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Veronica Green-Gott

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Former FEI Groom Cassie Arnold Launches Equinett

By on Dec 15, 2025 1:14 pm -

Cassie Arnold has worked behind the scenes in eventing for years, exploring the sport from a perspective that few are privy to. Along the way, she identified a number of areas where the industry was stuck with outdated, non-user friendly technology far behind current times. She’s taken it upon herself to create a solution to these problems with Equinett, a newly-launched community directory dedicated to reducing the cost and hassle of advertising, applying for work, and reaching customers and clients.

“I worked for Jeanette Brakewell for nearly two years at the age of 18,” Cassie said. “I had my own horse, Tobasco, competed up to what is now the two-star level and then wanted to travel. I then worked in France, Spain, America, Ireland, and Japan.”

As Jeanette’s groom, Cassie saw the world. “She had made such a name for herself with Olympic team medals and winning four team European medals with the legendary Over To You,” Cassie said. “I was told if I worked for her, I could work for anyone, and that’s basically what I did.”

After moving on from Jeanette’s team, she spent some time as a freelance groom and then worked for a sports timing company. “I never wanted to be a rider, although I like riding and competing at a low level,” Cassie said. “I worked for a sports timing company at Bramham, Burghley, and Badminton. I saw all behind the scenes. I worked within the system, so I was in direct contact with the BBC.”

Unfortunately, what she saw behind the scenes of the sport could use some improvement. “This hasn’t changed for about 30, 40 years,” Cassie said. “No one’s in communication with anyone. They think that the same team turns up again and again each year and just do what they do, whether that’s in terms of cross country control, officials, technical delegates, etc.”

Photo courtesy of Cassie Arnold.

In Cassie’s mind, the biggest problem came when organizers, riders, and owners tried to connect with farriers, vets, grooms, or sell and breed horses. “Every advertising website for horses for sale hasn’t changed in about 20 years,” Cassie said. “They’re not user friendly. It’s very hard to sell a horse and it’s actually really expensive.”

Thanks to her extensive background as a professional groom, Cassie also felt she could improve visibility for freelance grooms.

“Equestrian teams are often very small because the owner doesn’t have a lot of money to get more staff than needed,” Cassie said. “If one or two people are ill, there’s only a couple of people left working and they can quite easily get overwhelmed. So, what if there was a way you could quickly and easily see a freelance person in your area, contact them, and bring them in?”

Cassie also became disenchanted with what she saw as a lack of equal opportunity within the industry. “Whilst working in the industry I got the majority of my work through my reputation and word of mouth,” she said. “This system stops hard working, talented people from getting the positions they want simply because they don’t know the right people. I wanted to change that, allowing people to post jobs and see candidates from all areas and groups so that they can find and create the best teams.”

Another big pitfall Cassie saw within the industry was the expenses involved with buying and selling horses online. “Some of these sites charge a huge fee for what is, in essence, a group of photos and some text on a screen,” Cassie said. “I wanted to give people a better option. Not just photos and words but active location tracking, and links to videos and event results for a fraction of the price.”

The idea for Equinett was born. An affordable community marketplace for the equestrian and agriculture industries, Equinett allows equestrians to advertise, reach their target audience, and get real-time alerts and fast results. Categories include horses for sale, equestrian jobs, transportation, properties, farming equipment, and even general pet services like grooming or pet sitting.

“It’s going to be incredibly user friendly, super fast to use,” Cassie said. “We also have a mobile app close to release designed to be responsive in low-data areas, like in the field or at the yard.”

A map of the area you’re in will allow you to find services close to you. “A freelance groom will be able to show themselves on the map and then if someone’s ill, they will be visible to anyone in their area that needs to call them to bring them in,” Cassie said. “It’s modernizing the community, making sure everyone is accessible to everyone, and then it’s also affordable.”

“I’m currently looking to partner with associations and then give their members help and discounts,” Cassie said. “I want to partner with farrier and dentist associations and then they can also show their accredited number on their profile.”

Cassie was able to use her personal connections to build the app in an affordable way, and then pass those savings onto her customers. One day she hopes to expand Equinett to provide educational opportunities and work studies through local universities.

“I want to be part of universities to help with work experience placement and then provide further study with them,” Cassie said. “So hopefully it builds easy access to education into the industry.”

For those users who work in the industry, Cassie hopes Equinett will offer support and possibly even education around the importance of contracts. She came up with the idea after living through some bad experiences as a freelance groom herself.

“I thought I would go and do a freelance event, just get out a little bit. And I completely regretted it. The team was horrible, the living conditions were horrible, they weren’t friendly. And then I lost out on money in the end,” Cassie said. “Freelancers should have more protection. The plan is for Equinett to protect all of those in the industry, whether that’s through keeping money in your pockets or just getting you in touch with the right people and building a community.”

Cassie hopes that Equinett will help bring modern technology to the equestrian industry. She has big dreams for the future of the sport, and hopes Equinett will become a catalyst for change in a traditional industry that can be set in its ways. She hopes to use the Equinett platform to expand the opportunities available to those who want to have a career in the industry.

Click here to explore Equinett and discover how this new website can help you grow your business or career, or simply help you keep your horse happy and healthy. For a limited time, you can receive your first advert for free using code FREE2025.

A Bright Fall Season for Autumn Leaves and Phillip Dutton with CCI2*-L Win at VHC Eventing, presented by Capital Square

By on Nov 3, 2025 12:10 pm -

Phillip Dutton & Autumn Leaves. Photos by: Veronica Green-Gott

The CCI2*-L was the last FEI division to crown a winner at VHC Eventing, presented by Capital Square, and after a breathtakingly competitive show jumping phase, Autumn Leaves remained on top. As Phillip Dutton and “Lenni,” owned by the Autumn Leaves’ Group, galloped around the Stave Mill Arena with blue ribbons streaming in the air, it was fitting that the fall leaves in the background had turned the Blue Ridge Mountains into bright jewel tones. It was the last event of the season for the big grey mare and, for Dutton, her performance set the tone for a bright future.

“I was really proud of her,” Dutton said. “I thought it wasn’t the biggest course, but it’s always hard after you’ve gone fast the day before to get the horses to be adjustable and stay careful. I thought she handled it really well.”

While the fences were not huge, apparently someone forgot to tell Autumn Leaves’ that. “She jumps big,” Dutton said. “Actually, when we first got her, it caused a bit of trouble because she’d go so high and then scare herself, especially on the cross country. Now she’s starting to level out and use that scope in the right way.”

Based on her scope over the fences and stellar performance over the weekend, Dutton hopes that, with some luck, 2026 will be her first season at the three-star level. A frequent flyer at the Virginia Horse Center, Dutton says he keeps coming back to the venue colloquially called “Little Bromont” because of the lessons horses— and riders— can learn.

“It’s a good education for the horses,” he said. “I thought it was a really rider-friendly run this year. The terrain plays a part on the cross country and it’s important for riders and horses to experience that. You can’t just protect yourself from having ideal or flat ground or whatever. It’s good to get out and do it. The arenas here add an element of atmosphere and excitement, so it’s a good experience.”

The seven-time Olympian galloped to victory followed by Olympian Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Olive in second place, and Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Talbots Hill in third. Behind the Olympic riders galloped Lizzie Hoff and Rylie Nelson. Lizzie Hoff won first place among the young riders in the CCI2*-L division aboard Cascadella 8, while Rylie Nelson and Galloway Sunrise took second.

Lizzie Hoff and Cascadella 8

Sponsored by Hyperion Stud, the Young Rider Award brings awareness to the importance of nurturing the up-and-coming riders who make up the future of eventing. Based on Hoff and Nelson’s performances at a tough venue this weekend, the future is bright.

While many riders cite the cross country track at the Virginia Horse Center as a difficult fitness test, Hoff says it was a breeze for Cascadella 8. “The highlight was definitely my double clear cross country,” she said. “My mare was just so on it the whole time. I really didn’t have to do much. It was just an easy, smooth round. She really worked super hard for me, especially up that big hill. So it’s a super nice feeling.”

Hoff has been an avid participant in Young Rider programs, including Emerging Athletes Under 21. She’s also a member of the USEF Under 25 Developing Team. But after having to divert away from her goal of competing at the Young Rider Championships, she said being recognized by the Hyperion Stud Young Rider Award this weekend was a nice surprise.

“So it was really fun to have this, because we have for the last like three years gone to young rider championships, and since we didn’t get to go to one this year, this is a really nice way to add that into our season,” Hoff said. “I was really excited. It was nice to get the recognition and good. And for my horses, too— it was just nice to have that added on to a good weekend with the horses.”

Hoff has big dreams that she says have been supported by a variety of young rider programs early on in her career. “I’m hoping that I’ll have a good string of horses over the coming years to hopefully breach the goal of being a professional and doing some team stuff for the US. That’s the goal,” she said.

Rylie Nelson and Galloway Sunrise.

Nelson, who hopes to have a career in business as well as dabble in professional horse sports, was also excited to be recognized by the Hyperion Stud Young Rider Awards. After finishing with a score of 31.0 aboard Fylicia Barr’s former five-star horse, Galloway Sunrise, Nelson said finishing second in the Young Rider Awards was a great comeback after struggling in the spring.

“I think having a double clear cross country round was definitely the highlight [of my weekend],” Nelson said. “I tried to do the two-long here in the spring and just didn’t quite get around. So really, having a good, confident cross country round was just such a good feeling.”

Known as “Sunny” at the barn, Nelson said that her partner Galloway Sunrise has taken on the professor role with the young rider. “I did my first Modified on her and I just did my first intermediate on her,” she said. “She’s really taught me a lot. I’ve ridden with Fylicia for years. So it’s a really special partnership and opportunity.”

Nelson was a team member for her area’s Young Rider team in both 2024 and 2025. She said the young rider program has helped her make connections that she wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. “It’s such a great experience,” she said. “It really is just like a teaching moment for young riders. It keeps bringing people into the sport and it’s a good experience to be on a team and feel the different pressures of that and understand how that works, and also just to meet other young riders. It’s definitely a nice way to make new friends.”

As the coach for the Area II Young Riders’ program, Susie Beale is an advocate for the Virginia Horse Center as providing a community gathering place and furthering the education of many young riders in the area.

“[Virginia Horse Center] is so supportive of our young rider program here in Area II,” Beale said. “The young rider program is the foundation of our sport, and hopefully these young riders are going to be our Olympians one day. Area II is doing its best to support them.”

According to Beale, young riders don’t just come to the Center for the challenging course and big atmosphere; they can also benefit from the connections they make back at the barns.

“Virginia gives the feeling of pomp and circumstance and it’s a beautifully run event,” she said. “It has FEI classes, so it gives the young riders a feeling of competing in the big time, which is a great experience. They’re stabled next to people like Ema [Klugman] or Phillip [Dutton]. They get to warm up shoulder to shoulder with these amazing riders that are here at this competition. It’s a fantastic place to learn to ride up and down these hills. It’s a true test.”

“When they come to Virginia and they’re successful at a competition like this, it just gives you an enormous sense of accomplishment,” Beale continued. “You feel proud of yourself and your horse at the end of the season. A lot of people work towards this competition all year. It’s their ultimate goal to come to Virginia and compete here at their fall Horse Trials.”

Another year and another successful competition at VHC Eventing, presented by Capital Square. Without the support of event sponsors, such as Capital Square, Hyperion Stud, Triple Crown, Taylor Harris Insurance Services, Old Dominion Equine, Blue Ridge Equine, TullMD and volunteers, and a stellar team of organizers and stewards, this event would not be possible.

Virginia Horse Center Eventing Fall (VA): [Website] [Scores]

Bronte Beach Z and Ema Klugman Win VHC Eventing’s CCI3*-S, Presented by Capital Square

By on Nov 1, 2025 10:21 pm -

Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach Z. Photo by Veronica-Green Gott.

Bronte Beach Z and Ema Klugman have done it again at VHC Eventing, presented by Capital Square. Together, the long-time partners have been crowned champion of the CCI3*-S division on Saturday, November 1st, with a score of 24.7. This is the second time Klugman and Bronte have topped the podium in the CCI3*-S at VHC Eventing, previously winning the division in 2020.

In the five years since then, “Bronte” has competed at three five-star events, including the Maryland Five Star and the Kentucky Three Day Event. According to Klugman, that experience and her own familiarity with the venue gave them a competitive edge.

“Not much phases that horse,” Klugman said. “I’ve done [the course] quite a few times over the years, so I know how it feels, going down that hill. You don’t really want to go too fast, just because it can be a little jarring for them. There are places in the course where you have to slow down a bit, but then you can rocket up the hill. You just have to make sure you have enough horse for the loop at the top after you go up that steep hill.”

Klugman’s goal for the day wasn’t just to win, but to come in with no time faults. “It was a good day. My goal was to try to make the time, and I think I was three seconds under, so I was happy with that. Give myself a bit of a challenge,” she said. “I knew that she could do that. I just have to be organized and smooth and try not to waste time.”

Striking the right balance between protecting a horse’s confidence and pushing both rider and horse to grow requires a delicate touch. According to Klugman, VHC Eventing was the perfect time and place to push her own limits and help Bronte prepare for the CCI4*-L at Terranova.

“She felt super fit, which is great, and very game,” she said. “I think it’s good for me to practice riding at speed. It’s a delicate balance of protecting the horses and making sure they’re confident, so maybe not always going really fast. But also, you know, as a rider, it’s a skill to be able to compete under pressure. I was in the lead, so it was mine to lose.”

The Virginia Horse Center has played a role in Bronte’s education up the levels, from winning her first FEI event to solidifying the Zangersheide mare’s fitness for tougher tracks. Klugman says that if she had any advice for up-and-coming riders who were thinking about tackling the Lexington, Virginia cross country course, it would be to take advantage of the big atmosphere for all levels.

“I think what’s really nice about [VHC Eventing] is even the beginner novice and starter folks are jumping in the same stadium that the three-star horses are jumping in,” Klugman said. “It’s kind of like a three-day event feel, even if you’re doing a horse trial. I think it’s a great show. I would say to make sure you have your horse really fit, because there’s a lot of terrain and it’s very hilly here. Try to have good preparation events where you expose your horse to different environments. But I think the horses learned a ton coming here. It’s a place we love coming back to.”

Klugman also notes that winning with Bronte isn’t just a victory for herself— but also for the Bronte Beach Syndicate.

“There’s a big syndicate behind Bronte Beach who have been super loyal and gotten behind me and her for the last five or six years,” she said. “We have ups and downs and, obviously like with any work, we’re really trying to do well all the time. But I feel like I’ve made some mistakes over the course of her career and it doesn’t always go to plan, so it’s really nice to give them a good win. I really wouldn’t have the horse if it weren’t for them; I wouldn’t have been able to keep her. It’s really rewarding to have their support, and it’s an honor to ride for them.”

Phillip Dutton and Autumn Leaves. Photo by Veronica-Green Gott.

The CCI2*-L will be the last FEI division to finish this weekend and will wrap up with show jumping tomorrow afternoon. On Saturday, the top five slots on the leaderboard are populated with two Olympians– Phillip Dutton and Caroline Pamukcu. Dutton has claimed first and second with Autumn Leaves and Darwinn respectively, followed by Pamukcu with HSH Talbots Hill, HSH Olive, and HSH Cruising Spirit in that order.

Dutton and Autumn Leaves are holding onto first place by a narrow margin with a score of 23.8. This weekend marks Autumn Leaves’ first run since the CCI2*-S at Plantation Field in September.

“She hasn’t run since Plantation, so I wasn’t quite sure if she was quite ready to go quick today, but she set off really well,” Dutton said. “The terrain makes it more difficult to make the time, especially for the young horses, but I couldn’t be more pleased with her. She had a really uneventful round and was actually really good.”

Dutton cited coming in under the time limit as a concern, but crossed the finish flags just one second over the optimum time of 7:02. “I thought the time was gonna be hard to get just because of the way the track was with the terrain,” he said. “It was quite a big pull at the end for the horses to come up to the finish with the hill, so I was kind of how power I thought it would ride.”

Looking ahead to show jumping, Autumn Leaves has only a bit of time separating her from Dutton’s second-place ride, Darwinn. The competition is tight between Dutton and Pamukcu. In order to hold onto his spot in the lead, he’ll have to achieve a near double clear. “Generally she does [show] jump well, so now it’s up to me to ride well and hopefully get a good result,” he said.

Tim Bourke and DHI Kevin G. Photo by Veronica-Green Gott.

Seasoned 5* rider Tim Bourke and DHI Kevin G won the CCI2*-S division by a landslide with a score of 27.9, more than ten points ahead of second-place Stella Sunstein and Romans Mr. Kane. Owned by Lucia Strini, “Kevin” is new to Bourke Equestrian and is on trial through the fall season. But based on their performance at VHC Eventing, the future is looking bright for this new pair.

Bourke cites the work Strini has put into Kevin as a large reason for their success this weekend. “He was great today,” he said. “It’s pretty nice leaving the start box on a seasoned veteran that’s done it all. He is a reliable, good horse so you know it was really nice. I’m really happy with him.”

Like the winning pairs in all other divisions, Bourke also said time and fitness were the two most significant factors on the course on Saturday. “The time was tough,” he said. “It was a pretty big fitness test, as you’d imagine, coming up that mountain there at the end. He whizzed on up there.”

VHC Eventing was a preparatory run for Kevin and Bourke, who are planning on competing in the Intermediate at TerraNova Equestrian Center next month. “[This weekend] was a really good start to our partnership together,” Bourke said. “We won the Preliminary the other weekend and then to come here and the two short— yeah, it’s good.”

Kenta Hiranaga and Promised Land TH. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott.

Kenta Hiranaga’s first time at the Virginia Horse Center may be a tough performance to beat. Hiranaga and Promised Land TH won the division CCI1*-L with a score of 24.9.
“[I feel] so amazing. Horses are also very happy,” Hiranaga said. “But today in the stadium, the horses gave their best performances, but I was too focused on the time, and I didn’t give them the best approaches.”

Despite some room for improvement, Hiranaga and Promised Land TH pulled off a double clear show jumping round and was one of only two riders to go double clear in both cross-country and show jumping.

With help from his trainer, Olympian Boyd Martin, Hiranaga says he and “Django” are aiming to do their first CCI2* in the spring. From there, the sky’s the limit. “[I’m aiming for] LA 2028,” Hiranaga said. “With more experience, I hope [she’s a] five-star horse. Maybe [we’ll be at the] LA Olympics or the Brisbane Olympics.”

FEI competition will finish with the CCI2*-L show jumping phase Sunday morning. The final Horse Inspection will be held at 8 a.m. before show jumping begins at 9:45 a.m. During the jog, the ground jury will award a gift certificate to Tull MD for the horse and rider who are Best Presented.

