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Boyd Martin Takes the Win (and more) in the CCI4* at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park

By on Aug 12, 2023 7:50 pm -

BROMONT, QC – August 12, 2023 – American Olympian Boyd Martin (Cochranville, PA), came to Bromont to prepare his very best horses for the biggest event in the world. He should leave feeling fairly confident, having taken the win in the CCI4* Saturday afternoon with his Tokyo Olympic mount Tsetserleg on a final score of 52 points. He also took third with On Cue (56.1), and fifth with Commando 3 (59.3), as well as third in the 3* with Contessa (44.6).

American Olympian Boyd Martin captured the win in the Bromont CCI4*-S with Tsetserleg, following Saturday’s third and final phase at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park. © Cealy Tetley Photography

With the event running as a ‘short format’, the dressage and show jumping phases were completed Friday, leaving the exciting cross-country as the final and deciding phase Saturday.

Given the rain of the past three weeks, it was expected that galloping times would be conservative, and riders would tread carefully. Thankfully the ground held up well, and the organizers were generous with stone chips and gravel as needed on takeoff and landings to ensure safety across all levels. Time was the deciding factor Saturday, with every FEI rider save one (Canada’s Jessica Phoenix, winner of the 2* with Tugce) adding time faults to their overall score.

“The footing ended up being fantastic,” remarked Martin following his third and final round in the 4* division. “I think the whole field just looked after their horses, when the ground got quite boggy and soft. 80% of the course was very good — it was just small sections where everyone balanced their horses and looked after them a bit. Thomas (Tsetserleg) hasn’t jumped a cross-country jump since June so he was a little rusty at the beginning, but it’s a good fitness run for him. This was a perfect run over a big course and now we’ll wrap Thomas and ‘Cue’ up in cotton wool and be in England in a couple of weeks!”

The overnight leaders, Canadian Olympian Colleen Loach (Dunham, QC) and FE Golden Eye added a total of 22.8 time faults (compared to the 18 of Martin and Tsetserleg) to finish on a final score of 54.5 and settle for second place.

Canadian Olympian Colleen Loach (Dunham, QC) finished second in the CCI4* division with FE Golden Eye, between Boyd Martin in first and third (and fifth.) © Cealy Tetley Photography

In the CCI3* division, it was Caroline Pamukcu (nee Martin, Riegelsville, PA) who took the top two spots, leading wire-to-wire with HSH Connor and moving HSH Double Sixteen from sixth overnight up into second. Both added time, but Double Sixteen held it to a very respectable 7.6 faults, finishing on scores of 42.2 and 43.8 penalties respectively.

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Connor in the CCI3* division.
© Cealy Tetley Photography

“For us, it’s important to schedule our horses for competitions where they will learn, and I always find Bromont has a hard cross-country track,” explained Pamukcu. “It’s important for me to educate these horses for the future and for Teams, not just go to local shows and win.

Caroline Pamukcu and and HSH Double Sixteen in the CCI3* division.
© Cealy Tetley Photography

“[Connor] found the course easy and it’s good for him to practice in the mud. But he’s used to it – he spent six months in England last year – this wasn’t that muddy for us!

“I didn’t have to push to make the time, as I was late to go. I knew I could still win and had a few time faults to play with so we played it smart. What I love about Bromont is it’s super education for the horses. It really gets them ready for future team competition. If they go around here, I know they are ready for the world stage at whatever level they’re at.”

Lea Adams-Blackmore (Summit Point, WV) and Frostbite took the win in the CCIU253* section, leading from start to finish. They added no jumping faults over cross-country and just 9.2 time penalties, to finish on a final score of 47.1.

Lea Adams-Blackmore and Frostbite took the win in the CCIU253*. © Cealy Tetley Photography

Canadian Olympian Jessica Phoenix (Cannington, ON) took the top honours in the CCI2* with Tugce, another wire-to-wire win and the only FEI rider on the property to finish on their dressage score (29.9) and come in under the time allowed on cross-country. Americans Ariel Grald with Adagio’s Nobility and Jennie Saville with Kismet finished second and third on 36.9 and 38.3. Canada’s Kelly Belanger was the highest placed U252* rider, completing on a final score of 65.1 with Murphy’s Got Charm.

Canadian Olympian Jessica Phoenix and Tugce, the only FEI pair to finish on their dressage score this weekend and not add any time penalties following cross-country. © Cealy Tetley Photography

“THE DREAM TEAM” of Caroline Pamukcu (HSH Connor), Boyd Martin (Contessa), Lea Adams-Blackmore (Frostbite) and Ryan Wood (Check Point) took the win in the CCI3* Teams competition, as well as finishing with the lowest team score overall of 133.90.

Susana Tezanos Moreno (CAN) and French Kiss took the win in the Open EV110 division, finishing on a final score of 43.2, and Shanon Baker (USA) topped the Open EV100 with Creevagh City HSH on 30.4.

Full final results for all Individual sections and Teams can be found at www.evententries.com

Six countries were represented across the seven levels of competiton: CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S, CCIU253*-S, CCI2*-S, CCIU252*-S, EV110 and EV100 as well a Team Challenge modelled after the incredibly successful and popular MidSouth Team Challenge. The fun Team Challenge was designed to give riders an introduction to the experience of riding on and strategizing as a team, with the end goal of finishing a full team with the lowest combined score possible.

Canadian Olympian Colleen Loach Saves the Best for Last Taking the Lead in the FEI CCI4*-S Ahead of Boyd Martin and Saturday’s Cross-Country in Bromont

By on Aug 11, 2023 8:45 pm -

Canadian Olympian Colleen Loach (Dunham, QC) with FE Golden Eye, currently lead the CCI4*-S division heading into Saturday’s final cross-country phase of the Bromont CCI at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park. © Cealy Tetley Photography

Canada’s Colleen Loach (Dunham, QC) and FE Golden Eye saved the best for last Friday at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park, taking over the lead as the very last to go in the FEI CCI4* division of the Bromont CCI.

Heading into Saturday’s third and final phase, they sit on their dressage score of 31.7 penalties, as one of only three double-clean show jumping rounds in a very competitive 4* division that saw everyone complete dressage and show jumping Friday, followed by cross-country Saturday.

Loach and ‘Goldie’ ousted US Olympian Boyd Martin from the top spot (on not one but two of his top mounts); Loach has the slimmest of margins with which to maintain her lead on what will surely be a decisive day of cross-country action.

“It was a tough course [in the show jumping ring] with lots of tight turns to square oxers,” commented Loach after her show jumping round. “The triple combination caused a lot of trouble. Goldie is an amazing jumper so I just rode it very forward and he jumped really well.”

In the CCI-S or short format, the event finishes with the exciting cross-country phase Saturday, where mistakes are costly as penalty points come in multiples of 20, rather than four as in the show jumping arena.

America’s Boyd Martin with his Tokyo Olympic partner Tsetserleg, currently sitting in second in the CCI4* division.
© Cealy Tetley Photography

Having received a fair amount of rain in the area over the past three weeks, riders will be looking to guide their horses with care to find the best path over the softer ground.

Boyd Martin (Cochranville, PA) currently sits in second with his Tokyo Olympics and Lima Pan-Am double-gold-medal mount Tsetserleg; third with On Cue, with whom he won the 4*-S here at June’s MARS Bromont CCI, as well as the 2021 5*-L in Maryland; and sixth with Commando 3 (not to leave out Contessa, sitting second in the 3*.) Historically ‘Cue’ has put in some very good rounds in deep and even muddy going and Saturday will be anyone’s game.

Boyd Martin and On Cue currently sit in third in the CCI4* division. © Cealy Tetley Photography

Fellow American Caroline Pamukcu leads the CCI3* with HSH Connor on 29.0, with Martin and Contessa less than a point behind in second on 29.8. Australia’s Ryan Wood and Cooley Gentleman round out the top three on 33.7. Pamukcu also sits in fourth and sixth with HSH Tolan King and HSH Double Sixteen respectively.

Six countries are represented across the seven levels of competition: CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S, CCIU253*-S, CCI2*-S, CCIU252*-S, EV110 and EV100 as well a Team Challenge modelled after the incredibly successful and popular MidSouth Team Challenge. The fun Team Challenge is designed to give riders an introduction to the experience of riding on and strategizing as a team, with the end goal of finishing a full team with the lowest combined score possible.

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Connor, leading in the CCI3* division. © Cealy Tetley Photography

The “Quebec Rules” team of Emma McHugh (Imperial), Juliette Veronneau (Kilkenny), Anne Castaigne (Cashemire) and Lea-Claude Pelletier (Vanquish) are currently the leading EV100 team on a total score of 82 penalties.

In the CCI3* “The Dream Team” of Caroline Pamukcu (HSH Connor), Boyd Martin (Contessa), Ryan Wood (Check Point) and Lea Adams-Blackmore (Frostbite) are well out ahead of “The Riff Raff” on scores of 96.100 and 125.80 respectively.

You can view the cross country course via CrossCountryApp below (or click here if the embedded material below does not display / to see tracks for all levels):

Bromont International H.T. (Bromont, Canada): [Website] [Live Scores]

Piggy March Leads the Way after Day One at NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials

By on Aug 11, 2023 4:30 pm -

Piggy March and Brookfield Inocent. Photo by Jasmine Punter Photography.

The NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials is seemingly a happy hunting ground for Piggy March, who heads into the NAF Magic CCI4*S competition as the hot favourite with Brookfield Inocent.

On the first day of dressage, it was stablemate Brookfield Cavalier Cruise that helped raise the chances of a repeat success, with Piggy having taken this competition in 2022 with Vanir Kamira. As her second ride and entering the arena almost at the end of the first day, the imposing gelding scored 28.1 from an experienced ground jury made up of Poland’s Kasia Konarska, Italy’s Agostino Guerolsi and Great Britain’s Ann Bostock.

Going into the lunch break, Piggy led the way with her first ride of the day, Coolparks Sarco who put in a superb test in the Gloucestershire sunshine. A score of 28.9 gave the James and Jo Lambert-owned 11-year-old the advantage early on, as he heads into this competition fresh from a hat trick of wins.

Speaking shortly after her first test, Piggy explained: “He gets more and more relaxed with each test that he does, which is what you are aiming for in training. He was very chilled, and I am very pleased with him.”

A notable performance of the afternoon came from Bubby Upton with Cola III, a horse that had impressed at Badminton this spring finishing in eighth place. Here, she led the way for much of the afternoon thanks to a test score of 28.3.

As usual, a number of 5* combinations feature among the entries for this year’s 4*S. Izzy Taylor and Happy Days lie in fifth place after the first day having scored 30.4. Zara Tindall and Class Affair are hoping to continue a run of form following eye-catching performances at both Bramham and Aston-le-Walls. They scored 31.6 and lie in eighth place.

Here are your leaders after dressage at the NAF Five Star International Hartpury Horse Trials:

NAF Magic CCI4*S
1️⃣…

Posted by Hartpury Equine International Events on Friday, August 11, 2023

New Zealand’s Jesse Campbell and wife, Great Britain’s Georgie Campbell were both in action on Thursday. Jesse scored 29.0 with his Bramham ride Gambesie (who finished in third place) and lies in fourth place, while Georgie scored 31.0 with Darcy De La Rose and lies in sixth place.

Former student Saffron Creswell had two rides. Vivendi Hero scored 33.2 and is in 13th place overnight, while her other ride Funny Guy scored 34.6 and is in 18th place overnight.

In the other International Arena, the NAF Metazone CCI2*L saw 39 combinations come forward on the first day, in front of a ground jury headed up by President John Lyttle from Ireland, alongside Great Britain’s Lizzel Winter and Jane Tolley. One of the later riders in the morning session, Brazil’s Marcello Carvalho Jorge and Linkin Park K (pictured) took the lead into the lunch break with a score of 28.5. No riders managed to better his score and he held onto the lead for the rest of the day. The top three places are a very international affair with New Zealand’s Jesse Campbell and Gracie de la Rose in second place with 28.6 and British rider Chelsea Pearce riding Kilnaboy Buffet in third place with 29.2.

Riders in the NAF Superflex CCI3*L will perform their test indoors, and the welcome shade of the Hartpury Arena saw a number of combinations that have been to this venue previously. An experienced ground jury made up of France’s Xavier Le Sauce (President) alongside Great Britain’s Annabel Scrimgeour and Douglas Hibbert, cast their eyes over 39 horses on the first day.

Halfway through the morning Jason Wood and Nitor performed a polished test to score 29.8 to take the lead, which he still held onto at lunch time. The leaderboard remained largely unchanged for most of the day until local rider Tom Woodward and Jaeger Master came three from the end, scoring 29.6 and meaning Jason had to settle for second place. Things weren’t settled yet, as the final pairing of the day Millie Juleff and Viktor Krum (pictured) did a fabulous test to knock both of them into second and third place respectively, scoring 26.4 and leading after the first day of dressage.

To view scores and start lists, click here.

Cross country will be streamed live on Horse & Country (subscription or one-time event pass required). You can find out more here — the action kicks off at 3 a.m. EST.

Take a look at the cross country track:

Cross country day 2023 is almost here!

Don’t forget, head to the Hartpury Equine Events website for tickets or follow…

Posted by Hartpury Equine International Events on Friday, August 11, 2023

Missives from the Mongol Derby: We Have a Winner!

By on Aug 11, 2023 12:00 pm -

A winner is crowned! Photo courtesy of the Mongol Derby.

As the sun rose over the steppe on Day 9 there was a sense of expectation in the air. Lead rider Linda LHE was sitting pretty at HS27, a mere 60km from the finish and exquisitely positioned, should all go well, to claim the 2023 Derby title by mid-day. Crew were up at the crack of dawn, herders had horses organized and ready, and when the clock chimed 0700 Linda was out the door on her way to the finish.

Camped between HS26 – HS27 Judith JJA, Xavier XFE and Moazzam MHK were also well on their way first thing, looking to narrow the gap between themselves and the leader; and chaser Matthew MPE back at HS26 set out to continue his relentless push towards the finish line. With this tight of a race, it could still come down to the wire. One penalty, a slow horse, an unscheduled dismount and everything could change.

Photo courtesy of the Mongol Derby.

The crew watched Linda’s progress with bated breath while reports began pinging in that she had drawn a rather “measured pace” horse: in other words it was a somewhat leisurely ride to HS28 with the chasing pack baying at her heels.

Most notably Matthew MPE blasted up the field from fifth position and overtook chaser Xavier, Judith and Moazzam coming through HS28. Galloping down the home stretch was Linda on a much more lively horse (after a redraw of horses due to an unscheduled mud bath outside of HS28) with Matthrew MPE just a couple of hours behind.

Photo courtesy of the Mongol Derby.

The crowd was assembled at the finish line to welcome Linda as she approached shortly after noon. Head vet Anna, presiding at the finish, waited patiently while Linda cooled her horse. The riders have 30 minutes to present to the vet after checking in; any infraction of the vet check parameters results in a penalty which could have changed results immeasurably. Word came down that at the first check the horse’s heart rate was still slightly above the accepted 56 beats per minute. The crowd was silent and respectful while Linda continued to cool her horse and you would never have known that this was anything other than a routine vet check by Linda’s outward sense of calm. Finally Anna gave the crowd a thumbs up – Linda’s horse had passed the vet check and she was officially cheered as the 2023 winner of the Mongol Derby.

Photo courtesy of the Mongol Derby.

Coming in behind her, Matthew crossed the finish line shortly after with Xavier, Judith and Moazzam not far behind. His push to the finish on Day 9 paid off and with a clean vet check he officially earned second place. Judith followed to great applause, her stunning display of horsemanship and resilience earning her a third place finish; Xavier fourth, and Moazzam (who had ridden the last leg with a foot injury) claiming fifth place.

Photo courtesy of the Mongol Derby.

The action wasn’t over for the day, however, as Holly HCO our resident 2022 Gaucho Derby winner claimed a solid sixth place; and the balance of Team Pak Fahad FJA, Omer OHK and Umair UKA rode over the line to capture a joint seventh.

Some of the “horde” overnighted at HS27; a couple of dedicated campers (Chyulu CFA and Aisha AGR) camped between HS27 – HS28; and a few intrepid souls overnighted at HS28 ready to ride out on Day 10 at 7am on the dot.

Although a winner has been declared, the race is still very much not over with many thrilling tales yet to tell. Stay tuned tomorrow… and follow along here for more updates!

Watch highlights from Day 9:

Join Laura Collett and Megan Elphick for a London Masterclass with Richard Waygood MBE

By on Aug 10, 2023 12:00 pm -

Photo Credit: London International Horse Show

The organisers of The London International Horse Show have today announced the next instalment of the LeMieux Masterclass Series.

Taking place on Sunday December 17 in the New Horizon Plastics London Arena, world-renowned coach Richard Waygood MBE will present Grassroots to Glory starring Olympic medallist Laura Collett MBE, and YouTube personality and equestrian Megan Elphick. The masterclass will be a 360-degree review of achieving competition success, aimed at both amateurs and experienced riders alike.

The 45-minute session will feature a demonstration of top-level techniques broken down into stepping-stone exercises for the audience to take home and put into action. Waygood will guide the audience through an exploration of producing a successful competition partnership all the way from establishing the essentials and improving technique, to making those all-important steps up the levels – illuminated by a few of his own tips and tricks learnt across his long and successful career.

Currently the British Equestrian Federation’s Technical Director and Eventing Performance Manager, Waygood has a string of achievements, including riding at Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials, his long tenure as Riding Master of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, and an MBE for services to equestrianism. Waygood will be joined by Laura Collett and Megan Elphick, who will be putting into action his words of wisdom.

Photo Credit: London International Horse Show

Olympic medallist and multiple Champion, Laura Collett is no stranger to the London International. Having previously starred in the Show’s Dressage Unwrapped Masterclass in 2022, Laura returns to the venue on a high following her brilliant win at the 5* Luhmühlen Horse Trials aboard London 52. The chance to learn from Laura – one of the brightest stars of international eventing – is sure to be a real treat for the Show’s audience.

YouTuber Megan Elphick joins the Masterclass following a popular appearance in last year’s Winter Survival Guide Masterclass with Pippa Funnell. Megan, who inspires a huge number of followers by sharing her grassroots journey in her vlogs, will be helping Richard and Laura demonstrate the essentials of good foundations to a horse’s education.

