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Olympic Spots, Top Competitors, and More: All You Need to Know About the Baborówko Equestrian Festival

By on May 19, 2023 1:24 pm -

Photo courtesy of Baborowko Equestrian Centre.

The international Eventing Competition at the Baborówko Equestrian Center has just begun. The fifteenth edition of the Baborówko Equestrian Festival has once again attracted the best riders from around the world – the start lists include names such as Michael Jung and Ingrid Klimke (Olympic gold medalists), but also the best Polish riders: Joanna Pawlak, Pawel Warszawski and Jan Kaminski. Seven competitions will be held during the event, including Paris 2024 FEI Olympic Qualification Event for Eventing – Group C.

In the fifteenth edition of the Equestrian Festival Baborówko, 260 pairs from 18 countries (including Switzerland, Germany, France, Finland and Italy) are competing for a prize pool of half a million zlotys. The CCI4*-S competition – whhich prize pool reaches 320,000 zlotys – will feature, among others, last year’s winner Felix Vogg, who this year scored a rise in the world ranking to 16th place. Just behind him, in 17th place, is Michael Jung, who, together with his gelding Kilcandra Ocean Power, will fight for a rematch in the same competition.

Photo courtesy of Baborowko Equestrian Festival.

Polish, Czech and Hungarian riders and fans are primarily focused on the CCIO4*-L competition, in which they will fight for participation in the Olympic Games. Polish National Team coach Andreas Dibowski will not select the national team lineup until Thursday’s review, but the entire team is already motivated to fight together and support each other. The Polish team’s achievements so far are cause for optimism for a repeat of the 2019 success, when Poland won a team qualification for the Tokyo Olympics for the first time in 16 years.

“The whole team has been preparing hard for this competition, so we believe that we will be able to achieve our goal, which is undoubtedly to qualify for the Olympic Games. We have a number of national team training camps behind us, which have helped us prepare as well as possible for this year’s season. The support of the fans is also important, so we encourage you to come to the Baborówko Equestrian Festival and watch the live streaming,” says a representative of the Baborówko Equestrian Association and member of the Polish National Team, Pawel Warszawski.

Although it is only the first day of the competition, the excitement of the sport is already at its highest level. Live streaming is available on the organizer’s website and Facebook profile (Baborówko Equestrian).

US Equestrian Announces Land Rover U.S. Eventing Squad for 2023 CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S

By on May 15, 2023 5:30 pm -

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Squad for the CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S at CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany, from June 30 – July 1, 2023. The squad will be led by Chef d’Equipe Robert Costello. From the squad, the four-combination Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team and individual combination will be announced closer to the event.

The following combinations have been selected to represent the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Squad 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.

Chin Tonic HS, a 2012 Holsteiner gelding owned by Hyperion Stud, LLC, will be Coleman’s direct reserve horse.

• Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and Z, 2008 Zangersheide gelding owned by Thomas A. Tierney, Suzanne Lacy, Caroline Moran, Ann Jones, Evie Dutton, Patricia Vos, and David Vos.

• Ariel Grald (Southern Pines, N.C.) and Leamore Master Plan, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Annie Eldridge.

• Liz Halliday-Sharp (Lexington, Ky.) and Miks Master C, 2012 Swedish Warmblood gelding owned by Ocala Horse Properties, LLC and Deborah Palmer.

• Tamie Smith (Murrieta, Calif.) and Mai Baum, a 2006 German Sporthorse gelding owned by Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell.

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 | Entries and results

Great Britain – and Ros Canter – Lead the Way in Chatsworth Nations Cup Dressage

By on May 12, 2023 2:00 pm -

Poetry in Motion: British team member Rosalind Canter and Izilot DHI scored 18 in the dressage to head the individual leade rboard in CCI4* Section G at Chatsworth International Horse Trials, sponsored by Delarki. Photo by Libby Law/Chatsworth International Horse Trials.

Great Britain leads the FEI Nations Cup team competition after the dressage phase at the Chatsworth International Horse Trials, sponsored by Delarki.

The British quartet of reigning world champion Yasmin Ingham, former World Champion and Badminton winner Rosalind Canter, Bubby Upton and David Doel have a 6.5-penalty lead over the French squad, which includes dual European champion and Olympic gold medallist Nicolas Touzaint, who is in individual fourth place.

 Belgium is third of the seven teams, followed by Italy, Netherlands, USA, Spain and New Zealand. Chatsworth is the second leg of the prestigious FEI Nations Cup series of team competitions which culminates in a final in Boekelo, the Netherlands, in October.

 Ros Canter also heads the individual leader board in CCI4*-S Section G with the outstanding score of 18 on her team horse, Izilot DHI, a 10-year-old, Dutch-bred bay gelding. “This was real dressage,” exclaimed Ros afterwards. “Izilot has really come into his own this season.

 “His ability was never in doubt — he’s a fantastic horse — but he is not straightforward at home and can be spooky. However, he has a good brain for the arena and we managed to get some real training in over the winter. As a result he is more rideable and is more on my terms.”

 Another British combination, Mollie Summerland and Charly Van Ter Heiden, winners of the German CCI5*-L at Luhmuhlen in 2021, are renowned for their prowess in the dressage arena and they are less than a penalty in arrears of Ros, on the brilliant score of 18.9.

 France’s Stephane Landois is third on Chaman Dumontceau on a score of 22.8.

 In an alteration to the timetable, the show jumping and cross-country phases for CCI4*-S Section G and the FEI Nations Cup will take place tomorrow (Saturday, May 13), with show jumping starting at 8am and cross-country from 12 noon.

 The jumping phases for CCI4*-S Section H, which is currently led by Caroline Harris and D Day on a score of 26.0, and the advanced class will take place on Sunday, May 14.

 For up-to-date scoring and start times, visit www.eventingscores.co.uk

 In addition to the eventing action, there are more than 80 tradestands and great family entertainment including the Yorkshire Countryman, dog agility, the Sheep Show, scurry driving, Pony Club jumping and a children’s entertainment zone.

The 2023 European Eventing Championships in Numbers

By on May 11, 2023 2:06 pm -

The all-female British team who took gold at Avenches in 2021 — plus individual bronze medallist Sarah Bullimore — embark on their lap of honour after a clean sweep of the medals at the European Championships. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We’re officially just ninety days away from this year’s European Eventing Championships, which heads to the north of France and the impressive Haras du Pin stud. With a course designed by Paris 2024 designer Pierre le Gouptil and two Olympic berths on the line, it’s set to be hot, hot, hot – so let’s take a closer look at some of the finer points of the competition, set to run from August 9–13.

36: The Haras National du Pin is hosting the 36th edition of the FEl Eventing European Championship. This is the fourth time the competition has been held in France, after a first in 1969, already at the Haras du Pin, then in 2001 in Pau and finally in 2009 in Fontainebleau. Great Britain holds the record for organizing the event with 11 times on its ground. Germany follows with 7 events.

54: The number of years since the first FEI Eventing European Championship at the Haras du Pin, in 1969. At that time, Great Britain won the team competition ahead of the Soviet Union and West Germany. God Save the Queen was also played in individual competition thanks to Mary Gordon Watson on Cornishman.

1995: The year of creation of Ustica, the organizing association of this FEl Eventing European Championship. Chaired by Valérie Moulin, Ustica has for many years demonstrated its know-how in the organisation of international events, notably the French leg of the FEl Eventing Nations Cup. In 2021 the association celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Grand Complet, a major event in the international calendar.

300: The number of French and European volunteers of all ages mobilised this summer for the FEl Eventing European Championship supported by many public and private partners.

80 & 20: Approximately 80 couples will compete in Normandy with the hope of succeeding the British Nicola Wilson, crowned in 2021 in Avenches (Switzerland) with JL Dublin, ahead of her compatriots Piggy March (Brookfield Innocent) and Sarah Bullimore (Corouet). Riders will represent about 20 nations. By team, Great Britain will defend the title acquired two years ago in front of Germany and Sweden.

2: The nations that will leave the FEl Eventing European Championship with their Olympic qualification. Six European countries are already qualified for the Paris Olympic Games (France, host country, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Sweden and Switzerland). The two best nations (Northern Europe and Southern Europe zones) of the FEl Eventing European Championship, excluding countries already qualified, will therefore win their ticket to Paris 2024 in Normandy.

3: Different tests. Pairs will have to perform a dressage test, a cross-country test and finally a show jumping test. A real equestrian triathlon requiring new qualities each day such as sublety, endurance, speed and dexterity.

30: The number of cross-country fences and 41 efforts. Pierre Le Goupil, course designer for the next Olympic Games in Paris in 2024 as well as for the Panamerican Games in Quillota (CHI) in October 2023, has taken advantage of all the particularities of the Haras National du Pin ground to create a selective course of approximately 6,000 metres while preserving the integrity of horses and riders. The competitors will have to overcome a series of difficulties, including fords, up-hills, downhills, ditches, trunks and directional obstacles.

