Classic Eventing Nation

The Weekend Starts Today: Live Blog from Defender Kentucky 5* – Dressage Day One

By on Apr 24, 2025 1:24 pm -

The stage is set… Photo by Tilly Berendt.

It is happening. The Best Weekend All Year is upon us and I’ll be bringing you all of the action, as it happens, from Kentucky Horse Park where the 5* competition is about to get underway.

The field is hot, hot, hot 🌶️ that’s for sure, and we are in for one heck of a long weekend of sport. Stay tuned ENers, we’ve got multiple boots on the ground and chinchillas locked onto live streams, bringing you all the content you can handle so you won’t miss a thing.

Going today we have the reigning Olympic champions (incidentally, they’re also previous Kentucky champs), stalwart 5* campaigners – including a trio of winners – and rookies alike, all vying to get their name at the top of the leaderboard as they head into Saturday’s cross country. It’s going to be a good one, you know it! Find out everything you need to know about all of the competitors in our new-look Form Guide – you’ll find it here.

Before we head out between the white boards, a little ‘refresher’ on the no. 1 rule of following EN’s classic live blog: refresh, refresh, refresh – and all will be revealed.

If you’re catching up with this later and are the type to like things in order, scroll ⬇️ and read ⬆️. If going backwards is more your jam, have at it.

As you know, here at EN we are ridiculously happy to wear our fingers down to tiny stumps in order to feed eventing nerdsters such as yourselves every scrap of info, fun, crazy, weird and wild that Defender Kentucky so kindly throws up. You’ll find all of our blood-soaked content and hilarity right here. And that’s not all because we’re nothing if not generous in sharing our crazy. There’s also super fun behind-the-scenes shenanigans going on over on our Instagram channel @goeventing – follow along here.

With all that said, it’s time to kick on and go eventing! Let’s do this thing…

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

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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.

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3:24pm

🇺🇸 Buck Davidson Jr. and Sorocaima

Buck Davidson and Sorocaima. Photo by Sally Spickard.

‘Cam’ had a successful career on the track before turning his hoof to eventing with Buck 🏇 Less gallop more dancing today though, hey Cam? Save the speed for cross country.

Cam picks his head up as he halts at the beginning of his test, just to check we’re watching him. He sets off into trot and is doing everything Buck asks of him.

Scores are in the 6s for the initial part of the trot work. They lose a little rhythm in the half pass. Cam is kind of tight and that tension really shows up in the reinback. His head comes up and it looks a little tricky.

There’s clearly a lot of excitement bubbling under the surface in the walk work but he’s keeping a lid on it.

There’s more fractiousness in the first pirouette and Cam’s really got the bend a little off. The second is slightly better. Scores drop a little in this part of the test.

They get off into canter and the mistakes continue to creep in. There’s a fair bit of tension here but the horse is fit for cross country, that’s for sure. They continue on performing each movement but things don’t look easy. The turn back onto the center line is sticky. They halt at the end of their test and Buck looks a little disappointed. Cam gets a pat for his efforts today. Just wait ’til cross country day and we’ll see what this Thoroughbred can really do.

Buck Davidson Jr. and Sorocaima score 42.1.

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3:16pm

🇺🇸 Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle

Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle. Photo by Sally Spickard.

FE Lifestyle is, understandably, known as ‘Foxy’ in the barn 🦊 Just look at that gleaming orange coat. Foooxxxxyyyyy.

Jennie’s wearing her characteristic grin as she comes up the center line. They make a good halt and set off into a bouncy trot. This really looks like a horse and rider in total harmony. Foxy is soft and beautiful and balanced. It’s lovely to watch.

Foxy is supple in the lateral work and is pulling in 7s on the whole.

The halt at C isn’t quite square behind and the score drops a little. They set off into a relaxed enough walk, not quite as relaxed the trot work though.

They navigate the first pirouette but it’s a little tentative. It’s the same for the second. But they’re both very neat and tidy. They go back into a stunning trot. It’s a real highlight for this horse.

They set off into canter and Foxy isn’t quite as smooth as in the trot work. There’s a little tension creeping in but Jennie’s doing a masterful job in keeping a lid on everything. The scores drop a little for the first changes but the last one is neat.

