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MARS Equestrian to Return as Title and Presenting Sponsor of Bromont CCI Three-Day Event

By US Equestrian Press Release on Mar 29, 2023 10:00 am -

Three-time American Olympian Boyd Martin won the 2019 MARS Bromont CCI4*-L with Ray Price. Photo © Cealy Tetley

Bromont Horse Trials is proud and excited to once again welcome MARS EQUESTRIAN™ as title sponsor of the MARS Bromont CCI4* taking place June 8-11, 2023 in Bromont, Quebec.

“We are honored MARS EQUESTRIAN has chosen to continue its support of Bromont and international eventing for another season,” said event organizer Sue Ockendon. “Being a Pan American Games year and heading into an Olympic year, our competitions will be vital to the plans of North American competitors and team selectors. Having the ongoing support of MARS EQUESTRIAN allows us to continue improving the event and offer increased prize money to our competitors.”

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.

Five-time Pan-Am Games medalist and Canadian Olympian, Jessica Phoenix of Cannington, ON, rode Wabbit as part of the silver-medal Canadian team in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ at Bromont in August, 2022. Photo © Cealy Tetley

“We are thrilled to continue our support of the Bromont Horse Trials and eventing in North America” said Bridgett McIntosh, PhD, Director of MARS EQUESTRIAN “Through this partnership we can continue to share Mars, Incorporated’s diverse portfolio of Confectionary, Petcare, Horsecare and Veterinary products and services to an international audience.”

The MARS EQUESTRIAN sponsorship of Bromont Horse Trials is one of many touchpoints illustrating Mars’ multi-generational impact on equestrian sports and the equine industry as a whole. Going back to the 1930s, the founders of Mars, Incorporated, Frank and Ethel V. Mars, established a renowned Thoroughbred breeding and racing stable in Pulaski, Tennessee. They named the property Milky Way Farm, in honor of their best-selling candy bar, and followed up by naming their new SNICKERS® Bar after one of the family’s beloved horses. A decade later, their long-shot Gallahadion carried the Mars silks into the winner’s circle at the 1940 Kentucky Derby. Today, the Mars family and business alike share a passion for horses and equestrian sports.

Often described as an equestrian triathlon, eventing features three separate phases of competition with the same horse and rider pair completing each phase together. 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.

The 2022 US Eventing Association’s Young Rider of the Year, Cassie Sanger of Lakeville, CT, rode Fernhill Zoro to the win in the CCI2*-L U25 section at the MARS Bromont CCI in June, 2022. Photo © Cealy Tetley

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. 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.

MARS Bromont CCI: [Website]

Howden Way Spotlight Award Aims to Champion Ambassadors for the Sport

By US Equestrian Press Release on Mar 24, 2023 12:12 pm -

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

British Eventing is delighted to be launching an exciting new award to recognise outstanding achievement across The Howden Way Regional Academies, supported by uvex.

The Howden Way Spotlight Award will be presented monthly to a rider who has stood out as embodying the culture and values of The Howden Way – championing welfare, driving for inclusivity, creating camaraderie and supporting others, celebrating development of skills and knowledge over outcomes and developing true ambassadors for our sport.

The winner will be selected each month by Olympic Gold medallist, Laura Collett. Laura will make her choice from a shortlist of contenders, who have been nominated by The Howden Way coaches as being deserving of this special recognition.

“I am really looking forward to helping launch this award,” says Laura. “I love the fact that it will shine a light on some of those moments that may otherwise be overlooked, especially where riders have put themselves out for the welfare of their horse or fellow riders. Training hard and raising your performance is one thing but going the extra mile to make improvements for yourself and those around you is especially worthy. I can’t wait to find out more about our nominees.”

The British Eventing coaches delivering The Howden Way Regional Academies, that offers training to members of all ages and abilities, are invited to nominate members on a monthly basis that are attending their academies.

“This award is an opportunity to recognise some of the fantastic achievements that we are seeing within The Howden Way training, not just in terms of improved performance but in the development of individuals,” says Justine Parker, BE Head of Training and Development. “The culture and values underpin the entire delivery of The Howden Way Regional Academies. The Howden Way is so much more than just improving riding, it’s about the whole person. Developing skills and knowledge, while also building camaraderie and mutual support amongst participants. This award will recognise and celebrate riders who live out those values through their engagement and activity beyond the training.”

The Spotlight Award, supported by uvex and will see each winner receive a fabulous uvex exxential helmet, as well as a rosette that recognises their achievement.

Simon Middleton, Managing Director of Zebra Products says, “We are delighted to be working with British Eventing as an official partner for the 2023 season and are looking forward to supporting them with The Howden Way Spotlight Award with one of our well-known brands, uvex.

“uvex protect people from head to toe and have done so for more than 90 years. Setting the highest standard in helmets and riding gloves, uvex provides cutting edge products that are designed to last and we are proud to be supporting the monthly winners with uvex products.”

Stable View Foundation Launched to Support Local Causes

By US Equestrian Press Release on Mar 23, 2023 9:48 am -

Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

Stable View is pleased to announce the formation of the Stable View Foundation, which has been created to efficiently collect and donate money to local causes. These local causes will be selected by a three-person independent board and will focus on organizations in our communities that serve youth and families in need.

Reflecting current best Corporate Governance practices, the following guidelines are in place:

An independent three-person Board that selects three area Charities annually.
All Charities will have a high percentage to cause—they do not have significant overheads.
Funds for distribution from the Stable View Foundation will be received by Stable View’s May “Local Charities Horse Trials”—a minimum of $10,000.
The Foundation will also distribute a minimum of $5,000 from each of eight shows in Stable View’s USEF/USHJA $550,000 Challenge Series.
Once prepared, the Stable View Foundation’s Accounts will be reproduced on the Stable View website.
The expenses of running the Foundation are planned to be de minimis.

The Directors—Morgan Batton, Michele Bradley, and Pippa Moon—have selected the following charities for 2023:

Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons

Ronald McDonald House of Columbia

SC Youth Advocate Program

Announcements regarding the progress of the Foundation will be made via e-mail, on social media, and available on our website.

Please contact Michele Bradley with any questions at [email protected].

Lauren Billys Shady, Allison Springer, Kaylawna Smith-Cook, Jordan Crabo Receive 2023 SCES Grants

By US Equestrian Press Release on Mar 21, 2023 12:00 pm -

Southern California Equestrian Sports (SCES), an equestrian non-profit organization specializing in fundraising support, is thrilled to announce the allocation of eleven grants to the equestrian community.

Riders in various disciplines were awarded. Among them, Olympians, Para Equestrian athletes, promising young professionals, and individuals who demonstrated long term dedication to their sports. Avery Brown ($4,500), Sarah Mason-Beatty ($2,000), and Mia Rodier-Dawallo ($1,500) were recognized in Dressage. Three-Day Eventers Lauren Billys Shady ($3,000), Allison Springer ($3,000), Kaylawna Smith-Cook ($1,800) and Jordan Crabo ($1,500) were additionally named as athlete recipients.

In addition to grants given to the athletes, SCES also awarded grants to Desert International Horse Park ($5,000), Nilforushan Equisport Events ($1,500), the Spokane Sport Horse Farm ($5,000) and Area VI Eventing ($5,000). In total, SCES awarded more than $30,000 in grants to assist those in the equestrian community in their pursuits.

SCES Grant Recipient, Kaylawna Smith-Cook
Photo: Sherry Stewart

“We are incredibly proud to recognize and support the outstanding achievements of our equestrian athletes” Dave Kuhlman, President of the SCES, added. “Through the generosity of our incredible donors, we are honored and proud to help a variety of organizations and events in our community. We look forward to continuing to provide support and sponsorship as much as possible in the years to come.”

SCES is known for assisting equestrians and organizers in raising tax-deductible funds to support their National and International goals. They are proud to support all this year’s recipients as a part of their mission to support horse sports and competitors in a variety of disciplines at the international levels across the country.

“I am thrilled and honored to have received a special grant from SCES recognizing my hard work and dedication to the sport! This is an incredible organization to work with and has been instrumental in my ability to train and support my equine partners on my competitive journey,” stated recipient Allison Springer.

By continuing to create innovative and inspiring opportunities for any equestrian or competition meeting the eligibility criteria, in any discipline that is nationally or internationally recognized, SCES provides qualifying parties various opportunities to continue to grow equestrian sports worldwide. SCES is open to riders in all equestrian disciplines, from a variety of countries, competing at the international levels of competition (FEI), which proudly includes Paralympic Athletes.

“Receiving support from an organization that understands the financial commitment it takes to compete at the highest levels of equestrian sports is truly an honor. I am grateful for everything Southern California Equestrian Sports does to help equestrian athletes on an ongoing basis,” said recipient Sarah Mason-Beatty.

