Classic Eventing Nation

French Forge Ahead at FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Season Opener

Team Podium, la France, Maxime LIVIO, Mathieu CHOMBART, Luc CHATEAU, Benjamin MASSIE (FRA), FEI Nations CUP™ Montelibretti Italy 2024

Slick, quick cross-country performances gave France the winning edge in the opening leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™, which took place in the beautiful Italian setting of Montelibretti this week. Five nations came forward but it was France who took a decisive victory over Italy, Switzerland, Spain and Australia. They finished on an overall team score of 122.70 ahead of home nation Italy on 144.50 whilst Team Switzerland wound up in close third on a score of 145.30.

Benjamin Massie led his team to victory with the impressive French-bred gelding, Figaro Fonroy. He finished in first place overall in this CCIO4*-S competition on a score of 39.40 but only narrowly beat his teammate Maxime Livio into second who had a score of 39.60. Livio was riding his seasoned campaigner Vegas des Boursons, another French-bred gelding who was the fastest horse around the cross-country course and the only one to finish without time penalties in this phase.

Benjamin Massie (FRA) and Figaro Fonroy, FEI Nations Cup™ Montelibretti Italy 2024. Copyright ©FEI/Massimo Argenziano

This is no doubt testament to a strong and long-standing partnership with his talented rider who is ranked 8th in the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings and also trains the Thailand Eventing team. Livio and Massie were ably assisted by Luc Chateau who was the only French athlete to jump a double clear with horse Ego Des Cabanes and Mathieu Chombert with Big Boss Melo.

Massie was delighted with his young horse and summed up the cross-country phase “I think we all agree that the course was tough enough for the beginning of the season. It was not so twisty and quite fast. The ground was really nice but technically speaking it was tough for the first of the season.”

Chateau was in agreement that the team behind Montelibretti had struck the perfect balance. “I think Montelibretti is a good place for competition. We have a good cross-country on beautiful grass and the weather was very good all week- it was perfect.”

Maxime Livio (FRA) Vegas des Boursons, FEI Nations Cup™ Montelibretti Italy 2024. Copyright ©FEI/Massimo Argenziano

36 year-old Livio has this year’s Paris Olympics firmly in his plan this season and was full of praise for the Nations Cup Series both for the teams and as an individual.

The rookie of the team was Chombert who picked an unlucky 20 penalties on the early part of the course but then set the record straight with one of the few clear in the final Jumping phase. “For me and my horse, it was the first Nations Cup. I was the novice of the team but my horse had a good weekend. Normally, I can be better on the cross-country, but today he was really fresh and confident in the Jumping. I am really happy. Normally I can do better but the other guys on the team were really strong and it was a great result.”

Emiliano Portale (ITA) and Scuderia 1918 Future, FEI Nations Cup™ Montelibretti Italy 2024. Copyright ©FEI/Massimo Argenziano

The Italian quartet delighted their home crowd and received the biggest cheer of the day with their overall runner-up spot. With all four athletes jumping clear cross-country rounds, the nation is showing depth and strength at this level. Italy received the very last Olympic team qualification from their consistency in the FEI Eventing Nations CupTM Series last year and they will have a number of combinations to choose from.

The second leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ moves to Chatsworth (GBR) , which runs from 17 to 19 May 2024.

Full results can be found here. You can also view the live stream replays on the FEI’s YouTube channel here or in the videos embedded below.

Dressage Day 1:

Dressage Day 2:

Cross Country:

Show Jumping:

Weekend Winners: Ram Tap, Ocala, Pine Top, & Carolina

We had some of Team EN enjoying the action in person at Carolina, and it certainly was an exciting weekend, with plenty of horse and rider duos coming out strong – especially the ladies this weekend! If you’d like to catch up on all of the action from Carolina this past weekend, take a peek at EN’s coverage here.

However, Carolina wasn’t the only event running this weekend, and we definitely saw some strong performances and large divisions at Ram Tap, Ocala, and Pine Top as well.

We’re taking a minute to congratulate all of our Weekend Winners, and giving an extra special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award: Penny Goddard and Fernhill On The Rocks who dipped into the teens to finish on their dressage score of 18.6 to win the Open Novice at Carolina.

Ram Tap National H.T. (Fresno, CA) [Website][Scoring]

We’ve seen James Alliston and Alliston Equestrian’s Karma’s (Escudo II – Travita, by Lavita) names at the top of the leaderboard plenty over the last season, with a win at the Twin Rivers Fall International CCI4-S in September, and a win at The Event at Rebecca Farm’s CCI4-L in July. James and Karma have maintained their position at the top going into this season: we saw them win the Advanced at Ram Tap this weekend, their second win this year already.

“It was a fantastic event here at Ram Tap, with wonderful courses and footing,” James reflected. “Many thanks to Terry Hilst and the team at Ram Tap!”

Having opportunities to run at events that offer such great courses and footing is critical in leading up to the 5* season. James is aiming for Kentucky as Karma’s first 5* event this spring, and is excited about how she’s feeling leading into the last few weeks prior to the event.

“I’m hoping to do Kentucky with Karma,” James stated. “She’s feeling really good! In the next weeks, I’ll be working on [a bit of] everything! Hopefully the weather is dry for a few weeks here in Northern California so I can work on the fitness too.”

We’ll see James and Karma at Twin Rivers in a few weeks prior to their planned trip to Kentucky.

Advanced: James Alliston and Karma (36.8)
Open Intermediate: Leah Forquer and Oakley’s Hunt SE (40.6)
Open Preliminary: James Alliston and Renaissance Man (28.2)
Preliminary Rider: Gabriella Ringer and Get Wild (24.5)
Open Modified: Suzanne Miller and Kryptonite Z (22.8)
Open Training: Lauren Billys Shady and Clearsky (28.7)
Training Rider: Leah Yacoub Halperin and Rodrigue Du Granit (27.8)
Novice Rider: Daniela Zarate and Lexington DF (24.4)
Open Novice: Nicholas Cwick and O’Malley (21.1)
Beginner Novice Rider: Stephanie Engle and Swagger (27.7)
Open Beginner Novice: Lindsay Connors and Never Alone (26.5)
Open Introductory: Sophia Kuzma and Valentine (25.7)
Grasshopper: Savannah Clayton and Devon Ridge Artemas (29.4)

Ocala Winter II (Ocala, FL) [Website][Scoring]

Advanced/Intermediate: Morgan Houberg and Made To Order (42.7)
Intermediate Rider: Sherry Pound and Carnaby (37.0)
Open Intermediate: Jessica Phoenix and Alekhine (34.2)
Open Intermediate – One Day: Ali Kuhn and Little Hail (33.6)
Open Preliminary: Lynn Symansky and Idefix Van De Creumelhaeve (27.7)
Open Preliminary – One Day A: Holly Jacks-Smither and Candy King (27.1)
Open Preliminary – One Day B: Emily Bradford and LJS Lana Traveler (25.5)
Open Preliminary – Seven Year Old: Kelly Prather and Ballyneety Soldier (28.2)
Preliminary Horse: Ashley Kehoe and Daktaris (35.6)
Preliminary Rider A: Harper Padgett and Captivate (27.2)
Preliminary Rider B: Harper Padgett and Cooley Copresenter (30.2)
Modified – Open: Sylvia Byars and CSF Dassett Decoy (28.7)
Modified – Rider A: Jacquie Kelton and Miss Something Special (27.9)
Modified – Rider B: Jerry Barnette and Fernhill Thirty (27.9)
Open Modified – One Day: Hannah Hawkins and DHI Kickodieza (28.8)
Junior Training Rider: Abigail Bennett and SM Ravin’s Treasure (33.1)
Open Training: Liz Lund and Franklin Delano CF (24.5)
Open Training – One Day A: Mia Farley and Nikita (21.7)
Open Training – One Day B: Lynne Partridge and Milatour Parisol (29.1)
Open Training – Six Year Old: Elizabeth Swire and Jag’Fly JS (29.5)
Senior Training Rider A: Christina Frost and Grammi Dance (35.0)
Senior Training Rider B: Kathleen Fitzgerald and Global Pixie (30.7)
Training Horse: Karl Slezak and Ardeo On Point (24.3)
Junior Novice Rider: Caden Carter and My Mexico (27.2)
Novice Horse: Colleen Loach and Canada Post (23.9)
Open Novice – One Day A: Darci Burton and Global Bravado (24.7)
Open Novice – One Day B: Dani Sussman and Benevolence SV (24.7)
Open Novice – One Day C: Afton Markoski and Paper Maker (21.9)
Open Novice A: Liz Lund and Hillside Diamond Lad CF (30.3)
Open Novice B: Robin Walker and DHI Milan (24.4)
Senior Novice Rider A: Barbara Brogan and Red Dirt Racer (31.7)
Senior Novice Rider B: Ashley Allison and Sophie’s Story (26.9)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Destiny Pastermack and Liviusz (31.3)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Maggie Walston and Bila-Shak (25.9)
Beginner Novice Rider C: Sarah Alexander and Lambrusco W (22.2)
Open Beginner Novice A: Gabby Dickerson and Top Love (30.0)
Open Beginner Novice B: Abbey Heriazon and Thru The Impossible (24.1)

