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“Horse First”: FEI Concludes First In-Person Board Meeting of 2023

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 9, 2023 9:21 am -

The FEI Board met in Lausanne for a two-day in-person meeting on 6 and 7 June 2023. Photo courtesy of the FEI.

The first in-person meeting of the FEI Board for 2023 took place at the FEI Headquarters in Lausanne (SUI). The Board members tackled a packed agenda over two days on 6 and 7 June.

The approval of the rules of the newly created Longines League of Nations was the hallmark decision taken by the Board on this occasion. The rules are effective for the 2024 season and available now on the FEI website.

The presentation of the Interim Report of the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing (EEWB) Commission by the Commission’s Chair Professor Natalie Waran was another key topic, which generated a lot of discussion, with the FEI Board keen to continue to tackle and develop non-regulatory Recommendations, especially in the areas of education and communication, prior to the presentation of the Final Report by the EEWB at the FEI General Assembly in November 2023.

The FEI President also provided an update on the wide-ranging activities of FEI Solidarity across the world and reminded the Board members that the deadline for National Federations to submit applications for FEI Solidarity support in 2024 was 1 July.

The allocation of the FEI General Assembly to Oman was another important decision.

The Board was informed of the proposed main changes to the FEI Rules and Regulations, which will be submitted for consultation with National Federations and Stakeholders on 28 June. In accordance with the FEI Rules Revision Process Policy, the FEI Endurance Rules are the only ones undergoing full revision this year.

The Board heard a comprehensive overview on the veterinary research projects, which are being conducted by the FEI in cooperation with prestigious academic institutions as well as an outline of future plans.

The FEI President presented the timeline for preparations for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and the Board approved the proposed way forward.

“We had two very productive days of meetings focussed on the future and sustainability of our sport,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “It was very good to see the entire FEI Board gather in Lausanne – a first since the Covid 19 pandemic – where we were able to take a number of important decisions, including the approval of the Rules for the Longines League of Nations. This was the result of a comprehensive and successful consultation process, and it’s testament to the community’s ability to think out of the box, that we have been able to re-imagine this result with so much support. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the FEI Jumping Committee for their hard work and excellent solutions.”

“The future, but especially what we are and what we can do now, was also at the heart of our discussions around the recommendations of the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission, and I am looking forward to continuing our work around the findings of the EEWB so that we can strengthen the systems we have in place, and ensure our core value “Horse First” is embedded in everything that we do, and with every stakeholder we work with.”

The comprehensive list of decisions and additional details are available here.

Statement on Air Quality at Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 8, 2023 2:40 pm -

Hannah Sue Hollberg and Capitol H I M. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Officials at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park and the MARS Bromont CCI are closely monitoring the air quality index to ensure all horses and riders are not at risk due to smoke from wildfires in the province.

Dr. Yves Rossier DVM, Veterinary Delegate, Bromont CCI provided the following statement: “Regarding the air quality here at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park, we are very lucky — our air quality index is below 10 [as of 9am EST]. The air currents are all blowing the smoke past us to the southern areas. The rain we had in the last 24 hours and are continuing to have, has greatly settled the dust, contributing to very good air quality.”

For the MARS Bromont CCI 2023, the opening phase, dressage, will be held over Thursday/Friday. The exciting and spectator-friendly cross-country will take place Saturday and the event will conclude Sunday with the show jumping phase, to determine the overall winners. Daily general admission is free with parking $15/car.

MARS Bromont CCI (Lac Brome, Quebec, Canada) [Website] [Schedule] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Live Scoring] [EN’s Coverage]

Ireland Announces CHIO Aachen Team

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 8, 2023 11:55 am -

Cathal Daniels and Rioghan Rua. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

HSI Interim Eventing High Performance Manager Dag Albert has named his team ahead of the CCIO4* FEI Nations Cup in Aachen, Germany.

Taking place from June 28^th-July 7^th, the event attracts a competitive field each year, with several countries using the event as preparation for championships.

The Senior Irish Eventing Team is coming in off the back of a successful home FEI Nations Cup in Milstreet, Co. Cork on the June Bank Holiday weekend, where they recorded a third-place finish.

The team for Aachen is as follows:

Susie Berry with Kilcandra Capitol (ISH), owned by TruckEast Limited.
Cathal Daniels with Rioghan Rua (ISH), owned by Margaret Kinsella and Frank Kinsella.
Sarah Ennis with Action Lady M (ISH), owned by Andrew Cox.
Joseph Murphy with Calmaro, owned by Claire Mayne, Charlie Mayne, Richard Ames and Annette O’Callaghan.

Susie Berry has risen through the underage ranks and made her senior World Championship debut at Pratoni last year, helping Ireland secure all-important team Olympic qualification for Paris 2024. At 10-years-old, this will be the first senior Nations Cup appearance for Kilandra Capitol. This combination was fifth on their CCI4*-L debut in Blair Castle last year.

2019 European Bronze medallists Rioghan Rua and Daniels are making their return to the team. The pair finished just outside the top ten in Luhmühlen CCI5*-L last year and were third in the CCI4*-S in Millstreet last June.

At only 9-years-old Action Lady M is the youngest horse on the team. Partnered by Ennis, this combination has recorded some excellent results including a sixth place finished at the 8- and 9-year-old CCI4*-S in Blenheim last year.

Murphy and Calmaro head to Aachen on the back of their Millstreet success – finishing best of the Irish and third in the CCIO4*-NC, as well as being ninth in the CCI5*-L in Kentucky and fourth in Aachen last year.

Speaking about the announcement Albert said: “I have selected a very accomplished team of riders with a combination of experienced and potentially exciting younger horses for the future.

“It’s a strong team and I’m hoping for a good result, Aachen is an amazing venue to compete in with a really big atmosphere and it’s great to have a team competing there.”

New Reporting Mechanism to Amplify the Voice of Grooms

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 6, 2023 9:00 am -

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The FEI has created an online Reporting Mechanism to centralise the feedback from grooms attending international equestrian Events and to provide deeper insights into the needs and priorities of the community.

The Grooms Reporting Mechanism was created to raise the well-being of equestrian grooms, and to enhance their working conditions, welfare, and overall status in order to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for these dedicated professionals.

“The Grooms Reporting Mechanism is a game-changer for the equestrian industry, empowering grooms to have their voices heard and their experiences acknowledged,” Director of the International Grooms Association (IGA) Lucy Katan said.

“This mechanism not only fosters transparency and accountability but also cultivates a culture of continuous improvement within the FEI and with Organising Committees, ensuring that the welfare and working conditions of grooms are taken into consideration at every stage of the decision-making and planning process.

“But a tool like this is only as good as the people using it, and the IGA hopes that individual member of the Grooms’ community will make a conscious effort to provide their feedback, both negative and positive, so that collectively we can elevate the professional standing of grooms worldwide.”

Key elements of the Grooms Reporting Mechanism include:

Integration with the FEI HorseApp: The Grooms Reporting Mechanism has been seamlessly integrated into the FEI HorseApp, allowing all Grooms with an FEI account to submit reports conveniently for all levels of Events, and in all disciplines. This integration ensures that reports are directly associated with specific events, enabling targeted improvements and tailored responses.

Multiple Reports per Event: Grooms have the flexibility to submit multiple reports, enabling them to provide ongoing feedback throughout the duration of the Event and two days after its conclusion.

Comprehensive Feedback on Event Amenities: Grooms can share detailed observations and evaluations of amenities provided at events, including facilities, accommodation, and other essential services.

Direct Reporting to the FEI: Reports submitted by grooms through the Grooms Reporting Mechanism will be shared directly with the FEI. The relevant FEI departments will carefully review and follow up on each report to address any concerns, initiate improvements, and ensure that the feedback is effectively incorporated into the organisation of future events.

“What came through strongly during the setup of the International Grooms Association in 2022, was that grooms needed to be provided with a way of communicating directly with the FEI to relay their concerns about Event facilities,” Chair of the FEI Grooms Consultative Group Frank Kemperman said.

“By allowing grooms to express their opinions and concerns, they can have a direct influence on the decision-making processes that affect them and the FEI in turn can more quickly identify the key areas for improvement that will make the Event experience more comfortable and enjoyable for grooms.

“International grooms have a unique lifestyle and the care and services they provide are key to any equestrian athlete’s success. And as any athlete will tell you, a happy groom makes for a happy horse! It is our moral and social duty to ensure that we support these important members of our community with the best conditions in which to do their jobs.”

US Equestrian Announces Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team for FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Poland CCIO4*-NC-S

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 5, 2023 5:10 pm -

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Poland CCIO4*-NC-S at the Strzegom (POL) Horse Trials from June 21-25, 2023. The team will be under the direction of USEF Eventing Emerging and Development Coach Leslie Law.

The team is a part of the U.S. Eventing Development Tour for the summer of 2023. Tour participants receive funding through USEF and the USET Foundation, thanks to the Karen E. Stives Endowment.

The following combinations have been selected to represent the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team and are listed in alphabetical order:

• Jenny Caras (Buckhead, Ga.) and Trendy Fernhill, a 2011 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Elyse Eisenberg
• Andrew McConnon (Vass, N.C.) and Ferrie’s Cello, a 2012 Warmblood gelding owned by Jeanne Shigo
• Caroline Pamukcu (Miami Beach, Fla.) and HSH Blake, a 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Caroline Pamukcu, Sherrie Martin, and Mollie Hoff
• Cassie Sanger (Lakeville, Conn.) and Fernhill Zoro, her own 2008 Irish Sport Horse gelding

Competition Information:

Competition will begin on Friday, June 30, with the dressage and jumping phases, followed by the cross-country phase on Saturday, July 1.

Event website | Schedule | Live stream

Rising Eventing Stars Receive USET Foundation’s Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund Grant

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 5, 2023 2:47 pm -

The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation has announced the newest recipients of the Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund Grant. The Grant, in partnership with additional funding from US Equestrian (USEF), will enable the following four up-and-coming U.S. eventing combinations to participate in the U.S. Eventing European Development Tour for the summer of 2023.