The come back around onto the center line and finish up with a square halt. Foxy shakes his head and stops for a scratch on his knee as he walks around the ring. Lots of lovely pats from Jennie and a very relaxed horse at the end of his test – really great to see.

Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle score 34.

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3:08pm

🇳🇿 Jonelle Price and Hiarado

Jonelle Price and Hiarado. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

‘Jools’ finished 7th on her 5* debut at Pau in 2023 and Jonelle’s a 5* winner. A pair of feisty mares – I wouldn’t bet against ‘em!

They’re dead straight up the center line. Jools looks super fit and so powerful. They get off to a solid start with 7 for the halt. They set off into the trot work and Jools is so impressive. The extension is strong and the transition at the end is so smooth. The mare’s showing good suppleness in the lateral work.

The halt at C is very secure and the reinback is accurate. There’s a little mistake early in the walk as Jools breaks into trot a little, she’s a bit unbalanced on the turn. She’s relaxed though and walks out nicely for Jonelle.

The first pirouette is very neat and Jonelle rides perfectly into the second on this long horse. A really nice job for both of those movements.

The get off into canter and everything looks easy and accurate. They lengthen down the long side and then show a neat half pass into the first change, which is very good. The second and third are equally as good. There’s a little tension in the serpentine which shows up as a lack of straightness, things are bubbling up as the test nears the end.

They’re sudden into the final halt. Hiarado looks to have been working hard for Jonelle. A really solid test overall.

Jonelle Price and Hiarado score 30.

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3pm

🇺🇸 Caroline Pamukcu HSH Double Sixteen

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Double Sixteen. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

When he’s chillin’ at home,‘Six’ has been spotted sitting in the field, literally sitting like a dog 🐕 You do you, Six!

They come up the center line and aren’t the neatest into the first halt, but it’s correct when it happens. The early trot work is clean enough, but there’s not much extension going on. The horse looks quick – a bit rushed really.

The halt at C is better than the first and they set off into walk. The walk is accurate and the scores improve slightly on the trot. They navigate the pirouettes but they’re a little sticky. A tough move for this horse. They go back into trot and it’s more relaxed than at the beginning of the test.

The canter work looks to come easier to this horse than the trot. Unfortunately the first change doesn’t really happen for her and the second is late behind. Six picks his head up as he canters along the top of the arena but Caroline gets him back. They come back onto the center line and come to an abrupt halt. Sinead in the commentary box jokes that this is the fastest round so far.

There were some nice things going on in this test, and some mistakes.

Caroline Pamukcu HSH Double Sixteen score 39.8.

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🚜 We’re heading into a short break now. Competition resumes at 3pm EST when the second session will see us out. Back in a bit! 🚜

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.

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2:34pm

🇺🇸 James Alliston and Karma

James Alliston and Karma. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

This pair were 12th in the 5* last year. Can they break into the top-10 this time around? The mare’s a beast out on cross country, so don’t write her off if she’s not hassling the leaders after this phase. We all know eventing’s not a dressage competition…

They make their way up the center line and we can see a little of that sauciness bubbling away under the surface. She’s listening but James is having to ride sensibly.

She looks to be relaxing a bit as the trot work progresses and the halt at C is secure. The reinback is a little rushed. Scores in the 6s so far for this pair.

The walk is actually quite relaxed on the whole. Karma’s staying with James and the scores improve a little. He holds her quiet for the first pirouette and navigates the second. That was good riding of the horse that’s underneath him.

They strike off into canter and we can clearly see this mare’s spirit – she looks like a fun cross country horse. James is managing this really well. She’s so active that it’s tricky to hold her back in the movements a little. The changes are all really clean and accurate.

They turn back onto the center line and halt square. Big smile from James and a big pat for Karma. He looks really pleased with her. Overall, a good test from them.

James Alliston and Karma score 37.7.

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2:26pm

🇳🇿 Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park

Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park (NZL). Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Clarke’s checking off the elusive box of competing at all seven of the world’s 5*s with his Kentucky start 🌟

Clarke’s grinning as he comes up the center line. They have a great first halt and set off into their trot work.

Menlo Park looks relaxed and happy in the ring and is showing some really smooth trot movements. Scores are consistently in the 7s so far.

The halt at C isn’t quite square behind but the reinback is accurate. The extended walk is relaxed. This test is a real easy watch. It all looks easy and calm.

