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Liz Halliday Leads Newly Crowned National Champions

The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs offered myriad magic moments yesterday as the 2023 USEF National CCI4*-L and 2*-L Eventing Championships and the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships, presented by USEA, concluded. However, it may be the event’s glimpse into the future that is most indelibly etched for those who competed, organized, volunteered, or watched in person.

Liz Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker are 2023 USEF CCI4*-L National Eventing Champions. PC – Sherry Stewart.

The VIP Pavilion was sold out, the Grand Prix arena was ringed several deep with fans and the vibe was Saturday night sizzle, California style.

“The event is amazing,” said US Eventing CEO Rob Burk, speaking of the entire experience. “The team here at Galway Downs just leaned into raising the bar, not only for California, but for eventing facilities anywhere in the country. Some of the most important things in our sport are the stables, the horsemanship, the quality of footing and you are not going to get better footing than this anywhere, in show jumping or cross-country, or more of the feel of a Championships than what we have here.”

Even before the results were determined, Burk predicted that Galway Downs will be widely acknowledged as a world-class equestrian sport stage. Which has been part of the plan for some time – a combined effort of Galway Downs owner, Ken Smith, organizer Robert Kellerhouse and Nilforushan Equisport Events.

The future looks bright for Young Riders, too. “I see this as a snapshot of what our Olympic and WEG teams will be in the next few decades,” Burk continued. “Early indicators of future success” included having Young Riders Championships contenders take the top two spots in the Pro Series Equine CCI2*-L and a reserve in the Adequan CCI3*-L; and an Emerging U25 rider take third in the Defender CCI4*-L.

Liz Halliday & Cooley Nutcraker top the USEF CCI4*-L Eventing National Championships & Defender CCI4*-L

Speaking of the future, Pan Am Team USA silver medalist Liz Halliday zoomed back from Santiago, Chile to ensure Cooley Nutcracker got his crack at the national title, the $16,500 of the division’s $50,000 in prize money and a place on the 2024 Olympic team selectors’ radar screen. The 9-year-old Irish Sporthorse’s 29.9 dressage score on Thursday established a solid lead which widened to five rails in hand by the show jumping conclusion.

In the interim, Clayton Fredericks’ cross-country shook up the standings. Five of 12 pairs were eliminated, including Liz on her first ride, Shanroe Cooley, late in an otherwise smooth-looking effort. Liz liked the rest of the course, but felt the test at 19A-B was a little too tough, too late in the track and lacked a “graceful way to ride it without just manhandling it.”

Fredericks, a 5* contender himself, acknowledged it was gut-wrenching to have the first three pairs fail to finish. “I never set something I won’t ride myself and we had a fairly good intensity,” he said of the 4* national championship route. “The only thing is maybe the level of the horses was on the green side. There were 4 or 5 doing their first 4*-L and that always affects the results. The problems were spread evenly throughout the course, and I think the course was of a good level for what we are doing here.”

Warming up as one of those partnerships tackling their first 4*-L, Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF filtered the reports through the rock-steady influence of Andrea Pfeiffer, the Chocolate Horse Farm proprietor for whom Greengard rides. “She is like an emotional rock for me. It made that a lot easier to cope mentally.”

Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF. PC- Sherry Stewart

They stuck with their plan of a careful pace throughout and it paid off, after a double clear show jumping round, to finish reserve in the USEF CCI4*-L National Championships. It also resulted in a third place finish in the Defender 4* that netted $10,000.

Bec Braitling and Caravaggio II. PC — Sherry Stewart

Australian Bec Braitling and Arnell Sporthorse’s Caravaggio II finished 2nd in the Defender CCI4*-L, earning the $12,500 reserve check. But as an Australian, Braitling was not eligible for the US title contention. Caravaggio’s performance was win enough. After an intense summer of training and competing in Europe, Braitling saw marked improvement in “Ernie’s” ability to keep his considerable abilities “together” through all three phases. She plans on a 5* debut as next year’s target for the 2011 British bred horse.

An uncharacteristic two show jumping rails slotted Galway Downs-based Emilee Libby and Tosca into fourth overall and third in the USEF National 4*-L championships. It was this pair’s debut 4*-L effort, too.

Sabrina Glaser & Cooley Mr. Murphy top the Adequan CCI3*-L

Sabrina Glaser’s journey from Langley, British Columbia, was rewarded with a win aboard Cooley Mr. Murphy in this 22-horse division. Sabrina described her partner of 4 years as “probably the trickiest horse I’ve ever sat on.” After consistent successes at 3*-S, he had “niggly little injuries that made us trickle along for a while.” It led to him getting over-familiar with the dressage test and “wheeling and bucking into transitions” in earlier outings. “But he kept a lid on it” Thursday to score a 32 in the sandbox. Double clear on cross-country vaulted them into the lead, followed by double clear show jumping, several exuberant fist pumps and $7,000 of the division’s $21,000 in prize money.

PC – Tina Fitch Photography

Area VI Young Rider Molly Duda was thrilled with her reserve finish, the $5,250 check and how “fresh and good” Disco Traveler felt. “I was surprised because in our last 3*-L, I could feel his fitness was lacking a bit on the final day. But today, he was jumping out of his skin and I am super proud of him.”

Erin Kellerhouse didn’t have the stellar dressage outing she and Bon Vivant GWF are capable of. That was nicely counterbalanced by a “fabulous” effort on cross-country that made a tough track “feel like Training Level.” Just a few time faults there, plus double clear stadium, moved this Galway Downs-based duo from 8th after dressage into third and a $4,200 prize check.

Kellerhouse credits some of her show jumping success to regularly competing in the Nilforushan Equisport Events jumping competitions that have been a significant part of Galway Downs’ evolution as an international venue. “It’s really helped me get to know what type of ride he likes, and it’s helped all of my horses.”

Hanni Sreenan Atop the USEF CCI2*-L National Championships and Pro Series Equine CCI2*-L

Hanni Sreenan aspires to 5* competition and came to Galway Downs expecting “an amazing experience.” She didn’t expect that to include the double crown of USEF National CCI2*-L Champion and the USEF Eventing CCI2*-L Young Rider Individual title. But that’s what she and Ebenholtz, a 2007 Hannoverian, earned by staying fault free after their 28.8 dressage start.

They were second going into Marc Donovan’s stadium finale and ascended to the top when Area VI Young Rider Sarah Ross and Fernhill Heart Throb had two heartbreaking rails to disrupt what would have been a Young Riders sweep of the division’s top three spots.

Area V’s Molly Duda and Carlingfords Hes a Clover were also double clear on cross-country and stadium to move from 4th after dressage to reserve champion in this competitive 40-horse division sponsored by Pro Series Equine.

James Alliston and Cora snapped the Young Riders sweep, finishing third on their 31.3 dressage effort.

Auburn Excell Brady Wins the Dechra Equine CCI1*-L

Auburn Excell Brady registered a first international win for Boudica BSP and it was indeed a victory in her partnership with the 2016 KWPN mare named after a Celtic warrior. She’d been marketing the mare as a show jumper, for Andrea Baxter, because it didn’t seem eventing was in the cards. “Honestly, I was scared of her at first. She’s big, very athletic and not always agreeable,” the California professional explained.

PC – Tina Fitch Photography

Excell Brady’s dressage coaches felt she had potential aplenty, but cross-country was “tricky,” to put it mildly. “We duked it for a few days in a clinic with Ian Stark this summer, and Ian really helped me work things through.” The warrior pair led this 28-horse field with a 27 in dressage and didn’t give up an inch.

“The level of competition and the atmosphere are fantastic,” said Excell Brady, a longtime Galway Downs exhibitor. “It’s really a special experience riding down centerline and I thought the cross-country and show jumping courses were great, though challenging.”

Unprecedented prize money, live-scoring on the jumbotron and overall pizzazzy presentation were icing on the cake, she said. Excell-Brady was one of several competitors to especially appreciate the enhanced amenities for spectators, including owners, clients and family.

USEA Area VI Young Rider Scarlett Peinado and Shadow Inspector also finished on their dressage score, a 27.4, to maintain 2nd place in the Dechra Equine CCI1*-L and be crowned the 2023 USEF CCI1*-L Eventing Young Rider National Champion. Qualifying for the Young Rider Championships was a “big goal” coming in and “I have not processed what happened” she said in the afterglow.

Shadow Inspector is a California veteran thanks to his years with Haley Turner. “My horse knew what was going on here, even in all this atmosphere,” Peinado said. “I was very nervous – a little bit panicked, so I was just trying to manage my stress and remember the course.” She travelled from Pennsylvania, where she trains with Area V chef Dom Schramm. He advised pretending like it was a schooling show, which proved effective throughout Marc Donovan’s turny track of quick-arising obstacles. Striding got a little tight in the final combination of pastel-colored cookie-standard obstacles, but the pair stayed clear to gallop to individual Young Rider gold.

Close behind in the Dechra Equine CCI1*-L third spot was Harper Padgett and Cooley Starship. Their finish on a 28.2 dressage score resulted in individual Young Rider silver and helped Area VII earn 2*-L team gold.

Scarlett Peinado & Shadow Inspector with Galway Downs organizer Robert Kellerhouse. – PC Tina Fitch Photography

USEF Eventing Young Riders Championships, Presented by USEA

Sarah Ross epitomized good sportsmanship after the two rails that knocked her from individual Young Riders gold to bronze in the CCI2*-L division. “Of course, it’s upsetting. I came here for the Young Riders Championships, from Florida and after spending a fair amount of time competing in jumper shows earlier this year. It’s been my dream to compete here, and this has been incredible and I’m excited about next year.”

She and her fellow team gold medal winning Area VI riders agreed the best part of the experience can only be understood once experienced. “You don’t understand until you’ve done it,” Ross elaborated. “You want a sponge, and all of the sudden, you have 20 sponges coming your way. Now we can all be excited about going home and cracking on with homework from this great experience.”

CCI1*-L Standings
Team Gold: Area VII
Harper Padgett, Olivia Keye, Lizzie Hoff, Caterina Ritson
Team Silver: Area VI
Brooke Corsaut, Fiona Holland, Greylin Booth, Jillian Mader Team Bronze
Bronze: Alberta/Ontario, Canada
Mackenzie Hoffman, Mickanna Austad, Michaela Aulicino, Avery Tallman

Individual
Gold: Scarlett Peinado, Area V
Silver: Harper Padget, Area VII
Bronze Lizzie Hoff, Area VII

CCI2*-L Standings
Team Gold: Area VI
Sarah Ross, Gabriella Ringer, Lauren Crabtree, Julia Beauchamp Crandon
Team Silver: Area VII
Kaylee Petticord, Avery Jacob, Hanni Sreenan, Harper Padget

Individual
Gold: Hanni Sreenan – Area VII
Silver: Julia Beauchamp Crandon – Area VI
Bronze: Sarah Ross – Area VI

CCI3*-L Standings – Individuals
Gold: Molly Duda – Area VI
Silver: Else Warble – Area VI
Bronze: Kayla Dumler – Area VI

Phillip Dutton Dominates Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Phillip Dutton claimed the $20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge in a thrilling night of competition on Saturday, November 4, at the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON.

Having won Friday night’s first round of competition, Dutton, a six-time Olympian, was last to contest Saturday’s deciding second round riding Quasi Cool. He thrilled the packed house once more with an electric performance and clear effort to take the championship title.

“It was an incredible crowd,” enthused Dutton, 60, who is based out of his True Prospect Farm in West Grove, Pennsylvania. “It was a full house, and it’s fun to show off our sport in a major city like this. We spent the day looking at the cows, sheep, and pigs, and it’s just really a lot of fun to be here. We even met Royal Ambassador Kay, so it was a great day.”

Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool jumped clear in both phases of the $20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge to claim the overall title on Saturday, November 4, at the Royal Horse Show in Toronto, ON.
Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

While Friday’s course certainly tested the athletes, Saturday’s track designed by Captain Mark Phillips of Great Britain proved to be even more demanding. Competitors raced back and forth across the arena over a combination of show jumping and cross-country obstacles, negotiating several tricky lines as they took chances and made tight turns in an effort to produce the fastest clear time. Just three combinations managed a fault-free ride, but it was Dutton’s double-clear across the two days of competition and combined time of 181.41 seconds that reigned supreme.

“I couldn’t be more proud of my horse,” shared Dutton of Caroline Moran’s 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Quo Vados x Lord). “He’s coming back from a bit of time off, and he’s just showing me how much he loves doing this. On Friday, the format was a bit foreign to him with all the turning, and he really learned from that and did it so well on Saturday. Obviously, I haven’t done this kind of stuff with him before, but he came out Saturday and was much more maneuverable and adjustable.

“The hard part of eventing is that for a lot of the cross-country jumps we want the horses to not go too high and stay lower over the top,” he continued. “When you put show jumping fences and cross-country jumps in here, it’s not that easy for the horses to understand not to get too high for some and then to be careful with the others. ‘Quasi’ is very good at judging how high to go, and he’s very careful all the time, so it’s nice to have.”

Six-time Olympian Phillip Dutton is presented as the winner of the $20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge by Scott Cieslar (left), CEO and Chief Nutritionist of Mad Barn, and Dr. Emily Gilbert, Mad Barn’s Performance Science Specialist.
Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Top Canadian talent Kendal Lehari, 36, of Uxbridge, ON, was the only other rider to jump fault-free both rounds with Iron Lorde for a second-place finish in a combined 193.03 seconds. As the highest placed Canadian rider, she was presented with the Col. Michael Gutowski Award.

“I love indoor eventing,” expressed Lehari, who has been competing in the Indoor Eventing Challenge for more than a decade. “We are used to riding across acres where things are so spread out, and here everything comes up so fast and it’s such an adrenaline rush. It really tests your instincts, and you just ride gritty and get it done. You have to think so fast. It’s totally different than what we normally do, but it’s so exciting and so great having the spectators. It’s such a fun atmosphere and opportunity.”

Lehari’s partner for the class, Iron Lorde, is normally campaigned by her mother, Gwen Lehari, but Kendal took over the ride a couple weeks prior to prepare for The Royal. While Iron Lorde has not tackled an upper-level event recently, his past experiences, including foxhunting, driving, and even competing in the Cup classes at the Royal Horse Show as a three-year-old, helped the 11-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding by Prinz Habicht prove his versatility.

“He was amazing,” said Kendal. “I might have to steal him off my mother now because he impressed me a little more than I was expecting. I couldn’t be happier. He really stepped up to the plate.”

Kendal Lehari was the top Canadian in the $20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge, finishing in second riding Iron Lorde.
Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Dutton’s daughter, 22-year-old Olivia Dutton, completed the top three on five faults and a combined time of 194.28 seconds riding Pioneer Archibald, a 12-year-old British Sport Horse gelding (Primmore’s Pioneer x Holland) owned by Joanie Morris.

Hunter competition was in the spotlight on Sunday, November 5, when Taylor Brooks of Ashton, ON, and Spectre, owned by Taylor Bond, claimed victory in the $15,000 Braeburn Farms Hunter Derby.

A field of 19 horse-and-rider combinations contested the decorated course set by Ken Krome of the United States. Ninth to go in the order, Brooks and Spectre, a 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding, impressed the judges with their brilliance and handiness to earn a base score of 86 with an additional 10 high option points and 10 handy points for an overall score of 106.