Pine Top Spring H.T. (Thomson, GA) [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary 2 Day: Meaghan Marinovich-Burdick and HSH Bitcoin (21.8)
Preliminary Rider: Sydney Shinn and HSH Crypto (29.6)
Modified – Open: Susan Thomas and Excel Star Chimichanga (26.3)
Modified – Rider: Megan Lichty and TBS Declan Pondi (32.5)
Junior Training Rider: Maya Davis and SE Neverland (40.7)
Open Training A: Gillian Beale King and Accordingly (32.5)
Open Training B: Gillian Beale King and Drumnaconnell Kobie (22.2)
Senior Training Rider: Lisa Edinger and Quinto Quest (28.3)
Junior Novice Rider: Alexandra Multz and Ardeo Illusion (33.6)
Open Novice A: Erin Thiel and Garrybritt Archie Fernhill (25.3)
Open Novice B: Erika Adams and Townsend (26.1)
Senior Novice Rider: Abby Buenting and Calvin (25.2)
Training / Novice: Anna Cummings and Fernhill Primrose (35.6)
Beginner Novice Rider: Kelly O’Brien and B.E. Never Say Never (20.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Jennifer Treacy and In a Nutshell (29.0)
Starter: Danielle Northup and Wild Mission (23.3)

Carolina International CCI & H.T. (Raeford, NC) [Website][Scoring][EN’s Coverage]

CCI 4*S: Elisabeth Halliday and Miks Master C (22.5)
CCI 3*S: Sharon White and Jaguar Duende (28.7)
CCI 2*S: Ariel Grald and Adagio’s Nobility (25.9)
CCI 1*S: Boyd Martin and Flinterro Z (29.6)
Advanced: Dana Cooke and FE Quattro (30.9)
Open Intermediate: Booli Selmayr and Urania (30.1)
Open Preliminary: Dan Kreitl and Odyssey (28.4)
Preliminary Rider: Alayna Newsome and Quality Dynamite (29.6)
Modified A: Sharon White and Arden Augustus (27.9)
Modified B: Meghan O’Donoghue and Kevin G (25.6)
Open Training A: Becky Holder and Falkor (25.5)
Open Training B: Martin Douzant and Johnny Walker (26.9)
Training Rider: Devon Champlain and Champagne Event (31.2)
Novice Rider: Meghan Fillius and Dress Blues (30.8)
Open Novice: Penny Goddard and Fernhill On The Rocks (18.6)

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

Ahh, and so it begins again. After a seriously, record-breakingly, trench-foot-inducingly wet 2023 season, I think all of us in the UK were hoping for some respite this year (and maybe the prospect of a slightly drier Badminton). Alas, it would appear, we’re having no such luck. We’re two weeks into the eventing season and we’ve already seen several outright cancellations and mid-event abandonments. Will we ever get going properly? Or will next week’s Kronenberg International, where British-based riders are heading en masse, be the first real chance we’ll get to see some eventing over here?

National Holiday: It’s National Awkward Moments Day. I don’t know who’s doing the copywriting over at National Today, but I suspect much of their output falls under the remit of today’s celebrations.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Carolina International CCI & H.T. (Raeford, NC): [Website] [Results] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Ocala Winter II (Ocala, FL): [Website] [Results]

Pine Top Spring H.T. (Thomson, GA): [Website] [Results]

Ram Tap National H.T. (Fresno, CA): [Website] [Results]

UK Weekend Results:

Lincolnshire (Grange de Lings, Lincs.): [Results]

International Events:

FEI Eventing Nations Cup Leg 1 (Montelibretti, Italy): [Website] [Results]

Your Monday Reading List from FutureTrack:

The 2024 FEI Nations Cup series officially kicked off over the weekend at Montelibretti. There, we saw the French team take a decisive victory in this early outing, with France’s Benjamin Massie also taking the individual win with Figaro Fonroy. This’ll certainly be a case of starting as they mean to go on – and while we won’t have another Nations Cup leg to judge each country’s standard by until mid-May, we’re now officially into the form-stalking part of the season. Find out more about the Olympic host nation’s victory in this round-up from the FEI.

Goodbye and goodnight to Seacookie TSF, the exceptional Trakehner with whom William Fox-Pitt recorded one of his Pau victories. Together, the pair also won Blenheim and finished second at Kentucky and Burghley before the gelding’s retirement in 2014. Since then, he’s enjoyed a happy retirement with owner Catherine Witt, and was put down, aged 25, after years spent living his best life turned out with his fellow five-star winning best buddies. Look back on his career here.

If you buy, sell, or source horses, you’ll need to understand how the law pertains to your position. Lucky for you, equine law specialist — and international eventer — Jodie Seddon is here to help. She and solicitor Hannah Bradley are putting on a comprehensive webinar on the 8th of April that’ll take you through all the nitty-gritty of what you need to know. Reserve your place here.

Sometimes, I just sit in my horse’s stable and think about how lucky I am to have her in my life. Owning horses is hard – it can be brutal on your emotions, your body, your bank account, your schedule — but there’s so much good that comes out of having these odd, opinionated, beautiful animals in our lives. USEA caught up with a cross-section of its membership to find out why they feel so lucky to have their horses, and it makes for some nice, heartwarming content to start your day.

And finally, based in or near London and looking for an entertaining, educational day out for a kiddo in your life? I love the look of this picture book reading and illustration session at the Southbank Centre on the 4th of April, featuring writer Raymond Antrobus and illustrator Ken Wilson-Max’s new book, Terrible Horses. It’s all about learning to understand the perspective and emotions of the people around you, told via the story of a bickering brother and sister and a notebook full of horse drawings. Find out more and get your tickets here.

Morning Viewing:

Catch up on all that juicy Nations Cup cross-country action from Montelibretti with the entire live-stream on replay:

 

Team Leslie Wins the 2024 USEF Futures Team Challenge at the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI Horse Trials

Jenny Caras and Sommersby had the best finish in the 2024 USEF Futures Team Challenge. ©Allie Contrad Photography

After three days of exciting eventing competition at the 2024 USEF Futures Team Challenge, Team Leslie emerged victorious in the head-to-head competition with Team Bobby, finishing on a team total of 116.6 penalties to Team Bobby’s 132.2. The team competition was held within the CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S divisions at the Carolina International CCI at Setters’ Run Farm.

Team Bobby, led by Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor Bobby Costello, produced solid performances by Christina Henriksen and Cisco’s Calor Z, Andrew McConnon and FVF Top Gun, Caroline Pamukcu and She’s the One, and Sharon White and Claus 63.

Team Leslie took an early lead after Thursday’s dressage competition with all team members posting scores in the low 30s. The Futures Team Challenge format factors in one drop score from the dressage phase, and the first day ended with 7.9 penalties separating the teams. Both teams produced solid results across the two jumping phases, but Team Leslie ultimately came out as the wire-to-wire winners.

Caras (Buckhead, Ga.) and Sommersby, the 2012 Holsteiner gelding she co-owns with Jerry Hollis, had the standout performance of the week, earning the best dressage score across both teams and adding zero penalties in cross-country and jumping to finish on a 30.8. Henriksen (Keswick, Va.) and her own 2015 Zangersheide gelding Cisco’s Calor Z had Team Bobby’s top score and the second-best finishing score in the competition with a 37.3.

The Futures Team Challenge was created to replicate the format of international team competition to provide up-and-coming athletes the opportunity to experience that environment to prepare for potential senior teams in the future. Law says this event was a success by that measure.

“We started on Tuesday and Wednesday doing some team trainings,” said Law. “I think it’s good for them to experience that. We talked to the athletes about what they feel their preparation should be going into competition and what is the best setup to get their horses ready for a competition that involved a team. We do trot-ups those first two days in the morning. It gives the athletes that whole experience of what it is to be on a team. I think that’s the highlight—getting as many people into that space as possible.”

The team members have the opportunity to get to know each other through training and competing as well as socializing at team dinners. Law says these experiences helped the team come together successfully.

“I think [Futures Team Challenge] has good value for these younger athletes,” said Law. “I think it can evolve and we can generate ideas and do more to make it even more team-orientated. I truly believe in Europe they have so much more access to getting that experience with teams, whether it’s the European Championships or the FEI Nations Cups, that allows them to get really comfortable. We don’t have that [in North America], so anything we can do to get our athletes better prepared for when they are on an Olympic team or a World Championship team can only be for the good.”

Law had high praise for the host competition, Carolina International CCI and Horse Trials.

“They put on a great competition in all aspects,” said Law. “It’s very well done, very professionally done. The cross-country courses were superb this year, absolutely perfect going, which was so good for the horses. I think they had great courses for the horses coming on this year, so riders and horses learned a lot and hopefully this will set them up to go on and be successful in whatever three-day they’re heading towards.”

Find out more information on the USEF Futures Team Challenge here.

Sunday Links from SRF Carolina International

Course designing for decades apparently has hidden health benefits, because I can tell you right now that I will not be in any shape to catch ride a 5-year-old at Training level in my 70s. Not only did Ian Stark take a jaunt around Carolina today, but was also celebrated as he begins his final year in course design. Our sport truly won’t be the same without him!