SCES grants have given countless athletes and events opportunities that may have otherwise not been available. Funded strictly through donations and operated nearly exclusively by volunteers, SCES continues to work to assist athletes, and now equestrian events and organizations as well, raise funds to meet and surpass goals whether it be competing internationally or improving an equestrian competition.

Andrea Pfeiffer, president of the Area VI Eventing Council remarked, “Receiving a grant from SCES allowed us to host a lovely awards dinner and presentation that otherwise would not have been possible to honor our members. This was a tremendous gift, and we greatly appreciate the support of this foundation and what they do for the entire equestrian industry.”

To learn more about how SCES can help you in your fundraising efforts, please visit their website at http://www.scesports.org.

About Southern California Equestrian Sports

Southern California Equestrian Sports, Inc. (SCES) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping equestrian riders and organizers raise tax-deductible funds to compete in and support their National and International competitions throughout the United States.

SCES is designed to help athletes and owners expand their financial resources to train and compete by allowing supporters to receive tax-deductible benefits for contributions. SCES understands the financial commitment it takes to compete at the highest levels of equestrian sports and established an organization to help foster development and competition.

SCES will consider any equestrian or competition meeting the eligibility criteria, in any discipline that is nationally or internationally recognized, for grants. The seven FEI disciplines are Combined Driving, Dressage, Endurance, Eventing, Jumping, Reining, and Vaulting.

SCES has been granted tax-exempt status under Section 501(C)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions are tax-deductible at the maximum allowed by law and donations can be made on behalf of Southern California Equestrian Sports, Inc.

To learn more about how SCES, please visit http://www.scesports.org.

“Sheer Hard Work, Commitment, Vision, and the Ability to Drive Change:” British Eventing CEO Steps Down

By US Equestrian Press Release on Mar 17, 2023 1:21 pm -

Captain Mark Phillips, British Eventing CEO Helen West and Bicton organiser Andrew Fell peer over the first element of question 19, the Burghley Brushes, at Bicton’s pop up five-star in 2021. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

British Eventing has announced that CEO Helen West, who has held the role for two years, will step down in June ‘due to personal circumstances, including the need to provide primary care for her father’. She took over leadership of the governing body in 2021, when the sport and BE both found themselves in murky waters due to the snowball effect of the pandemic and a financial hole created as a result of the failed and ongoing IT project, and has created a number of positive initiatives in her time in the post, including training and funding schemes and, memorably, the one-off ‘pop-up five-star’ at Bicton that same year.

“Helen, who will have been in post for two years when she stands back this summer, will be immensely missed,” says Mark Santorini, Chair of British Eventing. “She came to the role with a wealth of knowledge across all aspects of the sport. It is this that has seen her stabilise the sport from the extremely precarious position it was in to where it looks set to be profitable for the first time in eight years and where we are seeing membership growth for the first time in six years.

“This has been no mean feat especially when you consider that Helen joined knowing that it was never going to be easy. The sport was struggling financially as a result of a failed IT project and two seasons of interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The turnaround that we are today seeing in the sport is the direct result of the sheer hard work, commitment, vision and ability to drive change that Helen has delivered throughout her time at the helm. I speak not only on behalf of myself, but the entire Non-Executive Board, when I say that we hold Helen in the highest regard and are unable to thank her enough for navigating her way through the amount of necessary change that was required to move the sport forward.

“Under Helen’s direction we have seen a national training structure delivered, as a result of the generous backing from David Howden. We have seen the introduction of a BE 80 National Grassroots Championships at Bramham, the rollout of Grassroots Regional Championships in every region, a stats centre and leagues for all levels of competition, a £10k prize pot across the Grassroots Leagues and the addition of an exciting new Amateur Championships at Osberton at the end of the season which includes the addition of a CCI1*. Restructuring the membership offer and introducing new member incentives has also seen a membership growth across both competing members and horse registrations, a vastly increased level of commercial investment along with a much more efficient business delivery in terms of financial costs.

“In addition, Helen has been instrumental in the creation of the British Equestrian Support Trust (BEST) for which she also sits as a trustee. The creation of BEST saw British Eventing to be the first British based equestrian National Governing Body to have a charity created purely to help its members through difficult times resulting from an eventing accident or mental health issues. BEST is something that we should all not only feel particularly proud of but also reassured by. It has already helped a number of members on their road to recovery, the most notable of which was the assistance offered to Nicola Wilson after her terrible fall at Badminton last year.

“We know this has been an extremely hard decision for Helen and is one that we need to respect. I am hoping that Helen will continue to be involved with the sport and the association and we will now be commencing the recruitment process to identify a successor who can continue building from the solid position that Helen leaves the sport in when she finishes in June.”

Of her resignation, Helen West says: “To say this was a difficult decision would be an understatement. It is one that I have to make for personal reasons and I will always be available to British Eventing to assist where I can. I am incredibly proud of everything we have achieved over the past two years, and I have taken great pleasure seeing the sport evolve despite being forced to make difficult decisions at times.

“Change is always hard but has been crucial to the survival of the sport. I will always remain 100% committed to the sport but right now, it is imperative that I step back and spend some time with my father as his primary carer. I have been tremendously fortunate to work with some great colleagues at British Eventing and would like to extend huge gratitude for their support in working alongside me. I strongly believe that British Eventing has a bright future ahead of it and I look forward to watching it flourish under the direction of my successor when appointed.”

British Eventing will now begin the recruitment process to find Helen’s replacement, which will commence within the week. The role will be advertised on BE’s website.

Countdown to Paris: 500 Days to the XXXIII Olympiad

By US Equestrian Press Release on Mar 16, 2023 9:00 am -

Photo © FEI Christophe Taniére

The road to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games has hit another milestone: There are 500 days before the XXXIII Olympiad, which will host equestrian sports 27 July through 6 August at the iconic Palace of Versailles.

For athletes in the Olympic disciplines of Dressage, Eventing and Jumping, the biggest objective on the road to Paris remains qualification. With 500 days to go, some key nations—including host nation France—have secured their quota places, with these National Federations focused on team appointment. Others, meanwhile, are set on fielding their best teams for remaining events with qualification opportunities.

Jessica von Bredow Werndl and TSF Dalera at the Tokyo Olympics. Photo ©FEI – Christophe Taniére.

Dressage

Including the host nation, seven nations have qualified for Dressage competition in Paris, accounting for 24 of 45 available team quota places (3 athletes per team). This group includes all three medalists from Tokyo 2020 (JPN). Defending champions Germany, the United States and Great Britain all earned their places from their results at the 2022 FEI World Championships in Herning (DEN)—as did Denmark, Sweden, The Netherlands and Australia.

All eyes will be on Germany on the road to Paris, as not only did they top the team competition in the last Olympics, but its athletes Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Isabell Werth also claimed the individual gold and silver medals, respectively. Bredow-Werndl remains at the top of her game and sits atop the FEI Dressage World Rankings with her partner from Tokyo, TSF Dalera BB.

Twenty-one team quota places (accounting for seven teams) remain, many of which will be decided at the year’s continental and regional championships. Most notable will be the 2023 FEI European Dressage Championship, set for Riesenbeck (GER), 4-10 September. Fifteen individual quota places are also available, awarded to athletes from nations that have not already accepted a team quota place. Of course, these athletes will be a mix of males and females, as equestrian sport remains the only Olympic event in which men and women compete as equals.

Laura Collett and London 52. Photo ©FEI – Christophe Taniére.

Eventing

Nearly half of the team quotas places have already been secured in the sport of Eventing. Germany is among the first nations qualified, which should provide some excitement. After all, the nation produced Eventing’s first ever female individual Olympic gold medalist in Julia Krajewski in Tokyo. In addition to the host nation, the United States, New Zealand, Ireland, Sweden and Switzerland have also qualified. These places were all earned at the FEI World Championships in Herning, where the United States secured its first team medal at a World or Olympic Championship since 2004. The United States is the only nation from North, Central or South America to have secured a team quota place.

Most notably, Tokyo’s silver medalists Australia have yet to secure their place. They have remaining opportunities at the Group F and G FEI Designated Olympic Qualification Event at Millstreet (IRL), 01-04 June and the FEI Eventing European Championships 2023 in Haras du Pin (FRA) and via the 2023 FEI Eventing Nations Cup Series.

The competition for ranking points for the Individual slots has started, and will continue through the rest of the year.

Peder Fredricson and All In. Photo ©FEI – Christophe Taniére.

Jumping

Jumping offers the most quota places of all the equestrian disciplines, with 75 up for grabs, including 60 team athletes.