Outside of FEI competition, the National Horse Trials are well underway and will wrap up Sunday afternoon. The Advanced, Intermediate, Preliminary, and Modified divisions all crowned their winning pairs on Saturday. Results and current standings are as follows:

Advanced/Intermediate

  • First – Lynn Symansky & Bounce 6
  • Second – Leslie Lamb & Banjo
  • Third – Katie Lichten & Hickstead Musterd

Open Intermediate

  • First – Sharon White & Quizas
  • Second – Sharon White & Arden Augustus
  • Third – Marley Stone Bourke & First Obama

Open Preliminary A

  • First – Megan Edwards & Global Dynasty
  • Second – Phillip Dutton & Capolino
  • Third – Bailey Hennings & HSH Redfield Red Sox

Open Preliminary B

  • First – Carinne Wancowicz & Deichkind 10
  • Second – Lucia Strini & Shirsheen Ice
  • Third – Gabby Dickerson & The Naughty Vicar

Preliminary Rider

  • First – Reese Dellangelo & Carlson 119
  • Second – Reese Dellangelo & Figaro Des Premices
  • Third – Logan Harris & Terry Jade

Modified Rider

  • First – Elisabeth Tansey & Night Moves
  • Second – Emma Jones & Discreto
  • Third – Laura Hilliard & Ballarin Shanado

Open Modified

  • First – Kaitlin Clasing & TGS Lions Sunshine
  • Second – Emeline Gilbert & MS Spirit
  • Third – Dominic Schramm & Cooley Dejavu

Junior Training Rider

  • First – Ainsley Riddle & Rockin’ Rowan
  • Second – Lillian Weidner & Just Keep Swimming
  • Third – Lexi Young & Nevertheless

Open Training

  • First – Dominic Schramm & Sneaking Suspicion
  • Second – Dominic Schramm & St Cashmere
  • Third – Leah Cort & Hamilton D’Inca

Senior Training Rider A

  • First – Lauren Allen & FGF Bob’s Wired
  • Second – Morgan Hiller & Junkanoo
  • Third – Kimberly Moore & Patrickswell Royal

Senior Training Rider B

  • First – Alicia Turner & Key Play
  • Second – Kathleen Cannon & Global Ask
  • Third – Stephanie Senserini & Monbeg Icon

Training Horse A

  • First – Kenta Hiranaga & Dixon
  • Second – Tim Bourke & Alternative Quality
  • Third – Rebecca Barber Tyler & Bondi Beach

Training Horse B

  • First – Emily Mastervich & MGH HighLife
  • Second – Kristina Koehler & Lammy Fortune
  • Third – Tim Bourke & Flash Quality

Junior Novice Rider

  • First – Peyton James & LH Peter Parker
  • Second – Elliot Bizjak & N’Pressive
  • Third – Lillian Harrod & Celtic Heritage

Novice Horse

  • First – Hannah Brandt & Fernhill Emerald
  • Second – Megan Edwards & Mac Daddy
  • Third – Logan Harris & LH Mint Julep

Open Novice A

  • First – Erin Weil & Patriot Games
  • Second – Erica Leslie Jones & R U Sure
  • Third – Hilary Fordyce & Lowhill Quidam Cruise

Open Novice B

  • First – Morgan Hiller & I See Nothing
  • Second – Dayna Blumel & Cabo Wabo
  • Third – Clara Bond & Beaverwoods Dandelion

Senior Novice Rider A

  • First – Tiffany Smith & Mischief Managed
  • Second – Regina Turner & Heigh Ho Hero
  • Third – Kim Brickley & Eloise

Senior Novice Rider B

  • First – Lucy Leff & Wellsprings Cool Guy
  • Second – Dee Tabb & Child’s Play
  • Third – Mallory Gaines & Land Rush

Beginner Novice Horse

  • First – Logan Harris & Ondine
  • Second – Molly Brown & Soko
  • Third – Caitlin Henderson & Dynamic Storm

Junior Beginner Novice Rider

  • First – Catheryn Davis & Fashionable Man
  • Second – Jocelyn Myers & New Moon Stella Bella
  • Third – Nicola Villarino & What the Devil

Open Beginner Novice

  • First – Hugh Wrigley & FE Clajano Blue PS
  • Second – Ava Wehrs & Drombane General
  • Third – Hannah Moser & Caleidoscope

Senior Beginner Novice Rider A

  • First – Evan Harris & RREF Rubix
  • Second – Emily Hummel & What’s His Face SSH3
  • Third – Julie Wotring & B E Never Say Never

Senior Beginner Novice Rider B

  • First – Liana Theroux & Our Golden Chance
  • Second – Laureanne Venter & I’ll Have Another
  • Third – Maia Schneider & Courtly Miss

Starter A

  • First – Minna Harman & VSH Devine Novelli
  • Second – Casey Jones & Trooper
  • Third – Anna Flora & Love Potion #9

Starter B

  • First – Madison Woschkolup & LH It’s Bo Time
  • Second – Katherine Scott & Point Wild
  • Third – Patricia Healy & Traditional Hat Man

Virginia Horse Center Eventing Fall (VA): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Scores] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Volunteer]

Ema Klugman & Bronte Beach Z Are Back in Home Court at VHC Eventing, Presented by Capital Square

By on Oct 31, 2025 9:01 pm -

Ema Klugman and Bronte Beach Z. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott.

In 2014, Ema Klugman arrived at the Virginia Horse Center to compete in her first three-day event aboard the iconic Bendigo. Together, they finished on the podium. Today, she set herself up for history to repeat itself at VHC Eventing, presented by Capital Square. She and Bronte Beach Z are currently leading the CCI3*-S division with a 24.7.

“I actually did my very first three day event here in 2014,” Klugman said. “We were reminiscing in the car on the way here. So it’s been 11 years. It’s crazy, but I did my first CCI2* on Bendigo here back in the day. We’ve been coming here probably almost every year since then.”

“Bronte,” who is used to the intensity of the five-star level, enjoyed strutting her stuff at the CCI3*-S level, according to Klugman. “She’s a really fun horse to ride,” Klugman said. “She knows her job, certainly three star dressage is a test she’s very confirmed at. I really don’t have to do a lot. I just get her in front of my leg and sit and look nice. She’s super reliable in the ring, she’s pretty relaxed. She needs 20 minutes of warm up, and you can kind of go in. She jumped well, so I’m hoping to give her a good spin [around cross country] tomorrow.”

Looking ahead to the cross country, Klugman is looking forward to giving “Bronte” one last fitness run before heading south to compete at Terranova. “The terrain is really the big question here,” she said. “It’s really nice for them to run up that big hill, but also there’s terrain all through the course. My horses are all really different, so I think I go second on Bronte, so I’ll have been around it once before on another horse. It should be well within her capabilities.”

There was a last-minute shake-up in the CCI2*-L division today. Initially Phillip Dutton was on the leaderboard as winning the division, but a clerical error meant dark horse Megan Edwards jumped into the lead with a 22.4 aboard Legende De Mies. A true underdog pair, Edwards just started eventing “Legend” last year. Prior to that, Legend was a pure show jumper and had no dressage or eventing experience.

“So last April, we signed her up for one of our first events, and then she went to the Novice American Eventing Championships last year, and here we are,” Edwards said. “So she keeps trying to surprise us, even though it wasn’t our original plan. But yeah, we’re growing a beautiful partnership. She’s just a trier.”

At the end of the day, what made Edwards dressage test shine for the judges was the harmony between horse and rider. “I was coming out of my dressage test and one of the judges was talking to me. She was like, ‘That was a pleasure to watch.’ I was giggling and laughing because I did a flying change in my counter canter. Both judges gave me a 10 at some point, but also both gave me a four. That sounds about right for [Legend]. She can be pretty excellent, but then we can have an oopsie moment.”

Edwards’ plan for cross country is to focus on giving Legend a good round, not maintaining her hold on first place.

“She loves the job. She is still a little bit green to it, like I said, she just hasn’t been doing it for very long,” Edwards said. “We’ll see how the hills and everything go. I want to just give her a good round and try not to be greedy. I know I’m in first, but I don’t want to be too greedy, because I want a bigger picture with her. I’m excited, but I also want to take care of her, and I want to give her a nice, solid round, and not go chasing the time. I want to give her a good go for her first two-star long.”

It’s not every day that a horse who was competing at Novice level just last year beats two Olympic riders (Phillip Dutton and Caroline Pamukcu) to claim the lead in an FEI event.

“It feels pretty good, but I also want to take care of her,” Edwards said. “This could be a really fun future if I do this right, and I really want to do it right for her, because she deserves it. So yeah, it feels good [to lead the division]. But I also want to be a grown up about it and be good to her.”

Tim Bourke and DHI Kevin G. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott.

Tim Bourke first took ahold of DHI Kevin G’s reins just a few weeks ago, yet the pair are leading the CCI2*-S at the end of day one at VHC Eventing. Coming to Bourke via Lucia Strini, this weekend marks “Kevin” and Bourke’s second event together. Despite the brand new partnership, the pair scored a 25.5 in the dressage, followed by a double clear show jumping round.

“Kevin’s a good boy,” Bourke said. “He was the last one to go into the ring and not a whole lot phases him. He doesn’t take much in the warm-up. You just want to do a lot of canter work, get him a little bit in front of you, and then he’s really after it. You can get in the ring and go for it. I think Lucia has done a fantastic job training the horse, so it makes my job a little bit easier.”

While Bourke and Kevin had an excellent dressage test, Bourke did earn himself a talking to from his “coach” and young son, Senan, prior to entering the show jumping ring with the grey gelding. “As you can tell [Senan] has a big personality,” Bourke laughed. “Everyone at the show knows him. He definitely gives you his opinion. I had a pole down— alright, two poles down— on Melody earlier in the day, and I heard about it. I went in on Kevin knowing that my biggest critic was watching.”

Looking ahead to the cross country course, designed by Jay Hambly, Bourke echoes Ema Klugman when he describes the course as a “good fitness test.”

“I think it looks great, I think they do a fantastic job here,” Bourke said. “He’s done a really good job of the layout, of getting the horses on course. You got fence four, five and six up the top there. Then you start to start to go down the hill a little bit into the coffin, which is pretty tricky. I think it’ll catch a couple of people out a little bit on the hard stuff down the bottom, and then a good fitness test coming back up the hill. I think he’s done a really, really good job with the layout of the course, and it should be a good day of sport.”

Kenta Hiranaga and Promised Land TH. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott.

In the CCI1*-L, Kenta Hiranaga is making the most of his first time at the Virginia Horse Center and is leading the division aboard Promised Land TH with a score of 24.9. One of three horses Hiranaga rode in the division, the Holsteiner gelding is just 6 years old and is owned by Takashi Hotta.

“Dressage [he had a] very good performance. Cross country, too, very good performance,” Hiranaga said. “[It’s my] first time at Virginia Horse Center. It’s very up and down here, [it’s a] good location. Very hard, very good.”

“So number four is a combination,” Hiranaga continued. “Promised Land is a baby girl, right? The correct stride [when] course walking is four strides. But Promised Land is so brave and [it was] downhill so the big girl [did it in] three strides.”

Heading into show jumping tomorrow, Hiranaga is confident in Promised Land’s ability to produce a solid, clear round. “She is a very good jumper. I have confidence. [She is] so, so reliable. So [I’ll] try my best.”

Senan Bourke shows off his Halloween spirit. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott.

Upper level National competition also began today with the results as follows.

Advanced/Intermediate
First – Lynn Symansky & Bounce 6 – 37.3
Second – Katie Lichten & Hickstead Musterd – 44.7
Third – Leslie Lamb & Banjo – 45.2

Open Intermediate
First – Sharon White & Quizas – 30.4
Second – Hannah Sue Hollberg & Hachi – 32.8
Third – Morgan Booth & Cold Red Rum – 33.0

Open Preliminary A
First – Megan Edwards & Global Dynasty – 27.6
First – Lucia Strini & Excel Cool Quality – 27.6
Third – Hannah Sue Hollberg & Superstition – 28.7

Open Preliminary B
First – Carinne Wancowicz & Deichkind 10 – 27.4
Second – Caitlin Romeo & Fernhill B Good – 29.5
Third – Lucia Strini & Shirsheen Ice – 29.7

Preliminary Rider
First – Reese Dellangelo & Carlson 119 – 28.4
Second – Reese Dellangelo & Figaro Des Premices – 30.5
Third – Logan Harris & Terry Jade – 30.5

Modified Rider
First – Elisabeth Tansey & Night Moves – 31.8
Second – Addie Cant & Fiftyshadesofcharm – 37.4
Third – Laura Hilliard & Ballarin Shanado – 38.3

Open Modified
First – Emery Reagan & Allure – 27.0
Second – Kaitlin Clasing & TGS Lions Sunshine – 27.3
Third – Emeline Gilbert & MS Spirit – 28.5

Looking ahead to tomorrow, the majority of FEI divisions will wrap up competition with just the CCI2*-L finishing on Sunday morning. The day begins with the National divisions in the dressage ring. FEI competition starts at 10 a.m. with the CCI1*-L tackling the show jumping course. Soon afterwards, at 10:40 a.m., the remaining FEI divisions will hit the cross country course with the CCI2*-S first out of the start box.

Virginia Horse Center Eventing Fall (VA): [Website] [Entries/Times] [Scores] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Volunteer]

Monday News & Notes from The Event at TerraNova

By on Oct 20, 2025 12:01 am -

Record-breaking news from the Maryland 5 Star over the past weekend! For the first time in history, a Swiss rider has won a CCI5* on American soil! Felix Vogg will fly home with quite the big check for his efforts aboard Cartania. The pair finished the event with a score of 28.7 after adding just a *touch* of time faults to their dressage score. Team EN was on-site in Elkton, Maryland, bringing you all of the coverage right from the grounds. You can catch up on the excitement of a 5* weekend by reading our coverage here.

Major International Events

Mondial du Lion: [Website] [Scores] [Live Stream Replays]

Tom McEwen and Brookfield Danny de Muze, owned by Chloé Perry, John Perry and Alison Swinburn, have won the 7-year-old FEI World Breeding Eventing Championships at Mondial du Lion in Le Lion d’Angers over the weekend. He quite nearly finished on his dressage score, but did add a cross country time penalty to his dressage score. The cross country phase proved to be extremely influential, as well as a bit terrifying. The course was designed by Pierre Michelet and, according to British Eventing, was described by Tom as having “caused a few problems.” Read more coverage from British Eventing here.

U.S. Weekend Results

Maryland Five Star (MD): [Website] [Scores] [EN’s Coverage] [Support EN’s Coverage Sponsor: Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt]

Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event (KY): [Website] [Scores]

Willow Draw Charity Show (TX): [Website] [Scores]

Ram Tap National H.T. (CA): [Website] [Scores]

News & Reading

Heads up to our Go Eventing Podcast listeners! Our next episode with Portugal’s Kiko Stilwell WILL be out this week, but we won’t quite make our usual Tuesday deadline as we wanted to ensure we had the time to record following the Maryland 5 Star. Keep an eye out for the episode coming later this week!

The In Stride podcast highlights lessons from top eventer Stephen Bradley. Stephen Bradley sat down with Sinead Maynard on the In Stride podcast to let us in on the lessons he’s learned over the last several decades of his eventing career. From how the sport has changed over the years to how he keeps his cool while competing at the top of the sport, you can hear the full conversation on In Stride here.

Meet the dressage halflinger who spends his winters skijoring, and dodging snowmobiles in the woods of Idaho. Anika Sadler and Roush traveled to Oregon to compete in the GAIG/USDF Region 6 Championships, where they won the adult amateur first level freestyle championship with a score of 66.87 percent. Maybe we should add skijoring to our event horses fitness programs. Read more about Anika and Roush here.

The road to disbanding the historic mounted police unit in Baltimore has been anything but smooth.  The city has now paid $2 million to terminate a lease with the stables where the mounted unit was housed, $1.1 million more than the city would have paid toward the remaining lease payments for the facility. Read more about the controversial decision to disband the unit here.

Sponsor Corner: The Event at TerraNova

The Event at TerraNova is coming soon and one of the stellar course designers, Mogie Bearden-Muller, has a special message for you Prelim and 2* competitors! If you’re on the fence about entering – listen up! 📣 Entries close October 28 🐴

Video Break

That 5* winning feeling:

Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials: 5 Things You Have to Do in Leesburg

By on Oct 7, 2025 10:11 am -

Who’s guilty of going to a horse show in a really cool place and then never leaving the grounds? Don’t make the same mistake at the Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials this October. A short jaunt from the park itself, Leesburg, Virginia is just begging to be explored. 

Relish Local Cuisine

The thriving pocket-sized city of Leesburg has no shortage of amazing places to eat for any budget. After a long day spectating or competing at the horse show, you have to hit the town for some blue ribbon dining. 

If you want to eat like a local, check out Tuscarora Mill. Lovingly referred to as “Tuskie’s” by the local community, the restaurant is located inside a historic building that operated as a grain mill in the late 1800s. Perfect for the history buff in your party as well as anyone that enjoys great ambiance, sit down at the Mill to enjoy entrees like beef tips and scallops with whipped potatoes or grilled lemongrass chicken skewers atop a green soba noodle salad. 

Looking for a lovely atmosphere for a nice dinner out? You might want to check out The Huntōn, which allows diners to indulge in a menu inspired by the bounties of the hunt.

Is that– is that a sweat treat? Only one way to find out– head over to The Yard for the best dessert you’ve ever had: an over-the-top milkshake. Forget the classic milkshake handed to you in a styrofoam cup. These milkshakes are like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Take the Virginia is for Lovers milkshake, which has strawberry cheesecake ice cream in a vanilla iced jar rolled in heart-shaped sprinkles. It’s topped with red candy whipped cream, a rock candy stick, and a cookie dough heart. Forget dinner, let’s head straight to The Yard. 

Listen to Live Music

Eventers know how to work hard and play hard. If you’re looking for some nightlife to enjoy after spending the day tailgating on the cross country course, you can find live music in downtown Leesburg. If you’re feeling like a casual live band, head to Spanky’s Shenanigans (yes, that is its actual name.) They have live music on the regular, so you can treat yourself to a post-cross country beer, sit back and relax, and listen to some live music. They are regularly voted one of Loudoun County’s best pubs, with everything from oysters to burgers on the menu. Make sure you check the calendar to see who’s playing before you go. 

If you want to really live it up, head to the aptly-named Tally Ho Theater for a full concert experience after the horse show. An ABBA tribute band and a Dave Matthews tribute band are both playing that weekend. Food is available for purchase from the restaurant next door and three different bars inside the theater will make sure your glass is never empty. 

Stop By Lost Creek Tasting Room

The area surrounding Morven Park Equestrian Center isn’t just great for cross country, it’s also fertile soil for delicious wines and beautiful vineyards. Stop by Lost Creek Tasting Room in downtown Leesburg to enjoy a glass of local wine after a long day of spectating at the horse show. 

The wines at Lost Creek Tasting Room are grown along the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains on a vineyard called Meridian Ridge. With varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Tannat, you’re sure to find a wine for every equestrian in your group at this tasting room. Personally, I would go for a glass of the 2023 Viognier.

Visit Loudoun Museum

Stop by this short and sweet museum that’s the perfect size. Get some history in without being faced with the daunting task of spending an entire day at a Smithsonian-sized institution. 

The Loudoun Museum is a quick trip that can be visited before or after your ride. With free admission and open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday, the Loudoun Museum has exhibits covering the Civil War, French aristocrat and military officer Lafayette, and the early years of the republic. 

If you didn’t get enough history during your quick visit after enjoying the Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials, come back the next weekend for the Loudoun Museum’s “Hauntings.” These ghostly walks take you on an 80-minute tour of the historic streets of Leesburg where you’ll learn about notable buildings, cemeteries and their spooky inhabitants.

Go Shopping in Historic Downtown Leesburg

If you love shopping local, historic downtown Leesburg will be your version of catnip. After watching some gorgeous dressage tests on Friday at the Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials, spend the afternoon shopping in the historic district of Leesburg. With beautifully preserved buildings everywhere you look, you can wander in and out of stores to find your new favorite book, plant, gift, or trinket. 

For those who love curling up with a book, stop into Birch Tree Books and Plant Store. Based on my own experience, the staff have some excellent suggestions for a new book to add to your TBR list and the plant selection extends through the back of the store and out to the patio. 

If you’re looking for a gift for a friend or family member, visit Global Local. This store not only supports local artists, but offers thoughtfully sourced and sustainable gifts from Fair Trade makers around the world. Plus, if you plan your day well enough, you can stop by their candle making bar to create commemorative candles from your visit to Morven Park. 

Finally, treat yourself to a custom-blended perfume at Rouge Spa. Why not smell like something besides horse for once? The store owner, Anita, is an aromatherapist who has learned how to create custom perfumes, lotions, body scrubs, and more. Create a scent that’s all your own at Rouge Spa. 

There’s so much to do in the areas surrounding Morven Park Equestrian Center, that your only problem will be how to fit it all in around enjoying the tailgating and VIP experiences all weekend.

Reserve your tailgating spot here. 

A Dramatic Backdrop for the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final

By on Sep 26, 2025 9:30 am -

Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

There are less than three weeks to go until the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final at the Morven Park Equestrian Center and if you’re not hyped, you’re sleeping on a seriously exciting moment for the world of American eventing. In addition to CCI5* events like the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event and the MARS Maryland 5 Star, the US Open has the possibility of becoming our Stanley Cup, our Superbowl, our PGA Championship. 

If this is the first you’re hearing of the US Equestrian Open of Eventing, welcome to a whole new world of competition, all hosted against the gorgeous backdrop of Morven Park International Equestrian Center iN Leesburg, VA. 

Think of the series as two separate but interconnected competitions: the qualifying series and the final. Only CCI4*-S events are eligible for the qualifying series. Riders earn points to move up and down the leaderboard based on final placings; these points are weighted to compensate for the size of the individual event and accumulate per rider, no matter how many horses they ride. Whoever accumulates the most points wins $25,000, with a total of $50,000 in prize money distributed among the top three combinations on the leaderboard. 

So far, Australians-turned-Americans Boyd Martin and Phillip Dutton are at the top of the leaderboard, with Jessie Phoenix rounding out the top three. Boyd is leading the way with 260 points, while Philip has 235 points and Jessie is equal with James Alliston with 185. These are still subject to change though, with Boyd entered at the last East coast chance to earn points at Stable View Oktoberfest this weekend. There also remains one final qualifier at Woodside Horse Park the first weekend of October, where current top-10 riders Tamie Smith and Megan McIver stand to collect some final points. Tamie is entered in the Final with Kynan as this goes to publication. 