The first pirouette is very good and accurate, so is the second. 7s for them. Menlo Park gets off into his canter work and it’s the same, lovely picture. The horse is happy, they’re working as a partnership and everything looks easy.

The first change is very good and so is the second. Very clean and accurate. This test has been trending in the 7s throughout.

They halt to end their test and Clarke gives Menlo Park a big pat and a little hug. He looks delighted with his horse and their performance. He’s so relaxed, what a cool guy.

Very nice overall. Sub-30? Yes. Into =2nd with teammate Tim Price.

Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park score 28.4.

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2:18pm

🇩🇪 Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Olympic Champions, Kentucky winners, EquiRatings’ favorite for the crown this time around… Here’s Michi and ‘Chip’. Michael’s actually won Kentucky four times already, will he make it five this week? Quite possibly… He’s sat on the best dressage horse in the field, so that’s a pretty sound start.

OK, here we go…

They, of course, come dead straight up the center line and halt square for an 8. Chip is soft and relaxed and impressive. The early trot work is pulling in 8s across the board. He’s not flashy in the extended but it’s just so balanced and fluid and Michael is so, so accurate in every single cue.

The halt at C is very secure and the reinback is good enough for another 8. They’ve not been under 8 yet. The walk isn’t massive but it’s relaxed and accurate. Ooo, the first pirouette is the best we’ve seen so far by a little margin – 8 for that.

The canter is more of the same quality. The extended is so easy and Chip is so responsive when Michael asks him to come back. The flying changes aren’t flashy, but they’ve very correct for 8s. This test has been so very accurate – every single step. Not extravagant, but so accurate. The harmony mark is also 8.

Beautiful work from a beautifully produced horse ridden by a beautiful rider. Into the lead they go… Wow! It’s sub-20 by some margin… If this is his finishing score he’ll break his own record…

Michael Jung and FischerChipmunk FRH score 18.6.

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2:10pm

🇺🇸 Sharon White and Claus 63

Sharon White and Claus 63. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

This guy’s known as ‘Claus the Mouse’ at home because of his super-cute tiny ears 🐭

Sharon and Claus get off to a great start with a square halt. The sun’s out in Kentucky now and Claus is sparkling.

Ooo, he takes a little bathroom break as he gets going in the early trot work. He doesn’t miss a beat though. The extended trot is lovely. Claus looks very supple and happy in his work.

The halt at C is good and the reinback is clean and accurate. They set off into a relaxed walk. Their trending score is looking like one of their best.

Oh, Claus shows some anticipation before the first pirouette and goes to trot. Sharon brings him back though and they navigate the two pirouettes fine. Into the canter work now and Claus looks happier.

The canter work isn’t quite pulling in the same scores as the trot work. The first change is clean but the second wasn’t quite as good. He’s quite bouncy in the canter but he gets the final change really nicely.

There’s a big cheer as they come a little suddenly into the final halt. Claus looks like he’s worked really hard for Sharon. A good score coming in for this pair, surely. Yup, solid. A good start to their competition.

Sharon White and Claus 63 score 32.3.

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1:54pm

🇨🇦 Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent

Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Let’s hear it for the spotty ponies! ‘Lacey’ is one fancy lady 💃

The raincoats are starting to come out in the stadium as Jessie and Lacey come up the center line. The early trot work is neat and tidy. This horse doesn’t have the biggest movement but she’s accurate and the scores are around 6.5 so far.

The halt at C is steady and the reinback similar really – everything’s accurate but nothing’s flashy. Lacey has a little look around in the walk but Jessie’s supporting her. She gets a little upset after the first pirouette and breaks into trot but Jessie brings her back and they complete the second. There was some anticipation going into the first, it seemed.

They set off into the canter work, which is a similar style to the trot. When she extends the canter improves but the collected work is a little more tricky for her. The first change is tense and tight, but happens, the second more-so. Lacey’s building up more tension as this test nears the end. The third change is better.

The final halt is square once Lacey steps sideways into it. She looks very pleased with herself as she walks on a long rein out of the ring. Big pats from Jessie.

Jessica Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent score 36.8.

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1:46pm

🇺🇸 Emily Hamel and Corvett

Emily Hamel and Corvett. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Next up we have ‘Barry’ AKA ‘Corvett Airlines’ 🛫 Hopefully we’ll have to wait ‘til Saturday to see Barry fly high though.