“Spectre truly is an incredible horse,” said Brooks, 32, who won the $25,000 Knightwood Hunter Derby at the 2022 Royal Horse Show with the flashy chestnut. “I’ve had the pleasure of being his rider for almost six years now, so our partnership is pretty solid. We showed here last year together, and I knew going into this week that I had a good chance to trust him, believe in him, and go out there and do our best. It’s magical anytime I ride him, and it’s a dream come true to win here. It’s an amazing opportunity to compete under these lights with the crowd and a course set so beautifully.”

Taylor Brooks of Ashton, ON, and Spectre won the $15,000 Braeburn Farms Hunter Derby on Sunday afternoon, November 5.
Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography

Second place honours went to Elodie Lemieux of Saint-Lambert, QC, and King’s Landing, her 12-year-old warmblood gelding, with an overall score of 102. Isabelle Lapierre of Levis, QC, and Carrera S, a 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding sired by Corrado I and owned by Johannie Légaré secured third place with a total score of 100.5.

The Royal offers numerous hospitality experiences including the Royal Terrace for VIP and corporate hosting and the Coliseum’s Sky Suites which offer stables and groups their own private suites. The Tanbark Club will continue to welcome Gold and Platinum VIP ticket holders. Contact [email protected] or [email protected] for full details.

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, including daily schedules and to purchase tickets, visit www.royalfair.org/royalhorseshow. Also download the new Royal Agricultural Winter Fair app for more news and information at your fingertips!

$20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge

1. Phillip Dutton / West Grove, PA / Quasi Cool / 0 / 181.41

2. Kendal Lehari / Uxbridge, ON / Iron Lorde / 0 / 193.03

3. Olivia Dutton / West Grove, PA / Pioneer Archibald / 5 / 194.28

4. Diana Burnett / Blackstock, ON / Whatsyourproblem / 5 / 215.16

5. Colleen Loach / Dunham, QC / Major Chase / 10 / 180.48

6. Jessica Phoenix / Cannington, ON / Fluorescent Adolescent / 10 / 180.95

7. Holly Jacks / Hillsburgh, ON / Josephine / 10 / 199.80

8. Jamie Kellock / Cedar Valley, ON / Summer Bay / 10 / 200.29

9. Hanna Bundy / Toronto, ON / Don’t Blink / 30 / 189.45

$15,000 Braeburn Farms Hunter Derby

1. Taylor Brooks / Ashton, ON / Spectre / 106

2. Elodie Lemieux / Saint-Lambert, QC / King’s Landing / 102

3. Isabelle Lapierre / Levis, QC / Carrera S / 100.5

4. Kristjan Good / Campbellville, ON / Nitecap / 100

5. Sarah Long / Newmarket, ON / Good Vibes / 99

6. Emma Edwardson / Calgary, AB / Diarado Dream / 97

7. Kennedy Ballard / St Lazare, QC / Jazz Air / 96

8. Cawthra Burns / King City, ON / Buckingham / 93

9. Kristjan Good / Campbellville, ON / Carano / 92

10. Ashley Arnoldt / Langley, BC / Light My Fire / 90.5

Website / Results

USEF Eventing National Champions Crowned for CCI4*-L, CCI2*-L, & Young Riders at Galway Downs International

Liz Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker crowned 
USEF Eventing CCI4*-L National Champions at Galway Downs International. Photo by Avery Wallace/US Equestrian. Liz Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker crowned USEF Eventing CCI4*-L National Champions at Galway Downs International. Photo by Avery Wallace/US Equestrian.

An exciting weekend at Southern California’s Galway Downs International came to its conclusion on Saturday with new national champions emerging in the CCI4*-L and CCI2*-L levels along with the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships presented by USEA for the CCI1*-Intro, CCI2*-L, and CCI3*-L levels.

Scarlett Peinado and Shadow Inspector. Photo by Avery Wallace/US Equestrian.


USEF Eventing CCI1*-Intro Young Rider Championship presented by USEA

Finishing her weekend with a double-clear show jumping round, Scarlett Peinado (Aubrey, Texas) riding her 2010 Irish Sport Horse gelding Shadow Inspector (Tinaranas Inspector x Caragh Roller) took home the individual victory in the CCI1*-Intro championship for young riders.

“It feels amazing. I kind of still can’t believe it’s real,” said Peinado, who represented Area V as an individual competitor. “My horse definitely knew what was going on. He got in that arena and he was like, ‘Let’s go!’”

Peinado held a wire-to-wire lead in the young rider standings for the division and finished on her dressage score of 27.4. She said she felt some pressure coming into the final phase, but followed her coach’s advice to just ride as if she were schooling at home and was able to manage her nerves to finish on a high note.

“I was very nervous. I was so nervous, I walked in the arena trying to remember my course,” said Peinado. “Everything was happening all at once. But it went well, I managed the stress, and we got around clear and I’m very happy.”

The team from Area VII clinched team gold thanks to solid performances from Lizzie Hoff and HSH Best Kept Secret, Olivia Keye and Chromatic Flyer, Harper Padgett and Cooley Starship, and Caterina Ritson and This Lad is Gold. Both Padgett and Hoff made the podium individually, winning silver and bronze, respectively.

CCI1*-L Young Rider Individual Results
Gold: Scarlett Peinado and Shadow Inspector
Silver: Harper Padgett and Cooley Starship
Bronze: Lizzie Hoff and HSH Best Kept Secret

CCI1*-L Young Rider Team Results
Gold: Area VII
Silver: Area VI
Bronze: Alberta/Ontario

Hanni Sreenan and Ebenholtz. Photo by Avery Wallace/US Equestrian.


USEF CCI2*-L Eventing National Championship and USEF Eventing CCI2*-L Young Rider Championship presented by USEA

After an impressive dressage test and a fault-free cross-country phase, Area VII’s Hanni Sreenan (Hood River, Ore.) and Ebenholtz (Ehrentusch x Levantine), a 2007 Hanoverian gelding owned by Amy Haugen, turned in one of the few double-clear rounds in the CCI2*-L to win both the young rider championship and the USEF CCI2*-L Eventing National Championship on a score of 28.8.

“To be honest, I came into the competition just wanting to get around,” said Sreenan. “It’s my first CCI2*-L, so I was super nervous and I did way better than expected. I’m super happy.

“He’s super funny. Very mouthy. Very gelding-like. I love him,” Sreenan said of her equine partner. “He’s the best. He’s taught me so much. He’s a super big confidence booster and that would not have been [possible] without Amy Haugen being alongside me and letting me have the ride.”

Sreenan wins the Richard Collins trophy for the CCI2*-L Eventing National Championship and the Harry T Peters trophy for the CCI2*-L Young Rider Championship.

The home team from Area VI secured the gold medal in the CCI2*-L division. The team was composed of Julia Beauchamp Crandon and MGH Capa Vilou, Lauren Crabtree and Excellence, Gabriella Ringer and Get Wild, and Sarah Ross and Fernhill Heart Throb.

USEF CCI2*-L Eventing National Championship Results
First: Hanni Sreenan and Ebenholtz
Second: Molly Duda and Carlingfords Hes a Clover
Third: James Alliston and Cora

CCI2*-L Young Rider Individual Results
Gold: Hanni Sreenan and Ebenholtz
Silver: Julia Beauchamp Crandon and MGH Capa Vilou
Bronze: Sarah Ross and Fernhill Heart Throb

CCI2*-L Young Rider Team Results
Gold: Area VI
Silver: Area VII

Molly Duda and Disco Traveler. Photo by Avery Wallace/US Equestrian.


USEF Eventing CCI3*-L Young Riders Championship presented by USEA

Molly Duda (Menlo Park, Calif.) of Area VII and her own 2010 Oldenburg gelding Disco Traveler (Donatelli x Cadence) turned in two double-clear jumping rounds to finish on their dressage score of 33.5 and win the individual young rider gold and the John H Fritz trophy for the CCI3*-L.

“‘Disco’ was feeling so fresh and so good this morning,” said Duda. “At our last CCI3*-L, we could feel the fitness lacking a little bit on the final day, and I think we really made those improvements and it showed. He was jumping out of his skin today, and I was super proud of him.”

Coming into the final phase in the top spot for the young riders—and in the second-place standing overall for the division—put some pressure on Duda, but in a good way.

“There’s certainly a lot of pressure going in there towards the end, but I think I thrive under pressure,” said Duda. “I think it makes me locked in and I actually ride better when I feel like it really matters. I think my horses feel that, too, especially Disco. He loves to win. He loves to do well, and I think he gave it all he had today, and it was a great ride.”

CCI3*-L Young Rider Individual Results
Gold: Molly Duda and Disco Traveler
Silver: Elsa Warble and FE Unlimited

Liz Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker. Photo by Avery Wallace/US Equestrian.


USEF CCI4*-L Eventing National Championship

Liz Halliday (Lexington, Ky.) held the top spot on the CCI4*-L through all three phases with Cooley Nutcracker (Toland R x Ballyshan Cleopatra), a 2014 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by The Nutcracker Syndicate (Deborah Halliday, Renee Lane, Ocala Horse Properties, and the rider). They held a comfortable lead heading into the show jumping phase and turned in a double-clear round to secure the national championship, winning the Guy V Henry trophy and the USET Gladstone Cup.

“I really wanted him to jump a good class and a clear round,” said Halliday. “My goal was to make the time without chasing him for it as well. That’s just something I’ve been working on with him, and he’s such a beautiful, classy horse. He felt very fresh today, which was amazing. He was pretty sharp today in this atmosphere, but he’s an amazing horse and I have a great partnership with him now.

“It’s awesome. It’s amazing, it’s really fun with the AECs and now this,” Halliday said of her national championship win. “It’s exciting for the owners, too, to come here and watch their young horse do this. It’s a wonderful way to finish the season, and I’m very excited for next year.”

USEF CCI4*-L Eventing National Championship Results
First: Liz Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker
Second: Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF
Third: Emilee Libby and Toska

The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs (Temecula, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times][Volunteer] [Final Scores]

‘It’s All About Perseverance’: Laine Ashker & Lovedance Win the VHC Eventing CCI3*-S

Laine Ashker and Lovedance. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography. Laine Ashker and Lovedance. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

In 2022, Laine Ashker won her first FEI class with Lovedance in the 2*L at the November Virginia Horse Trials. The pair repeated history today, but this time, rode away with the win in the CCI 3*-S with a score of 46.4.

Ashker attributed her successful dressage score on her long warm up. “It was so cold, I had three layers on and could hardly zip up my boots,” she laughed. “’Lottie’ is very sensitive and so we had a really long warm up. I went in with a very relaxed horse and am really glad I took that time. It was a very nice test.”

Ashker and Lovedance had a rail in the stadium phase but were able to hold their lead because of their dressage score. “It was a weird, greener rail for us in stadium. I’ve ridden Michel’s [Vaillancourt] courses a lot and I think he’s very technical and really makes the riders think. I must have walked that course at least three times. Courses that make you think help us develop better horsemanship skills and I think my horse learned a lot from it too. I’m a ‘thoroughbred girl’ and I’m learning how to adjust to her stride. She’s really taught me how to ride proper show jumping and I couldn’t have asked anymore from her,” she commented,

“I didn’t think the cross country was an easy course, but Jay [Hambly] built a great course,” she continued. “The turf was really rideable, and I could go fast. I feel like the Virginia Horse Center has really worked on the footing which is so important. I have one FEI horse. If she breaks, I have nothing. I feel like Virginia made a lot of effort aerating the turf to create the best possible footing they could.”

“I took one circle at the first water between the two elements just to give her a straight shot at the angles coming out because it was similar to the situation at Plantation, and I just wanted to give her a confident ride this weekend. She paid me back tenfold for that! She finished with so much ease and hardly any effort. I didn’t plan to win, I just wanted to finish the year on a good note. She’s only seven years old and I plan to bring her to Advanced as a nine-year-old. I love the training process, creating a connection and trust with my horses and really just enjoy the journey.”

Laine Ashker and Lovedance. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

“Virginia Horse Center is definitely a ‘vibe’ for me,” said Ashker. “Last year I won my first FEI win in the 2*-L and this year I won my first CDI 1* with Ann Wilson’s Zeppelin at MADFest. I came here this week with Lovedance and had no expectations except to finish. To win today was really icing on the cake!”

“I’ve had the worst luck this year in 3*! The first time I took her [Lottie] out this year she had a hive breakout after dressage, so I scratched. The week before the Maryland Horse Trials, I was cross county schooling, fell off and broke my nose. So, I moved us to Prelim instead and then after she jumped the ditch and coffin, she fell, and I fell off. Then we went to Great Meadows. We were in third after dressage but had three rails in the stadium and then I pulled her because the ground was too hard for cross country. Then at Plantation, we were super in dressage and stadium jumping and then retired at the seventh fence because she didn’t understand the question. I’ve never had a cross country penalty with her, and I think she was pretty surprised, so she ran out.”

Ashker continued, “Basically, I’ve been schooling corners since I left Great Meadows. I just kept working on my show jumping and I schooled corners. I even stopped at Plain Dealings on my way here to trot her over a ditch and through the water. She is really young and green, and I just want to make sure she is confident. When I thought I had lost her trust at Plantation, I went back to schooling. I didn’t care about where we finished. I could have finished second to last this weekend, but I was stoked how she performed in all three phases, and you can’t ask for anything more.”

Ashker’s win was sentimental as well. Her mother took time off of work and was there to witness her win. Ashker added, “My grandfather passed away about a month ago and he was very competitive. I think maybe he was cheering us on this weekend.”

“It is all about perseverance and I am grateful to my parents for instilling that value in me,” said Ashker.

Kim Severson and Cooley Corraghy Diamond. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Kim Severson and Roz and Bill Johnson’s Cooley Corraghy Diamond Victorious in CCI2*-S

Kim Severson and Cooley Corraghy Diamond won today’s CCI2*-S today with a score of 33.2. “He was very good over the cross country and really took good care of me,” she said. “While you always have a plan, you never really know what it’s going to be. When you’re riding cross country, you have to ride what you can get,” she said.

“I went out at 8:02 this morning and the sun wasn’t even up. As we got down to the first water the sun was just coming up over the horizon and it was tough to see. There was little bit of a question at the first combination, but he went down the hill in three quite easily. It was very rideable, he galloped along nicely and we finished up quite well.”

According to Severson, Cooley Corraghy Diamond has a big heart and tries very hard. “He is a shy horse and is really sort of a ‘one person’ sort of horse. With me having a small program, he definitely rises to the occasion,” she said. “He’s had a pretty good record in cross country and stadium and we are still working on dressage, but he tries really hard. He’s a thinker and he always wants to guess what you want. We are patient with him without pushing him and that’s imperative to his learning curve. He is a special horse for the future,” she added.

Severson found Cooley Corraghy Diamond through Georgie and Richard Sheane. “I was one of their first American clients and I’ve bought a lot of Cooley horses,” said Severson. “Bill and Roz Johnson purchased him for me as a four-year-old, so I’ve had him for about two years. I am thankful to Bill and Roz for giving me their support and providing me such a great horse to ride. It’s a great feeling to have great owners, the ones that say, ‘whatever is best for the horse’.”

VHC Eventing presented by Capital Square wraps up their season for 2023 and Severson is hopeful that they will move up to Intermediate in the spring.

Find the VCE Eventing schedule here and follow along with the live scoring here.

Phillip Dutton Leads the Way in First Round of Royal Horse Show Eventers’ Challenge

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool led the way in the first round of the Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge on opening day of the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Opening night at the Royal Horse Show kicked off with the Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge, which brought the adrenaline-pumping thrill of cross-country to an indoor setting.  Featuring a combination of show jumping and natural cross-country obstacles, the course designed by world-renowned Captain Mark Phillips of Great Britain challenged horses and riders to be both daring and meticulous across the speed track.

