Classic Eventing Nation

Weekend Winners: Equestrians’ Institute, IEA, Archer, Ocala, GMHA, Poplar Place, MCTA, & Essex

By on Jun 2, 2025 10:00 am -

We had a busy Eventing weekend, with numerous events to recap and many Weekend Winners to celebrate!

Congrats to all on successful outings, with a special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award, Morgan McGrain and Compass, who scored a 19.2 in the Open Novice at MCTA to take home the win!

Equestrians’ Institute H.T. (WA): [Website][Scoring]

Open Intermediate: Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 (45.2)
Open Preliminary: Reese Blinks and I’M Jaguar (32.2)
Junior Training: Payton Roberts and Can Be Controversial (45.4)
Training Amateur: Jessica Berntson and Grazie Daisy (31.9)
Open Training: Anna Stein and Konnan O (28.6)
Junior Novice: Lily Rhea and Cooley Ever After (34.3)
Novice Rider: Sherry Swanson and Keegan (26.7)
Novice Amateur: Melissa Sloan and Ardeo Grace (31.9)
Open Novice: Todd Trewin and Barcelona (30.6)
Junior Beginner Novice A: Gage Schaefer and My Red Maserati (29.3)
Junior Beginner Novice B: Rita Caiado and Makin It Big In Hollywood (30.6)
Beginner Novice Rider: Jennifer Slack and Dark and Stormy (31.5)
Beginner Novice Amateur: Lisa Morse and James P. Sullivan (32.7)
Open Beginner Novice: Rosey Paulson and Crown and Coke (26.8)
Junior Starter: Chloe Dunsmoor and fine magic talon (23.5)
Senior Starter Rider: Helen Sims and Flying B Sand Creek (32.0)
Open Starter: Bianca Linder and Raindrops on Roses (28.0)

IEA Horse Trials (IN): [Website][Scoring]

Intermediate/Preliminary: Kasidy Mcmartin and Newtown’s Llewellyn (43.2)
Open Preliminary: Jesslyn Woodall and Diamond Dog (34.8)
Open Modified: Brad Hall and Montauk Blue (33.6)
Open Training 1: Hannah Warner and Dawn Breaker (24.1)
Open Training 2: Roberta Christie and Must Be Lucky (33.1)
Open Training 3: Kate Schmitz and Undaunted Rags (36.6)
Training 3 Day: Lydia McKenzie and Gen Z (33.8)
Open Novice 1: Christina DeMauro and Tatabra Ivanhoe (28.6)
Open Novice 2: Eleanor Takagishi and Phat True Dat (28.1)
Open Novice 3: Jordan Scroggins and C25’s Bugatti (29.4)
Open Novice 4: Anabelle Iverson and Delgado (25.0)
Novice 3 Day: Sierra Thomas and Five Berg (28.6)
Open Beginner Novice 1: Rachel Barron and Zenith Almost Got Away (25.6)
Open Beginner Novice 2: Leslie van der Wal and Ballinaclough Caruso (28.4)
Open Beginner Novice 3: Lindsay Haupt and Pappillon Van Het Hellehof (24.6)
Open Beginner Novice 4: Annie Buehler and Iron Invitation (30.9)
Beginner Novice 3 Day: Lucy Stopher and Appalachia (27.2)
Open Starter 1: Mirabelle Decoteau-hertich and One Million (27.0)
Open Starter 2: Alston Kerr and Billie Hi Ho (23.1)
Open Starter 3: Azure Schloemer and Royal Lady (28.0)
Open Starter 4: Emma Doran and Miss Airheart (28.3)

The Spring Event at Archer (WY): [Website][Scoring]

Advanced CT: Madeline Backus and Baratheon (34.5)
Open Preliminary: Dani Sussman and Watervalley Royal Guy (30.1)
Modified: Ella Munsat and Lassban Sansa (50.7)
Open Training: Shaena Putnam and Zantango (32.5)
Novice – Amateur A: Louise Walker and Get There John (37.5)
Novice – Amateur B: Emmy Williams and Fortunate Rebel (34.6)
Novice – Junior/Young Riders: Lauren Fedorczyk and Galicia (32.2)
Open Novice: Carly Atkinson and Lanprinz TBH (29.2)
Beginner Novice – Amateur A: Lacy Cotton-Hodgson and The Phantom Menace (26.4)
Beginner Novice – Amateur B: Alakwa Pardue-Duran and Cloonrane Dancer (33.2)
Beginner Novice – Junior/Young Rider: Abigail Williams and Reflektion’s Rio (30.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Madeline Backus and FGF Ole Mole (26.5)
Starter A: Madeline Backus and Zion Valiente von G (26.3)
Starter – Amateur: Jessica Dallow and Zoffany (35.3)
Starter B: Rachel Howard and Baloo (31.3)
Starter – Junior/Young Rider: Dagny Brault and High Flyin’ Diamond (34.3)
Tadpole Junior: Tessa Tucker and Fernhill Bijzonder (25.6)
Tadpole Senior: Madeline Backus and Glenrowan (27.5)