Waygood said, “I’m really pleased to be bringing this LeMieux Masterclass to the London International Horse Show this year. It has been brilliant to be so closely involved with the Show’s Masterclasses in previous years, and with the introduction of the New Horizon Plastics London Arena it’s fantastic to be able to put these demos at the heart of the Show. Laura and Megan are great fun – and it’s looking to be a great line-up!”

Simon Brooks-Ward, Show Director, said, “We are delighted to be welcoming back Richard, Laura and Megan to the London International. It’s a real pleasure to be able to put top-level riders in front of our keen audience to share their knowledge. We know there is a strong appetite to learn and the LeMieux Masterclass series will deliver in spades.”

More information about The London International Horse Show, including how to buy tickets can be found here.

Riders from Seven Nations set to Compete in the Bromont CCI-S at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park

By on Aug 10, 2023 9:30 am -

Boyd Martin on Asti’s Charming. Photo by Abby Powell.

Nearly 100 competitors from across seven nations are en route and arriving to the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park today, primed to compete in this weekend’s multi-level CCI-S, in the Olympic sport of three-day eventing.

General admission and parking are free to the public for dressage and show jumping on Friday, and the exciting and spectator friendly cross-country on Saturday. Thursday will see riders giving their horses the chance to become acclimatized with the competition arena, as well as taking every opportunity to walk (on foot) the extensive cross-country courses and begin making their plans for Saturday.

For some of the best riders in the world, the event is being used as a ‘prep run’ before heading overseas to compete at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials in the United Kingdom, one of the largest CCI5* events in the world.

Top horse and rider combinations currently entered include American Olympian Boyd Martin with Tsetserleg and On Cue; Canadian Olympians Jessica Phoenix with Freedom GS and Watson GS and Colleen Loach with FE Golden Eye; Australian Ryan Wood with Cooley Flight, Great Britain’s Lucienne Bellissimo with Dari and Tremanton; Ireland’s Michael Nolan with Fernhill Galavant and Cool Macallan; Belgian Jan van Gysel with Eiffel de L’Abbaye and Spain’s Susana Tezanos-Moreno with French Kiss.

Photo by Abby Powell.

The levels of eventing offered this weekend include: CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S, CCIU253*-S, CCI2*-S, CCIU252*-S, EV110 and EV100 as well a new Team Challenge modelled after the incredibly successful and popular MidSouth Team Challenge. The fun Team Challenge is designed to give riders an introduction to the experience of riding on and strategizing as a team, with the end goal of finishing a full team with the lowest combined score possible.

Local Olympian Colleen Loach (Dunham, QC) has been a Canadian team member since 2015. She participated in the Rio and Tokyo Olympics, the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Tryon (2018) as well as winning bronze at two Pan-American Games in both Toronto and Lima. Loach will be participating in the CCI2* and CCI4* divisions.

“Bromont is one of my favourite competitions and not just because it’s my ‘hometown’ event,” says Loach. “Bromont’s charm is its low-key, top class atmosphere in a beautiful setting. The rolling terrain makes for excellent cross-country and Derek DiGrazia is my favourite course designer which definitely adds to the appeal. We are lucky to call this event our own and a big thank you must go out to the organizing committee for keeping it alive and persevering through the turmoils of the past few years.”

Fellow Canadian Teammates Jessica Phoenix of Cannington, ON (5-time Pan-Am medalist and Canadian Olympian) and Selena O’Hanlon of Kingston, ON (Canadian Olympian with multiple World Championship starts and team silver medals from the 2010 WEG in Lexington, KY and the 2011 Pan-Am Games in Guadalajara, MEX) join Loach on the current list of entries.

For a full list of entries to date click here.

With a venue among the best in the world and cross-country courses designed by Derek DiGrazia (USA) and Jay Hambly (CAN), the MARS Bromont CCI4*, ‘Little Bromont’ and August Bromont CCI4* offer a true test for horse and rider in the perfect ‘summer resort’ setting of beautiful Bromont, Quebec.

Bromont International H.T.: [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

Catching Up With the Mongol Derby, Day 3: Gazelles and Camels and Spas, Oh My

By on Aug 6, 2023 10:38 am -
Photo courtesy of the Mongol Derby. Photo courtesy of the Mongol Derby.

The weather continued to play a major part on Day 3 in this 2023 edition of the Derby, with the riders enduring another blistering day followed by a biblical downpour just around the time they were tucking into their tents/gers/goat sheds.. If you’ve never been caught in a Mongolian thunderstorm you are missing one of the finest examples of the power of Mother Nature. You can go from parched and dried-out tongue-hanging-out sticky hotness to saturated sogginess in a matter of minutes. Lucky for most riders, they had an initiation into the fickleness of weather at start camp and are by now experienced weather-weatherers.

Weather notwithstanding, the beauty of the steppe did not disappoint today. Jessie JDO had an incredible day of solo riding, even encountering a gazelle in the mountains somewhere around HS8. Not to be outdone, Micaiah, MSO and Alice ARO rode up to a rock in the middle of nowhere and promptly discovered it was a camel catching up on its beauty sleep. By the time these riders return to the former lives, they will have accumulated a plethora of visual memories to sustain them for a lifetime.

Photo courtesy of the Mongol Derby.

It wasn’t all gazelle-gazing and camel-contemplating though; Randy RCA continued his lost-horse streak with another parting of the ways early in the day. “I think I did something in my past life that I’m paying for now – I’m cursed” he said. Maybe now is a good time for all of us to send him some good ju-ju as he’s not only trying his best out here but displaying exceptional good humour and sportsmanship regardless of his misfortune. As a side note, Randy, a bonafide cowboy, is riding with English leathers which is a first for him. Kudos to you Randy and wishing you less horse-searching and more horse-riding from here on.

Today also had all manner of “creative navigation” (as we all it here in HQ) with the likes of Judith JJA doing a u-turn between HS5 – HS6. It looked at one point that Phoebe PRA was making for the nearest village in search of a cold beer break, but in reality she was showing some navigational prowess in her efforts to avoid the treacherous bogs. Meanwhile, further back on the course, Izzy IDS did a walk-about in the desert but managed to park her horse with a local family and then gratefully accepted a carry forward with EM Louise.

Photo courtesy of the Mongol Derby.

Bumps and bruises are a natural part of the Derby and many a rider has gone home missing a few layers of skin or sporting some gnarly discolouration on various parts of the body. Reid RAL however, who is riding with a prosthesis as he lost his right leg in Afghanistan in 2012, has had more than his share of discomfort. He relearned to ride as part of his rehabilitation program and has been showing us true grit out here on the steppe. He developed “a bit of a blister” which was attended by medic Ness.

Photo courtesy of the Mongol Derby.

Hilaire’s HBL horse at HS 8 spooked and she made an emergency exit stage left and has suffered minor injuries. She’s currently in UB to getting it checked but by all accounts is looking to get back out to the steppe as soon as possible. You can’t keep a good Brit down.

The Pakistani team found themselves camping near an ancient well and seized the opportunity to have a steppe-special spa day. They set up showers and had even brought along a speaker, playing some spa-appropriate music just as Mother Nature brewed up one more epic steppe storm.

Photo courtesy of the Mongol Derby.

Madliene MHA, Ashlin AOC, and Alice ARO were on the lookout for a camping location when a good Samaritan happened by, offering up accommodations for the night and even distributing apples for snacks. Sadly, however, they realized that her ger was at least 10km away and unreachable prior to riding cut off time so they sought shelter with a neighbour. They found their nightly accommodations just in the nick of time before the skies opened up with another steppe-special deluge.

On the other hand, Emmelia EPO & Martin MMC weren’t as fortunate in their camping experience, rocking up in a muddy goat shed for the night – just another authentic Mongolian experience to add to their collection. You’re nobody unless you’ve been in a goat shed in Mongolia for the night.

Race Day 3 – Mongol Derby 2023 from The Equestrianists on Vimeo.

The front is heating up, but it’s still anyone’s race: one lost horse, vet penalty or error in navigation could seriously switch things up. Here are the field positions at the end of racing on Day 3:

HS9:
XFE
MPE
TNE
JJA
LHE

HS8:
MSO
HBC
RDJ
JDO
LJO
HCO
RAL
PRA
CFA
ADO
AGK
KDU
SFL
DGJ

Between HS7 – HS8:
ESY
JRA
SPY
EPO
MMC
MHK
OHK
MHA
FJA
UKA
AOC
ARO

At HS7:
LPE
BRA
OGA
SCO

Between HS6 – HS7:
SPE
RCA
IDS

Retired:
RHE
EAS

Check out @mongolderby for up-to-the-minute race updates, or head to the Mongol Derby website for more information and live tracking of this crazy trail!

Catching Up With the Mongol Derby, Day 2: Are We There Yet?

By on Aug 4, 2023 1:45 pm -

Photo courtesy of the Mongol Derby.

Day 2 is when the reality of this race tends to sink in. The adrenaline has worn down a bit and the nerves have settled, but there are still a lot of miles to go. These riders are a tough bunch though, and to even make it to the start line takes immense preparation and skill, not to mention a bit of bravado and disregard for comfort.