Jamie Kellock of Cedar Valley, ON, and Summer Bay had the first clear effort of the evening in a time of 88.67 seconds, until last year’s winners, Holly Jacks of Hillsburgh, ON, riding Josephine, stormed into the lead in a time of 81.00 seconds. It looked like no one would be able to catch them until two-time Olympic gold medalist Phillip Dutton riding Quasi Cool, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Quo Vados x Lord) owned by Caroline Moran, galloped into the top spot in 80.43 seconds. Jacks would have to settle for the runner-up spot, while Kellock rounded out the top three. With that, Dutton now sits in pole position heading into the second and deciding round of the Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge, taking place on Saturday, November 4, where results from both nights are combined to determine the overall standings for the $20,000 purse.

“It’s a great crowd; they were really into it,” said the six-time Olympian Dutton, who is based at his True Prospect Farm in West Grove, Pennsylvania. “Mark [Phillips] set a course such that you couldn’t go super fast, and it was actually better to make sharp turns. It wasn’t just about galloping flat out. It was more about being efficient on your turns. I tried to not waste time on the approach as well because Quasi is a big scopey horse, so I don’t need to be shortening up to the jumps. He’s such a careful horse that I chanced it a bit at the last fence and just kept going at it, and I knew that he’d do his best to get his legs out of the way.”

The Royal offers numerous hospitality experiences including the Royal Terrace for VIP and corporate hosting and the Coliseum’s Sky Suites which offer stables and groups their own private suites. The Tanbark Club will continue to welcome Gold and Platinum VIP ticket holders. Contact [email protected] or [email protected] for full details.

Click here for more information on the Royal Horse Show, including daily schedules and to purchase tickets, or download the new Royal Agricultural Winter Fair app for more news and information at your fingertips!

 

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Watch Along with the USEF Eventing Championships at Galway Downs


Liz Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker. Photo by Avery Wallace/US Equestrian.

It was a day full of dressage tests for the USEF Eventing Championships taking place at Galway Downs. Liz Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker took the early lead in the USEF CCI4*-L Eventing National Championship, while Sarah Ross and Fernhill Heart Throb held the top spot in the USEF CCI2*-L Eventing National Championship. The USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships presented by USEA are in full swing with Area VI leading in the CCI2*-L and Area VII excelling in the CCI1*-Intro.

USEF CCI4*-L Eventing National Championship

A small but mighty field of 10 U.S. combinations has come forward to tackle the USEF CCI4*-L Eventing National Championship on the West Coast. Liz Halliday-Sharp (Lexington, Ky.) was the 2022 Reserve Champion with Deniro Z. Fresh off a team silver medal at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, she brings two promising mounts in the form of Cooley Nutcracker, a 2014 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Tolant R x Ballyshan Cleopatra) owned by The Nutcracker Syndicate, Ocala Horse Properties, and Renee Lane; and Shanroe Cooley, a 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Dallas x Shanroe Sapphire) owned by Ocala Horse Properties, LLC.

Tamie Smith (Murrieta, Calif.) is no stranger to winning a National Championship title, having won the 2023 Land Rover/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian™ earlier this year with Mai Baum. She has three talented mounts aiming for their own chance at a title — Cooley By Design, a 2012 Zangersheide gelding (Plot Blue x Uthree Z) owned by Gina Economou; Elliot V, a 2009 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Zavall VDL x Vera R) owned by Elliot V Partnership; and Kynan, a 2015 KWPN gelding (Envoy x Danieta) owned by the Kynan Syndicate LLC.

Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker had a lovely dressage test to earn a score of 29.9 to lead the USEF CCI4*-L Eventing National Championship. Tamie Smith and Kynan sat in second place with a score of 32.2, while Tommy Greengard (Malibu, Calif.) and Joshuay MBF, his own 2014 Dutch Warmblood gelding (Foreign Affair x Fernacchy MBF), sat in third place in the National Championship and fourth overall in the CCI4*-L with a score of 34.8.

Dressage results (top three):

1st: Liz Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker — 29.9

2nd: Tamie Smith and Kynan — 32.2

3rd: Dana Cooke and FE Quattro — 32.6

USEF CCI2*-L Eventing National Championship

A field of 38 U.S. combinations will vie for the title in the USEF CCI2*-L Eventing National Championship. Helen Alliston (San Ramon, Calif.) is a past National Champion with her 2022 USEF Advanced Horse Trials National Champion Ebay, and she could add another title to her resume with up-and-coming mount, Call Me Rudi, a 2015 Bavarian Sporthorse gelding (Clooney x Genia) owned by John Matheny and Alliston Equestrian. Helen will face competition from a talented field, which includes her husband James Alliston (San Ramon, Calif.) and Cora, a 2015 Oldenburg mare (Commissario x La-Montana) owned by Alliston Equestrian.

The top of the leaderboard in the USEF CCI2*-L Eventing National Championship was dominated by young riders. Sarah Ross (Reno, Nev.) and Fernhill Heart Throb, her own 2014 KWPN gelding (Biscayo x Postara), had a harmonious test to earn a score of 25.0 to sit in first place.

“He was excellent. I feel like the pieces really came together today,” said Ross. “We made the trip out from Florida, and we have been working over the course of the year. I was at Kaylawna [Smith-Cook]’s for the two weeks leading up to this and I feel like all the pieces came together in this ride.”

Ross said she was previously based in California, and after being based in Florida for about a year, she decided it was time to come back to the West Coast. Along for the ride is her partner Fernhill Heart Throb.

“He is pretty incredible. He is a bit quirky but we love him though for that. I have had him for about a year. He has just been nothing but fun to ride and bring through the levels. We did our first two-long together,” said Ross. “He is a real competitor. You go in there, and it’s like he knows. He has been really cool to learn about being a competitor with him.”

Gabriella Ringer (San Ramon, Calif.) and Get Wild, her own 2012 KWPN gelding (Plot Blue x Cantana), were close behind with a score of 25.5. Hanni Sreenan (Hood River, Ore.) and Ebenholtz, a 2007 Hanoverian gelding (Ehrentusch x Levantine) owned by Amy Haugen, sat in third with a score of 28.8.

Dressage results (top three):

1st: Sarah Ross and Fernhill Heart Throb — 25

2nd: Gabriella Ringer and Get Wild — 25.5

3rd: Hanni Sreenan and Ebenholtz — 28.8

USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships presented by USEA

Three combinations proved their mettle in the CCI3*-L Individual Championship. Area VI’s Molly Duda (Menlo Park, Calif.) and Disco Traveler, her own 2010 Oldenburg gelding (Donatelli x Cadence), led the way with a score of 33.5. Duda said that she felt she had one of her best tests with her ride on Thursday with Disco Traveler. Their partnership started as a lease, but Duda was ready to make the purchase when she realized she had a special partner.

“We just really clicked from the start. I think our styles really line up and we just really communicate well,” said Duda. “In the past year and a half, he has brought me from training level all the way to three-star. He has the biggest heart of any horse that I have ever known. He always takes care of me, and I trust him so much. He’s amazing.”

Duda said it has been her goal all year to make it to the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships presented by USEA and she is thankful that it has come to fruition.

“I’m incredibly grateful to be here and to have been selected to represent Area VI. It has been a pleasure to get to know the other Area VI young riders, and the coaches have been amazing. It has been a busy week for sure, but in a good way. I feel very lucky to be here.”

Area VII’s Kayla Dumler (Enumclaw, Wash.) and Faramir, her and Tammy Milling’s 2010 Thoroughbred gelding (Capitalimprovement x Princess Malaga), were not far behind the leaders with a score of 35.7. Area VI’s Elsa Warble (Portola Valley, Calif.) and FE Unlimited, Anna Meegan’s 2014 Holsteiner gelding (Uriko x Viona III), closed out the small but mighty field with a score of 38.4.

In the CCI2*-L Team Championship, Area VI sat atop the leaderboard with a score of 83.3. Sarah Ross and Fernhill Heart Throb earned an impressive score of 25.0 to lead the team. Teammates Gabriella Ringer and Get Wild delivered a solid test to score 25.5. Julia Beauchamp Crandon (Redwood City, Calif.) and MGH Capa Vilou, her own 2014 Irish Sport Horse mare (Ars Vivendi x Dilou M), had the next highest score for the team with a score of 32.8. Lauren Crabtree (Laguna Niguel, Calif.) and Excellence, Traci Crabtree’s 2009 KWPN gelding (Vaillant x Wolinda), had a solid effort with a score of 34.4.

Sitting behind Area VI in the Team Championship, Area VII is in second place with a score of 95.2.

The CCI2*-L Individual Championship top three mirrors the USEF CCI2*-L Eventing National Championship with Area VI’s Ross and Fernhill Heart Throb leading, followed by Area VI teammates Ringer and Get Wild in second and Area VII’s Sreenan and Ebenholtz in third.

“This is my first young riders experience, and it’s been really fun,” said Ross. “You see these people here and there and you get to know them [in California] and we all get pretty close regardless, but now with being in a team environment with them and getting super close with them is really invaluable. Getting to be in the barns with them and seeing how each person does something different, like a different warm-up or just getting ready. It has been cool to experience that.”

Area VII leads the CCI1*-L Team Championship with a score of 94.6 after the first phase. Harper Padgett (Woodinville, Wash.) and Cooley Starship, Leonie Padgett’s 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Cobra x Simona), lead the way for the team with a score of 28.2. They are followed by teammates Lizzie Hoff (Gig Harbor, Wash.) and HSH Best Kept Secret, a 2017 Irish Sport horse gelding owned by Caroline Pamukcu and Sherrie Martin, with a score of 31.2. Olivia Keye (Kamas, Utah) and Chromatic Flyer, her own 2012 Thoroughbred gelding, helped their team with a score of 35.2. Caterina Ritson (Ridgefield, Wash.) and This Lad is Gold, her own 2008 Thoroughbred gelding (Private Gold x This Ones a Riot), rounded out Area VII’s efforts with a score of 36.6.

Area VI sits in second place with a score of 97.5, followed by Alberta/Ontario in third with a score of 119.0.

In the CCI1*-L Individual Championship, Area V’s Scarlett Peinado (Aubrey, Texas) and Shadow Inspector, her own 2010 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Tinaranas Inspector x Caragh Roller), led the way with a score of 27.4.

“I was really happy with my ride. My horse is naturally lazy, so I have been working on getting him forward and listening to my leg,” said Peinado. “He got here and something sparked in him, and he was alive. It was great. Everything happened how I wanted it to. He actually was a little excited, which I wasn’t used to. But he did a great job, and I was really happy with my ride.”

The USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships presented by USEA has been a goal for Peinado since she first heard about it in January 2021. She moved from her base in Area VI to Pennsylvania to train with Dom and Jimmie Schramm to prepare to reach her goal.

“I have been working so hard to make it happen, so I ended up going to Pennsylvania to get the training and the plan that I needed to get here,” said Peinado. “I was like, ‘Nothing is going to stop me. I have to go do this.’”

Area VII’s Leonie Padgett and Cooley Starship sat in second place with a score of 28.2. Rounding out the top three were Fiona Holland (Solvang, Calif.) and Joshua Tree, her own 2014 Holsteiner gelding (Acore KF x Gijit), on a score of 30.3.

Competition Information

All championship divisions performed their dressage tests on Thursday, November 2, followed by cross-country on Friday, November 3. Competition concludes on Saturday, November 4, with the show jumping phase.

Event Website | Schedule | Results

US Equestrian fans, subscribers, and members can watch the live stream of the 2023 USEF Eventing Championships at Galway Downs on USEF Network powered by ClipMyHorse.TV. Not a member? Join now.

2024 British Eventing Grassroots Championships Qualifications Extended

Bramham’s 2023 BE80 Champions, Emily Tamblyn and Knockenpower Rory. Photo courtesy of 1st Class Images/Bramham International Horse Trials.

With all the qualification opportunities now over, British Eventing is delighted to announce that the qualification criteria will be extended to allow more members to enjoy the experience of competing at two of the most prestigious venues the country has to offer.

This will see more combinations being able to compete at Bramham Park for The NAF Five Star BE80 Championship and at Badminton for The Voltaire Design BE90 & BE100 Grassroots Championships.

The qualification criteria for each Championships are now as follows:-

The NAF Five Star BE80 Championship
Top 40% BE80 Regional Championships
Eligible combinations from top 75 of BE80 OBP League who have not already qualified.

The Voltaire Design BE90 Grassroots Championships
Top 15% BE90 Regional Championships
Top 20% of BE90 Scottish Championships
Top 20% BE903DE 2023

The Voltaire Design BE100 Grassroots Championships
Top 30% BE100 Regional Championships
Top 20% of BE100 Scottish Championships
Top 20% BE1003DE 2023
Eligible combinations from top 10 of BE100 OBP League who have not already qualified.

Those qualified from the OBP Leagues will have their qualification tickets allocated soon, these will be shown on https://www.eventingcheck.co.uk

To view the leagues please visit the BE Stats Centre which can be found here.

Rosie Williams, CEO for British Eventing, said “It is an ambition for many to compete at these two iconic venues, and the new qualification criteria will now see us enable many more of our members able to achieve their dream. I am sure that this news will be warmly welcomed by those who had their sights on qualifying and I look forward to seeing new championships crowned at each next year.”

Congratulations to the following riders who are now qualified for the national championships:

NAF Five Star BE80 Championship Qualified Riders

The Voltaire Design BE90 Grassroots Championship Qualified Riders

The Voltaire Design BE100 Grassroots Championship Qualified Riders

IJF / BEF Conference Encourages Cross-Discipline Commitment to Concussion Education

The concussion conference committee after a successful discussion.

The inaugural Cross-Industry Concussion Symposium 2023 was held at Cheltenham Racecourse last Friday, hosted jointly by the Injured Jockeys Fund and British Equestrian.

Compered by racing and equestrian presenter, Alice Plunkett, there were 100 attendees across the equestrian disciplines in the UK.

The objective of the event was to look at the history, development and government guidelines around concussion and discuss best practice and shared learnings for a more collaborative approach moving forwards.

Currently, racing is the most advanced of the equestrian sports with very specific guidelines around identifying concussions, baseline testing and recovery procedures before a participant can return to ride, albeit only on a racecourse and not to the same extent for staff in yards. The BEF introduced general concussion guidance for equestrians as part of an education campaign this summer.

Opening, William Norris, KC, Chairman of the IJF said: “We at the IJF believe that we are very well placed to help others in equestrian sport to develop and follow good practice for the benefit of our participants and for the benefit of those who have some social and legal responsibility to those participants be they trainers, owners, or organisers. Everyone needs to understand and follow good practice, partly because it’s the right thing to do and partly because that is the way in which they can discharge their legal duty of care. It won’t be an overnight fix; it is a question of developing ways of educating and sharing our experiences across equestrian sport generally.”

Lisa Hancock, CEO of the IJF said: “Racing is fortunate in that we have over 20 years of awareness as to the implications of concussion and we are very keen to share those learnings and best practice with other equestrian disciplines. What was so encouraging today is that whilst we all know the logistical challenges this creates, everyone seems to want to work together using education and communication to improve things for the 1.8 million people that ride, regardless of skill, age, or discipline.”

The three key speakers were Dr Jerry Hill, Chief Medical Adviser for the BHA,  Dr Anna-Louise Mackinnon, Lead Medical Adviser at the IJF and Chief Medical Officer for British Equestrian and Rosy Hyman, Racing Industry Concussion Practitioner.