570: The average speed in metres per minute that the pairs will have to maintain on the cross-country test if they want to finish within the time allowed.

30,000: Spectators expected on the four days of competition. Saturday, August 12 will be the busiest day with the traditional and always spectacular cross-country test held at the heart of the Haras National du Pin within a 50 hectares park.

6: The most advantageous entry fee (in €) for the FEI European Eventing Championships (horse inspection followed by the opening ceremony on Wednesday 9 August). The ticketing service offers multiple possibilities with, in addition to the daily tickets, numerous packages and formulas. In order to facilitate access to the competition venue, a system of paying parking lots, accessible only on presale, has been set up.

11: European medals won by Michael Jung, who remains the greatest medals winner in eventing. At the European level, the German has already won three individual titles (2011, 2013 and 2015), two silver medals (2017 and 2019) and one bronze (2009). In team competition, he won four gold medals (2011, 2013, 2015 and 2019) and one silver (2021).

87: The medals won by Great Britain in individual and team competition since the first edition of the FEI Eventing European Championship: 42 gold (23 in team competition), 26 silver and 19 bronze. The record, far ahead of Germany (42 medals including 12 gold) and. France (22 medals including 3 gold, individually, thanks to Jean-Lou Bigot in 1993 with Twist La Beige, and Nicolas Touzaint in 2003 and 2007 with Galan de Sauvagère).

The box office is open for the 2023 European Eventing Championships at Haras du Pin, taking place from August 9–13. Click here to get yours! 

MARS Bromont Rising U25 Grant Recipients Announced for MARS Bromont CCI

By on May 10, 2023 2:41 pm -

MARS Bromont Rising grant recipient Maddie Hale and Cinzano 87 competing at Bromont in 2022. Photo by Cealy Tetley.

The MARS Bromont Rising U25 scholarship program, administered by the USEA Foundation, is pleased to announce the first recipients of this year’s grant funding for riders aiming to compete in the MARS Bromont CCI (Quebec, Canada) taking place June 7-11, 2023. Each will receive $2,500 toward their travel and competition costs, and participate in an extensive educational program during the event.

The brainchild of Bromont organizer Sue Ockendon and the late Steve Blauner; the scholarship program was first offered in 2019 for riders competing at Bromont and at the time Ocala, and was expanded to include Galway Downs in 2022.

Highlighting this year’s program is the return of three-time German Olympic team member Bettina Hoy, as a guest coach for 2023. Hoy will be coaching athletes on dressage days as well as providing course walks for cross-country and show jumping.

The recipients are:

Lea Adams-Blackmore (Summit Point, WV) with Frostbite

Elle Choate (Clemson, SC) with Paddrick

Maya Clarkson (Santa Cruz, CA) with Maks Mojo C

Jack Curtis (Chester County, PA) with Luska Candy Clover

Sam Curtis (Chester County, PA) with Blyths Centurion FE

Samantha Homeyer (Markham, VA) with Final Notice

Cassandra Leblanc (Quebec City, QC) with Riffel

Caitlin O’Roark (Centerville, VA) with What The Devil

Nadia Sabot (Uxbridge, ON) with Neverquitdreaming

Sara Schulman (Purcellville, VA) with Cooley Chromatic

Program director, Olympian and FEI 5* Eventing judge, Peter Gray also acts as a clinician at each event, including his “centreline sessions” on how to make the most of your warm-up and exactly what the judges are looking for movement by movement.

Upon releasing the names Gray commented: “I was thrilled to receive so many top tier applications from athletes around North America; this emerging group of talent is the future of our sport! There is such a fantastic international atmosphere at Bromont and with world class coaching from Bettina Hoy, it should be a memorable weekend! Thank you to Dr. Mark Hard and Carol Kozlowski for joining me on the review committee to select funding recipients.”

A second round of funding continues for those looking to compete at Galway Downs (California, USA) in November — applications are open through September 1, 2023.

Canadian and US U25 riders competing at any level of FEI competition offered are eligible to apply.

Galway Downs International 3-day Event November 1-5, 2023 CCI4*L, CCI3*L, CCI2*L

https://galwaydowns.net/

APPLICATION DEADLINE SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

For more information on the MARS Bromont Rising program visit www.bromontcci.com

USEF Eventing National Championship Dates and Locations Announced

By on May 5, 2023 1:50 pm -

Taren Hoffos and Regalla at Galway Downs. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the host locations and dates for the USEF Eventing National Championships taking place in the fall of 2023. The new USEF/USEA Developing Horse National Championships (CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S) will take place at the Stable View Oktoberfest Horse Trials in Aiken, S.C., September 29-October 1, 2023. The USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship will return to the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill in Elkton, Md., October 18-22, 2023. The USEF CCI2*-L Eventing National Championship and USEF CCI4*-L Eventing National Championship as well as the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships (CCI1*, CCI2*-L, CCI3*-L) will take place at the Galway Downs International Horse Trials in Temecula, Calif., November 1-5, 2023.

The USEF/USEA Developing Horse National Championships (CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S) are new for 2023. These championships are the first step in the creation of a USEF Developing Horse Program, which has the ultimate goal of talent identification, cultivation, and guidance for potential team horses. In addition to the USEF/USEA Developing Horse National Championships, the Stable View Oktoberfest Horse Trials will host divisions from Beginner Novice to CCI4*-S.

“Stable View is honored to be associated with this new initiative and is happy that its Oktoberfest event has been chosen for the inaugural 2023 USEF/USEA Developing Horse National Championships,” said Molly Bull, event organizer of the Stable View Oktoberfest Horse Trials.

 

The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill made its debut in 2021 and will host the USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship for the third year alongside its CCI5*-L.

“On behalf of the Maryland 5 Star Event Committee, an affiliate of the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland, and our competition partner Fair Hill International, we are honored and thankful to be selected to host the USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship as part of the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory,” said Jeff Newman, President & CEO of the Maryland 5 Star Event Committee. “It’s truly an honor to feature the highest caliber of eventing competition simultaneously across multiple levels at Fair Hill here in Cecil County, Maryland including the prestigious CCI5*-L, CCI3*-L and USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships. We look forward to seeing equestrian fans from all around the world this October.”

In addition to the USEF CCI2*-L Eventing National Championship, USEF CCI4*-L Eventing National Championship, and USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships, Galway Downs International Horse Trials will host divisions from Beginner Novice to CCI4*-L.

“We are grateful for the championship honors brought to Galway Downs by US Equestrian,” said Robert Kellerhouse, event organizer at the Galway Downs International Horse Trials. “We haven’t applied for these championships until this year because we know our venue is now in a very good position to honor our equestrian athletes—the CCI2*-L and CCI4*-L riders and the Eventing Young Riders—who are all aiming for this prestigious competition that will be taking place in November. We invite everyone to come see what Galway Downs has to offer, and thank you to the sport for bringing these competitions to us.”

Find out more about the USEF Eventing National Championships and the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships.

Learn from a Legend: Ingrid Klimke’s California Masterclass

By on May 1, 2023 1:00 pm -

Entrigue Consulting is proud to present an Ingrid Klimke two-day Masterclass in California’s beautiful wine country. Ingrid has competed at five Olympics and six World Equestrian Games, winning medals in the Summer Olympics of 2008, 2012 and 2016. In this unique program, showcasing the Classical Approach, Ingrid will share her training through the levels of development, from young horse to Grand Prix, using cavalleti and other exercises. The program is designed to showcase horsemanship foundations for both
dressage and eventing.

Ingrid Klimke (GER) riding Franziskus FRH – winner at the FEI Dressage World Cup 2022/23 – Stuttgart (GER) Photo: ©FEI/Leanjo de Koster

This Masterclass, sponsored by Lisa Seger Insurance, will run both days (December 2-3, 2023) from 10:00 am to approximately 4:30 pm with options for riders, spectators, sponsors, and vendors. A Christmas vendor village will open each day at 9:00 am and offer a pre-holidays equestrian shopping experience for event guests. Ingrid will also have a book signing and fan Meet & Greet during lunch both Saturday and Sunday.

General Admission tickets include all day spectator seating with access to vendor village and Ingrid’s book signing and fan Meet & Greet. Single day tickets are also available.
 
VIP tables are available in the new pavilion and offer a luxurious Masterclass experience which includes heated table seating, lounge area, gourmet breakfast and lunch both days, as well as, and an exclusive VIP only Afternoon Tea & Conversations with Ingrid on Saturday after the second presentation.

For more information and tickets: https://www.entrigueconsulting.com

About Ingrid:

Ingrid Klimke is one of the most well-known and accomplished horsewomen of our era.  As an eventer and dressage rider for Germany, she has ridden in a total of 5 Olympics and 6 World Equestrian Games.  With her horse Abraxxas, she won two gold medals in team eventing at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Games. At the 2016 Olympics, she won a team silver with Hale-Bob. 