Day 2 saw a lot of unscheduled dismounts, a few lost horses, some more epic camping tales, and the field beginning to separate between the hard core racers vs the adventure seekers.

You have to be resourceful out here in the wilds of Mongolia and Phoebe PRA is no stranger to a bit of hustle. This is her second go at the Derby, having competed in 2022, and she clearly came to the steppe fully prepared to improvise when needed. After drawing a somewhat trim horse she discovered her girth straps didn’t have enough holes to allow her girth to be tightened appropriately. Not to worry though, she teamed up with a herder who punched new holes for her with a sharpened gazelle antler. There’s nothing like good old fashioned steppe creativity.

Speaking of resilience, Holly HCO, the reigning joint winner of the 2022 Gaucho Derby, displayed her trademark grit after a tumble with her horse at HS5. Although presented with the option to redraw her horse, she opted to keep him, remounted and blasted out of the station. At close of business on Day 2 she was with the lead pack at HS6 albeit with a late riding penalty that will see her a bit late out of HS6 in the morning.

Photo courtesy of the Mongol Derby.

There are a few spicy horses out on the course which challenge even the most talented riders. Rollo RDJ parted ways with his between HS4 and HS5 but it was quick-thinking EM Maggie and Tsedenbaljir to the rescue. Tsedenbaljir’s family is one of the incredible host families out here on the steppe and with the assistance of their talented driver, his Lexus and a lasso pole out the window, the horse’s romp-about came to an abrupt end. Since the horse politely declined to be mounted once again, RDJ was temporarily promoted to Maggie’s assistant as she made the rounds checking on campers, and hitched a ride to the next horse station where he’ll ride out again in the morning.

Speaking of herding families, Ganzorig.L is the herding family at HS and Tsedenbaljir.M has been providing horses for the Mongol Derby for three years running. He is known for his fast and feisty horses who call these grassy sand dunes home. His sons are champion horse catchers, being highly skilled with a lasso pole. (But can they catch a horse from a Lexus like their dad? We’ll try to find out.) He treated all the riders who stayed at his station last night with airag (fermented mare’s milk). Enjoying airag with a herder family is as close to a Derby rite of passage as you can get.

Photo courtesy of the Mongol Derby.

The thrill of camping between horse stations has not yet worn off, with a good half of the field once again parking up wherever they were on the steppe at the close of riding hours.

Sid SPY and Jock JRA happened upon a luxury ger camp to stay the night but found themselves with a rather unlikely roommate in the form of a massive Bankhar guard dog who decided the bed was his and that they could just suck it. The dog apparently didn’t budge the entire night.

Olivia OGA, Bianca BFA, and Lexi LPE were not only hosted by an amazing herder family, but found themselves under a breathtaking rainbow. Not sure they found the pot of gold but the rewards of the day were perhaps enough.

Photo courtesy of the Mongol Derby.

Meanwhile, Hilaire HBL made some fast friends with her lovely herding family and their children. “This is one of my favourite parts about the Derby so far” she said. Most of these riders have come here to ride and while they certainly get that in spades, they also find that the cultural experience and new friendships forged are some of the things that they will treasure the most.

There are many strategies in the Derby and while some people choose to ride the race solo, we also see amazing examples of teamwork as riders look after each other.

Photo courtesy of the Mongol Derby.

This is a race and naturally we all look to the excitement of the front of the field: it’s fast, it’s furious, it’s fun to try to pick the winner. However, there are those whose adventure comes with a few more bumps and bruises which sometimes lands them in adventure class. This means that they may have received a carry-forward and while this puts them out of having an official placing, does not mean at all that they have ridden any less of a race than anyone else. In fact, it’s often the adventure class or people at the back of the pack that have weathered more storms than anyone thought possible.

Photo courtesy of the Mongol Derby.

Izzy IDS and Elizabeth EBA found themselves in just this situation after a carry-forward part way through Day 2. They will still ride on regardless and hoist that celebratory Mongolian beer at the finish line, just as they should.

And sadly we’ve had our first retirement of the race after Rebecca RHE suffered a hard fall. She was assessed at the SOS clinic in UB as a precaution and is taking it easy under medical orders. She is determined to come back someday and finish what she started, just like the excellent horsewoman that she is. We all wish her a speedy recovery.

Race Day 2 – Mongol Derby 2023 from The Equestrianists on Vimeo.

At the end of the day the riders were placed as follows:

At HS6:
JJA
MPE
XFE
TNE
HCO

Between HS5 – HS6:
LHE
HBL
LJO
JDO
EPO

At HS5:
RDJ
ADO
DGJ
HBC
RAL
MMC
MHA
PRA
AOC
ESY

Between HS4 – HS5:
UKA
FJA
ARO
MSO
SFL
KDU
CFA
AGR
OGA
BFA
LPE
SPY
JRD

At HS4:
SPE
SCO
EAS
RCA
EBA
IDS

Retired: RHE
In Adventure Class: IDS, EBA

Check out @mongolderby for up-to-the-minute race updates, or head to the Mongol Derby website for more information on this truly bonkers undertaking.

Bromont Announces Withdrawal from 2023 FEI Eventing Nations Cup Series

By on Aug 1, 2023 3:30 pm -

The awards podium from the Bromont 2022 FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ with teams from the United States, Canada and Australia. Organizer Sue Ockendon and committee member Peter Gray in front. Photo by Cealy Tetley Photography.

It is with deep regret that the organizing committee of Bromont Horse Trials announce their withdrawal from the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ series for 2023.

The minimum requirements to run an Eventing Nations Cup™ stipulate the participation of three teams and with just days left to the entries deadline, only Canada and America had confirmed their participation.

While teams from Spain and Mexico had expressed interest, extensive logistical issues relating to global travel and import/quarantine were not able to be resolved within the timeline.

“We are obviously frustrated and incredibly disappointed after working so hard to provide the only North American leg of the series in 2022 and again this year,” said event organizer Sue Ockendon. “Our core focus at Bromont has always been to further the development of eventing in Canada and North America, in particular our Teams and Young Riders. We are still 110% committed to delivering a world-class event in 10 days time and have already started the application and approvals process to host a Nations Cup again in 2024. We want to thank the FEI, Equestrian Canada, the EC HPAG Eventing and those Government officials who left no stone unturned in our attempts for this year. In the end we have simply run out of time.”

Emily Gilbert, Chair of the EC High Performance Advisory Group, Eventing said: ”While we are disappointed at the unfortunate cancellation of the Bromont Nations Cup, consistent with our strategic plan, we will use this weekend to provide our Canadian riders with experience and exposure in a team setting. This decision reflects the importance of strengthening our competitiveness across the board in team competition. The named riders for the Bromont Nations Cup Team will continue to receive the bursaries we dedicated to them, and the riders will be led and supported by Chef D’Equipe and Technical Advisor, Rebecca Howard with additional support from Equestrian Canada High Performance in place.”

Entries are strong and still coming in for the August event, which for some is being used as a prep run before heading overseas to compete at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials in the United Kingdom, one of the largest CCI5* events in the world.

Top horse and rider combinations currently entered include American Olympian Boyd Martin with Tsetserleg and On Cue; Canadian Olympians Jessica Phoenix with Freedom GS and Watson GS and Colleen Loach with FE Golden Eye; Australian Ryan Wood with Cooley Flight, Great Britain’s Lucienne Bellissimo with Dari and Tremanton; Belgian Jan van Gysel with Eiffel de L’Abbaye and Spain’s Susana Tezanos-Moreno with French Kiss.

Although the Nations Cup team competition will not run, the event will still host CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S, CCIU253*-S, CCI2*-S, CCIU252*-S, EV110 and EV100 levels including a Team Challenge. With a venue among the best in the world and cross-country courses designed by Derek DiGrazia (USA) and Jay Hambly (CAN), the MARS Bromont CCI4*, ‘Little Bromont’ and August Bromont CCI4* offer a true test for horse and rider in the perfect ‘summer resort’ setting.

To enter visit www.evententries.com. Follow us on social media at @bromontcci.

Oliver Townend and Piggy March Share Burgham International Prizes

By on Jul 30, 2023 9:14 am -

Oliver Townend and Tregilder. Photo by Peter Nixon.

Oliver Townend and Piggy March shared the honours in the feature classes at Burgham – the Holme Dodsworth Metals CCI4*-S sections – between them with a victory apiece in a thrilling finish to a day of top-class horse sport..

Oliver was scoring his sixth CCI4*-S win at Burgham, this time with the Hazeldines and Mitchell Fox Group’s Tregilder. The pair were fifth after dressage with a mark of 27.1, and added nothing to that in the jumping phases to nip ahead of dressage leaders Ros Canter and Izilot DHI and take the highly competitive class by less than a penalty.

Oliver said: “He’s a horse who has taken a long, long time to mature – he’s about 18hh – and he felt very good in all three phases here and I was very proud of him. I’m very happy for his owners, because they’ve been with me a long time, and for Vin and Liz Jones, who bred him. A nice British-bred winner of a big class, and he’s getting better and better still as he gets stronger – hopefully he’ll go to Burghley.”