Dr Anna-Lousie Mackinnon said: “One of the key issues is that concussion is largely invisible, and it is often not treated in the same way as a broken limb. And yet correct diagnosis and recovery are vital to the rider being able to return to safely continue participating in their sport in whatever they do and at whatever level.”

Rosy Hyman went on to say: “We know that if you return too quickly, you are at a much higher risk of another injury. So, the key focus must be what we call the four R’s – Recognise (the signs and symptoms). Remove (the injured person from all horse-related activities). Recover (until all symptoms have been resolved). Return (to ridden activity through gradual, stepwise process).”

Jockeys, past and present, adding input via video into the conference, included Tom Scudamore, Martin Dwyer, Tabitha Worsley, Kevin Brogan, and Harry Bannister. They all shared their experiences of concussion, notably that in some incidents, you do not realise you have it and in some, you want to ‘cover it up’, ‘beat the Doctor’ and not lose rides. However, they all acknowledged that riding with concussion is not only dangerous but will not have you performing at your best, and so as times move forwards, all jockeys and staff at yards are going to have to change attitudes and use the help at hand, especially at the IJF’s three centres. Concussion procedure will therefore start to become the norm.

The second session of the morning involved workshops with all those attending, at which the many issues were discussed – financial and logistical restrictions, especially at grassroots level, the difficulties of having the ‘same rules for everyone’ plus the challenges of changes attitudes across all disciplines to this often ‘invisible’ condition. It was agreed that one cost-effective solution, especially targeted at the younger generation could be across discipline social media campaigns – simple to execute and far-reaching in their scope.

Closing, Alice Plunkett, summed up:

“It’s such a complex issue with no easy fix, and it is therefore essential that all disciplines work together and take on multi levels of responsibility.

What has been so encouraging today is that so many in this room have the desire to do that and to make our wonderful sport as safe as it can be for the participants in the future.”

Phillip Dutton Headlines Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge at The Royal

Canadian Show Jumping Championships Highlight Opening Weekend in Toronto

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Phillip Dutton will headline the Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge taking place on opening weekend of the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, in Toronto, ON, from November 3 to 12, 2023.

The heart-pounding Indoor Eventing Challenge, presented by Mad Barn, has become a fan favorite at the Royal Horse Show. Riders and horses attempt to clear a mix of cross-country obstacles and traditional show jumping fences in the fastest fault-free time to claim the overall title and the winner’s share of the $20,000 prize money on offer. Fans are encouraged to cheer for the competitors as they race around the course set in the Coca-Cola Coliseum by Captain Mark Phillips himself, an Olympic team gold medalist for his native Great Britain.

Two-time Olympic team gold medalist Phillip Dutton of the United States riding Quasi Cool will headline the Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge on opening weekend of the Royal Horse Show, held as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, ON. Photo by Randolph PR.

Dutton is no stranger to The Royal and is looking forward to returning for the Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge. He will be bringing Quasi Cool, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Caroline Moran, in the hopes of securing victory.

“I have competed at The Royal before and it was an incredible experience,” said Dutton, a six-time Olympian based out of his True Prospect Farm in West Grove, Pennsylvania. “It was a very exciting competition with a great and knowledgeable crowd!”

Unlike traditional eventing, which is held outdoors and features three separate phases of competition held over multiple days, Indoor Eventing puts the skills of horses and riders alike to the test with a fast-paced round against the clock. The fences come up quickly, and riders must be lightning fast with their reactions.

“Indoor Eventing is even more exciting and action-packed than the regular sport of eventing, largely because the crowd gets to be so close to the action,” explained Dutton. “It really makes for a great experience, and it can be a great introduction to our sport for those who might not be familiar with eventing.”

Canada’s own Holly Jacks of Hillsburgh, ON, riding Josephine will be back to defend their title in the $20,000 Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge at the Royal Horse Show. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Dutton will be competing alongside his 22-year-old daughter, Olivia Dutton, who has followed in his footsteps as a high-performance eventing athlete. Last year’s winner, Holly Jacks, will be back to defend her title riding Josephine while Colleen Loach and Jessica Phoenix, both two-time Olympians, will be among the other Canadian competitors that are sure to have the crowd cheering.

The Mad Barn Indoor Eventing Challenge will kick off the evening performances of the Royal Horse Show on Friday, November 3, and Saturday, November 4. Both nights will be followed by the two-phase $150,000 Canadian Show Jumping Championships, presented by Henry Equestrian. Reigning Canadian Champion Ali Ramsay of Victoria, BC, will be back to defend her title riding Bonita vh Keizershof Z. She will face stiff competition from 2018 Canadian Champion and local favorite Nicole Walker of Aurora, ON, while Canadian Olympians Yann Candele of Orangeville, ON, and Jay Hayes of Mono, ON, will also be among those looking to claim the national title. As in past years, the top two riders in the overall Canadian Championship standings not already qualified will be invited to contest the Royal Horse Show’s CSI4*-W international division from November 8 to 11, 2023.

Ali Ramsay of Victoria, BC, riding Bonita vh Keizershof Z returns to this year’s Royal Horse Show to defend her title in the Canadian Show Jumping Championships, presented by Henry Equestrian. Photo by Ben Radvanyi Photography.

Held over four nights, the Royal Horse Show’s international division culminates in the prestigious Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Toronto on Saturday evening, November 11. Last year’s winner, Daniel Coyle of Ireland, will be back to defend his title riding Legacy. Currently ranked 11th in the Longines World Rider Rankings, Coyle will be joined by other past winners of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Toronto including U.S. Olympic team medalists Kent Farrington and McLain Ward, who are currently ranked seventh and eighth respectively.

Several Canadian Olympians will be looking to add their names to the 2023 trophy, however. Tiffany Foster of Langley, BC, came tantalizingly close last year with a third-place finish while Quebec native Mario Deslauriers, who remains the youngest rider to ever win the FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final at the age of 19, will put his best foot forward. Olympic team silver medalist Mac Cone of King City, ON, will be in the hunt alongside 2016 Rio Olympian Amy Millar of Perth, ON. They will be joined in the international division by fellow Canadians Sean Jobin, Vanessa Mannix, and Nicole Walker.

“We’ve curated a dynamic 10-day schedule of events that will appeal to horse lovers of all ages,” said Christine Reupke, Director of Equestrian and Breed Sport for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. “We love seeing our ‘Loyal Royals,’ many of whom plan their holidays and vacations around The Royal each year, as well as those experiencing the Royal Horse Show for the first time. The overwhelming feedback we receive from competitors and fans alike is that there is truly no other horse show that compares to The Royal.”

Showcasing a wide variety of disciplines and breeds, the Royal Horse Show also features numerous other competitions and special features for horse sport fans. “Polo at The Royal” will thrill spectators on Wednesday evening, November 8, while the “Battle of the Breeds” will see various breeds going head-to-head as they demonstrate their various qualities during evening performances on November 9, 10, and 11. Throughout the 10-day Royal Horse Show, popular Australian horseman, entertainer, and bush poet Guy McLean will be delighting audiences with his team of liberty horses during select performances.

The Royal offers numerous hospitality experiences including the Royal Terrace for VIP and corporate hosting and the Coliseum’s Sky Suites which offer stables and groups their own private suites. The Tanbark Club will continue to welcome Gold and Platinum VIP ticket holders. Contact [email protected] or [email protected] for full details.

About The Royal

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian event. The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs November 3-12, 2023, at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Canada. For competition schedules, live webcasting, results, and to purchase tickets, please visit royalfair.org.

For more information on the Royal Horse Show, including daily schedules and to purchase tickets, visit here. Also download the new Royal Agricultural Winter Fair app for more news and information at your fingertips!

Pippa Funnell Joins British Eventing Board of Directors

Pippa Funnell steps onto the podium after a decisive victory at Bramham this year. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

British Eventing is pleased to announce that the two Non-Executive Board Directors positions which arose, as part of the term rotation, have now been filled.

The two voluntary positions, which will be formally appointed for a four-year term at the British Eventing AGM, will be awarded to Will Cursham and Pippa Funnell.

Will is a current member of the Board and put himself forward to stand for a second term.  A litigation lawyer, specialising in construction, he has led legal teams in numerous high value cases for blue-chip clients with successful outcomes.

Will’s equestrian background is steeped in Eventing with both parents having evented at the highest levels. He has evented himself up to Novice and still owns horses and competes.

Three times Olympian, winning two team silver and one individual bronze medals, Pippa has also won two European Championships team golds and one individual bronze medal. Pippa was also the very first person to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing which she did in 2003. Having held nearly every major title there is to win during her competition career so far she has notably won Badminton on three occassions, been awarded the honour of The Times Sportswoman of the Year in 2003 and been a top-five nominee for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

Aside from being a prolific competitor, Pippa is also a renowned producer of young horses and a trailblazer in British breeding with the Billy Stud which she co-owns with husband Will Funnell and Donal Barnwell.

British Eventing Chair, Mark Sartori, said of the appointments “I would like to thank Will for giving his time for another term with British Eventing. He brings great value to the Board with both his eventing background accompanied by his professional career as a specialist dispute resolution laywer.

I would also like to express my gratitude to Pippa for putting herself forward.  Pippa’s depth of knowledge across all areas of the sport is second-to-none and I am excited to have the opportunity to work with her as we drive the sport forward. Her success as not only a competitor, but also as a world-class breeder and producer of young horses, is globally recognised and her joining the BE Board will without doubt reap rewards for our members and stakeholders.”

With regards to the appointments there is no requirement for a member vote due to there only being two nominees for the two positions.

The British Eventing AGM will take place on 8 December 2023. Further information inviting members to join the AGM will be sent directly to eligible members nearer the time.

STRIDER Expands to Support Entries for USEF, USDF, USEA Recognized Horse Shows

Caroline Martin and Redfield Galwaybay HSH. Photo by Lisa Madren.

Strider, the leading provider of equestrian event bookings, is pleased to announce the expansion of its platform to support entries for recognized horse shows, with a focus on USEF, USDF, and USEA recognized competitions in 2024.

This strategic development, which will include access to STRIDER’s exclusive Pay by Venmo feature, comes in response to venues across North America seeking to increase visibility and entries for their recognized horse shows.

By utilizing Strider’s USEF certified entry platform and proven reach to over 1.2 million equestrian enthusiasts, venues that host recognized shows can quickly expand their rider entries and spectator numbers.  Strider also maximizes exposure further for venues with organic cross-promotion on Google of every posted activity.

Earlier this year, Strider launched their highly acclaimed StriderPay system, enabling riders to conveniently pay entry fees with a couple taps on their phone via Venmo, credit/debit cards, or PayPal, directly to venues.

After StriderPay went live we saw entries just surge across every open activity on the platform.  Enabling venues to use it for recognized shows and boost entries is a win-win.” explained Tara Swersie, CEO of STRIDER.

One of StriderPay’s unique features is the real time funds transfer and minimal transaction fees incurred by the venue. This design will enable recognized show organizers to save on entry processing costs and potentially enable riders to enjoy more affordable show fees.

Riders use Venmo on their phone every day. It makes sense that venues which make shows easier to find and pay for are going to see more entries, regardless of discipline. noted Natasha Sprengers-Levine, COO of Strider and USDF Bronze & Silver Medalist.
Scoring support for recognized USEF, USDF, and USEA shows is available on STRIDER in one easy click via StartBox Online Scoring, a top tier provider of scoring for Eventing, Dressage and Pony Club competitions, or organizers can send entries to EventEntries via manual file import.

STRIDER is continuously innovating to meet the evolving needs of riders and venues. Visit https://info.striderpro.com/platform-gold to learn more about how your venue can offer recognized show entries on the Strider platform.

Shmick’s Spectacular in Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse 5-Year-Old East Coast Championships

Shmick and Boyd Martin. USEA/Meagan DeLisle photo.
Shmick and Boyd Martin. USEA/Meagan DeLisle photo.

Elkton, Md.—Oct. 20— It’s not deja vu—the 5-year-old Zangersheide gelding Shmick (Luigi d’Eclipse x Winter Lady), owned by Anne Hennessey, has claimed another Young Event Horse Championship title. Last year’s Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse 4-year-old East Coast Champion returned to this year’s finale at Fair Hill and amazed the judges for a second time to add the title of 5-year-old champion to his growing resume.

Piloted by Boyd Martin, the young horse, bred by Chris Brems, had the highest score for his cross-country efforts of the field of 53 horses and also received a perfect 15 on his overall jump evaluation and a perfect 10 for general impression which resulted in his cumulative score of 92.82.

“This is a horse which you can ride in all three disciplines and up to the highest level,” said judge Christian Schacht. “It’s a trainable horse, it has a kind eye, and a lot of balance. Of course, if you give a 10 every time then it might be questionable, but there may be one stride that is maybe not perfect, and then it’s not a 10. But we have the score of 10, and this horse was just outstanding.”

Since winning the 4-year-old championship, Martin stated that nothing has changed in Shmick’s training regimen. The young horse’s preparations included a few outings at Novice earlier this year, a second-place finish in the YEH Qualifier at Loch Moy Farm (Adamstown, Maryland), and a move-up to Training at the end of the summer.

“He’s really developed over the last 12 months,” Martin commented. “He’s just spectacular in all phases. Obviously, he’s a beautiful type. He could be a straight dressage horse or a pure jumper, and he gallops like the wind. And I’m thrilled that Anne Hennessey’s backed this horse and owns him for me. The sky’s the limit with him. We’re very, very proud to be the 5-year-old champion, and what an honor and a credit to a spectacular, spectacular horse.”

Madison Temkin and Fernhill Bertus. USEA/Meagan DeLisle photo

Just shy of two points behind Shmick to bring home Reserve Champion honors was Beth Brown’s Hanoverian gelding Fernhill Bertus (Balou Peggio x Celine) with Madison Temkin in the irons. Temkin first met “Bertus” last spring while on a shopping trip in Ireland, and the pair made their USEA debut at the start of the year. Their record leading up to this result has been pretty impressive with five wins, which Temkin attributes to Bertus’ disposition.

“He is the funniest kid in the classroom—I’ve actually never met a kinder, more sweet horse,” said Temkin. “He’s absolutely lovely on the ground. We joke that he’s like a Labrador Retriever. But at the same time, we know he loves to perform, and he loves to show. I always joke that he’s much better when he’s braided.”

This is not Temkin’s first time in the YEH ring, however, this season was the first time she’s given the division a go on the East Coast.

“It’s kind of always been a goal of mine,” she said. “I actually haven’t done this since I used to live on the West Coast in California and did this with my now 10-year-old mare MVP Madbum, who won the West Coast 5-year-old championship in 2018. I think it’s a great experience for these young horses. In Europe, you see how they develop young horses, and they do a lot of this not only just at the championship level but in young horse classes and stuff. It’s been my goal since I got him last year as a 4-year-old so it’s special to be here, and it’s very special that he did so well.”

Fellow judge Marilyn Payne was wildly impressed with the quality of the field of horses in this year’s 5-year-old Championships.

“Compared to where we started, or even compared to last year—easy, two or three times the quality. I was just looking at the results in the top six horses; their general impression scores were 9, 9.5, or 10, and if we ever got a 9 in general impression, maybe one horse would get it. This year, they were so good. So if you were in 20th place, you still have a really good horse. I was so impressed with the quality of the 5-year-olds and the obedience. They were so confident and calm and so rideable. The rideability was so good. I don’t know how you get a 5-year-old that obedient. They’re just so willing. They just love it. You want to see that the horses love it, and it just puts a smile on your face to watch them go, and it just makes it perfect.”