Ingrid Klimke and FRH Butts Abraxxas.

She is the daughter of the world-renowned equestrian Reiner Klimke. Like her father, she rides in both eventing and dressage at international events. She placed seventh at the 2002 Dressage World Cup Final with Nector van het Carelshof. In 2022, she made her debut on the German dressage team at the World Championships in Herning, where she was awarded a team bronze medal. Most recently she competed in the FEI Dressage World Cup Final in Omaha 2023, finishing 4th in the Grand Prix with Franziskus. 

Klimke is the second woman ever to be appointed by the German federation as "Reitmeister"
translated as "Riding Master". Ingrid is an excited competitor, educator and trainer of horses in the Classical System. 

About Galway Downs:

Galway Downs is a center for Equestrian sports in California and following recent renovations, aims to provide top end facilities to support a range of Equestrian disciplines, making it a top international venue located in the heart of California's Temecula Wine Country. Ingrid’s masterclass will take place in the beautiful Grand Prix arena.

About Entrigue:

Entrigue Consulting, LLC. is a dedicated full-service equestrian digital marketing and creative agency. An established industry leader in equine marketing, Entrigue serves clients in the US, Australia, Canada, and Europe, providing rider representation, strategic consulting and digital advertising services.

“For years I have worked with so many events, from the Kentucky Derby, Global Champions
Tour, CDI’s and other clinics in many different capacities and I’m very excited to host an event myself–and to host, Ingrid Klimke, a horsewoman I so much respect and have admired for so much of my riding career– it’s going to be very special. I look forward to putting on amazing Masterclass for Ingrid and am excitedly planning a wonderful experience with my team for our patrons. I hope to see everyone there!”

—Kelly Artz, CEO and Founder Entrigue Consulting LLC

An Update on Paris 2024 Equestrian Operations from the FEI Sports Forum

By on Apr 26, 2023 9:00 am -

The equestrian sports at Paris 2024 will take place at the Palace of Versailles.

Sports Cluster Manager from the Paris 2024 Organising Committee, Anne Murac, as well as GL Events Equestrian Sport President, Sylvie Robert and Equestrian and Para Equestrian Sport Manager for Paris 2024, Jean Morel shared an update report of the equestrian events for the next edition of Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Tim Hadaway, FEI Games Operations Director moderated the session.

Jean Morel first presented the dates for all equestrian competitions as well as Modern Pentathlon. He went on to share details on the Course Designers for Cross-Country (Pierre Le Goupil) and Jumping (Santiago Varela and Gregory Bodo) as well as the full schedule for both Olympic and Paralympic Games, from 26 July to 7 September. In the case of Para Dressage the final timings could change depending on the definite entries and their nations.

Morel went on to present maps of the venue (stables, field of play, warm-up arenas and Cross-Country start and finish lines) for the 11 days of competitions and ensured that all plans are made with welfare of the horses in mind.

Stables will be organised by discipline, with different stables for Eventing (first to arrive and leave the venue), Dressage and Jumping. The Veterinary clinic, treatment boxes, farriers and wash areas are located close the stables. Three warm-up areas will be available, with the possibility to split each of them in two in order to create six warm-up areas.

He then explained the details around the Cross Country course:

  • 5.3km distance
  • Optimum Timing of 9min 18sec
  • 25 obstacles
  • 3 Water Jumps
  • 2 Pontoons
  • All the horse inspections for all disciplines will be held in a dedicated area.

Next topic on the agenda was Horse Transportation. Horse arrivals were detailed (Eventing on 24 July, Dressage on 26 July, Jumping on 30 July and Para Dressage on 31 August). The first security point will the Mortemets Parking and a second one by the Grooms accommodation. Then, horses will go to the stables area. Eventing Horses and Jumping horses will not be in the venue at the same time, since Jumping horses will arrive the day after the Eventing horses leave. All horse arrivals will be scheduled in specific time slots to avoid congestion.

Anne Murac presented the Grooms Accommodation and the Huttopia concept. The distance between Grooms and Veterinary Centre will be 2,5km, approximately 7 minutes and the Grooms accommodation will be 700 metres away from the stables.

The allocation process for groom’s accommodation will have several steps and is outlined in the presentation in the FEI Documents Library below.

Morel confirmed different testing activities, including the Cross Country operational test which will be held on August 22 & 23 2023. It will include a Cross Country course walk through Versailles Park on Day 1 and a Paris 2024 equestrian presentation (main organisational, logistical, technical and sport principles of the competitions) on Day 2, for all National Federations, NOCs, NPCs, etc.

Robert explained that the test event for Jumping, Dressage, Para Dressage and Eventing (Jumping and Dressage) will be held from 22 to 28 April 2024 in Le Printemps Des Sports Equestres in Fontainebleau, with the competition format to be defined.

The general objectives of the test events will be:

  • Team coordination and integration
  • Stables and protocols
  • Arena footing
  • Results, Scoring and Timing
  • Technical Officials integration
  • Volunteers training
  • Veterinary services

Before opening the floor to questions, Anne Murac talked about the last topic, the NOC/NF visits and next steps ahead of the Olympic Games:

  • 13 to 19 June 2023: NOC Chef de Mission seminar OLY
  • 23 to 23 August 2023: Operational test – Cross country – Versailles
  • 24 to 30 August 2023: NPC Chef de Mission seminar PARA
  • April 2024: Testing opportunity – Printemps des sports équestres at Fontainebleau
  • May/June 2024: Operational test – Equestrian – Versailles

The latest information on the venue, competition schedule, qualification systems, regulations, and rankings is available here.
The session replay will be made available here.

Shane Rose Takes Adelaide International CCI5* Crown with Virgil

By on Apr 23, 2023 10:30 am -

It was multi-Olympian Shane Rose and his stalwart partner, Virgil (Vivant – unknown Thoroughbred dam), who took the winner’s spoils in the Southern Hempishere’s CCI5* this weekend, winning the Adelaide International CCI5* at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival. A bonus? The win came a day before Shane’s 50th birthday.

This win sets the pair up to make a run for the Paris Olympics in 2024; the pair was 10th individually in Tokyo in 2021.

“It means everything to come back to compete in Adelaide after Covid,” Shane said. “It’s amazing and I realize that there’s nowhere like this in the world to gallop through a city. And the crowd and the weather are just second to none. I think you can tell by the record crowd from here, around Australia and New Zealand – it’s the best event supported by the best crowd and sponsors in the Southern Hemisphere.”

Shane, in the second time only since the events inception in 1997, is a three-time competition winner at Adelaide, winning here previously in 2004 and 2015.

Shane Rose and Virgil.

RESULTS OF THE ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL CCI5*-L:

Shane Rose on Virgil with a score of 28.5
Sam Lyle on BF Valour with a score of 38.0
Sophia Hill on Humble Glory with a score of 40.9

World Championships pair Shenae Lowings and Bold Venture win the CCI4*-S.

RESULTS OF THE RM WILLIAMS CCI4*-S:

Shenae Lowings on Bold Venture with a score of 34.7
Andrew Cooper on Sha valley Thunder with a score of 42.5
Cathryn Herbert on Easy Turn with a score of 43.2

Oliver Barrett and Sandhills Special take the CCI3*-S on a 28.1.

RESULTS OF THE RACING SA CCI3*-S:

Oliver Barrett and Sandhills Special on 28.1
Erin Callahan and Danson Lincoln on 29.6
Jess Somerfield and Finch Farm Carpentaria on 32.5

Adelaide Equestrian Festival Chairman Greg Rolton said: “Today’s final day of competition, the ATCO Show Jumping Day was a thrilling end to the four-day festival. “Having competitors, record crowds and our team back in our city after a three-year hiatus was just sensational. I thank all involved from our passionate board, event director, stewards and officials, sponsors, contractors and hard-working volunteers for putting on this world class event that been so enjoyable and memorable for all.”

South Australian Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said the return of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival has been a “huge success” with the response from event goers a clear indicator of that.

“What a fantastic four days it’s been in our city’s parklands, with record crowds flocking to the festival to enjoy the elite equestrian action – including an all-time high of 20,000 through the gates on Saturday’s Cross Country Day alone. As the only event of this type worldwide held in the heart of a city and the new expanded program offerings, it’s no wonder there’s been such a terrific response from locals and visitors alike for this world-class festival now back on our state’s annual events calendar.”

This popular event attracted a record 37,000 patrons this week in Adelaide and is thought to have contributed well over $5.2 million in new economic expenditure for the state this year.

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival is supported by the South Australian Government through the South Australian Tourism Commission.

Find full results of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival here. Did you miss any action? You can watch the replay on-demand with your H&C+ membership here.

The Adelaide International Horse Trials was born in 1997 to replace the Gawler Horse Trials that had been staged at Gawler, north of Adelaide, since 1954. The new event debuted in Adelaide’s East Parklands with a three-star rating but was subsequently upgraded to a four-star rating in 2002 to become the only event of this calibre in the Southern Hemisphere. The competition was relaunched and renamed the Australian International 3 Day Event (Aus3de) in 2007 to celebrate the event’s tenth anniversary and better reflect the international focus of the competition. In 2019, the Aus3de was upgraded to five-star status, along with the other five international greats, in line with the updated FEI category designations. Due to COVID the event was not able to happen in 2020-22 but is back in 2023 under its new name the Adelaide Equestrian Festival (AEF which showcases the entire experience that this 4-day event encompasses). The AEF is owned, managed, and marketed by the Not-for-Profit Board of Adelaide Horse Trials Management Inc. comprising equestrian greats, professional business directors, and media advisers working with Chairman Greg Rolton. The event attracts over 25,000 annually and contributes $5.2 million in new economic expenditure for the state each time it’s run. For more information about the event, or to purchase tickets visit: https://www.adelaideequestrianfestival.com

Shane Rose Takes Adelaide Lead After Cross-Country Upset

By on Apr 22, 2023 12:44 pm -

Shane Rose and Virgil lead the way going into the final phase at Adelaide. Photo by Michelle Terlato Photography.

Shane Rose and Virgil lead the way going into the final phase at Adelaide. Photo by Michelle Terlato Photography.

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival is thrilled to announce the results of today’s competition Horseland cross country day in front of a record crowd of 20,000,  which now has Shane Rose leading in the Adelaide International 5-star competition, Shenae Lowings in the RM Williams 4-star competition, and Oliver Barrett leading in the Racing SA 3Star competition.

Adelaide Equestrian Festival Chairman Greg Rolton says:  “It’s exhilarating for both seasoned equestrians and new spectators watching the horses rush by amidst the stunning parklands under perfect weather conditions.

“The 2023 courses designed for this weekend by internationally renowned designer Mike Etherington Smith are challenging, which makes for great viewing and an exciting competition.”

Shane Rose and Virgil. Photo by Michelle Terlato Photography.

Shane Rose, who now sits in the lead with Virgil after dressage leader Monica Spencer fell from Artist early in the course, says: “The weather could not have been better… perfect for spectators and not too hot for the horses. It’s been a really nice experience galloping through the olive groves and the winding paths of Adelaide.”

Shane Rose and Be My Daisy. Photo by Michelle Terlato Photography.

Shane, who also sits in third with Be My Daisy after cross country, continues: “So far I’m really happy with my horses. Be My Daisy was a trooper and she just kept on punching, and Virgil, the old campaigner, got the job done.’’

Rose ran the Cross Country course today on Friday afternoon after his dressage rides to analyse it closely.

“You’ve to know every tree out there to know what side to be on each of them when you are galloping at the speed we do. And there’s a lot of trees out there,’’ Rose explains.

Sam Lyle and BF Valour. Photo by Michelle Terlato Photography.

Shane is joined in the top three by Sam Lyle, who sits second after a classy round with BF Valour.

Check out the two-phase results in full here.

 

 

Sport for All: FEI Releases Accessibility Guide for Event Organizers

By on Apr 20, 2023 11:42 am -

Photo by Liz Gregg/FEI.

The FEI has announced the launch of a new Guide, designed to assist Event Organisers with improving accessibility for athletes, staff and spectators with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy equestrian events regardless of their disability and mobility levels.

This Guide, which is the result of consultation and collaboration with accessibility experts, individuals with disabilities and professionals in the equestrian industry, covers venue layout, accommodation and transportation among other areas of Event planning and delivery.

The aim is to provide Event Organisers with a set of guidelines and recommendations which eliminate barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating or working in sports.

“Equestrian sport has the power to create inclusive structures that allow access to all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities,” FEI Secretary General and President of the Association for Paralympic Sports Organisations (APSO) Sabrina Ibáñez said.

“Changing perspectives towards disability is a key step in the accessibility journey. It is our belief that making even small changes to our working methods and organisational practices will help to move the needle on the conversation around disability inclusion, equality and equity.

“While this is primarily a Guide for Event Organisers, we, the staff at the International Federation Headquarters in Lausanne (SUI), have also had to take a good look at our internal practices and procedures to see where we can eliminate barriers to entry for people with disabilities and how we can provide a more inclusive physical and organisational environment.

“We hope that by working with Organisers to embed accessibility into all strands of Event planning and delivery, this type of thinking will start to permeate our organisational structures and become a seamless part of what we all do in this sport on a daily basis.”

The FEI Accessibility Guide for Event Organisers is available for download here.

Jemima Griffiths Wins Inaugural Howden Way Spotlight Award

By on Apr 19, 2023 3:28 pm -

Jemima Griffiths takes the first-ever Spotlight prize.

Jemima Griffiths from Gloucestershire has been awarded the very first Spotlight award, supported by uvex, which recognises a member who has stood out as embodying the culture and values of The Howden Way. Nominated by Level 4 Coach Katie William, in respect of the Wales & West Midlands Academy, Jemima wins a Uvex riding helmet courtesy of Zebra Products as well as having a spot acknowledging her achievement within The Howden Way pages on the British Eventing website.

“Jemima was entered for our very first Regional Academy day camp in December, but sadly her horse went lame days before,” said nominating coach Katie Williams. “She nevertheless asked if she could attend on foot to watch the sessions and help with fences. She also took loads of videos and photos of the other riders which she then sent me so I could send them on for people to enjoy and learn from. She stayed all day and was cheerful and upbeat despite the circumstances. I feel that her attitude that day epitomised the culture and values we are trying to establish within The Howden Way Regional Academies – supporting others and actively assisting their learning and enjoyment.

“Since then, Jemima has attended two more The Howden Way training days mounted and is using them to develop her young horse Rosie ready for her first event. Jemima has previously competed up to Novice level but her last horse (who she also produced from scratch) has been forced to retire through injury, so she has had to go back to the drawing board over the last year or so. Jemima has shown quiet determination to get back to eventing – but also patience, allowing her green horse to develop at her own pace. I believe Jemima thoroughly deserves the first The Howden Way Spotlight Award in recognition of her enthusiastic participation in the programme and the support she has offered to other riders.”

Jemima was selected by Laura Collett, who said of the winner: “I really felt that Jemima stood out for me. Horses always have a way of keeping us grounded and Jemima would have been reminded of this only too well when she had been looking forward to attending her first Academy to then find she couldn’t go. Jemima’s attitude and approach to dealing with the disappointment can only be commended and I applaud her still having the commitment to attend and then put other’s needs ahead of her own by helping out in any way that she could when she was there. The Howden Way Academy encourages a community feel to training and Jemima epitomises this in every way.”

Of her win, Jemima said: “I’ve really enjoyed attending The Howden Way Training Academy. It’s been great to be able to get my young horse out in such a friendly and supportive atmosphere whilst getting top class coaching. With horse welfare and inclusivity at the

heart of every session, it’s a brilliant way to make friends and expand your knowledge beyond just riding. Huge thank you to uvex for the amazing prize and for supporting a fantastic academy.”

 Each month, coaches delivering The Howden Way Regional Academies are invited to nominate a member who has championed the core values of the Academies whether it be welfare, driving for inclusivity, creating camaraderie and supporting others, celebrating development of skills and knowledge over outcomes and developing true ambassadors for the sport. The winner is then selected by Olympic Gold Medallist Laura Collett from a shortlist of contenders who have been nominated as deserving.

Each month, a Spotlight award will be given to the most outstanding rider. For more information, visit here.

H&C Unveils Strongest Ever Eventing Line-Up for 2023

By on Apr 15, 2023 2:27 pm -

Anna-Katharina Vogel and DSP Quintana P at Pau, which returns for H&C’s 2023 season. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Leading international equestrian sports network Horse & Country (H&C) today announced its strongest ever eventing line-up. In 2023, members of H&C’s streaming service, H&C+, will enjoy exclusive coverage from 14 events, including four of the world’s seven 5* competitions, with further announcements expected soon.

There’s a strong line-up from the UK, starting with Burnham Market later this month and continuing with Chatsworth, Bramham, Gatcombe, Hartpury and Osberton. On the international front members can see coverage from Australia, Germany, the US and France, including the 5* events from Adelaide, Luhmühlen, Maryland and Pau.

H&C+ members will be able to see all this year’s eventing coverage as well as getting access to H&C’s extensive library of masterclasses, rider profiles and documentaries. Annual membership is only £5.99 per month or £59.99 as a one-off payment, a saving of 16%. And non-members can choose H&C+ Freestyle, H&C’s Pay Per View option, and buy a pass for any event, available at £14.99.