In other news, Liz Halliday casually dominated the 4*-S this weekend, taking not only the win on Ocala Horse Properties and Deborah Palmer’s ever-incredible Miks Master C, but fifth as well on Cooley Nutcracker. Caroline Pamukcu took second with Meghan O’Donoghue third and Sydney Elliot in fourth, making a female power-team in the top five. Check out Cheg’s play-by-play here as they battled it out for the win. Truly a strong start to the 2024 season!

U.S. Weekend Action

Carolina International CCI & H.T. (Raeford, NC) [Website] [Schedule] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Cross Country Maps] [Live Scores] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Ocala Winter II (Ocala, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Pine Top Spring H.T. (Thomson, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Ram Tap National H.T. (Fresno, CA) [Scoring] [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

International Events

FEI Eventing Nations Cup Leg 1 (Montelibretti, Italy) [Website] [Timetable] [Entries] [Show Jumping Live Stream] [Cross Country Live Stream]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

As predicted! EquiRatings was right on track with Liz Halliday’s win

An Affront To American Breeders

Meet Our Community Outreach Organizations: Metropolitan Equestrian Team

The VIP Volunteer: Jim Moyer Earns 2023 USEA Volunteer of the Year Award

Morning Viewing: Check out Liz Halliday’s winning show jumping round from Carolina here, courtesy of Horse & Country:

Ladies’ Day Out: Liz Halliday Seals the Deal in Carolina CCI4*-S

Liz Halliday and Miks Master C. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Ladies ruled cross country day in the Yanmar America CCI4*-S at the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International, leaving us with an all-female top five when the dust settled. Topping the board is your wire-to-wire 2024 champion, Liz Halliday riding Ocala Horse Properties’ and Deborah Palmer’s Miks Master C (Mighty Magic – Qui Lumba CBF, by Quite Easy) and finishing on her dressage score of 22.5. The pair improve on their second-place finish here in 2023, and decisively at that: 8.2 penalty points distance Liz from the rest of the field.

“I was really happy with him,” she said. “And he was very thoughtful and organized at all the questions and galloped well and came back to me, which was great. That was sort of the big question. He is always going to be a strong horse — we’re not going to take that out of him. But he did come back to me.”

Rideability has been a recurring theme throughout Liz and “Mikki’s” relationship, which began in 2022 after the Swedish Warmblood gelding bred here in the U.S. by Laurie Cameron came to her program, but Liz is feeling like she’s putting the pieces together, bit by bit. Literally, in this case: known for her affinity for bits, Liz explained that she had previously ridden the horse in an American gag bit with copper rollers that used a chain under the chin for stability. This year, she took the chain off after Ian Stark, who rode his incredible Murphy Himself in the same bit, advised her that it might make Mikki more comfortable and, therefore, rideable. That one small detail, she says, has made a big difference, in addition to the gaining of strength that comes with more time together.

“[Ian] told me he used to run Murphy Himself in this bit that I have, but without the chain. And that was a very strong horse, of course, a very famously strong horse. It’s a cherry roller American gag, so it’s actually a really nice mouthpiece. He’s actually a very sensitive horse, people probably don’t think that he’s got a very sensitive mouth. I know a lot about bits, and one of the most important things I always focus on is making sure the mouthpiece is right for the horses. This is actually it’s a big fat, single jointed [mouthpiece] with rollers on it, just with a bit of leverage, because he’s very strong, but he’s so much happier in this particular mouthpiece. I’ve tried others and he gets upset and then he doesn’t focus, so in this he still focuses so I was happy.”

Liz Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Liz has her eyes set firmly on obtaining a selection to represent the U.S. at the Paris Olympics this summer, so her spring path looks a bit different than simply aiming at a 5*. Instead, Mikki will go back home to Liz’s main home base in Lexington and prepare for the 4*-S at Kentucky. “He doesn’t need to do extra runs,” she explained, noting how well he performed this weekend and how rideable he was in both jumping phases.

For finishing bang on the optimum time, Liz also collected the Antigua Cup, created in memory and honor of Will Faudree’s longtime 5* horse, Antigua.

Liz also finished in the top 5 with The Monster Partnership / Ocala Horse Properties’ Cooley Nutcracker (Tolant R – Ballyshan Cleopatra, by Cobra), who picked up 4.8 time penalties to finish on a score of 33.5.

“Nutcracker of course needs another run before he does his first five-star,” she said. “So he’ll go to Stable View. I do think he’s ready for a five-star, so I wanted to give him a very good ride today. I’d say I wanted to go quickly, but not at the risk of not riding every fence well. So that’s why I had four time faults, but I’m fine with that. It’s his first proper run of the year.”

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Moving into second with 2.8 time penalties and a finishing score of 30.7 are Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake (Tolan R – Doughiska Lass, by Kannan), who is owned by Mollie Hoff and Caroline’s mother, Sherrie Martin. This is a horse that has come up through the levels via the USEA Young Event Horse program as well as the US Eventing Pathway Program, which has sent him and Caroline overseas in Nations Cup competition as well as to the Pan American Games last fall, where they won individual gold and team silver.

“He’s like a little unicorn,” she said. “In warm up, I wasn’t nervous. I was just looking forward to riding him and just kind of looking forward to in my head. I don’t think I’ve ever had been in position my career on a horse that it feels like a schooling round at the four-star level. I think this is his third Advanced now and it feels like he’s been doing it for 200 years.”

Initially, HSH Blake was a part of Caroline and business partner Kelley Hutchinson’s sales program, but after a few prospective buyers passed on him and he won the Young Horse CCI2* at Virginia Horse Center, Caroline knew she was sitting on the real deal and enlisted the support of Mollie Hoff to come in as an owner so that he could remain her program.

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“A lot has changed,” Caroline laughed when I asked her how Blake has evolved over the years. “You’re gonna laugh: so my first Beginner Novice, I swung and missed and fell off of him. I mean, in show jumping, like really bad. I had hyped him up to everyone like, ‘come look at my new fancy import, I don’t want to sell him. I’m hoping keep the ride and get him syndicated, come watch him go!’ And I swing and miss and everyone’s gone. Like everyone just walked away.”

It’s certainly early days yet, but it’s difficult not to think that this pair (and a few others here this weekend, including of course our winner Liz Halliday) is firmly on the selectors’ radar as they deliberate over the selection of the Olympic squad. For Caroline, the pressure to peak at the right times and show the consistent competitiveness that bodes well for success on a team is immense, but, as she puts it, “I live for it.”

Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Finishing up third in the marquee division are Meghan O’Donoghue and the off-track Thoroughbred Palm Crescent (Quiet American xx – Edey’s Village xx by Silver Deputy xx), who sailed around Ian Stark’s course with just 1.6 time penalties to wind up on a score of 30.9. It was exactly the confirmation she was looking for to solidify her plans to travel to Badminton for the first time in May.

“Palmer” raced 12 times in his first career, hitting the board with a win one time before retiring. He began his eventing career with Jan Byyny and later went to young rider Chase Shipka before Meghan eventually took over the ride and purchased the horse for the 2015 season. Now, nearly a decade later, Meghan and Palmer have contested five CCI5* events together, including a top-25 finish at Burghley in 2022.

As for the decision to take the 18-year-old gelding to Badminton this year, Meghan explained that she wanted to challenge herself a bit more than “being comfortable at Kentucky” (words I will definitively never utter, unless Kentucky decides to at a CCI-Novice one day). Her voice thickened as the emotions she feels for this horse welled up.

“He’s kind of the king of our stable because he is our only top horse and he genuinely appreciates it,” she said. “And I think that I feel like this weekend is just a relief because I feel like it’s a place he deserves. You know, he’s 18. And, you know, you sit back and you’re like, ‘Man, I wish I had like, five more years. I’m just lucky to be here and have this event with him, and whatever happens is icing on the cake.”

Rocket boosters, engaged! Photo by Sally Spickard.

“I feel like it’s taken a long time to pull three solid phases together,” Meghan continued. “And, you know, I think that today, I went out with the mindset that, you know, he’s aimed at a five-star. And I want him to feel good about himself. But I also haven’t been put in this position to be competitive too often in my career, so I kind of felt like I had something to go out and prove that, you know, I actually liked the pressure and thrive under the pressure. So I, without being too crazy, tried to make good choices, but let him have a good run and do as competitively as I thought was safe enough to do today.”

She credits her longtime care team of veterinarians, farriers and bodyworkers, as well as her grooming squad lead by Emma Tuit and aided by Abigail Fulmer and Lindsay McCormick, for helping keep the horse in incredible shape as he reaches his late teens. This consistency and looking after the horse instead of always chasing a result, she believes, have contributed to his longevity in the sport.

And hey — “How many Thoroughbreds do you see anymore, going at five-star?” she laughed. Indeed, the trek to England will be one OTTB fans will be following closely, and that includes team EN!

Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Another member of Team USA for the Pan American Games last year, Sydney Elliott and Carol Stephens’ QC Diamantaire (Diarado – Lantana, by Sandro Hit), climbed the leaderboard steadily after starting the weekend in 10th place. They went on to finish with two clear jumping rounds and a speedy cross country that amassed just 1.6 time penalties to finish in fourth place. This is another seasoned pair making an earnest bid for team selection this year, putting their experience and longtime partnership to work to carve out a smooth ride around Ian’s cross country today.

“He’s just so wonderful and so reliable,” Sydney said. “I for one love Ian’s courses. I’m so, so sad that he is retiring this year, but [his courses] were made for me and Q and so I knew it was gonna be a fun day, as long as I didn’t, you know, do anything disastrous!”

“It is just going one step at a time, you know, over the years,” she described of their nearly decade-long partnership. “And he just continues to surprise us and we’re just so hopeful for what he has the last few years that he’s got going. So we’re very excited.”

Sydney is also aiming at what is shaping up to be a very competitive Lexington 4*-S the weekend of Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event at the end of April.

Doug Payne made us all envious of his positional stability with a trip through the massive water at the tail end of the course, which he did sans a right stirrup. To prove how unbothered he was by this, he and Quantum Leap (Quite Capitol – Report to Sloopy xx, by Corporate Report xx) — also a U.S.-bred horse, bred by Elizabeth Callahan — went on to collect one of two clear rounds inside the optimum time of 6 minutes, 28 seconds (Canada’s Waylon Roberts and OKE Ruby R also finished inside the time; they were also the sole pair to do the same at the Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase earlier this month). That was good enough to move the pair up into sixth after starting the week in 24th place.

Doug’s days in the sport of eventing are a bit numbered, though he still has several horses going as he slowly transitions over to full-time show jumping.

“Quantum, he’s done, what?, six five-stars now? And you couldn’t have a better, more fun horse to take out on cross country,” Doug said. “I mean, he doesn’t pull at all, he goes in a snaffle, and he reads things so quickly. He’s adaptable and sharp and so we took a chance on the time.”

Quantum Leap and Camarillo will head to the Kentucky 5* next, and Doug also has two horses he hopes to take in the Split Rock Invitational, which has been upgraded from a CSI3* to a CSI4* this year (but don’t ask me what that means).

Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle finished in 7th place. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Looking at the numbers from today, as mentioned before two pairs made the time (in comparison, four pairs made the time over a very similar track in 2023): Doug and Quantum Leap as well as Waylon Roberts and OKE Ruby R. 29 out of 33 pairs jumped free of jump penalties for an 87.8% clear rate. This is a slight increase over an 84% clear rate over last year’s track. Three pairs encountered difficulty at separate fences (the Normandy Bank at 17, the B element of the main Yanmar water, and the final jump out of the coffin at 12). One rider, Sara Kozumplik, unfortunately parted ways from Rock Phantom after the horse just pecked on landing a bit at the final water, which sent her out the front door, but they were both unharmed.

Having also ridden in the Yanmar America CCI4*-S, Boyd Martin (who finished in 12th with Bonnie Stedt’s Miss Lulu Herself) stated that the course was, “a beautiful course. It was the right degree of difficulty. It was challenging enough without being punishing on the horses. I feel like all the horses here were sort of a using it as a stepping stone event as they fire up for the big goals of the spring.”

The final FEI day was bittersweet, as it also marked the last time Ian Stark would design a CCI4*-S course at the Carolina Horse Park. Sydney Elliott stated, “I just can’t even talk about it. I feel like Ian said, it is just so sad. He’s so influential in our sport. And there’s so many people that design courses, right? But Ian’s courses teach. They teach the horse how to gallop. He has mastered that art and so it’s very sad.”

Breezeway Sport Horse & Diagnostics CCI2*-S winner Ariel Grald expressed similar feelings. “Ian is an amazing course designer. I’ve been fortunate to ride around a lot of his tracks. So not only is he brilliant at that, but it’s sad as he did really grow the Carolina International into the spectacular event that it is now,” Grald said. “I know Ian as well through his cross country advising for the US team. So I just have the utmost respect for him as a designer, rider, coach, and horseman. He’s just an all around awesome person.”

Ian Stark finishes a clear round on HSH Persuasion. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott.

As an extra treat, Ian also took a spin on Kelley Hutchinson’s HSH Persuasion, a sale horse in Caroline Pamukcu’s program. We documented the fun:

It’s been another thrilling weekend at Carolina International and we’re very grateful to all who made the weekend so enjoyable. The action isn’t quite over yet as the National divisions have yet to wrap up tomorrow, but that wraps up our reporting from the event. Safe travels home to all and as ever, Go Eventing.

Carolina International CCI & H.T. (Raeford, NC) [Website] [Schedule] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Cross Country Maps] [Live Scores] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Oh Carolina! It’s Cross Country Day! Live Blog from the 4* Cross Country at Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI.

‘The Hard Pass.’ Photo by Sally Spickard.

It’s a beautiful day in Carolina for cross country day and here at EN we’re primed and ready to bring you all of the action from Ian Stark’s course. As well as this live blog, make sure you check out EN’s Ultimate Guide for the low-down on all things Carolina and keep eyes on for our full round up, coming soon. You’ll find all of our Carolina content here. We’ve got a whole bunch of great IG content happening too, courtesy of our boots on the ground (headed up by Chinch) @goeventing.

If you want to watch along live H&C+ has your back (subscription required) and if obsessively watching the live leaderboard is your jam, here’s what you need.

Right, onto the course. Ian says he’s made no major changes this year as last year’s run was so successful. “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” he says. Indeed. It’s his last year course designing and he acknowledges that next year someone else will come in and put their own stamp on things.

One thing he’s sure will be influential is the time, which is set at 6 minutes and 28 seconds. There are 23 numbered fences along the 3685 meter track, with 35 jumping efforts, which are made up of fourteen single fences, four treble combinations, and five doubles – three of which come in quick succession near the end of the course. The reaction to one of them (19AB) from a member of the EN team (who shall remain nameless): “I mean, there’s just no !**!ing way I would ever jump something like this”. It’s been re-named ‘The Hard Pass’ at EN HQ.

For more on the course, check out our full course preview here.

We’ll be kicking things off with Liz Halliday and Cooley Quicksilver – they’re due to leave the start box at 11:50am ET / 3:50pm GMT.

The top 10 as things stand will go in reverse order because we eventers love to keep things exciting right up to the last millisecond – that means our clubhouse leader Liz Halliday with Miks Master C is due to leave the start box at 1:26pm ET / 5:26pm GMT and so around 6 and a half minutes after that, we’ll have our winner. However, as Liz has THREE rides in the TOP 5 (!!!) – although we know she’s a speed queen and superstar and could totally pull off vaulting onto a horse in the starting box from the horse she’s galloping through the finish on – it’s probably only fair that she’ll ride out of order. There is news on the Liz front – second place overnight Cooley Moonshine has been withdrawn as part of Liz’s plan for this event.

A quick catch up with what’s been going on:

Leading after the dressage was Liz Halliday with Miks Master C who delivered a beautiful test for 22.5. Liz had the overnight podium all to herself, with Cooley Moonshine sitting in second on 25.5 and Cooley Quicksilver on 27.1. EquiRatings’ predictions were 3 for 3 in terms of the rider, but there was a slight shake-up between Cooley Moonshine and Liz’s fourth ride Cooley Nutcracker, who finished the day in 5th place on 28.7, rather than the second place the stats guys foresaw. Pan-Ams individual gold medalist Caroline Pamukcu split up Liz’s rides, slotting into 4th place with HSH Blake on a score of 27.9.

Fun fact: After the dressage, Will Coleman was the only male rider in the top 10. We’re not biased or anything, but go the girls!

Yesterday’s show jumping shook things up slightly. Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake were on the rise after their clear – and Liz Halliday‘s pole with Cooley Quicksilver – bumped them up into 3rd and Liz down to 6th. She remains at the top with Miks Master C after a clear round kept them on their dressage score. Cooley Moonshine also jumped clear to stay in 2nd, but his withdrawal has shifted things about slightly. Liz’s other ride, Cooley Nutcracker, delivered her a another clear, stepping up a place into 4th. Rounding out the top 5 was Meghan O’Donoghue and OTTB Palm Crescent, who stay on their dressage score of 29.3.

Right now the top 5 going into cross country looks like this:

1st Liz Halliday and Miks Master C – 22.5.
2nd Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake – 27.9.
3rd Liz Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker – 28.7.
4th Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent – 29.3.
5th Liz Halliday and Cooley Quicksilver – 31.1.

According to EquiRatings’ stats, no one’s ever had a rail and won Carolina 4* – that gives each of our top 4 a chance for the win, but as we know, anything can happen in eventing.

Here’s how things look scores-wise as we head into the cross country (although the placings have scooted up following Cooley Moonshine’s withdrawal):


Images from EventEntries.com

If you fancy a bit of eventing bingo, here’s some cool stuff to spot in the field this afternoon:

🐴 A pony in a 4*!
🥇 The reigning Pan-Ams individual gold medalist.
❗Liz Halliday’s hattrick of rides.
🥈 The entire US silver medal team from the Pan-Am Games in Santiago.
🚀 Barry, the high-flying horse.
⚾ A bunch of baseballs.