Phillip Dutton and Possante will come into the Final on fire form. They’ve finished off the podium just once all season — and that was at CHIO Aachen, where they were 11th individually and helped bring home a silver medal for the U.S. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Now, wipe everything you just learned about the qualifying series from your memory. That no longer exists. When it comes to the $200,000 Final, everyone starts from scratch. Just like any other event, whoever wins the division wins the whole shebang… but with a near-show jumping level of prize money and twice as much competition as usual. No big deal.

Riders qualify for the series final by completing one qualifier with an MER. Alternatively, they can buy their way in for an additional $5,000, which is contributed to the purse. As eventers are notoriously not living a life of luxury and rolling in dough, I highly doubt we’ll see many (if any) riders buying their way in, unless any internationally-based riders want to come and play (and they are able to, with the buy-in). 

The prize purse for the final is a whopping $200,000. Comparing that to the purse for the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, which was only $50,000, the Eventing Final is approaching 5* level prize money.

Last year, there were 16 entries in the CCI4*-L at the Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials. This year, riders have come out of the woodwork with their best horses to compete for the chance to win such a big chunk of change. In 2024, the biggest four-star in the country was the CCI4*-L at The Fork at Tryon Equestrian Center with 27 entries. Morven Park’s 2025 International & Fall Horse Trials have already broken that threshold and are poised to continue growing through the entry closing date of September 23. 

Jessie Phoenix and Freedom GS pose enter the Final as jumping phase threats. Photo by Sally Spickard.

So far, over 30 riders have entered in the final, including leaderboard top contenders Boyd Martin and Philip Dutton. Boyd is coming to Virginia with two of Liz Halliday’s horses, Shanroe Cooley and Miks Master C. Philip is bringing his two powerhouses, Possante and Denim. Jessica Phoenix has also now joined the line-up, and with entries closing soon there should yet be other names stepping up to vie for the title.

If you haven’t attended the Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials, this is your sign to get to Leesburg this autumn. Morven Park creates a stunning backdrop for eventing, with pairs galloping through the woods and over serious terrain, all against vibrant fall leaves in the Appalachian mountains. Even better, this year the leaves are supposed to peak between October 13th to the 20th– perfect timing for this event’s running dates of October 9-13. 

Morven Park knows how to cater to eventing fans. We’re talking tailgating right on the cross country course, a VIP tent overlooking the dressage and show jumping rings— plus, they’re right next to the vendors. If you choose a VIP pass, you can expect top-notch appetizers and light meals throughout the day, as well as non-alcoholic drinks. If you’re hankering for a beer, glass of wine, or favorite cocktail, order up at the cash bar. 

Tailgating is still available! Don’t forget your passes. Photo by Annan Hepner.

Tailgating at the Morven Park International is on my personal bucket list. Camp out with friends for a Saturday while watching the best riders in the country compete for $200,000? Sign me up. Please note, if you do decide to tailgate, do it up! Break out the fall decorations. Bring your own bar and make sure the food looks so good your neighbors will be jealous.

Historically, legends have been made within the rolling grounds of Morven Park Equestrian Center. Even so, this iconic course hasn’t seen anything like the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final. With fall foliage at its peak and a location in the middle of Virginia’s thriving horse community, it’s only fitting that the grand finale will add to the glory of these storied grounds.

Whether you’re a casual spectator or die-hard eventing fan, mark October 9th through the 13th on your calendar. You’re officially busy those days. 

Go eventing.

Product Review: Showing Scratches the Door with Show Out Products

By on Aug 6, 2025 10:30 am -

Photos by Veronica Green-Gott.

I have been very lucky to have a horse who doesn’t usually suffer from skin conditions like Scratches (scientific name: pastern dermatitis). So, when Sally initially asked me if I could review Show Out Products’ solutions for Scratches and the like, I was going to borrow a friend’s horse who is prone to developing the scabs. My horse must have read my emails and gotten jealous. I show up at the barn the next day and what do I see? Scratches on her pasterns. How kind of her. In truth, it really was perfect timing and I was very excited to have some new products on hand to try out.

Just so we’re all on the same page– what is pastern dermatitis? Referred to as Scratches around the barn, pastern dermatitis is a type of skin funk (we’re very scientific here at EN) that horses regularly develop on their pasterns, fetlocks, and on the cannon bone. It first presents almost like rain rot, with little tufts of paintbrush-like hair coming off of your horse when you curry their legs. If it’s left to develop, it turns into painful, raised scabs. If the scab comes off, you’ll find an open, red, and oozing sore underneath. It’s not fun and, if your horse is particularly sensitive, picking at the scabs is a great way to get kicked.

On to our not-so-patient patient: LB is a 9-year-old Off-the-Track Thoroughbred mare; I purchased her from the Foxie G Foundation when she was 3, just two weeks after her last race. She’s simply a lovely horse. A plain bay, I’ve always counted my lucky stars that a) she’s the color of dirt and b) rarely develops any skin issues. But after a very rainy spring turned the pastures muddy, I arrived at the barn after working at the Kentucky Three-Day Event to find out she had developed some significant pastern dermatitis on her hind legs.

Pastern dermatitis, we meet again.

Normally, I would use diluted chlorhexidine to clean the area and top it off with some zinc oxide or whatever random product I had impulse purchased last time I visited my local tack store. This time, I had a new weapon in my arsenal: Show Out Equine Skin & Scratches Spray and Shampoo. To my eyes, it’s a pretty gentle product. It uses Tea Tree Oil and “ProH Technology.” The secret sauce, aka ProH Technology, creates a low Ph environment that the back of the bottle says bacteria don’t like. The lower the pH, the more acidic the environment, and the fewer bacteria survive.

I started with the Show Out Equine Skin & Scratches Shampoo. I very nearly went with my normal routine of diluting the shampoo in a bucket of clean water, but luckily turned my brain on in time to read the back of the bottle and realize it specifically says not to dilute the product and to use it generously.

Now, have you ever gone to pour out some shampoo and have a glob of soap plop out onto your sponge? Personally, I hate those shampoos because the glob is difficult to spread around. Show Out’s shampoo is the exact opposite. It’s nice and liquidy, suds up quickly, and spreads easily, allowing a little bit to go a long way. I do have one cautioning statement here– pour slowly. Otherwise you will lose some product to the ground as it comes out quite fast.

I poured it directly onto my curry comb for the best scrubbing action and it seemed to work well. It doesn’t specify whether or not you should let the shampoo sit for a certain amount of time, but I scrubbed her pasterns first before doing the rest of her body so the shampoo could work for a couple minutes. It started to look better as soon as I rinsed the soap and dirt off, leaving her coat shiny and soft for the next 20 minutes until she rolled in the paddock. I handgrazed her while she dried and then sprayed the areas pretty generously with the Show Out Skin & Scratches Spray.

Finally, I lightly covered the worst spot on her pasterns with Bag Balm. Now, this isn’t in the instructions on the bottle, but Bag Balm is a great SWAT alternative to keep flies off a wound and after scrubbing in the bath, the dermatitis was bleeding and oozing just slightly, making it a prime target for flies.

I’m going to be honest, I had relatively low expectations. There are lots of products on the market that advertise great results and often fail to deliver. This time, I was pleasantly surprised. I make it out to the barn three or four days a week. When I came back two days later, I was really surprised to see a lot of improvement over a short period of time. It also helped that the sun had come out and the ground was starting to dry up.

I stuck with a schedule of spraying LB’s Scratches every time I was at the barn and saw huge improvement over a two-week period. By the start of the third week, the Scratches were essentially gone and the hair had grown back in. Now, there are some environmental factors at play here. The mud dried up and I could keep the area clean and dry, which I believe allowed the spray to work efficiently.

Two-ish weeks later, voila!

While the mud dried up, the flies unfortunately stuck around. LB has always been prone to Sweet Itch around her udders and girth area and the gnats this season were brutal. The oozing and crusty scabs around the poor girl’s udders were not comfortable and she was so itchy she was lifting her hind leg like a dog so I could scratch all the right spots. My new friends at Show Out had also sent me their Wound Spray. On a whim, I decided to test it out on all her irritated bug bites. I followed it up with more Bag Balm to keep the flies from biting the area and sent her on her way.

Now I think LB would probably be mortified if she knew I were posting photos of her udders on the internet (sorry LB), but luckily she doesn’t get great WiFi in her pasture and will never know. The improvement I saw here was huge! Over a week, the bites slowly disappeared. As long as I kept the flies off the area with Bag Balm, they didn’t come back.

Before

After

In July, LB started to develop the early stages of dermatitis on her cannon bones. While I sprayed her legs right away, I didn’t see that much improvement at first. Realizing I had skipped the shampoo, I went back and shampooed her legs before following up with the spray like I had done before. Success! Her cannon bones cleared up quickly and didn’t progress. She still has a little bit of hair to grow back, but with regular currying, I fully expect her legs to be back to their usual healthy selves soon.

I would recommend learning from my mistake and using the shampoo as your first line of defense against dermatitis. In my experience over the last few months, the shampoo packs a big punch, but is less convenient than simply spraying the area quickly and turning the horse out. When you see a new skin issue pop up, shampoo first, then follow up with the spray until the condition goes away completely.

The spray isn’t just more convenient, it also has a pretty big range, which is great if you have a horse with a bad case of dermatitis that is less than thrilled about having you work on the painful sores. In these cases, the spray was super to have on hand. I could stay a bit back from the area and cover the dermatitis without risking being crouched down by the hind legs of a grumpy horse. Note: LB was the perfect pony I expected her to be when treating her dermatitis, but a few of the school horses were not as thrilled about being my guinea pigs.

Carly and obNOXious (yes, that’s really his show name) aka “Nox” being good sports and showcasing the Show Out shampoo. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott/Golden Fleece Marketing

My only gripe with the Show Out Scratches Spray is that it can be a little hard to tell how well you’ve covered the dermatitis or wound. The spray is clear and thin, almost like fly spray. It would be nice if it had a slight color to it, so you can ensure you’ve covered the whole area as thickly as needed.

Show Out did send me another product that deserves an honorable mention: the Show Out Solid Deodorizer. This little blue tub doesn’t look like much, but it is a workhorse in disguise. I put one tub in my bathroom behind the toilet and one in my car. I put this little tub to the ultimate test when I accidentally left my muddy, stinky running shoes in the car overnight. The next morning, Sally and I were driving an hour each way to the Maryland International at Loch Moy Farm. When I first opened the door that morning, the car stunk. I pulled the shoes out and within 20 minutes it was like it never happened. The deodorizer is not like Febreze, it doesn’t cover up the smell with another scent. Instead, it absorbs the bad odor. Don’t ask me how, the only answer I can come up with is simply magic.

How EN Does Product Reviews:

We believe that product reviews are the most useful when they’re honest. We will always let you know if we’ve been compensated in some way for writing a product review; in all review cases, we reserve the right to write with honesty on our experience with a product. This review of Show Out Products was compensated as a part of an advertising package. This review reflects our writer’s full experience using this product.

If you want to save on your first order of Show Out Products, click here to take advantage of a deal exclusively for EN readers.

Camaraderie Abounds, Champions Crowned: USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships at Maryland International

By on Jun 29, 2025 7:23 pm -
Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography

Adamstown, Md. – June 29th, 2025 – Unlike many sports, eventing is focused on individual competition, meaning there aren’t many opportunities for young equestrians to bond with teammates. 

That’s exactly what makes competitions like the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships at Maryland International so special. Events like this teach young athletes about teamwork, empathy, and the importance of supporting others. Four days ago, many of these Young Riders had never met. By the Award Ceremony on Sunday, group hugs and high fives abounded and heartfelt cheers frequently rang through the air. 

Maryland International

Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography. Maya Clarkson and Maks Mojo C

The weekend was especially meaningful for Maya Clarkson and her own Maks Mojo C, who had their comeback moment this weekend after winning the CCI3*YRC-S at the Maryland International on a score of 36.8. After undergoing some surgeries on his neck earlier this year, Clarkson and “Maks” took a break from the four-star level. Competing at The Maryland International was Maks biggest performance yet since surgery– and he exceeded all of Clarkson’s expectations. 

“I’m just so thrilled for him,” Clarkson said.”It’s really the icing on the cake that he won the championship, I’m so happy that he feels so much better. He felt the best he ever has this weekend. He was amazing. He tried so hard for me, as he always does. I’m really just happy with him and how good he feels and looking forward to the future.”

It was a busy weekend for Clarkson, who had students to coach and client horses to ride, as well as her own competition to handle. Mentored and coached by five-star rider Lauren Nicholson, Clarkson credits Nicholson with helping her reach this point in her burgeoning career as a professional.

“Lauren’s amazing,” Clarkson said. “She’s done so much for me and Maks. She’s spent a lot of hours. He’s tricky. He’s not an easy horse every day, and there are days that I have a really hard time, and sometimes I’ll call her and say, ‘I need help.’”

Maryland International

Maya Clarkson and Maks Mojo C. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography

This is Clarkson’s first time riding in the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championship. Due to a limited number of young riders competing at the three-star level over the weekend, Clarkson did not ride as part of an official team. However, she said that she still felt supported by the other riders in Area II. 

“It was super fun to be a part of the team,” Clarkson said. “Area II does such a great job, and all of the girls are amazing. We have so many people. In the vet box yesterday, I think there were 10 people around us. It was pretty special to have that many people there to support you.”

Kelsey Seidel finished in second in the division riding Lexi Scovil’s Chico’s Man VDF Z (Chico’s Boy x Chardonnay Z, by Caretano Z) with a score of 46.8. Luciana Hackett placed third with her own As Good As Cash (Cash and Carry x Almoretta, by Almoretto) with a score of 60.2. 

 

Maryland International

Left to Right: Katelyn Smith, Kate Bell, Lyman Ordway. Below: Carolyn Mackintosh. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography

Kate Bell and her own FE Velvet Black (Vagabond de la Pomme x Cleo, by Cantoblanco) were crowned champions in the CCI2*YRC-S, finishing with a score of 33.4. Despite being nervous going into the ring, Bell pulled off a double clear round to hold onto her lead. 

“It was really good,” Bell said. “I was obviously very nervous, and I feel like Axel gave me his all out there. He really jumped well, and there was even one where I kind of gave him a bad distance and he really got me out and jumped super.”

Bell is part of the Areas 4/5/8 scramble team, which worked closely with Olympian Karen O’Connor. According to Bell, O’Connor was instrumental in her win. “I walked the course maybe four times, just making sure I didn’t forget anything,” Bell said. “I really listened to my coach Karen O’Connor and tried to ride exactly how she told me and tried to not let the nerves faze me too much.”

O’Connor has worked with Bell previously at clinics and on trips to Florida. “Working with Karen has been really, really good,” Bell said. “I’ve done a few clinics with her and worked with her in Florida, and so she already knows us a little bit, but it was really good for her to get to know us more. And she’s been so supportive, and all of her knowledge is so great, so it was awesome.”

Owned by the rider, “Axel” is an 8-year-old Oldenburg gelding that Bell has developed herself. The pair did their first FEI together just last spring. “I’ve had him for two years,” she said. “I’ve kind of produced him myself. I got him when he was five, and he’s such a good mind, and he’s so good. And he comes out here and proves himself like this, and I’m so proud of him and myself.”

Lyman Ordway may have started the weekend in 12th place with Winnett Ordway’s Exces de Folie (Canabis Z x Darcy de Coraimont, by Orlando), but she climbed up the ranks to finish in second place with a score of 35.7. Katelyn Smith and her own HSH Henry take the final third place on the podium in the CCI2*YRC-S with a score of 38.4. 

Maryland International

Charlotte Schaef and Tinraher Diamond. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography

The CCI1*YRC-S was arguably the most competitive division in the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships at Maryland International. Going into the show jumping phase, none of the leaders had a rail in hand with only fractions of a point separating the top three. Despite the heat, Charlotte Schaef laid down a double clear show jumping round to secure the title of champion with her own Tinraher Diamond (Jack of Diamonds x Lucky Mermaid, by Prospect Pride). The pair finished the weekend with a final score of 31.6. 

“I was a little nervous,” Schaef said. “It was only like 0.3 between first and second, so it was a little nerve-racking. But April, which is what we call her in the barn, she’s just so perfect. I feel like we’re just in sync, and so I was really happy with her.”

In order to conquer her nerves, Schaef says she takes advantage of breathing techniques and focuses on her partner. “I do box breathing,” Schaef said. “And I just love on my horse. I tell her, ‘Oh, it’s just another schooling round,’ to take the pressure off of it.”

After an influential show jumping phase that really shook up the leaderboard, Tessa Geven moved up from fifth to finish in second place with her own Ameristan on a score of 31.6. A rail at fence 6B bumped Carolyn May from second place. Aboard Patricia Luttgen’s Sky Moon (Sixtus 33 x Sky Lady, by Cadeau), May finished in third place with a score of 34.8.

Maryland International

Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography

Just as with the individual riders, the show jumping phase was highly influential for the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championship teams. In the CCI1*YRC-S, the Area V team came home with the win and a score of 106.3. Team members include Charlotte Schaef, Olivia Pratt, Eleanor McClain, and Emily Griffith. 

It’s rare for equestrians to get to compete in a team setting. According to Pratt, the girls discovered a newfound appreciation for the support and camaraderie that teams can bring to the sport. “The biggest lesson I learned this week was to never give up and always support your team, no matter what happens,” she said. “I’m most grateful to be here with my team, and it means the world to me for Area V to win.”

“I definitely learned about teamwork,” Griffith continued. “It was my first team experience, and even though I didn’t have the best weekend, I’m just very thankful that my team was there to support me. And to come back out here and win the team gold means a lot for Area V— that our team is back and super ready.”

After their victory gallop, Area V displayed excellent sportsmanship, offering each other high fives, hugs, and helping hands. The team came together to gift both Karen O’Connor and Stephanie Reimer with bouquets of flowers.  

“Every experience that we have together not only wins but also brings us closer together as people,” McClain said. “And I’m just so grateful that I got to be with Area V.”

Area V was followed in standings by Area II with a score of 254.2. In third place was the scramble team from Areas III and VIII with a score of 1066.4. 

 

Maryland International

Left to Right: Ella Hubert, Katelyn Smith, Juliana Cassar, Samuel Moreland. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography

In the CCI2*YRC-S division, the Area III team, made up of Katelyn Smith, Ella Hubert, Juliana Cassar, and Samuel Moreland, brought home blue ribbons with a score of 138.9. Unlike some of the other teams, the Area III team, led by Chef d’Equipe Ashley Johnson, knew each other prior to the Young Rider Championship. 

“Coming from just texting each other and talking about, ‘Oh, you did so well this last year,’ to finally being able to hang out with each other in person— it’s really special,” Cassar said. 

The team dealt with the added pressure of going into show jumping already in first place with the challenge of holding onto their lead. 

“I think there is always some sort of pressure to do well for the team, and going into a big ring, knowing that you’re in first definitely plays a role in that, but to conquer that pressure and do well for everyone is a great feeling,” Cassar said. 

“It felt great,” Hubert added. “The course rode so smoothly, and it’s just such a pleasure to represent such a great Area.”

Winning as a team was a different experience for the riders, who are used to riding as an individual. While each had individual goals and hopes for the weekend– overall third place winner Katelyn Smith said simply, “It’s all about team effort. No one can do it alone.”

Maryland International

Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography

With the final award ceremony in the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championship, the 2025 Maryland International has officially concluded. Loch Moy Farm would like to thank all of the sponsors of the Maryland International, big and small. Such a great event would not have been possible without the help of the countless volunteers who braved the heat to judge cross country fences, manage in-gates, run scores, and more. To the officials, course designers and builders– Loch Moy Farm celebrates their hard work behind the scenes to create a safe and welcoming event for all. The farm is proud to be the host for the Young Rider Championships through 2027 and looks forward to watching all of the competitors grow over the next two years. 

Next up on the event schedule– the Young Event Horse Qualifier on July 11th, followed by the USEA Maryland Horse Trials #2 on the 12th and 13th. 

Caroline Pamukcu Pulls Off Maryland International CCI4*-S Win Prior to CHIO Aachen

By on Jun 28, 2025 9:44 pm -
Caroline Pamukcu and She's The One. Erin Gilmore Photography Caroline Pamukcu and She's The One. Erin Gilmore Photography

Adamstown, Md. – June 28th, 2025 – Caroline Pamukcu wins the Maryland International CCI4*-S this weekend with high hopes to repeat today’s performance at CHIO Aachen next week. She took home the blue ribbon in the division, which is sponsored by Triple Crown Feed, with She’s The One (Jaguar Mail x One to Watch, by Condios), owned by Mollie Hoff and Sherrie Martin, on a score of 45.2. 

“I’m super pleased with the day today,” Pamukcu said. “I’ve been working hard with my coaches. I’ve been training with Samantha St. Jacques in dressage, and then my longtime friend, coach, and mentor Anne Kursinski in the show jumping.”