Anita Antenucci’s Warmblood gelding Arden Augustus (Jaguar Mail x Juneau) was this year’s Born in America Award recipient. Arden Augustus was ridden by Sharon White and finished 10th overall.

The American Thoroughbred Award was given to this year’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program Champion for the 5-Year-Old Championship, Frijole (Shaken It Up x Homespun Beauty), owned by Kiki Osbourne, and ridden by Gabby Dickerson.

Finally, Raise the Barr Syndicate LLC’s Irish Sport Horse gelding Quantum Cooley (Dakar VDL x Ming Dynasty) was recognized as this year’s Safe Harbour Award recipient. This award is presented to the horse with the most graceful and rider-friendly performance throughout the championship.

HSH Afterglow is “One-of-a-Kind” in 2023 Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse 4-Year-Old East Coast Championships

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Afterglow. USEA/Lindsay Berreth photo

Elkton, Md.—Oct. 19— Caroline Pamukcu is no stranger to the winner’s circle in the Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) East Coast Championships, having won the 4- and 5-year-old Championships in 2020 and the 4-year-old Championships in 2021. She and her 2020 5-year-old champion, HSH Blake, are heading out to the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, later this week. But before loading up and flying out, Pamukcu guided her and Sherrie Martin’s 4-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding HSH Afterglow (Hype x Ringwood Genius), bred by Peter Leonard, to the win in the 2023 Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse East Coast 4-Year-Old Championships.

Pamukcu attributes her continued success in the YEH divisions to her partnership with Kelly Hutchinson of HSH Sport Horses, who helps source all of Pamukcu’s horses.

“Caroline and I started when we were like 19 together,” recalled Hutchinson, “and we have always had a similar type. We have such a trust in each other, which is awesome. I’ll find something and send it to her and every now and again; we disagree, and then it might be one that suits Lee [Maher, who is riding several YEH horses this week], which is great, but she likes what I like. We like something with a lot of blood. Jump is first, and then presence and ability but also the trainability.”

Regarding HSH Afterglow, Pamukcu shared: “He is lovely. He is such a worker, and he wants to win. And he’s funny–he reminds me a lot of my Blake and my [HSH] Connor horse because he goes in the arena, and he performs 10 times better. He just loves to show off.”

Which is exactly what he did today. The gelding started off in third following his dressage test but quickly moved up to first after the conformation phase. He held onto that score throughout the various judged elements in the jumping and galloping phases. HSH Afterglow received the highest marks in the cross-country and overall impression category to finish on a score of 90.27.

In addition to being crowned champion, HSH Afterglow also received the Go Get ‘Em Award in memory of Donald Trotter provided by Stillwater Farm. This award is presented to the 4-year-old on the East Coast with the highest gallop score.

One of today’s jumping judges, Peter Gray, commented on what set the horses in the top three, especially HSH Afterglow, apart from the rest of the field.

“Sometimes I think our goal should be looking at top four-star horses because that’s the level of competition for Olympic, Pan Am Games, Nations Cups–they are all four-stars. Five-star horses are freaks of nature, and we’re supposed to give a general impression with the hopes of them being a five-star horse, and we actually saw two or three today. [HSH Afterglow] was just so impressive. The way it covered ground and its ears were forward. It was like a mature horse. It had very, very good footwork like a 6-year-old. It was quite amazing, very elastic in its stride and ability to shorten them. Caroline is such a master in this division. She knows how to show horses but the winning horse is truly one-of-a-kind.”

Jennie Brannigan and Blacklist. USEA/Meagan DeLisle photo

Brannigan snagged Blacklist as a catch ride from good friend Alexandra Knowles, but she has a unique history with this horse which made this result even more special.

“This horse is out of [my three-star horse] Pascal’s full sister so that is very special to me,” she shared. “Philipp Kolossa and I brought him over, and I was just obsessed with the horse. My friend Allie Knowles purchased him because I didn’t have the money to buy him myself. Now the O’Briens own him for her.”

With Knowles competing at the Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event in Lexington, Kentucky, this week, she sent Blacklist up to Brannigan to campaign in this year’s 4-year-old championships. Brannigan had the opportunity to ride the horse twice heading into the competition this week.

“I cross-country schooled him at Boyd [Martin’s] yesterday, and I rode him at 5:00 when I got here the night before. He actually had five days before leading into this, so that is a testament to him. He is a very young 4-year-old as well. I wish I could have ridden him a few more times myself, honestly.”

Caroline Pamukcu and After Hours. USEA/Meagan DeLisle photo

Both Gray and fellow jumping judge Pam Wiedemann were thoroughly impressed with the quality of horses presented before them today. As Wiedemann looked back on the crop of 4-year-olds as a whole, she shared what they were ultimately looking for in today’s winner.

“I think the athleticism is what we’re really looking for,” she said. “The horses can make some minor mistakes, and we try not to hold that against them. It will knock their individual fence score down a little bit, but in terms of the overall impressions, it doesn’t mean that it has an influence on that. With the young horses, we expect them to make little mistakes. I think that they have to be efficient over the ground. They have to have power, strength, flexibility, all the things we look for in a good athlete. And the difference with an event horse, I think, is they have to be brave. They have to be really brave and have confidence in themselves.”

The Thoroughbred Incentive Program Champion of this year’s Dutta Corp. USEA YEH 4-year-old East Coast Championships was presented to Smokeonthehorizon (Mizzen Mast x Jersey Tango), owned by Dionne Benson and ridden by Jhett Jenkins.

MARS Maryland 5 Star: [Website] [Entries, Schedule & Times] [Live Scores] [Live Stream (North America)] [Live Stream (Outside North America)] [Tickets] [5* Form Guide] [Digital Program] [XC Maps] [5* XC Order of Go] [3* XC Order of Go] [EN’s Coverage]

 

 

Tina Cook and Pippa Funnell to Host Masterclass at London International Horse Show

The London International Horse Show has announced a new addition to the LeMieux Masterclass series starring top event riders Pippa Funnell MBE and Tina Cook. Set to take centre stage on Friday 15 December, Perfect Partnerships with Pippa and Tina will pool the knowledge the pair have collected over three decades of riding at the top level of sport, discussing their relationships with both human and equine teammates.

Taking place in the New Horizon Plastics London Arena, Perfect Partnerships with Pippa and Tina is an hour-long lesson in developing those vital connections that produce results at all levels. “It’s all about building that friendship with your horse or pony,” says Pippa, “To which we all know there are no shortcuts – but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring!” Tina and Pippa will put together a range of exercises, suitable for the audience to go home and try at home, which will develop horse and rider partnerships both mentally and gymnastically. “We’ve both produced horses from the ground up,” continues Pippa, “We’ve both produced youngsters, and we’ve both produced horses who don’t necessarily have the ‘whole package’ – but this Masterclass is all about working with what you have; emphasising the natural talents and supporting those areas where a horse and rider might be weaker, to create that perfect partnership for enjoyment and success.”

Both Pippa and Tina have not only had success at the highest level of eventing, but also in training showjumping and event horses and mentoring winning young riders. Starting with a mix of flatwork and pole work the masterclass will pay special attention to establishing self-discipline and the basic techniques which are the basis of any good partnership, with Pippa and Tina’s trademark light-hearted flair. “It’s all got to be fun – for both horse and rider,” says Pippa. “That’s what creates the best partnerships – when both we and our four-legged friends are enjoying ourselves!” Following this, Pippa and Tina will put together the techniques they have covered to show the audience the final product, before the audience will have the opportunity to ask any questions they may have.

Perfect Partnerships with Pippa and Tina is the latest in the LeMieux Masterclass Series, which runs throughout the week of the London International and covers topics from dressage and jumping, eventing, driving and natural horsemanship – all based in the New Horizon Plastics London Arena in the Shopping Village. An informative, exciting mix of masterclasses feature top riders such as Laura Collett, Yasmin Ingham, Richard Davison, Gareth Hughes, Dan Naprous, and more.

Tickets to see Pippa Funnell and Tina Cook at the London International Horse Show are available to buy here.

Knockemdown Crowned 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover Champion

L-R: Erin Halliwell, executive director of TCA; Kirsten Green, executive director of RRP; Alison O'Dwyer and Knockemdown. L-R: Erin Halliwell, executive director of TCA; Kirsten Green, executive director of RRP; Alison O'Dwyer and Knockemdown.

The Finale Championship of the Retired Racehorse Project’s 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, welcomed the five top-placed horses after two days of preliminary competition to compete for additional honors and $100,000 in prize money before an enthusiastic crowd and a worldwide audience watching via livestream. A panel of judges watched the entire day of competition and ranked the ten discipline winners to determine the overall Thoroughbred Makeover Champion, sponsored by Churchill Downs. When the points were tallied, the honor went to Knockemdown, trained by professional Alison O’Dwyer of Lake Worth, Florida.

Knockemdown is a 2019 gelding by American Pharoah out of Ancient Goddess (FR), by Iffraaj (GB), bred in Kentucky by Fifth Avenue Bloodstock. He is unraced, but posted his most recent timed work in racing training on December 27, 2021 at Turfway Park.

Knockemdown’s route to the Thoroughbred Makeover Champion title and the Carolyn Karlson Trophy took him through Dressage, scoring above 81 other entries to top the preliminary standings. Coming into the Finale on a clean slate, O’Dwyer had the opportunity to showcase more advanced maneuvers of the discipline that is often used as a foundation of training for all equestrian sports, and her decision to showcase the young Knockemdown’s introductory lateral movements and counter-canter put them to the top of the standings for the Finale round as well.

Alison O’Dwyer and Knockemdown in the Thoroughbred Makeover Finale.

“I want to thank Kristen Goncharoff at e5 Racing Thoroughbreds for making the phone call, and Bob [Edwards], the leader of e5, who was looking to rehome this horse,” says O’Dwyer. “Wesley Ward had him in training at Turfway and when he didn’t think much of him, they decided to cut his career short as a two-year-old. I’m thankful for the friendships that I’ve made that trusted me with this horse – Kristen loved this horse as a foal and there was something about his personality and his eye that really spoke to her.”

O’Dwyer admits that she wasn’t quite as smitten with Knockemdown on initial appearance, as she typically takes bigger, flashier horses in for resale, and Knockemdown is a 15.2 bay with no markings – but once she took her first ride on the young horse, her opinion changed. “It felt like putting a shoe that’s the perfect size,” she describes. “It was a Cinderella moment from the first ride. He’s the right size for me, he’s the right brain – he’s the right everything. It is extra special that he is appreciated here as much as I appreciate him myself.”

The People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Achieve Equine, was determined by text-in popular vote open to both in-person and live stream attendees. This award was given to Arklow, trained by Gina Gans, the winner of Field Hunter. Arklow (Arch – Unbridled Empire, by Empire Maker) is a 2014 gelding bred in Kentucky by John R. Penn and Frank Penn; he sold as a yearling for $160,000 at Keeneland September consigned by Penn Sales. He raced for Donegal Racing and Joseph Bulger in a remarkable career that spanned seven seasons, racking up multiple graded stakes wins, three attempts at the Breeders’ Cup Turf, and over $3 million in earnings. He won the Field Hunter discipline in both preliminary and Finale rounds.

L-R: Arklow and Gina Gans; Kirsten Green, executive director of the RRP; Erin Halliwell, executive director of TCA.

Thoroughbred Makeover Finale Discipline Winners (in order of go):
Eventing, sponsored by Phoenix Performance Products: Smokeonthehorizon and Jhett Jenkins (professional)
Show Jumper, sponsored by Excel Equine: Limonata and Claudia Dollinger (professional)
Show Hunter, sponsored by Beyond the Wire: Mission Canyon and Chris Bennings
Field Hunter, sponsored by Masters of Foxhounds Association: Arklow and Gina Gans (amateur)
Dressage, sponsored by PTHA’s Turning For Home: Knockemdown and Alison O’Dwyer (professional)
Polo, sponsored by United States Polo Association: Phlox and Buck Schott (professional)
Freestyle, sponsored by New Start: Burl and Hamby’s Rockin H Ranch (team)
Barrel Racing, sponsored by SmartPak: Balboas Smile and Kaitlyn Aitken (professional)
Competitive Trail, sponsored by Godolphin: Adios Dee Dee and Haley Castleberry (amateur)
Ranch Work, sponsored by Triple Crown Feeds: Into Magarayquaza and Amber Jacobson (professional)

Find full results here.

Preliminary Competition Concludes at the 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium


Preliminary competition in all ten offered disciplines at the 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, is now complete, giving us our winners who will be honored at tomorrow evening’s Awards Party as well as the top five in each discipline who will proceed now to the Finale Championships on Saturday.

Horses will compete in Saturday’s Finale on a clean slate score, with winners of each discipline eligible to be named the Thoroughbred Makeover Champion by a panel of judges from all disciplines. Friday night’s Awards Party will honor preliminary round discipline winners, as well as first place in juniors, amateurs and teams. Additionally, special awards, sponsored by various breeder and aftercare organizations as well as individuals, will be awarded based on preliminary placings.

Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) Western and Central Dressage Championships began turning over into Makeover competition spaces today, with competition in those classes continuing through Saturday.

Additional activities on Thursday included the Barrels & Brews event, sponsored by 1/ST Racing, which invited all attendees to grab a beer from West Sixth Brewery and enjoy the crowning of the T.I.P. Barrel Racing Championship winners. This afternoon’s seminar, sponsored by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, invited attendees to get hands-on with body condition scoring, featuring Dr. David Alexander of Rood & Riddle. Refreshments were sponsored by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.

Let’s get to know our preliminary round winners. Full results and scores for each round can be found at TheRRP.org/makeover-results.

Barrel Racing: Dance Money and Lauren Clark (Professional)

Majestic Harbor – Cactusa, by Cactus Ridge

2018 mare bred in Indiana by Anthony Wolfe & Julie Mudman

22-2-2-1, $77,934 in earnings

Lauren Clark did not plan to compete in the Thoroughbred Makeover when she purchased Dance Money: her mother had just purchased Saint Commissaire and encouraged her to come out and take a look at a mare available. Once Clark saw Dance Money, she had to have her, and over the winter, she looked into the Thoroughbred Makeover, realized both horses were eligible, and decided to get involved, anticipating it would be a bucket list event. Clark scored in the middle of the pack in the horsemanship test, but ran two smooth, fast runs both nights to move into the lead.

“I thought I was going to end up behind, but I did my research on previous winners and their training methods,” said Clark. “I did slow work until the end of August. It felt like I was going to be rushed, but I knew I was on the right track with these horses.”


Competitive Trail: Adios Dee Dee and Haley Castleberry (Amateur)

Adios Charlie – Queen of Style, by Suave
2018 mare bred in Florida by Bob Carlson

8-1-1-0, $17,782 in earnings

Haley Castleberry’s primary discipline of choice at the Thoroughbred Makeover this year with Adios Dee Dee was show jumper (in which she finished seventh in preliminary competition). Competitive trail may have been a secondary goal, but that didn’t stop Castleberry from preparing just as hard for that discipline as for show jumper. Castleberry credits her method of preparation as well as Adios Dee Dee’s excellent mind.