Former world champion Ros won this class in 2022 with her own and Alex Moody’s 10-year-old Izilot DHI, but had to settle for silver spot this year after picking up two time-penalties across country for a finishing score of 28.

Third was Piggy March on Jayne McGivern’s grey stallion Halo, another 10-year-old. They collected four faults for a rail down in the showjumping and 4.8 cross-country time-faults for a final score of 35.

Piggy said: “I’m very pleased with him because I haven’t run him in mud very much; even though the ground is drying out all the time, it’s still quite soft. He’s a little horse going up the ladder and getting used to it all – he hasn’t got a lot of mileage. He tried very hard and jumped very well, and I knew I could run him at a good pace across country because Oliver and Ros were out in front, so I just rode him, rather than the clock.”

Piggy March and Coolpark’s Sarco. Photo by Peter Nixon.

An hour later, she snatched what looked like almost certain victory in the second CCI4*-S section from Oliver, who was on top after dressage and showjumping with a mark of 24.4 aboard his great Burghley and Tokyo Olympics team gold medal winner Ballaghmor Class. Piggy and Coolparks Sarco, who is owned by Jo and James Lambert, had just added 1.2 cross-country time-faults to her dressage and showjumping score of 24.4, meaning Oliver set off round David Evans’s track on Karyn Shuter, Angela Hislop and Val Ryan’s 16-year-old fleabitten grey with three seconds in hand. But in fact Oliver and Ballaghmor Class crossed the finish line four seconds over the time allowed – and Piggy won by 0.2 of a penalty.

“That was really exciting!” said Piggy. “He’s a lovely horse – I’m lucky to have inherited the ride on him from Nicola Wilson [who retired from the sport after a fall at Badminton in 2022] but it’s starting to feel like he is more ‘my’ horse a year down the line. He moves really nicely, he’s a really good jumper – it’s all there. With every run I feel like we are getting closer to where I want to be with him. He’s a fast horse in a very different way to what I am used to – he’s got a massive stride. The cross-country track was great for them – some really good water jumps in particular, and Sarco felt like he had a really happy week and loved the ground here.”

Oliver said: “Ballaghmor Class’s performance here was fantastic. He’s never the quickest here; the fences come up a little bit too quickly for him so I end up having to mind him slightly between the fences, because he’s a horse who suits a very big, open course like Burghley.”

He added: “This is one of the best events in the country and the number and quality of the entries tell the story – that they put on an amazing show. From a competitor’s point of view, it couldn’t be better.”

Burgham continues on Sunday, 30 July with the Encon Technical Solutions Ltd and NIS Group Ltd CCI2*-S, and national BE100 and BE90 classes Visitors can enjoy a great variety of tradestands and locally produced food and drink while they are watching the sporting action – and there’s even a fun dog show on Sunday to raise money for Burgham’s supported charity, the British Eventing Support Trust (BEST).

To buy tickets and for more information, please visit www.burghaminternationalhorsetrials.co.uk. Tickets will also be available to purchase on the gate.

If you can’t make it to Burgham, Horse & Country TV will be streaming the cross-country on Sunday.

Burgham International (United Kingdom): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Live Stream]

Big Rewards for Mark Davidson at Burgham

By on Jul 28, 2023 2:17 pm -

Mark Davidson and Fonbherna Lancer. Photo by Peter Nixon for Burgham International Horse Trials.

Cumbrian-born rider Mark Davidson scored by far the biggest payday of his career to date today when taking section A of the AW Jenkinson CCI3*-S at Burgham International Horse Trials on Fonbherna Lancer. Mark’s Burgham victory means he wins a £7,000 bonus for scoring in two legs of the Northumberland Challenge – the big-money prize-pot that unites the county’s three international events (Belsay, Alnwick Ford and Burgham).

Mark won on the The Round Table Syndicate’s 13-year-old grey last month at Alnwick Ford, and pulled off this second win at Burgham against a highly competitive field of top riders.

“It’s amazing – it’s not every day you win £7,000 and it goes a long way! I was reminded when I was warming up for showjumping that I probably won’t get to ride for prize-money like this again for another decade,” joked a delighted Mark, 30. “‘Lance’ was completely brilliant. He pricks his ears, says ‘Look at me’. We are still a new partnership – I managed to get a syndicate together to buy him for me to ride in the spring – and I was so pleased with him. He’s a total gentleman and a lovely horse to have anything to do with.”

Mark, who is based at leading rider Piggy March’s Northamptonshire yard, led the dressage on an impressive score of 21.1, showjumped clear and just picked up 1.2 time-penalties across country. His winning margin over second-placed Tom Jackson (Dazzling Intuition) was 7.8 marks.

Belsay organiser Laura de Wesselow, who started the Northumberland Challenge in 2022, said: “I am absolutely delighted for Mark Davidson and the Round Table Syndicate’s Fonbherna Lancer. We started the Northumberland Challenge last year across the CCI2*-S events at Belsay, Alnwick Ford and Burgham and extended it this year to the CCI3*-S with a total available prize pot of £45,000 generously provided by our sponsors, AW Jenkinson Forest Products (for the CCI3*-S) and Encon Technical Solutions Ltd and NIS Group Ltd (for the CCI2*-S).  The whole idea of the Challenge is to encourage owners and riders, both amateur and professional, to make the journey north to our fabulous venues in Northumberland and we look forward to seeing more of them up here in 2024.”

Section B of the AW Jenkinson CCI3*-S at Burgham went to Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Laura Collett, riding the Ace of Spades Syndicate’s eight-year-old Fetiche Des Rouges.

Laura said: “He’s a little pocket rocket! I’m stand-in jockey for [Irish rider] Aoife Clark, who is injured – I’d prefer to be full-time jockey, because he’s so cool. I have had four runs now in quick succession to try to get used to him; he’s a bit of a cheeky chap, but he’s really come out and been a little professional here. He gallops like a thoroughbred but jumps like a warmblood, which is really nice! Today we felt like a proper partnership.”

The pair finished on a score of 33.3, while second-placed combination Arthur Duffort and JSC Bucket List completed on 37.

In the feature Holme Dodsworth Metals CCI4*-S, Ros Canter has held on to her day one lead on Izilot DHI in section C with a mark of 26, a fraction ahead of Piggy March and the grey stallion Halo on 26.2.

Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class, part of Britain’s gold medal-winning team at the Tokyo Olympics and already dual winners of this class at Burgham, are in pole position in section D on 24.4. Again, Piggy March is 0.2 of a penalty behind, this time on Coolparks Sarco.

Showjumping and cross-country for the CCI4*-S classes start tomorrow (Saturday, 29 July). Visitors can enjoy a great variety of tradestands and locally produced food and drink while they are watching the sporting action – and there’s even a fun dog show on Saturday and Sunday to raise money for Burgham’s supported charity, the British Eventing Support Trust (BEST).

Burgham is thrilled to welcome Project Pony as its supporting partner for 2023. This new initiative aims to identify and support up-and-coming young riders by giving them the opportunity to compete on elite event ponies.

To buy tickets and for more information, please visit burghaminternationalhorsetrials.co.uk. Tickets will also be available to purchase on the gate.

If you can’t make it to Burgham, Horse & Country TV will be streaming the cross-country on both Saturday and Sunday – horseandcountry.tv.

Fred Scala Enjoys Champagne Moment on Corriebeg Supernova at Hickstead

By on Jul 27, 2023 3:21 pm -

Fred Scala and Corriebeg Supernova tackle the Hickstead bank. Photo by Boots and Hooves Photography.

Ireland’s Fred Scala produced a masterful round on Corriebeg Supernova to win today’s Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge at the Longines Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead, England, while last year’s victor Gemma Stevens had to settle for second and third place.

It was the first time Fred had taken part in the class, though he has always wanted to compete at Hickstead – the iconic English venue that also plays host to June’s Hickstead Derby and tomorrow’s FEI Jumping Nations Cup.

“I wanted to do this class forever growing up. It was always a highlight on the telly, so it’s just been a dream to compete. When I got the opportunity to come here, I knew I had a little horse that I knew could be fast and careful, and if there was a class that she was going to be good at, it would be this one,” says the 34-year-old rider, who is from Co Carlow but is now based in Derbyshire.

Although Fred incurred a four second penalty for knocking the second part of the Devil’s Dyke, he crossed the line in a time of 128.84 seconds to go into the lead. The course incorporates many of the Hickstead arena’s iconic features, including a sideways route up the famous bank.

“There was a lot of questions that she’d never had to answer before, particularly the bank – so two before I went, I started to get a little nervous about it – so I actually had to ask Gemma whether or not she had gone off the steep one and still been in the lead. I thought she’d gone long. She said she jumped off the steep one, so that was that!”

 

Fred Scala and Corriebeg Supernova. Photo by Boots and Hooves Photography.

“It was just great fun, and such a fun class – fast, a great course, the ground was amazing, the atmosphere was amazing, and the crowd was amazing. The horse just really moved up a gear and answered everything. I was very nervous walking the open ditch – that’s a long distance and she’s only 15.2, so I thought, ‘Jesus, will I have to try and fit two in here?”

For a moment it looked like defending champions Gemma Stevens and Flash Cooley, last to go, might knock Fred off the top spot – but when she also picked up a four second time penalty at the final fence, her time of 129.59 seconds relegated her to second place. She also produced the fastest round of the day on her other ride, the Burghley top-ten finisher Santiago Bay, but with two fences down they finished on a total time of 130.52 seconds.