Barry’s the joint-oldest horse in the field at 18. It’s such a testament to the program at home to have these older guys looking so great and still competing right at the top of their game.

Barry makes his way round the ring looking relatively relaxed. He’s doing everything Emily asks but you can see a little something something bubbling away, but Barry’s trying really hard.

The halt at C is square but they come off the rail in the reinback – it’s accurate though.

Barry sets off in a calm enough walk but his head comes up a little. Emily brings him back though. They navigate the two pirouettes accurately and then set back off into trot.

Barry’s taken to swishing his tail a little as he anticipates the canter work. He gets a clean transition and seems happier. Emily’s having to motivate Barry in every step of this test. She’s doing a lovely job of riding the horse that’s underneath her, an old friend who she knows inside out.

They halt for the end of their test and Barry’s done a good job overall. It’s not their best test but this is Barry’s ninth start at the level. He’s got eight completions behind him. What a huge achievement. There’s a big cheer as they leave the ring – well-deserved.

Emily Hamel and Corvett score 38.6.

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1:38pm

🇺🇸 Boyd Martin and Fedarman B

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Oh boy(d), ‘Bruno’ looks beautiful as he canters round the ring waiting for the bell. Boyd’s got his game face on.

They’re dead straight up the center line and halt super square for an 8. Bruno’s very settled and accurate in his trot work at the start of his test. He’s really working hard for Boyd and looks like a total pro.

The halt at C isn’t quite as good as his first halt. Bruno’s not quite straight in the reinback and swishes his tail a bit. Boyd cajoles him back though and they set off into a relaxed walk, on the whole.

There’s a little mistake coming into the first pirouette when Bruno thinks he’s going into trot. Boyd’s on it though and they navigate the tight turn round. The second one’s better.

Bruno’s very relaxed in his canter work. He powers down the ring in the extended and then comes back to Boyd softly. The changes come through but they’re not accurate enough for the big marks. The average scores drop a little.

The final halt isn’t as good as the first. Bruno looks tired at the end of that test, he really did work hard for Boyd. A good enough score coming in for them… Yup, sub-30! Big cheers for Boyd and Bruno. Boyd stops to shake hands with the Pony Clubbers assisting in the arena. Good guy.

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B score 29.8.

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1:30pm

🇳🇿 Tim Price and Jarillo

Tim Price and Jarillo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

‘Milo’ was looky, looky, bouncy, bouncy at the horse inspection yesterday. Less of the looky today please.

The competition begins with potential drama… thunderstorms are forecast ⛈️ C’mon Kentucky weather, be kind to us.

And we’re off! Tim and Jarillo enter the ring up the center line and get their competition off to a stylish start with a square halt. Jarillo is so soft, so supple, ‘the definition of elasticity’ Sinead in the commentary box says.

Tim’s really showing us how to ride a dressage test, of course. They have another square halt at C. Jarillo obviously finds the walk work a little more difficult. Tim’s encouraging him to take his nose forward as he’s got a little tight. He relaxes into it as things go on though.

Jarillo navigates the tricky pirouettes. He could have been a little smoother but he does a neat job.

The canter work is very tidy, until there’s a slight bobble and Sinead wonders if he’s kicked a shoe off. The flying changes come up for them, with Tim really giving us a masterclass in helping a horse within a movement.

They come back up the center line and produce another neat halt.

A very nice test to start us off. Sub-30. In the mix, surely.

Tim Price and Jarillo score 28.5.

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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.

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!

Thursday News & Notes

By on Apr 24, 2025 12:01 am -

The horses and their riders have arrived from both near and far to contend this year’s Defender Kentucky Horse Trials – as have their supporters, in all shapes and forms!

Can you guess which mascot belongs to which of the Team Price horses? Nope, me neither, but as long as they help them all to get round, who are we to judge?! Wishing ALL of the competitors this weekend – both human and equine – a safe and successful Kentucky! Who’s ready to GO EVENTING?!