– Jenny Caras, Buckhead, Georgia, with Trendy Fernhill, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Elyse Eisenberg
– Andrew McConnon, Vass, North Carolina, with Ferrie’s Cello, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Jeanne Shigo
– Caroline Martin Pamukcu, Miami Beach, Florida, with HSH Blake, an eight-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Caroline Pamukcu, Sherrie Martin, and Mollie Hoff
– Cassie Sanger, Lakeville, Connecticut, with Fernhill Zoro, her own 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding

As part of the tour, the athletes and horses will compete in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Poland CCIO4*-NC-S as part of the Strzegom Horse Trials in Poland from June 21-25 under the direction of USEF Eventing Emerging and Development Coach, Leslie Law. They will also attend CHIO Aachen in Germany from June 30-July 1 to observe the competition.

As the philanthropic partner to USEF, the USET Foundation supports the training and competition needs of America’s developing and elite athletes. A key component to supporting developing athletes is through the funding of several USEF High Performance Pathway Programs such as the U.S. Eventing European Development Tour. The Karen E. Stives Endowment Grant was established by the late Olympic team gold and individual silver medalist Karen E. Stives and provides financial assistance to horse-and-rider combinations that are already competing at the four-star and five-star levels and have the perceived potential to achieve elite level through further competition and preparatory training opportunities.

While the combinations participating in the upcoming FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Poland CCIO4*-NC-S have varied international experiences, the opportunities offered along the USEF High Performance Pathway are critical for their development as they aim to one day represent the U.S. at the highest international levels.

Jenny Caras

Caras began riding at the age of four and soon after knew that representing her country in equestrian sport was something she wanted to pursue. Taking advantage of the USEF High Performance Pathway, Caras participated in the North American Junior & Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) in 2010 and again in 2013 when she earned team gold and individual bronze medals in the CCI2* division. The experience further solidified her dream of riding on U.S. teams internationally, and she was named to the USEF Eventing Emerging Athlete Program that same year.

Jenny Caras and Trendy Fernhill.
Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography

Now, with several years of competition success under her belt, she is looking forward to building on her experiences. Though she received support from the Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund Grant in 2016 to compete as an Under 25 (U25) individual rider at the Bramham International CCI3*-U25 in Great Britain, this will be her first outing riding for the U.S. in a Nations Cup format.

“Grants make things possible that wouldn’t be otherwise,” explained Caras. “The sport is hard, and you need financial support and horses behind you to be successful. I want to extend a big thank you to the USET Foundation, USEF, and all of the owners. This opportunity is amazing, and it will have a huge impact on my career.”

Andrew McConnon

The U.S. Eventing European Development Tour marks the first time McConnon takes a horse to Europe to compete. He attributes his successes — including being named to the U.S. team for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Poland CCIO4*-NC-S — to the USEF High Performance Pathway Programs, the organizations that support them, and the owners and teams around him.

Andrew McConnon and Ferrie’s Cello.
Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography

“The programs and pathway that USEF offer are incredible,” shared McConnon. “The USET Foundation and USEF North American Futures Team Challenge were important for me, and it gave me an opportunity to compete on a practice team and to be introduced to people at USEF. That really bridged the gap in my development and helped me earn a spot in the USEF Eventing Developing Program.”

McConnon also noted that European experience is extremely important for U.S.-based competitors.

“In the U.S., we’re surrounded by the same competitors each season,” he explained. “Immersing ourselves in a competition with international riders exposes us to a higher level of competition. While America has great horses, great competitors, and incredible venues, we lack exposure to larger, international classes.

“We all know that horses enable us to have long careers in this sport,” he continued. “However, it’s the support of the USET Foundation, USEF, owners, and grooms that really makes the difference. A lot of people like me aren’t in a position financially to do this alone, so I really appreciate the support and really look forward to the opportunity.”

Caroline Martin Pamukcu

Pamukcu is no stranger to USEF High Performance Pathway Programs or international team competitions. Her impressive list of accolades has helped her earn several grants including the USET Foundation’s Jacqueline B. Mars Competition and Training Grant in 2017 and the USET Foundation’s Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund Grant in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Most recently, she was named the recipient of the USET Foundation’s 2023 Connaught Grant with her eight-year-old mount, HSH Blake.

Caroline Martin Pamukcu and HSH Blake.
Photo by Libby Law Photography

With support from the Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund Grant, Pamukcu views the upcoming Nations Cup as an opportunity for HSH Blake to gain essential overseas competition experience, while also helping her prepare for the pressure of future team experiences, and hopefully a senior team championship appearance.

“The more programs and opportunities we get, the more we grow and learn, and the better we’ll do,” said Pamukcu of the ongoing support from the USET Foundation and USEF. “For me, I thrive off of team trainings and outings. At Nations Cup events, we push one another, we focus on one horse, and it gives us a similar type of pressure that we’ll have at the Olympic Games or World Championships.”

Pamukcu, who is part of the 2023 USEF Eventing Developing Program with HSH Blake, contends that it is pathway opportunities like the upcoming U.S. Eventing European Development Tour that have strengthened the pipeline of eventing horses and riders in the U.S.

“The U.S. eventing team has made a massive comeback in recent years, and we’re a force to be reckoned with,” she shared. “Hopefully, in the future, the athletes on the team for the U.S. Eventing European Development Tour will be my teammates on senior teams.

“It’s so special to receive this grant,” concluded Pamukcu. “Karen Stives did so much for the sport and represented the U.S. on many teams. I hope I can embody what she wanted for eventing and keep her memory alive.”

Cassie Sanger

While competing at the 2021 American Eventing Championships in Lexington, Kentucky, Sanger met her current trainer and USEF Eventing Emerging and Development Coach, Leslie Law. With his encouragement, Sanger applied to USEF’s Emerging Athlete Program and was accepted for 2022 and 2023.

Cassie Sanger and Fernhill Zoro.
Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography

According to Sanger, the opportunity to train with Law and work alongside the other athletes in the Emerging Athlete Program have opened up a plethora of opportunities and have set both her and her mount Fernhill Zoro up for success.

“Going overseas as part of a team will be a completely new experience,” said Sanger. “I’m incredibly grateful and honored to have the opportunity to participate in this European Tour through the generosity of USEF and the USET Foundation. Without the support, this would not be possible. I can’t wait to compete and soak up every learning moment from my teammates and mentors.

“This opportunity is also really exciting for Fernhill Zoro because he’ll be on a bigger stage,” she continued. “He has taken me to my first Intermediate and Advanced events and, as time goes on, he keeps getting better and proves he can be really competitive at the highest levels.”

Sanger is hopeful she and her mount will produce a strong result in Poland, which will pave the way toward competing on more U.S. teams in the future.

Thanks to the USET Foundation’s Karen E. Stives Endowment Fund, these four horse-and-rider combinations can continue their training with the goal of representing the United States on the greatest international stages.

Hannah Sue Hollberg Takes Top Honors in Open Intermediate and Preliminary Divisions at 2023 Essex Horse Trials

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 5, 2023 10:30 am -

Hannah Sue Hollberg of Kennett Square, PA, was on a winning streak at the Essex Horse Trials on Sunday, claiming victory in both the $10,000 Open Intermediate and Open Preliminary divisions with two horses that are fairly new to her. Some difficulty on cross-country did not stop her mount Hachi from claiming victory in the Open Intermediate with a score of 101.6, while Open Preliminary partner Rockster finished on his dressage score of 27.3.

The Essex Horse Trials has become a tradition for families looking to spend an exciting and fun-filled weekend in their own backyard. Featuring some of the nation’s top riders with their Intermediate and Preliminary horses competing in the thrilling sport of eventing, the two-day sportfest took place June 3-4 with dressage and show jumping at the iconic Hamilton Farm, home of the USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ, and exhilarating cross-country at the historic Moorland Farm in Far Hills.

“The weather couldn’t have been better this weekend,” Hollberg said. “It’s unfortunate we’ve had so little rain lately, but they did a great job with the footing and put on such a great show. It’s so much fun coming here because of all the tailgaters. With everybody cheering for you, it feels like such a big-time event, and I wish more people would come to enjoy such a beautiful show.”

Hannah Sue Hollberg (USA) and Hachi won the $10,000 Open Intermediate division at the 2023 Essex Horse Trials © AK Dragoo Photography

In the $10,000 Open Intermediate division, Hollberg and Hachi sat in second place overnight following Saturday’s dressage and show jumping tests. The 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Christa Schmidt and Jacqueline Mars did not have the best cross-country run with a few glance-offs and a circle in the water, but Hollberg used this as a positive learning experience with the goal of moving him up to Advanced.

“I just got him in late December from Phillip Dutton, who took him up to the 3* level in about two years,” Hollberg said. “He was a show jumper before that, competing at events like Spruce Meadows (Canada). He’s such a character and a really cool horse, but we’re still getting to know each other. I did one 3*-Short at TerraNova (Florida) this spring, and I’m still sorting out his bit and working on our turns.

“I thought it was a great course today, but he jumps so big that we didn’t quite lock onto a few of the questions,” she added. “This was a pretty hard track, but now I know where we’re at as a team. That’s really why I wanted to come here with him – it’s always such a good event, and I learned what we still need to work on.”

Hollberg and Rockster won the Open Preliminary division © AK Dragoo Photography

In the Open Preliminary division, Hollberg’s focus on flatwork with Tricia Arnold’s 9-year-old Morgan gelding paid off as she and Rockster claimed an early lead and held it throughout the weekend.

“The jumping’s always been there with Rockster, but when I first got him in January, he was a little off the bridle,” Hollberg said. “I’m so thrilled that he came in and won the dressage this time, and with the best score he’s ever earned. Then he jumped clear in the show jumping, and I knew he’d be amazing on cross-country. Once you get him in and out of the box, he’s on autopilot. He deserved this win completely.

“Tricia’s had him since he was 4, and I’m so grateful she reached out to me when it came time to sell him,” she continued. “I hope to find him a perfect little rider because he’s so ready for someone else to just have a blast riding around.”

Other division champions included Caroline Pamukcu of Riegelsville, PA, and her Billy Be Jolly in Open Training (24.3); Sierra Lesny of Camp Hill, PA, and Edith Rameika’s Sebastian in Training Rider (28.1); Lee Maher of Springtown, PA, and Redfield Farm’s Redfield Lennon in Open Novice (18.6); Peyton Brienza of Califon, NJ, and their The Brave Little Toaster in Novice Rider (27.2); Kylie Stangle and Janina Parmelee’s Redfield Mikke in Open Beginner Novice (25.5); and Savannah Gibbins of Califon, NJ, and her Kenzo De La Roque in Beginner Novice Rider (28.8).