“Bless Flash Cooley – yesterday [the show’s organisers] said to me, ‘do you want to ride two?’ And I said, ‘yeah – but I’ve got to go home and give him a jump, because he’s actually not jumped since Aachen!’ I was jumping him at half-past seven last night,” says Gemma with a laugh. “He’s quite a careful little horse, and he always tries so hard, so I actually jump him quite often at home so he stays really confident. So I think he was just a little bit out of practice, but he’s still game, and he was still absolutely brilliant. I just had a bit of a galloping one at the last and he said ‘ooh, I’m a bit out of practice, maybe I’ll put down’ – I wish I’d looked up at the clock and taken a pull because I’d have been alright!”

Gemma remained philosophical at missing out on back-to-back titles. “It’s not a bad day in the office, taking second and third – and it never gets old going in that arena. I’ve been incredibly lucky over the last couple of years and I’ve had plenty of spins round there in different classes, and honest to God, it never gets old cantering up the chute into the main arena. It’s just awesome,” she said.

Fred gave effusive thanks to the organisers and sponsors of this popular eventing showcase. “It was just great fun, and such a fun class – fast, a great course, the ground was amazing, the atmosphere was amazing, and the crowd was amazing,” he said.

US Equestrian Board of Directors Approves Amendment to Protective Headgear Rule

By on Jul 26, 2023 10:00 am -

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

During a special meeting of the US Equestrian Board of Directors on July 24, the Board approved an amendment to the protective headgear certification rule change, which was originally approved during the Mid-Year Board meeting in June (click here). With this amendment, the rule change will have an effective date of August 1, 2023.

This rule change expands the list of acceptable international testing standards for equestrian protective headgear, allowing more helmet and headgear options for competitors at USEF licensed competitions. By moving the effective date up to August 1, 2023 (from its original effective date of December 1, 2023), competitors can take advantage of the expanded options almost immediately rather than waiting until the start of the 2024 competition year.

“The expanded options that will be available to competitors at USEF national competitions is consistent with the FEI standards and clarifies other international testing standards that meet or exceed the ASTM standards,” stated Dr. Stephanie Bonin, Principal and Senior Biomechanical Engineer at MEA Forensic Engineers & Scientists and Chair of ASTM Equestrian Helmet Task Group.

The rule change intent was “To include SNELL Foundation as an acceptable helmet certification along with ASTM for use in USEF Competition. The FEI recognizes the Snell Foundation helmet certification as acceptable protective headgear.” The approval of this change now adds SNELL ratings to the list of currently approved rating systems for equestrian helmet. The Snell Foundation was established in 1957 to memorialize amateur racer Pete Snell after he died of head injury during an auto racing event. The Foundation created its own rating system for equestrian helmets which can be found here. The updated list of acceptable ratings systems can be found here.

Additionally, the list of accepted international testing standards and corresponding certified quality control labels for equestrian protective headgear have been posted on the USEF website rather than within the USEF Rule Book to allow for making future updates to the list without having to undergo the timeline associated with the rule change process. Click here to reference the International Test Standards list.

If you have any questions about this rule change or the types of protective headgear approved for use at USEF licensed competitions, please contact Katlynn Wilbers at [email protected].

All Systems Go for a Brilliant Burgham

By on Jul 25, 2023 12:00 pm -

Reigning World Champions Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir compete at Burgham in 2022. Photo by Rupert Gibson Photography.

With the largest number of entries in the event’s history and perfect conditions underfoot, Burgham International Horse Trials 2023 (July 26-30) looks set to be the best yet.

Riders from every continent with the exception of Antarctica will be competing at Burgham, and they encompass 20 different countries as far-flung as Norway, Namibia, Morocco, China, India and Argentina alongside the most customary USA, Australia, New Zealand and mainland Europe.

Once again, Burgham – Northern England’s premier equestrian event – has a star-studded cast. British Tokyo Olympics gold medallists Laura Collett and Oliver Townend will face serious opposition from the 2023 Badminton CCI5* winner Ros Canter, 2022 Burghley CCI5* heroine Piggy March and reigning World Champion Yasmin Ingham, among many others. There is also a large contingent of Irish competitors targeting Burgham this year, headed by World Championship team silver medallists Padraig McCarthy and Sarah Ennis.

Burgham commences on Wednesday, July 26 with international dressage and the popular Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse qualifiers for four- and five-year-old horses. There is cross-country to watch every day from Thursday to Sunday; the feature CCI4*-S sections, sponsored by Holme Dodsworth Metals, take centre stage on Saturday, July 29.

Grassroots competitors have plenty of opportunities to compete alongside the most famous riders in the sport of eventing with British Riding Clubs senior and junior team jumping on Saturday, and showing and dressage classes for thoroughbreds and ex-racehorses on Sunday, July 30.

Visitors can enjoy a great variety of tradestands and locally produced food and drink while they are watching the sporting action – and there’s even a fun dog show on Saturday and Sunday to raise money for Burgham’s supported charity, the British Eventing Support Trust (BEST).

Burgham is thrilled to welcome Project Pony as its supporting partner for 2023. This new initiative aims to identify and support up-and-coming young riders by giving them the opportunity to compete on elite event ponies.

Burgham is the final leg of the Northumberland Challenge. Sponsored by AW Jenkinson Forest Products, Encon Technical Solutions and NIS Group Ltd, the 2023 Northumberland Challenge offers horse and rider combinations entering the CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S classes at Belsay, Alnwick Ford and Burgham the opportunity to win cash bonuses of up to £20,000 for the CCI2*-S and £25,000 for the CCI3*-S, totalling £45,000. Who will take home the cheques at the end of this weekend…? Oliver Townend has high hopes of CCI2*-S bonus money, while Oliver, Mark Davidson and Yasmin Ingham also have chances of collecting CCI3*-S cash.

Event Director Craig Anderson said: “Burgham is an incredibly special event, and our huge number of very high-quality entries prove how much riders and owners love to come to it. This is top-class eventing in an intimate, relaxed and friendly atmosphere in the heart of Northumberland – who wouldn’t love it?! We look forward to welcoming lots of spectators – there’s so much for them to see and enjoy.”

You’ll be able to follow Burgham International live using your Horse & Country viewing pass or subscription. Click here to bookmark the live stream page for this event.

Burgham International: [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Live Stream]

Hong Kong Fields Record Squad of 11 Combinations (5 Eventers!) for 2023 Asian Games

By on Jul 22, 2023 10:00 am -

The Hong Kong Jockey Club is pleased to announce that nine athletes (11 rider-horse combinations) supported by the Club will represent Hong Kong, China at the 19th Asian Games to be held in Hangzhou from September to October this year. This is the largest equestrian squad Hong Kong, China has ever sent to the games. All of the athletes are members of the HKJC Equestrian Team and have benefited from high-level coaching and professional support provided by the Club under the Hong Kong Equestrian Performance Plan.

Here’s a look at the riders named to represent Hong Kong:

For the sport of eventing, a full team of four and one reserve combination will travel to Hangzhou. It’s a group of riders with a large amount of experience at the Asian Games and beyond, largely based in Europe or the UK full-time.

Two horses are owned by the Hong Kong Jockey Club: the Irish-bred 10-year-old Jockey Club Miss Matana (OBOS Quality 004 – Rienroe Ashbrook) and Jockey Club Highdown March (Jaguar Mail – Valentina II), who was purchased from Piggy and Tom March’s program and is a half-brother on the dam side (Valentina competed through the 5* level with Richard Jones) to the Burghley 4-year-old Young Event Horse champion Cupid March. His rider, Olympian Patrick Lam, is also competing on the show jumping team with Claron CR — this is the discipline in which Patrick has ridden at the Olympics (2008).

Another rider competing in two disciplines is Annie Ho, whose preferred second sport is dressage. She’ll ride Jockey Club Miss Matana in the eventing and Southern Cross Braemar in the dressage competition at the Asian Games. Annie is an experienced Asian Games competitor, winning team bronze in Incheon (KOR) in 2014 and otherwise competing in two other Games as well as coming first overall in the 2013 FEI Asia Eventing Championships.

You can also read a profile we published on Yu Xuan Su here. He’ll partner with the 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Spypark Ferro XS, owned by longtime supporter Howard Green for his second trip to the Asian Games.

Daniella Lin will compete in her first major Championship with A Sparkling Bellini, with whom she has done all of her international eventing to date. After first catching the horse bug at a summer camp hosted by the HKJC when she was 11, she quickly got involved in riding through Hong Kong’s Lo Wu Saddle Club and now at the age of 20 bases in the UK with her “horse of a lifetime”, A Sparkling Bellini.

Called up on reserve for the eventing squad will be UK-based Nicole Pearson and James and Nicole Pearson and Pacific Risk Advisors’ Hanerina SSF. Nicole is a three-time Asian Games competitor, earning team bronze alongside Annie Ho in 2014.

The equestrian events of the 19th Asian Games will be held at the Tonglu Equestrian Centre in Hangzhou from September 26 to October 6. A team of nine athletes will represent Hong Kong, China in dressage, eventing and show jumping competitions. This is the first time the team will be competing in both the individual and team competitions in all three disciplines. 3 competition horses for the team are also being provided by the Club.