If you’re following along live, don’t forget to refresh this page periodically. If you’re reading this later, scroll down ⬇️ and read up ⬆️.

So, eyes on, enjoy the ride, and go eventing!

Carolina International CCI & H.T. (Raeford, NC) [Website] [Schedule] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [4* Cross Country Map] [Live Scores] [Live Stream] [EN’s Ultimate Guide] [EN’s Coverage]

1:37 ET And there we have it. Carolina 4* is over for another year and Liz Halliday has taken the win with Miks Master C on a score of 22.5 – finishing on their dressage score, in what’s been a stunning display across all three phases. What a rider! What a horse! What a competition!

Coming in 2nd is Caroline Pamukcu with HSH Blake on 30.7.
3rd place goes to Meghan O’Donoghue with Palm Crescent on a score of 30.9.
4th is Sydney Elliott with QC Diamantaire on 33.3.
And rounding out the top 5 is Liz Halliday with Cooley Nutcracker on 33.5.

EN’s round-up of the whole dang thang will be up shortly – eyes on! You’ll find all of our Carolina content here.

Thanks for following along! It’s been a blast and for sure a fitting way to whet our appetite for everything else that’s to come this season.

Always go eventing!

1:33 ET Liz has 8.2 penalties in hand to win this class. They go through the combinations at 19, 20 and 21 as though they’re demonstrating a masterclass. Beautiful. Two to go for them… She’s at the last… and through the finish… Liz is grinning… CLEAR AND EXACTLY ON THE TIME! Liz Halliday and Miks Master C take the win!

1:31 ET Blake’s a little backwards coming into the first part of Fence 19AB but Caroline encourages him forward and they make it through that section of the course clear. They’re just two from home now. Liz and Miks Master C are absolutely flying! Miks Master C is just eating up this course. They drop into the Lighthouse water at 14ABC and Liz gives him a really bold ride through there. Caroline and HSH Blake are through the finish – they’ve added just 2.8 time penalties and take the lead. They’ve squeaked in there – just 0.2 ahead of Meghan and Palm Crescent – man it’s close up there at the top! We just have Liz and Miks Master C on course now.

1:28 ET We’re onto the last to go! In just over 6 minutes we’ll have our winner! Overnight leaders – in fact, leading from the start with a score of 22.5 in the dressage – Liz Halliday and Miks Master C are on the course! They were individually 7th at the Pan-Ams in Santiago last season, where they took team silver for the US, 3rd in the 5* at Kentucky and 2nd here in the 4* last year. Will they go one better this time around? EquiRatings has them down as favorites for the win. Will the stats add up and equal 1? Let’s see! Meghan and Palmer finish with 1.6 time penalties and go into the lead! They’ll definitely have a podium finish. Caroline and Blake do a great job through the middle water and then pop up and over the Normandy Bank no trouble.

1:27 ET Sydney and QC Diamantaire go into the lead as things stand – they added just 1.6 time penalties. She can end up no worse than 4th. Caroline’s wasting no time with Blake at the early part of the course. Meanwhile, Meghan and Palmer look great through 19, 20 and 21 – what a horse that is, and clearly still loving his job at 18 years old.

1:24 ET Matthew and Trudeau canter through the flags carrying that 20 and adding 16 time penalties. Syd and QC Diamantaire have flown round and are now going through the three combinations at 19, 20 and 21. It’ll be exciting to see their time – QC is for sure one of the fastest horses in the field. Meghan and Palmer are easily through the coffin complex at 11ABC. Our penultimate combination are Pan-Ams Individual Gold and team silver winners Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake – they’re off and running. They were 3rd in the 3* here last season finishing on their dressage score. Can they pull off that feat again? With a clear in the show jumping yesterday, adding nothing to their dressage of 27.9 to leave them in 2nd overnight, they’re right on track!

1:21 ET Oh no! Matthew and Trudeau have had a run out at the second part of the Normandy Bank combination at 17ABC. They come back around and clear it, but that 20 will have dropped them down the standings. Sydney and QC Diamantaire make light work of the Lighthouse water whilst Matthew and Trudeau fiddle their way though 19, 20 and 21 – it’s a little disorganized and Trudeau shows just how honest he is as he jumps through clear. Meghan O’Donoghue and OTTB Palm Crescent are away! They were 17th here last season after 20 jumping penalties across the country – Megan will be looking to put that right this time around. ‘Palmer’ delivered a beautiful dressage test to go sub-30 – 29.3 to be exact – and topped that off with a clear in the jumping yesterday. They were in 4th after the show jumping – will end up even better?

1:19 ET Matthew and Trudeau manage the terrain through the combination at 6AB really well – they make a smooth pair. Meanwhile Will’s showing us all how it’s done through the combinations at 19, 20 and 21 with Diabolo – so balanced, just beautifully ridden. Matthew and Trudeau squirrel through the coffin in another display of great riding. They’re flying along this course. Sitting in 6th place after the show jumping on a score of 31.7, Sydney Elliott QC Diamantaire join us on the cross country. Part of the Pan-Ams team silver medal for the US in Santiago last season, where they finished 8th individually, they also have a top 10 finish in the Kentucky 5*, a third place in the 4* and top 20 at Luhmuhlen under their girth. They were 4th here last year delivering a speedy clear inside the time. Can they do it again? Meanwhile, Will and Diabolo are at the finish and add just 3.6 time to their scorecard.

1:16 ET Will is giving Diabolo a peach of a ride in the early stages of the course. Boyd steadies Miss Lulu through the water combination at 19AB, but she listens and they pick their way through the next two doubles also. Will and Diabolo rattle the MIM through the coffin complex, but nothing to worry about for them. Making their FEI debut outside New Zealand, Matthew Grayling and Trudeau are out of the start box. They finished up last season with a hattrick of wins. They were in 7th here on 31.9 after jumping clear yesterday. How will they find the Carolina course? We’re about to find out! Will and Diabolo are beautifully through the Lighthouse water at 14AB. Boyd and Miss Lulu are through the finish and have picked up 6 time penalties.

1:13 ET Doug goes through the tricky combinations at 19, 20 and 21 with no right stirrup! That is impressive. Quantum didn’t even notice. Now we have Will Coleman – last year’s winner with Chin Tonic (and winner in 2021 and 2022) – here this time around with new ride and Aussie import Diabolo, who finished up last season with two consecutive top 3 places at 4*. They were 8th place after the after the show jumping on a score of 32.3. Boyd and Miss Lulu show off some fancy footwork before the drop into the water at 14ABC, she balances herself beautifully and skips on through. And we have another double clear! Doug and Quantum Leap are clear inside the time!

1:11 ET We have our first double clear! They did it at Bruce’s Field, and they’ve done it here too – Waylon and OKE Ruby R are clear inside the time!

1:10 ET Waylon and Ruby are getting the job done as they near the end of the course. Briggs and Corture are through the finish with 9.6 time penalties to add. Doug and Quantum make absolutely nothing of the coffin combination – a beautifully ridden line through there. And we’re into the top 10! Sitting in 9th overnight on a score of 33, Boyd Martin and Miss LuLu Herself are out on course. Boyd took on the ride in 2022 and came to Carolina last season for the 4*, where they jumped clear across the country adding just time penalties to their dressage score. Will it be another clear for this mare? Eyes on!

1:06 ET Canada’s Waylon Roberts is away with OKE Ruby R. Apparently this mare is not an easy ride and Waylon really gets a song out of her. They’ve got one 4* completion on their record when they came 2nd with a clear inside the time. Super impressively, they were the only double clear cross country at the recent Grand Prix of Eventing at Bruce’s Field. They sat tied for 17th after yesterday’s jumping, on a score of 36.4. Waylon is very quick through the combination at 8 and make nothing of 9. Meanwhile, Briggs and Corture are at the water at 19. The distance is long but Corture stretches to the edges of her skin and they ride on through as though she’s at least 4 hands taller than she is. Waylon and Ruby are popping along nicely at the early part of the course. Doug Payne Quantum Leap Five 5* top 10s under his cinch. 6th here last year finishing on their dressage. They’re on track to repeat that after a clear round in the showjumping. They came into today in joint-12th place on 34.9.

1:03 ET Oh no! Rock Phantom hangs a leg on the drop into the first water at 14ABC and Sara is pitched over his head and takes a swim. Rock Phantom is totally fine, Sara’s very wet.

1:01 ET Sara Kozumplik and Rock Phantom join us on course. This is the former ride of Brazil’s Nilson Moreira da Silva – Sara took over the irons for the 2022 season. They come into today on a score of 38.1 in 20th. Meanwhile, Will and Pfun are through the doubles at 19, 20 and 21, making it look like a Pony Club course. They’re almost home. Sara gives Rock Phantom a great ride through the coffin complex. Briggs Surratt and itty-bitty Corture are off and running. You may be thinking that Corture looks kinda pony-like, and you’d be right – standing at 14.2hh on her tippy toes, she’s a total powerhouse that’s for sure. Fun fact – Couture was bred by fellow competitor Elisa Wallace. They go out in 32nd on a score of 51.5. Will and Pfun are through the finish and have added just 3.6 time penalties. Briggs and Corture are absolutely flying! The little gal is making nothing of these huge fences! Sara and Rock Phantom are still motoring along looking full of run and to be having a great ride.