In addition to Sunday’s cross-country, families also enjoyed the popular Peter Chesson Memorial Classic Car Show with nearly a century of eye-popping automobiles on display. Scott Sampson of Hampton, NJ, won the Peter Chesson Memorial Award for his 1968 Chevrolet Camaro.

“It’s the kind of car my father would’ve liked,” said Tim Chesson, Peter Chesson’s son. “It’s fast, looks good, makes a lot of noise and has a big engine. Congratulations to Scott, and thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s show.”

Scott Sampson and his 1968 Chevrolet Camaro earned the 2023 Peter Chesson Memorial Award. Shown here with the Chesson family. © Jamie Saults

Additional information on the Essex Horse Trials is available at www.EssexHorseTrials.org. Full results are available at EventEntries.com.

Proceeds from the 2023 Essex Horse Trials benefit the Greater Newark LifeCamp in nearby Pottersville, which provides an enriching day camp experience for approximately 300 Newark-area youths per day for six weeks during July and August.

Australia and China Earn Olympic Qualifications at Millstreet International

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 4, 2023 3:51 pm -

The Australian team that took the win and secured Olympic qualification along with 2nd placed China in the CCIO3*-L class at Millstreet International Horse Trials. Photo by Bit-Media.

Whoops of joy and relief erupted as Australia secured Olympic qualification by winning the CCIO3*-L at Millstreet International Horse Trials, County Cork. “Paris, here we come,” exclaimed team member Shenae Lowings, who also took individual honours with a classy clear show jumping round on the former racehorse Bold Venture.

“This has been the plan for a long time, so to do the job here is great and means that we can now work towards Paris and maybe going one better than in Tokyo,” explained 2021 team silver medallist Shane Rose, who had flown all the way from Australia to help the national effort.

China made history by qualifying for a team spot in second place and just managed to hold off a disappointed Japanese team by a mere 3.6 penalties. British-based Alex Hua Tian (fourth individually on Chicko) first rode at the Olympics in 2008 but, until now, he has been China’s sole representative.

His team mates Huadong Sun (eighth) and Yingfeng Bao (ninth) are both based in the Netherlands with trainer Martin Lips, and Ruiji Liang (17th) divides his time between Belgium and China and is chiefly a show jumper. “It’s worth saying just how much of a sacrifice they have all made, leaving their families behind to represent their country in eventing,” said Alex.

The FEI Nations Cup™, presented by Connolly’s Red Mills, also carries great significance because the leading country at the series conclusion in October will also secure an Olympic team place.

New Zealand has earned the Paris ticket already as world bronze medallists, and they won the Millstreet leg comfortably, rising to fourth on the FEI Nations Cup™ standings. World number one Tim Price headed the individual leaderboard with a superb all-round performance on Sue Benson’s Falco, beating Millstreet regular and British team member Kirsty Chabert on Classic Vl.

“We took this seriously because because the selectors were using Millstreet as a marker event and it’s good that we were able to show some consistency,” said Tim. “Falco is a cracking horse. He does everything because he wants to.”

Belgium moved a step nearer to Paris by finishing second at Millstreet; they are now the clear leaders in the 2023 FEI Nations Cup™with 270 points, 65 ahead of Italy and 85 ahead of the Netherlands.

“We are really going for the Olympic qualification,” explained Belgian team member Tine Magnus. “We’ll now be going to Strzegom [Poland] and we’re going to win it! This is our first time in Millstreet and it has been wonderful. The cross-country was great to ride – we’re not used to having such beautiful galloping tracks to ride.”

Ireland gained their first Nations Cup™ points when bouncing back into third place at Millstreet, thanks to great clear cross-country rounds from Joseph Murphy, who rose to third place individually on Calmaro, Sarah Ennis (Grantstown Jackson, 18th) and Ian Cassells (Millridge Atlantis, 23rd).

Breeder Michael Burke was present at Millstreet to see the Irish Sport Horse Coolparks Sarco, ridden by Britain’s Piggy March and owned by the Lamberts, win the Noel C. Duggan Engineering CCI4*-L with an excellent clear show jumping round. Gemma Stevens, the cross-country leader on Flash Cooley, hit one rail to drop a place to second. Camilla Speirs, fifth on the 10-year-old BT Angelo by Indoctro, was best of the Irish.

Britain’s Emily King scored her first win on Irish soil, in the Donagh Hickey Motors CCI3*-L on Stewart and Vicki Irlam’s Dutch-bred Jackpot, who was produced in Devon by former British international rider Polly Schwerdt.

“He’s a dude,” was how Emily described the nine-year-old. “He’s an athlete, but a bit green. This was his first long format competition and he’s never galloped for this long before. Like all the tracks here at Millstreet, it was properly tough and educational.”

Second was Italy’s Vittoria Panizzon on the similarly named DHI Jackpot and Robbie Kearns flew the Irish flag in third and fourth places on Chance Encounter and Pisco Sour.

Flora Harris led from start to finish in the Carr & Day & Martin CCI1*-Intro, taking the honours with Rochefort van de Vossenhoek.

The Duggan family’s Great Glens Arena has hosted 368 horses from 20 countries this weekend, not to mention two popular Discovery sections, and there has been a high completion rate across all 10 international classes.

“It’s been a great weekend of competition in amazing surroundings and we’d like to thank Millstreet and the Duggan family for putting on an amazing Olympic qualifier and Nations Cup™,” said Catrin Norinder, FEI Director of the Eventing and Olympic departments, who was present in Millstreet. “It was a truly competitive situation for the teams, and a unique opportunity for so many nations to come together.”

Caroline Pamukcu Claims First Victory to Kick Off 2023 Essex Horse Trials

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 4, 2023 10:44 am -

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake. Photo by AK Dragoo Photography.

The Essex Horse Trials returned to the historic Hamilton Farm, home of the USET Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ, on Saturday with a packed schedule of dressage and show jumping. Among the busy competitors in multiple divisions was Caroline Pamukcu of Riegelsville, PA, who piloted her 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding HSH Blake to top honors in the Advanced Combined Test.

Caroline Pamukcu HSH Blake. Photo by AK Dragoo Photography.

The Essex Horse Trials has become a tradition for families looking to spend an exciting and fun-filled weekend in their own backyard. Featuring some of the nation’s top riders with their Advanced and Intermediate horses competing in the thrilling sport of eventing, the two-day sportfest concludes Sunday with the exhilarating cross-country phase at historic Moorland Farm in Far Hills.

Pamukcu, 28, rode HSH Blake to an early lead in the Advanced Combined Test with a dressage score of 30.7, giving her one rail in hand over the 34.8 earned by Shannon Lilley of Kennett Square, PA, aboard Ideal HX, Alex Lilley’s 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, and Hannah Sue Hollberg of Kennett Square, PA, aboard Christa Schmidt’s 16-year-old Holsteiner gelding Capitol HIM. Pamukcu’s lead helped tremendously in the show jumping phase, as a dropped rail at the second fence didn’t keep her from claiming victory.

“I wasn’t coming here to win, but I knew he had a good dressage test and that we had a rail in hand,” Pamukcu said. “I wasn’t nervous going in today, and I didn’t do any of my normal prep work because I wanted to make it a bit more challenging for me and not such a big deal for him. We’re just using this as training before we hopefully win the gold medal in Poland later this month.”

Pamukcu and “Blake” are heading for the Nations Cup event in Strzegom, Poland, for their next competition, with their biggest goal to make the Pan American Games in October. After they competed in the Ocala CCI3*-L in April for their last required Games qualification, Blake had a few weeks to rest in the field, and this was his only third jump back.

“I think he’s really ready to rock and roll,” Pamukcu said. “He did the Arena Eventing at Devon last week, and then we set him up for this. At home, we do a lot of fitness work focusing on trot sets and long gallops, but this had been great for those final finishing touches before the rest of the season.

“Blake is only 8 and still young,” she added. “He did do the Young Horse Championships in France last year and finished in the Top 10, so he doesn’t mind the atmosphere too much, but any opportunity we have to get him exposed to more without putting too much stress on his legs is always great. The team and I brought 18 horses with us this weekend; it’s one of our most favorite venues.”

Hannah Sue Hollberg and Rockster. Photo by AK Dragoo Photography.

Lilley maintained second place with a fault-free round in show jumping, finishing on her dressage score of 34.8, while Hollberg’s rail at Fence #8 dropped her into fourth on 38.8. Taking third with 35.7 was Matthew Brown of Kennett Square, PA, aboard Shelley Onderdonk’s 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding Alderwood.

With her Billy Be Jolly and Cascadella 8, Pamukcu also finished 1-2 on her dressage scores of 24.3 and 25.5 (respectively) in the Open Training division, giving her the overnight lead going into Sunday’s cross-country phase.

“There aren’t a lot of places in this country to get this kind of atmosphere at a venue that’s so historic,” Pamukcu said. “You ride around here, and you almost pinch yourself because you know all the greats of eventing culture have been here before you. It’s just so cool. And I’m a huge fan of Chris Barnard; he’s such an amazing course designer. He’s fair in the stadium, but it’s always hard. For me, it was a no-brainer to compete here, and I’m looking forward to the cross-country tomorrow.”

Other overnight leaders include Erin Kanara of Cochranville, PA, and Claudia Schultze’s Windchase Lionstar in Open Intermediate (28.6); Hollberg and Tricia Arnold’s Rockster in Open Preliminary (27.3); Sierra Lesny of Camp Hill, PA, and Edith Rameika’s Sebastian in Training Rider (28.1); Lee Maher of Springtown, PA, and Redfield Farm’s Redfield Lennon in Open Novice (18.6); Peyton Brienza of Califon, NJ, and their The Brave Little Toaster tied with Ingrid Johnston of Whitehouse Station, NJ, and her Resplendence in Novice Rider (27.2); Kylie Stangle of Flemington, NJ, and Janina Parmelee’s Redfield Mikke in Open Beginner Novice (24.7); and Jenny Morris of Gladstone, NJ, and her Laugh Out Loud in Beginner Novice Rider (25.9).

Gemma Stevens Flashes into Millstreet Cross-Country Lead

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 3, 2023 5:45 pm -

Gemma Stevens and Flash Cooley lead the way after Cross Country in the Noel C. Duggan Engineering Ltd sponsored CCI4*-L. Photo by Bit-Media.

Cross-country time proved influential during a great day’s sport in glorious sunshine at the Millstreet International Horse Trials in County Cork and the Noel C. Duggan Engineering CCI4*-L now has a new leader in Gemma Stevens and Pru Dawes’ Flash Cooley.

The British pair flew around Mike Etherington-Smith’s superb course to finish only five seconds over the optimum time of 10 minutes 11 seconds, one of only five combinations to have time penalties in single figures.

The 11-year-old Flash Cooley, an Irish Sport Horse bred by Jim O’ Neill by CSF Mr Kroon out of an OBOS Quality mare, was third in the CCI4*-S at Millstreet last August and has been competing in jumping classes, which may come in handy as Gemma does not have a fence in hand in tomorrow’s final phase.

Piggy March is still in second place on Coolparks Sarco, but her dressage leader, the stallion Halo, triggered a frangible safety pin at fence 5, rails into water, and incurred 11 penalties. However, they are still in sixth place after a fine round.

Muzi Pottinger from New Zealand was the fastest of the section, just two seconds over time, and is now in fourth place on the aptly named Good Timing, flanked by two Japanese riders, Kazumo Tomoto (Vinci de la Vigne JRA) and Toshiyuki Tanaka (Swiper JRA) in third and fifth places respectively.

Tomorrow’s show jumping phase for the all-important CCIO3*-L, in which four nations are chasing two places at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024, is shaping up to be a tense affair.

The Australians, who fielded their big guns in the form of their Tokyo medallists Andrew Hoy, Kevin McNab and Shane Rose, have established a clear lead with their riders in first, third, fifth and seventh places; Shenae Lowings and and her brilliant galloping thoroughbred Bold Venture are still in the individual lead.

However, China has moved from fourth to second place with three clear rounds and is now a mere 6.9 penalties ahead of Japan in a contest which looks to run right to the wire.

There is little change to the leaderboard in the Nations Cup™ CCIO4*-S, presented by Connolly’s Red Mills, after the show jumping phase. New Zealand still leads the Netherlands and series leaders Belgium before the cross-country phase, while Great Britain has moved up to fourth ahead of Spain and Italy and Ireland has dropped to seventh.

Kiwi team member and world number one Tim Price holds the individual lead on Falco after the dressage leader Kevin McNab (Willunga) had the misfortune to take the wrong course and get eliminated.

The Eventing Ireland CCI2*-L saw a second victory this weekend for New Zealand’s Samantha Lissington, riding Quantas R, while Ireland’s Ted O’ Leary won the CCIJ2*-L on Master Swatch.

Tomorrow’s cross-country will start an hour later, at 9am, due to the potential for a foggy early morning.

Piggy March’s Halo is Shining at Millstreet

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 2, 2023 3:07 pm -

Piggy March and Halo lead the way after dressage in the CCI4*-L. Photo by Bit-Media.

Piggy March’s first visit to Ireland’s premier event, the Millstreet International Horse Trials in County Cork, is off to an excellent start as she holds the top two spots after dressage in the Noel C. Duggan Engineering Ltd CCI4*-L. She leads the 30-strong class on Jane McGivern’s beautiful grey stallion, Halo, with a score of 22.0, and is in second place with Jo and James Lambert’s Coolparks Sarco (on 23.2).

Piggy, a winner of Badminton in 2019 and Burghley last year, and her husband, Tom, run the March Stud in Northamptonshire where the Holsteiner stallion, bought from Australian Olympic medallist Kevin McNab last year, lives “a normal life outside”. She adds: “Kevin was great to buy from and gave us lots of advice but, to be honest, Halo is pretty straightforward as a stallion. He’s a very kind horse and has a great brain.”

Coolparks Sarco, an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse by Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan, was originally produced by Andrew Nicholson and won the young-horse CCI4*-S at Blenheim in 2021 with reigning European champion Nicola Wilson. Piggy took on the ride last year after Nicola was seriously injured in a fall at Badminton.

“Obviously the horse came to me in sad circumstances, but he is lovely and beautifully produced,” said Piggy. “Both horses have had slight niggles and I came here because I knew we’d be riding on surfaces and because I am a big fan of [designer] Mike Etherington-Smith’s courses. The track is very well built and fair and the horses should be able to understand the questions in front of them.”

Best Irish rider in the CCI4*-L is Badminton hero Austin O’Connor, currently 11th on Isazsa with a score of 31.0.

Australia and Japan, two nations urgently seeking Olympic team qualification, are currently in first and second positions in the CCIO3*-L, a crucial qualifier for the Olympic Games next year. The top two teams not already qualified will secure a place in Paris 2024.

New Zealand, which is already qualified thanks to a world team bronze medal last year, is third, ahead of China and South Africa.

Australia’s Shenae Lowings, 26, leads the individual standings with a score of 24.9 on Bold Venture, a horse she bought seven years ago off the racetrack. They won Werribee CCI4*-L last year and were members of the Australian squad at the world championships last year.

“He’s really exciting. It’s not often that you get a full thoroughbred that needs a bit of atmosphere in the dressage, but it is his big strength that he’s a bit of a show-off,” said Shenae, who is staying with team mate Kevin McNab in England.

The sole individual rider in the CCIO3*-L is Moroccan competitor Noor Slaoui, who is lying 15th on the Irish Sport Horse Summer Stardust. Noor was grew up in the city in Morocco, and loved horses, but only discovered eventing when driving past a horse trials on her way to university in England. She is now the sole representative of her country in the sport. “It’s been a steep learning curve, but I am loving it,” she said. “Paris would be the dream, but a lot will depend on what happens this year.”

Cross-country has been taking place today for the two-star classes over Paul Brady’s tracks, and it was a good afternoon for New Zealand’s Samantha Lissington who won the Horse Sport Ireland CCI2*-S for young horses on the six-year-old Dutch warmblood Mr Cookie Time and now leads the CCI2*-L with Quantas R after the first two phases. Ireland’s Gearoid Bolger and Into Mischief have retained their dressage lead to win the Junior class and Britain’s Emily Young-Jamieson riding Hildare Hermitage has won the Noel C. Duggan Hardware CCI2*-S.

H&C Announces Extensive 2023 Eventing Livestream Line-up

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 2, 2023 1:35 pm -

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS on the 4*-S cross country at Luhmühlen, which will be streamed in full on H&C TV this month. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Horse & Country, the leading international equestrian sports network, has unveiled its most extensive eventing livestream line-up for 2023. North American-based members of H&C’s streaming service, H&C+, will enjoy exclusive coverage from at least nine events, including two of the world’s eight CCI5* competitions.

The list of international events features several iconic venues and spans the United States, several countries in Europe, including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, and Australia. H&C will stream the cross-country phase from all events, and viewers will be treated to all three phases of competition from CCI5* events at Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials and Les 5 Étoiles de Pau.

“We are delighted that H&C continues to be known as the Home of Eventing, and we are dedicated to bringing another strong line-up of live coverage to our passionate audiences around the world, including our growing viewership in the United States. More news about additional eventing broadcasts and programming in 2023 will be coming soon,” commented H&C Director of Content Jonathan Rippon.

The current H&C livestream schedule includes:

June

• Bramham International Horse Trials CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S (GBR) – June 10

• GM Specialty Vehicles Melbourne International Three Day Event CCI4*-L (AUS) – June 11-12

• Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials CCI5*-L and CCI4*-S (GER) – June 14-18

July

• Burgham International Horse Trials CCI4*-S (GBR) – July 29-30

August

• Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing, Gatcombe (GBR) – August 5-6

• NAF Five Star Hartpury International Horse Trials CCI4* (GBR) – August 9-13

• MARS Great Meadow International CCI4* (The Plains, Virginia) – August 24-27

September

• The United States Eventing Association American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds (Lexington, Kentucky) – August 29-September 3

October

• Osberton Horse Trials CCI3*-L (GBR) – September 30-October 1

• Les 5 Étoiles de Pau CCI5*-L (FRA) – October 26-29

November

• Sydney International Three Day Event CCI4* (AUS) – November 11-12

In addition to top-notch live sport, H&C has extensive educational content for eventing fans. A Masterclass with U.S. Olympic eventer Lauren Nicholson was released on May 2, 2023. A Masterclass with notable international eventers Sydney Elliott (USA) and Kai Steffen-Meier (GER) and a Masterclass with Ariel Grald (USA) will both be available in the summer of 2023.

H&C+ members can watch online or with H&C’s mobile apps, as well as on Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire. With two annual membership options and a new pay-per-view offering, H&C+ Freestyle, there are even more ways to access H&C’s vast library of content. Full details on how to join can be found at horseandcountry.tv/select-plan.

US Equestrian Announces 2023 Eventing Elite and Pre-Elite Program Lists Updates

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 2, 2023 9:29 am -

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

US Equestrian is pleased to announce updates to the 2023 Eventing Elite and Pre-Elite Program Lists. The programs are part of the U.S. Eventing Pathway, which is focused on developing combinations to deliver sustainable success in team competition at the championship level. Learn more about the Eventing Pathway Programs here.

For the mid-year updates, Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C have moved up from the Pre-Elite Program to the Elite Program. Also, Jennie Saville (née Brannigan) and FE Lifestyle have been added to the Elite Program. View the updated Eventing Elite and Pre-Elite Program Lists below.

The following combinations have met the objective criteria for membership to the 2023 USEF Eventing Elite Program and are listed in alphabetical order:

•	Will Coleman (Gordonsville, Va.) and Off The Record, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Off The Record Syndicate
•	Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and Z, a 2008 Zangersheide gelding owned by Thomas Tierney, Suzanne Lazy, Caroline Moran, Ann Jones, Evie Dutton, and David and Patricia Vos
•	Ariel Grald (Southern Pines, N.C.) and Leamore Master Plan, a 2009 IrishSport Horse gelding owned by Annie Eldridge
•	Liz Halliday-Sharp (Lexington, Ky.) and Miks Master C, a 2012 Swedish Warmblood gelding owned by Deborah Palmer and Ocala Horse Properties, LLC
•	Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Fedarman B, a 2010 KWPN gelding owned by the Annie Goodwin Syndicate
•	Lauren Nicholson (The Plains, Va.) and Vermiculus, a 2007 Anglo-Arabian gelding owned by Jaqueline Mars
•	Doug Payne (Rougemont, N.C.) and Quantum Leap, a 2011 Rheinlander gelding owned by Doug and Jessica Payne
•	Jennie Saville (West Grove, Pa.) and FE Lifestyle, a 2010 Warmblood gelding owned by Nina and Timothy Gardner
•	Tamie Smith (Murrieta, Calif.) and Mai Baum, a 2006 German Sport Horse gelding owned by Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell; Danito, a 2009 Hanoverian gelding owned by Ruth Bley; and Solaguayre California, a 2011 Holsteiner mare owned by Julianne and David Guarigila

The following combinations have met the objective criteria for membership to the 2023 USEF Eventing Pre-Elite Program and are listed in alphabetical order:

•	Will Coleman (Gordonsville, Va.) and Chin Tonic HS, a 2012 Holsteiner gelding owned by Hyperion Stud, LLC; and Dondante, a 2010 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Team Rebecca, LLC
•	Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and Sea of Clouds, a 2011 Thoroughbred gelding owned by Sea of Clouds Partnership
•	Liz Halliday-Sharp (Lexington, Ky.) and Cooley Quicksilver, a 2011 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by The Monster Partnership
•	Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Tsetserleg TSF, a 2007 Trakehner gelding owned by Christine, Thomas, and Tommie Turner

Membership is reviewed twice annually, and combinations may be added on a rolling basis based upon the criteria specific to each program.

Millstreet, Day One: Top Price Puts New Zealand in the Lead

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jun 1, 2023 4:30 pm -

Tim Price and Falco lead the way after day one of dressage in the CCIO4*-S, presented by Connolly’s RED MILLS. Photo by Bit-Media.

World number one rider Tim Price has put the New Zealand team in a great position after the dressage phase in the Irish leg of the FEI Nations Cup™ series, held at Millstreet, County Cork, this weekend.

New Zealand heads the CCIO4*-S leaderboard of seven nations with a team score of 86.0 before Saturday’s showjumping phase. The three counting scores are from Tim Price (Falco, 24.6), Samantha Lissington (Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ, 30.3) and Clarke Johnstone (Menlo Park, 31.1), while fourth team member Jonelle Price is only a penalty behind on the diminutive McLaren.

The Prices and Clarke were members of the bronze-medal winning team at last year’s world championships, therefore New Zealand is not under pressure for Olympic qualification in the CCIO3*-L team competition starting tomorrow at Millstreet, in which the first two nations not already qualified will secure a team place at Paris 2024.

“We are taking it seriously, though, because we want to make a good showing,” said Tim. “The powers that be back at home in New Zealand will be watching this and we want to show them that we’re on track. We’re very glad that we have the good going in all three phases here at Millstreet in order to be able to demonstrate that.”

The Netherlands are in second place in the FEI Nations Cup™, presented by Connelly’s Red Mills, on a team score of 97.3, with Andrew Heffernan currently in third place individually on Gideon on 27.9 dressage penalties. Belgium, the country that heads the FEI Nations Cup leaderboard after two legs, are third on 99.2, with the very experienced combination of Karin Donckers and Fletcha van’t Verahof in second place individually on 26.6.

Ireland is in fourth place on 99.3, with Joseph Murphy and Calmaro the best placed in fourth individually with the excellent score of 30.1 from judges Anne-Marie Taylor (GBR), Jane Holderness-Roddam (GBR) and Vanda Stewart (IRL).

Tim Price and Falco, a 14-year-old Hannoverian gelding owned by Sue Benson, also won the individual bronze medal at the 2022 world championships at Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy. “He was a bit sprightly in the arena, but if you can catch him on the edge of his exuberance you get something special,” said Tim afterwards.

Equiratings, the Irish data analysts for eventing, actually rate Tim’s secondride tomorrow, Happy Boy, as the best horse in the CCI4*. Among the other highlighted horses are Fletcha van’t Verahof, McLaren, Camaro, Kirsty Chabert’s mare Classic Vl, a member of the fifth-placed British team and Australian rider Kevin McNab’s Willunga, who performs dressage tomorrow. Happy Boy is last to go tomorrow, at 7.30pm.

Burghley Names Spinal Injury Recovery Charity as Chosen Beneficiary for 2023

By US Equestrian Press Release on May 31, 2023 10:29 am -

Wills Oakden and Oughterard Cooley. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Defender Burghley Horse Trials (31 August-3 September 2023) has appointed Horatio’s Garden as its official charity for this year.

Horatio’s Garden, whose Main Avenue show garden won Best in Show and a much-coveted gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last week, nurtures the wellbeing of people after spinal injury in beautiful, accessible, restorative sanctuaries within the heart of NHS spinal injury centres. The charity’s gardens are vital places for reflection and adjustment for people facing these life-changing injuries and long stays in hospital, and have a profoundly positive impact for patients, their loved ones and NHS staff.

The charity is named after Horatio Chapple, who had the original idea to create a garden for patients with spinal injuries and their loved ones while volunteering at the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre in Salisbury during his school holidays. The first garden opened in 2012 and following its enormous success, a nationwide charity was henceforth formed with the mission to open a Horatio’s Garden in all 11 UK spinal injury centres.

The eighth Horatio’s Garden will open at The Princess Royal Spinal Injuries Centre Unit at Northern General Hospital in Sheffield in 2024, also designed by Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg of Harris Bugg Studio who created the charity’s award-winning show garden for the 2023 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Horatio’s Garden’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show installation, designed by Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg. Photo by Marianne Majerus.

Dr Olivia Chapple, Founder and Chair of Trustees at Horatio’s Garden, said: “We’re delighted to be chosen as this year’s charity partner of Burghley Horse Trials. It’s with the support of organisations like Burghley that we are able to continue our vital work to nurture wellbeing after spinal injury in beautiful, vibrant gardens in the heart of NHS spinal injury centres. We are really looking forward to working together on the partnership, which is well timed to coincide with our major appeal to open the eighth Horatio’s Garden. Located in Sheffield, it will support the whole region from the West Midlands to East Anglia, South Yorkshire to Lincolnshire.”

Defender Burghley Horse Trials Director Martyn Johnson said: “Rehabilitation after spinal injury is something all riders support, and Horatio’s Garden provides wonderful sanctuaries for patients to escape from the intensity of hospital life. We are so pleased to be able to support this very worthy charity and look forward to welcoming Horatio’s Garden to Burghley this year.”

Olympians and Pan-Am Medalists Lead a Growing List of International Entries for the MARS Bromont CCI

By US Equestrian Press Release on May 30, 2023 11:30 am -

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

With just hours until entries close, Bromont Horse Trials is excited to announce a few of the top local and international riders entered to compete at the MARS Bromont CCI taking place June 8-11, 2023 at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park.

Widely considered one of the most prestigious three-day events in North America, and the only Canadian event offering the penultimate CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S divisions of eventing competition, athletes will compete for $25,000 in prize money and awards offered by the generous sponsors of the MARS Bromont Three Day Event.

Local Olympian Colleen Loach (Dunham, QC) currently the highest-ranked Canadian eventer on the FEI Longines World Rankings list (58), 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 has entered Vermont in the CCI4*-S and FE Golden Eye in the CCI4*-L.

Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“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.

America’s Phillip Dutton (West Grove, PA) has competed in every Olympic Games since 1996, winning team gold with Australia in 1996 and 2000, and as a member of the U.S. team in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020, winning individual bronze at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. He has competed in seven FEI World Equestrian Games, representing the U.S. for the first time in 2006. He won team gold and individual silver at the 2007 Pan American Games and team gold at the 2015 Pan American Games.

“Bromont is always a good experience for the horses and supporters,” says Dutton. “[Bromont] has great international feel with atmosphere and top class arenas for dressage and showjumping. And it’s usually a very challenging cross-country course. I’m really looking forward to competing there this year.”

Canadian Olympian and multiple Pan-Am Medalist Jessica Phoenix of Cannington, ON, currently has four horses entered across multiple levels in the MARS Bromont CCI June 8-11. Pictured here with Wabbit from the FEI Nations Cup Eventing at Bromont, August 2022. © Cealy Tetley

Making it truly international are entries from Australians Ryan Wood and Hugh Wrigley, as well as Sweden’s Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis.

For the full list of current entries click here.

Often described as an equestrian triathlon, the Olympic sport of three-day eventing features three separate phases of competition where the same horse and rider pair complete each phase together over three days.

For the MARS Bromont CCI 2023, the opening phase, dressage, will be held over Thursday/Friday, the exciting and spectator-friendly cross-country will take place Saturday and the event will conclude Sunday with the show jumping phase, to determine the overall winners. Daily general admission is free with parking $15/car. The full schedule can be found here.

CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L and CCI2*-L divisions will be offered at this year’s June event as well as U25 sections in both two- and three-star levels. The MARS Bromont Rising educational program will also take place the week of the event.

Renowned course designer Derek DiGrazia (CA, USA), course designer for the Tokyo Olympics and some of the biggest three-day events in the world will be back at Bromont for 2023, to design the courses set amid the challenging terrain, with the help of Canada’s Jay Hambly.

The VHC Eventing Presented by Capital Square Wrap Up

By US Equestrian Press Release on May 29, 2023 3:30 pm -

Virginia Horse Center Eventing presented by Capital Square wrapped up yesterday after a fun-filled weekend of top competition. The Virginia Horse Center welcomed riders of all levels from Olympic to beginner eventers.

The course updates and world class officials made the inaugural VHC Eventing, presented by Capital Square memorable.

The entire VHC Eventing management team and the Virginia Horse Center appreciate all who competed at this weekend’s event, and look forward to welcoming you back in November!

Sydney Hagaman and her own Charmeur Victorious in the CCI3* S

Sydney Hagaman and Charmeur won the CCI3* S with a final score of 31.3. Photo by Brant Gamma.

Congratulations to Sydney Hagaman and her own Charmeur. The pair won the CCI3* S with a final score of 31.3.

Hagaman lives in Middleburg and is coached by Mike Pendleton. Charmeur is a ten-year-old German Sport Horse and Hagaman has owned him since he was four. “I had always had thoroughbreds and he is the first warmblood I’ve owned,” said Hagaman.

She continued, “He [Charmeur] was really good. He was super relaxed, really rideable and jumped well in show jumping. The cross country course rode really nicely and the way it was set was great. I really liked it. The new jumps were nice and despite the fact that we haven’t had any rain, you could definitely tell where the course had been aerated.

“That was the fastest I’ve ever gone in cross country. The whole course rode well and Charmeur felt really good,” she said.

“I was very happy to be here this weekend and a lot of the riders I spoke to felt the same way,” she said. “It’s a great facility and we’re happy to see the VHC continuing eventing here.”

Click here for full results.

Sydney Hagaman Proudly Shows off her awards provided by World Equestrian Brands

World Equestrian Brands provided a newly redesigned Vespucci figure 8 bridle and Vespucci rubber reins as prizes won by Sydney Hagaman.

World Equestrian Brands has been equipping equine athletes for over twenty years. World Equestrian Brands proudly represents Amerigo Saddles, E.A. Mattes Sheepskin products, Equilibrium Products leg protection and therapy items, Vespucci bridles and strap goods, and Sergio Grasso riding boots. Visit their website for more information.

Halliday-Sharp Takes Top Two Placings in CCI 2*L

Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and The Newmarket Syndicate’s Newmarket Cooley earned an overall score of 27.3, earning them the win in the 2* L. Halliday-Sharp also took home second place honors with Deborah Palmer’s Maybach for their overall score of 28.1.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and The Newmarket Syndicate’s Newmarket Cooley won the CCI2*L. Photo from the Virginia Horse Center.

Halliday-Sharp commented, “I really enjoy this event and I’ve come every year since 2020. It’s a great event for the young horses. These are both young horses doing their first 2* long. I honestly really love the big hill and it really teaches you a lot about them as horses and how they come out the next day. This was a great experience for them, and I think it will make them bigger and better horses in the future.”

Halliday-Sharp placed second overall in the CCI2*L with Deborah Palmer’s Maybach. Photo from the Virginia Horse Center.

In addition to the top two placings, Halliday-Sharp received a newly redesigned Vespucci figure 8 bridle and Vespucci rubber reins, generously donated by World Equestrian Brands as well as a Brant Gamma Photography gift certificate.

Ariel Grald Wins CCI 2* S with Claire Williams’ In Vogue

Ariel Grald and Claire Williams’ In Vogue won the CCI 2* S with an overall score of 28.8, narrowly beating second place Kim Severson and Anita Antenucci’s Arden JuJu’s score of 29.1.

Ariel Grald Wins CCI 2* S with Claire Williams’ In Vogue. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

“The pressure is on when Kim Severson is right behind you,” she laughed.

“Stella [In Vogue] belongs to a good friend, Claire Williams, who has been laid up recovering from a skiing accident. We sourced her from Ireland as a four-year-old. This was her final prep run before Bromont where I will be riding her in the 2* Long. We strategically picked Virginia to work on our gallops up the hills. My intention was not necessarily to make the time on cross country, but to focus on giving my horse a good prep run. But she really loves to gallop and despite my trying to slow her down a bit on the hills, her rideability and efficiency on the cross country course has her going faster than you actually think you are. And it turned out my watch wasn’t working correctly either,” she said.

Grald also earned a fourth placing with Annie Eldridge’s Adagio’s Nobility for their combined score of 33.8.

Grald commented, “Bringing Michel [Vaillancourt] in to design the show jumping course made a huge difference. The courses were well set and while we have some good designers in the US, we need to ride various tracks and it’s important to have the opportunity to ride different styles,“ she said.

“We all recognized the positive changes to the event and the future and the direction its headed in. The feel and vibe is very different and with this reinvigoration, it will be cool to see how the event develops,” she added.

For full results on the CCI2*S click here.

Grald also won the Advanced/Intermediate with Eldridge’s Forrest Gump 124 [Shrimp] and sixth with Edridge’s Caballe.

Grald also won the Advanced/Intermediate with Eldridge’s Forrest Gump 124 [Shrimp] and sixth with Edridge’s Caballe. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Grald said, “I came into the weekend wanting a little redemption because I fell off of him in the skinny ditch in the 4* Short in Tryon a few weeks ago. He [Shrimp] is heading to Bromont in the 4*Long and my aim was to have a good confidence weekend with him. I’ve only had him for about two years and this is a relatively new partnership for us. He can be a bit quirky so it’s important to keep him confident and trusting our partnership. He is very capable in all three phases, and this was a really good run for him and for us to get on the same page before Bromont.”

For full Advanced/Intermediate results, click here

Grald also won the Open Preliminary with Eldridge’s Cullintra End Game [aka Jasper] with an overall score of 38.5.

Grald commented, “This was Jasper’s Prelim debut. Annie and I bought him as a three year old from Ireland and I’ve been quietly producing him at home. He is the young one who gets put on the back burner sometimes when we’re busy with the upper level horses. He enjoys the job and finds it easy; eventing comes naturally to him. We’ve had a nice progressive run of events this spring with him. Jasper moved up to Prelim this weekend and we’re really happy with him. He is six and young and needs a lot of strength and overall development, but Annie and I are excited about him as an upper level prospect. His success this weekend just checks another box on this journey.”

For full results for the Open Preliminary, click here.

Marley Stone Bourke earned a first place finish with Benita Strini’s Superstorm Sandy with their overall score of 45.6. For all Open Intermediate results click here.

Claire Robinson and her own Fernhill Swatch Out won the Open Prelim One Day with an overall score of 33.1. For all Open Prelim One Day results click here.

Madeleine Richards aboard her own Global BGK was the overall winner in the CCI 1* L after earning an overall score of 33.8. The win marked Richards’ first FEI win and her first win on Global BGK.

Madison Richards and Global BGK in the CCI 1* L. Photo by Brant Gamma Photography.

Richards also placed third with her own The Turning Point.

Richards commented, “It was amazing to have been at the Virginia Horse Center this weekend. I haven’t been here for a while and hadn’t been here with these two horses before. I wasn’t sure how they were going to like it, but they were absolutely amazing. I’m not used to the hills here on the cross country course and I was initially a little nervous. But my horses just cruised, and we had no problems.”

Richards got Global BGK about a year ago. According to Richards, “Our relationship has been slowly growing and he’s a super horse and jumped so hard for me today. He’s been so great over the weekend and I’m really proud of him. He was so good and absolutely loved it.”

For complete CCI 1* L results click here.

Mary Cooke Catlett [Molly] drove directly from her graduation from Foxcroft to the Virginia Horse Center to compete her own Cooley Romance in the Prelim Rider Division and went on to win it with an overall score of 40.2.

Mary Cooke Catlett [Molly] drove directly from her graduation from Foxcroft to the Virginia Horse Center to compete her own Cooley Romance in the Prelim Rider Division and went on to win it with an overall score of 40.2. Photo from the Virginia Horse Center.

Molly, who will be attending the University of Virginia in the fall, commented “She’s a 17.3 big bay mare and she’s a total trooper. Even though she is very chunky, she is quick and takes really good care of me. I think she was born to be a ‘kids’ horse’ and while she does take care of me, she will also hold me accountable.”

Molly has been coming to the Virginia Horse Center for the last six years and said she did her first Novice and Modified here.

“It was great to compete here this weekend. The cross country course finally had a different loop, and the course used the terrain differently. I really liked it!” she said. “The ground was definitely better, and you could tell the grass had been aerated. The Horse Center has done a lot of work with the cross country course. We always used to know what to expect for cross country, but this time was different. The questions in the course were not so much about the jumps, but more about the terrain. It was consistent and I wasn’t worried. Overall, it was very refreshing,” she said.

Amber Mabus rode her own Mighty Grace to a blue-ribbon finish in the Novice Rider A Division earning an overall score of 30.6.

Amber Mabus rode her own Mighty Grace to a blue-ribbon finish in the Novice Rider A Division earning an overall score of 30.6. Photo from the Virginia Horse Center.

Mabus, a US veteran, did not start riding until she was older. Her horse Mighty Grace is an OTTB, and this is the first time the pair has competed away from their home in Southern Pines.

Mabus commented, “This is maybe our third or fourth recognized event and it was really cool to be able to come here. The Virginia Horse Center has such a nice atmosphere, and everyone is so nice. Even though we were away, we really felt at home here,” she said.

For complete results click here.

Laura Collett Takes TopSpec CCI4*-S Title at Bicton International

By US Equestrian Press Release on May 28, 2023 4:00 pm -

Laura Collett wins the TopSpec CCI4*-S with London 52.

Cross country rounded off with the time being extremely influential in the TopSpec CCI4*-S at Bicton International Horse Trials. Laura Collett held onto her lead throughout on London 52, as well as bagging third place on Dacapo.

“I’ve been really chuffed with London’s performance all week, he really is a dream horse to ride and the feel he gave me cross country is the best he ever has, he is totally on song and it’s just so nice to have him out at a big party. He’s been in really good form, so it was good to come and put it all together at an event. The cross country course was fantastic, it was the perfect preparation for Luhmühlen using the hills for a really good fitness run with lots of combinations. You had to get really stuck in and ride the distances and the lines, but he did it really easily. I really appreciate the team here putting on such a good show, they deserve to have all the entries and I will definitely be coming back next year.”

On his character, Laura comments about London 52, “he’s quite a shy horse in the stable, it’s his personal space, but the second he comes out of the stable he loves all of the attention, he’s a proper show off in front of a big crowd!”

Finn Healy and Treamble win the Chatham CCI3*YR-L.

This morning saw the final phase of competition for the Chatham CCI3*YR-L where overnight leader Finn Healy kept his cool for a clear round inside the time on Amy Hawley’s Treamble, affectionately known as Amble. Leading since his dressage test on Friday, 18-year-old Finn has shown his class throughout to be crowned Young Rider National Champion. The 10-year-old mare is sibling to Michael Owen’s second-placed Treworder in the Symonds & Sampson CCI3*-L here at Bicton.

“Amble’s been amazing all week. She did a really good dressage test for 24.3. Cross country was a tough track yesterday, Helen used the hills brilliantly and made it a good stamina test. Luckily, she’s full of blood and so ate the course up just a couple of seconds over the time. Today I didn’t have a fence in hand, it was very close up at the top, and she jumped incredibly well. When she came in the arena she lit up with the crowds, knew what she needed to do and I’m just over the moon with her.”

The mare was bought by Amy as a three-year-old from Preci Spark Event Horses and was produced by Amy until she was an eight-year-old, competing up to 2* level before being sent to James Avery to ride. Finn started working for Amy, riding three times a week and from there got the ride. “I’m incredibly grateful to Amy for the support, she’s done an amazing job producing Amble and she’s a very special horse.”

Winners of the Symonds & Sampson CCI3*-L are Gaspard Maksud with Chantilly Amatullah.