U.S. Weekend Preview

Defender Kentucky (KY): [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [Ultimate Guide] [Form Guide]

Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Spring H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Horse Park of New Jersey Spring H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Today at Defender Kentucky

Aaaaand we’re off! Following yesterday’s jog, Defender Kentucky Horse Trails is finally underway, with the first of the CCI4*-S dressage taking place at 8 a.m. ET, followed by the first half of the 5* dressage at 1:20 p.m. ET. The live stream will be available over on USEF Network (free with your USEF membership or a free fan membership here or, outside of the U.S. ClipMyHorse and you can find specific ride times – as well as the daily schedule and results over at the official Kentucky site here.

The cross country course was officially opened to riders yesterday, following the final Ground Jury inspection, and our very own team here at Eventing Nation have all been busy out on course, preparing an exciting course preview video, which will be landing across our social channels VERY SOON – make sure that that you are following us over on @goeventing and/or on Facebook so that you don’t miss a thing! A guided course preview is also available to view on the CrossCountryApp too, along with maps of both the CCI5* and CCI4*-S courses.

The indefatigable Cheg Darlington will be bringing you live updates ALL weekend – you can follow along with all of today’s action here once the 5* dressage gets underway (BUT PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS LINK WON’T BE LIVE UNTIL THE 5* DRESSAGE STARTS!)

As if all of this wasn’t enough, we will be bringing you a boat load of exclusive behind the scenes footage all week over on our Instagram broadcast channel so make sure that you are signed up to see it all as it happens, and catch some exclusive content with all of your favourite riders!

Finally, make sure that you set aside some time to get to know all of the 5* competitors in depth, thanks to our shiny new Form Guide, which you can find right here, and catch up on ALL of our Kentucky coverage here, as well as all of our pre-event coverage too, which includes all of the 5* rookie profiles, and all of the essential info you need for this year’s event.

Keep it locked and loaded here at Eventing Nation for all the very best coverage of the Best Weekend All Year – LET’S GO EVENTING!

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

News & Notes

If you haven’t fallen into a Kentucky content induced coma yet, then here is a little more to tip you over the edge! This time, in podcast form, with not one but TWO excellent preview shows. First up, we have Sam Watson and Nicole Brown from the EquiRatings Podcast making their very well informed predictions on all of this year’s movers and shakers, and once you’re done with that, go give the US Equestrian Podcast a listen, where our very own Sally Spickard will be sharing her thoughts on the top contenders in the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, alongside Diarmuid Byrne, Annie Bishop and Sinead Maynard.

Speaking of podcasts, we know we don’t need to remind you, BUT our latest podcast dropped this week, too! This week, Sharon White was chatting to Sally about EVERYTHING, including what it’s really like to prepare for Kentucky, the Olympics and well, everything else in between. Plus, you can find out just what Team EN will be getting up to at Kentucky this weekend – including Chase the Chinch! (You’ll have to listen to find out what the hell we’re talking about there…) On that note…Don’t miss Sharon’s dressage test today – she and Claus 63 go at 2.10PM (EST)/7.10PM (CET) in the 5*.

All eyes may be on Kentucky this weekend, but we bring yet more 5* news from across the Atlantic! The Mars Badminton drawn order has finally been revealed – find out when all of your favourite riders will take centre stage here – something to look forward to when the Kentucky hang over inevitably kicks in!

From one 5* to another! The Defender Burghley Box Office is officially open, meaning that you can secure your tickets to yet another top class event, even if it is still 5 whole months away. Still, everyone loves a plan – especially when it involves horses and eventing, right?!

Video Break

What would your horse’s cross country walk-out song be? Find out what your favorite rider chose!

One Horse Eliminated, 34 Forward to CCI5* Competition at Defender Kentucky

By on Apr 23, 2025 6:07 pm -

Jennie Brannigan and Twilightslastgleam. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We started off Defender Kentucky week with a side of unfortunate drama this afternoon as the 35 CCI5* entries came forward to present to the Ground Jury, presided over by Christian Steiner (AUT) and joined by Anne-Mette Binder (DEN) and Peter Gray (CAN).

Late in the order came Jennie Brannigan with Tim and Nina Gardner’s Twilightsgleam, who was to start his sixth 5* competition this week. “Comic” (also known affectionately as “Grandpa”) was initially sent to the holding area to re-inspect, and after Jennie presented again the Ground Jury took a lengthy amount of time to come to a decision. Sadly, the decision was not to accept the 15-year-old Thoroughbred gelding forward to competition.

Jennie was, understandably, emotional about the situation, made somewhat more stressful earlier on when the announcer had a delay in letting her know that her first ride, FE Lifestyle, was accepted.