Ocala Summer H.T. (FL): [Website][Scoring]

Intermediate – Championships: Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis and Splash Dance (40.2)
Open Intermediate: Ava Elena Alvarez and Isn’t She Lovely (37.4)
Open Preliminary: Kyle Carter and Tradhearg Gold Imperium (31.1)
Preliminary Championships: Kyle Carter and Reddy For Raine (26.7)
Modified – Championships: Cindy Rawson and Fourfields Classek (32.3)
Modified Rider: Owen Isrow and Wonderful Courage (28.0)
Open Modified: Chloe Paddack and Hawthornstud Fortunate Love (26.3)
Junior Training Rider – Championships: Kaitlyn Cobey and Redfield Need For Speed (24.4)
Open Training: Sara Kozumplik and FE Melody (26.1)
Senior Training Rider – Championships: Emily Dender and Starspangled (38.7)
Training Horse – Championships: Candace Elizabeth Bell and Shmick (20.3)
Training Rider: Kendra Heath-Brost and Sleepwalker’s Serenade (33.3)
Junior Novice Rider – Championships: Penelope Young and Cedric (27.5)
Novice Horse – Championsips: Elliott Timmons and Pertinacious Tiz (27.8)
Novice Rider: Penelope Young and Tug of War (33.7)
Open Novice: Eileen Galoostian and Kilcannon Sensation (28.1)
Senior Novice Rider – Championships: Margaret Schneck and Islandwood Border Patrol (28.9)
Beginner Novice Horse – Championships: Merrell Waggoner and Big Bear’s Coeur D’un Aigle (26.8)
Beginner Novice Rider: Aline Briot and Malibu ROF (30.9)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider – Championships: Raegan Hornfeck and Legendary Spots (31.7)
Open Beginner Novice: Elliott Timmons and W.H. Topgun (27.7)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider – Championships: Becky Harris and Cassouleto (24.7)
Young Event Horse – 4 Year Old: Audrea Dyer and My Last Lee (79.000)
Young Event Horse – 5 Year Old: Zachary Brandt and Uxem Van’t Veldhoek (85.550)
Starter: Sandra Barclay and GCS Shotgun Cooley (34.0)
Starter Rider – Championships: Cathy Rotola and BKP Nick Of Time (26.3)

GMHA June H.T. (VT): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Laurie Seely and Contefino Grande (43.4)
Preliminary Rider: Ava Applebaum and DHI Qyaracolle Z (38.3)
Open Modified: Caroline Teich and Fürsten Dansil (40.0)
Open Training: Kay Slater and Borris Sunbeam (38.2)
Training Rider A: Devon Champlain and Champagne Event (30.6)
Training Rider B: Jebb Simpson and Shirsheen Du Carel (30.0)
Junior Novice: Ellie Moran and Maximus (27.2)
Novice Rider A: Lisa Morrison and Viva la Vida (27.8)
Novice Rider B: Crystal Santos and Dr Pepper (25.3)
Open Novice: Jane Hamlin and Fernhill Holiday (27.2)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Lydia Foster and Isn’t She Sweet (36.5)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Janet Kenton-Walker and Carmella (29.1)
Junior Beginner Novice: Ellie Branco and Peaddar Knows the Way (33.5)
Open Beginner Novice A: Kristal Gessler and In the union (23.5)
Open Beginner Novice B: Charlene Paolini and Cedrick (33.5)