12:58 ET Now out on course we have Will Faudree and long-time friend and campaigner PFun, who were 3rd here last season with a speedy clear inside the time across the country. They dropped from 8th to 11th after rolling a pole in the show jumping and come into today’s test on 34.4. Come on boy, let’s see one of your classic cross country clears! We also have Cassie Sanger and Fernhill Zoro out on course – sorry, I missed them start. They clocked up the air miles last season, competing not only in the US and Canada, but making the trip to Europe for Boekelo in the Netherlands and Strzegom in Poland. They come into this in 15th place on a score of 35.5. Although we haven’t seen much of them, they appear to have been having a great round and are coming to the end now. Elisa and Renkum Corsair finish up with 19.6 time penalties. Will and Pfun are handy through the water with Pfun showing every bit of his experience as he makes this course look very, very easy. They are class through the Normandy Bank combination. Cassie an Fernhill Zoro finish with just 4.4 time penalties.

12:53 ET Brooke gets thrown forward going down the massive drop into the water at 19, but gets herself right and makes it through that tricky section of the course clear with Cooley Space Grey. Eventer and mustang trainer, Elisa Wallace is away from the start box with 2022 USEF CCI3*-L National Champion Renkum Corsair. They were 15th here last season, jumping clear and adding some time. They sat in joint-17th place overnight on a score of 36.4. Brooke and Cooley Space Grey have finished with 6.4 time penalties. Elisa and Renkum Corsair have a very tricky moment at the first water – Renkum Corsair climbs all over the second element but they work together to make it through clear.

12:47 ET We here the MIM rattle as Alexa and Just to be Clear come through the coffin complex, but it stays up and they gallop on without giving it another thought. Brooke Burchianti and Cooley Space Grey join us on course. They’re making their eighth FEI start here this week. They climbed a couple of spots after jumping clear yesterday, and now sit in 29th on 44.2. They take the red flag at 6AB but are through no problem. They’re steady through the treble at 8ABC but clear through and on their way. Jennie and FE Lifestyle are home with 1.6 time penalties. OMG! There is some real stickability going on through the combinations at 19, 20 and 21 for Alexa and Just to be Clear – save(s) of the day for sure! She’s pitched right out of the tack, loses her stirrups, but fiddles her steering, gets pitched again, sits up and makes it all the way through. Meanwhile, Brooke and Cooley Space Grey take their own route through the coffin but it seems that Brooke had a plan and stuck to it and is through clear.

12:43 ET Arden and Sunday Times have a moment – Sunday Times drops his legs right in the ditch. But Arden sits up and helps him out and they carry on clear. Jennie and FE Lifestyle take a huge jump into the Lighthouse water at 14 – they’re flying! Alexa Thompson and Just To Be Clear are underway in their first 4* on home soil. Her debut came last season at Strzegom while she was based with France’s Maxime Livio – she finished 7th, beating out Michael Jung – what a debut story for her! With just seven FEI competitions under their belt, they’ve got a 100% clear cross country jumping record. Will the gelding’s performance live up to his form – and his name – today? They head out in 26th place on a score of 43. Jennie and Lifestyle do a great job at the Normandy Bank at 17ABC and make it look easy. We have a new fastest round of the day! Arden and Sunday Times are home just 2 seconds over – 0.8 to add for them.

12:39 ET Liz and Nutcracker make the Normandy Bank look like a Pony Club fence – this pair just look class. He’s full of running and they’re obviously such a great partnership. They pop through the three doubles at 19, 20 and 21 – a total masterclass from Liz. Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times are in the Carolina 4* for the first time, but jumped clear across the country in the 3* last season. They were 28th after the show jumping, sitting on a score of 44.1. Doug and Quiberon’s time is is – 27.6 penalties. They have that 20 on their card too. We have another new starter also – winners of the Best First-Timer award at Burghley last season where they finished 12th next up is Jennie Brannigan with FE Lifestyle. They were also 12th in the 5* at Kentucky. They come into today just inside the top 10 on a score of 33.3 after jumping clear in yesterday’s show jumping. And we have Liz and Cooley Nutcracker home with just 4.8 time penalties – that puts them ahead of Liz’s first ride, Cooley Quicksilver.

12:35 ET Ah! Doug gets pitched forward at 14ABC, but he manages to get his knitting back together and they carry on straight over the second element in the water. Impressive reactions from Doug. Out of order as Liz has a date in the start box with current leader Miks Master C as the last of the day, Liz Halliday and USEF CCI4*-L National Champion Cooley Nutcracker have now joined us out on course. This guy has been top 10 in his last six FEI runs. He’s on track for a podium finish here – currently sitting in 3rd on 28.7 – will he pull it off once more? Meanwhile, Alison and Vandyke are through the finish carrying that 20 penalties and adding 18.8 time. Oh my! Doug’s taken a very wiggly route through the water at 19AB – he was trying very hard not to cross his tracks. Not sure if he navigated it though. He’s been given 20 but it’ll be reviewed.

12:31 ET Wow! Sit up Emily! Corvett bounces Emily right out of the saddle as they drop into the water at 19AB but it’s a great save from Emily. This pair know each other so well. They motor on to the finish flags and add 7.6 time to their score. Doug Payne and the nine-year-old Quiberon have now joined us on course. They jumped clear across the country in the 3* here last season – can they do it in the 4* this time around? They sat in 25th coming into the cross country, on a score of 41.6. Alison and Vandyke bounce up the Normandy Bank and make absolutely nothing of the combination. Vandyke looks to be full of running and thoroughly enjoying himself galloping along the Carolina turf. Doug’s giving his young stallion Quiberon a really solid ride over the first half of the course. Oh no! Alison and Vandyke have a run past at the second element of Fence 19AB in the water. Her reins were long after the drop and the steering was lost for a second. A shame as they were going really nicely.

12:26 ET Emily Hamel and everyone’s favorite high jumper, Corvett are away. ‘Barry’ really is a high-flying kind of guy! They were top 10 in the 5* at Kentucky last season, top 20 at Burghley and 11th at Maryland. This is Emily’s first time in the 4* class here, but Barry’s been here before with Phillip Dutton. They sat in 21st overnight on a score of 38.3. Sharon does a great job with Claus through the Normandy Bank combination. She’s put that run out right to the back of her mind and is focusing on what’s ahead. Meanwhile, Emily and Corvett make a fabulous bend into the final element of the coffin complex – what a pro Barry is! Sharon and Claus have another moment at the first part of 19AB into the water, but they’re pushing on along and are now through the flags with 20 on their scorecard and 22.4 time. Allison Springer and Vandyke are up and running. They’ve got two previous 4* completions on their record – let’s hope they make it three here today. They started off the day in 24th on a score of 41. Caroline and She’s The One picked up 10.8 time.

12:23 ET Caroline and She’s The One look to be having a great time out on course. They’re over 17ABC and clear so far. Sharon White and Claus 63 have now joined us on course. They were 10th individually at the Pan-Ams in Santiago last season, taking silver with the US team. They sat in 22nd after yesterday’s show jumping, staying on their dressage score of 39.1. Claus looks to be full of run at the early part of the course. We have a score in for Rachel and High Tide – just 2.4 time penalties to add for them. Caroline really sets up for the drop into the water at 19AB. She takes it steady and approaches that trio of doubles very methodically – a really great job done. Oh no! Sharon and Claus have had a run out at the final element at 17ABC. They’re quick to come back around though and waste no time on their second attempt.

12:20 ET Bobby and Lumumba are the fastest so far – just 1.6 time penalties for them. Allie and Morswood finish with 12.4 time penalties. Overnight 2nd place with her other ride – and Pan-Ams individual gold medalist – Caroline Pamukcu heads out with She’s The One. They were sitting in 14th coming into this on a score of 35.1. They were 7th in the 3* here last season, when they jumped clear inside the time. Will they finish up on their dressage in the 4* this time around? There’s every chance! Rachel and High Tide are brave into the water at 19AB – they’re very quick through the three combinations out there. They hit the upright gate behind as they motor towards the finish flags, but the MIM isn’t activated and they’re safely over.

12:16 ET Allie sits back after the big drop at 19AB and makes it through that tricky combination. Bobby and Lumumba have a slight moment coming out of the complex at 11ABC, but they’re through and away to the first water. The mare finds the distance in the Lighthouse water at 14ABC very short, but she shows off her fancy footwork and does a fantastic job. Lumumba looks to be loving her job, flying every fence. Bobby’s taking some white flag chances, but nothing to worry about. Rachel Lawson and High Tide are out of the start box, making their Carolina debut here this week. When she’s not eventing, Rachel helps ex-racehorses find new careers once they’ve finished on the track, a passion inspired by OTTB High Tide. Rachel has a moment at 6AB – she gets popped out of the tack a little and has to pick her stirrup back up. There’s another heart in mouth moment for them through the coffin at 11ABC but Rachel’s riding forward.