Having competed in France at the 2024 Olympics, it’s fair to say that Pamukcu has ridden on some world-class courses. Local to Loch Moy Farm, Pamukcu got to try something new– a course on her home turf, designed by Andrew Heffernan. The optimum time proved extremely influential with the new course– no one in the four-star division finished inside the time. 

With hot weather hovering over Maryland, many riders prioritized getting their horses home safely over speedy cross country rounds. The show schedule was also adjusted to end earlier in the day to avoid the worst of the heat. 

“I was really pleased with today,” Pamukcu said. “They did an amazing job with the footing. This time of year, it’s so difficult to keep galloping and keep the horses fit—especially with the rain—but Carolyn did a really, really good job seeding the course and getting the turf top-notch. So I would bring my top horses here every time, this time of year.”

“Andy Heffernan did an amazing job with the course,” she continued. “I’ve been coming here since I was about seven years old, and he followed a different track this year. I thought it flowed quite nicely. He asked good questions, and it was very interesting because a lot of the questions were very forward-riding, which actually suited the course.”

She’s The One was one of three horses Pamukcu brought to the event this weekend. A seasoned upper level horse, Pamukcu has had the ride on “Gemma” since 2023. Together, they’ve pulled off top-ten performances at the Morven Park CCI4*-L and in the CCI4*-L at Ireland’s Millstreet. According to Pamukcu, her packed competition schedule has only been to her benefit. 

“I feel good when I’m competing a lot,” Pamukcu said. “When I won the Pan Ams, I was six weeks on the road leading up to the games. So I’m trying to get myself back in the swing of things, especially with this one [her daughter, Blake]! So it’s good for me to go into next week feeling competitive. And it’s always good to win a four-star. Hopefully I’ll go and win another one.”

Lisa Marie Fergusson and her own Trinity Thank Q finished in second place with a score of 51.4. Jennie Brannigan rounded out the top three on a score of 54.4 with Tim and Nina Gardner’s Connery (Conrato x Hocaponta, by Lauries Crusador).

Isabelle Bosley and Connor. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography

Meanwhile in the CCI3*-S, sponsored by Land Rover West Columbia/Defender, Isabelle Bosley held onto the lead across all three phases to finish in first place with Karen Martin’s Connor (Casiro 3 x Monique, by Concetto). With a final score of 37.3, Bosley had no obstacle faults over either jumping phase, but did add some time penalties to her score. As in the CCI4*-S, no one in the field of 12 riders caught up to the time. 

A naturally hot horse, Bosley said her goal for the weekend wasn’t to go for speed– but more to boost Connor’s confidence. She’s been producing the now 8 year old Oldenburg gelding since he was just five years old and moved him up to the Preliminary level last year. 

“He’s always phenomenal,” Bosley said. “Connor just got better and better as he went along. I think it was a really good confidence-boosting round to move forward with for the rest of the year.”

“I pinch myself every day that I got this horse,” Bosley continued. “He’s absolutely unreal. He jumps. He gallops. He’s so careful in the show jumping, and he feels like a Thoroughbred on cross country.”

In regards to why Bosley chose this particular event for Connor, she said it’s great timing for those up-and-coming horses who need an additional FEI run, but aren’t quite ready for an earlier test in the spring. 

“I love this FEI for horses like him who aren’t ready for a spring long,” she said. “But then you realize—oh wait—if you look at the calendar, it’s actually kind of hard to get enough FEI runs in, especially ahead of a fall long. So this was the perfect second three-star to get him into.”

Vanessa Stevenson was closest to finishing inside the time on cross country in the division with her own FE Black Ice (Stakkato’s Highlight x Co-Co, by Compliment), a feat that moved her into second place with a score of 40.7. Laine Ashker and Lovedance (Quality Time TN x S-Nodence, by Great Pleasure), owned by Lovedance LLC, finished in third place with a score of 48.6. 

Jennie Brannigan and Royal Scandic. Zenya Lepper for Erin Gilmore Photography

Jennie Brannigan is on the podium once again in the CCI2*-S, sponsored by The Baldwin Group, but this time she’s in the winning position with her own Royal Scandic (Revolution x Schatzi, by Contender). Brannigan also claims the title of low score of the day with her final score of 29.4. 

“He was just beautiful in the show jumping, and then he’s such an amazing cross country horse— bold and a great galloper,” Brannigan said of “Louie.” “He handled it really easily, which is what I was hoping it would feel like. This is the first event where everyone really noticed him. It was just really neat to have him show everyone how classy he is. He’s just the kind of horse that makes you want to keep going on the tough days.”

Like many riders, Brannigan brought some of her up-and-coming horses to the Maryland International this weekend. As such, she didn’t push for the time on the cross country, but instead prioritized Louie’s education and confidence. 

“Honestly, I didn’t even start my watch on these horses today,” she said. “I just wanted to give them good rounds.”

Brannigan was followed in the standings by Valerie Pride and her own Excel Star Je T’Aime (Je T’Aime Flamenco x Brookeville, by Touchdown) with a score of 39.4. Isabelle Bosley and Constanzehof’s Stitch (Stakkato Gold x Game of Throns, by Casall), owned by the rider and Karen Martin, finish up the top three in the CCI2*-S, with a score of 40.6. 

Raelyn Snyder and American Thunder. Erin Gilmore Photography

Winning the CCI1*-S, sponsored by Overhead Door of Frederick, is FEI rookie Raelyn Snyder and her own American Thunder with a score of 33.6. New to the sport overall, this weekend’s win is special on many levels for Snyder and “Chief.”

“This is my first FEI ever, and I’ve only been eventing for a few years,” Snyder said. “So I really went into this show— and this ride— just aiming to have a good experience and build confidence for both myself and my horse.”

“And I mean, we did that and a lot more than I expected,” she continued. “It was absolutely incredible. Chief was perfect in stadium, he was perfect on cross country, and the partnership we’ve developed over the past couple of years is just amazing. I couldn’t ask for a better ride.”

Chief and Snyder have a unique story. Snyder has a strong background in equestrian vaulting and runs a vaulting team out of her home state of Florida. For his part, Chief is partially blind in one eye after an incident with a nail as a young colt. 

“He’s a 10-year-old Off-the-Track Thoroughbred,” Snyder said of her horse. “I bought him about four years ago when I first started eventing. He’s actually half-blind in one eye. He put a nail in it when he was a young colt. He can still see out of it—it’s not fully functioning, but he still has the eye. It just doesn’t work quite right.”

While there are unique pressures that go along with riding in your first FEI event, Snyder said her weekend was most importantly, fun. 

“The course rode so smoothly,” Snyder said. “Everything was set up really well. It was just a flowing, confidence-building course. I was able to breathe and enjoy myself, and my horse really enjoyed himself out there, too. It was so much fun— probably the most fun I’ve had riding a horse yet.”

Alexa Hellenthal and her own Calavera finished in second place with a score of 38.8. They were followed in the standings by Mia Valdez and Perfect Storm, owned by the rider, with a score of 49.3. 

Those competing in the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championship this weekend completed their cross country runs this morning and will wrap up the final phase of competition tomorrow. 

Maya Clarkson and Maks Mojo C. Erin Gilmore Photography

In the CCI3*YRC-S, Maya Clarkson and Maks Mojo C (Mighty Magic x Winter Morning, by Ramiro’s Bube) are leading the division with a score of 36.8.  “We’ve spent a lot of hours just teaching him to stay with me and follow me wherever I go, not just for dressage but also for the jumping,” she said. “And I feel like it really paid off today. He was totally with me. I didn’t have to take many half-halts, and when I did, he listened.”

Maks Mojo C, owned by the rider, is an experienced event horse, having competed at the three-star level since 2020. “I wasn’t really even trying to go that fast, but he’s a really quick horse on cross country,” Clarkson said. “I was going, but I wasn’t, you know, pushing it. It’s his first run back at the level after just two Prelims, and I thought, ‘I’m just going to see how he feels.’ Like, it’s Young Riders—of course I’m going to try to go for it if I can, but if it doesn’t feel great, I’m not going to push him. I landed and just kind of let him go. He’s just a fantastic cross country horse.”

Clarkson is feeling the pressure going into the final phase tomorrow, but hopes that her hard work in show jumping will pay off with a blue ribbon. 

“We’ve done a lot of work on the show jumping too,” Clarkson said. “Cross country is definitely his best phase. The connection has been something we’ve really been focusing on in both the dressage and show jumping. It felt better today, and we’ll see how it pays off tomorrow. He can jump clear rounds, but every once in a while… there’s one.”

She’s followed on the leaderboard by Kelsey Seidel and Lexi Scovil’s Chico’s Man VDF (Chico’s Boy x Chardonnay Z, by Caretano Z), who is holding onto second place with a score of 42.8. Luciana Hackett is in third place with a score of 52.2 aboard her own As Good As Cash (Cash and Carry x Almoretta, by Almoretto).

Kate Bell and FE Velvet Black. Chelsea Spear for Erin Gilmore Photography

Kate Bell and FE Velvet Black are leading the biggest division in the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships, the CCI2*YRC-S. Bell pulled off a score of 33.4 with FE Velvet Black (Vagabond de la Pomme x Cleo, by Cantoblanco), who is owned by the rider. 

“I had a phenomenal ride today,” Bell said. “My horse was super keen, super brave, and super rideable. It allowed us to go fast and stay safe. He really gave me a great feel out there, and I’m really happy with it.”

“I’ve had Axel for about two years now,” Bell continued. “He’s a coming eight-year-old, and I’ve produced him myself. So it’s really rewarding for him to come out here and do that well on such a hard track.”

Axel and Bell have only one point separating them from second place Katelyn Smith HSH Henry, which means they face a lot of pressure to ride a double clear round in the show jumping tomorrow morning. 

“He’s pretty careful,” Bell said. “Honestly, he’s great—he’s super honest. It really just depends on the ride I give him. I can definitely make mistakes in show jumping, but he’s always going to try his hardest.”

Lyman Ordway and Exces de Folie (Canabis Z x Darcy de Coraimont, by Orlando), owned by Winnett Ordway, finish out the current top three with a score of 35.7.

Charlotte Schaef and Tinraher Diamond. Erin Gilmore Photography

Charlotte Schaef is lucky enough to hold onto the lead in the CCI1*YRC-S with a horse she describes as her best friend, Tinraher Diamond (Jack of Diamonds x Lucky Mermaid, by Prospect Pride). Schaef and her horse go into the final phase with a score of 30.5. 

“[Cross country] was really good,” Schaef said. “I was very pleased with how she went around. She saved me at some of the jumps, but she was so game and made it feel easy. I just couldn’t be happier with her.”

“I feel like once a mare starts to trust you, she gives you her heart,” she continued. “I feel like we’ve finally gotten to the place where she trusts me and I trust her. She even neighs when I come to the stall. It’s just like we’re best friends.”

Tinraher Diamond has a solid show jumping background. With no time faults on her FEI show jumping record, clever and fast footwork will come in handy tomorrow. 

“I’m feeling pretty good,” Schaef said. “She’s generally a good show jumper, so I’m excited to see how tomorrow goes. I’m just going to control what we can control and try to get it done.”

Only a couple tenths of a point separate the top three scores in this division. Second place Carolyn May rode Patricia Luttgen’s Sky Moon (Sixtus 33 x Sky Lady, by Cadeau) to a score of 30.8 today. James Power and Brambleridge Ponder the Truth (Patrick) (TBS Declan Pondi x Brambleridge Truth or Dare, by Salute the Truth) are hot on her heels with a current score of 30.9. 

Your USEF Eventing Young Rider Championship team standings are as follows…

CCI1*YRC-S

#1 – Areas 3 / 8 – 93.8

#2 – Area 5 – 106.3

#3 – Area 2 – 231.8

CCI2*YRC-S

#1 – Area 3 – 122.5

#2 – Canada – 125.2

#3 – Areas 1 / 2 – 137.6

Tomorrow will be an action-packed day filled with highs and lows for those in the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships. A horse inspection kicks off the day at 7:30 a.m., while all Young Rider divisions will wrap up their competition with the show jumping phase. The National levels begin their competition tomorrow, starting with the Advanced division first thing in the morning. 

Caroline Pamukcu Claims the Early Lead in the CCI4*-S at the Maryland International

By on Jun 27, 2025 5:29 pm -

Caroline Pamukcu and She’s the One. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Olympian Caroline Pamukcu has claimed the role of early leader in the CCI4*-S, sponsored by Triple Crown Feed, at the end of day one at Maryland International. Pamukcu is part of a small but mighty field of 10 pairs at Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, Maryland, including an international contingent with representatives from Belgium and Canada competing this weekend.

Pamukcu is riding Mollie Hoff and Sherrie Martin’s She’s The One (Jaguar Mail x One to Watch, by Condios), a 10-year-old Warmblood mare. “She was very relaxed,” Pamukcu said, noting that she had three rides this morning, creating an abbreviated warm-up. “We’ve been working hard on her changes and her way of going and relaxation, and she put in a very good, steady test. There’s lots of room for improvement, but it was nice that we can go in and put in a good test with a 10-minute warm-up where normally I would have a couple of pre-rides and a little bit longer of a warm-up.”

Loch Moy Farm has made some big improvements to the property ahead of the Maryland International, including upgrading all of the rings with TRUTEX Footing. “I’m really impressed with Carolyn [Mackintosh, owner of Loch Moy Farm],” Pamukcu said. “She redid all the surfaces here with TRUTEX, so it’s a world-class event with world-class footing and world-class sponsors. As you can see, I’m sitting on the Defender, which is a new sponsor they have, and we have other big sponsors like Triple Crown sponsoring the cross country, and they sponsor my horses, so it’s great. It’s a fantastic place to be.”

Pamukcu is preparing to leave for CHIO Aachen shortly and is using The Maryland International as a jumping off point to lock in for the competition ahead. “I thought it would be really good to use this show,” Pamukcu said. “It’s the same dressage test that we’re going to have at Aachen, which is Dressage Test D in the Four Star. So it’s a shortened version of the FEI test, and I thought it would be good practice to bring a few horses here and just kind of get me in the mindset, in the groove, going into Aachen next week.”

With a score of 32.9, Leslie Lamb and Banjo are tied for second place in the CCI4*-S with Arden Wildasin and Billy Beaufort. Jennie Brannigan and FE Connery are holding onto third place with a score of 34.0.

Isabelle Bosley and Conner. Photo by SDH Photography for Erin Gilmore.

In the CCI3*-S, sponsored by Land Rover West Columbia / Defender, Isabelle Bosley is leading the way aboard Conner (Casiro 3 x Monique, by Concetto), who finished the dressage phase with a score of 27.7. Bosley has had the ride on Karen Martin’s 8-year-old Oldenburg gelding since he was imported from Germany at the age of 5. “I’ve never done that test on this horse before, and he’s pretty green at the level and can get a bit hot,” Bosley said. “So it’s kind of a lot— one movement right after another. But I think he just kind of settled into it more and more. It actually almost suited him better than I thought it would. He really relaxed in there and just gave a really nice test.”

When Bosley first took over the ride on Conner, the gelding was a blank slate with no background in either eventing or jumping, and had never been to a competition of any type. “He just moved up to Intermediate level this spring,” she said. “He’s still quite green, but he’s super talented. He’s lovely on the flat, he jumps great, and he’s just a really special horse. I’ve kind of just been taking my time with him, and he’s all of a sudden just blossomed into this big, mature horse.”

Bosley and Conner clicked from the first moment she sat in the saddle. “He’s really special. Every day I’m like, “How did I get this horse?” Because he’s just such an incredible horse. The moment I sat on him, I was sold. Then I felt his jump and thought, ‘I have to have this horse,’” Bosley said.

Laine Ashker and Lovedance, owned by Lovedance LLC, are starting the weekend in second place in the CCI3*-S with a score of 29.0. In third place, Lynn Symansky and Bounce 6, owned by Linda Graves and Alice Lawaetz, round out the top three with a score of 30.5.

Kelsey Seidel and Chico’s Man VDF Z. Photo by SDH Photography for Erin Gilmore.

The USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships are also taking place this weekend, injecting the competition with a dose of even more enthusiasm than usual. After a welcome ceremony punctuated with water balloons and a golf cart decorating contest, the riders kicked off the competition today. Kelsey Seidel is leading the CCI3*-S Young Rider Championship division aboard Chico’s Man VDF Z (Chico’s Boy x Chardonnay Z, by Caretano Z), owned by Lexi Scovil.

“Sprout was just absolutely beautiful in the ring. He really came in and wanted to do a good job.
We got caught in a little bit of a rainstorm, so the pictures will be interesting—I think we both came out soaked in water. He did such a good job, put his head down, and went to work just like the champ he is,” Seidel said of her dressage test.

Seidel took over the ride on “Sprout” from owner Lexi Scovil, who competed him through the five-star level. “He’s a dreamboat. He and I have been partnered together for exactly a year now,” Seidel said. “He’s so lovely. He’s got a bit of a spook in him, but he wants to come out and do a good job— and do it with a little bit of sass, a little bit of Sprout flair.”

It’s Seidel’s first year riding in the Young Rider Championship, which is an event like no other. “It’s just been such a great bonding experience,” she said. “We don’t always get to see so many younger riders who are as passionate about this sport as we are. So to have all of us at one show, in one venue. It’s really exciting to see the future of the sport right in front of you.”

Chelsea Lowe and Donna Pledge’s Fernhill Malito Park are holding onto second place in the CCI3*YRC-S with a score of 32.8. In third place is Maya Clarkson with her own Maks Mojo C with a score of 34.4.

Jennie Brannigan and Royal Scandic. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Jennie Brannigan is leading the CCI2*-S, sponsored by The Baldwin Group, with her own Royal Scandic (Revolution x Schatzi, by Contender), an up-and-coming 7-year-old. With a score of 24.2, the pair gets to claim the title of lowest score of the day. “He’s such a talented, special horse,” Brannigan said. “It’s just really exciting to have him coming along. And it’s not like he’s totally settled in the ring yet. He’s a really, really exciting horse for the future, and he just makes me happy to be doing the job and to have something that talented.”

“I think his balance is so much better. There’s actually a little bit going on here. I think I’ve only run him at this venue once before, and he was so distracted by everything,” Brannigan continued. “He still whinnied a couple times in the ring, but overall, he’s just so much more consistent. His balance is better, he’s really holding himself. I think he’s started to look like the horse that he is.”

Brannigan is trying to take her time producing Royal Scandic. The Maryland International marks the geldings third competition at the CCI2*-level, and while Brannigan hopes it will be his last, she says she’s not in a rush.

“He’s been schooling at such a higher level, especially on cross country. So this is hopefully his last two-star,” Brannigan said. “But I’m just letting him have the time. When Peter was talking to me about that two days ago, he said, ‘You know, this horse is so special. Just really give him the time. Don’t be in a rush.’ So I’m not in a rush to do a three star this fall.”

Brannigan is followed by Isabelle Bosley and Karen Martin’s Constanzehof’s Stitch with a score of 27.4. In third place is Valerie Pride, who is riding her own Excel Star Je T’Aime, with a score of 28.2.

Devon Tresan and Zavallo. Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Devon Tresan and her own Zavallo (Zavall VDL x Ava, by Quicksilber) are gunning for that championship title in the CCI2*YRC-S. They currently hold the lead with a score of 24.4. “He’s a really, really lovely horse to ride on the flat. So usually I just go in with anticipation of being a little better than I was last time and getting a little more from him, and he was just really great and happy and easy going today,” Tresan said.

While proud of her whole test, Tresan says the most exciting mark for her was her 10 point harmony score from dressage judge Peter Gray. “I feel like if I’m going to get a 10, that’s probably the best place that I would want to get it,” Tresan said. “It’s really near and dear to my heart, because Zia is really my best friend, and I feel like the partnership we’ve built together has just created the way that we can ride a dressage test together.”

Tresan purchased Zavallo four years ago as a young horse with little experience under his belt. “I got him as somewhat of a young horse,” Tresan said. “He was quite inexperienced, and he was a little bit wild, but he’s really settled into himself in the past couple years, and he’s just a great partner. And he’s really an incredible event horse. Honestly, he’s great in all three phases, and he could go into any arena and do any discipline. He’s just a wonderful, wonderful partner.”

Looking ahead to cross country tomorrow, Tresan says that her number one goal is to get herself and her horse home safely. There may be a lot of pressure riding on her shoulders to hold onto her number one spot, she believes that pressure is a privilege.

“I always just want to finish, have a good ride, and come home safe,” Tresan said. “As I have been getting more competitive, I’m trying to hopefully keep my placing. But obviously, you never know what’s going to happen tomorrow. My coach actually just told me that pressure is a privilege. That’s a better way to think of it as I leave the start box tomorrow and put a little more pressure on myself, because I am thankful to be in the position. And it’s really great to feel those nerves because I have something to look forward to, hopefully.”

Berkley Gardner and her own In Vogue are holding onto second place with a score of 27.9. Rounding out the top three is Chelsea Lowe aboard her own King Edward of Barrells, who finished the dressage phase with a score of 28.8.

Maggie Carter and Invito. Photo by SDH Photography for Erin Gilmore.

Maggie Carter and Invito (Advance x Vegannie, by Karlstad) are leading the final FEI division of the weekend at the Maryland International– the CCI1*-S, sponsored by Overhead Door of Frederick. Owned by the rider, the pair laid down a great performance for a score of 27.0.

“She was really great. I feel like we’re finally starting to kind of put it all together and she just felt really rideable and happy,” Carter said. “Her left canter is always a little bit of a challenge, she’s a lot harder to the left. That’s always something that we struggle with, but she was pretty good about it today. I was really happy with her.”

The Maryland International is Carter’s first FEI competition since 2010. A mother of two, Carter took a long break from the sport, but has returned with a vengeance. She credits Vita with motivating her to return to eventing.

“I bought her from Jan Byyny, who I have ridden with for years,” Carter said. “I had completely taken time off riding. I have two kids and my daughter started riding so I made a trip to Middleburg just to visit and we ended up seeing Vita and I said, ‘OK, I need a horse. I need to do this again.’ So she really got me back into the sport and it’s been really fun. She’s just such a pleasure to sit on every day and just such a confidence-building horse. It’s been really fun to ride again.”

Emma Tuit and Call Me Joe are three points behind Carter with a score of 30.0. In third place is Raelyn Snyder, riding her own American Thunder, with a score of 33.6.

Reese Dellangelo and Carlson 119. Photo by SDH Photography for Erin Gilmore.

In the CCI1*YRC-S, Reese Dellangelo is leading the way aboard Carlson 119 (Camarque 3 x Palma, by Phantomic). The pair finished their dressage test with a score of 28.3. Carlson 119 is a former Advanced horse, who had a substantial career at the top of the sport with Amanda Beale Clement. While Dellangelo said her dressage score took her by surprise, she was thrilled with the result.

“It was an awesome surprise, but I definitely wasn’t expecting it.” Dellangelo said. “I had a horse who took me to Novice, and then we got [Carlson 119]. He’s taken me up through everything and taught me so much about how to be a good rider. I really owe everything to him.”

Dellangelo is also reaping the rewards of riding with upper level eventer Susie Beale, who is also Amanda Beale Clement’s mother. “It’s awesome to have somebody who knows him so well and has everything thought out for me,” Dellangelo said. “It’s awesome to be selected [for the Young Rider Championship]. I didn’t think I would get here, and again, I owe it all to him. It’s a learning curve, and there’s a lot to learn.”

Your USEF Eventing Young Rider Championship team standings are as follows:

CCI1*
#1- Area 2 – 92.1
#2 – Areas 3 / 8 – 93.8
#3 – Area 5 – 100.8

CCI2*
#1 – Area 1 / 2 – 92.5
#2 – Canada – 96.4
#3 – Areas 4/5/6 – 101.2

The jumping phases begin tomorrow with riders completing Chris Barnard’s show jumping course prior to cross country, starting with the CCI4*-S at 8 a.m. The FEI divisions will also tackle Andrew Heffernan’s cross country course beginning at 8:30 a.m., again starting with the CCI4*-S division. While all FEI riders will complete the cross country phase tomorrow, Young Riders will show jump on Sunday.

Young Rider Games, sponsored by US Performance Academy, will take place tomorrow within an hour of completion of competition. Spectators can enjoy the Vendor Village by both the show jumping and dressage rings, as well as by the competition barns. Highland Club ticket holders can enjoy front row seats to the action on both the cross country course and in the show jumping ring, as well as food and drink, sponsored by Scotty’s Handcrafted Vodka.

The Maryland International CCI & H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

The Great Hambino: Landmark’s Jungle Gold Hams It Up to Lead CCI4*-S at MARS Bromont CCI

By on Jun 6, 2025 6:17 pm -

Sometimes we win and sometimes we have days where our horses didn’t quite get the memo that now is not the time to throw their own moves into the dressage test. Rarely do those two things happen on the same day. Luckily for Lauren Nicholson and Landmark’s Jungle Gold, today was one of those rare days.

It’s a great weekend for Lauren Nicholson, who is leading both the CCI4*-L and the CCI4*-S at the end of day two of the MARS Bromont CCI. As the 4*-S wrapped up with its small but mighty contingent of eight riders this afternoon, Lauren came out on top with Ms. Jacqueline Mars’ Landmark’s Jungle Gold (Diarado x Jungle Tale, by Cougar) with a score of 30.2.

After a short hiatus from the level, Richie was obviously quite thrilled to be back, as he threw a bit of his own flair into the flying changes at the end of the test. “He’s usually pretty dependable in the dressage, and honestly, I was pretty mad at him at the end,” Lauren said. “He usually has great changes and everything else, but he really wanted to ham it up for the crowd today — and I was not impressed.”

Lauren has known the Holsteiner Irish Sport Horse cross since he was in the womb. Now 10 years old, “Richie” is the product of Ms. Mars’ breeding program, in which Lauren is heavily involved.

“[The Landmark breeding program] was well on its way before I even came to work for the O’Connors and Ms. Mars — that was 21 years ago,” Lauren said. “It’s always been about finding the best career for them. Some have gone on to be fox hunters, hunters, kids’ horses, five-star horses. My job in the beginning is just to make them quality citizens, and then go on.”

“I consider that my job — to make them well-rounded when they’re young,” Lauren continued. “Then, as their skill sets start to show, you know which direction to point them. We also try to purpose-breed. Krista Schmidt — Ms. Mars’ daughter — has taken on a huge interest in breeding and revamped the program again.”

Now the program has a couple household names coming into their breeding shed, including Mia Farley’s BGS Firecracker, who she rode around the Advanced level. But Lauren will be the first to admit that there are times when breeding remains a mystery.

“It’s very hard,” she said. “It’s funny — some of the ones that were five-star mares and a five-star stallion, we got like, a little pony. A lovely little kids’ horse. You never know! So it’s always a mystery that evades me — there are a lot of experts out there, and I defer to them on the breeding. I just do what I can with what comes out.”

Speaking of what comes out (and returning to the matter at hand), Lauren says that she’s taken her time at the three-star level before moving Richie up to the big leagues. “He went up the levels pretty quickly, and he’s quite a big, gangly horse, so we just stayed at the three-star level the last two years to get him stronger,” Lauren said. “He had all the parts to do the job, but he just sometimes lost coordination. So we gave him a couple years to get stronger before bumping him back up to the four-star level. This is his first run at the 4*-S in a while.”

Before moving him back up to the level, Lauren needed to ensure Richie had full control of his big body, especially as he went through the extended period of growth spurts associated with Warmbloods.

“I’ll give him all the tools — but then he needs to utilize them,” she explained. “It’s never been about unwillingness, it’s just learning how to use his body correctly. I think it’s interesting with the horses that have warmblood in them — you really have to play it by ear with how they stop growing. Warmbloods keep growing for so long — they’re 7, 8, 9 before they stop — and every time their body changes, you plateau until they figure out how to use all their parts again.”

Jessie Phoenix and Freedom GS. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Currently in second place is Canada’s own Jessica Phoenix and her Olympic partner, Freedom GS, owned by Charlotte Shickedanz. Needless to say, Freedom GS is an experienced event horse. At 13 years old, the Trakehner/Oldenburg cross is stepping into her prime. At the Olympics, the pair came in 37th place with a score of 67.8.

Since their return to North American soil, they’ve had a spring season filled with accolades. In March, the pair won the TerraNova Equestrian Center 4*-S with a score of 39.1, before also finishing third on the podium in the Cosequin Kentucky Three-Day 4*-S in April with a score of 38. Now the question is, will their winning streak continue?

EquiRatings is here to shed some insight on the subject. Currently, Jessie and Freedom GS (Humble GS x Friedel GS, by Fidertanz) have a 38 percent chance of winning the division, and a 73 percent chance of finishing in the top three. While I feel obligated to root for team USA, it would be so fitting if one of Canada’s own brought home the blue ribbon this weekend (sorry, Lauren!).

According to Jessie, the Olympics has really motivated her to improve her dressage performance and, thanks to a new trainer, her hard work is paying dividends. “After the Olympics last year, it really felt like I needed to get my dressage better — like, stronger horses, stronger me, stronger everything,” Jessie said. “So we started training with Ashley Holzer. She had watched us go at the Olympics and said, ‘Jessie, honestly, I think I can really help you.’ It’s been a real journey of learning, and I just feel really positive about it.”

Over the last ten months, Jessie and Freedom GS have been deeply embedded in dressage boot camp. Today, their dressage score is one of their lowest yet at the four-star level.

“She is really feeling stronger and stronger all the time, and I was so happy with the way she went in and tried throughout the entire test. Like, she really stayed with me the whole time,” Jessie said. “She felt like toward the end she got a little bit muscle-fatigued, because she really was engaged and with me the whole test. So her medium trot could normally be a little bit bigger than that, but I was also so proud of the effort she put in. She worked the entire test, start to finish.”

Looking ahead in their season, Jessie and Freedom GS were selected to be part of the team Canada is sending to Aachen later on this summer. “We’ve just received the grant from Canadian High Performance to go to Aachen — which is just amazing,” Jessie said. “The fact that they acknowledge that, that’s a big deal — to get there prior to the World Championships — and then submitting the application and being chosen, it’s all kind of surreal.”
“We’re super thankful to have that opportunity, and thankful for the eventing community that they could get behind that — through various fundraisers — and be supportive of it,” she continued.

According to Jessie, this weekend at Bromont is a key part of her plan to prepare for the World Championships. “I think Bromont is always such a key event in a season for a horse. So while we’re looking forward to Aachen, we’re also looking ahead to the fall. I think we’ll be heading toward Morven Park,” she said. “Bromont is just such a useful event with the terrain. The course they’ve built out there is a four-and-a-half star — especially for the four-star short. They’ve asked every question, and they’re big. So it’s going to be a real test — both with the terrain and with the complexity of the jumping efforts.”

Hayley Frielick and Dunedin Black Watch. Photo by Sally Spickard

New Zealand’s Hayley Frielick rounds out the top three of our rather global leaderboard. Riding Dunedin Black Watch (Dylan Thomas x Love First, by Lonhro), the pair pulled out all the stops to present a dressage test that was lovely to watch and earned them a score of 32.3. Like many Thoroughbreds, “Nelson” may have a lot of heart, but he’s not naturally talented in the dressage ring. This weekend, though, he put his best foot forward. Typically scoring in the mid to upper 30s, this weekend’s dressage score is his best out of his entire FEI career– a big congratulations to Nelson and Hayley in that regard.

“He’s not born with the most natural, big movement — you know, he’s not an imported Warmblood that just floats around. We really had to work on that, especially the medium trot. When I brought him over to do Maryland, I don’t think he could even do a medium trot when he did the five-star there,” Hayley said. “So I’m really pleased with that now, because he actually knows what’s expected of him there. If I set him up and do a little half-halt and prepare him, he really tries, even if it’s not the biggest, flashiest test. Like I said, he really stayed with me, so he could be consistent everywhere. It felt pleasing to ride, so I hope it pleased.”

At 15 years old, Nelson is an experienced upper level event horse and has been competing at the four-star level and above since COVID. While that experience works in his favor in many regards, according to Hayley, it can also work against him.

“We’re like an old married couple,” Hayley said. “Even though he has so much experience, he’s a little Thoroughbred with so much enthusiasm, so it’s always just trying to get him to really relax and stay with me. Sometimes that extra experience can almost work against you because they know what’s coming and when.”

So I was really pleased he stayed with me,” she continued. “This sort of event is perfect for him. We came up a couple of days before, he’s gotten a chance to really settle in. He never does anything naughty, but it’s great that he can go in there and actually produce a really consistent test and sort of get every mark that we can.”

It’s not often that riders own their own upper level event horse– Hayley and Nelson are the uncommon exception to that rule. Sadly, that isn’t going to be the case for much longer. “He’s actually on the market, looking for another option in his future,” Hayley said. “He’s at the level, he’s doing well and loving it, but he doesn’t owe me anything.”

That being said, Hayley’s goal for the weekend is to enjoy the ride– literally. “I’m just enjoying it while I have him — until he finds his next home,” she said. “He’s naturally very, very fast, so even if I’m trying to take it handy, he’s unlikely to be very slow. But I do want to give him a good run. We might just take our time in a few spots and approach things very strategically, rather than just fly around like a bat out of hell. But he kind of only has one speed out there, so I’d be expecting him to be reasonably quick.”

Hayley first came to Bromont in 2024, where she ran around the 3*-L with Paul Richard Donovan’s Sportsfield Lumiere (Orestus VDL x Utah, by Phin Phin). Together, they came in 8th place on a score of 38.1. For Hayley, there was no question about whether or not she would be back at the event.

“It was straightaway on the calendar to come back. I think the course is phenomenal. There’s a lot of terrain and twists and turns. It’s a proper track,” Hayley said. “But the event is just so beautiful as well. The town — it’s like you drive over the American border and then you’re in Europe, almost. There’s good food, there’s good coffee, it’s just a lovely event. The venue is incredible. Coming from Australia, we don’t have a lot of facilities — if any — like this. You’ve got this amazing arena, beautiful places to work. They do a brilliant job.”

The iconic Bromont sign. Photo by Sally Spickard

Several other divisions wrapped up the dressage phase today at Bromont. Ariel Grald is leading the 2*-L with Annie Eldridge’s Obalix on a score of 25.3. She’s followed by another Canadian, Colleen Loach and Peter Barry’s Chiaro Z Excalibur who are currently holding onto a score of 27.4. In third place is Allie Knowles and Katherine O’Brien’s September Venture with a score of 28.

Allie Knowles is also leading the way with the lowest score of the day in the 3*-L aboard Katherine O’Brien’s Montpellier Scais with a score of 24.3. She’s followed by Boyd Martin, who is starting the weekend in both second and third place with Malmo Mob’s Kolbeinn (24.7) and the Fetiche Des Rouges syndicate’s Fetiche Des Rouges (29.9) respectively.

Tomorrow will be an action-packed day for riders, spectators, and event officials alike– it’s cross country day! The 4*-L will start off the day with the first rider leaving the startbox at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time, followed by the 4*-S. Jessie Phoenix and Aeronautics will be the first to gallop around the course.

Best of luck to all and Go Eventing.

MARS Bromont CCI (Canada): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

CCI4*L First-Timers Take Early Lead at MARS Bromont CCI

By on Jun 5, 2025 6:44 pm -

Lauren Nicholson and Larcot Z. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The new kids on the block are taking over in the CCI4*-L at the MARS Bromont CCI this weekend– all of our top three horses are aiming to complete their first long-format event at the level. In first place, Lauren Nicholson and Larcot Z (L’Arc de Triomphe x Kocote De La Londe, by Socrate de Chivre) have taken the early lead on a score of 27.1. Hot on her heels is Ema Klugman, who is laying claim to both second and third place, with Chiraz on a score of 30.0 and RF Redfern with a score of 30.6 respectively.

Lauren took over the ride on Larcot Z in 2023 from Olympian Will Coleman, who produced the gelding up to the three-star level. From there, She and “Larcot,” owned by Ms. Jacqueline Mars, have achieved some notable victories, particularly their second-place podium finish in the Maryland 5 Star CCI3*-L in 2024.

“We’re now in the second year since I’ve had him,” Lauren said. “Bromont — actually the 3*-L here — was one of my very first events with him two years ago, after Reagan Lafleur and Will Coleman produced him so well. And I just love Bromont. It’s always a great event. The courses are great. They’re challenging enough that you know you’re on par with going somewhere else in the world, as well. I think sometimes the four-Longs on this side are not comparable [with anywhere else].”

Still getting to know each other, Lauren and Larcot are navigating both a relatively new partnership and a new level together. Thus far in his career, the 12 year old Zangersheide gelding has finished just one 4*-S. This weekend marks their third attempt at a 4*-L and, hopefully, their first completion. But Lauren feels that as their partnership has grown over the last two years, they’re ready to hit the ground galloping this weekend.

“In the beginning — the first two years — you’re a little bit ticking boxes, making sure there’s nothing missing,” she said. “It takes a while, and you have to run a lot of courses to figure out: ‘Oh, he does this at a coffin if it’s early,’ or ‘He does this into the water,’ or ‘He lands short off of things on a hill,’ or something.”

“It takes a while to find those answers and know what kind of ride to give him, and I feel like I have that now with him,” Lauren continued. “So plan A: he’s super confident and competent, and we’ll go have a crack at it. You can always adjust your plan along the way if something arises, but he’s not green at the level anymore, and he’s ready to go out and storm around. I just need to give him a good ride and do it.”

Lauren Nicholson and Larcot Z (shown here at TerraNova). Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

While their dressage test produced one of their best scores yet, Lauren knows they can still do better, particularly as their partnership grows and strengthens over the years ahead. “I probably gave him about five minutes too much warm-up,” Lauren said. “We’re still figuring that out with him. Sometimes he comes out and has the zoomies, like a terrier with his butt tucked under him, and sometimes he comes out super relaxed and chill. Probably five minutes less and he would’ve had a little more oomph in his trot work. But his changes were really good, and he just makes a lovely picture. He’s such an elegant type. So I was quite happy with it. There are always more points to get, but for the day and what we had, I was thrilled.”

Ema Klugman and Chiraz. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Holding both second and third place, Ema Klugman’s weekend is off to a great start. In second place, she rides The Chiraz Syndicate’s Chiraz, who walked out of the dressage ring with a score of 30.0. Like Lauren and Larcot, this is Ema’s second season competing Chiraz (Cayado 3 x Asquetta, by Casall). It’s been a big season so far for the gelding, who recently finished just inside the top ten in the 4*-S at the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event with a score of 48.2.

Far from being daunted by the flapping flags and signs surrounding the atmospheric ring at the Bromont Horse Park, Ema says Chiraz knows when it’s time to perform. “He’s a really good boy,” Ema said. “He’s actually a little bit of a tricky horse — he’s very energetic, even at home, day-to-day. He’ll spook and be wild. He’s a bit of a character. But he’s a really cool character because he totally knows when it’s a big deal, and he concentrates way better. He’s almost better in a big arena like that than he is elsewhere, so that’s a good quality to have.”

This weekend marks the 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding’s best dressage score yet with Ema in the saddle. “He’s got nice gaits, and he has all of the movements down, we’ve just been working on trying to get a bit more quality from him, getting him sitting a bit more in the collected work,” Ema said. “He was great. I’m very pleased with him. He’s been at the level for maybe about a year now and he’s just getting better.”

Ema Klugman and RF Redfern. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Her second ride in the 4*-L, RF Redfern, owned by Team Fern, had a similarly fantastic start to the weekend. At just 15.3 hands, she may be small for an eventer, but the little mare doesn’t let her height hold her back.

“She was great. She loves to dance,” Ema said. “She can be a little bit excited, but she’s so fun to ride. She’s only about 15.3, but she feels like she’s 18 hands when you’re doing the extended trot on her. So we love her — she’s a cool little horse. There were a couple of little spots where I just made mistakes and miscommunicated with her, so really, she should be in the 20s. But overall, she was great. We’re looking forward to a nice, easy day tomorrow and then tackling cross country.”

“Fern” (Any Given Sunday x Zsa Zsa) is also coming off of a run in the 4*-S at the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event. In between Kentucky and Bromont, Ema chose to run both horses in Devon Arena Eventing. “The calendar’s not super great, to be honest,” Ema said. “I just don’t know why they have Tryon so close to Kentucky, and then there’s really nothing until this. So Fern just did an Open Intermediate to have a nice run, and then we actually took both of these horses to Devon.”

Despite a frustrating lack of events on the calendar, Ema feels confident in the prep work she’s done for both of her rides. “They’ve had good prep,” she said. “I mean, Kentucky was very hard. And in some ways, Kentucky is just so much busier — that part of it is an added element. At least here, it’s a hard course, but it’s a little bit more of a laid-back feel.”

In terms of choosing Bromont for both horses’ first 4*-L, Ema says the proof is in the pudding. She made the same decision with her beloved former five-star horse, Bendigo in 2019.

Jessie Phoenix and Aeronautics sit in fourth in the 4*-L. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“I just love Bromont,” Ema said. “I think it’s such a good course, and if you’ve done your training and preparation, this is an event that’s going to prepare them for the rest of their career so well. I’ve also done this as their first 4*-L with a couple other horses, and it just sets them up really well.”