Poplar Place June H.T. (GA): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Claire Robinson and Fernhill Swatch Out (36.2)
Modified: Tessa Geven and Ameristan (26.0)
Open Training: Jessica Schultz and My Pal Jerry (32.1)
Training Rider: Lucy Duff and Suzie Que (38.8)
Junior Novice Rider: Piper Surber and Big Bear’s Coriana (29.7)
Open Novice: Jessica Schultz and Take Me To Jimmy (24.7)
Senior Novice Rider: Margaret Morgan and Mozi (33.9)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Caroline Hinson and Top Gun (34.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Winter Martin and Snap Dragon (26.5)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Jocelyn Atkinson and IMPULSE (29.4)
Introductory: Adeline Crawford and Idlehour Center Stage (21.5)
Starter: Chloe Faulkner and Sir Noble Knight (28.3)
Starter – Junior: Mary Shea and VR Any Given Sunday (31.7)

MCTA H.T. at Shawan Downs (MD): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Boyd Martin and Newmarket Cooley (28.0)
Modified Rider: Sophie Reed and Leabeg Sam (36.8)
Open Modified: Colleen Rutledge and Karisa T (23.0)
Open Training: Colleen Rutledge and Atomic Blonde (24.7)
Training Rider: Katie Novotny and Jaguar Rosette WG (25.0)
Open Novice: Morgan McGrain and Compass (19.2)
Open Novice A: Savannah Fulton and Souvenir (20.8)
Open Novice B: Nikki Scherrer and Excel Star Future Hugo (33.9)
Open Beginner Novice A: Savannah Fulton and FMF Asparagus (25.6)
Open Beginner Novice B: Brianna Uhlmer and Valeta Dancer (33.8)
Starter: Katrina Davis and Paint Misbehavin’ (26.0)

Essex H.T. (NJ): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Nicholas Hansen and Mr. Max (53.3)
Preliminary Rider: Jenna Levesque and Born Ready (48.8)
Open Training: Ryan Wood and The Optimist (26.0)
Training Rider: Marina Cassou and Castleturvin Mungo (33.1)
Novice Rider: Valentine Jie and Hillowan Bob (25.8)
Open Novice: Leeci Rowsell and Corstowns Espresso Martini (31.9)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Karen Forrester and Merlin (36.9)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Julia Cutler and Rock Me Mama (30.3)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Annabelle Carrajat and Man of Conviction (30.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Monica Pagani and Own It RFB (32.0)
Starter A: Olivia Hicok and Huckleberry (21.7)
Starter B: Karli Pinkowsky and Juneaux (31.4)

Top Riders to Contest MARS Bromont CCI

By on Jun 2, 2025 9:00 am -

World number-one ranked eventing rider and four-time Olympian, Boyd Martin (USA) will be competing at the MARS Bromont CCI June 5-8 at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park. He won the CCI2*-L at the MARS Bromont CCI in 2024 with Fetiche Des Rouges (pictured) they will tackle the CCI3*-L in 2025. © Cealy Tetley Photo.

Bromont Horse Trials is excited to announce a few of the top local and international riders entered to compete at the MARS Bromont CCI, taking place June 5-8, 2025 at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park.

Widely considered one of the most prestigious and longest-running three-day events in North America, athletes will compete for $20,000 in prize money and awards offered by the generous sponsors of the MARS Bromont Three Day Event. All four days of competition as well as the special performances are family-friendly and completely free all weekend. There is no charge for admission or parking.

Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye. Michelle Dunn photo.

Local Olympian Colleen Loach of Dunham, QC, (above) has been a Canadian team member since 2015. She participated in the Rio and Tokyo Olympics, the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Tryon (2018) and also won bronze at two Pan-American Games (Toronto and Lima.) Loach has entered Chiaro Z Excalibur in the CCI4*-S. She won the CCI4*-S at Bromont with FE Golden Eye in August of 2024.

A few of the fellow Canadians joining Loach include Jessica Phoenix of Cannington, ON (5-time Pan-Am medalist and Canadian Olympian, pictured below with Fluorescent Adolescent at Bromont in 2024) Dana Cooke (2019 Pan-Am bronze and 2022 World Equestrian Games team, BC native based in North Carolina), Melissa Boutin of Ascot Corner, QC, and MARS Bromont Rising grant recipient Mégane Sauvé of St-Paul, QC (part of the Canadian Eventing National Team Program U25 Development Squad.)

Jessie Phoenix and Fluorescent Adolescent. Michelle Dunn photo.

World number-one ranked eventing rider, and four-time Olympian, Boyd Martin (Cochranville, PA), returns with two horses next week — the two horses he finished first and second with in the CCI2*-L in 2024. He has them both entered in the next level up this year, the CCI3*-L, and will be hungry to have feet on at least two steps of the podium. Martin has had a busy and successful spring, winning the CCI4*-S at StableView and the CCI4*-L at Tryon. Given his track record here at Bromont (hint: he usually does very well) Bromont’s 4* riders are probably excited he’s not bringing a 4* horse with him this year.

Making the event truly international, Australia’s Ema Klugman and Ryan Wood are bringing two and three horses respectively; while New Zealand’s Hayley Frielick has a horse in each of the CCI4* divisions.

For the full list of current entries click here.

Professional equestrian artist, teacher and horse trainer, Sarah Gibault, formerly of Cavalia, will be the opening performance ahead of the RCMP Musical Ride, Friday and Saturday June 6 & 7 at the Bromont Olympic Equestrian Park. All activities and events over the course of the week are completely FREE and family-friendly (including parking.) Photo © equusartphoto.com

Highlights for the public include two very special performances by the RCMP Musical Ride, as well as equine liberty performer Sarah Gibault (below), formerly of Cavalia. Gibault will open for the RCMP at approximately 5:15pm Friday and Saturday evening June 6 & 7, followed by the world-renowned Musical Ride.

A symbol of tradition, honour and pride, the Musical Ride is a Canadian icon, recognized at home and abroad. The troop (all of whom are police officers) and their horses perform intricate formations and drills set to music, demanding the utmost control, timing and coordination. Their performance will last about 30 minutes.

The RCMP Musical Ride.

Returning this year are the special awards in memory of Mary Anne and Guy Laframboise, whose Farm of the Mountain training centre served eventers and equestrian sport in Canada for nearly 50 years. The Laframboise Family Legacy Awards will be given out to the highest placed U25 rider from any division at the MARS Bromont CCI, and to the highest placed U18 Canadian rider at Petit/Little Bromont the following weekend. There will also be an individual award of excellence presented annually at the MARS Bromont CCI to someone who has made a significant life commitment to enriching the sport of eventing.

If you are not able to be here in Bromont, all the action will be broadcast free on the official YouTube channel starting with the first horse inspection at 3:00pm EST Wednesday, June 4. The livestream will also be simulcast on the RNS Video Media channel as well as to subscribers on Clip My Horse / FEI.TV.

The opening phase, dressage, will be held over Thursday/Friday (June 5/6), the exciting and spectator-friendly cross-country will take place Saturday, June 7, and the event will conclude Sunday, June 8 with the show jumping phase, to determine the overall winners. Daily general admission and parking are completely free each day.


Renowned course designer Derek DiGrazia (USA), course designer for the Tokyo Olympics and some of the biggest three-day events in the world will be back at Bromont for 2025, to design the courses set amid the challenging terrain, assisted by Canadian course designer and builder, Jay Hambly.

MARS Bromont CCI: [Website] [Entries] [Live Stream]

Monday News & Notes from Futuretrack

By on Jun 2, 2025 12:01 am -

It was a big weekend in France for 5* rider Samantha Lissington (NZL), who picked up the CCI4*-L win with the High Flyers Syndicate’s Quantas R at Royal Jump in Chaumont en Vexin. BUT THAT’S NOT ALL. Samantha swept the entire podium in this division, taking second with Alison Spence’s Billy Alberto and third with Kate Maitland’s Delarado.

The Kiwis truly shone this weekend all over the board, with Tim Price coming fourth on his own, Peter Cattell and Lucy Sangster’s Chio 20 and fellow Olympian Jesse Campbell rounding out the top five with the late Georgie Campbell’s former ride, Speedwell, owned by Georgie, Karen Margeurite Colombe and Gilly Kinloch. 💜

You can view the full results from this weekend here.