Club Chairman and President of the Equestrian Federation of Hong Kong, China, Michael Lee congratulated the riders. “Hong Kong equestrian sport has come a long way in a very short space of time and this owes a great deal to the hard work of riders as well as to the support of The Hong Kong Jockey Club. My sincere congratulations to the entire team.”

“The 19th Asian Games will be a wonderful showcase for Hangzhou and for Hong Kong’s riding talent. The Club is delighted to provide its professional support for the organisation of the equestrian events and to support Hong Kong, China equestrian team. I look forward to an outstanding games and to great performances from Team Hong Kong, China,” said Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Equestrian Performance Manager, Corinne Bracken will be the Chef d’Equipe of the Hong Kong, China team at the 19th Asian Games. To support athletes and horses, the Club is sending a specialist support team to Hangzhou including coaches, grooms, veterinarians, farriers and physiotherapists for both athletes and horses.

In addition, under a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Club and the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Organising Committee, the Club will provide technical support for the equestrian events in six functional areas, namely biosecurity, horse transportation, stable management, veterinary and farriery services, venue operations and international stakeholder management.

Members of the HKJC Equestrian team have represented Hong Kong, China at past Asian Games, winning back-to-back medals since 2010. They include Jacqueline Siu, who won Hong Kong’s first ever equestrian gold medal in Individual Dressage in Jakarta in 2018; Annie Ho, Thomas Ho and Nicole Pearson, who won a Team Eventing Bronze medal in Incheon in 2014; and Patrick Lam, Jacqueline Lai, Kenneth Cheng and Samantha Lam, who won a Team Jumping Bronze medal in Guangzhou in 2010.

The Club is a long-standing supporter of equestrian sport, both through its public riding schools and through the HKJC Equestrian Team and Junior Equestrian Training Squad (JETS), established following the Beijing 2008 Olympics to develop the potential of Hong Kong, China’s elite riders. Under the Hong Kong Equestrian Performance Plan launched in 2016, equestrian and para equestrian riders benefit from high-level coaching and professional support services. Support for youth athletes is provided through the HKJC Youth Equestrian Development Programme (previously JETS), run in collaboration with the Equestrian Federation of Hong Kong, China and the Hong Kong Sports Institute. In 2022, the Club expanded this programme with the addition of a Mainland squad, which supports young talented Hong Kong athletes who are based full time in the Mainland.

Applications Open for First Annual Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant

By on Jul 15, 2023 10:00 am -

Annie Goodwin and Fedarman B. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

After raising $135,000 in donations and support, the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant is officially open for its first round of applications. This grant was established in partnership with the Aiken Horse Park Foundation and Annie’s family. The grant will be awarded to a recipient who meets grant criteria in the amount of $20,000 for 2023. Riders who meet the following criteria are welcome to apply:

The Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant provides financial support for young professional equestrians establishing the early years of their business and wishing to continue their equestrian education and competition.

All applicants must be:

  • Professional member in good standing with their respective national governing body
  • US citizen or legal resident
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Reside in Aiken, SC for a minimum of three (3) months annually
  • Between the ages of eighteen (18) and thirty (30) years of age by January thirty-one (31) of application year

The Annie Goodwin Rising Star was founded in memory of Annie Goodwin, who passed away in a riding accident in 2022. Her memory lives on throughout the Aiken and eventing worldwide community, and in the continued career of her upper-level horse, Fedarman B. With Boyd Martin in the irons and supported by the Annie Goodwin Syndicate, Fedarman B made a successful debut at the CCI5* level at Luhmühlen in June, finishing inside the top 10.

Annie’s parents, Tina and Putter played an integral role in the development of the grant application. They spent numerous hours side by side the AHPF staff, crafting a meaningful application that was representative of Annie’s spirit and ambition. It is their desire that this grant provide eligible young professionals a leg up to establish a successful and sustainable business in their sport.

While we take this time today to remember Annie, we also pause to reflect and celebrate the life of her mother Tina McLanahan Goodwin who passed away on May 22, 2023. Thirty-five years of Rheumatoid Arthritis, fusions, surgeries and other health issues finally took its toll. She had a brilliant mind, a follower of science, respecter and lover of all animals, gardener, swimmer and sailor. In her prime, she rode fast, ran fast, skied the steep and climbed the tall. Tina was a devoted Mom, wife, sister, aunt and the best friend you could ever ask for. She is dearly missed by all that knew her.

Applications for this grant will be reviewed by a committee of individuals with close ties to Annie herself. The committee includes:

  • Daniel Geitner – AHPF board member, Hunter/Jumper Professional
  • Putter Goodwin – Annie’s dad
  • Gene “Tiger” Kneece – Polo Professional
  • Boyd Martin – Olympian, Eventing Professional
  • Catherine Stumberg – Hunter/Jumper Amateur
  • Caitlin Silliman – Eventing Professional
  • Robert “Bobby” Stevenson – FEI Judge, Eventing Professional

Each Member of the selection committee had a strong connection to Annie that transcended sport, friendship, and family. Together with a thoughtfully crafted application, the committee is poised to successfully chose a worthy candidate.

To learn more and submit an application for the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant, click here. On that page, you can also choose to make a donation to further the Rising Star Grant’s future. Applications are due on September 30, 2023.

A Sporting Weekend in the Country at Millbrook Horse Trials

By on Jul 14, 2023 12:25 pm -

Allison Springer & Business Ben. Photo by Abby Powell.

While riders enjoy the top class competition at the 2023 Millbrook Horse Trials (July 26–30), spectators, sponsors and volunteers are also in for a treat. Social events at the summer horse trials in picturesque Dutchess County, NY have long been an attraction and this year promises something for everyone.

General admission and parking is free of charge. Family entertainment includes the vendor village and weekend Millbrook Market, as well as food trucks featuring a variety of cuisines. A petting zoo and arts and crafts tent are sure to keep young children entertained.

Zoe Crawford and K.E.C Zara at Millbrook. Photo by Abby Powell.

Tailgating is available during cross country, with each space comfortably accommodating 10 people. Bring your own tent, chairs and picnic and show your personal style, or enjoy delicious cuisine from our food trucks and the Simply Gourmet concession tent. For a refreshing cocktail, the elegantly converted horse trailer bar The Fizzy Filly will be conveniently located next to the tailgating area.

Enjoy giving back to the sport that you love? Plenty of volunteer opportunities are still available, from shuttle drivers to cross country jump judges. For more information visit the Millbrook website. A welcome party for competitors and volunteers takes place Friday evening, sponsored by Purina and Triple Crown.

Millbrook is one of the few remaining horse trials in the Northeast. It is by far the largest, and it is the only one that still runs all levels through Advanced. The event typically attracts world-class equestrians as well as grassroots competitors. The Millbrook area is characterized by large areas of open farmland and has a strong equestrian tradition. It boasts a local Pony Club, thriving foxhunt and active polo club, and is home to riders of all types. The Horse Trials features natural cross country courses over preserved countryside, world-class competition, first-class social events, and entertainment for the whole family.

For sponsors and patrons, social events include a Saturday morning brunch at the Yellowframe Farm Waterview tent, overlooking the water complex during upper-level cross country, and a Sunday luncheon in private ringside tents overlooking the show jumping arena, where the culmination of the competition can be viewed in style.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Sponsors this year include Yellowframe Farm, Goldman Sachs Gives, Danbury Porsche and Audi, Taylor Harris Insurance, HW Guernsey at Compass, Bank of Millbrook, Purina, Triple Crown, Millbrook Equine, and Millerton Agway as well as numerous families, farms and individual patrons. For more information visit www.millbrookhorsetrials.com.

 

Lauren Billys Shady Takes Special Gold for Puerto Rico in San Salvador

By on Jul 10, 2023 10:00 am -

Puerto Rico took their first-ever international gold medal in thrilling style at the Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador.

Two-time Olympian Lauren Shady stormed to eventing gold with Can Be Sweet, finishing ahead of Mexico’s Luis Ariel Santiago Franco and Fernando Parroquin Delfin.

Mexico took Team Gold ahead of Colombia and the Centro Caribe Sports representative team at the multi-sport event in El Salvador, which comes just weeks before the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.Lauren is originally from California but has represented Puerto Rico for more than a decade. The 35-year-old qualified to represent the tiny Caribbean island via her grandmother, who she thanks for encouraging her to take up the opportunity.

Lauren took to Instagram to mark the occasion: “I want to freeze this moment in time. It’s a place that I could live in forever. The joy of competition despite all the challenges. The moment when my horse and I want it equally as bad.

“This is my first win at a championship. I have so many to thank: my federation, the Olympic committee, my owners, my teammates who helped me warm up and stood by me, Amy Spink groom extraordinaire, Emily Sandler, Tamie Smith for her inspiration and coaching via WhatsApp, my husband, my family, my barn family at home, sweet Charlie for stepping into the role of champion effortlessly and confidently, and my grandma for encouraging me to do this 13 years ago.”

FEI.org photo.