Sweden is undisputedly the team to watch on the road to Paris, having claimed team gold medals at both the Tokyo Olympic Games and the FEI World Championships 2022. Safely qualified, their concern will be trying to replace Peder Fredricson’s incredible All In, who earned a most celebratory retirement in February. “Allan,” as the barefoot bay was affectionately called, won six championship medals in his career. In Tokyo, he became just the second horse in history to jump the entire Olympic Games without having a single rail.

The Netherlands, Great Britain, Ireland and Germany also secured their places in Herning, while Belgium earned its spot at the FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Final 2022 in Barcelona (ESP). Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates secured team quota places at their Group F Designated Olympic Qualification Event, but 33 team quota places remain.

The United States earned the silver medal in Tokyo, but they will rely on the 2023 Pan American Games to qualify for Paris. Among the powerhouses of the sport, the U.S. won back-to-back team gold medals at the 2004 and 2008 Games and has medalled at seven of the last 10 Olympics, but the pressure will be on in Chile for them to add to that Olympic resume. If they do not qualify at the Pan Ams, they would have one last opportunity at the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ Final 2023 In Barcelona.

The 2023 FEI European Championship in Milano (ITA), 29 August – 03 Sept. will also offer three team quotas for European nations from Group A and/or B. Fifteen additional individual quotas are also available for athletes from nations that have not already accepted a team quota place

Don’t miss a hoofbeat! Follow equestrian sports’ road to Paris at https://inside.fei.org/fei/games/olympic.

Virginia Horse Center Eventing Secures 2023 Pan American Games Judges & Ground Jury for H.T. and FEI Level Competition May 25-28

By US Equestrian Press Release on Mar 15, 2023 10:30 am -

Marina Sciocchetti and her horse Master Hunt won the International Event in Fontainebleau and placed seventh Individually at the 1984 Olympic games in Los Angeles.

Joanie Morris has been hard at work assembling a top panel of judges and technical delegates for the VHC Eventing’s May Horse Trials and CCI. The event is fortunate to have secured Italian Olympian, Marina Sciocchetti, who will serve as President of the 3*/1*/A-CT Ground Jury. A native of Somma Lombardo, located in Northern Italy, Sciocchetti will add to an impressive list of other officials at VHC Eventing’s May Horse Trials & CCI before heading to Bromont to judge their June CCI 3-Day Event.

Sciocchetti will be joined in the judge’s box for the CCI 3* and Advanced CT by Bobby Stevenson. This is a rare opportunity for high-performance riders to get in front of a judging panel of this caliber, as both Stevenson and Sciocchetti are members of the Ground Jury for the 2023 Pan American Games in Chile. VHC Eventing will be hosting an Advanced Combined Training division in addition to the CCI 3*, which will also provide spectators with the ability to observe talented athletes at this level of equestrian sport.

Sciocchetti achieved a great level of success during her early riding career, winning the Italian Junior Championships four times in dressage and twice in Eventing, before finishing sixth in the European Junior Championships. Aboard Rohan de Lechereo she was a member of the Italian Team at the European Eventing Championships in Luhmulhen, and the Olympic games in Moscow where they helped Italy achieve a team Silver medal.

Italian Olympian, Marina Sciocchetti, will serve as President of the 3*/1*/A-CT Ground Jury.

With her younger horse, Master Hunt, Sciocchetti won the International Event in Fontainebleau and placed seventh Individually at the 1984 Olympic games in Los Angeles. She then began to train young horses and competed in show jumping for several years having good results in the Championships for young horses and Piazza di Siena in the 7-year-old classes.

Sciocchetti has trained the Italian Pony Eventing team for 14 years and was the Chef d’Equipe of the Italian Junior Team in 2012 and 2013. Her resume also includes being a FEI judge in Le Pin, Pratoni del Vivaro, Le Pouget, Montelibretti, Strezgom, Baborowko, Ballindenisk, Avenches and Schwaiganger. Sciocchetti is currently in charge of the Young Horses Department of the Italian Federation for Dressage and Eventing, and works with the Italian Breeding Society in an advisory capacity.

Marina Sciocchetti will be joined in the judge’s box for the CCI 3* and Advanced CT by Bobby Stevenson. Stevenson, who hails from Big Horn, Wyoming and Southern Pines, North Carolina, has been an official for the past 32 years as well as FEI level TD and Judge for 14 years. Stevenson, who has ridden through the 3* level, credits Brian Ross as being an early mentor in his riding career. Stevenson has operated a training and sales business out of Southern Pines for years, but now travels extensively as a judge. He has served as a judge and/or TD at many international events including; The Virginia Horse Trials, The Kentucky 3 Day Event, Fair Hill International, Loch Moy, Southern Pines, Red Hills International, The Event at Rebecca Farm, Adelaide (AU), Blenheim Palace Horse Trials (UK), Le Lion (FR), and others.

This is a rare opportunity for high-performance riders to get in front of a judging panel of this caliber, as both Stevenson and Sciocchetti are members of the Ground Jury for the 2023 Pan American Games in Chile. VHC Eventing will be hosting an Advanced Combined Training division in addition to the CCI 3*, which will also provide spectators with the ability to observe talented athletes at this level of equestrian sport.

VHC Eventing is honored to present the following cast of top-level TD’s, judges and staff for the May Horse Trials and CCI:

President Ground Jury 3*/1*/A-CT – Marina Sciocchetti
Member Ground Jury 3*/ and Judge AI – Bobby Stevenson
President Ground Jury 2* L and 2S* – Amanda Miller
Member 2* Ground Jury (and YEH Judge) – Beth Wheeler
President GJ National Divisions – Sara Miller Leary
GJ Member National and 1* – Holly Matt
GJ Member National – Julie Congleton
Technical Delegate (3S/2L/2S) – Gretchen Butts
Technical Delegate (National and 1*) – Rick Caldwell
SJ Judge – Kathy White
FEI Chief Steward – Dana Diemer
FEI Stewards – Shelley Ryan, Manny Diemer, Jeff Legg
Vet Delegate – Jim Hamilton
Associate Vet – Karen Reynolds
Announcers – Brian O’Connor & Mark Combs
Control – Diane Pitts

The VHC Eventing webpage is live, with the full list of committee members, course designers and event staff. Details on vendors and sponsorship, lodging, event entries, volunteer positions, cross-country maps and facility information are being added on a weekly basis.

Entries open April 11th, so start to make your plans early by visiting VHC Eventing.

2023 FEI Nations Cup Series Enjoys Early Start at March’s Montelibretti

By US Equestrian Press Release on Mar 9, 2023 2:30 pm -

The British are back on top in the 2022 Nations Cup finale. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

This weekend the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ will return in full force, with the opening event to be held at Montelibretti in Italy from 9-12 March. This prestigious venue in the province of Rome is expected to host leading riders from various European nations.

The FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Series, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, is open to all nations around the world, and is held at CCIO4* Short and Long format levels. The final classification of the Series will be made by accumulation of the points obtained by teams in each competition. Riders can gain FEI points for the world rankings, and also this year the Series offers valuable qualifying spots for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The 2023 FEI Nations Cup™ season will run a slightly longer season than last year, which previously started in May. This year it runs from March to October. Once again there are eight legs, all of which are held around Europe with the Series culminating at Boekelo (NED) from 5-9 October, where the overall winners of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ will be crowned.

The 2022 Series attracted some of the world’s leading riders, including New Zealand riders Tim and Jonelle Price and Tokyo gold medalists Laura Collett and Tom McEwen from the UK, as well as some exciting rising stars. Germany finished as overall winners of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Series on a final point score of 450, with Italy in overall second on 415 points, and Sweden in third place on 375.

Phillip Surl was Team GB’s Nations Cup Chef d’Equipe last season. He argues the importance of the series, as a valuable opportunity in offering riders and horses match-practice in being part of a team, and the extra pressure that comes with that. Speaking at Boekelo last year, he said: “If you take it back to its early years, there are a lot of riders who have cut their teeth in the Series. It will be a golden-ticket year as it was in 2019, so there will be a lot of teams chasing qualification for the Paris Olympics in 2024.

“A lot of nations use the Series in different ways. We are lucky with the strength and depth (in Britain) that we are able to be fairly competitive at every one we go to, but over the years there are riders and also horses now at top level know who have started out competing internationally through this system. We have certainly used it for the young horses coming through and if they cope with this and grow from the experience, it’s always going to be useful later on in their careers.”

Team Switzerland take the win for the CCIO4*-S FEI Nations Cup Eventing – Switzerland in 2022.
Copyright ©FEI/Libby Law

The season will run as follows:

Montelibretti (ITA) – 09-12 March

Chatsworth (GBR) – 13- 14 May

Millstreet (IRL) – 01- 06 June

Strzegom (POL) – 21- 25 June

Haras de Jardy (FRA) – 13- 16 July

Avenches (SUI) – 20- 23 July

Arville (BEL) – 17- 20 August

Boekelo (NED) – 05- 10 October

Attention Intercollegiate Eventers! Your Championship will be Held at Tryon, May 26-28

By US Equestrian Press Release on Mar 7, 2023 11:30 am -

Auburn University’s mascot “Aubie” was out cheering on the team. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Exciting news for all you Intercollegiate eventers reading this! The Intercollegiate Eventing Championships have become a popular destination for teams to gather; last year’s Championships were held at Bouckaert Farm. This year, the USEA has announced the Intercollegiate Eventing Championships will be held at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, NC, May 26-28.

Entries for the Championship will open April 11 and close on May 9. There are no qualifications necessary to enter, but schools represented must be registered Affiliates of the USEA.

Here is some more information on the upcoming event:

All participants must be enrolled as undergraduate students or be no more than six months past the completion of their undergraduate education, allowing December graduates to compete in the May championship. The USEA will no longer offer the Graduate division at the Intercollegiate Championship due to lack of participation in recent years.

TIEC offers an expansive selection of on-site accommodations, which can be viewed and booked here. For further information on the venue, local accommodations, travel and things to do, view TIEC’s Visitor’s Guide here. Any remaining questions regarding the 2023 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship can be directed to USEA Staff Liaison, Kaleigh Collett, via email at [email protected] or by phone at (703) 669-9994.

About the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Program

The USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Program was established in 2014 to provide a framework within which eventing teams and individual competitors could flourish at universities and colleges across the country. The USEA offers a discount of $25 on annual USEA memberships for current students of universities and colleges registered as Affiliates with the USEA. Many events across the country now offer Intercollegiate Team Challenges where collegiate eventers can compete individually as well as on teams with their fellow students. In Intercollegiate Team Challenges, each rider’s score is multiplied by a coefficient appropriate for their level to account for differences in level difficulty, and then the individual scores are added together to determine the team score. Click here to learn more about the Intercollegiate Eventing Program.

British Eventing’s Howden Way Reveals Talent Pathway Tiers

By US Equestrian Press Release on Mar 2, 2023 2:00 pm -

British Eventing and The Howden Way are committed to nurturing talent for the future. Photo courtesy of British Eventing.

British Eventing is delighted to share The Howden Way Talent Pathway, an update to its current Youth Performance programme which will help nurture and develop the next generation of talent in our sport. With athlete and horse welfare at the forefront, the new Howden Way Talent Pathway will encourage riders to stay engaged with the sport and enable them to be independent, well-educated riders who take responsibility for their own performances. The programme will support riders as they transition through the age groups, including those moving into senior levels.

The Howden Way Talent Pathway comprises five tiers, each of which focuses on a different rider demographic:

Tier 1 – Supporting riders U28 transitioning out of Young Riders and competing at 4* and beyond.

Young Horse Academy – sitting alongside the Talent Pathway tiers, The Howden Way Young Horse Academy identifies young quality horses produced by young athletes who are not currently supported by any other talent programmes.

Tier 2 – Supporting athletes aged 12-21 aiming for success at the European Championships for Ponies, Juniors and Young Riders in the current year.

Tier 3 – Supporting the Youth riders transitioning out of age groups along with developing those Pony, Junior and Young Rider combinations who are aiming for European Championships either in the current or following year/s.

Tier 4 – Developing riders competing in their respective age groups but not eligible for Tiers 2 or 3.

There is a clear performance criterion for combinations to be eligible for each of the tiers of the pathway, with full details are available here. Eligible combinations have been invited onto the Talent Pathway, with another intake for those who reach these criteria during the year.

“We are absolutely delighted to be launching the Talent Pathway and to be able to expand and develop the support that we are able to offer our younger riders,” says Justine Parker, BE head of training and development. “By providing the right training and guidance during these formative years we can help shape riders into all-round athletes and provide them with the skills and toolkit required to enable riders to fulfil their potential and provide foundations for a lifelong engagement in the sport.”

Darrell Scaife, BE Youth Performance Manager, adds, “The Howden Way Talent Pathway offers a clear and objective performance-based recognition of ability, and will provide help and support in developing the key skills attached to potential. I am grateful to Talent Pathway and to British Eventing for providing this opportunity which will further enable our younger athletes to grow.”

STRIDER Partners with StartBox Online Scoring for Eventing & Dressage

By US Equestrian Press Release on Mar 1, 2023 5:00 pm -

Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

STRIDER, the leading bookings platform for the equestrian industry, today announced an integration with Startbox Online Scoring, the premier system for horse show management and online scoring, to provide expanded functionality to over 200,000 Strider users.

Strider is a unique provider in the industry as its innovative mobile-friendly entry platform is designed not only to support guest users, but also to offer venues visibility in front of an audience of over 1.2M equestrians around the world. As a certified United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) entry provider, Strider enables venues to collect digital entries for competitions and educational events across all 29 USEF breeds and disciplines.

The partnership will initially support venues that host recognized and schooling competitions in eventing & dressage. In addition, the partnership will enable direct entry-scoring integration for United States Pony Club rallies.

“Our user growth has been phenomenal over the last year. When we evaluated potential digital scoring partners to support this growth, we found that StartBox’s ease of use and proven functionality aligned perfectly with our vision of creating a seamless integrated show management experience for our customers,” says Tara Swersie, CEO of STRIDER.

StartBox is the industry leader in online scoring across recognized eventing, dressage, and Pony Club competitions. In addition, StartBox’s software is routinely favored by venues that host schooling events that need scoring. Launched in 2008, StartBox supports hundreds of competitions from the grassroots to FEI level across North America.

“In support of our mission to support the wider equestrian community, we’re proud to offer this integration with Strider. Venues that use Strider are increasingly broadening the disciplines they work with and those venues are looking for an integrated solution….this partnership is a natural decision,” says Scott Weber, Partner at StartBox Online Scoring.

With the Strider + Startbox integration, event organizers using Strider can:

Collect digital entries from riders with SafeSport and membership data included
View uploaded Coggins and signature pages in real time
Offer digital release signing to riders, trainers, and coaches
Send entries + rider membership information to Startbox for scheduling
Brand show entry with their logo, company name and more

The added features will be part of Strider new Gold member level, a subscription based service launching Spring 2023. This integration enables organizers of all disciplines to directly sync with Startbox — all from their Strider organizer dashboard. This complements STRIDER’s integration of the USEF Membership API and compatibility with Event Entries in an effort to expand access to equestrian sport across disciplines, from the grass roots through FEI-sanctioned competitions.

FEI Solidarity Relief Fund Continues Support to War-Torn Ukraine One Year On

By US Equestrian Press Release on Feb 25, 2023 2:00 pm -

Lithuania’s Aistis Vitkauskas incorporates a nod to Ukraine in his trot-up presentation at Luhmühlen in 2022. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The 25th of February 2023 marks one year since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces began with the support of Belarus.

“This has been a tragic year in which the equestrian community, and indeed the entire population of Ukraine, have suffered tremendously,” says FEI President Ingmar De Vos. “Almost immediately after the start of the war, the FEI set aside a CHF 1 Million Solidarity Relief Fund to aid the equestrian community in the country as well as those who have left the embattled nation. In the months that followed, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) also joined forces with the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund, establishing the USEF Ukraine Relief Fund to support Ukraine horses and equestrians, with 100% of funds raised going to the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund to be distributed by the FEI for projects approved by the USEF.”

“Our general approach has been about supporting and leading initiatives to provide relief to the Ukrainian equestrian community rather than distributing money. A key area that required immediate action was assistance in the relocation of horses from conflict zones. We initially set up a logistical hub in Granat, located in western Ukraine between the city of Lviv and the Polish border, to prepare horses for transfer into the European Union. However, as time went on, we quickly realised we could provide greater relief to horse owners by helping them keep their horses in safer regions within Ukraine, and for this, we purchased a total of 120 boxes, which have been set up in strategic hubs around the country.”

“We worked closely with various European companies to purchase 7,400 kg of veterinary supplies and equipment and transport them into Ukraine from the neighbouring countries for use by 22 local veterinarians to treat common conditions such as colic, infections, and lameness in 5,700 horses. We purchased and transported large quantities of premix of vitamins, minerals and nutritional additives, which were enough to prepare hundreds of tons of horse feed on the ground in Ukraine.”

Sonia Shulga, 14, during training with the Ukrainian Vaulting team in Bernolákovo (SVK) on 18 May 2022. (c) FEI/Richard Juilliart.

Furthermore, he explains, “The FEI Solidarity Relief Fund supplied scholarships and training support to two Jumping and two Dressage athletes, who took part in the FEI Dressage European Championships for Juniors and Young Riders 2022 held in Hartpury (GBR). Assistance was also provided to five Vaulting Athletes, aged between 11 and 15, who became the first team to ever represent Ukraine in an international Vaulting Event when they participated in CVI1* in Kaposvár (HUN) from 20 to 22 May 2022. Funds covering the staff salaries were provided to the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation.”

The FEI’s contribution is set to continue on in 2023, as is their restriction on any FEI events taking place in Russia or Belarus in 2023. No competitions will be added to the calendar in these countries for this year; planned officials’ courses in the countries will be relocated elsewhere, and Russian and Belarusian athletes, officials, and horses will remain unable to take part in FEI events and courses indefinitely.

“So far, we have used half of the sum available in the Fund and we are committed to continuing our support in 2023 by providing additional athlete scholarships and training assistance, purchasing veterinary equipment and nutritional supplies, and financially supporting the Ukrainian National Federation staff,” President De Vos concludes.

“We would like to thank FEI Solidarity for the financial support of the young Ukrainian riders,” Mykhaylo Parkhomchuk, Secretary General of the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation (UEF) and Founder and CEO of the Ukrainian Equestrian Charity Foundation (UECF), says. “Unfortunately, many equestrian centres that were built with great love for our beautiful sport are standing in ruins. Equestrian sport in Ukraine will need a long-term recovery plan. Currently, we are discussing with the FEI Solidarity possibilities of support for equestrian equipment that would help boost the sports development in our country. The UECF is immensely grateful to the FEI for the ongoing support and remains committed to working together to support the equestrian community’s development and future recovery.”

STRIDER and EN Are Going Steady, Baby: 2023 Brings Another Year of Partnership

By US Equestrian Press Release on Feb 24, 2023 2:00 pm -

Tamie with some happy clinic participants. This could be you – if you get yourself over to STRIDER to sign up for your next clinic! Photo by Amber Heintzberger.

We’re truly chuffed to bits to announce that our partnership with STRIDER will continue on throughout 2023, with a shared aim of increased visibility for equestrian events while enabling equestrian organizers one of the biggest audiences possible to successfully promote their events worldwide.

Strider has become a real giant in our industry, and is the leading bookings platform for equestrians, with over 200,000 annual users. We hope you’re already pretty familiar with us here at EN, but if not, we like to think we’re also pretty good at what we do, with a global readership of over 1.2 million horse enthusiasts. Together, we’re jointly committed to expanding access and engagement throughout equestrian sport.

Throughout the 2023 partnership, equestrian organizers will be able to easily reach Eventing Nation’s thousands of readers to successfully generate media buzz and community awareness about their events, regardless of discipline.

Key features of the partnership will include:

The ability for equestrian organizers to offer a full range of activities for online entry – everything from recognized horse shows, to clinics, to camps –on the popular STRIDER booking platform, and then immediately receive free publicity in front of Eventing Nation’s 1.2M readership.
Automatic cross promotion on Eventing Nation’s “What’s Happening” page, a popular resource for thousands of riders each month seeking competitive and educational opportunities.
Preferred rates for EN readership on Strider Gold plans, which enables venues to easily send digital entries in recognized eventing and dressage competitions to StartBox online scoring.
Immediate access to USEF database results for horse & rider via Strider’s FastEntry product, the only USEF certified entry software capable of supporting across all breeds and disciplines
Preferred rates for Strider Members on Eventing Nation’s elite Media Promotion service, scheduled to launch Summer 2023.

“Enabling cross-promotion between Strider and Eventing Nation audiences is a win-win. When we broaden the awareness of what’s happening across equestrian sport, we enable wider participation and ultimately the growth of the sport, says Tara Swersie, CEO of STRIDER.

“Events are a huge part of the equestrian industry, but most horse show and clinic organizers don’t have the marketing resources to get their event seen by thousands of riders,” agrees our own boss lady, EN editor Sally Spickard. “With this collaboration, Eventing Nation is able to offer our 1.2m readership direct access to one of the biggest audiences possible for equestrian promotion, all with a simple click of a button.”

Under the new editorial leadership, Eventing Nation is fast becoming a resource where the entire eventing community can easily access both global news and educational resources in addition to competitions, clinics and other opportunities.

Eventing Nation joins the team of STRIDER partners who are committed to connecting equestrians to the very best in opportunities, products, and services available, including ProElite Feed, Horse & Country, Horse & Rider Books, the United States Eventing Association (USEA), Dressage4Kids, United States Equestrian Federation, Morven Park International Equestrian Center, AHT Insurance, Horse & Rider Books, and Dressage Today.

We’re delighted to continue on with our overall M.O. of helping eventing become the best it can be, and get the worldwide positive attention it deserves. To learn more about STRIDER, which operates the only digital provider certified by the United States Equestrian Federation to support entries across all disciplines and breeds, click here – and as always, Go Eventing!

British Eventing Adds a Spate of Events to the 2023 Calendar

By US Equestrian Press Release on Feb 23, 2023 2:34 pm -

Heidi Coy and Russal Z. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Great news for British-based eventers: just one week ahead of the start of the 2023 season, British Eventing has announced the addition of several events to the calendar, giving riders across the country even more opportunities to enjoy their sport of choice. Here’s what’s been added:

South East – Regional Championships
The South East region will now see a Regional Championship scheduled to take place on 12 & 13 August 2023 at Blindley Heath, Lingfield. This will give members an additional Regional Championship to aim for alongside the five that are already scheduled. Qualification to compete at the Regional Championships is achievable for many with two double clears required during the qualifying period. The top 10% finishers will then pick up the highly coveted qualification tickets for the NAF Five Star BE80 Championships at Bramham and the Voltaire Design Grassroots Championships at Badminton at BE90 & BE100 level. As well as the Regional Championship pathway there will also be the opportunity to qualify directly from the OBP Grassroots Leagues. Further information on the Regional Championships and all they have to offer can be found here.

Little Gatcombe
The highly popular event that was known as ‘Little Gatcombe’ is back in the calendar with two dates for 2023. The first of the two will run on the weekend of 17 & 18 June 2023 and the second on the weekend of 16 & 17 September 2023. Classes on offer span BE80, BE90 and BE100. We know this will be an extremely welcome fixture back in the BE calendar and we are delighted to be able to offer these two dates to the membership once again giving them the opportunity to compete at such a prestigious venue.

Oxstalls
We will now see Oxstalls, Gloucestershire running on the weekend of 15 & 16 April which will replace Ascott-Under-Wychwood (1) which has unfortunately had to cancel. However, Ascott-Under-Wychwood (2) will go ahead as scheduled on 3 & 4 June 2023. Moving the fixture to Oxstalls will see the same classes run at BE80, BE90 & BE100 level alongside Under 18 classes at each of these levels. In addition, Oxstalls will be running a BE105 class as well as GoBE classes at 80, 90 & 100 level.

“We welcome Little Gatcombe back into the BE calendar and know that this will be well received by our members,” says Helen West, Chief Executive for British Eventing. “We are confident that Charles Etherington-Smith and his team will deliver a gold standard product for our membership to benefit from, which will initially be at the BE80, BE90 and BE100 levels, but looking to the future, we know the site has the capacity to run at higher levels also.

“Blindley Heath was a new site in 2022 and proved very popular with the South East membership. BE have listened to feedback received from the membership about the geographical spread of Regional Championships and, having gone out inviting expressions of interest to host a Southeast Regional Championships, are thrilled to announce this addition which we hope will be welcomed by the membership.”

To visit the 2023 fixtures calendar, click here.

Meg Pellegrini Receives the USET Foundation’s 2023 Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant

By US Equestrian Press Release on Feb 17, 2023 2:00 pm -

Meg Pellegrini and RF Eloquence. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Up-and-coming eventing athlete Meg Pellegrini of Wayne, Pennsylvania, was named the recipient of the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation’s Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant for 2023. A current competitor in the Under 25 (U25) division, Pellegrini is progressing along the US Equestrian (USEF) High Performance Pathway with aspirations of representing the United States internationally.

The Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant is awarded annually through the USET Foundation’s Amanda Pirie Warrington Fund. Pirie’s family established the fund in her memory to provide financial assistance to an eventing athlete identified as having the talent and ability to represent the United States in the future. It is intended for a recipient that will benefit most from the opportunity to continue their training with top coaches and to compete against the world’s best in eventing, one of three Olympic equestrian disciplines. As the recipient of the grant, Pellegrini will receive up to $5,000 to help offset expenses associated with her training throughout 2023.