The second section to show jump this morning was the Symonds & Sampson CCI3*-L. Again, retaining their lead since the dressage, Gaspard Maksud and Chantilly Amatullah went on to jump clear to win on 25.3. The grey mare was, according to owners Jane Lom and Linda Charlton, actually bred to be an Intermediate Show horse, and was produced by Paul O’Shaughnessy in Ireland. Rumour has it, the semen from Tilly’s sire Abdullah was actually bought in a raffle! Nine-year-old Tilly has quite the support group – Jane and Linda are both very involved with Riding for the Disabled and are always being asked for event updates from the members about the much-loved mare since they bought her over six years ago.

Regarding his win Gaspard commented, “This is my first three-day win, you’ve got all of the top-class riders and horses here as well, so it really means a lot to win. I have only had the mare since March, but she really wants to please, she really tries. She’s such a nice mare, she just really does a good job, I am very happy with her.”

Phoebe Locke riding Renkumb Jitterbug are the winners of the Empire Coach Builders CCI2*-L.

The final section to finish for the day was the Empire Coach Builders CCI2*-L where Phoebe Locke took a late lead when overnight leader Kitty King, who was last to go, had the final fence down. Riding her own Renkumb Jitterbug, the Somerset born eventer has represented GB at five European championships, recently gaining the title of British and European under 21 champion.

The 16.2hh, seven-year-old gelding out of Trijntje by Baloubet Junior Z is part of Phoebe’s string of horses based on her yard in Wiltshire which she recently set up professionally, having previously had her horses on their family yard.

Phoebe actually started her equestrian career as a show jumper, but was quickly spotted to have plenty of talent as an eventer and has now made a great name for herself within the eventing world, having competed up to 4*.

On her win, Phoebe commented, “It was a little bit unexpected, he’s only seven years old and it’s the first time doing a long format, so I didn’t know how he would be today show jumping after cross country, but he dealt with it really well.” Phoebe remarks fondly about Renkumb Jitterbug “He’s very cuddly and likes lots of attention and treats.”

Wrapping up the week here at Bicton International Horse Trials, Event Director Andrew Fell said, “It was a fantastic week, some of the best top-quality sport in the UK – I think the biggest thing was how much the team worked together. Everyone was here to make it happen, we were blessed with the weather and I’m so proud of what we managed to pull off.”

Bicton International Links: Website, Scores, Live Stream Replays, EN’s Coverage

Leading Laura Ahead of the Rest in Bicton Arena CCI4*-S

By US Equestrian Press Release on May 27, 2023 2:30 pm -

Laura Collett rides London 52 during the Topspec CCI-S 4* Showjumping. 2023 GBR-Bicton International Horse Trial. Photo: Libby Law Photography.

Overnight leader of the TopSpec CCI4*-S Laura Collett and London 52 retain their leading position with 19.8 at Bicton International Horse Trials.

“I’m absolutely chuffed with London 52 and Dacapo. They both did really nice tests and jumped beautifully round the show jumping. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow, I think it’s a great track and hopefully it will set them up really nicely for Luhmühlen in a few weeks’ time,” said Laura.

In the last three years, out of 25 runs, this horse has only ever picked up cross country penalties on one occasion – at the Worlds in Pratoni. This makes the 14-year-old gelding the one to watch going into the final day of competition tomorrow.

Gaspard Maksud & Chantilly Amatullah retain leadership in the Symonds & Sampson CCI3*-L. Photo: Libby Law Photography.

Beaming as they came through the finish line, retaining the lead in the Symonds & Sampson CCI3*-L, Gaspard Maksud was thrilled with just 0.4 time penalties on Chantilly Amatullah. He remarks on his new partnership with this horse, “I haven’t had Tilly very long, so it is always a bit of an unknown, but she was very good, she tried very hard. When I asked her to get up at the last, she was still full of running which is brilliant.”

Originally from Laval, France, Gaspard began his riding career at the tender age of 11 and began his success by winning the French Junior championship at just 16 years old. The pair go into the final day of competition, show jumping tomorrow with one penalty in hand.

Finn Healy & Treamble lead the Chatham CCI3*YR-L. Photo: Libby Law Photography.

Another combination to keep the top spot going into show jumping is Finn Healy on Treamble in the CCI3*YR-L. The pair went clear jumping across country with just 0.8 time penalties. 18-year-old Finn has seen plenty of success so far in his career, winning team gold at the 2022 FEI European Junior Eventing Championships at Hartpury on Fathers Compromise and double gold at the 2019 FEI European Pony Championships at Strzegom on Midnight Dancer. The pair go into tomorrow with a margin of three penalties ahead of second placed Barnie Brotherton on DHI King Nelson.

Finn says, “I’m over the moon with her today, she was absolutely amazing, it was a really tough track. I thought that the undulations and the hills made it a really big stamina test as well as some really tricky questions, but she made it feel really effortless. She really showed her class – she loves the cross country phase, so she makes my life really easy. Tomorrow is a new day – we will focus on the trot up and then when the track is built, we will have a look. We are trying to take it all one step at a time and hopefully we will jump a good round.”

Kitty King & Ogue Verdi retake the lead in the Empire Coach Builders CCI2*-L. Photo: Libby Law Photography.

The CCI2*-L Empire Coach Builders is the only change in leadership for the day, where Kitty King and Ogue Verdi re-took the lead that they held on day one after their dressage, pushing yesterday’s post-dressage leader Dani Evans into second place. Kitty has represented Great Britain at the Olympics and is the first British event rider to have represented GB at Pony, Junior, Young Rider and Senior European Championships. Adding nothing to their dressage score of 27.6, the eight-year-old Irish grey gelding owned by Lindsay Caldwell and Sue Brendish made nothing of the Helen West designed cross country course today.

You can watch the CCI4*-S cross country finale Sunday (May 28) bright and early in the U.S. and live on ClipMyHorse.TV beginning at 6:00 a.m. EST / 11:00 a.m. BST. A subscription is required to watch this live stream.

Bicton International Links: Website, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage

Laura Collett and London 52 Lead Bicton CCI4*-S After Dressage

By US Equestrian Press Release on May 26, 2023 2:51 pm -

Laura Collett and London 52. Photo by Hannah Cole.

14-year-old 2022 Badminton winner London 52 and rider Laura Collett were the first to change up the leader board today, scoring 19.8 on the second day of dressage at Bicton International Horse Trials (25-28 May) in the TopSpec CCI4*-S. They now lead this first phase, which was held overnight by Oliver Townend and Swallow Springs, who competed at Badminton three weeks ago but did not complete cross country.

This was Laura’s second ride of the day, having scored 22.7 on Dacapo earlier on, who is now lying in fourth place after dressage in the same class. Dazzling in the Devon sunshine, London 52, known as Dan at home, put on a great performance and showed the value and experience of their nine-year partnership.

Overnight leader of the Symonds & Sampson CCI3*-L, Gaspard Maksud scored an impressive 24.9 yesterday with Chantilly Amatullah, retaining the lead at the end of the second day of dressage, heading into the cross-country tomorrow. Tilly, as the nine-year old is known, is a new ride for Gaspard, having only come together a couple of months ago. Out of Cusheen Beauty by Abdullah, the 15.2hh mare has shown great consistency in the jumping phases since starting her affiliated career in 2019 so is likely to be competitive this weekend.

Putting his stamp on proceedings, Finn Healy took the lead this afternoon in the Chatham CCI3*YR-L riding Amy Hawley’s 10-year-old mare Treamble. Standing at 17hh, the mare is bred by Preci Spark Event Horses out of Trevillet by Grafenstolz. Finn and his sister Ellie, who is also competing in the CCI3*YR-L at Bicton this week, make up Team Healy who are based over 200 miles away in Derbyshire. Finn took over the ride on this horse last summer, having previously been competed by owner Amy.

In the Empire Coach Builders CCI2*-L, overnight leader Kitty King was pipped to the post late in the day by Dani Evans riding Argentino BK. This 11-year-old Spanish gelding is a former rider of Andrew Nicholson’s with Bristol based Dani having taken the reins in the summer of 2020. Since then, the pair have had limited runs, but appear to be back with purpose scoring a competitive 27.1 in today’s dressage. In their most recent run at Cirencester Park in the ON in April, they placed fourth, setting them up nicely for a run here at Bicton.

Event Director, Andrew Fell and his team have been busy preparing the ground for the weekend, “The ground preparation for an event like this doesn’t start the day before, it starts months in advance. We’ve slit the course twice so far this winter, we’ve been putting manure and slurry on the course to really get the grass growth very good. Despite it being really wet this spring, we are lucky to be on sandy soil here which drains very well, so we are now looking to raise that moisture content in the top few inches to make the going really good for cross country this weekend.”

Show jumping for the TopSpec CCI4*-S will start at 1pm tomorrow and the cross country for the CCI2*-L, CCI3*-L and CCI3*YR-L from 9.30am. Tickets can still be purchased for the weekend via the Bicton Arena website.

Bicton International Links: Website, Live Scores, Live Stream, EN’s Coverage

Olympic Qualifiers and Record-Breaking Entries: How to Follow Millstreet International

By US Equestrian Press Release on May 24, 2023 11:30 am -

Kevin McNab, winner of the CCI4*-S in 2021 with Scuderia 1918 A Best Friend, is one of those making a return visit to Millstreet. Photo by Big-Media.

Millstreet in Co. Cork is set to be Ireland’s most international horse trials on record with entries received from a remarkable 20 nations. Eight are able to field teams in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ and six in the CCIO3*-L, which is also an Olympic qualifier for nations in Africa, the Middle East, South-East Asia and Oceania.

On June 1-4, the Duggan family’s magnificent Great Glens Arena in Millstreet will host the third leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™, run at CCI4*-S level, in which the current leaders are Belgium, following a win at Montelibretti, Italy, and third place at Chatsworth, Great Britain. Australia, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain will also be represented, which should ensure a thrilling competition.

Six teams will contest the crucial CCIO3*-L: Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa and Thailand. Australia, winners of multiple team gold medals but so far not qualified for the Paris Olympic Games in 2024, is taking no chances, fielding the Tokyo silver medal trio of Andrew Hoy, Shane Rose and Millstreet regular Kevin McNab.

New Zealand, who are qualified as the world bronze medallists, have two members from that 2022 team, world number two Jonelle Price and Clarke Johnstone, and the South African squad includes Cork-based Storm O’Connor, sister-in-law of top Irish rider Austin O’Connor who was recently a brilliant third at Badminton and who has a ride in the CCI4*-L class.