There was home joy for El Salvador as Juan Manuel Bolaños Barrios & Zilouet Mystic Rose took Jumping gold. They finished just ahead of Mexico’s Alberto Sanchez-Cozar and Venezuela’s Luis Fernando Larrazabal. There was also success in the Team event for Sanchez-Cozar, however, as Mexico took the top spot ahead of Colombia and Venezuela.

Yvonne Losos De Muñiz rolled back the years to take Dressage gold some 21 years after achieving the same feat in the same city. The Dominican Republic athlete took Individual gold for a third time at the Central American and Caribbean Games, this time with Idwinaretto.Colombia’s Juliana Gutierrez Aguilera took silver and helped her country to Team gold ahead of México and Costa Rica. Carlos Maldonado Lara of Mexico took individual bronze.

Stable View to Host New USEA Interscholastic Eventing League & Intercollegiate Championships 2024-2025

By on Jul 9, 2023 2:02 pm -
Suzanne Hillhouse and FGF Bob'n for Silver. Photo by Shelby Allen. Suzanne Hillhouse and FGF Bob'n for Silver. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The Stable View Horse Trials will have an extra dose of fun in store for 2024 and 2025, as they are set to host not only the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships, but also the first ever USEA Interscholastic Eventing League Championships.

“The USEA is looking forward to hosting the inaugural IEL Championship in conjunction with the Intercollegiate Eventing Championship,” said USEA CEO Rob Burk. “The team at Stable View is so enthusiastic about welcoming these programs to their beautiful venue in Aiken, South Carolina and has already shared several ways that they plan to enhance the championship experience for our Young Riders. Stay tuned for more developments as we get closer to the event and start preparing your teams today!”

Photo by Shelby Allen.

Both championships to be held on May 4-5, 2024 and May 3-4, 2025 will host Beginner Novice through Intermediate levels with no qualifications needed to enter, so long as your school and team are registered affiliates with the USEA. The IEC championships were most recently held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center and Chattahoochee Hills in 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The Interscholastic Eventing League began in 2021 and is a national pathway program hoping to increase education, engagement, and membership in the Intercollegiate programs for junior riders in 7th through 12th grade. The USEA states the mission of IEL as an opportunity “to bring together junior riders with a common interest and provide a supportive community through which students can continue to pursue their riding interests. This program will encourage team camaraderie and will give junior members a chance to compete in a team atmosphere. This program will also help provide a pathway for those riders who seek to be part of a collegiate eventing program as they graduate high school.”

The groups of junior riders do not have to all attend the same school to register with the USEA as an interscholastic team, but may share a common bond, such as the same barn or Pony Club.

Photo by Shelby Allen.

Any questions regarding the Intercollegiate Eventing Program or Interscholastic Eventing League and the upcoming 2024/2025 championships can be directed to USEA Staff Liaison, Kaleigh Collett, at [email protected]. Further information about the championships will be forthcoming as planning progresses, and a dedicated informational website for the championships will be established soon.

US Equestrian to Begin Tracking Fall Data

By on Jul 3, 2023 11:28 am -

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The safety and welfare of horses and riders at US Equestrian-licensed competitions continues to be of paramount importance to stakeholders at all levels of equestrian sport. It is well known that minimizing the occurrence of horse and rider falls decreases the risk of injury to participants and our equine partners in competition. To inform change, evaluate risk, and implement risk mitigation strategies in our sport, accurate data pertaining to falls is needed.

In an effort to collect uniform and actionable fall data across all levels of competition, beginning December 1, 2023, US Equestrian will require falls of horse and falls of rider occurring in competition to be reported in the class results at each competition.

Horse falls will be reported as ‘HF’ in the competition results and rider falls will be reported as ‘RF’. This requirement will be for all licensed breeds and disciplines, excluding eventing. For eventing competitions horse falls will continue to be reported as ‘MR’ in the competition results, and rider falls will continue to be reported as ‘RF’.

General Rule 122 defines the fall of a rider or a horse in competition. A rider is considered to have fallen when they are separated from their horse, that has not fallen, in such a way as to necessitate remounting or vaulting into the saddle. A horse is considered to have fallen when the shoulder and haunch on the same side have touched the ground or an obstacle and the ground.

If you have any questions regarding this requirement, please contact Katlynn Wilbers at [email protected]

British Eventing CCI4* Nations Cup Team Confirmed for Jardy

By on Jul 1, 2023 9:00 am -

Alex Bragg and Quindiva. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

British Eventing is pleased to announce the team that have been selected to represent Great Britain at the CCIO4*-S Nations Cup competition in Haras de Jardy, France, between 13 – 16 July is as follows:

Alex Bragg from Bridgwater, Somerset with the 13-year-old mare Quindiva owned by The Rowe Family, and the 10-year-old gelding Ardeo Premier, owned by Debbie and Neil Nuttall, as direct reserve.

Aaron Millar from Malmesbury, Wiltshire with the 10-year-old gelding Cooley Exchange owned by Lara Read.

Mollie Summerland from Burton-on-Trent, Derbyshire with the 9-year-old gelding Flow 7 owned by herself, Paula Cloke and Mark Johns.

Flora Harris Class Vista from Marlborough, Wiltshire with her own 10-year-old gelding Class Vista.

The team will be accompanied by Chef d’Equipe Philip Surl.

The British Eventing teams are supported by the British Equestrian Federation’s World Class Programme, funded by UK Sport through the National Lottery. The Programme focuses on identifying talent, developing potential and maximising medal-winning performances on the world stage.

More information on the FEI Nations Cup, including the full calendar, is available here.

US Equestrian: Continued Focus on Air Quality Concerns

By on Jun 29, 2023 9:00 am -

Embed from Getty Images

US Equestrian released the following update regarding air quality issues stemming from Canadian wildfires:

A few weeks ago, we put an alert out regarding the Air Quality Index (AQI) and concerns stemming from the Canadian wildfires on our east coast.  As we look at the weather this week across the northern and midwestern portions of America, we want to once again remind everyone to be aware of the AQI in your area.

Previous Alert:

USEF believes the decision by organizers to operate, suspend, or cancel competitions due to compromised air quality is best made by each individual organizer, because venue conditions can vary and can change rapidly depending upon weather, geography, and other factors. In order to make the most informed decision, competition organizers must consult with state and local health authorities and government agencies and should frequently review the Environmental Protection Agency guidelines involving air quality at AirNow.gov to determine whether or not to operate their events. Additionally, to best protect the health and safety of both equine and human competitors, the USEF strongly recommends that, in situations where the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches 151 or above, an organizer consider suspending or cancelling competition. In cases of cancellation, organizers must inform competitors about refund or credit policies.

Similarly, members must conduct their own risk assessment regarding air quality based on the situation in their area and determine whether to compete. Certainly, anyone with underlying medical conditions should individually consider not competing in situations where the AQI is in the orange zone of 101 to 150. Many resources exist to monitor the air quality including AirNow.gov, a website formed in a collaborative effort by several national agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Weather Service, the CDC, and many others. AirNow.gov reports air quality using the official, color-coded U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI).

New Zealand’s Prospective Olympians Get Coaching Boost on Road to Paris 2024

By on Jun 28, 2023 2:39 pm -

Team New Zealand chef d’equipe Sam Griffiths at last year’s Pratoni test event. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

New Zealand’s four-strong equestrian team has continued its strong build up to Paris 2024 with their recent first placing overall at the 2023 Mill Street International Horse Trial in Ireland.

Leading the coaching support for the equestrian team is UK-based Sam Griffiths, who is himself getting support through HPSNZ’s Coach Accelerator Te Tūāpapa programme.

As part of Te Tūāpapa’s bespoke pinnacle event campaign support, programme lead Christian Penny has been working with Sam and has headed to the UK to assist him with campaign planning ahead of the all-important five-star horse trial in Aachen, Germany, a critical event on the road to Paris.

In December 2022 the New Zealand equestrian team undertook a Te Tūāpapa residential programme using tikanga marae process as a guide and work template for the group to help them gain clarity and commitment on a shared approach to Paris, says Christian.

“Sam was part of the equestrian team that undertook the residential and is one of the leaders who ‘glue’ them together. Eventing is essentially an individual challenge so keeping a sense of shared momentum, especially heading to Paris, is part of the plan to break through a glass ceiling in that event.”

Following the team’s time in New Zealand, Christian set up a fortnightly, online coaching session with Sam which has focussed on his current questions around bringing his best to coaching the New Zealand team.

“A key question I ask high performance coaches like Sam is ‘what do you need to be your best for the athlete or team in a pinnacle event like Paris?’ As part of the remote coaching sessions, we’ve covered a wide range of topics that are important in Sam’s role including contracting, use of powerful language, adapting to different athlete learning styles, laying down a challenge, and preparation and reflection on sessions and competition,” says Christian.

Sam is enthusiastic about the opportunity to work face to face with Christian.  “If we want an athlete to put in a world class performance then their support needs to be world class,” says Sam. “Christian is helping me raise my game to try and give that level of support in a multi-dimensional way.”

Equally Christian says seeing the coach and athletes in action helps further build the right support.

“It is a real privilege and opportunity for me to spend valuable time with Sam as he further builds on his coaching toolkit to enable the equestrian team to compete at their very best in Paris.”

Here’s a more in-depth look at how the program works: