A’ pony clubber from Somerset Hills Pony Club. You may also have read his book “The Riding Horse Repair Manual”. Visit http://www.pe3s.com to learn more.

👤 Lauren Sprieser is a USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist and an international Grand Prix dressage competitor. Her enthusiasm and wit has made her a popular trainer, with students from the grassroots to the international levels in both dressage and eventing. She’s also an acclaimed blogger for the Chronicle of the Horse, and writes regularly for Dressage Today and Practical Horseman. She owns and operates Sprieser Sporthorse based out of Marshall, VA and Wellington, FL. Visit https://www.spriesersporthorse.com for more info.

👤 Colton Woods is the founder of the CWH Professional Horseman’s School which provides aspiring professionals with guidance and tools to create profitable horse businesses. Colton and his wife, Maredith, own and operate Colton Woods Horsemanship based in Lexington, Kentucky. They serve their clients through their online educational opportunities, the Heart of Horsemanship Podcast, teaching clinics around the United States, training horses and teaching lessons. Visit https://www.coltonwoodshorsemanship.com for more info.

This webinar brought to you as part of STRIDER’s Professional Development webinars series, hosted monthly with community partners to build professional capacity throughout the equine industry. Visit www.striderpro.com to learn more.

Adequan®/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge Temecula: West Coast Continues with Cross-Country on Second Day of Competition

By on Nov 5, 2021 8:00 pm -

It was a gorgeous day in southern California to run cross country around a beautiful, tough track!☀️ YTC athletes tested…

Posted by USA Eventing on Friday, November 5, 2021

The Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge Temecula showcased young and upcoming talent on a competitive day of cross country on a beautiful fall California day. Three competitors contested the CCI3*-L track, while six moved forward from dressage to take on the CCI2*-L. Competition will conclude tomorrow, following the second horse inspection at 8:00 a.m., with stadium beginning at 10:00 a.m. PST for the CCI3*-L and 1:00 p.m. PST for the CCI2*-L.

In the CCI3*-L, Audrey Sanborn (San Luis Obispo, Calif.) and her own OBOS Quality Time, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, maintained their stronghold on third place after their trip around the CCI3*-L cross country course, designed by Clayton Fredericks (AUS). The duo added just 2.4 time to their dressage score to sit on a 33.3 moving into the final phase. Madison Temkin (Sebastopol, Calif.) and her own MVP MadBum, an eight-year-old Thoroughbred mare, shot up the leaderboard following their precise double-clear trip around the track. The pair finished nearly 11 seconds under the optimum time and had plenty of run left after they crossed through the finish. The pair will contest the jumping phase tomorrow on their dressage score of 35.8 and currently hold the fifth-place position in the division. The overnight leaders, Haley Turner (Alamo, Calif.) and Shadow Inspector, her own 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, unfortunately parted ways at the second to last fence on course, which resulted in elimination.

The CCI2*-L saw all six YTC competitors take to the course, with three combinations securing a double clear effort on the day. Harper Click (Fall City, Wash.) and Rubia, a 12-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Amy Click currently lead the YTC competitors, producing a double-clear trip, look ahead to the final phase as they move forward on a 30.3. Abigail Cochran (Bellevue, Wash.) and Mixologeigh, a nine-year-old Thoroughbred gelding owned by Hope Cochran, rode to a fast clear, moving them up the leaderboard a, where they currently hold fifteenth place. Eliana Thompson (Renton, Wash.) and Surelock, an eight-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, dashed through the track and were the third combination to finish under the optimum time. The pair finished on a 34.9 and currently sit in twentieth.

Maeson Messmer (Woodinville, Wash.) and her own Gamblin on Jack, a 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, crossed through the finish with 13.2 time penalties to complete their second phase on a 49.3. Pip Hayes (Plymouth, Calif.) and So Cool, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, ran into a bit of trouble on course and picked up 20 penalties and 3.2 time to finish the day on a 55.7. Kayla Dumler (Enumclaw, Wash.) and Faramir toughed out a tough day around the CCI2*-L track but battled through to finish for YTC Team 1 on a 71.0.

In the CCI2*-L, YTC Team A, comprised of Click, Messmer, and Thompson will move forward on a combined team total of 114.5, while YTC Team A, featuring Dumler, Hayes, and Cochran, are on a combined team total of 159.7.

Competition will continue tomorrow with the second horse inspection at 8:00 a.m. PST, followed by stadium for the CCI3*-L at 10:00 a.m. PST and 1:00 p.m. PST for the CCI2*-L division, followed by the YTC awards and prize giving ceremony.

For more information about Galway Downs International Event & Horse Trials, visit www.galwaydowns.net/. To learn more about the Adequan/USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge, click here.

For questions regarding the USEF Eventing Youth Team Challenge, contact Christina Vaughn, USEF Director, Eventing Performance and Program Support, at (859) 225-6917 or [email protected].

US Equestrian Announces Additional CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L, and Advanced Level Competitions for 2023-2027

By on Oct 27, 2021 9:00 am -

Aerial view of the Florida Horse Park. Photo via FHP’s Facebook page.

US Equestrian is pleased to announce two additional competitions approved by the USEF Board of Directors to host CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L, and Advanced level events during the 2023-2027 competition cycle under the new Eventing Calendar Process. The Florida Horse Park has been allocated the CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L, and Advanced levels on Week 16 and the Advanced level on Week 40.

The new process is designed to produce the most effective U.S. sporting calendar to properly develop and prepare High Performance horses and athletes to be competitive at international long-format competitions and Championships both in the U.S. and on the world stage.

All U.S. Organizers were invited to bid to host the CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L, and Advanced levels through a bid process. The approved bids met the criteria outlined in the 2023-2027 U.S. Eventing Calendar CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L & Advanced Policies & Procedures. The USEF Eventing Bid Review Group provided their recommendations to the USEF Eventing Sport Committee and USEF International Disciplines Council prior to Board approval.

In addition to levels awarded through the bid process, other FEI and National levels were approved to be offered at these competitions. The complete list of 2023-2027 dates and levels can be viewed on the U.S. Eventing Calendar.

While the bid selections are allocated through 2027, each organizer will be required to submit an annual license renewal to be reviewed through the USEF Competition Licensing process, which may include a competition evaluation. During the five-year cycle, each competition can be evaluated annually to ensure they continue to meet the standards expected for hosting the approved levels, and USEF can determine that deficiencies or other concerns may results in the disapproval of a license renewal or full removal from the competition calendar.

The USEF recognizes and thanks organizers of competitions at all levels – both FEI and National – for their contributions to the overall growth and commitment to the sport in the U.S.

Please refer to the U.S. Eventing Calendar Process webpage for information regarding the Eventing Calendar Process. Questions can be directed to [email protected].