“I love this horse so much, and he already has given me so much,” Jennie told EN. “He doesn’t owe us a single thing, and really, wholeheartedly, if he is not quite right, we would never want to run him. We have struggled with his feet over the years, but I pride myself on being a good horseman, and so I am more embarrassed than anything. I’ve not sure I have ever been spun at a jog. The most important thing, though, is that there will ALWAYS be another horse show. There will NEVER be another Grandpa. The Gardners are such experienced owners and have always supported his every need to keep him happy and healthy. He is my heart horse, and I would never want him to run if he isn’t 100%, and I am the most emotional about that. We love him, and we will always put him first.”

Boyd Martin and Luke 140. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Beyond that, the rest of the inspection was without any drama (well, not if you ask Dyri, who was CLEARLY ready to show people exactly how athletic he is), and all remaining 34 horses were accepted and will move on to dressage starting tomorrow afternoon.

You can find ride times for dressage for both the 4* and 5* here. We’ll be back later on with Tilly Berendt’s (in?)famous Golden Chinch Awards, to be sure to check back!

Go Eventing.

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.

Defender Kentucky (KY): [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [Ultimate Guide] [Form Guide]

Dressage Test Hacks: How to Memorize Like a Pro (Without Melting Down at A)

By on Apr 23, 2025 10:00 am -

Presented by Dressage TestPro

Hannah Sue Hollberg and Carsonstown. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Let’s be real here: memorizing a dressage test can sometimes feel like trying to learn an interpretive dance routine designed by a particularly sadistic choreographer. One second, you’re trotting along confidently and the next, you’re blanking out so hard that your horse starts making executive decisions, and usually to the tune of a score between 2-4 for that movement. As you move up the levels, the tests become more and more technical, which means the mental gymnastics become even more panic-inducing (if you’re anything like us).

It may be Kentucky week, where the true pros who very rarely (but sometimes do! They are human, too!) go “off course” in a test, but if you’re like me and find big time events like this to be inspiring, watching the quality of test we often see at this level makes me want to learn more about how to really ride a test. That starts with knowing it, which really, truthfully, can be a really difficult part of the job. To add on, not everyone learns in the same way.

But fear not! With a little strategy (and maybe a great sidekick like Dressage TestPro), you can hack your dressage test and ride with confidence in your ability to remember where the heck you’re going.

1. Break It Into Bite-Sized Chunks

Trying to memorize your entire test in one go is like trying to eat an entire pizza in one sitting: technically possible (no judgement from us, I just did this on Friday, if we’re being honest), but inadvisable.

Instead, divide the test into sections:

  • Opening movements (centerline and first few turns)
  • The meat of the test (transitions, changes of pace, lateral work if applicable)
  • Final movements (the home stretch)

Memorize one section at a time and only move on when you can mentally ride through it without hesitation. As Sharon White mentioned on the most recent episode of The Go Eventing Podcast, she doesn’t want to be thinking about the test when she’s in the ring. She wants to have her full focus on her horse, with the test itself being second nature due to the practice she’s put in to know it well.

2. Walk It Out

You might look slightly unhinged marching around your living room whispering “K-X-M, change rein” under your breath, but physically walking your test really does help cement the pattern in your brain (don’t like, we know you’ve tried it at least once!). If you have a big enough space, use cones or random household objects to recreate the dressage ring.

3. Visualize Like a Gold Medalist

Your brain doesn’t know the difference between actually riding the test and vividly imagining riding the test.

Top riders swear by this trick: close your eyes, breathe, and mentally ride through each movement as if you were in the arena. Feel the rhythm, the transitions, and the geometry of what you’re riding.

4. Say It Out Loud

Some riders recite their tests like a script or subject their significant other or barn friends to endless repetition. But repetition is a key to learning! Repeating the test out loud reinforces memory and helps with timing.

5. Use Dressage TestPro Like a Secret Weapon

We’ve really embraced technology in recent years, and there are now several educational equestrian apps and websites available. Dressage TestPro is one such tool which lets you study your test on the go, quiz yourself, draw it out on the screen (with a feature that will correct you if you go the wrong way!) and even watch it played out on a virtual arena. It’s like having a dressage coach in your pocket—minus the judgmental eyebrow raise.