The full list for 2023 is as follows:

  • Barefoot Retreats Burnham Market International – April 15 and 16
  • Adelaide International (5*) – April 21 to 23
  • Marbach International – May 11 to 14
  • Chatsworth International – May 13 and 14
  • Melbourne International – June 11 and 12
  • Bramham International – June 10 
  • Longines Lumühlen (5*) – June 14 to 18
  • Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing, Gatcombe – August 5 and 6
  • NAF Five Star Hartpury International – August 9 to 13
  • MARS Great Meadow International – August 24 to 27
  • Osberton International – 30 September and 1 October
  • MARS Maryland (5*) – Oct 19 to 22 (outside of North America)
  • Les 5 Étoiles de Pau (5*) – Oct 26 to 29
  • Ariat Sydney International – Nov 11 and 12

Coverage for the UK events will mainly focus on the Cross Country phase, except at
Hartpury where all three phases will be covered. Coverage of the 5*s will feature all
three phases across every day of the event.

Director of Content for H&C, Jonathan Rippon said “As the Home of Eventing, we are delighted at H&C to bring our passionate audience such a strong line-up this year.”

Members and PPV purchasers can watch online or with H&C’s mobile apps, as well as on Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire. Both H&C+ members and H&C+ Freestyle pass holders can watch all the action on-demand from the following day. Full details on how to join or purchase your H&C+ Freestyle pass can be found at horseandcountry.tv

First-Ever US Equestrian European Development Tour Athletes Revealed

By on Apr 14, 2023 12:58 pm -

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the athlete-and-horse combinations that have been selected for the U.S. Eventing European Development Tour for the summer of 2023.

The following combinations 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

The following combinations have been selected as alternates and are listed in ranked order:

• Mia Farley (Ocala, Fla.) and BGS Firecracker, her own 2010 Irish Sport Horse mare
• Mia Farley and Phelps, a 2013 Thoroughbred gelding owned by David O’Connor
• James Alliston (San Ramon, Calif.) and Nemesis, a 2014 Canadian Warmblood gelding owned by Alliston Equestrian
• Allie Knowles (Lexington, Ky.) and Morswood, a 2008 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Katherine O’Brien

The selected athletes will compete in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Poland CCIO4*-NC-S at the Strzegom (POL) Horse Trials, June 21-25, 2023, under the direction of USEF Eventing Emerging and Development Coach Leslie Law. The athletes will also attend CHIO Aachen(GER), June 30-July 1, 2023, to observe the competition. The Tour participants will receive funding through USEF, and the USET Foundation thanks to the Karen E. Stives Endowment.

Riders Over 45 Gain New League in British Eventing

By on Apr 13, 2023 5:21 pm -

Lisa Dakin and Mr Harry Patch. Photo by Lisa Dakin of Barefoot Eventing UK.

The Event Horse Owners Association (EHOA) are delighted to announce the launch of a Veteran Eventing Championship, in conjunction with Bettalife.

The league will reward riders aged 45 or older whose passion for eventing burns as strong as ever, with the results of a maximum of five British Eventing competitions completed on one horse to decide the winner of a prestigious trophy accompanied by a generous prize fund.

Ryan Millar, Director of BETTALIFE® said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with EHOA this year for the Veteran Eventer Championship. Our passion for equestrian sport at both the amateur and professional level is one of our key company values, and with transparency at our core, we hope riders feel supported in knowing that our products are all safe for BE, and other, National and International competition use. We look forward to celebrating the hard work of these Veteran riders this season.”

Linda Allan, Chair of the EHOA, said “With its very open format across all levels of the sport, the BETTALIFE Veteran Eventing Championship aims to provide mature riders with an additional fun, competitive challenge throughout the 2023 season. The EHOA looks forward to collaborating with BETTALIFE to highlight the life-long pleasure as well as physical benefits that equestrian sport provides. Wishing all competitors every success in the coming months”

The Veteran Eventing Championship, in conjunction with Bettalife, standings will be updated on the website.

Deadline Alert: The MARS Bromont Rising Scholarship is Back

By on Apr 13, 2023 1:22 pm -

Former recipients Alexa Gartenburg and Frame Shamrock at Bromont. Photo by Cealy Tetley.

The MARS Bromont Rising U25 scholarship program, administered by the USEA Foundation, is pleased to announce that up to 20 grants of $2,500 each will once again be available for talented young riders aged 25 and under aiming to compete in the MARS Bromont (Quebec, Canada) or Galway Downs (California, USA) CCI’s in 2023. Highlighting this year’s program is the return of three-time German Olympic team member Bettina Hoy, as a guest coach for 2023.

The brainchild of Bromont organizer Sue Ockendon and the late Steve Blauner; the scholarship program was first offered in 2019 for riders competing at Bromont and at the time Ocala, and was expanded to include Galway Downs in 2022. Event horse owner Blauner had the vision of supporting young eventers from the US and Canada who were not yet under the radar of national U25 training programs. Ockendon had long had the dream of offering financial support the youth of the sport, who are the future of Eventing in North America.

L-R, top row, Peter Gray, Sophie Click, Anna Rekrutiak, Jim Wildasin
L-R, bottom row, Taylor McFall, Reece Blinks, and Julia Beauchamp-Crandon.

A complete training program was devised to help the riders prepare themselves and their horses for competition. The grants assist with travel and entry expenses, but the program also includes classroom sessions with course designers, high performance riders and a dressage test analysis by a 5* FEI judge. Coaching and course walks during the events are also available, in conjunction with riders own coaches.

Program director, Olympian and FEI judge, Peter Gray acts as a clinician at each event, including his “centreline sessions” on how to make the most of your warm-up and exactly what the judges are looking for movement by movement.

“I’m thrilled the MARS Bromont Rising grants will be offered once again in Quebec and California this year,” he remarked. “Bromont is such a unique destination with its European charm and world-class courses, and having guest coaches like Bettina Hoy back on board is an incredible opportunity for the athletes.”

Taylor and Jennifer McFall with Bettina Hoy. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Three-time German Olympian and former international coach for Holland, Hoy speaks highly of the program. While commitments in Australia meant Hoy was only able to participate at Galway Downs in 2022, she looks forward to being at both events this year.

“Programs like Bromont Rising, the USEF and USEA’s Developing Rider Programs, Australia’s Next GEN squads, and in Germany the Stiftung Deutscher Spitzensport-supported mentorship program are very valuable, particularly if students are willing to take them on in an immersive way,” Hoy remarked.

“Education goes far beyond riding instruction. In future workshops, I would like to add seminars on horse management – how to plan your season, how to structure your fitness program, and proper aftercare to really complete the cycle of looking at the big picture. And of course we need to discuss social license and the use of social media today.”

American-based riders Ema Klugman (AUS) and Alexa Gartenberg (Gladwyne, PA) received grants in 2019 and 2022 respectively, and benefited tremendously from the experience.

Klugman commented in particular on the non-riding components of the week, saying: “The Wildasins’ lecture on syndication and ownership — how to communicate and where you are likely to find funding — I had NO idea about anything like that before that lecture. It really changed things for me, I would go so far as to say it changed my life. I now have two fully syndicated horses! For me the whole experience was a big vote of confidence and really provided that ‘Team’ atmosphere.”

Gartenberg remarked “Bromont is my favourite show, the horses always come off the cross-country course well and better educated. It’s a true fitness test – the hills, the terrain, the footing – it’s a complete test. The international atmosphere in dressage and show jumping are unlike anywhere else.

“Being part of the Bromont Rising experience in 2022 took that to the next level. Being exposed to the perspective of the judges, walking as a team and working with people my own age with similar goals. It was a true training-camp format. They made everything and everyone available. I know the Bromont Rising experience has made a big impact on my future.”

Canadian and US U25 riders competing at any level of FEI competition offered are eligible to apply. Grant applications are open now and the following deadlines have been updated for 2023. Grant application forms, hotel information, omnibus forms etc. can be found on the respective websites.

MARS Bromont CCI June 8-11, 2023 (CCI4*-L, CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L, CCI2*-L  U25 sections in the 2* and 3*)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 1, 2023

Galway Downs International 3-day Event November 1-5, 2023 (CCI4*L, CCI3*L, CCI2*L)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 1, 2023

EA21 Regional Program Riders Named for 2023

By on Apr 12, 2023 3:48 pm -

Photo by Lily Stidham/USEA.

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is pleased to announce the athletes selected for the 2023 USEA Emerging Athlete U21 Program (EA21). This year’s program received nearly 200 applications, proving to be a very competitive program in 2023.USEA Young Rider program members aged 21 and under are eligible for the program. The purpose of the EA21 program is to identify and provide consistent quality instruction to the next generation of elite event riders. The aim is to create a pipeline for potential team riders by identifying and developing young talent. The intention is to provide young athletes with access to an added level of horsemanship and riding skills to further their training and skill development with greater consistency.