“My plan was to get her out as much as I could,” said Castleberry. “I have two kids and I work, so every opportunity I had to get her out, I took it. I also made a lot of obstacles at home. Once she got something, I never had to ask again – she got everything very quickly. I work with a trainer for the show jumping, but to prep for Competitive Trail, I just looked at as many videos as I could find from past Makeovers to see what she would be faced with, and got her as ready as I could. I wanted to come as prepared as I could be, and did what I could with the time and the finances that I had.”

Dressage: Knockemdown and Alison O’Dwyer (Professional)

American Pharoah – Ancient Goddess (FR), by Iffraaj (GB)

2019 gelding bred in Kentucky by Fifth Avenue Bloodstock

Unraced

As a professional, Alison O’Dwyer tends to seek a particular type of horse for eventual resale: big, flashy horses with eye-catching movement that work well in the dressage ring. Knockemdown doesn’t check any of those boxes: she describes him as a fairly small, fairly plain bay gelding. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his own unique strengths for the dressage arena.

“He’s definitely naturally uphill, but he’s not a big mover,” said O’Dwyer. His first test, the judge’s comment said ‘he needs to cover more ground,’ but if you come after him with your leg, he wants to come up and ball up. He doesn’t have the most visually impressive trot. But because he’s so short backed and small, he’s very maneuverable. You have time to prepare for movements. That what makes him really fun – you can be so accurate. That can be a huge scoring advantage.”

Eventing: Smokeonthehorizon and Jhett Jenkins (Professional)

Mizzen Mast – Jersey Tango, by Jersey Town

2019 gelding bred in Minnesota by Pam Davis

3-0-0-0, $685 in earnings

The Thoroughbred Makeover is not the only major show on Jhett Jenkins’ calendar for Smokeonthehorizon: if all goes well, this pair will be headed to the Young Event Horse Championships at Fair Hill in Maryland next weekend. Jenkins is quick to credit the horse’s progress to his easy trainability and his strong conformation.

“I rode him for the first time off the track in February,” said Jenkins. “He came to his owner Dionne Benson in October and had a bit of downtime first. Right off the bat, he’s been a really agreeable, trainable horse and I’ve really had a lot of fun with him. We went down for two weeks in Florida and got a head start to our season by doing our first event down there with just a month and a half of retraining. He’s been out quite a few times now in the area and has really taken to the eventing – lovely on the flat, and I think he’s a really neat horse.”

Field Hunter: Arklow and Gina Gans (Amateur)

Arch – Unbridled Empire, by Empire Maker

2014 gelding bred in Kentucky by John R. Penn & Frank Penn

39-9-9-2, $3,025,996 in earnings

Multiple graded stakes winner

Three-time Breeders’ Cup participant

Arklow is already one of the most accomplished horses competing at the 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover: he has earned over $3 million in a racing career that included multiple graded stakes wins and three runs in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. Now, he’s adding another achievement to his resume: winning the Field Hunter preliminary round under amateur rider Gina Gans, after turning in three relaxed rides over two days of competition.

“He’s just so fun,” said Gans. “When we had the big gallop up the hill today [in the Mock Hunt], he really took a big hold of me… but when we got to the top of the hill, he stopped in the check and just looked around. I think that’s really hard for a lot of Thoroughbreds to be able to turn it on and switch it off – you show him something and he gets it and he’s calm and cool. The biggest difference is the brain on him. His brain being so good makes such a difference – he could do anything.”

Freestyle: Burl and Hamby’s Rockin’ H Ranch (Team)

Daaher – Happy Henrietta, by Supremo

2017 gelding bred in Illinois by Barr Three LLC, Cherrywood Racing II & Oak Rock Racing LLC

6-1-1-2, $26,530 in earnings

Hamby’s Rockin’ H Ranch team is headed by Monique Cameron, no stranger to the winner’s circle in Freestyle after winning both preliminary and Finale honors in the discipline last year with her memorable Wizard of Oz-themed routine. This year, the team has nonetheless raised the bar with a firefighting-themed routine with props including dragging weight and a smoke machine. Cameron credits some unique training opportunities with some of Burl’s success.

“He’s got 20 hours of police training – so he’s been through actual fire and smoke. He’s gotten a certification for mounted police training!” said Cameron. “He’s just a solid citizen. He’s a super horse. He also went and show in the [T.I.P.] western pleasure today and we’ll do ranch work later this week; he does trail, he jumps and he drags. Everything we did in our routine today was a practical skill – he can drag heavy things, he can carry a dog which means he can carry a calf. His owner Joe Kirby is looking forward to bringing him back as a T.I.P. horse.”

Polo: Phlox and Buck Schott (Professional)

Dolphus – Cacahuatita, by Old Fashioned

2020 filly bred in Pennsylvania by Dede McGehee

3-0-0-1, $5,150 in earnings

Buck Schott might be accustomed to polo success at the Thoroughbred Makeover, a multiple-time winner of this discipline. But this might be the filly that he’s had the most confidence in throughout his personal history with the event – despite not having as much time to dedicate to her training due to a busy traveling schedule.

“I got her last year right before we went to Florida in November,” Schott said. “I took her to Florida but then I traveled back and forth a lot, so she didn’t get a lot of riding in the winter. Summer has been super busy too, but she’s just an awesome horse with a great brain – probably up for any discipline thrown her way. She’s super relaxed when you want her to be; you can ride her in a halter and just do anything on the farm. Of all the horses I’ve entered in the Makeover, this felt like the most ready-to-win horse – she’s put together and she felt like she wouldn’t have a moment where she wouldn’t do what I wanted or needed.”

Ranch Work: Into Magarayquaza and Amber Jacobson (Professional)

Into Mischief – Boss Barney’s Babe, by Street Boss

2017 gelding bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm, LLC

12-0-0-0, $2,468 in earnings

Amber Jacobson is among the furthest traveled to get to the 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover: she traveled all the way from Longview, Alberta on a 36-hour drive back to the state where Into Magarayquaza was born. Jacobson’s last trip to the Makeover included winning the Ranch Work Finale Championship with her own homebred Silence Is Awesome, but this trip is especially meaningful: she’s prepared Into Magarayquaza to be a true working ranch horse, competing him in ranch rodeos, three-man doctoring events, and lots of ranch work including a 33-mile cattle drive with doctoring.

“I’ve gone from not being a ranch hand or not even showing horses myself four and a half years ago to winning with a horse that I completely trained myself in ranch work. He’s a true ranch horse and I think that is really cool. I want to thank Ashley Francese for connecting me with ‘Quinn’ and WinStar for breeding me a winner!”

Show Hunter: Mission Canyon and Chris Bennings (Professional)

Uncle Mo – Dreamy Maiden, by Meadowlake

2017 gelding bred in Kentucky by Sierra Farm

3-0-2-0, $8,325 in earnings

Chris Bennings followed his usual approach with preparing his Makeover horses: light riding over the winter and scaling up in training and competing over the spring and summer to prepare for the competition. This year was a bit different, however, as Bennings felt a somewhat unusual lack of confidence until a few weeks before the Makeover.

“Up until about three weeks ago I was not very confident in anything – but then it all clicked, he got really soft, he got straight, and it all came together,” said Bennings. “I’d taken him to school a few times at local shows and he just hadn’t really been ready to show until now. He is short necked and short coupled, and he can have a big buck on him – he’s got the best personality but also has a bit of an attitude. He’s really just a real character. He loves being at the Horse Park and he thrives on the energy here.”


Show Jumper: Limonata and Claudia Dollinger (Professional)

Lemon Drop Kid – Ainda Melhor (BRZ), by Elusive Quality

2018 mare bred in Kentucky by Bonne Chance Farm, LLC

29-3-3-5, $48,407 in earnings

Claudia Dollinger wasn’t sure that the 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover was in the cards for her: the two horses she was trying to bring to the event weren’t great matches nor felt that they would be ready for the ten-month retraining timeline. She connected with trainer David Boyer, who had sold her past Makeover mounts, and who suggested he come take a look at another horse he thought she would be interested in. At their first meeting, Limonata actually kicked Dollinger, but she liked what she saw and brought her home anyway.

“She was a little sore behind and needed some time off, but once I got her going, she picked up jumping so fast and she seems like she really loves it,” said Dollinger. “She is one of the sweetest, easiest horses I’ve ever had – I’ve had little kids ride her for lessons. I would love to keep her, but she is the kind of horse who could easily go on to a junior or amateur to continue.”

Thoroughbred Incentive Program Barrel Racing Championships at Thoroughbred Makeover

The Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) Barrel Racing Championships returned to the Thoroughbred Makeover, running concurrently with the Makeover Barrel Racing discipline. Makeover entrants had the option to enter the Championships and roll their times for both standings. T.I.P. Barrel Racing Championships awarded fast times both Wednesday and Thursday evenings in a 4D format, crowning overall 4D average champions this evening at the conclusion of the second round.

Junior rider Rowan Hughes of Bell, FL cruised to a clear victory in the 1D average with last year’s 1D average champion and 2019 Thoroughbred Makeover graduate Whiskey Terms (Connecting Terms – My Doctor Knows, by My Friend Max). Owned by Liz Howell, Whiskey Terms made 13 starts and never broke his maiden, retiring with $6,100 in earnings. He was bred in Louisiana by Joseph Dauphine and last raced for owner Shellie Duhon under trainer Benjamin Zeno.

Hughes had been intending to compete at T.I.P. Championships with her own 2022 Makeover graduate mare, but when she needed colic surgery, Howell offered Hughes the ride on Whiskey Terms. “I was lucky enough to get to ride the champ!” said Hughes. “He pulled it out of the bag again. The past few months we’ve been doing local jackpot shows and just really trying to run as muich as we can. He knows his job but I needed to figure out his buttons and getting used to him. I’ve never run a horse as well-seasoned and well-trained as him.”

Ros Canter and Sarah Charnley Among Nominees for FEI Awards

Newly crowned European Champion Ros Canter enjoys the epic highs. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The eagerly anticipated FEI Awards 2023 have revealed exciting changes as online voting opens today for the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete, Longines FEI Rising Star, Cavalor FEI Best Groom and Pivo FEI Inspire Awards.

Followers of the annual event, will no doubt notice that this year’s edition features just four categories, with the introduction of the Pivo FEI Inspire Award, uniting elements from the FEI Solidarity Award and the FEI Against All Odds Award. As the name suggests, the Award has been designed to showcase the incredible spirit and determination of individuals who serve as role models and show that anything is possible.

The FEI Inspire Award also proudly welcomes sponsor, Pivo, who became the FEI’s Official Technology Training Partner earlier this year. Pivo’s support stands alongside long-time sponsors Longines, Cavalor, and Peden Bloodstock.

The nominees in the Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete category, include Switzerland’s Steve Guerdat, fresh from a triumphant victory at the FEI Jumping European Championship in Milano (ITA), and Germany’s Jessica Von Bredow-Werndl, an undisputed powerhouse in Dressage, who has a series of gold medals to her name including a double gold at the FEI Dressage European Championship 2023 in Riesenbeck (GER). They are joined by Eventing’s Rosalind (Ros) Canter of Great Britain, who is currently ranked #2 and boasts an impressive list of wins in 2023, including the prestigious CCI5* Badminton title, and double gold at the FEI Eventing European Championship in Haras du Pin (FRA). Rounding off the list is Driving’s Marijke Hammink from the Netherlands, who holds the top position in the FEI Driving World Ranking Pony Four-in-Hand, and had an exceptional year with 11 consecutive wins throughout the season, including individual and team gold at the FEI Driving World Championship for Ponies four-in-hand in Oirschot (NED).

Celebrating the unsung behind-the-scenes heroes, the Cavalor FEI Best Groomcategory includes Steve Guerdat’s groom Emma Uusi-Simola (FIN) and Sarah Charnley (GBR) who grooms for Ros Canter. Also in the running are Danny Ingratta, a devoted groom at Millar Brooke Farm (CAN), and Sofia Flodin (SWE), who is responsible for the well-being of Dressage star Mathias Rath’s (GER) horses.

The Longines FEI Rising Star category, which spotlights young talents who have already left their mark on the equestrian landscape, includes 21-year-old Christian Simonson from the USA who has made waves in Dressage this year, and Endurance’s Rodrigo Storani Saliba of Brazil, who at 20 years old is already proving himself a force to be reckoned with. Another 20-year-old, Vaulting sensation Quentin Jabet (FRA) and USA’s Mimi Gochman, a 19-year-old Jumping prodigy have also made it to the final list of nominees.

Among the nominees for the new Pivo FEI Inspire category is Valeria Bonfiglio (ITA) who proves that passion and determination are not a number. At age 54, Bonfiglio entered her first Endurance event, and then took her first top placement in a 160km ride at 57. She is joined be Jennie Sharpe (GBR) who defied medical expectations after being diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome, and made a triumphant return to the saddle despite physical challenges. Completing the list of nominees is plane crash survivor Federico Fernandez Senderos from Mexico who, despite severe burns and vision impairment, competes successfully at 5* level in Jumping, and the Ukrainian Vaulting team of Polina Shovkova and Kateryna (Katya) Panasenko who fulfilled their dreams of competing at the FEI Vaulting World Championship for Juniors despite the war raging in their country.

The public have until 22 October to cast their vote for the 16 shortlisted candidates from 13 countries.

Established in 2009, the FEI Awards celebrate individuals and organisations that are making an outstanding contribution to the progress and excellence of equestrian sport, both in and outside the arena.

The lucky winners will be flown to the FEI Awards Gala presented by Longines in Mexico City (MEX) on 21 November.

To vote, simply click here!

The shortlisted nominees for the FEI Awards 2023 are:

Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete – paying tribute to the athlete who over the past year has demonstrated exceptional skill and taken the sport to a new level.
•    Steve Guerdat (SUI) – Jumping
•    Jessica Von Bredow-Werndl (GER) – Dressage
•    Ros Canter (GBR) – Eventing
•    Marijke Hammink (NED) – Driving

Longines FEI Rising Star – for the athlete aged 14 to 21 who demonstrates outstanding sporting talent and commitment.
•    Christian Simonson (USA) – Dressage
•    Rodrigo Storani Saliba (BRA) – Endurance
•    Quentin Jabet (FRA) – Vaulting
•    Mimi Gochman (USA) – Jumping

Cavalor FEI Best Groom – for the behind-the-scenes hero who ensures the horses they look after are given the best possible care.
•    Danny Ingratta (CAN) – Jumping groom at Millar Brooke Farm (CAN) (Ian & Amy Miller)
•    Sarah Charnley (GBR) – Eventing groom for Rosalind (Ros) Canter (GBR)
•    Emma Uusi-Simola (FIN) – Jumping groom for Steve Guerdat (SUI)
•    Sofia Flodin (SWE) – Dressage groom for Mathias Rath (GER)

Pivo FEI Inspire – For an individual who has pursued their equestrian ambition in an inspiring way and serves as a role model to show that everything is possible, and that even when faced with challenges, you should never stop believing in your dreams.
•    Valeria Bonfiglio (ITA) – Endurance athlete – Passionate Motivator
•    Jennie Sharpe (GBR) – Jumping athlete with physical impairment – Resilience Champion
•    Federico Fernandez Senderos (MEX) – Ultimate Survivor
•    Ukrainian Vaulting team of Polina Shovkova and Kateryna (Katya) Panasenko – Youth Sport Advocates

The winners will be decided through a system in which 50% of the public’s vote via FEI.org and on the Chinese social media platform WeChat, and 50% of the judges’ vote will be combined to give the final result. The seven expert judges are as follows:

•    Ingmar De Vos – FEI President & Chair of the Judges Panel
•    Bernardo Tribolet – Vice President Marketing Longines
•    Martin Atock – Peden Bloodstock FEI Best Athlete Award Title Sponsor
•    Peter Bollen – Cavalor FEI Best Groom Award Title Sponsor
•    Daniela Garcia Nigaglioni – Secretary General of the Pan American Equestrian Confederation
•    Jessica Kürten – Chair of the Athletes Committee and member of the FEI Board
•    Diane Smith – FEI Solidarity Award winner 2022

Biographies for all the Judges can be found here.