Dressage TestPro leverages the idea of visualization and varying learning styles to help riders stress less about this key part of our sport. There are several editions of the app available, depending on which test you need and what country you’re in. You can view all of the available editions here. In-app purchases of either monthly or annual access to all available/current tests cost $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year (note: the price is subject to variance depending on your currency and country).

6. Drill the “Oh No” Moments

Identify the trickiest parts of your test: the movement that always trips you up or the transition you inevitably ride too early, or maybe your circles are just a hair off-center. Ride those sections more often than the easy ones so they feel automatic when you’re under pressure. Remember: repetition is a skill we all need in this sport (and beyond!).

7. Look at the Test from the Big Picture

While breaking the test down into chunks or practicing specific movements on repeat are excellent tips, it’s also useful to look at your test from the big picture. Remember: the test-writers aren’t just writing down movements arbitrarily. There is a rhyme and reason for each, and for the sequence of the movements. Sit down and read your test from start to finish (and better yet, find a video and watch it being ridden) and look at it through the lens of how each movement complements the next. You may be able to identify more of a flow than you originally thought, and when something feels natural and complementary, it becomes easier to commit to memory.

And if you want even more help? We can guarantee that you can find a dressage judge who’s willing to sit down with you to read through the test. If you check out your local calendar of events, you may also find a “Fix-A-Test” clinic near you; these are set up with an arena and a judge, but the premise is to ride your test and receive feedback from the judge directly afterward. They’re very useful practice events!

By following these tips (and downloading Dressage TestPro for an extra edge), you’ll have your test memorized in no time—and hopefully with less likelihood your brain will suddenly go blank and cease to have a single thought (of logic, at least – intrusive thoughts seem to remain regardless) as soon as you enter at A.

Now go forth, ride those movements like a boss, and may your centerlines always be straight!

Want to learn more about Dressage TestPro? Click here to read our full review!

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 Dressage TestPro was compensated as a part of an advertising package. The review reflects our writer’s full experience using this product.

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Apr 23, 2025 1:00 am -

This is your sign to head on over to our Instagram page all week long for more sights and sounds from Defender Kentucky. We’ll be bringing you backstage like never before this week through our Instagram Broadcast Channel, which we’re testing out this week. Stop on by and let us know what you’d like to see this week!

U.S. Weekend Preview

Defender Kentucky (KY): [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [Ultimate Guide] [Form Guide]

Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Spring H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Horse Park of New Jersey Spring H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Today at Defender Kentucky

Each day this week, we’ll have a general schedule for the day (you can always view the official event schedule for the full roster of events, including demos, here), so be sure to check back in every morning for the latest!

Today at 2 p.m., the First Horse Inspection will take place. It’ll just be the 5* horses (the 4*-S horses will have done in-barn inspections, and will trot up on Sunday morning with the others). Typically, the jog is live streamed on the Kentucky Facebook page. Keep an eye out here for a live video close to 2 p.m.

After that, the cross country course will open to the riders once the Ground Jury has done their final approvals. The riders who compete on Thursday will also head down to Rolex Stadium for ring familiarization, which gives them the opportunity to get their horses into the competition ring ahead of their actual test.

Today, our team will be heading out on cross country to begin gathering photos for our 5* course preview. This year, we’ll be using Impulsion Media to create our course preview video, which will drop on social later this week. CrossCountryApp will also publish a guided preview of the 5* and maps of both courses soon here.

Don’t forget to start studying! Our new and improved Form Guide is ready to help you learn all you need to know about every 5* competitor. Click here to access it. You can find more information in the link list below or in our Ultimate Guide here.

Defender Kentucky (KY): [Website] [Tickets] [Official Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [XC Maps – Coming Soon] [ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [USEF Network on ClipMyHorse Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage] [Ultimate Guide] [Form Guide]

News & Reading

On May 1, the FEI’s new noseband measuring tool will go into active use. The interpretation of this rule has been a bit fuzzy, and so is the writing of the memo for it, which can be viewed here. It’s a little unclear whether or not every horse will be tested at every FEI competition, but the fact remains that the tool is coming. If you want to test the device out yourself and ensure tightness compliance for your tack, you can now purchase one here.

The USEA has shared some “Fast Facts” about the field at Defender Kentucky this week. Find out what breeds are best-represented, what the average age of the horses is, and more here.