Participants in the USEA Emerging Athlete U21 Program will have the opportunity to work with USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) coaches that have been selected for each regional clinic by the EA21 Task Force, and the EA21 Director of Coaching, David O’Connor. O’Connor will coach the national camp in the winter, which will be comprised of Young Riders selected from the regional clinic athletes.

Once again, O’Connor will mentor the ECP coaches selected for the regional clinics, and will develop a curriculum that leads to the national camp in January of 2024. The 2023 EA21 regional clinic venues, dates, and coaches are listed below, along with the athletes selected for each clinic:

*Athletes are listed in alphabetical order per clinic, and the wait lists appear in the order the athletes will be accepted should openings occur at each clinic.

Central Clinic | Holly Hill Farm (Benton, LA) | Saturday-Sunday, June 10-11, 2023:

Coached by Bec Braitling

  • Vienna Allport
  • Hadley Bruce
  • Camryn Chung
  • Daly Duarte
  • Sierra Fishell
  • Megan Hopkins
  • Katherine Hyndman
  • Quidley Kellerman
  • Scarlett Peinado
  • Camdyn Rahe
  • Camila Saenz
  • Kelsey Seidel

WAITLIST 1. Sylvia Byars

WAITLIST 2. AnniePearl Stroud

WAITLIST 3: Addison Craig

East Coast I Clinic | Morven Park International Equestrian Center (Leesburg, VA) | Tuesday-Wednesday, June 27-28, 2023:

Coached by Shannon Lilley

  • Emeline Gilbert
  • Samantha Homeyer
  • Audrey Ogan
  • Caitlin O’Roark
  • Chloe Paddack
  • Maia Ramberg
  • Jordan Riske
  • Ruth Rosendaul
  • Rebecca Roth
  • Ayden Schain
  • Braden Speck
  • Annabelle Sprague

WAITLIST 1. Jordan Crabo

WAITLIST 2. Noah Stanlaske

WAITLIST 3. Carlin Keefe

East Coast II Clinic | Stable View Farm (Aiken, S.C.) | Tuesday-Wednesday, July 25-26, 2023:

Coached by Emily Beshear

  • Madison Blodgett
  • Sara Ertl
  • Katarina Midgley
  • Kiersten Miller
  • Ainslee Myers
  • Tate Northrop
  • Alina Patterson
  • Dylan Philipps
  • Lainey Phillips
  • Breeanna Robinette
  • Kate Servais
  • Mackenzie VanEffen

WAITLIST 1. Carly Stiller

WAITLIST 2. Annabelle Friend

WAITLIST 3. Crockett Miller

West Coast I Clinic | Twin Rivers Ranch (Paso Robles, CA) | Tuesday-Wednesday, June 27-28, 2023:

Coached by Rebecca Brown

  • Amanda Boyce
  • Lauren Crabtree
  • Julia Beauchamp Crandon
  • Molly Duda
  • Jillian Mader
  • Keira McKeon
  • Finley Powell
  • Gabriella Ringer
  • Sarah Ross
  • Elsa Warble
  • Anna Weston Smith
  • Raney Wolfers

WAITLIST 1. Mackenzie Davison

WAITLIST 2. Lizzie Lynch

WAITLIST 3. Adelaide Rudkin

West Coast || Clinic | Aspen Farms (Yelm, WA) | Tuesday-Wednesday, July 11-12, 2023:

Coached by Rebecca Brown

  • Natalie Barlow
  • Kayla Dumler
  • Lindsay Essex
  • Madelyn Floyd
  • Lizzie Hoff
  • Alexis Larson
  • Alexa Marandas
  • Maeson Messmer
  • Harper Padgett
  • Kaylee Petticord
  • Mylo Ritson
  • Kendal Smith

WAITLIST 1. Caterina Ritson

WAITLIST 2. Olivia Keye

WAITLIST 3: Simone Clark

The USEA will cover the regional clinic cost and stabling fees for all accepted applicants. Applicants will be responsible for their own travel and lodging costs. Athletes will be contacted by the USEA and on-site Young Rider Coordinators with more information and scheduling.

The USEA would like to thank the following sponsors for their support of the USEA EA21 program: Kerrits, Ride iQ, Sidelines Magazine, WeRideTogether

Ireland’s Lisgarvan House Stud to Host First International Horse Trials

By on Apr 8, 2023 10:10 am -

The Lisgarvan House International Horse Trials Team: Event Director Clive Corrigan, Kate Corrigan, Bridget Lawlor, Amy Corrigan, Grace Corrigan Emily Corrigan, Emma Redmond, Willie Corrigan. Front: Liam and Ava Corrigan.

Lisgarvan House Stud, a family-run stud farm and equestrian event venue located in Co. Carlow, today announced they will host their first international horse trials this August 24–27. This event will bring together many top riders and horses for a showcase of eventing action.

Lisgarvan House Stud has a long-standing reputation for excellence in equestrian sports, having previously hosted two successful Eventing Ireland National Championships in 2021 and 2022.  The upcoming international horse trials will build on this experience and provide a world-class platform for riders and horses to compete at the highest level.

Lisgarvan House International Horse Trials will present 6 international classes CCI4*S, CCI3*L, CCI3*S, CCI2*L, CCI2*S and CCI1* Intro.  In addition, the highly anticipated Eventing Ireland Grassroots Championships Final will be held on Sunday 27 August. More information on the Grassroots Championship will be announced shortly.

Clive Corrigan, Event Director of Lisgarvan House International Horse Trials, says: “We are incredibly proud to host our first international horse trials here at Lisgarvan House Stud. Our commitment is to provide a warm and welcoming environment for all competitors and their owners and support teams. Our ambition is to create a platform for top competition, delivering a challenging and fair cross-country course. We want the competitors and their horses to feel at home and enjoy their experience, and we are committed to doing everything we can to make that happen.”

Olympic rider and cofounder of EquiRatings, Sam Watson is also looking forward to tackling this new event. “I am thrilled to be able to target the Lisgarvan House International Horse Trials. The facilities and setting at this venue are truly exceptional, and I have no doubt that this event will be one of the highlights of the eventing calendar. I am looking forward to competing on the challenging and well-designed cross-country course, and I know that all of the riders will appreciate the warm and welcoming atmosphere that the team at Lisgarvan House Stud is known for.”

The Corrigan family and staff at Lisgarvan House International would like to extend a warm welcome to all riders, horses, and spectators who plan to attend the international horse trials in August 2023.

For more information on the Lisgarvan House International Horse Trials, please visit  www.lisgarvanhouseinternational.com

Adelaide Equestrian Festival to Showcase Eventing Superstars, Aussie Culture – and Good Wines

By on Apr 7, 2023 9:21 am -

Photo courtesy of Australian International 3 Day Event.

The 2023 Adelaide Equestrian Festival stage is now being set to showcase Australia’s Eventing superstars in the opening round of the 5-star global equestrian series this month.

Held in Adelaide’s East Parklands from April 20-23, the Adelaide International CCI5* competition attracts the best horses and riders from across the Southern Hemisphere. With the Paris Olympics only a year away, the Australian Olympic selectors will have their eyes on the Australian who will be looking to secure their place on the national team.

Adelaide Equestrian Festival Chairman Greg Rolton expects the 2023 event to be the largest on record – with both competitors and patrons, as the event has expanded to include twilight polo, fashion, pop up wine bars and a larger marketplace to showcase pet and equestrian products and services from all over Australia and the world.

“In 2023, the Adelaide Equestrian Festival will attract some of the best eventing horse and rider combinations from across the southern hemisphere, and there will also be a full range of activities and displays for spectators to watch and become involved in,” Mr Rolton says.

“We are excited to be hosting so many inspiring individuals and horses and are incredibly proud to be able to showcase their talents in the Adelaide CBD – ours is the only event of this type worldwide held in the heart of a city which makes it so unique and entertaining for everyone.

“This year more of us than ever will be able to enjoy the event as the AEF falls in the middle of term one holidays. If you love the sport of polo, you’ll be able to get a taste for it on Friday night. On Saturday’s Horseland Cross Country Day, frock up & watch the horses in the Barrister’s Block Blush Bar and be a part of the Fashions on the Field. Rymill Coonawarra, K1 Wines & Ruston’s Distillery will also be showcasing their quality South Australian products with pop up bars in Rymill Park.

“The 2023 Adelaide event will also have the biggest prize pool in the Southern Hemisphere with more than $175,000 on the table. This festival is going to be unmissable, so make sure to talk to your family & friends and get your tickets now,” Bettison says.

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival takes place alongside other significant international five-star events, including the Kentucky Three Day Event in the USA in April, the Badminton Horse Trials in England in May, the Luhmuhlen Horse Trials in Germany in June, the Burghley Horse Trials in the UK in September, and the Pau Horse Trials in France in October and the Marylan 5 Star at Fair Hil in the USA.

South Australian Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison welcomed the return of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival to the city’s parklands and the thousands of eventgoers it will bring.