Oliver Townend Soars to the Top of FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings; Boyd Martin Moves to 3rd

Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class add another five-star win to their record. Photo by Libby Law.

British athlete Oliver Townend has claimed the top spot in the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings with 504 points. A spot he takes from his fellow countrywoman, Rosalind Canter, who held the coveted position for just one month.

Townend’s ascent to the summit of the rankings comes as no surprise for the Olympic gold medalist, who previously held the world’s number one ranking over a year ago. He temporarily relinquished his position to New Zealand’s Tim Price, who enjoyed an 11-month reign before being surpassed by Canter.

“It is and always will be an honour to be at number one in your sport and it’s great to be back in that spot. The horses are incredible – they’re improving every day, have been so consistent and will always be my ultimate team mates. I also want to thank the massive amount of people behind me that make this happen, including the team at both yards”, Townend explained.

Townend’s career has seen him hold the top position in the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings for a total of 50 months, with a streak of 37 consecutive months at number one.

Rosalind Canter now stands at second place with 467 points, while American athlete Boyd Martin has made a remarkable jump from eighth to third place with 436 points. Meanwhile, Tim Price (NZL) continues to slip in the rankings, currently occupying the fourth spot with 434 points, closely followed by Tom McEwen (GBR) in fifth place with 431 points.

Great Britain’s stronghold in the top end of the Rankings is unequivocal, with three out of the top five in British hands, they also have back up and can count on Harry Meade (408 points), David Doel (393 points), William Oakden (383 points), and Laura Collet (371 points) in 6th to 9th respectively, making that a total of seven British athletes within the Top 10 rankings! Coming in tenth place is USA athlete Philipp Dutton with 367 points.

See the full ranking list here

USEA Names Athletes For January 2024 EA21 National Camp

Caitlin O’Roark jumps at the East Coast I regional EA21 clinic. USEA/Lindsay Berreth photo

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is proud to announce the selected Young Rider athletes for the Emerging Athletes U21 Program (EA21) national camp, now that the EA21 regional clinics have concluded. Twelve riders were accepted into each of the five regional EA21 clinics, taught by USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) instructors, and now riders have been selected from the regional clinics to participate in the EA21 national camp this winter.

The five EA21 regional clinics that took place were: East Coast I at Morven Park International Equestrian Center (Leesburg, Virginia), coached by Shannon Lilley; East Coast II at Stable View Farm (Aiken, South Carolina), coached by Emily Beshear; Central at Holly Hill Farm (Benton, Louisiana), coached by Rebecca Braitling; West Coast I at Aspen Farms (Yelm, Washington), coached by Rebecca Brown; and West Coast II at Twin Rivers Ranch (Paso Robles, California), also coached by Rebecca Brown.

The USEA’s EA21 Task Force has approved 18 USEA EA21 Young Riders for the program’s second year of the EA21 national camp. Each of these Young Rider athletes were selected to participate in one of the five regional EA21 clinics, and have now been selected to attend the national camp with EA21 Director of Coaching, David O’Connor. The athletes invited to attend the national camp are listed below, in alphabetical order:

  • Camryn Chung (Central regional clinic)
  • Julia Beauchamp Crandon (Twin Rivers regional clinic)
  • Molly Duda (Twin Rivers regional clinic)
  • Kayla Dumler (Aspen Farms regional clinic)
  • Sara Ertl (Stable View regional clinic)
  • Emeline Gilbert (Morven Park regional clinic)
  • Kiersten Miller (Stable View regional clinic)
  • Tate Northrop (Stable View regional clinic)
  • Audrey Ogan (Morven Park regional clinic)
  • Caitlin O’Roark (Morven Park regional clinic)
  • Harper Padgett (Aspen Farms regional clinic)
  • Alina Patterson (Stable View regional clinic)
  • Camdyn Rahe (Central regional clinic)
  • Maia Ramberg (Morven Park regional clinic)
  • Kelsey Seidel (Central regional clinic)
  • Braden Speck (Morven Park regional clinic)
  • Annabelle Sprague (Morven Park regional clinic)
  • Elsa Warble (Twin Rivers regional clinic)

The EA21 Task Force put together a wait list for this year’s national camp in the case an athlete must withdraw. The Selection Task Force felt that the below athletes were prepared for the national camp level, and if an athlete from the national camp withdraws, then their spot will be filled with the first ranked athlete from the waitlist from the same respective clinic, as noted:

Twin Rivers Clinic Alternates:

  • Lauren Crabtree
  • Sarah Ross

Aspen Farms Clinic Alternate:

  • Alexis Larson

Morven Park Clinic Alternates:

  • Rebecca Roth
  • Ayden Schain
  • Samantha Homeyer

Stable View Clinic Alternates:

  • Madison Blodgett
  • Breeanna Robinette
  • Katarina Midgley

Central Clinic Alternates:

  • Katherine Hyndman
  • Vienna Allport

The EA21 national camp will take place in Temecula, California, across Tuesday-Saturday, Jan. 2-6, 2024, and will be taught by David O’Connor. Special guest speakers will also be on-site for this educational camp. The venue will be announced in the coming weeks, and catch ride horses may be available to riders traveling from significant distances.

All invited Young Riders will be responsible for their own travel and accommodations for the EA21 national camp, but the USEA will cover all clinic, coaching, and stabling fees.

The USEA would like to thank the five venues for hosting the inaugural EA21 regional clinics (Morven Park, Stable View, Holly Hill Farm, Twin Rivers Ranch, Aspen Farms), and for their wonderful hospitality.

For questions regarding the Emerging Athlete 21 Program, please email Kate Lokey at [email protected]. For questions regarding the selection procedures, please contact the EA21 Task Force Chairs.

About the USEA Emerging Athlete U21 Program (EA21)

The purpose of the USEA Emerging Athletes U21 Program (EA21) is to identify and provide consistent quality instruction to the next generation of elite event riders. The aim is to create a pipeline for potential team riders by identifying and developing young talent, improving horsemanship and riding skills, and training and improving skills and consistency.

The USEA Emerging Athletes U21 Program was launched in 2022 with a model of five summertime regional clinics taught by selected USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) instructors, leading to a winter national camp consisting of selected Young Riders from the regional clinics. Athletes who are 21 years or younger, are current members of their USEA Young Rider Area program, and are established at the Training Level or higher, are eligible to apply for the EA21 program. Click here to learn more about the USEA EA21 Program.

The USEA would like to thank Kerrits, Sidelines Magazine and WeRideTogether for sponsoring the USEA Emerging Athletes U21 Program.

China Leads the Individual and Team Eventing at the Hangzhou Asian Games

Kenta Hiranaga of Japan riding Duke of Sussex competes on cross country during the 19th Asian Games at Tonglu Equestrian Center on October 1, 2023, in Hangzhou, China.
Copyright ©FEI/Yong Teck Lim. Kenta Hiranaga of Japan riding Duke of Sussex competes on cross country during the 19th Asian Games at Tonglu Equestrian Center on October 1, 2023, in Hangzhou, China. Copyright ©FEI/Yong Teck Lim.

Team China remains in the lead following the cross country element of the Eventing competition at the Hangzhou Asian Games. China’s Alex Hua Tian leads the individual competition with 27, just 0.9 less than Thailand’s Korntawat Samran who sits in second.

The Chinese Team, made up of Ruiji Liang, Yingfeng Bao, Huadong Sun and Alex Hua Tian, put in a strong dressage performance to give the team a score of 85.20, putting them firmly in the lead after the dressage phase on September 30.

Following the cross country, just a few penalties were added to the team’s score with them finishing day two on 86.80. Bao, Sun, and Hua Tian remain on their dressage scores as they approach the final jumping phase on October 2 at Tonglu Equestrian Centre.

A new leader

Alex Hua Tian of China riding Poseidons Admiral competes on cross country during the 19th Asian Games at Tonglu Equestrian Center on October 1, 2023, in Hangzhou, China. Copyright ©FEI/Yong Teck Lim.

China’s Hua Tian takes the lead in the individual eventing competition astride his 10-year-old stallion, Poseidons Admiral. Hua Tian currently holds the 52nd position in the highly competitive FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings. His equestrian journey boasts an impressive resume, having graced prestigious events such as the FEI World Equestrian Games, the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, and Hong Kong, as well as the World Championships in Pratoni del Vivaro, among others.

Notably, Hua Tian’s talent shone brightly at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon and the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games, where he clinched the Silver and Bronze medals, respectively, in the Individual Eventing category. A familiar face on the European Eventing circuit, where he has navigated the challenges of CCI5*-L competitions, he lives and trains in the picturesque Cheshire, UK.

Hot on the heels of Hua Tian from an individual point of view is Thai rider Korntawat Samran with Billy Elmy on 27.90. Sitting at 186th in the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings, Samran has a lot of experience at this level. This is his second Asian Games with Thailand winning bronze in Team Eventing in the previous Games in 2018 (Jakarta-Palembang) with Samran as part of the team.

Sitting in third in the individual competition is Hong Kong’s Annie Ho with Jockey Club Miss Matana on 28.30. Ho was also part of Hong Kong’s Dressage team that took bronze at Hangzhou a few days ago. Ho was part of the 2010 (Guangzhou), 2014 (Incheon) and 2018 (Jakarta-Palembang) Asian Games. Team Hong Kong took bronze at the 2014 games with Ho on the team.

Team India are out

Kazuhiro Yoshizawa of Japan riding Penny Grans competes on cross country during the 19th Asian Games at Tonglu Equestrian Center on October 1, 2023, in Hangzhou, China. Copyright ©FEI/Yong Teck Lim.


Moving over to the team event, China leads on 86.80 with 2018 team winners Japan (Kenta Hiranaga, Kazuhiro Yoshizawa, Yusuke Nakajima and Shoto Kusumoto) on 92.70 and Thailand (Supap Khaw-Ngam, Weerapat Pitakanonda, Preecha Khunjan and Kornatawat Samran) on 93.90. Hong Kong currently sits in fourth. Due to an elimination, the Indian team is now unable to participate in the team competition.

12 athletes finish on dressage scores

The cross country course at Hangzhou, designed by Germany’s Christian Zehe, is 4010 metres long with the time allowed being 7 minutes and 43 seconds. The course requires 30 efforts to complete the 22 fences and combinations. Two riders were eliminated: Japan’s Kenta Hiranaga with Duke of Sussex due to three refusals, and overnight dressage leaders Ashish Vivek Limaye with Willy Be Done. Seven other athletes picked up penalties during the cross country phase and five of these gained time penalties. Twelve athletes finished on their dressage score as they move to the last day of the competition.

The final phase…

Bao Yingfeng of China riding Newmarket Ritz competes on cross country during the 19th Asian Games at Tonglu Equestrian Center on October 1, 2023, in Hangzhou, China. Copyright ©FEI/Yong Teck Lim.


October 2 sees the final phase of the eventing competition, the jumping phase. This begins with the second horse inspection at 0800 local time. Horses that are sound and fit for competition then move to the final jumping phase that starts at 0930.

The jumping phase will see the athletes tackle a 115cm course in reverse team order including India’s riders who will go first. Although team China sit ahead with 5.90 faults separating them from Team Japan, and 7.10 between them and Team Thailand who currently sit in bronze position, there really is all to play for as we enter the final phase.

See full results here.

Little Downham CCI4*-S Springboards Tom Jackson and Kazuma Tomoto to Autumn Long-Format Aims

Tom Jackson and Farndon. Photo by Tim Wilkinson.

Tom Jackson and Kazuma Tomoto reigned victorious at the Childeric Saddles Little Downham International CCI4*-S, claiming a section apiece after an action-packed day in England’s Fens.

 Japanese Olympian Kazuma made it back-to-back Little Downham 4* wins, having taken the title in 2022 with Brookpark Vikenti, riding Vinci De La Vigne to victory in Section F. The pair moved up from sixth after the dressage following a double clear, and one of the faster cross-country rounds of the day, adding just 3.2 time faults to their 31 dressage. They were followed in second place by Pippa Funnell and Billy Walk On, who clinched a confidence-affirming clear after rerouting from Blenheim, while Boekelo-bound Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ secured third in this section.

It was all about the Toms in CCI4*-S Section E – Tom Jackson and Tom McEwen, that is. Tied after the dressage on 25.4, Tom McEwen and Kentucky CCI5* runner-up JL Dublin edged ahead after the showjumping with a faultless round in their preparation for Pau CCI5*.  Tom Jackson’s Farndon had delivered a new personal best in the dressage but the pair were one second over the time allowed in the showjumping, picking up 0.4 of a time fault.

Jonathan Clissold’s track – which saw a 77% clear rate across the sections – is notorious for the time being influential, with only a handful of riders having achieved the optimum time at the CCI4* and Advanced level in the event’s history. Jackson and Farndon delivered the fastest round of the day, adding just 1.6 time faults to take the win ahead of McEwen and JL Dublin in second, also securing them a personal best finish at the 4* level. Piggy March and the former Nicola Wilson ride Coolparks Sarco secured third place with 7.2 time penalties en route to an end-of-season long-format run for the pair, while fourth place went the way of Bramham CCI4*-L winners Pippa Funnell and MCS Maverick. The win marked the culmination of a particularly successful couple of weeks for Jackson, who came to Little Downham after taking the CCI3*-S at South of England with Ask For Manchier, where he finished in the top seven with  all six of his mounts across the classes.

The single Advanced section went to Gaspard Maksud and his World Championship partner Zaragoza II.

“I thought it was good cross-country course,” says Gaspard. “They’ve made a bit of change compared to the last few years and it was more technical than usual I thought.  A good prep run for a person heading to Boekelo or Pau. My horse knows her job at that level now, and she’s just unbelievable cross-country.”

Little Downham’s autumn CCI4*-S plays a crucial role in the Autumn international schedule providing a pivotal run for those heading abroad for the CCI5* events in Maryland and Pau, plus the Nations Cup Final at Boekelo. The event once again attracted a world class field with six of the world’s top ten riders in attendance, including the reigning World and European Champion, plus all members of Team GBR’s Olympic Gold medal winning team.

You can find the results in full here.

New Executive Director Named for Kentucky Organizer Equestrian Events, Inc.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum win Kentucky 2023. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Board of Directors for Equestrian Events, Inc. is pleased to announce Erin Woodall as the new executive director of the organization. EEI is a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports through the staging of sporting events at the highest level including the Kentucky Three-Day Event, the Kentucky Invitational Grand Prix and the American Eventing Championships. EEI is based at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

Erin Woodall will take the helm of EEI next month. Photo courtesy of EEI.

Woodall, a graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education, served with the United States Pony Clubs, Inc. for over 17 years in multiple positions, most recently as the activities and events director. Additionally, she is a partner at Grit Equine, LLC, at Bryan Station Farm. Woodall’s experience includes volunteer involvement with multiple equine associations including the Kentucky Horse Council, Midsouth Eventing and Dressage Association and the Kentucky Three-Day Event.

“We are pleased to announce Erin’s appointment,” said Laura Holoubek, president of the board. “Erin will be a great addition to help move the organization and events forward and lead the talented EEI staff.”