The stretchy circle in a dressage test can be deceptively challenging. How can you manage this movement to not only get a great score, but use it for the benefit of your horse? Practical Horseman has some strategy for you here.

Want to catch up on the latest research about cribbing, but don’t want to sift through all of the academic and research journals to get what you’re looking for? Try this breakdown from TheHorse.com, which has some really fascinating findings from recent studies that could help you think scientifically about managing a cribber.

Video Break

We call this a hype reel!

Remembering Timothy Holekamp

By on Apr 22, 2025 12:00 pm -

USEA/Meagan Delisle photo

The eventing community mourns the passing of Dr. Timothy Holekamp, who died on April 20. A lifelong horseman, forward-thinking breeder, and tireless advocate for young horses and U.S. breeding, Tim leaves behind a profound and enduring legacy within our sport.

Together with his wife, Cheryl, Tim founded New Spring Farm in Missouri, where the couple cultivated a breeding program that would help redefine what American-bred horses could achieve on the world stage. Among their most celebrated success stories is the Trakehner stallion Windfall — who represented the U.S. at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and helped bring home a team bronze medal with Darren Chiacchia — purchased and imported from Germany with the intention to influence North American breeding lines with his genetics. Windfall became one of the most influential eventing stallions in modern history, leaving a lasting and ongoing mark on sport horse breeding in North America in particular.

One such progeny standout was Tsetserleg TSF (“Thomas”), a Trakehner gelding by Windfall who earned both team and individual gold medals at the 2019 Pan American Games and represented the U.S. at two World Championships with Boyd Martin. Tsetserleg, who is owned by the Turner family, went on to become one of the most consistent and admired 5* horses in the country, and is still campaigning today at the age of 18.

But Tim’s contributions extended far beyond the successes of the horses he and Cheryl produced. A fierce supporter of developing young horses and U.S. breeding programs, he and Cheryl helped launch the Holekamp/Turner Le Lion d’Angers Grant through the USEA. The grant provides travel funding each year to the top-placed 7-year-old who went through the USEA Young Event Horse Championships who is qualified to represent the U.S. at the FEI World Breeding Eventing Championships in Le Lion d’Angers, France. The goal? To give U.S.-produced horses a chance to compete against the best in the world — and to show that they belong there.

Tim co-chaired the USEA Young Event Horse Committee, served as President of the American Trakehner Association, and opened the doors of New Spring Farm to clinics, breed inspections, and countless educational opportunities. He believed deeply in American horses, American riders, and the power of a well-laid foundation.

For his efforts, Tim and Cheryl were honored as the 2019 Trakehner Breeders of the Year by the German Trakehner Verband — the first Americans ever to receive the distinction. But those who knew Tim will remember him even more for his generosity, his intellect, his conviction, and his absolute joy in watching a young horse come into its own.

Tim Holekamp’s legacy will live on in the horses he bred, the riders he supported, the programs he shaped, and the belief he instilled in an entire generation of U.S. breeders. We send our deepest condolences to Cheryl and to all who loved and admired him.

Rest well, Tim. You helped build the path forward.

The Form Guide Has Landed: Meet the Horses and Riders of the Defender Kentucky CCI5*

By on Apr 22, 2025 9:30 am -

It’s time to unveil our first 5* Form Guide of 2025! This year, we’ve reimagined our Form Guides to make them easier to consume and simpler for our team to put together. We’ve housed this year’s Form Guide on Notion, and you can view it and interact with it below or by clicking here.

The horses and riders of the 5* field are listed in drawn order. You can also click over to the “Event Horse Database” tab on the left panel, then the “All Horses” tab to view all of the horses in alphabetical order, then expand each profile card from there. By clicking or tapping on a profile card, you’ll also be able to see things like Fun Facts and recent form for each competitor.

Who are you rooting for this year? Let us know your pick, plus what you think of our reformatted Form Guide, in the comments or by emailing [email protected]!

We’ll also be bringing you a few on the ground insights exclusively for you, our followers, over on our Instagram Broadcast Channel here. You’ll be able to comment on and react to our posts and join the conversation as it happens!

Can’t view the embedded form below, or want to view it in full glory? We definitely recommend viewing this in its own window or within the free Notion app. Click here to view the Form Guide in a new window!