12:12 ET Phillip and Possante finish up with 16.8 time penalties – that was a great round with a new ride. Ariel and Leamore Master Plan get a good shot at Fence 18 and come round to the scary drop into the water. They make their way through, with Ariel steering at the end of the rein between the rollercoaster of As and Bs there – three doubles in a row! Impressive riding. Meanwhile, Bobby Meyerhoff and his mare Lumumba are now away. They finished top 15 in the Maryland 5* last season. 12 faults in yesterday’s show jumping dropped them down the rankings to 30th on 44.3. Lumumba looks like she is so ready for this! They waste no time through the first few fences and stride out along the course. Further along the course, Allie and Morswood make absolutely nothing of the Normandy Bank at 17ABC – they pop through and on they go.

12:08 ET Andrew and Ferrie’s Cello finish with 6 time penalties. Meanwhile, Ariel and Leamore Master Plan are making light work of the first few fences. They do a great job working out the distance at 6AB. They’re one of the fastest combinations in the field so it’ll be interesting to see how close they can get to the time. Phillip and Possante are beautiful through the Normandy Bank and they make light work of the final fences to finish clear. Score to come. Ariel’s just tempted the flag rule at the Coffin complex, which will be reviewed. They looked to squeak through though. Alexandra Knowles and her 5* campaigner Morswood AKA ‘Ginge’ have joined us on course. They finished top 10 at Pau last season and top 10 at Maryland in 2022; they were 11th here last year. They go out onto cross country in 27th on 43.4.

12:05 ET Score in for Will and Mama’s Magic Way – just 3.2 time penalties. They finish on 48.6. Phillip Dutton’s out of the start box with former Emily King ride Possante, who’s making his stateside 4* debut with Phillip. They were in 16th place after the show jumping on a score of 36.1. They’re clear over the treble combination at 8ABC. Meanwhile Andrew and Ferrie’s Cello are through the tricky second water at 19AB. The crowd there are really encouraging these riders on. Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan join us now. They’re back after a bit of a break last season but showed great form in 2022, finishing on their dressage for 11th place individually at the World Championships in Pratoni, completing Badminton in 15th and taking 3rd at Luhmuhlen. They jumped clear yesterday and ended up tied for 12th place overnight on a score of 34.9.

12:02 ET Andrew McConnon and Ferrie’s Cello are out on course. They were 13th in the 5* at Maryland last season and haven’t been here since 2021, when they were 6th in the 3*. Andrew and ‘Eddy’ were in 19th coming into today, on a score of 36.7. Doug and Camarillo are home with what looks to be a 19.6 time penalties – wow, they looked to be going along some so that’s kind of surprising. Will and Mama’s Magic Way are almost at the end now. Meanwhile Andrew makes the Coffin complex look like a gymnastic exercise – nicely done.

11:59 ET News in that Liz has 7.2 time penalties – Ian did warn us that the time would be tight. We have Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way off and running. This pair were 16th at Burghley last season, 13th in the Kentucky 5* and 8th here at Carolina, jumping clear across the country and adding just 4.4 time. They’re currently in 31st on a score of 45.4. Doug and Camarillo make nothing of the Normandy Bank and are still flying. It’ll be interesting to see his time as this round has looked quick. He makes the massive drop at the water at 19AB but Camarillo leaves a leg on the fence in the water. Great recovery! They continue on. Will and Mama’s Magic Way look to be going nicely. They’ve cleared the triple brush out of the water at 19AB to huge cheers.

11:56 ET Camarillo looks full of running as he flies through the first part of the course. Doug’s got his foot down, that’s for sure. He clears the double at Fence 6 nicely and motors on. Liz is still running along happily with Cooley Quicksilver. They’re at the second water. There’s a lot to do up there but they make their way through and are on their way to the finish flags. Doug and Camarillo make the bend through the coffin complex at 11ABC and they’re making this look very easy. Pretty sure it’s not though!

11:53 ET So far so good for our pathfinder Liz. They’re clear through Fence 8 and have no trouble with the baseballs and bats at Home of the Brave, Fence 9. Doug Payne and Camarillo are our second pairing out on course. This 10-year-old gelding finished top 10 in the 4*-S at Kentucky last season and were 16th here last year after a steady clear cross country. Two poles in the show jumping dropped them down the order a bit to 23rd. Meanwhile, Liz uses all of her experience at the coffin complex and manages to keep Quicksilver between her legs to squirrel through. Impressive, drool-worthy riding. They come through the first water and 14ABC and are on their way.

11:50 ET Going out of order as Liz has SO MANY horses in the top 10, currently in 5th place on a score of 31.1, Liz Halliday and Cooley Quicksilver get the 4* cross country underway! They were top 5 at Luhmuhlen 5* in 2022 and took the win in the 4*-S at Kentucky, just one of his four wins at the level on his record. And we’re off! Quicksilver flies out of the start and looks very keen to be running. They take on the first few jumps and have got off to a great start.

11:49 ET We’re about to get going! It looks like everyone and their dog is having a great time in the Carolina sunshine. It sure seems to be a glorious day for cross country. Bring it on!

The Final Hurrah: Preview Ian Stark’s Final Carolina CCI4*-S Cross Country Course

We are a short time away from getting underway with the Yanmar America CCI4*-S cross country at the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International, with the first horse due out on course at 11:46 a.m. ET. If you’re not here in person with us, you can view the live stream on Horse & Country here.

Today’s cross country will be run in reverse order of standing, which will lead us up to an exciting finish to determine the 2024 champion. As we reported yesterday, Liz Halliday is in control of the 4*-S currently, holding 1st with Miks Master C, 3rd with Cooley Nutcracker, and 5th with Cooley Quicksilver. Cooley Moonshine, second after show jumping, was withdrawn as a part of Liz’s plan for this event.

We caught up with Ian Stark yesterday about this year’s track:

On the design of this year’s course:

“It’s the same flow the same course as last year,” Ian remarked. “I’ve just tweaked a few things. And the first water for example, is probably a little friendlier with the last water is quite intense. I got to the end of last year, and I kind of — my attitude was this year’s gone really well, maybe I should bring my own retirement forward a year! So I didn’t want to do big changes this year. I’m trying to get through this as smoothly as possible as the idea, but no, I mean, there’s plenty for them to jump out there. It’s not going to be a walk in the park, that’s for sure.”

On the date of this event being a prep event for spring 5* events:

“If I look at it that it’s early in the year and back off, then it’s not giving them a proper introduction to Kentucky or Badminton. And I’m a great believer in encouraging the riders and the horses to come up to the level, not taking the level to them. So, I’ve never really been shy at asking the questions. I’m kind of nervous on cross country, always because you ask the questions and you think, ‘oh, yikes, they’re out there.’ And it’s all your responsibility. But I think for the horses and the riders for me, it’s important that they get the chance to jump a decent track, before they go to the big competitions.”

On where a rider might be able to make up time:

“It’s a difficult one because the gallop stuff is at the beginning, and if you go too fast the horses are going to be tired at the end. But it’s not too much. There’s a bit of terrain all the way around, but there’s not great hills. So you know, the horses should finish it quite easily. So if they start off a little bit sort of steady, because as you said it’s earlier in the season, if they start off too quietly, they’re never going to make it up later on. Definitely there is a bit of gallop at the end, but you can’t throw everything at that. So they’ve kind of got to measure the minute markers and be up to the minute markers, at least, if not a little bit ahead of them before they start going through the trees. Because galloping through trees, you always think you’re going fast, but trees can make you slow down a little bit. You’ve kind of got to almost frighten yourself and gallop past them a great speed. Otherwise, you instinctively take the foot off the pedal and slow down the rhythm.”

On how it feels to have been the designer in residence here for almost a decade:

“What’s been fantastic, from my point of view is, you know you sort of come up with different ideas and I’ve wanted the tracks widened and said, ‘well, we’ll take these 30 trees out so I can do this’, and they’ve been so incredibly helpful and supportive about moving forward. From a legacy point of view, then I feel all these wider tracks have allowed the light in and the grass has grown, so the footing has got better over the years. So I’m very happy with that. I’ve loved coming here. I’ve always felt that the committee and the board and everyone working here stays so positive about everything I try and come up with. If I get excited, they get excited and suddenly it happens, which is, from a designer’s point of view, fantastic. It’s been great fun and I’d be sad not to be coming back here but I’ve had great time.”

You can view the course maps for each division here.

Stay tuned for live updates from Cheg Darlington during cross country and for our full report later tonight. Go Eventing!

Carolina International CCI & H.T. (Raeford, NC) [Website] [Schedule] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Cross Country Maps] [Live Scores] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

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As Cheg mentioned on Thursday, the FEI Eventing Nations Cup series has officially kicked off in Montelibretti, Italy this weekend! The CCIO4* Nations Cup class has a whopping 43 entries and as things stand after dressage, home team Italy leads the charge after claiming four of the top seven places. Topping the leaderboard is Italy’s own Evelina Bertoli aboard her own Fidjy des Melezes with the only sub-30 score of the division.

Montelibretti is also hosting a CCI4*-L alongside this weekend’s Nations Cup and that division is currently being led by Thailand’s Korntawat Samran and the very aptly named for this Olympic year, Chateau de Versailes M2S.