“April is shaping up to be an exciting time in Adelaide and hosting this internationally recognised event back in our parklands is a wonderful addition to our blockbuster events calendar,” says Bettison. “As one of only seven events around the world at this level and the only one in the southern hemisphere, the Adelaide Equestrian Festival will draw spectators and some of the best competitors to our city. It will be especially exciting this year to watch the Australian riders compete in the Olympic qualifier events, and to enjoy all of the festival action as the event expands in 2023 to offer what our state is so well known for – fantastic festivals which showcase sport, local food and wine, innovation and entertainment.”

“There is once again a huge selection of tickets on offer to ensure everyone has the best Adelaide Equestrian Festival experience – from General Admission, Grandstand and the Giddy Up Club, to luxury and style in the Peppermint Grove Lounge VIP Marquee – there’s something for everyone,” Mr Rolton says.

The 2023 AEF competition timetable includes:

  • Thursday, April 20: Racing SA CCI3*-L Dressage Day from 9am-4pm.
  • Friday, April 21: Pryde’s Easifeed Dressage Day featuring RM Williams CCI4*-S and Adelaide International CCI5*-L Dressage, including the Dressage Masterclass, Horseland Rider’s Challenge, and Cross Country walk.
  • Saturday, April 22: Horseland Cross Country Day, including the Mounted Games, Working Equitation, Displays in the Gillian Rolton Main Arena, as well as the Cross-Country Masterclass with Stuart Tinney after the completion of the Cross Country.
  • Sunday, April 23: ATCO Jumping Day commences with the TRM Horse Inspection at 8am, followed by the Racing SA CCI3*-L and RM Williams CCI4-S jumping and presentations followed by the final jumping phase of the Adelaide International CCI5*. Competition from approx 9am-4pm. Daily Winner presentations at 4pm at the Gillian Rolton Main Arena.

     

     

    And the 2023 social timetable includes:

  • Friday, April 21: Ladies Day in the Chairman’s Lounge from 11am-4pm. SA LIFE POLO AT NIGHT: Bars open at 6pm with Polo from approx 7pm.
  • Saturday, April 22: Horseland Cross Country Family Day with plenty of FREE kids activities in the ATCO Kids Corral, and quality South Australian made food and drinks. Entry is free for children on this day. Coopers Blush Bar in Rymill Park, frock up and watch all the action lakeside to the water jump, includes Barrister’s Block Wines, Coopers Beers and canapes from 10am-5pm.
  • Sunday, April 23: ATCO Jumping Day with the ATCO Kids Corral offering plenty of free family fun, Chairman’s Lounge for five-star ringside VIP action including 3-course meal and a selection of K1 Wines & Rymill Coonawarra Wines as well as Cooper’s Beers.

FEI to Maintain Protective Measures Regarding Russian and Belarusian Athletes

By on Apr 5, 2023 2:30 pm -

Russia’s Aleksandr Markov and Leader. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Protective measures prohibiting all Russian and Belarusian Athletes, Horses and Officials from participating in FEI Events, which had been introduced on 2 March 2022 following the full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, will remain in place until further notice. The decision was taken by the FEI Board at its extraordinary teleconference held on 4 April.

“The FEI Board met to discuss the framework recommended on 28 March by the IOC for the return of neutral athletes from Russia and Belarus to international competition,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

“While the IOC has not taken any decision regarding the participation of Russian and Belarussian Athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, it is the view of the FEI Board that at this stage neutrality cannot be defined and evaluated in a sufficiently satisfactory way. The Board agreed that the FEI does not have the necessary tools to evaluate in a fair and objective manner the conditions of participation for individual neutral athletes and support personnel as stipulated in the recommendations put forward by the IOC.

“Therefore all Russian and Belarusian Athletes, Horses and Officials continue to be prohibited from participating in FEI Events. In keeping with the sanctions imposed by the IOC, no FEI events organised in Russia and Belarus can be entered in the FEI Calendar for 2023. Any Officials’ course as well as any other FEI activities scheduled to be held in Russia and Belarus in 2023 have been cancelled or relocated and all FEI Solidarity projects in Russia and Belarus remain frozen.

“The Board reiterates its full support to the people of Ukraine, who have suffered tremendously, and pledges its continued solidarity and support to the Ukrainian equestrian community through the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund,” President De Vos concluded.

GMHA Festival of Eventing Announces Multiple Improvements for 2023 HT & CCI

By on Apr 4, 2023 11:30 am -

Photo courtesy of GMHA Festival of Eventing.

The GMHA Festival of Eventing will return to Woodstock, Vermont August 11th – 13th for USEA sanctioned Horse Trials and FEI CCI2*S and CCI3*S level competition with $10,000 in prize money. Rich in history, the GMHA Horse Trials began in 1957 and was one of the first to be held in the US since the US Cavalry Team competed in the 1948 Olympics. Today, it is the only remaining FEI competition for northern New England equestrians and this year promises several well-thought-out improvements for all division competitors.

New Schedule For 2023

GMHA and the Festival of Eventing committee has made the decision to replace the one-day Horse Trial, previously run on Friday, with the multi-day HT format which offers a better competitor experience. The new schedule accommodates a long-standing request to move the stadium to the larger Upwey arena, providing a more inclusive experience for all levels participating in the event as well as challenging the riders’ use of time and riding ability.

* Friday All Day – Dressage (FEI 3*/2*, I, P, M, T, N, BN)

* Friday PM – Show Jumping (FEI 3*/2* & Intermediate)

* Saturday All Day – Cross Country (FEI 3*/2*, I, P, M, T, N, BN) & Competitor’s Party

* Sunday All Day – Show Jumping National Levels (P, M, T, N, BN)

For divisions that culminate on Saturday with Cross Country or Sunday with Show Jumping, those divisions will run in reverse order of go, allowing for a few victory gallops, photo opportunities, interviews, and the award celebration!

Chris Barnard, of Reddick, Florida, an international show jump designer and builder whose talents have been employed at The Florida Horse Park, The Jockey Club, Tryon International, Stable View, Chattahoochee Hills, and the Virginia Horse Trials. Barnard will be designing the show jumping courses for the weekend. On Wednesday, August 9th, Barnard will design the courses in the Upwey Arena, the location for the HT SJ, for the GMHA Jumper Schooling Day. Sign up early to ensure your spot in this popular Pre-Festival of Eventing Jumper Schooling Day.

The cross-country courses are custom designed by FEI-licensed designer Morgan Rowsell. Rowsell’s resume includes Cross-Country Course Designer at Essex, Florida’s Rocking Horse Stables, Seneca Valley’s (MD) two events, ESDCTA (NJ) Horse Trials held at the Horse Park of New Jersey, the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event and Millbrook. Course Builder Jamie Gornall, GMHA Technical Coordinator and resident of South Woodstock, Vermont will join Rowsell’s team. Some of the courses that have benefited from Gornall’s course building talents have included Millbrook, Fair Hill, Southern Pines, UNH, Stable View, Great Meadow and the 2018 World Equestrian Games.

New Modified Division

In 2016, the USEA Board of Governors approved the addition of a seventh recognized level between Training and Preliminary. This new “Modified” level helps to bridge the gap between the upper and lower levels and provides a steppingstone to assist and prepare riders for advancement.

According to GMHA Event Manager, Jill Bogert, “Competitors have been asking to add Modified for a number of years now. Festival Committee members, Jane Hamlin and Cristin Roby, have really advocated for it from an educational perspective, and that’s what we’re all about here at GMHA.”

Olympic Judge and Committee Co-Chairman, Jane Hamlin agrees, “I’m so excited that GMHA is adding a Modified level. It’s such a useful division. It suits horses and riders who are not quite ready to jump into the preliminary division either because it might be beyond their comfort level or for people who haven’t gone south in the spring. I’m sure GMHA will provide a fun, educational experience!”

Photo courtesy of GMHA Festival of Eventing.

Other 2023 GMHA Festival of Eventing Highlights

* Friday Night Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres – Adjacent to Upwey Show Jumping Arena

* Saturday Evening Competitors Party – featuring Trail Break Tacos and Live Music

* Educational SJ & XC Course Walks with Chris Barnard and Morgan Rowsell

* Friday FEI 2*/3* and Intermediate Dressage (am) & SJ (pm) in Upwey Arena

* Friday BN through Prelim Dressage in White and Walker Arenas

* Saturday – All levels run Cross County.

* Sunday All Day – Show Jumping National Levels (P, M, T, N, BN)

Entries Open: June 27, 2023 | Entries Close: July 25, 2023 | FEI Entries Extended Close Date: Tuesday, August 1st (for 2* & 3* only)

For event information including entries, visit GMHA Festival of Eventing.

Sponsorship opportunities are key to the successful production of the GMHA Festival of Eventing. Please contact Bruce Perry, GMHA Executive Director, at (802) 457-1509, [email protected] for information.

For event details, volunteer and sponsorship information, please visit the Festival of Eventing website.