“I definitely want to thank the USET Foundation, my coaches at home, my family, and everyone who keeps my career running,” said Pellegrini, 19. “I feel very fortunate to be chosen for the Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant this year. I think that it’s vital for younger riders to be given an extra boost and level of support through the grant. I’m very, very thankful.”

Pellegrini grew up eventing in California before relocating to Pennsylvania with her family in 2020. In Pellegrini’s eyes, the move was a critical component to further her training.

“Once we arrived in Pennsylvania, I got started with my coach Lillian Heard and she polished me up immediately,” Pellegrini explained. “She helped me find my next couple of horses and has really been my guiding hand during the past few years.

“The initial move was overwhelming, with all of the big events on the East Coast and competing with people I’d only watched from afar,” she continued. “I knew I wanted to compete at the highest levels, so I had to push myself to get better and keep learning. All of the opportunities since the move have been incredible, and I’m very lucky to be here.”

Meg Pellegrini and RF Eloquence. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

Pellegrini has made the most of her recent opportunities, earning a number of top placings in Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) two- and three-star competitions in 2022. Competing in the CCI3*-L division at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Montana, in July of 2022, she placed second riding RF Eloquence, her 18-year-old Holsteiner gelding. In October of 2022, she won the CCIYJ2*-L division at Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina, with Global Naxos, her 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding.

In addition to the support she has received since moving to Pennsylvania, Pellegrini also credits her experiences along the USEF High Performance Pathway for preparing her to one day compete at an elite level.

“Being a part of the U25 Pathway Program has acted like a jump start to my career,” she explained. “Being able to work closely with [USEF’s Eventing Emerging and Developing Athlete Coach] Leslie Law and other coaches that USEF has introduced me to has been huge for my riding. I definitely have the long view in mind in terms of competing on the big international stages.”

Thanks to the Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant, Pellegrini can continue to focus on her training to help reach her goal of representing the United States around the world.

Blenheim International Secures New Organizer and Confirms 2023 Dates

By US Equestrian Press Release on Feb 17, 2023 10:00 am -

Photo courtesy of Blenheim Palace International.

We’re delighted to report that the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials will continue on as planned this year, despite having unexpectedly lost its organiser, the Jockey Club, in November after just two iterations.

Now, the event will go forth under the banner of Stable Events Ltd, who are best known for putting on a host of successful Game Fairs across the UK. Blenheim will run from September 14-17, 2023, with both the popular CCI4*-L and the prestigious CCI4*-S for eight- and nine-year-olds back on the calendar. In even more exciting news for grassroots riders, there are murmurings that much-loved classes such as the arena eventing competition may be on the way back, too.

“The Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials have a rich history and we’re committed to upholding that tradition and making this year’s event even more special,” says James Gower, Managing Director of Stable Events.

Roy Cox, Blenheim Estates Managing Director, concurs: “We are delighted to announce these dates, which continue over 30 years of this World Heritage Site providing a platform to our gold medal winning athletes, aspiring competitors and amateurs alike, all in front of the many tens of thousands who come to enjoy such a great sport in such a great setting making such special memories. We look forward to working with Stable Events – a company who know Blenheim Palace well and there is lots more news to come, including members from all areas of the eventing community who will help make sure BPIHT is the first date in your calendar every year.”

Yasmin Ingham and Banzai Du Lour, winners of Blenheim’s CCI4*-L in 2021. Photo courtesy of Blenheim Palace International.

“British Eventing are delighted that Stable Events has been appointed to run The Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials and excited that the event will go ahead in 2023. The Blenheim Palace event is a key date in the British Eventing calendar, providing a pathway event to the 5* level of the sport,” says Helen West, CEO of British Eventing. “We are particularly encouraged by initial conversations with the organisers around reinstating opportunities at Blenheim Palace for our Grassroots members. There is real appetite from Stable Events to add value to the BE membership, with indications that free member parking will be provided, along with other membership discounts being explored. This means that Blenheim Palace will be a showcase for the whole sport, benefitting as many of our members as possible.”

Laura Collett, who won the eight- and nine-year-old class in 2018 with her Badminton and Pau winner and Olympic gold medallist London 52, is delighted to see Blenheim’s place in the calendar secured.

“I am very pleased to hear someone has taken over the trials and excited to know it will be on the calendar again,” she says. “It was a worrying time with the Jockey Club pulling out that we might lose a very significant event from the calendar[…] Blenheim is a fantastic event and one that has been a stepping stone for many future 5* winners ,particularly from the 8/9yo champs.”

512 Trainers Accepted to 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover

By US Equestrian Press Release on Feb 15, 2023 11:42 am -

Warlander and Haylie at their Training Test 2 at the Thoroughbred Makeover. Photo by Bethany P Photography.

The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) announced today that 512 trainers have been accepted to the 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America. The world’s largest and most lucrative retraining competition for recently-retired racehorses takes place on October 11-14, 2023 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, awarding over $100,000 in prize money.

The flagship event of the RRP, the Thoroughbred Makeover is open to professionals, juniors, amateurs and teams, all of whom compete with Thoroughbreds who raced or trained to race within the past two years and who have no more than 10 months of retraining. With the horses serving as the equalizing factor, all trainers compete on even footing, with juniors, amateurs and teams enjoying great success at the Makeover. (Last year’s Thoroughbred Makeover Champion, She’s a Bold One, was trained by junior Jenna Denver, the second junior in the event’s history to win top honors.) New for 2023, the Former Broodmare Division, sponsored by Claiborne Farm, will include former broodmares who recently retired from the breeding industry as well.

“On behalf of TCA, we congratulate all of the trainers accepted into the 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover,” said Erin Halliwell, executive director of TCA. “We appreciate the time and resources trainers dedicate to transitioning Thoroughbreds into their next careers, and we appreciate the impact that the RRP and the Thoroughbred Makeover has made on the lives of thousands of Thoroughbreds over the years.”

Competition at the Thoroughbred Makeover is available in ten disciplines, and trainers can choose to compete in up to two: barrel racing, competitive trail, dressage, eventing, field hunter, polo, ranch work, show hunter, show jumper, and freestyle (a free-form discipline to demonstrate skills of the trainer’s choice).

While trainers did not need to declare their entry intentions for their individual horses on their applications, they did need to provide a horseman’s resume that detailed their training and competition experience, including riding video in their disciplines of declared expertise. Applicants also furnished letters from their veterinarians starting that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to appropriately care for a horse transitioning from the track. An application committee considered each applicant’s ability as described in their application to bring along a recently-retired Thoroughbred and compete at a national venue in a big environment.

Photo courtesy of Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover.

Accepted trainers are encouraged to register their horses with the RRP as soon as they acquire them; horse registration closes on July 28, 2023. As horses are registered and approved, they will appear on the entry list at TheRRP.org/entries. Trainers have signed up bring a total of 536 horses. (Late applications will also be considered through June 30, 2023.)

“The 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover marks ten years since the event’s pilot, a showcase of 23 horses on the homestretch of Pimlico Racecourse in 2013,” said Kirsten Green, executive director of the RRP. “While the Makeover still serves as a showcase for the breed, it has evolved to become an integral part of the aftercare industry, driving demand for Thoroughbreds who are completing their racing careers and offering participants the community and support needed to ensure they’re successful with their horses.”

The 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover will once again include The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) Western and Central Region Dressage Championships, adding more opportunities for Thoroughbred enthusiasts to enjoy the week at the Kentucky Horse Park. The ASPCA Makeover Marketplace and ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Barn will also return, offering horse shoppers the unique opportunity to watch a horse compete, trial ride, and complete a pre-purchase exam all in one location. Other opportunities at the Thoroughbred Makeover will include a vibrant Vendor Fair running all week long, plus interactive educational seminars.

The Thoroughbred Makeover is the flagship event of the RRP, a 501(c)(3) non-profit committed to increasing the demand for and value of Thoroughbreds in careers after racing. Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 2023 Thoroughbred Makeover: contact [email protected] for more information.

4th Annual Tom Bass Seminar on Diversity in Equestrian Sport to be Streamed Globally

By US Equestrian Press Release on Feb 14, 2023 10:49 am -

Mimi Gochman rides Merino Van de Achterhoek at Aachen. Her achievements will be among those celebrated in this year’s Tom Bass Seminar. © FEI/ Richard Juilliart

The 4th Tom Bass Seminar on Diversity in Equestrian Sports will be held as an online webinar on Saturday, February 25th from 12:00 noon (UTC 17.00.00) to 2:30 p.m. (UTC 19.30.00) Eastern Standard Time. The virtual meeting will examine issues relating to diversity in domestic and international sport.

A live feed of the meeting will be available worldwide via YouTube and SQITV, the digital content delivery service of SportsQuest International, LLC, powered by YouTube.