Cross country for these four-star divisions takes place today! Keep up with all the action around the world, from Montelibretti to Carolina, with our handy links below!

And DON’T FORGET to nominate a resilient rider (or yourself!) competing at Carolina for the Ride EquiSafe Crappiest Weekend Award!

U.S. Weekend Action

Carolina International CCI & H.T. (Raeford, NC) [Website] [Schedule] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Cross Country Maps] [Live Scores] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Ocala Winter II (Ocala, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Pine Top Spring H.T. (Thomson, GA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Ram Tap National H.T. (Fresno, [Scoring]CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

International Events

FEI Eventing Nations Cup Leg 1 (Montelibretti, Italy) [Website] [Timetable] [Entries] [Show Jumping Live Stream] [Cross Country Live Stream]

Links to Start Your Weekend:

Survey: Most Horse Owners Aren’t Worried About Disease Risk From Mingling At Events

Now On Course: A Letter to My Horse

Retired Racehorse Project Launches 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover Fundraising Initiatives

Sponsor Corner: Spring season is nearly in full swing! Are you prepared for the 2024 competition season? If not, World Equestrian Brands has your back with this comprehensive list of everything you need to succeed this season.

Morning Viewing: Jessica Phoenix’s very special partner Pavarotti made the trip down to Florida this year to train a very special little rider: Jessica’s daughter Jordan!

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Smooth Sailing: Liz Halliday Retains Top 2 Positions in Carolina International CCI4*-S

Liz Halliday and Miks Master C. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“Military precision” is how Liz Halliday described the operation of her support crew on a intense and busy day of show jumping here at the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International. “Full rockstars,” she said. “I’d like to say thank you to my awesome team because we had almost zero time in between rounds [today].”

And when you’re holding four of the top five spots on the leaderboard, every round counts. Liz delivered: she secured a double clear to start the day with the Monster Partnership’s Cooley Moonshine (Cobra – Kilpatrick Duchess, by Kings Master). She later returned with Ocala Horse Properties’ and Deborah Palmer’s Miks Master C (Mighty Magic – Qui Lumba CBF, by Quite Easy) to cement her status as two-phase leader. While the Monster Partnership’s Cooley Quicksilver had one pesky rail that dropped him to sixth, the Cooley Nutcracker Syndicate’s Cooley Nutcracker (Tolant R – Ballyshan Cleopatra, by Cobra) closed the show with another clear round.

Liz now holds first and second ahead of tomorrow’s finale, sitting within range in 4th and 6th, respectively, with Cooley Nutcracker and Cooley Quicksilver.

Liz Halliday and Miks Master C. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Despite an alarming moment when a ring crew member stepped in her way approaching the swedish oxer, which did make her a bit tighter on the clock with Miks Master C than she had intended due to having to take an extra half-halt, Liz was thrilled with how “Mikki” is feeling. She’s changed his bit this year, she says, and feels that he enjoys this setup — a hackamore with a bit and two reins — more.

“I think it’s made a big difference and he will start to really use his body better,” she said. “He’s definitely more happy with his mouth open and just being able to release his body better. I think I got it all right; I swapped from the bit that I used at the [Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase earlier this month] and I thought he was gorgeous.”

Liz Halliday and Cooley Moonshine. Photo by Sally Spickard.

As we’ve mentioned before, Liz trains with Peter Wylde for the show jumping, enlisting his expertise and quiet way of riding to help her hone her skills in this phase. This winter, she’s spent some time jumping around some 1.35m classes at World Equestrian Center in Ocala, which she says has really helped both her and her horses.

“Mostly, my goal is to be a little bit faster, and just get comfortable just turning up to the jumps, which I think I did well today,” she went on. “I felt like I for the most part was back in my groove again. And I have jumped a few bigger classes this year — 1.35 and stuff, which has been great for me. And Peter’s helped kind of push me to do that, which is good. It’s been nice having him at the shows because he’s just such a great coach.”

Liz Halliday and Cooley Nutcracker. Photo by Sally Spickard.

She describes her longtime coaching team of Erik Duvander and Peter as her “zen place” — “I’ve had the two of them sometimes, they just put me in my zone. They’re chill, we’re just all chill together. No drama. It’s super nice.” — which helps her step up to the plate when the pressure is on.

Liz will withdraw Cooley Moonshine ahead of cross country — this has been her plan all along as he aims for the 4*-L at Tryon in May — which when official will move Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake (Tolan R – Doughiska Lass, by Kannan), owned by Mollie Hoff and Sherrie Martin, from third into second place.

Liz Halliday and Cooley Quicksilver. Photo by Sally Spickard.

For her part, Caroline was over the moon with the progression of her young superstar. “I keep hyping about him being stronger and a year older, but it really does make a difference. An eight-year-old around a four-star is a big ask, so just having one more year for him to get a little bit stronger — having a stronger canter and a stronger topline makes his life easier. He can show himself off more because it’s easier for both of us.”

This winter, Caroline and several other U.S. riders, including Tamie Smith, went on an outing to World Equestrian Center in Ocala, where upcoming Paris show jumping co-designer Gregory Bodo was on hand for a period of time to design the jumping courses there. This provided a prime opportunity to gather important intel ahead of the Games.

Caroline Pamucku and HSH Blake. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“I got [longtime coach and Olympic show jumper] Anne Kursinski to come up and [business partner] Kelley [Huthincon] and I kind of came up with a plan for him,” Caroline explained. “The biggest thing is just making sure I don’t rush the rhythm in the ring. He’s such a good jumper and he’s a phenomenal athlete. So just going in and having a steady round, not being so worried about making the time.”

Moving into the top five after a double clear show jumping are Meghan O’Donoghue with her own off-track Thoroughbred, Palm Crescent (Quiet American xx – Edey’s Village xx by Silver Deputy xx), who at 18 years young is aiming at both his and Meghan’s first attempt at Badminton this spring. Meghan and “Palmer” scored a 29.3 yesterday to place themselves competitively and will end up moving two places into fourth once Cooley Moonshine’s withdrawal is official.

Meghan O’Donoghue and Palm Crescent. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“He’s a very seasoned horse at this point which I’m just grateful every time I have him at a competition now at 18 years old,” Meghan said. “He just doesn’t feel like it, and he just shows up and gives 110% — if anything he’s always almost trying too hard, so it’s been a huge long journey of figuring him out and trying to make the recipe just right for him to have a career mindset that allows his best performances.”

Meghan has benefitted from the care of longtime groom Emma Tuit keeping Palmer in his best shape, and on the flat from Barend Heilbron and Ian Woodhead. “We all know those are key players that you can’t be successful without, and I know its part of my recipe of finishing a competitive weekend here. This year I have Badminton on my mind, that is my spring goal and I think with an Ian [Stark] track it was the right thing to bring him to.”

In total, 14 pairs of the 35 starters delivered double clear efforts over Marc Donovan’s always-influential track set on grass in front of the Carolina Club. A handful of fences elicited the most problems, with the triple combination heading toward the Carolina Club at 7ABC causing a total of 9 pulled rails. The time allowed was adjusted down from 88 seconds following the first few riders, and four pairs accumulated time penalties over the course of the division.

Emily Hamel and Corvett. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Tomorrow’s Yanmar America 4*-S cross country is very similar to the 2023 version, with a few minor tweaks here and there. This is the final year Ian Stark will design courses, but he’s got a full roster on his plate before he fully hangs his hat up, including the Bramham 4*-L in the UK and the Maryland 5 Star this fall.

“It’s the same flow the same course as last year,” Ian remarked. “I’ve just tweaked a few things. And the first water for example, is probably a little friendlier with the last water is quite intense. I got to the end of last year, and I kind of — my attitude was this year’s gone really well, maybe I should bring my own retirement forward a year! So I didn’t want to do big changes this year. I’m trying to get through this as smoothly as possible as the idea, but no, I mean, there’s plenty for them to jump out there. It’s not going to be a walk in the park, that’s for sure.”

Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle. Photo by Sally Spickard.

With the idea in mind that many riders use this as a prep for a spring 5*, Ian factors this in as he thinks about his design. “If I look at it that it’s early in the year and back off, then it’s not giving them a proper introduction to Kentucky or Badminton. And I’m a great believer in encouraging the riders and the horses to come up to the level, not taking the level to them. So, I’ve never really been shy at asking the questions. I’m kind of nervous on cross country, always because you ask the questions and you think, ‘oh, yikes, they’re out there.’ And it’s all your responsibility. But I think for the horses and the riders for me, it’s important that they get the chance to jump a decent track, before they go to the big competitions.”

Cross country begins tomorrow at 8 a.m. ET with the Intermediate division, followed by 3* around 9:30 a.m., 4* around 11:45 a.m., Advanced around 1:51 p.m., 2* at 3:03 p.m., and 1* to close the day at 4:25 p.m. You can view the live stream for all divisions on cross country on Horse & Country here.

Stay tuned for a more extensive course preview of the 4*-S coming your way first thing tomorrow morning. Until then, stay safe and Go Eventing!

Carolina International CCI & H.T. (Raeford, NC) [Website] [Schedule] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Cross Country Maps] [Live Scores] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]