Bromont has a reputation for having terrain like nothing else, with roller coaster hills that test a horse’s balance, grit, and fitness. For Ema, it was the up and down terrain combined with a course designed by Derek di Grazia that sealed the deal for her. “It’s got a lot of terrain, but it’s not like there’s just one big hill that knocks it out of them,” she said. “It’s just up and down the whole way. And I think Derek is the best course designer ever, so I really like to do his courses.”

Looking ahead to the cross country course, our first-place leader, Lauren, compares the terrain to Burghley. “There are a couple places where Derek did make the questions a bit kinder,” she said. “They’re still plenty aggressive, but it gives the horses a bit of a breath. That’s one of the harder things here — with the terrain, you kind of get about halfway through before they actually settle into a rhythm. It’s a bit Burghley-like in that sense.”

Boyd Martin and Fetiche Des Rouges lead the CCI3*-L after day one. Photo by Sally Spickard.

This year the course (view all courses on CrossCountryApp here) is 5760 meters long with an optimum time of 10 minutes and 6 seconds. The coffin and last corner combination are of particular note to Lauren, who says the footing and increased length of the course will definitely factor into her plan. “All the questions are asked — you’ve got your corners and your skinnies and lots of waters. Everything’s out there to get done,” She said. “And if you make a mistake, the horses have a way out, which I always appreciate about Derek’s courses. If you make a mistake, the horses can get out of it unscathed versus getting stuck in trouble and having a fall or something.”

Ahead of the action in the 4*-L today, the CCI3*-U25-L and the CCI2*-U25-L also finished their dressage phase. At this stage in the competition, Ivie Cullen-Dean and Fernhill Cardevega are leading the 3*-L for the U25 division on a score of 34.6, followed by Caitlin O’Roark & Landmark’s Mochachino (36.2). Noah Stanlaske & Chesterland are in third place with a score of 36.5. In the CCI2*-U25-L Kelsey Seidel and Chico’s Man VDF Z are holding onto first place with a score of 29.2, followed by Emma Armstrong & Newman in second (31.0) and Mandolin Whitten & Cooley Easy Trip in third (31.1).

Tomorrow kicks off dressage for the 4*-S and allows the 3*-L and 2*-L to wrap up their tests. The first horse trots down the centerline at 9 a.m. eastern time, with the 2*-L division starting the day. The 4*-S is scheduled to kick off at 2:27 p.m. and wrap up around 3:20 p.m.

MARS Bromont CCI (Canada): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Blue Ribbons in the Blue Ridge Mountains: Hamel and Kingston Win CCI2*-L at VHC Eventing, Presented by Capital Square

By on May 25, 2025 8:59 pm -

Emily Hamel and Kingston. Photos by: Veronica Green-Gott.

The remaining two FEI divisions at VHC Eventing, presented by Capital Square, wrapped up with inaugural International wins for the leaders of both long-format divisions, the CCI2*-L and the CCI1*-L. Emily Hamel and her new partner, Kingston, won the CCI2*-L division on a score of 31.5. In the CCI1*-L, James Power took home the blue ribbon aboard Brambleridge Ponder the Truth with a score of 37.

Hamel may be a seasoned five-star event rider with the iconic gray gelding, 18-year-old Corvette, but this weekend ended in a crowning achievement for any rider– her first FEI win. While she may not have come home with a blue ribbon prior to this weekend, Hamel has come close many times throughout her career, with two podium finishes and eleven top ten finishes thus far.

“I was really proud of him,” Hamel said of Kingston, owned by Black Flag Option. “This is his first FEI and I’ve only had him since November, so it’s a new partnership. He’s relatively new to eventing and he just tried so hard. Coming into the weekend, I just wanted to have a good run, so winning was icing on the cake.”

The 2015 Dutch Warmblood gelding seems poised to continue in the hoofprints of Hamel’s previous five-star horses. Despite never having seen terrain like that at the Virginia Horse Center, which is frequently referred to as a “mini Bromont,” Kingston rose to the challenge with ease.

“He was great,” Hamel said. “I didn’t know what to expect, because he’s never seen that many hills, but he just loved it. He had such a good time running up and down, and he’s so quick and clever. It was a really fun ride.”

Emily Hamel and Kingston. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott.

Heading into the final phase, Hamel had been trying not to get her hopes too high. Second place winner Tim Bourke and Sing to Me Cooley, owned by Hedgerow Farm, were less than a half of a point behind Hamel. If Hamel wanted to hold onto her lead, her only option was a double clear round. Luckily, Kingston’s show jumping background gave her the minute edge she needed. The pair crossed the finish flags six seconds ahead of the optimum time.

Kate Servais and her own Life Story moved up from fourth place to take home third with a score of 40.2.

It was a big weekend for Hamel. Celebrating her birthday the Wednesday before the event, her first FEI win was possibly the best present she could have asked for. “It feels really cool [to win],” Hamel said. “I’ve done a million FEIs at this point, but I haven’t won an FEI. So it’s extra special.”

Hamel returned to the Virginia Horse Center this weekend after a long period away. “I love it here,” she said. “I haven’t been here in years. I think the last time I was here was when I was working for Phillip [Dutton], so that was a while ago. It’s such a beautiful facility. They’ve done a lot of great upgrades, like the arenas are great to ride in, and the cross country– I think they got some new fences– and it was just a really good experience, overall. Everybody here working and volunteering has been really helpful.”

In the CCI1*-L, James Power found himself heading into the show jumping phase poised to win after yesterday’s leader, Alyssa Phillips and her own Centerfold, did not pass the horse inspection on Sunday morning. With an 11-point lead heading into the ring, Power and Brambleridge Ponder the Truth, owned by the rider, used up some of their overall buffer after knocking a pole at fence nine to finish on a final score of 37. Annabelle Friend and the creatively named Tater’CZalad, owned by the rider, took home second place with a score of 44. Liana Anason and her own Biscuit Snatcher earned a score of 46, sliding into third place.

Like Hamel, it’s the pair’s inaugural FEI win, made even more special by “Patrick’s” comeback from a serious injury in the fall. “I’ve never won an FEI before, and he’s coming off a season ending injury from last year,” Power said. “Being able to come into this season and winning this FEI means so much to me. My mom always helps me out so much, with grooming and just being here supporting me. So I’m overall really happy with how it went.”

James Power and Brambleridge Ponder The Truth.

In the past, Power said he’s struggled to get Patrick to relax at events, but didn’t spare a second thought for the challenging terrain at the Virginia Horse Center. Patrick may be only 15.3 hands, but the Connemara/Thoroughbred is a cross country machine.

“My rides this weekend were pretty good,” Power said. “I got him really relaxed for dressage, he was really good for that. But the cross country is always really good– he’s a beast out there all the time. Show jumping is not my strongest phase. I would say he’s pretty solid at it, but I get really nervous in there. So, I got the one rail, but I’m not disappointed at all with how this weekend went.”

Power, who found time to support his fellow competitors by volunteering at the Horse Center over the weekend, also won the CCI1*-L Young Rider Award, sponsored by Hyperion Stud. Friend came in second place, with Anson taking third. The Award is given to the young rider with the lowest score in each division. Power has been involved in the Young Rider program, which aims to promote community and educational opportunities among up-and-coming riders, for some time. He competed at the Young Rider Championships at the Maryland International in 2024.

James Power, Annabelle Friend and Liana Anson earning the Young Rider Awards, sponsored by Hyperion Stud.

According to Power, the Young Rider program has helped him find a community. “My friend Mia, that’s how I met her,” Power said. “We didn’t know each other before, and we’ve become really good friends, hanging out outside of horses and stuff. Also Claire Allen, and a bunch of other people that I never knew before. I would say the number one thing that I’ve gotten from Young Riders is making a lot of friends and making connections with people.”

Kate Servais and Life Story.

Kate Servais, head groom for five-star event rider Sharon White, won the Hyperion Stud Young Rider Award in the CCI2*-L with Life Story. She purchased the 14-year-old Holsteiner/Thoroughbred from Olympian Caroline Pamukcu.

“I am so proud of him,” Servais said. “He tried so hard all weekend, and I just absolutely adore him so much. He’s so perfect. He tries so hard all the time, and he’s just the sweetest creature ever.”

Historically, Servais said that finding relaxation at competitions has been difficult for the pair, but this weekend they had a breakthrough in the show jumping phase. “We’ve really struggled,” she said. “I’ve struggled with the tenseness and relaxation in the ring. He’s so in tune with me. He’s such a telepathic horse. He can tell any emotion I’m feeling sooner than I can. So going in there and just jumping around so soft and supple and happy– I was so pleased with him.”

Over the last several months, Servais says that “Basil” has transformed her riding for the better. “He’s just changed my riding– learning to relax, learning to calm down, not take everything so seriously and be so intense all the time,” Servais said. “Having more of a sensitive horse has taught me to be quieter and more reactive in the right way, in a calm, quiet way.”

VHC Eventing, presented by Capital Square, will return to the Virginia Horse Center on October 30th through November 2nd for another weekend of competition, this time in the crisp fall air against a backdrop of autumn leaves in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Entries open on September 16th and close on October 14th.

Without the support of sponsors like Capital Square, Hyperion Stud, Triple Crown Feed, Old Dominion Equine, and Blue Ridge Equine, events like VHC Eventing wouldn’t be possible.

VHC Eventing (VA): [Website] [Scores]

Kehoe & Daktaris Crowned CCI3* Winner at VHC Eventing, Presented by Capital Square

By on May 24, 2025 10:05 pm -
Ashley Kehoe and Daktaris by Veronica Green-Gott Ashley Kehoe and Daktaris by Veronica Green-Gott

Lexington, Virginia – May 24th, 2025 – The CCI3*-S and the CCI2*-S wrapped up on Saturday, May 24th, at VHC Eventing, presented by Capital Square, but the CCI2*-L and the CCI1*-L still have one more phase to go. The weekend has been characterized by pioneering moments for horses and riders alike.

CCI3*-S winner, Ashley Kehoe, claimed her first win at the level riding Daktaris. The pair took the lead from FEI rookie Meagan Hopkins and Altaskin Jack, with a score of 47.4 after an influential cross country phase. The time proved hard to catch in the weekend’s top division; not a single pair achieved the optimum time, with every horse and rider combination having a minimum of 12 time penalties.

“He was so good,” Kehoe said. “I haven’t been here in probably seven or eight years, and I didn’t know how he was going to handle the big climb up the hill at the end and then the corner combination. But he never stopped going. I never had to kick him once.”

It’s a momentous weekend for Kehoe, marking her first win at the three-star level. Just two weeks ago, Kehoe had her first-ever FEI win with Daktaris at Tryon International. “He’s amazing,” Kehoe said. “He’s a winner. He’s incredibly talented and scopey. Actually, I had my first FEI win two weeks ago at Tryon International. I did the two star with him, just as a confidence boost before coming here, and he won that, and now he’s won this.”

Ashley Kehoe and Daktaris. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott

It’s been a long road for Kehoe and Daktaris, who purchased the 9-year-old Holsteiner gelding after she had to sell her best horse during COVID. Sourced from a friend in Germany, Kehoe said she had been looking for something spicy– and he definitely fit the bill.

“He acts like a little stallion, to be honest,” Kehoe said. “He sort of shows up and struts around, you know, puffs out his chest. Kind of like Muhammad Ali– it’s his vibe.”

“We used to clear warm-up rings,” Kehoe continued, laughing. “He would stand up on his hind legs, but after ten minutes he would settle and say, ‘Okay, what can I do for you?’”

Kehoe chose to come to VHC Eventing with Daktaris to see how he would handle the rollercoaster-like terrain. “For this horse and myself, I just wanted to see how he was gonna do with the hills,” Kehoe said. “I didn’t want to go all the way up to Bromont, but this venue just has such great terrain that’s so different from Florida. And it just has wonderful show jumping- it has the whole shebang.”

Meanwhile in the CCI2*-L, Emily Hamel continues to navigate a challenging event aboard another first-timer– Black Flag Option’s Kingston, who is tackling his first FEI event with ease (so far). It’s safe to say that his first FEI cross country went smoothly, as the pair added nothing to their dressage score and finished exactly on the optimum time of seven minutes and four seconds.

“Oh, I’m so proud of him,” Hamel said. “He was just awesome. We’re still a pretty new partnership and I’ve only done three Prelims with him, so this is kind of a big ask. He definitely hasn’t seen this many hills before but he was really game and he had a great time. He just loves the job, so that’s fun.”

Emily Hamel and Kingston. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott

With the weekend being Kingston’s first crack at the international level, Hamel’s goal for the cross country phase was to boost the Dutch Warmblood gelding’s confidence. As it turned out, she was able to both give the 10-year-old a good ride and stay in the lead.

“Going into the day, I was like ‘Oh I really hope I make time, but also first and foremost, I need to give him a good ride,’” Hamel said. “Again, he’s new at this level, so I decided I’ll go as fast as I can safely go and it worked out.”

Heading into tomorrow on an unproven FEI horse and holding onto the first place slot can be a nerve-wracking situation. Hamel is relying on Kingston’s show jumping background and her ability to keep a cool head to hold the lead.

“He came from a show jumping background in Europe,” Hamel said. “He did around 1.35m over there, so in theory it should go well. But again– it’s his first FEI, so we’re just gonna do our best and hopefully that’s good enough.”

“I am trying not to think of it like I’m going in there as the lead,” she continued. “I’m just gonna try to give him the best ride I can and hopefully everything works out.”

Hamel is coming to VHC Eventing fresh off a 12th place finish with Corvett, an 18-year-old seasoned five-star horse also owned by Black Flag Option, at the Kentucky Three-Day Event. Hamel says that Corvett and Kingston offer her very different rides.

“I’m never really in the lead,” Hamel said. “I’m used to [Corvett], where I have to claw my way up so it’s a new feeling. But it’ll be good practice and I think I have a good mental game. Hopefully that’ll be true tomorrow.”

Lucienne Bellissimo and Tremanton. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott

In the CCI2*-S, Lucienne Bellissimo’s up-and-coming young horse, Duke’s Jory, finds himself in second place while tackling his first long format, losing the lead to Bellissimo and her seasoned five-star horse, Tremanton. Together, Bellissimo and Tremanton won the division with a score of 24.9, adding nothing to their dressage score after a double clear cross country round.

“So, I’ve had Tremanton for many years,” Bellissimo said. “She’s campaigned at the four star level, and I was hoping to have taken her to Kentucky, but sadly, she cut her leg quite badly in the paddock and has had a few months out. She’s fine, it was superficial, but I thought off the back of having a bit of a break, it would do her brain and body good to actually come and do a two star and just sort of start over and plan for bigger things for later in the year.”

Bellissimo’s plan worked. VHC Eventing marked Tremanton’s first two-star round since 2020 and the mare answered the course’s questions with ease. “Once I got on course with her, she hit the bottom of the big hill and just attacked it and found the time very, very easy,” Bellissimo said. “She really, really galloped and overtook her brother, Duke’s Jory. Dropping down to the two-star level did her no harm at all. It did her brain some good so she feels in a good space, and she was good on the flat. Hopefully now we can plan some bigger things for later in the year for her.”

An experienced event rider, Bellissimo has been campaigning various horses at the four-star level for several years. Still, she found the terrain at the Virginia Horse Center to provide a unique challenge that is difficult to find in the United States.

“[The course] was beautifully built,” Bellissimo said. “It’s just the undulations, you know? It adds a little bit of complexity for the younger ones when their balance still isn’t quite there. It’s such a nice bit of terrain, and having that hill is always interesting to see how the horses actually cope with it. You don’t always get that privilege of really getting a chance to stay galloping for a couple of minutes uphill. But all in all, I thought it was built really well.”

Now that she’s back and fighting fit, Bellissimo is aiming to ride Tremanton in the Advanced at the Horse Park of New Jersey, before possibly entering her in the Maryland Five Star or in the CCI4*-L at The Event at Rebecca Farm. Bellissimo says that VHC Eventing was a great fitness run for her horses.

“I think it’s great,” she said. “Normally I would go to Bromont, but I sadly can’t this year because we’ve got other commitments. I love the new flavor for the cross country. Over the last couple of years, it’s really changed. They’ve obviously invested heavily. For a fitness run, I think it’s super.”

Alyssa Phillips and Centerfold. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott

Finally, in the CCI1*-L, Alyssa Phillips and Centerfold are poised to claim their first FEI win as a pair– should they have a clear show jumping round tomorrow. The combination claimed the lead in the CCI1*-L, after Lisa Chan and Picture This parted ways at fence five on the cross country course. Centerfold is a young, up-and-coming horse that is still learning the ropes at the FEI level. Originally in third place at the end of the day yesterday, “Playboy” put in a double clear cross country round to finish on his dressage score of 31.8.

“He was great,” Phillips said. “He is still a young horse. He’s six this year. He did the five-year-olds last fall at the Maryland Five Star, and came in second. I thought it would be a great educational trip to bring all my horses up here, because I’m based in Florida year round, so we don’t have these types of hills. So it was really great for both my horses to run on the terrain and the courses were prepared beautifully.”

It’s notoriously difficult to prepare for an event with plenty of terrain coming from a particularly flat area like Florida. Despite the additional challenge, Playboy crossed the finish flags with more gas in the tank.

“I was very happy with him,” Phillips said. “He came home with plenty of run, which was nice. Hopefully we’ll jump well tomorrow.”

As VHC Eventing is only his second FEI event, the young Irish Sport Horse found the course difficult, but came home more knowledgeable and more confident than when he left the startbox. The biggest challenge on course proved to be a tree at the combination in the final water complex.

“He spooked pretty hard off of [the tree], but he’s such a genuine brave horse that he was like, ‘That’s scary, but okay, I’m gonna go,’” Phillips said. “But it was nice to feel him grow in confidence the whole way around. With every show, he just keeps getting better and better and improving, which is nice to see in a young horse.”

Moving up to the International level isn’t a simple process; Phillips credits the addition of the one-star level for making it easier.

“It’s been a really smooth transition, and it’s really nice to have the Modified level and the one-star level,” Phillips said. “I really love it. I take all my horses, all my young horses, through it. So really appreciative for that in between Training and Preliminary level. Hopefully things go well, and we’ll move up to the two-star level this fall.”

Phillips isn’t putting pressure on herself or on Playboy going into the show jumping round tomorrow. “He’s a good boy,” Phillips said. “Whatever happens, happens. But I’m proud. I’m proud of him and the horse that he’s grown into.”

The backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains brings a sentimental touch to a weekend that has been so far filled with breakthrough moments. The beautiful views have only added to the overall feeling of triumph as horses and riders have celebrated big wins– whether that’s Ashley Kehoe with her first CCI3* win, or the many rookie riders, who may not find themselves on the leaderboard, but who nonetheless won their own personal victories crossing the finish line at their first FEI event in the foothills of Virginia.