More than 350 horses will be on site, including those for the national four and five-year-old Eventing Discovery classes, which are a showpiece for Irish breeding, and other nations represented include Brazil, Denmark, France, Germany, Morocco, Norway, Sweden and the USA.

“We are overwhelmed and delighted that so many international riders are coming to Millstreet,” says Event Director Thomas Duggan. “There should be some really exciting competition and some fantastic horses. Who knows? We may be seeing the future gold medallists at Paris in action.”

Millstreet has previously hosted Young Rider, Junior and Pony European Championships, plus an FEI Nations Cup and an Event Rider Masters competition.

The Duggan family have long been steeped in the Irish equestrian world, producing top-class competition horses and hosting international competitions. They are currently providing accommodation for more than 300 Ukrainian refugees.

To follow the competition, which takes place June 1—4, you can tune into the FEI’s YouTube channel, which will broadcast the CCIO4*-S Nations Cup cross-country, or click here for live scoring across the classes.

Poland Secure Their Place at Paris 2024

By US Equestrian Press Release on May 22, 2023 10:00 am -

Team Poland under the direction of Germany’s Andreas Dibowski took first place at the Group C FEI Designated Olympic Qualifier for Eventing at Baborówko (POL) this weekend, in a battle between three Central European nations seeking team qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Team Poland secures a slot for the 2024 Olympic Games after winning the FEI Eventing Olympic Qualifier – Group C Baborowko (POL). Photo by FEI.

With only one Team quota place on offer at this qualifying event, it was a disappointment for the teams from the Czech Republic and Hungary, who finished in second and third place respectively, after three days of exhilarating competition in the bucolic countryside near Poznań.

Poland were the favourites heading into the weekend’s competition, having been victorious at the same venue in 2019 to secure a place on the start list at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where they finished in 13th place. After Friday’s Dressage phase, Poland were indeed in the driver’s seat, leading Hungary by nearly 10 total points. Polish athlete Pawel Warszawski led the field on a score of 29.7 points with Lucinda Ex Ani 4. He was helped out by teammates Jan Kiminski (Jard), Wiktoria Knap (Quintus 134), and Malgorzata Korycka (Canvalencia), who finished second, fourth, and eighth, respectively.

Poland’s dominance was cemented in the cross country on Saturday, where they again finished first, this time on Marcin Konarski’s 5,700-metre course, which had an optimum time of 10 minutes. Riding last for the Polish team, Warszawksi had the confidence of knowing that all three athletes before him had gone clear and finished with 16.4 time penalties and no obstacle penalties. Kaminski snagged just 1.2 time penalties, and Korycka added 6.4. Knap happily ended the day on her Dressage score, crossing the beam with one second to spare on the clock.

Malgorzata Korycka (POL) & Quintus 134 – Baborowko Eventing – CCIO4* – Olympic qualifier for Group C. Photo by FEI.

Whilst Hungary still hoped to overtake Poland in the cross country phase, with a reasonable difference between the two teams after Dressage, they soon found their team unravelling. Only Imre Tóth finished the course, riding clear aboard Zypresse 8 but picking up 8 time penalties. Noémi Viola Doerfer and Crystal Barney were eliminated after a fall – the result of misjudging strides between two elements of a combination – and Balázs Kaizinger elected to retire on the course with Clover 15.

Of Saturday’s performance, Jan Kaminski, who took over the leaderboard individually in the qualifying class, said: “I knew I had to make it to the end for the country.”

In the Jumping round on Sunday, the track created by course designer Szymon Tarant helped Team Poland put a bow on their win. All four Polish riders completed the course, adding only 9.2 total points to their overall team score. With a fence in hand and room for a few seconds on the clock, Jan Kaminski held onto his first-place position, joined on the podium by teammate Malgorzata Korycka in third, with their compatriot Mateusz Kiempa taking home the individual silver medal. The Czech Republic finished second overall on 1,158.8 points to Poland’s 129.9, Matej Sukdolak (Quaid) and Miroslav Trunda (Trnka Ruf) taking eighth and ninth. Hungary ended in third place on 2,117.9 points.

Talking of Poland’s win, Chef d’Equipe Andreas Dibowski said:

“It was a result from very good team spirit and teamwork. The first thing I told the riders was we needed safe rounds, and it would be okay to take some time penalties” – Andreas Dibowski (POL)

POL – Kaminski – Korycka – Knap – Warszawski – Baborowko Eventing – CCIO4* – Olympic qualifier for Group C. Photo by FEI.

There are 16 Team slots on offer for Eventing at Paris 2024, including one for host nation France. That makes competition fierce for remaining places, with Poland now taking the ninth team slot, since Germany (2022 world champions at Herning), the USA, New Zealand, Great Britain (2020 Tokyo champions), Ireland, Sweden, and Switzerland claimed seven of those 16 as the highest ranked teams at the 2022 FEI Eventing World Championship at Pratoni del Vivaro (ITA).

The FEI Designated Olympic Qualification Event at Millstreet, Ireland in June for Groups F & G (Africa, Middle East, South East Asia and Oceania) will select two more teams from the highest placed finishers who have not yet qualified, as will the FEI Eventing European Championship at Pin du Haras, France this August and the 2023 Pan American Games at Santiago, Chile in October. The last chance to earn a single Team slot to Paris 2024 will be the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Series, which wraps up at Boekelo in the Netherlands in autumn.

Along with the British defending champions and France, who were awarded the Team bronze medal in Eventing at Tokyo, the Australians — who won silver — will surely be eager to make the roster. Of the teams who finished in the top 10 in Japan, Italy (seventh) and the People’s Republic of China (ninth) have also yet to qualify.

All is not lost for athletes whose teams don’t ultimately qualify to compete at the Château de Versailles next year. In addition to the 16 Team spots (48 athletes), there are 17 Individual quota places to be allocated across multiple Olympic groups. Final places will be determined in 2024 and will be announced by the FEI once they have been confirmed.

Full results here

For more information on qualification systems, qualfiying and MER events & qualified nations, visit the FEI Paris 2024 Olympic hub.

For any questions, please contact [email protected]

Nicola Wilson Named to UK Sport’s New Coaching in High Performance Sport Development Program

By US Equestrian Press Release on May 21, 2023 9:30 am -

Another super day of Young Eventer Pathway training last week, this time focusing on the cross-country phase with European Champion Nicola Wilson Equestrian 🙌

Posted by Wesko Equestrian Foundation on Tuesday, April 25, 2023

UK Sport has recently confirmed the first cohort of a new coach development programme, Coaching in High-Performance Sport (CiHPS), supporting 27 coaches across 21 sports and British Equestrian is delighted to announce Nicola Wilson is among the talented and inspirational coaches named.

The CiHPS programme features already world title holding coaches, with British Curling coach Michael Goodfellow supporting Team Mouat’s Gold medal at the Curling World Championships. Likewise, Joshua Richardson supported Jessica Gadirova to win three gold medals at the European Gymnastics Championships in Turkey earlier this month.

Hannah Brown from para-canoeing, Nicola Benavente from Para Rowing and Michelle Forrest (Greenall) from climbing were part of UK Sport’s female coaches leadership programme. Including Michelle Flemings who has had great success of recently, supporting Georgia-Mea Fenton, who was part of the British Artistic gymnastics gold medal-winning team at the European Gymnastics Championships.

The design and structure of CiHPS builds on the learning and feedback gathered from coaches and the sports who participated in the High-Performance Coach Apprenticeship Programme (HiCAP).

Nicola said: “I am delighted to be part of the Coaching in High-Performance Sport programme and am really looking forward to challenging myself to learn more about my coaching craft through the workshops, interaction with other elite coaches from across multiple Olympic and Paralympic sports, and working with our assigned coach developers. I am certainly being taken out of my comfort zone and am so grateful to British Equestrian for putting me forward to be given this opportunity as I transition from Podium athlete to coach. I look forward to implementing into my coaching what I learn and see. It will be invaluable to be part of a coaching network across sporting disciplines.”

Beginning in April, the programme will have a particular focus on supporting coaches’ learning & development, whilst being mindful of a very busy and demanding qualification phase on the journey towards Paris. The 12 month programme will include a combination of online and in-person sessions over the course of the year.

Many of the coaches on the programme have recently progressed to coaching within Podium environments. A central strand of CiHPS is 1 to 1 support from a Coach Developer, many of whom have recently completed (or are currently participating) in the sister Supporting Coaching in High-Performance Sport programme. Other learning design elements include workshops, cross-sport environment visits and a regular community of practice to provide a supportive social network.

Aligned with the Coaching in High-Performance Sport professional standard (CIMSPA), the CiHPS programme sits alongside UK Sport’s wider suite of coaching development programmes, which in total support more than 140 coaches, Coach Developers and other staff working across the high-performance sport community.

The first workshop was held at the Etihad Stadium at the beginning of May and very deliberately explored the theme of coach well-being, care and support – a strand that will run throughout the programme.

Andy Bradshaw, programme lead and Coach Developer to two coaches on CiHPS said:

“We are absolutely delighted to be working with our first Coaching in High-Performance Sport cohort and to be supporting 27 brilliant coaches to progress further, develop new knowledge and skills and generate a supportive community for each other.

“At UK Sport we are committed to working with National Governing Bodies and coaches to develop an expert high-performance coaching community to power success now and into the future so that we continue to win and win well, grow a thriving sporting system and inspire positive change.”

The full list of coaches:

Julia Quinn, Badminton
Lauren Kianchehr, Boccia
Phil Sellers, Boxing
Luke Smyth, Canoeing
Hannah Brown, Para Canoeing
Michelle Forrest (Greenall), Climbing
Liam Briddon, Climbing
Greg Drummond, Curling
Michael Goodfellow, Curling
Kaarle McCulloch, Cycling
David Daniell, Para Cycling
Andrew Pink, Para Cycling
Nicola Wilson, Equestrian
Richard Kruse, Fencing
Glen Golding, Wheelchair Fencing
Joshua Richardson, Gymnastics
Michelle Flemings, Gymnastics
Jody Paul, Hockey
Russell North, Mod Pentathlon
Michal Janka, Mod Pentathlon
Ben Richens, Para Powerlifting
Nicola Benavente, Para Rowing
Benji Fulker, Skeleton
Paul Bell, Squash
Mathew Trodden, Swimming
Kevin Brooks, Swimming
Gary Short, Trampolining

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