Kentucky-Bound Dibowski Victorious in the 4* in Strzegom

By on Apr 3, 2023 1:00 pm -

Alina Dibowski was the winner of the CCI4*-S, the highest-ranked class at the Strzegom Spring Open. Polish rider Wiktoria Knap finished third.

Kentucky-bound Alina Dibowski was the winner of the CCI4*-S at the Strzegom Spring Open. Photo by Mariusz Chmieliński.

The weather did not spoil the competitors during Saturday’s cross-country. None of the pairs of the four-star competition managed to go inside the optimum time. The favourite, Michael Jung, riding fischerChipmunk FRH, entered the course from the leading position. One refusal and points for time cost the German representative as many as 48.4 penalty points and a drop from 1st to 22nd place. The winner, with a score of 39.7 points, was Alina Dibowski (GER) with the Polish-bred Barbados 26. The German was eighth after dressage and fifth after jumping. They went clear on the fences in the cross-country, 20 seconds over the time. Second place went to her compatriot Sandra Auffarth with Viamant du Matz – 40,1. Wiktoria Knap with Quintus 134 finished third, with the score of 41,1. The Pole was sixth after two trials and crossed the finish line just three seconds later than the winner.

Polish rider Wiktoria Knap finished third in the 4*. Photo by Mariusz Chmieliński.

In the 3*-S, the winner was Anne-Dorthe Möller (DEN) with Polar Fox. The rider was second after the cross country and secured her win with a clear jumping round (46,3). German Andreas Dibowski took home the third with Cristallik (48,5), and third went to Johannes Hayessen (GER) with By My Side 2 – 48,9.

3*-S winner Anne-Dorthe Möller (DEN) with Polar Fox. Photo by Leszek Wójcik.

The podium of the 2*-S was dominated by Polish riders. After clear XC and jumping, the winner was Zuzanna Borkowska with the Polish-bred Gracja – 31,9. Karolina Miś followed with Go Jack – 35,1, and Zuzanna Społowicz topped off the podium with Bankier – 35,2.

Polish rider Zuzanna Borkowska won the 2* with the Polish-bred Gracja.Photo by Mariusz Chmieliński.

In the Intro class, the best one was Miloslav Prihoda Jr., from the Czech Republic, riding Obora’s Guitar Gangster – 29,8. Dunka Anne-Dorthe Möller (DEN) with First Class Gs was second – 30,7, and Anna-Katharina Vogel (GER) with Kookie P – third with 33,0.

The Strzegom Spring Open began the season of international eventing shows in Poland. Four international short format competitions were played out, as well as three national classes. More than 220 horse-and-rider combinations took part, representing 13 countries.

The next edition of the Strzegom Spring Open will take place in three weeks, from 20 to 23 April.

Record Turn-Out for Galway Downs’ Spring Season International Opener

By on Mar 30, 2023 10:00 am -

Angela Mitchell and Cornwill Cormint at Galway Downs. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

The hub of West Coast equestrian activity spins full tilt as international competition segues from dressage to three-day eventing with the Galway Downs International Horse Trials. The action runs Thursday, March 30 – Sunday, April 2 in Southern California’s Temecula Valley Wine Country.

An unprecedented 320-plus entries, with a strong international and Advanced field, assures super sport. The international divisions start with dressage on Thursday. Friday afternoon, the CCI division show jumping unfurls in the Grand Prix Arena with a buzzing crowd in the VIP Pavilion and cheers from fans all around the showcase stage.

Clayton Fredericks’ cross-country track will determine the final standings on Saturday, for the upper levels, while Allesandra Allen-Shinn is creating tracks for Beginner Novice through Preliminary.

The inaugural Parker Equine Insurance Top Amateur Award in the CCI2* puts a cherry atop the prize giving ceremonies this year. Ride On Video is livestreaming the International for those who can’t come out in person.

Eye Opener for An East Coaster

Missy Miller and Quinn. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Aside from one vacation visit to California, veteran 4* eventer Missy Miller had not been to the Golden State before running her own Quinn in the CCI3*-L at Galway Downs last November. The professional rider and trainer is based in Aiken, South Carolina, and came west at the urging of her coach Tamie Smith.

As a key contributor to Team USA’s silver medal the World Equestrian Games last fall, Tamie walks her talk that a West Coast base can launch global success.

Missy is glad she took Tamie’s advice to send Quinn out West for a while, and to fly in to compete him herself when possible. “The community is smaller out there, but the caliber of riding and horses is really high,” the East Coaster says. “I was so happy with my dressage score,” said Missy after competing at RamTap in Fresno earlier this month. “And then I realized, ‘Dang! You are all so competitive out here!’”

Missy and Quinn hold their own. They finished 5th in the 3*-L last fall.

“I am so impressed with the entire Galway Downs venue,” the rider continues. “Clayton Fredericks’ courses, the arenas, the galloping tracks. Everything was just great!” She and Quinn are prepping for a 5* debut at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day in late April, and she expects this outing to be an ideal set-up.

The value of competing throughout North America – at different venues, over different terrains, in different atmospheres — is part of Robert Kellerhouse’s passionate vision for US success on the international stage. “The truth is, you have to compete all over the place to be a serious rider,” asserts the Galway Downs organizer. That’s why he and his team have built a reputation for staging world-class events that test and advance the skills of all their competitors.

In true California spirit, a good time is also guaranteed with exhibitor parties and activities that capitalize on the community’s warm and welcoming vibe.

Team Spirit

Galway Downs’ main arena boasts unique spectator seating and a backdrop of flags representing an international array of competitors. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Galway’s goals are exponentially accelerated by a unique partnership with Ali and Francie Nilforushan’s Equisport Events. The hunter/jumper event organizers have provided transformational help with and investment in footing and arenas – competition and warm-ups – and various exhibitor amenities.

The result brings ongoing, cutting-edge improvements to a venue steeped in equestrian traditions and managed by a proactive team focused on long-term growth.

“We need quality competitions like Galway all over the country,” notes Bobby Costello, the USEF’s technical director and eventing chef d’equipe. “One thing riders always care the most about is the quality of the footing. The improvements Galway has made with the all-weather arenas and the meticulous care of the cross-country tracks make it a great place to get our horses ready.”

Veteran course builder Rob Mobley builds all over the country and appreciates Galway’s commitment to updating courses and obstacles regularly. “We’re always building new inventory – with modern shapes and more spreads. Robert (Kellerhouse) encourages that and, the more inventory we have, the easier it is to make changes to the course.” Along with meeting safety standards, the fences must be up to spec in each division, he notes. “That’s how everyone gets prepared to move up to the next level.”

Future Stars

Kaylawna Smith-Cook and MB MaiBlume. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Bobby Costello will be on the look-out for tomorrow’s Tamie Smiths.

Like 2008 individual Olympic Silver Medalist Gina Miles and 2004 Olympic Team Bronze Medalist Amy Tryon, “Tamie has done so much for her sport in this geographic area, and for the Team and the sport as a whole.”

Along with helping Tamie tune up, Bobby will observe and work with riders on various USET training lists and radar screens – and not just the veterans. “It’s important for me to get familiar with the next generation of riders coming along,” he says. “Anyone from the up-and-coming young riders to the young professionals could be on the cusp of having a breakthrough.”

Sport supporter Donna Parker of Equine Insurance has enjoyed a front row seat to Galway Downs’ growth.

“It has been incredible to have been a longtime sponsor of Galway Downs and watch the venue grow over many decades into a truly world-class venue. In addition to our Gold and Silver sponsorship of Galway Downs, I feel privileged this year to be able to present the inaugural Parker Equine Insurance Top Amateur Award in the CCI2* at both the March and November International events to highlight the incredible adult amateurs in the sport.

“As an amateur rider myself, this award is very near and dear to my heart. I am thrilled to be able to continue supporting the sport we all care about so deeply. We look forward to seeing everyone this week and cheering on all the competitors!”

Star Studded Cast

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Speaking of Tamie Smith, she and her World Championships Team Silver partner Mai Baum headline the CCI4*-S field of 13 contenders that includes three other Tamie-piloted stars – Danito, Soliguayre California and Elliot V.

Helen Alliston is in the CCI3*-S hunt with her 2022 $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final title in tow. Her Advanced Finals reserve champ (and 3rd and 4th) husband James Alliston saddles four CCI horses, including Nemesis in the 4*-S.

USEA Intermediate Championships title holder Tommy Greengard reps the young professional ranks, campaigning four horses. They include 2022’s highest scoring 5-year-old champion, the Zangersheide gelding That’s Me Z, crowned last fall at Twin Rivers Ranch.

The world will be well represented. Two-time Olympian Lauren Billys brings Puerto Rico into the picture, with two up-and-coming unicorns. Canada and Australia fly flags, too, and riders from all regions of the West are here in force.

Galway Downs International: [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]