The current results for the National divisions are as follows…

Advanced Intermediate
First – Chris Talley & FE Marco Polo
Second – Lucienne Bellissimo & Kitsch Couture HPK
Third – Lucia Strini & DHI Kevin G

Open Intermediate
First – Ariel Grald & Libris Charlotte
Second – Lucia Strini & Keynote Dassett
Third – Lucia Strini & Excel Cool Quality

Open Preliminary A
First – Devin Robel & Gillou
Second – Daniel Clasing & Barbados OS
Third – Nicholas Beshear & Rollo

Open Preliminary B
First – Daniel Clasing & Sportsfield All Out
Second – Valerie Pride & Excel Star Je T’Aime
Third – Sydney Elliott & Greenhall Good Decision

Preliminary Rider
First – Brooke Kahl & Nata Montada SCF
Second – Austin Skeens & HSH Bangarang
Third – Heidi Siegmund & Ashwood HJ Leandro

Modified Rider
First – Lee Maher & HTF Charming Cooley
Second – Ava Wehrs & Cisko A
Third – Susan Gallagher & HH Rockstar

Open Modified
First – Caitlin Romeo & Fernhill B Good
Second – Fylicia Barr & Heigh Ho Hero
Third – Morgan Booth & Cold Red Rum

Junior Training Rider
First – Iselin Byars & CSF Dassett Decoy
Second – Madeline DeMeirsman & Digby
Third – Kelley Sell & Mojave Moon

Open Training
First – Susan Plumb & Bugsy Malone
Second – Kaitlin Clasing & TGS Lions Sunshine
Third – Daniel Clasing & Glen Future

Senior Training Rider
First – Jessica Sappenfield & Westwood
Second – Mary Clare & Golden King
Third – Emilia Sweeny & Fernhill Jack Sparrow

Training Horse
First – Riley Zgrebnak & Cooley Roan Star
Second – Adelaide French & CFH Darker Royale
Third – Tori Nuckols & Nonpareil SPF

Junior Novice Rider
First – Olivia Hickman & Rocktop Dreamer
Second – Millie Bronstad-Hay & Diarados Boy
Third – Elliot Bizjak & N’Pressive

Novice Horses
First – Kendall Norris & Aneira
Second – Ariel Grald & MGH Catch Me
Third – Barbara Crabo & I.M. Frankie

Open Novice
First – Kyleigh Christians & Magnifique K
Second – Kristina Marth & Redfield Teun
Third – Erin Weil & Patriot Games

Senior Novice Rider
First – Catherine Ramsey & Cakewalk
Second – Meili Gregg & Cooley Triskele
Third – Gillian Ayers & Sawyer

Beginner Novice Horse
First – Domenica Kujawa & Cesar
Second – Abigael Flannery & Beam Me Up Scotty
Third – Brittany Hebets-Miller & Radiant SPF

Junior Beginner Novice Rider
First – Molly Smithers & Wizard of Ozzy
Second – Elliot Bizjak & Melody of Excellence HOF
Third – Olivia Swank & Truly a Moon Shot

Open Beginner Novice
First – Lauren Sumner & Excel Star Babadook
Second – AJ Carter & Texas Avalanche
Third – Ruth Cruz & Malibu in Motion

Senior Beginner Novice Rider A
First – Lara Morris & Swan’s Shine Brightly
Second – Kristyl Callison & After Eight
Third – Sara Laird & Captain Morgan

Senior Beginner Novice Rider B
First – Rachael Grice & Meadow Dancer
Second – Megan Nock & Tidewater’s Breeze
Third – Lynn Kundravi & Fox Ridge Rocket Man

Starter A
First – Selah Fritz & Dial A Lady
Second – Hayley Palmer & Perplexing
Third – Gina Keller & A to Zeke

Starter B
First – Julie McGuire & Mango
Second – Emily Hummel & Who’s That Guy
Third – Allison Smith & Threat Level Midnight

Megan Hopkins & Altaskin Jack Take Early Lead in CCI3*-S at VHC Eventing, Presented by Capital Square

By on May 23, 2025 10:42 am -
Megan Hopkins and Altaskin Jack Photo by Haley Boothe Megan Hopkins and Altaskin Jack Photo by Haley Boothe

Lexington, VA – May 23rd, 2025 – The Virginia Horse Center was bustling with activity during day one of VHC Eventing, presented by Capital Square. A total of four FEI divisions and six National divisions kicked off the competition weekend. Two long format competitions, a CCI1*-L and a CCI2*-L, completed their dressage tests on Friday, May 23rd, while the CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S tackled two phases– dressage and show jumping.

At just 17-years-old, Megan Hopkins was surprised to find herself at the top of a tough leaderboard after the conclusion of both dressage and show jumping in the CCI3*-S. She’s riding her own Altaskin Jack, who she purchased from four-star event rider James Sommerville. Sommerville campaigned “Jack” at the four-star level from 2019 to 2022, now the Irish Sport Horse is teaching Hopkins the ropes.

“He’s the first “I-know-my-job” schoolmaster horse I’ve had,” Hopkins said of the 17-year-old gelding. “It’s really helpful because before him I didn’t have a ton of confidence and I had just been running at the two-star level before him. Now that I have him, I really feel like all of my goals and dreams are coming to life.”

Hopkins just moved up to the Intermediate level this spring; this weekend is her first attempt at the three-star level. “This was definitely a big event for me to come to and I’m really just hoping to finish with a really positive run,” Hopkins said. “I was not expecting to jump into the lead or be so competitive after dressage.”

Megan Hopkins and Altaskin Jack. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott

Show jumping has not been Hopkins and Jack’s favorite phase. Feeling the pressure of being able to take the lead, Hopkins’ show jumping warm-up didn’t exactly go to plan. “Warm-up was not quite ideal,” she said. “I was really nervous and stressed coming into the show jumping, but I kinda just knew what I had to do. I knew I needed to put my leg on, tell him where to go, and let the fences come to me.”

Hopkins early success this weekend has been shaped by the lessons she learned in the Emerging Athletes Under-21 National Camp in January. “David [O’Connor] is really good with finding one or two things that each of us needed to work on,” Hopkins said. “He immediately told me to stop nitpicking, stop overthinking. Get him underneath you and just go do the job. It immediately helped our show jumping and our cross country.”

Emily Hamel & Kingston Photo by Veronica Green-Gott

Emily Hamel is leading the way in the CCI2*-L division aboard Kingston, owned by Black Flag Option, with a score of 31.5. The pair is holding the lead by just a tenth of a point, with Tim Bourke hot on their heels, riding Barbara Cassini’s Quality TNT. A 15.3 hand Dutch Warmblood gelding, Kingston may be smaller than your average event horse, but he is a certified powerhouse. Despite it being his first attempt at an FEI this weekend, BARN NAME scored his lowest dressage score yet. Typically scoring in the mid- to high- 30s, Kingston dropped his average score by at least five points.

“It’s a good time to have your best score for sure,” Hamel said, chuckling. “He came from a jumper background in Europe, so dressage has been the trickiest part. I was really pleased for him. We’ve been working hard and clearly it paid off, so I was really proud of his try today.”

Kingston is still a new partnership for Hamel. Her trainer, Grant Wilson, found Kingston for Hamel in Belgium. Hamel was lucky enough to fly through Amsterdam a few weeks later. During her layover, she took a quick drive from the airport to test ride Kingston and decided to bring him home– if only that was as simple as booking an extra seat.

Over the last several months, Hamel has been introducing him to the world of eventing. This weekend marks his first attempt at an FEI event. “I got him in November so it’s still a pretty new partnership,” Hamel said. “I’ve got such a strong partnership with my five-star horse, Barry, so bringing these younger horses along is just a bit different. But he’s really fun. He loves the job. He’s got a really cool personality– he’s just a happy go lucky guy.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s cross country course, Hamel said the terrain is first and foremost on her mind. “I think they’ve done a great job with the course,” she said. “I think the biggest thing, at least for me and my horses, is the terrain. We’re in Aiken full-time now, so we don’t have nearly as many hills. I’m just hoping that I did the fitness work, but I mean the course is beautiful and I do love coming to this event. It’s so stunning with the backdrop of the mountains.”

Lucienne Bellissimo and Duke’s Jory. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott

With four horses to compete this weekend, three in the CCI2*-S, Lucienne Bellissimo is holding all of the top three spots on the CCI2*-S leaderboard with Duke’s Jory, Tremanton, and Qatar M (all owned by Horse Scout Eventing) respectively. Bellissimo says she’s been very carefully nurturing Duke’s Jory up the levels over the last five years.

“I’ve produced him very, very slowly, because he’s done a lot of growing,” she said. “I got him as a five year old at about 16.1 hands. He’s now 17.2 hands just a couple of years later. So I’ve really taken my time with him. He’s a beautiful, moving horse.”

With a score of 23.8, it’s clear that the time she’s taken to produce the gelding to this level is paying off. “He was very rideable today on his test, which is good because his work at home has been super and he did very well at the one star level last season,” Bellissimo said. “I was hoping to start to get into the low 20s on him at two star this year.”

Bellissimo is using VHC Eventing, presented by Capital Square, as a test of fitness for the 8-year-old. “There’s a lot of blood about him,” she said. “But with that, he’s also still quite weak. So I’ve taken my time, and my intention this year is just to consolidate him at two star. And I believe in him very much, so for the long run as a proper, proper four or five star prospect, but he just needs to strengthen up.”

Lucienne Bellissimo and Duke’s Jory. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott

That being said, the rolling terrain at the Virginia Horse Center will be the biggest test of Duke’s Jory’s fitness yet. While Bellissimo feels he’s ready, she’s planning on playing it safe for his first time around such a big course.

“I don’t want to knock him off balance,” Bellissimo said. “We’ll see how he feels. Obviously it would be lovely to try and keep him in the lead if I can, but if for any reason, it feels as though he’s a little bit worried about the undulations, then we’ll get a few time faults, but it would be nice to put a win on his record.”

Lisa Chan & Picture This. Photo by Haley Boothe

Lisa Chan is holding onto the lead in the CCI1*-L division, riding her own Picture This, with a score of 31.4. An adult amateur, Chan has owned “Dougie” for the last five years and has trained him up from the Beginner Novice level.

“We’ve had some you know growing pains, but it seems like it’s starting to come together, so I’m really excited about that,” Chan said. “He used to be really tense and nervous like all the time and it seems like he’s relaxing and enjoying showing now. He’s the best thing ever. He’s my whole world.”

Chan has been producing Dougie up the levels outside of her day job as a hairstylist. When she first purchased the gelding, she didn’t have too much eventing experience. “We’ve learned and grown together,” she said. “It’s honestly been really special. I want to just have fun with him, but to do a two star would be cool.”

Originally native to Virginia, Chan says she’s been coming to VHC Eventing for years. “Virginia is my favorite event,” she said. “It’s beautiful. The cross country is simply wonderful, it’s well-organized.”

Preliminary through Advanced National divisions kicked off the horse trial portion of the weekend today.

Advanced Combined Test
First – Will Coleman & Very Dignified
Second – Sydney Elliott & QC Diamantaire
Third – Will Coleman & Fahrenheit Addict

Advanced/Intermediate
First – Chris Talley & FE Marco Polo
Second – Lynn Symansky & Bounce 6
Third – Lucienne Bellissimo & Kitsch Couture HPK

Open Intermediate
First – Sydney Hagaman & Charmeur
Second – Ariel Grald & Libris Charlotte
Third – Barbara Crabo & I.M. Over It

Open Preliminary – A
First – Devin Robel & Gillou
Second – Will Coleman & Box Como
Third – Valerie Pride & Kiss My Jambo M

Open Preliminary – B
First – Valerie Pride & Excel Star Je T’Aime
Second – Sydney Elliott & Greenhall Good Decision
Third – Will Colemen & Honest Man

Preliminary Rider
First – Brooke Kahl & Nata Montada SCF
Second – Lyman Ordway & Exces De Folie
Third – Mackenzie Parks & Mr. McGoey

Tomorrow kicks off the compeititon for the remaining National divisions that have yet to compete. All FEI divsions will tackle the cross country courses, designed by Jay Hambly, starting with the CCI3*-S at 9:35 a.m. Tomorrow evening, VHC Eventing is welcoming competitors to a party from 4 to 6 p.m. on the hill, sponsored by Triple Crown. The vendor row will be open tomorrow from the start of competition until the end of the day. Competitors and spectators can enjoy shopping a variety of tack, equipment, clothing, and more!

Two Held, One Withdrawn: 23 Move Forward to the Final Phase of the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event

By on Apr 27, 2025 10:28 am -
Photo by Tilly Berendt. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Even when it comes to horse inspections, Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH are leading the way at the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event — the current leader of the CCI5* was the first to present, and successfully so, in this morning’s second horse inspection. Our top five remain unchanged heading into the final phase.

We do find ourselves moving forward to the show jumping phase with a slightly smaller field than we ended with yesterday afternoon. Ema Klugman’s Bronte Beach (eighteenth after cross-country) and Tim Price’s Jarillo (sixth after cross-country) were withdrawn from competition overnight and did not present at this morning’s horse inspection. During the course of proceedings, two horses were asked to re-present: Calvin Bockmann and The Phantom of the Opera, who sit thirteenth after yesterday’s influential phase, and Tim Price and Falco, who were 15th despite a frustrating late 20. Tim chose to retire Falco from the competition while in the hold box and did not present the experienced 16-year-old Hanoverian gelding again.

Calvin, on the other hand, trotted down the strip for a second time and was accepted to a round of cheers from the crowd. “Phanty” and Calvin had a dramatic save on cross country yesterday, after a long leap in Pete’s Hollow that caused the horse to lose his footing upon landing. Calvin stayed in the saddle, Phanty regained his balance, and the pair galloped forward to finish the course. After being inspected by veterinarians and the Ground Jury, the 14-year-old gelding has been found to be sound and healthy and will continue on to show jumping today.

While it was a bit of a tough jog for the Europeans, the US-based contingent of the CCI5* field sailed through with nary a problem. Show jumping kicks off at 10:30 this morning with the Taren Hoffos and Regalla trailblazing in the CCI4*-S, which remains in the hands of Will Coleman and Off The Record overnight. The five-star riders will begin the final phase of competition at 2:30 this afternoon.

Will Coleman and Off the Record, leaders of the CCI4*-S, work the crowd at the second horse inspection.

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [EN’s Form Guide]

EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

Chase the Chinch: The Go Eventing Podcast is Coming to Kentucky

By on Apr 24, 2025 9:00 am -

Here at Eventing Nation, we’re known for being a little unhinged. After a week of long days and minimal sleep while reporting at the Kentucky Three Day Event, the level of unhinged-ness (that’s a word, right?) increases from mild to moderate. This year, we’re going to start the week strong by bringing fans of Eventing Nation one of our most off-the-wall activations yet.

It all rests on five words: DJ Chinch. Go Eventing Podcast.

In honor of our brand new Go Eventing Podcast, we’ve decided to build our mascot, Chinch the Chinchilla, a roving DJ booth. Throughout the Kentucky Three Day Event, he’s going to be roving around the Kentucky Horse Park blasting his favorite tunes and giving away a set of exclusive stickers. To receive your sticker pack and add your favorite song to his playlist, snap a photo with Chinch and share it to social media, using #ChasetheChinch and tag @goeventing.

You can also play Chase the Chinch even if you’re not here! You can enter the Go Eventing Giveaway for your chance to win one of the following prizes: $600 worth of gift cards from Kentucky Performance Products, Equestly, and Ride EquiSafe, an RTIC cooler backpack from Sentinel Horse Feed, free feed from Sentinel Horse Feed, a Dana Crossbody Bag from Majyk Equipe, or a pair of Equilibrium Tri-Zone boots from World Equestrian Brands.

Click here to enter or fill out the form below.


Since the Kentucky Horse Park is a pretty big place, we’ve decided to give you a helping hand. We’ll be sharing clues to Chinch’s location on our Instagram and Facebook stories.

If you’d like to listen in to the group playlist we’ll be compiling while at Kentucky, you can find it here or by searching for Chase the Chinch on Spotify.

If you see Chinch while you’re out and about, stop us and ask to snap a picture with Chinch!

5* Rookie Shannon Lilley Won’t Accept ‘No’ for an Answer

By on Apr 20, 2025 9:00 am -

Photo by Abby Powell.

In 2011, doctors told Shannon Lilley that she would never ride again and should adjust her expectations as far as her future quality of life. In 2025, she’s proving them very, very wrong. She’ll be competing in her first CCI5* at the Kentucky Three Day Event aboard her long-time partner, Eindhoven Garette.

“I’m probably your oldest rookie. I went to the Pan American Games in 2011 and then had a fairly devastating spine injury three months later,” Shannon said. “They told me I wouldn’t ride again. They told me I’d be lucky to have any sort of quality of life. I didn’t really ride my first five years. But I’m not one to settle for mediocre. I’m not one to settle when you tell me no.”

While Shannon is not our oldest rookie (Mary Bess Davis has her beat by just one year), she may be the one who’s made the biggest comeback. The more people that told Shannon to give up, the more determined she became. “I just kept plugging away and trying to get better and get more healing back. And here we are,” she said.

Where we are is less than a week out from Shannon and “Garette” walking into the iconic Rolex Stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park to contest in their first 5*. It’s a big moment for any rider, to say the least. Life-altering may even be a better description. Shannon and “Gare Bear” have been together since COVID. When she first met him, he didn’t necessarily look like your classic 5* horse.

“When he first came, he was enormous,” Shannon said, laughing. “He was so fat. He had been in a field for a little bit too long, because it had been COVID and whatever. And he came to my barn, and I said, ‘Oh my gosh. He looks like a Care Bear.’ And so we started calling him Gare Bear.”

Since then, Shannon and Gare Bear have been working their way up through the levels to this moment– a process which hasn’t always been smooth sailing. “When we first got him, he would spin around and he might put me on the dirt, but you get used to that,” Shannon said. “You train for that and he’s much better now. Each year he grows up and he gets better. He’s quite good now and he goes in the ring like he’s all business. He probably has the best work ethic I’ve ever had in a horse.”

To me, a horse that spins and puts you in the dirt sounds like an interesting choice for someone who has previously had a life-altering (and not riding-related, I might add) spine injury, but Shannon persevered. Dressage is still their weakest phase, but as any eventer knows, the Kentucky Three Day Event is not a dressage competition. Garette and Shannon will be focusing on their two strongest phases: cross country and show jumping.

Shannon Lilley and Eindhoven Garette. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“He’s developed into a very good cross country horse and he’s a good show jumper,” Shannon said. “He wants to be careful. We plug away on the flat, like always. It’s getting better. I feel like training them to this level takes a long time, and he’s definitely so much better than last year. And we’re gonna do what we can do.”

Shannon and Gare Bear entered in the Cosequin Lexington CCI4* at Kentucky last year, but did not get the opportunity to run cross country. “We had a bit of a setback, unfortunately,” Shannon said. “He went and did a dressage test, but he wasn’t 100 percent. I chose not to run him, although I think the course would have been amazing and I think he would have done really well. It’s his type of course.”

To prepare for this month’s 5*, the pair ran the Advanced at the American Eventing Championships instead. “I thought he did a good job. It asked a lot of questions. I thought it was hard, and he cruised around and he felt great on the ground there and seemed really good.”

“I think it’s really important before you go to Kentucky to know what you have as a base. He’s done the Hagyard Midsouth Three Day Event there, and some other things. He does run well at Kentucky, so I knew that part,” Shannon continued. “You always worry about the distance, and the hills, and this and that. He’s done Morven Park twice and he found the distance fine. And then he did Bromont once, and he found that distance fine, too. And both of those are our hilliest and our longest courses around.”

Garette’s workman-like nature will pay off as he gallops across the 6,000+ meter cross country course. “He really has a lot of run in him, and so I’m hoping the distance is fine for him,” Shannon said. “I don’t know how I could have prepared him better, just because those events are some of the toughest ones in the country.”

Shannon Lilley and Eindhoven Garette. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Shannon will be fulfilling a childhood dream when she trots into the dressage ring in April. “This is big for me, emotionally,” she said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and I honestly didn’t know if it would ever happen. You always hope that you’re good enough on the day, but it’s been quite the climb back up to this moment. So to me, that is more rewarding. For my first 5* to be Kentucky is a lifelong dream. It has so much meaning behind it; it’s a really big deal.”

While it’s a big moment for herself, Shannon’s bigger focus is how to do right by her horse. “I’m very lucky to have the horse I have. I think he’s really special and he deserves the shot,” Shannon said. “As far as my goals, I want to finish. I’m not going to win. I want to do what’s best for my horse and I want to make sure he gets the credit he deserves. There might be things that we need to take options on, and I want to make sure I’m smart and responsible and get him home safely and listen to him.”

As she heads into the final stretch before the big event, Shannon’s keeping her mindset cuttingly realistic. “Honestly, you have to stay true to where you are in training,” she said. “I feel like I have certain strengths and weaknesses as a rider, we all do. I’m very realistic as far as being smart and hoping that the dressage is good enough, but sometimes ignorance is bliss. I have no idea what to expect.”

Shannon’s had some help on the road to Kentucky, particularly from seasoned 5* eventer Buck Davidson, who she describes as both a friend and mentor. One piece of advice from Buck has stuck in Shannon’s head, “You always know so much more on Saturday night of the five star than you did on Saturday morning.”

When Shannon gallops by on the historic blue grass of the Kentucky Horse Park on Saturday, raise a glass to her. She’s living proof that the right mix of determination and perseverance can create a life-changing cocktail.

EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

Horse & Human Nutrition with Ema Klugman: Six Horses, Two Types of Grain, & One Big Bag of Carrots

By on Apr 18, 2025 12:30 pm -

Ema Klugman and RF Redfern. Photo by Sally Spickard.

If you were to run into five-star event rider (and Eventing Nation writer) Ema Klugman at an event, she comes across as unflappable, composed, and dang near serene. I wasn’t at all surprised when I asked her about her feeding philosophy for her horses and her response was straightforward. “We try to keep it fairly simple. Most of our horses are on one grain and one or two supplements.”

Ema doesn’t strike me as the type of rider or horse owner to be swayed by the latest trends and worry about what new supplements are on the market. After speaking to her, I’d have to describe her feeding routine as, ‘if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.’

However, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t vary routine based on the individual needs of each horse in her string. “They need protein, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, all that good stuff, just like a person would. And then on top of that, our high-performance horses, which are pretty much all the horses that we have, need additional support and fuel to do the high level sport that they do,” Ema said. “We do vary their feed depending on the time of year or the lead up to a big competition or something like that. If they’re on a holiday, for example, they’re going to usually get half the grain that they would get if it were the week that they’re arriving at a five-star event.”

Having received three A-level Pony Club ratings and with an impressive competition career under her belt, Ema is far from uneducated on horsemanship. All that experience means that Ema has a critical eye when it comes to her horses’ appearance and condition, as any horseman worth their salt should.

“I feel like you can never have all the horses looking exactly the way we want them. You always have to be tweaking stuff. We vary their programs sometimes to try to get it exactly right and get them feeling right,” Ema said.

But when it comes to feeding, even she calls in the big guns– nutritionists from Sentinel Horse Feed.

“We have really great help from Sentinel. They have a few experts, but they have one locally, Remy Nash, who is great. She looks at our horses intermittently and suggests changes,” Ema continued. “We go over how they’re feeling and how that correlates with how they look, and what changes we might make, or if there’s a different feed we might try, or something like that. It’s all trying to figure out how to maximize the feed that we can give them, to give them the best chance of performing well.”

With the help of these nutritionists, Ema has created a feeding routine that is comprehensive, meeting all of her horses’ needs, but also surprisingly simple. The majority of her string of six horses are high-performance and have similar needs, so just two grains cover all their needs.

“We feed two basic grains. One of them is Sentinel Performance LS, which is my go-to. It’s a really good, fairly high-protein, well-balanced feed. It’s an extruded feed, meaning that it’s like puffed wheat, almost, making it super easy to soak,” Ema said. “Other grains, when they eat them, expand a lot in their stomach because they soak up a lot of the fluid, if that makes sense. Because this is already puffed up, it soaks it up in a way that kind of works better with their gut.”

The other grain you’ll find in her feed room is Sentinel XT Pro, which appears similar to a sweet feed. According to Ema, her horses give it rave reviews. “They love it. If you put a handful in the bottom of a bucket of water, they will drink the entire bucket of water just to get to the bottom of it. I mean, they love it.”

If you’re looking for a feeding program to replicate for your semi-retired horse that you hop on a couple times a week, don’t imitate this one. Competition horses have different needs than the everyday equine, in the same way that a triathlete or body builder needs significantly more calories than someone like me, who works out a couple times a week, but spends most of the day at my desk. For Ema’s top performers, like Bronte Beach Z, she has worked with her nutritionist to balance the energy needed for cross country with the mental stability and bulk muscle needed in the dressage ring.

Ema Klugman and RF Redfern at Great Meadow. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“The advanced horses really need lean muscle, and we don’t want them to be heavy. We focus way more on protein than fat. Obviously I think you need both, but we tend to focus on protein. For horses like Bronte, for example, who we want to be really trim by the time she gets to Kentucky, or whatever big event she’s going to, we need a lot of protein. We don’t want to add an extra 20 pounds to her because we don’t want her to be carrying that around on cross country,” Ema said.

But a five-star horse also needs to have the right diet to keep their cool, instead of running around like a toddler who just ate a pillow case’s worth of Halloween candy. “When they start getting super fit, they eat quite a bit because they need the energy. But at the same time, that can be a little bit hard in the dressage ring,” Ema said. “They’re really fit to gallop a long way, but they still have to behave and stay relaxed for the time that they’re in the dressage arena.”

Feeding a five-star horse is a high-risk business. Without the right support, the risk of a career-ending injury can increase. “They need a lot of energy to not only do that event, but in all of the training leading up to it. They need to be well-supported, because if they don’t have what they need, the risk of injury is higher. There are all sorts of things that can happen if they don’t have the nutritional reserves that they need,” Ema continued.

Ema does have some advice for those of us who aren’t sitting on a five-star horse that needs high-octane fuel. When adjusting your horse’s diet, look at the big picture– not just physically, but mentally. What are they telling you? How are they feeling?

“Indications that they would need more feed, or maybe a different type of feed that’s higher in protein or fat, would be if they’ve dropped weight, if they’re having trouble maintaining their top line, if their coat looks maybe a little dull,” Ema said.

When making adjustments to your horse’s diet, look beyond changing their grain. According to Ema, “It may not just be feed. Maybe they need to be on alfalfa or something, instead of just an orchard grass type of hay. We’re always making sure that they’re feeling okay, especially when they’re traveling, we’re pretty proactive about that. If they’re wild and big, we would generally cut the grain to try to have a little bit less energy and a little bit less weight on them. So I would say it’s a combination of how they look and how they feel.”

And don’t do your horse a disservice by assuming that because they’ve always eaten one way– they’ll always eat that way. “Some of them are much harder keepers than others and you’re scratching your head trying to figure out exactly what they need and when and why,” Ema said. “And it varies over time– maybe when they were younger, they needed less protein and now they’re a little bit older, they need something else.”

Ema’s philosophy of keeping it simple applies to her horse’s hydration as well as their feed. Keeping her horses’ drinking is particularly important for Ema as she travels often, competing up and down the East Coast. If they’re having a hard time keeping up with their hydration, they get their feed soaked.

“When we travel, we will put a little bit of Sentinel XT grain in the bottom of a feed bucket and they love drinking that. I also find that if all the horses are in the trailer, and one of them is super into drinking, the other ones are like, ‘Oh, what’s in that bucket? I want some of that.’ There’s a little bit of peer pressure involved,” Ema said.

Ema Klugman and Bendigo. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Have you ever chugged water and then gone for a run? It doesn’t feel great. Ema’s horses can feel the same way at big events.

“With hydration, it’s not like on the day of a big event you try to get them to drink more. You just want them to drink as much as they feel their body needs. We don’t want them to drink a ton of water right before they go cross country, just like you wouldn’t do that before you go on a big run. But I think the science now is that when you finish cross country, they can drink as much as they want to,” Ema said.

Like 99 percent of equestrians (including myself), Ema thinks more about her horse’s health than her own. When I asked her about her own “feeding routine,” she said she tries to eat healthy, but isn’t a “guru” about it.

“I try to eat very healthy,” Ema said. “Leading up to a big event, I probably wouldn’t change too much. I try to make sure that I have the energy I need on cross country mornings, so I eat a good breakfast.”

In short, for Ema, food is fuel. She thinks about what she’ll need for the day ahead and then adjusts from there. But, as anyone who’s ever been to a horse show knows, food at events isn’t exactly the most nutritious.

“It’s important to try to bring food with you when you go to a horse show or have a plan of how to eat, so that you don’t end up just buying a thing of French fries,” Ema said. “You need to have sandwiches or snacks or something that is fairly healthy, but that will also give you energy. It doesn’t have to be a piece of lettuce.”

As for Ema, “I have been known to have a very large bag of baby carrots and hummus pretty much at all times.”

This article is brought to you in partnership with Sentinel Horse Feed. Learn more about everything Sentinel has to offer your horse here.

5* Rookie Cassie Sanger is Starting A New Chapter

By on Apr 18, 2025 9:00 am -

Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre. Photo by Sally Spickard.

At just 20 years old, Cassie Sanger is our youngest competitor in the CCI5* lineup for the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event. 2025 has marked a big year for the young rider. Not only is she contesting her first CCI5* at the Kentucky Three Day Event this April, she also recently moved to her parent’s farm in Ocala, FL, over the winter and will be changing from amateur to professional status.

One thing has remained constant for Cassie– her partnership with Redfield Fyre (Canabis Z x Tiona, by Guidam), who she purchased when she was 15. “We had a pretty big year for him last year, in the sense that he really stepped up to the Advanced level,” she said. “This is truly his second full season at the level, but he was just amazing last year. He did his first CCI4* at Kentucky last year, followed by Bicton, then Bramham.”

Also new for 2025, is “Yogi’s” status as a team horse. Together, Cassie and Yogi were selected to join the Boekelo team last year. “We went to Boekelo this past fall and he was incredible,” Cassie said. “I had the best cross country round I’ve ever had on him there.”

Cassie purchased Yogi from Carolina Pamukcu five years ago with big goals and dreams for the 12-year-old KWPN gelding. “We’ve always hoped for this moment for him. Now that it’s come, it’s been really exciting,” she said. “He and I have really grown up together, because I was riding every day when I first got him. I wasn’t even in school for the first year I got him because of COVID. So we’ve really had our time together, which is a nice feeling going into our first five star.”

Cassie came close to attempting her first five star last year, with Fernhill Zoro. Unfortunately, Zoro sustained an injury less than a month out from the Maryland 5 Star, taking them out of the running. Zoro is just now coming back into work. Having been through this process once before only to be sidelined at the last minute, Cassie isn’t counting her chickens before they hatch.

“I feel good because we know that much more and we’re more on top of things now, not that we weren’t before, but you take it up that whole next level. You’re always learning,” she said.

Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre compete at Boekelo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

After competing in the CCI4* at Carolina International, Cassie says Yogi is feeling excellent heading into Kentucky. “It’s good practice, but he’s feeling great through his body, and he’s jumping very well and then cross country, he was super,” Cassie said. “He gave me a really, really good feeling, especially how big and technical that track was. He’s feeling in good form.”

“He can go inwards on himself,” she continued. “He definitely takes in all of his surroundings and will internalize them. I just have to do my job to really keep him with me in an atmosphere like that at Carolina, which will be ten times bigger at Kentucky.”

Cassie says it’s even more meaningful that her first five star will take place at the Kentucky Horse Park, instead of at the Maryland Five Star as she had originally planned. “When I was really little, Kentucky was the first big event I had ever heard about. I would always dream about riding in the five star at Kentucky.”

Atmosphere can be hugely impactful for Yogi’s focus and concentration. The Kentucky Horse Park is arguably the most atmospheric venue in the United States, particularly in the Rolex Stadium. However, Cassie feels Yogi actually really enjoys competing at the Horse Park.

“I’ve taken him to Kentucky twice before in the past, once for the American Eventing Championships, and then last year in the CCI4*-S,” she said. “He absolutely loves the venue. It’s hard because I’m a little superstitious, but I have a good feeling about it all for him.”

Naturally competitive, Cassie is trying to take a different perspective on this event. “I’m trying to really focus on doing my best for this event,” she said. “I’m very competitive, and I’m so hard on myself, and will put so much pressure on myself, but at the same time, I think that’s when I also do my best. Everything I’ve done has been for this moment, especially with this horse. When I first got him when I was 15, I always believed he could be my five star horse. Whenever I get a little wound up or nervous, I just remember that he’s going for a reason and that we’ve been together for a while.”

Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre. Photo by Hannah Cole Photography.

Yogi has had his fair share of doubters along the way to their first five star. Cassie also struggled as she was developing Yogi up the levels, while still learning herself. “He has been amazing since I’ve had him, and it’s been a wonderful journey. But that’s not to say there hasn’t been blood, sweat and tears– and that would be an understatement,” Cassie said. “As I’ve gotten more on the scene of team competitions as well, I’ve had to think about that aspect. Two or two and a half years ago, there were definitely a lot of points where we weren’t sure if we would continue with this horse. There were just a lot of question marks around him.”

“It was hard because he was just slower to develop, really, is the honest answer,” she continued. “I wasn’t a professional, and so I was developing him as I was learning too. It was a big learning curve. I remember my coach said to me one time, ‘This horse is never going to be a team horse.’ So for him to have come out last year and make the Boekelo Team was such an exciting moment for him. It’s all turned around in the last year.”

An additional roadblock along the way to the Kentucky Three Day Event was Cassie’s second life as a full-time student at the University of Richmond. Moving to her parent’s farm in Ocala and going to school has left her a little more independent than she usually is. Luckily, Leslie Law has been available to help her.

“I would say, the biggest bumps along the road that have come up while getting prepared have just been scheduling, figuring out galloping, and all that. I’m also a full-time student at the University of Richmond, so I work with Leslie very closely to plan out my gallops and how all of that’s going to go,” Cassie said. “The beginning of this winter was when I really did go out on my own, because that’s when my family got a farm in Ocala. I still work with Leslie nearly weekly, and we’re always calling or meeting about plans. So that’s been awesome, and I go over there for lessons whenever I can.”

“I’m managing it on my own compared to last fall, where I was in more of a program,” she continued. “I had my previous coach, Caitlin Silliman, helping me with that more. So this year has been much more independent. I’ve really learned so much since being more independent, particularly about fitness. We’ve actually started swimming Yogi before this event, in addition to galloping and aqua treading.”

At the end of the day, Cassie’s approach to Kentucky has focused on education above all else. Education for herself, for her horse, and for the future.

Photo by Abby Powell.

“I feel like I’ve been someone that learns so much from big opportunities like this,” she said. “I suck in all the information I can. I’m just excited to be around an event like this and learn what it’s like to be on this different stage.”

Completing the Kentucky Three Day Event would cement Yogi and Cassie’s place as an Advanced pair and open doors for their future together. “I keep on learning a ton, which is honestly a really fun part of it,” Cassie said. “It’s been a lot, but it’s exciting. I feel like I’m starting a new chapter and a new phase of my career.”

EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

A Weekend of Excitement is Around the Corner at the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI & Horse Trial

By on Mar 4, 2025 12:30 pm -

Emily Hamel and Corvett. Photo by Sally Spickard.

The Carolina Horse Park is gearing up for the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI and Horse Trial on March 13th – 16th, 2025. Only a few weeks away, attendees can anticipate a week full of fun for the whole family, featuring Olympic competitors, food trucks, a Vendor Village, and free Kids’ Zone, with bouncy houses, climbing walls, and more. 

Competitors can expect new ideas from this year’s course designer, Derek Di Grazia, who is stepping in to design the cross country tracks at the park. Also new this year– the Carolina International CCI is officially a qualifier for the US Equestrian Open. This unique competition will span all three Olympic disciplines (dressage, eventing, and show jumping) with nationwide competitions culminating in a final that will award nearly $1 million in total prize money across the sports. As a qualifier for possibly the biggest competition spanning all Olympic disciplines, the stakes have only gotten higher this year at the Horse Park, making for an even more exciting weekend than usual. 

There’s still time for spectators to become a Carolina Club Member and reap the benefits of CDP Stables’ Carolina Club. Enjoy exhilarating action, southern hospitality, and premier ringside viewing, featuring a VIP tent at the show jumping and cross country venues. On Thursday, club members can a continental breakfast as well as light fare by Salty Boards Crafted Charcuterie while overlooking the dressage action. On Friday and Saturday, club members will have exclusive access to a seating area for show jumping and cross country, featuring the best view in the park for live action competition in the show jumping ring and closed-circuit TVs for taking in the cross country action. Members will be provided with a continental breakfast, luncheon buffet, and open bar from 10 a.m to 4 p.m., Thursday-Sunday. Become a club member here. 

Will Coleman and Diabolo. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Those looking to support the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI and Horse Trial, a charitable non-profit corporation, can sponsor a cross country jump. New sponsorship levels and packages are available this year, as well as standard sponsorship packages. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Find out more information here.

Competitors and spectators alike are welcome to join 5* event rider Ariel Grald on the Emerald Valley Natural Health Cross Country Course Walk on Wednesday the 12th, at noon. Free to all, attendees will be able to get an inside look at Derek Di Grazia’s incredible course from an internationally recognized competitor. Those interested in joining the course walk are encouraged to park along Karen’s Way before meeting at the cross country start box at noon.

As always, events like these wouldn’t be able to exist without the support of some amazing volunteers. Volunteer opportunities are still available for those who would like to experience working behind-the-scenes at an amazing competition! Sign up here. 

With only a few weeks to go until the first riders enter the ring and salute at X, don’t miss out on your chance to enjoy all that the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI and Horse Trial has to offer! Find out how you can enjoy the upcoming weekend on our website.

The Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI and Horse Trial is a world class equestrian competition in the Sandhills of North Carolina. Leveraging local and national expertise and leadership, we continue to deliver an outstanding weekend of horse sport and entertainment for riders, owners, patrons, sponsors and visitors.

Carolina International CCI & H.T. (NC): [Website] [Competitor Info] [Spectator Info] [Carolina Club Tickets] [Volunteer]

Money-Saving Tips for Eventers on a Budget

By on Dec 16, 2024 10:00 am -

We would be nothing if it weren’t for our fans. Our team at Eventing Nation is so lucky that we have a dedicated fan base who appreciates our competition coverage, occasionally unhinged articles, and most importantly, our sense of humor. So, when I posted to our Instagram Story asking for your favorite money-saving tips, I should have expected a few tips that were just as unhinged as we are!

To start this article off on the right note, I present to you my favorite piece of advice, which is, apparently, that we should all be knitting our horses’ festive hats. Not to save money, but just for the heck of it.

“It doesn’t save money, but knitting your horse festive hats.” – @cathemurr

The most common tip was to get out of horses, entirely. I couldn’t help but notice that this one mostly came from the professionals among us…

“Sell your horse.” – @hanniesue

“Don’t own a horse.” – @paradoxfarmsporthorses

“Get out of horses entirely 😂” – Ema Klugman

But the majority of our fans were more serious, presenting advice like getting horse insurance. Just a note here– when putting a value on your horse for insurance purposes, make sure to take into account training rides, competition records, etc.

“Insurance is worth every penny.” – @ashleekazam

How much have you spent on horse treats lately? Instead of spending beaucoup bucks on name-brand treats, one eventer suggests trying Dumor Horse Treats. I can confirm, even my picky eater really likes these treats.

“Dumor Horse Treats.” – Katie Lichten

Now, I would suggest taking this next piece of advice at your own risk. I have not tried this myself, and I’m fairly certain my saddle fitter would have my head for possible seat damage to my saddle.

“Need breeches in a pinch? Throw some electric tape on the seat of your leggings.” – @equestri_ange

Here’s a classic piece of advice– working off board by putting in some extra shifts at the barn. I’ve been doing this off and on for the entirety of my riding career. When money gets tight, it’s my go-to hack.

“Trade barn work for decreased board. Save up your wants for holidays and add to your wish list! Buy used from local consignment shops like Snooty Fox.” – @helenddear

Buying used tack was also suggested several times. I would add to this consigning tack you no longer use! Nothing feels better than selling a saddle and recycling the money into a new saddle. Don’t forget to check online tack stores for used sections as well.

“I buy all my tack used. Gently used tack is plentiful!” – @Katieesheaa

“Second-hand tack stores! You can get really good used blankets and bridles.” – @s_byars_eventing

Speaking of tack stores, work at your local tack store in what little spare time you have! Many tack stores offer their employees a discount.

“Get a part time job at a tack store. But for real: work as much as you can- make connections in the horse world, be useful. Learn how to braid on your own, learn how to clip, buy used.” – @towzeepants

And, if you really want to save some money, half-lease a horse or, if you have the skill and experience, offer to put training rides on someone else’s horse for free or for a fee.

“Riding for someone else.” – @_alisonfish

Don’t underestimate the power of the Dollar Store or 5 Below! Personally, I get the majority of my first aid supplies there, such as povidone iodine solution, neosporin, diapers, and more. You can also find Witch Hazel, hair brushes for their mane and tail, and all the boxes and totes you could ever need to keep your tack room organized.

“Dollar store for grooming products and organization.” – @megpellegriniequestrian

If multiple people in your barn buy SmartPaks, you can have them all delivered on the same day to get free shipping. Before you hit “checkout,” send a text to your barn group chat to see if anyone else needs something. You can split shipping or get free shipping.

“Order things as a group to get free shipping more easily & don’t feel as tempted to spend big money. Buy snacks at the grocery store BEFORE driving to the show!” – @eventing.hiking.pharmacy

Speaking of supplements, buying them in bulk can often save you a few dollars. But, be nice to your barn owner and separate them out into reusable sandwich bags or other containers for convenience.

“Buy supplements in bulk and create your own SmartPaks.” – @daijasams

When it comes to clothing, try shopping at big box stores, instead of boutique sites. Check Wal-Mart and TJ Maxx for athletic shirts at half the price. Or, if you’d like to be more environmentally friendly, try looking at second-hand shops or online sites like Depop.

“Buy your riding shirts from Amazon, not brand sites 🙌 Hell of a lot cheaper and work just as well.” – @autoimmuneequestrian

“I’ve found some great brand name sun shirts meant for other sports at TJ Maxx for great prices. And my XC shirt is from Wal-Mart!” – @kloushin

“I get my polos from Old Navy!!” – @barreracaden

Any single people looking for a useful life partner out there? This veterinarian suggests marrying into the career to get all the benefits of free vet bills and none of the medical school debt.

“Marry a veterinarian so your bills are free.” – @elliottequinevet

And finally, try getting more horses and refusing to look at your bank account. This works even better if all of your horses are the same color and start to blend together…

“Just keep getting more and more, then you won’t notice!!” – @_emma.paul

Are you testing out one of these money-saving hacks (or knitting your horse a festive hat)? Post it on social media and tag @goeventing! We just might share your post.

A big thank you to Arena Saddles for their support of this article! For a limited time only, you’ll receive a FREE Arena Saddle Pad with the purchase of their brand new Arena Monoflap Jump Saddle. The single-flap design offers an intimate feel, allowing you to maintain a balanced and supportive seat on the flat and over fences. Learn more about their newest monoflap saddle here.