Since its inception in 1975, EEI has proven to be a leader in equestrian sport by providing development opportunities for riders, horses and equine organizations and by elevating the competitiveness of the United States equestrian teams internationally.

“I’m thrilled to be joining EEI,” Woodall said. “I’ve been a lifelong equestrian and have many fond memories of the Kentucky Three-Day. I look forward to building upon the great foundation laid by those who came before me.”

The board wishes to thank Mike Cooper who has been serving as the interim director since February 2022. Woodall will begin her duties on October 2.

The Race to Le Lion: Gina Set to Receive 2023 Holekamp/Turner Grant

Chris Talley and Gina. Photo courtesy of USEA/Meagan DeLisle.

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to announce that Gina, owned by Corwin Sport Horses, LLC, is the likely recipient of the 2023 Holekamp/Turner Grant and The Dutta Corp. prize. Gina (Gentleman x Ballerina) is a 7-year-old Hanoverian mare ridden by Chris Talley and was bred by Hartwig Von Holten in Germany. The pair aims to represent the U.S. at the 2023 FEI Eventing World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in the 7-year-old CCIYH3*-L Championship. The Championship will take place at La Mondial du Lion in Le Lion d’Angers, France, from Oct. 19-22, 2023.

The intention of the Holekamp/Turner Grant is to further develop an upward pathway for U.S. team horses in the sport of eventing. The grant recipients who are North American-bred are awarded the full cash grant of $17,500. If the winner is an imported horse, he/she will be awarded $8,000. Since Gina was imported, her team will be awarded $8,000USD. The team will also receive The Dutta Corp. prize which is one round-trip flight to Europe. The grant will be officially awarded after Gina passes the first horse inspection at the Championship in France.

Chris Talley runs his business in partnership with Hannah Salazar, owner of Zarazoga Acres. He describes the partnership as having a great team synergy who balance each other’s strengths and weaknesses. “It takes a village,” Talley said of the operation, and noted that Talley found Gina in partnership with Salazar, and one of Salazar’s loyal supporters and owners, Joan Allen.

“I have an unhealthy obsession of searching for horses online,” Talley admitted. “I go through sales ads night and day, and I stumbled upon Gina. She was at a barn in Germany, and we all [Salazar, Allen and Talley] watched her video of her at the walk, trot and canter, and then as soon as we saw her free jump down one line, it was enough to make us call and setup a vetting. This was during COVID at the end of 2020, so getting to Europe was hard to go try her in person, so we actually purchased her off the video.”

Allen owns Corwin Sport Horses, LLC, and Talley said the team feels like a family. “Joan Allen is incredible, and the most supportive owner that you could have. I absolutely adore her. We make all decisions with the best interest of the horse in mind, and she is always supportive of Hannah and I trying new things with the horses, whether it be shipping off to a dressage show, or trying something different. It can be long days, but it’s incredibly rewarding.”

The horse that has the highest score from the 2021 USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) 5-year-old Championships that is also qualified to compete in the 7-year-old Championship receives the Holekamp/Turner Grant. This is the first year in the history of the grant that the overall Champion from the YEH Championships will be the recipient of the grant. Gina won the Dutta Corp. USEA YEH East Coast Championships on an impressive 95.2, topping all scores from both the East and West Coast Championships.

If the highest-scoring YEH horse from the 2021 YEH Championships does not qualify or is unable to attend, the grant is then awarded to the next highest scorer who is qualified and able to go. For Talley, he has three fully qualified horses for La Mondial du Lion, and plans to bring two of them. Gina will compete under the Holekamp/Turner Grant after acceptance at the first horse inspection, and Talley also plans to compete his own Loughtown Cici ZA (CC Captain Clover x Castlelawn Diamond Clover), who placed in the top 20 nationwide at the 2021 USEA YEH Championships. As a backup, Talley has Lynn Berry’s Rappahannock (Rosenthal x Sunny Dey) prepared, who placed in the top 15 nationwide in 2021 and is also fully qualified for the 7-year-old Championship in France.

“I’ve heard [La Mondial du Lion] has a big atmosphere, but I think for these two horses I’m bringing, especially Gina, they like the atmosphere,” explained Talley. “[Gina] went with Hannah to Dressage at Devon [Devon, Pennsylvania], and rose to the occasion, and then won the 5-year-old YEH Championship at the Maryland 5 Star. I put a lot of pressure behind it, and with the addition of the atmosphere at Maryland, she shined under that pressure. I just need to keep my own nerves under wrap in France.

“We’ve been working all three of these horses since they were 4 years old with the goal of getting to this point,” he added. “You set out on these journeys to achieve something, and sometimes it doesn’t happen, but to have three in the grass ready to go, it’s just surreal,” stated Talley.

Winners Crowned at USEA Area VII Championships and Aspen Farms Horse Trials

The USEA Area VII Championships and Aspen Farms Horse Trials concluded [this weekend] in Yelm, WA, which included the only Advanced division offered in Washington State. Over $35,000 worth of prizes were distributed to top finishers thanks to generous show sponsors.

Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14, winners of the Tin Men Supply Advanced. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 stayed in winning form all weekend, show jumping double clear to win the Tin Men Supply Advanced, including $2,000 in prize money. Sophie Click and Tarantino 54 were second in the division.

This was Clooney 14’s first time competing at the Advanced level. His owner, Annika Asling, recently had a baby and allowed Karen–who has ridden the horse in years past and also was rebounding from a broken foot this spring–to take on the ride.

“Annika has been so great giving me the ride,” said Karen, who was overjoyed with Clooney’s performance today. “I don’t have my own horse right now, so it’s really special.”

“The show jumping course was designed very well,” said Karen after their clear round. “It rode how we walked it. The plan worked really well. There were places if you got too far in or too far out it would be hard–that was the question presented–but if you stuck to the plan, it rode great.”

Karen and Clooney 14 aim to run a 3-star short next, and also work on fitness for a 3-star long in the near future.

In the USEA Area VII Open Intermediate Championships, Cristina Rennie and her homebred Flight of the Arabesque won on a score of 44.7. Kelsey Horn and Cleared For Take Off got second, and Marc Grandia and GHS Calexico got third.

Cristina Rennie and her homebred Flight of the Arabesque. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

“The whole weekend was a highlight,” Cristina said after their victory lap. “He really rocked the cross-country, and made it so I just had to hold on. I bred him 12 years ago. He was supposed to be 16 hands and he’s about 18 hands, but I wouldn’t trade him for the world.”

They are now qualified for an Advanced and Cristina hopes to take on a 3-star long.

Anni Grandia-Dodson and HSH Bold Decision won the Open Intermediate. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

The Open Intermediate division had significant movement on the leaderboard over the course of the weekend. Ultimately, Anni Grandia-Dodson and HSH Bold Decision, owned by Andrew Hoff, finished in first up from seventh after dressage on day one. Sophie Click and Quidproquo finished second, and Devin Robel and Gillou finished third.

HSH Bold Decision was imported from Ireland less than a year ago. According to Anni, “the show jumping has been a struggle for us. At our last show–Equestrian Institute Horse Trials–I had my first double clean with him. Going in this ring today is hard because it’s so small. He’s such a good cross-country horse because he gallops across the ground, but it has made the show jumping really difficult. So today feeling like even though it started to fall apart, I could put it back together and finish, was good progress. His show jumping is getting better and better.”

Harper Padgett and Captivate, winners of Area VII Open Prelim Championships. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

Harper Padgett and Captivate were unshakeable in the Area VII Open Preliminary Championship division, winning on a score of 26.1. Hanni Sreenan and Ebenholtz, owned by Amy Haugen, got second, and Anna Stein and her off-the-track-Thoroughbred Lucy Lucy Lucy got third.

Harper says of the three phases, the one that stood out for them this weekend was, “the show jump and the way that it rode. I really liked the course this year. I thought that it was open and flowing, which helped a lot of horses in this ring.”

Nicole Aden and Truckee Bash, winners of Open Prelim. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

In Open Preliminary, Nicole Aden and Truckee Bash jumped double clear on Morgan Rowsell’s cross-country track to win the division handily on 25.5. Marc Grandia and Levino, owned by Full Gallop Syndicate, LLC, finished second on 32.6, and Emily Pestl-Dimmitt and Bodhizafa, owned by Louise LaRue, finished third on 34.2.

After a clear and fast cross-country round today, Nicole said the best part of the weekend was “just feeling how confident and happy my horse is to be back out. He’s coming back from a year off. I wanted him to come out and have a good run and be confident and leave confidently–that was the most important thing. Winning is just icing on the cake. I just want my horse to be happy and confident, and that’s how he felt. I’m thrilled! As for what’s next for him, I will let him tell me.”

Mary Burke and Valentino won the Area VII Open Training Championship. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

In a division with no margin for error, Mary Burke and Valentino delivered a clear show jumping round to win the Area VII Open Training Championship. Hayden Brown and Cooley Merrywell, owned by Mint Hayden, finished second, and Patience O’Neal and Winston, owned by Bobbie Smith-Ede, finished third.

“We just moved Valentino up a couple of shows ago from Novice to the Training division,” said Mary. “He was second in his first Training, and then first in his second Training, and then winning Training Championships here… We’re extremally proud of him. For a young horse that I imported from Germany and developed–he’s everything I hoped he would grow up to be.”

The next stop for them this season is to compete in the United States Dressage Federation Regional Championship show in Devonwood, Oregon where they qualified at 2nd level.

Shruti Bona and Freesela won the Area VII Training Rider Championship. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

Shruti Bona won the Area VII Training Rider Championship with her catch ride, Freesela, owned and qualified by Hope Cochran. With her own horse out with an injury, Shruti was happy to get the ride on Freesela.

“I was just hoping for fun rounds this weekend,” said Shruti. “It definitely exceeded all my expectations. My cross-country was super, but I was really happy with my dressage test. We had a great test. It was a good feeling to be able to keep her focused in a kind of chaotic ring. Of course nothing can beat cross-country–it was super fun! It rode awesome. It was a great course.”

Simone Clark and Indio BMW, winners of Area VII Jr. Training Championship. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

Simone Clark and Indio BMW, owned by Simone’s mom Laura Clark, led the Area VII Junior Training Championship from start to finish. They won on their dressage score of 20.7–the lowest finishing score at the show.

“The highlight of the weekend was finishing on my dressage score,” Simone said. “But cross-country was so much fun… It’s always about the cross-country for me. Everything else is fun too, but cross-country is what I do this for.”

Patience O’Neal and Barney Come Home won Area VII Open Novice Championship. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

Patience O’Neal and Barney Come Home, owned by Wendy Wadhwani, finished the weekend on their dressage score of 22.2 to win the Area VII Open Novice Championship. Emily Sloop and Five Star Perfect finished second, and Jessica Heidemann and Falconess, owned by Joyce Osborn, finished third.

Patience said Barney is ending his 2023 eventing season for now on this high-note.

“The highlight for him this weekend was Stadium,” she said. “He can be a little bit klunky at times in show jumping… He’s still getting the hang of how to be careful. The work we did in the last 2 weeks really helped with me being able to ride him positively in the show jump and with him also trying a little harder for me. He has improved tremendously since Equestrian Institute Horse Trials 2 weeks ago. I’m very proud of him.”

Sarah Buehler and Orion’s Shining Star won Area VII Jr. Novice Championship. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

In Area VII Junior Novice Championship, Sarah Buehler the Oldenburg gelding Orion’s Shining Star, owned by Roxanne Moore, won the division on 28.3. Parker Kronemeyer and Twisted Oliver, owned by Michelle Cameron Donaldson placed second, and Chanelle Dahl and Balian placed third.

“The show jumping round today was the highlight for me,” said Sarah. “He felt amazing, and he was amazing in warm-up. We’ve really come together. I’ve only been riding him since July. We got fourth at Rebecca Farm, second at Equestrian Institute Horse Trials, and now we have won Champs. Thanks to Roxanne, I have been really lucky to be able to ride him as my catch ride, since my horse is hurt. He is just amazing!”

Tracey Trewin and Cody R, winners of the Area VII Novice Rider Championship. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

In Area VII Novice Rider Championship, Tracey Trewin and Coby R jumped double clear in show jumping to secure the win. Alexandra McBride and Peter Parker, owned by Kiran D’Souza, got second and Tanya Stricker and Handsome Harri got third.

“He’s still a new horse to me,” shared Tracey. “He’s such a different ride from my last horse–a Thoroughbred. It’s so different learning how to ride a Warmblood. I know there’s so much more inside of him to get out. Being able to progress together is super fun. I’m starting to trust him a lot. I feel like I’m getting comfortable enough we could go up to Training level.”

Catie and Smitten, winners of the Area VII Open Beginner Novice Championship. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

Catie Cejka and the petite off-the-track-Thoroughbred gelding Smitten took the win in the Area VII Open Beginner Novice Championships on a score of 28.1. It was an exciting Birthday present for Smitten’s owner, Jessica Wickersham, who was there to celebrate his achievement.

“This horse has come a very long ways,” shared Catie, who was all smiles after their winning show jumping round. “He came off the racetrack and was almost given up on. His owner Jessica took him and spent a whole year rehabbing him. For him to get here competing at Championships is amazing!”

Kylie Hoxeng and D’Eva’s Fleurie, winners of Area VII Jr. Beginner Novice Championship. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

Kylie Hoxeng and her 13-year-old Welsh Cob x Thoroughbred mare D’Eva’s Fleurie delivered consistent performances in all three phases to win the Area VII Junior Beginner Novice Championship on a score of 23.1. Gabi Anderton and Honey Do Sunday were second, and Lily Rhea and Mugzy finished third.

Kylie was all happiness after her show jumping round and said the best part of the show was “bringing this horse. I’ve worked really hard with her, and she’s done so much for me. She was brought up as a dressage horse and just recently I’ve been teaching her to jump. This is our last show for the year, but next year we will kickstart the season off at Novice level!”

Melissa Mohr and Ferrani, winners of The Arion Challenge and Area VII Beginner Novice Rider Championship. Photo by Cortney Drake Photography.

In one of the most exciting moments of the weekend, Melissa Mohr and Ferrani jumped clear in show jumping, moving from second to first to win the Area VII Beginner Novice Rider Championship as well as The Arion Challenge–a special prize sponsored by Arion HST.

“We love Aspen,” shared Melissa after her winning ride. “I love the facility, and she loves the cross-country course here. It’s the one course where we’ve had the best luck with her. Everyone has been so welcoming and warm–the whole environment here is awesome. I’m super proud to be part of this region.”

Since Melissa and Ferrani won their Rider division at the June Aspen Farms Horse Trials as well as their Rider division today, they were the only pair to successfully achieve The Arion Challenge at Aspen Farms for Amateur riders. For this feat, they will receive a custom Arion saddle.

“It’s so nice for Arion to sponsor this, especially at the Beginner Novice and Amateur level. The fact that they put in effort to support us, as well as the big riders, is really incredible. I’m in shock! My husband jokes that there’s no ‘Return on Investment’ ever on my horse, but for once she has won something that is very nice! I’m super excited–I’ve heard amazing things about the Arion saddles.”

United States Eventing Association President, Louise Leslie, was in attendance for the weekend, and she helped hand out awards during the USEA Area VII Championship prize giving ceremonies.

“It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of the Area VII Championships,” said Louise. “It was great having all the sponsorship and participation in Area VII.”

The complete scores for all divisions are available on Startbox Scoring, here.

You can see additional show coverage and videos on Instagram or on the Aspen Farms Horse Trials Facebook page.