First launched in 2019, as part of the annual Day of the African Equestrian (DOTAE) celebrations, the seminar takes place in a climate of political, commercial and societal disruption highlighted by questions over migration, police brutality, reparations, cultural and economic imperialism, ‘wokeness’ and a widening gap between ‘the haves’ and the ‘have nots’ in the United States and other countries.

The first portion of the seminar will honor recent achievements of note. Victories celebrated will include (but are certainly not be limited to) those of:

Mimi Gochman — USA representative in the 2022 FEI Youth Equestrian Games (Team Gold Medalist and Individual Bronze Medalist) – selected to the U.S. Nations Cup Team (Jumping) for Vejer de la Frontera CSIO3* (Spain) and Vilamoura CSIO3* (Portugal)

Jefferson ‘Tot’ Goodwin MFH — Champion – 2022 MFHA National Foxhound Performance Trials Championship

Jad Guerraoui (Morocco) — Silver Medalist – 2022 FEI Youth Equestrian Games Individual Competition Muthoni Kimani (Kenya) – Winner, 2022 FEI Against All Odds Award

Mia Rodier-Dawallo — Champion – 2022 U.S. Para Dressage Championship

Pape Seck (Senegal) — Chef d’ Equipe – Team Africa – 2022 FEI Youth Equestrian Games

Mavis Spencer — selected to the U.S. Nations Cup Team (Jumping) for the 2022 Vejer de la Frontera CSIO3* (Spain) and Vilamoura CSIO3* (Portugal)

Thomas van Rijckevorsel (South Africa) — Gold Medalist – 2022 FEI Youth Equestrian Games Individual Competition

Dressage South Africa Solidarity Stars Project – Winners of the 2022 FEI Solidarity Award Team Africa – Bronze Medalists in 2022 FEI Youth Equestrian Games Team Competition

The webinar will also highlight several significant initiatives towards diversity.

Nonprofit organizations and equestrian sports federations from throughout the world are invited to submit a short (3–5 minute) video or PowerPoint presentation outlining highlights of their efforts towards Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). No commercial messages please! All materials should be submitted to: [email protected] and must be received by Thursday, February 23rd. Melvin Cox, Managing Director of SportsQuest International, LLC and a Lecturer at the University of California, Santa Cruz will serve as moderator of the seminar.

Screenshot from the 2020 Tom Bass Seminar.

Topics to be explored during the 4th Tom Bass Seminar on Diversity in Equestrian Sport include:

Demystifying horse sport — not for rich kids only… Reviving equestrian heritage in lower and middle income communities
Developing broad-based community support for equestrian activities at all levels
Building sustainable programs that support diversity in the horse industry
Incorporating the lessons gleaned from social activism into the ways in which we do business
Leveraging (new and traditional) media in horse focused education and promotion
Developing stories that more accurately reflect the life experiences of equestrians of color
Incorporating the rich equestrian heritages of non-white, non-European communities (including
African, African-American, Asian, Hispanic, Native-American, Romani, South Asian and others) into

our shared equestrian narrative
Supporting entrepreneurship within the equestrian marketplace

Free on-line registration for persons wishing to interactively participate in the 4th Tom Bass Seminar on Diversity in Equestrian Sports is available here.

Tom Bass riding his famous Saddlebred partner, Belle Beach. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

A legendary American Saddlebred trainer, Tom Bass (1859–1934) was born enslaved in Columbia, Missouri. He played a prominent role both in the establishment of the American Royal Horse Show in Kansas City and in the promotion of the city of Mexico, Missouri as the ‘Saddle Horse Capital of the World’.

Highlights of his extraordinary career include championships at two World’s Fairs and more than 2,000 blue ribbons. For many years he was the only African-American permitted to compete at the American Royal.

US Equestrian Now Accepting 2023 Grant Applications for Licensed Official Development

By US Equestrian Press Release on Feb 7, 2023 9:10 am -

Valerie Pride and Favian. Photo by Shelby Allen.

If you’ve ever toyed with the idea of becoming a licensed official as a way of continuing your involvement with eventing/equestrian sports, you’re in luck! US Equestrian has announced they are now accepting applications for 2023 licensed official development grants.

These grants are intended to reduce financial barriers for USEF or U.S. Féderation Équestre Internationale (FEI) officials to complete application requirements, such as traveling to apprentice at a competition or attend a licensed official clinic. In 2022, 19 individuals were approved to receive a USEF Licensed Official Grant amounting to a total of $11,700.

The 2023 grants will be offered in two categories: general and U35. General grants will be considered based on the competition environment’s need for more officials or higher-level officials. The U35 grants provide an opportunity to support individuals under the age of 35 to become a licensed official or apply for a promotion — a way to grow the official pool from the bottom up by encouraging younger prospective officials to enter the pipeline.

“Encouraging and mentoring the next generation of individuals to become licensed officials is key for the vitality of our sport. You can’t have a competition without officials,” said Alina Brazzil, Director of Licensed Officials.

“Development of the official’s pathway is an important facet of the competition environment,” said Bill Moroney, Chief Executive Officer. “This program was quite successful in its inaugural year. The Federation plans to again support individuals who have the drive to develop their education and become leaders in the officiating field in 2023. We encourage you to apply.”

Applicants are encouraged to think creatively and apply for competition and clinic experiences that would not normally be available to them due to financial barriers.

How to Apply

The complete list of grant requirements and application is available through the new LO Grant Application tile on the LO Dashboard here. All 2023 applicants must apply online through the LO Grant Application tile on or before March 1, 2023; emailed and mailed hard copy applications will not be accepted this year.

All portions of the online application must be completed for the application to be processed and reviewed. The 2023 applications may be considered on a rolling basis after the initial deadline if grant funds are still available, but all funds awarded must be claimed and utilized within the 2023 competition year, which ends November 30, 2023.

Questions may be directed to the Licensed Officials Department at [email protected].

British Eventing Organizer to Trial New Entries System in 2023

By US Equestrian Press Release on Feb 4, 2023 10:12 am -

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

In a bid to circumvent some of the issues faced in the 2022 British Eventing season, which saw a number of events across the country cancelled in the wake of low entries, BEDE Events will be the first British Eventing fixture to remove the ballot system from their entry policy and instead will accept entries in the order in which they are received.

BEDE, which runs popular events including the Eventing Spring Carnival at Thoresby, the first British four-star of the season, Osberton International Horse Trials, and a roster of national events, will use the new entry policy at its first event of the year, Oasby (1).

Oasby, which takes place from March 9-12 in Lincolnshire, is one of the best-attended early-season fixtures, and as such will serve as an excellent indicative trial run, with terms in place to protect the best interests of riders and encourage a robust field of entries. Running unopposed in the calendar in 2023, it’s guaranteed to be a choice run for professionals and amateurs alike.

The entry system itself will open for full members on Wednesday, February 8th at midday, and entries will be accepted in the order in which they arrive – each class will close when it has reached 90% capacity, with the remaining 10% being taken from the waitlist, rather than relying on a lottery system or ballot stickers. Should space allow, entries will open for PAYG (Pay-As-You-Go — British Eventing’s new version of a day ticket) members, on Wednesday 15^th February, at midday. In the event of a shortfall of entries, the system will remain open beyond the closing date, though a late entry surcharge will be applied from 23^rd February.

Oasby has long been the season-opening event of choice for many of Britain’s professional event riders, who often have a number of horses to take into consideration at every event. In an effort to accommodate their unique needs, BEDE will waive the substitution fee for horses, allowing riders to confidently enter up to five horses per day for the event and swap their intended mounts at a later date without incurring a financial penalty.

Of the decision, Stuart Buntine says, “Oasby is an event that has always been keen to try new ideas and initiatives, whilst also staying true to its key role of being an early season event that is used by riders to get horses out competing at the start of the season on good going. As the only British Eventing fixture running on this weekend we can foresee a significant entry to an already busy fixture, and would therefore urge riders to enter as soon as entries open.”

“By operating this system, we hope that everybody will have an equal chance of competing at our events. As with any new system there will be some lessons to learn, however we hope that this will enable riders to confidently enter early to ensure they get a run. We aim to be as flexible as possible, and will endeavour to work with riders to ensure we develop a fair and easy system.

For organisers, receiving the entries as early as possible will greatly assist with our financial planning and should reduce the risks of events cancelling, due to lack of financial viability, at the last minute.”

US Equestrian Releases Updated Qualification Requirements for National Levels

By US Equestrian Press Release on Feb 1, 2023 9:55 am -

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

As the 2023 season gears up, we would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the new Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MER) for national levels. All MER specifications can be found in Appendix 3 of the USEF Rulebook.

All Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MER), except Classic Three-day Events, must be obtained within a 4-year period. One MER must be obtained within 12 weeks of the event for which it is needed when moving from one level to the next. E.g., when moving from Intermediate to Advanced, one MER at Intermediate is required within 12 weeks of the event.

2.2.1 When achieved at a national horse trials, an MER is achieved by completing the entire horse trial and scoring:

Not more than 45 penalty points in the dressage test, and
No jumping penalties at obstacles on the cross country test unless specified otherwise, and not more than 75 seconds (30 penalty points) exceeding the optimum time, and
Not more than 16 penalties at obstacles in the jumping test.
25 penalty points received for dangerous riding will not achieve a national qualifying result.

3.5 PRELIMINARY (P) – Open to competitors from the beginning of the calendar year of their 14th birthday, on horses five years of age or older. The competitor must have obtained an MER at six horse trials at the training level or higher. The horse must have obtained an MER at four horse trials at the Training Level or higher: One of the four MERs must be as a combination. Athletes with more than 10 MERs at the Preliminary Level or higher are exempt from one MER in combination.

3.9 INTERMEDIATE (I) – Open to competitors from the beginning of the calendar year of their 16th birthday, on horses six years of age or older. The athlete must have obtained an MER at six horse trials at the Preliminary Level or higher. The horse must have obtained an MER at four horse trials at the Preliminary Level or higher: One of the four MERs must be as a combination. Competitors with more than 10 MERs at the Intermediate Level or higher are exempt from one MER in combination.

3.10 ADVANCED (A) – Open to competitors from the beginning of the calendar year of their 18th birthday, on horses six years of age or older. The athlete must have obtained an MER at six horse trials at the Intermediate Level or higher. The horse must have obtained an MER at four horse trials at the Intermediate Level or higher: One of the four MERs must be as a combination. Athletes with more than 10 MERs at the Advanced Level or higher are exempt from one MER in combination.

Questions regarding qualifications can be sent to Alison Lloyd at [email protected]. Click here for more information regarding checking your qualifications.

Competing an OTTB This Year? Check Out the 2023 T.I.P Calendar

By US Equestrian Press Release on Jan 31, 2023 11:30 am -

Buck Davidson and Sorocaima. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) has announced that it has approved more than 6,700 awards and classes at more than 1,400 shows in 43 states and six Canadian provinces for 2023.

Awards are available for multiple disciplines, including eventing, dressage, Western and English pleasure, ranch riding, hunter/jumper, endurance, barrel racing, polo, and polocrosse. A full calendar of shows offering awards is available at tjctip.com/CalendarOfEvents and will be updated as show dates are confirmed.

In addition, T.I.P. will offer two T.I.P. Championship horse shows again in 2023.

T.I.P. Championships in hunters, jumpers, combined test, dressage, English pleasure, and English in-hand will return this year to Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina. The show will commence the evening of Thursday, October 5, and will continue through Sunday, October 8. In addition, T.I.P. will be offering a Thoroughbred bonus to Thoroughbreds competing in the Stable View Oktoberfest 2/3/4* Horse Trial the weekend before the T.I.P. Championships, extending the celebration of the Thoroughbred at Stable View into an additional weekend.

“Stable View is very pleased, for the third year, to welcome back T.I.P. Championship riders,” said Barry and Cyndy Olliff, owners of Stable View. “We wish all participants a successful year and look forward to great competition in October.”

T.I.P. Western & Central Dressage Championships will once again be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington during the Retired Racehorse Project’s (RRP) Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America. The show will kick off Wednesday, October 11, and will run through Saturday, October 14. The Western Championships will include divisions in barrel racing, Western pleasure, Western halter, ranch riding, Western dressage, and competitive trail. Dressage Championships will be offered in levels from Introductory through FEI Test of Choice.

Graphic courtesy of the Jockey Club.

Qualifying information for the championships is available on the T.I.P. website at tjctip.com/About/CSI. Prize lists will be made available for both events in the spring.

“The RRP is pleased to welcome the T.I.P. Championships back to the Thoroughbred Makeover,” said Kirsten Green, executive director of the RRP. “Our programs naturally complement each other, and we’re proud to support T.I.P.’s effort to expand recognition of Thoroughbreds’ competing in all disciplines at all levels.”

In addition, T.I.P. will be offering year-end or championship awards in association with the American Endurance Ride Conference, Equine Trail Sports, Interscholastic Equestrian Association, United States Eventing Association, United States Pony Club, and United States Dressage Federation.

“The Jockey Club is proud of the expansive number of T.I.P.-approved awards, classes, and championships that showcase the diversity Thoroughbreds have in their second careers,” said Kristin Werner, senior counsel for The Jockey Club and coordinator of T.I.P. “Our partnership with organizations like Stable View and the Retired Racehorse Project further expand opportunities for Thoroughbreds to excel in multiple disciplines beyond the track, and we are proud to see the continued growth and success of T.I.P in 2023.”

Created and announced in October 2011, T.I.P. recognizes and rewards the versatility of the Thoroughbred through sponsorship of Thoroughbred classes and high-point awards at sanctioned horse shows, performance awards, and non-competition awards. In addition to the complete schedule of T.I.P.-sponsored shows, other information about the program is available on the T.I.P. website.

Virginia Horse Center to Remain Hub of National and International Eventing

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

Allison Springer and Crystal Crescent Moon, winners of the 2019 USEF Two-Star Eventing National Championship at Virginia Horse Trials. Crystal Crescent Moon, owned and bred by Nancy Winter, a graduate of the USEA Young Event Horse program. Photo by Brant Gamma.
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The Virginia Horse Center Foundation is pleased to announce that national and FEI level eventing continues at the VHC under the name of Virginia Horse Center Eventing (VHC Eventing) May 25-28th, 2023. Through the leadership efforts of VHCF Board President Roxanne Booth and CEO Glenn Petty, VHC Eventing has received unanimous approval from the USEF to hold Beginner Novice through Intermediate level horse trials plus CCI 1*L, CCI2-S, CCI3-S and CCI2-L.

“After months of proceedings with the USEA and the USEF, we are delighted to announce that we have received unanimous approval by vote from the USEF Hearing Panel for horse trials to be held May 25-28th at the Virginia Horse Center,” stated VHC Foundation CEO Glenn Petty. “In addition, we are thrilled about the newly formed VHC Eventing Organizational committee and the improvements which are currently underway to the cross-country course.”

Leading the team of industry experts is Event Organizer Joanie Morris and the course building team of Tyson Rementer and Levi Ryckewaert, who are busy constructing over 100 new cross-country jumps.

Rementer was the recipient of the 2022 USEF Posthole Digger award, presented to a builder who has exhibited exceptional ability and dedication to the sport through their work. He and his crew are well known for their course building talents at the Kentucky 3 Day Event, The Carolina International CCI and Red Hills International Horse Trials. Rementer was also instrumental in helping CEO Glenn Petty lead the acquisition of over 80 FEI level jumps, that Rementer built for Red Hills International, to be delivered to VHC Eventing in early February.

Morris’ resume in horse sport includes leadership positions for multiple US Olympic teams and World Championships, Managing Director of Eventing and Press Officer for all FEI Sports for the USEF, sponsorship activation at the 2022 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event as well as Event Director for the $50,000 Grand Prix Eventing Showcase in Aiken, SC.

Morris is quickly assembling a top-shelf team for VHC Eventing. “I feel grateful for the opportunity to be involved with such a wonderful group of people at this venue steeped in eventing tradition. We are focused on creating a quality competition with top-quality courses and officials.”

In addition to the leadership mentioned above, confirmed members of the VHC Eventing staff and committee include: FEI Course Designer Jay Hambly, National Course Designer John Wells, Show Jumping Course Designer Michel Vaillancourt, Event Secretary Heather Petersen and Volunteer Coordinator Emily Kolakowsky. Brian Ross, the original visionary and organizer of the Virginia Horse Trials 1989 to 2014, is the Honorary Organizing Committee Chair. The Organizing Committee members are Mark Combs, Kim Severson, Jerry Schurink and Carrie Camp.

The committee for VHC Eventing plans to elevate every aspect of the 2023 event to delight competitors and spectators through improvements to the footing and re-design of the cross-country and show jumping courses. In addition, the committee will strive to honor Brian and Penny Ross’s original vision of the event atmosphere by bringing back several fun traditions for this beautiful destination event, such as the opening party and bonfire.

During the initial organizational committee meeting for VHC Eventing Ross noted, “Penny and I couldn’t be any more excited with the formation of this new committee at Virginia Horse Center Eventing and we are confident that they will continue with the well-loved traditions that we founded in 1989.”

Stay tuned! Website and social media for Virginia Horse Center Eventing coming soon!

Contact Lisa Davis Engel for sponsorship and vending opportunities.

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