U.S. Weekend Results

Equestrians’ Institute H.T. (WA): [Website] [Scores]

IEA Horse Trials (IN): [Website] [Scores]

The Spring Event at Archer (WY): [Website] [Scores]

Ocala Summer H.T. (FL): [Website] [Scores]

GMHA June H.T. (VT): [Website] [Scores]

Poplar Place June H.T. (GA): [Website] [ref=”https://evententries.com/#LiveScoreszPhdTSyZB4_0jqP1FTY2XQ==” target=”_blank”>Scores]

MCTA H.T. at Shawan Downs (MD): [Website] [Scores]

Essex H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Scores]

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring H.T. (NY): [Website] [Scores]

Major International Events

Royal Jump – Chaumont en Vexin CCI4*-L/S (France): [Website] [Scores]

Millstreet International CCI4*-L/S (Ireland): [Website] [Scores] [Live Stream Replays]

News & Reading

“The horses were the one thing that never asked me any questions.” In Jay Robinson’s coming out journey as a trans man, his equine companions brought him the most comfort and safety. “I didn’t feel that pressure that I felt everywhere else. I was just gonna show up, I was gonna ride. I was gonna just exist as myself. I just felt more free. I laughed easier. I smiled easier. I didn’t feel like I wanted to cry all the time.” Jay is featured in the latest episode of Outsports ‘Being Out’, a video series highlighting several LGBTQ athletes and coaches who inspire by being their authentic selves. You can read and watch Jay’s story here.

If you are a non-competing Young Rider interested in participating in the 2025 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships at Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, MD on June 27-29 with your Area, consider applying for the USEA Youth Mentorship Program! This program was established in 2008 to give aspiring equine professionals the opportunity to shadow eventing officials at large-scale FEI competitions and learn more about the behind-the-scenes professions that make our sport possible. The mentorship program strives to achieve the goal of giving participants an intensive and personal experience to understand the demands of officiating at a championship level event and encourage future involvement in the sport. Selected candidates for the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships will be invited to Loch Moy Farm to shadow an official, or a group of officials, for the entirety of the event. You can learn more and apply here.

Would you consider attending a judging clinic? One hunter judge did just this at Devon Horse Show in Pennsylvania, and this could be an interesting idea to see in our eventing community, too. While educational and certification programs for prospective judges do exist, there seems to be an opportunity to also open up more generalized clinics to enthusiasts and those who are interested in exploring being a judge or licensed official. Like the Youth Mentorship Program mentioned above, educational opportunities like this can increase the numbers of incoming and much-needed officials who want to become more involved in their sport of choice. Learn more about the clinic at Devon here.

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Video Break

West coast riders! Erik Duvander is teaching some very popular clinics at Woodside Horse Park in the Bay Area. His next one is full with a waitlist, but you can see more information and learn about the clinics/upcoming dates in the post below:

Gemma Stevens Does the Cooley Double at Millstreet

By on Jun 1, 2025 2:50 pm -

Gemma Stevens (GBR) and Flash Cooley (ISH) on their way to winning the CCI4*L – Noel C Duggan Engineering. Photo by Bit-Media.

Britain’s Gemma Stevens enjoyed a brilliant weekend at the Millstreet International Horse Trials, Co Cork, Ireland, winning both the Noel C. Duggan Engineering CCI4*-L and Goresbridge Horse Sales CCI3*-L on a smart pair of Cooley Irish-bred horses that show exciting potential.

She landed the CCI4*-L on Pru Dawes’s handsome grey Flash Cooley, a 13-year-old bred by Jim O’ Neil by CSF Mr Kroon out of an OBOS Quality mare. The pair led throughout, finishing with a clear show jumping round to stay ahead of Brazil’s Marcio Cavalho Jorge (Royal Encounter) and Italy’s Giovanni Ugolotti (Duke of Champions). Aoife Clark was best Irish rider in fourth on Full Monty de Lacense.

“It’s such a relief because I’ve been second in a CCI4*-L four times,” said a delighted Gemma. “Two years ago we came second here at Millstreet with a fence down and it was a sore subject. This really puts it to bed, along with a disappointment at Badminton.

“Flash Cooley was off last year with an injury, but he has come back so well, especially on the flat. He is a super little horse.”

Gemma triumphed in the CCI3*-L on TJM Equestrian’s “extremely talented” Cooley Park Muze, a clear show jumping round keeping them comfortably ahead of fellow Briton Caroline Harris, who rose two places to second with a fault-free round on Lester Ckv. Robbie Kearns was best of the home side, also rising two places with a clear, to third place on Sorella Blue.

Ireland’s Ben Connors, who had been third after cross country, slipped to fifth place with a rail down on OLS King Aragon and cross country runner-up Jack O’Haire (Jamaica Rose) dropped to 11th with 13.2 penalties.

In addition to Cooley Park Muze, a nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse by Pollux de Muze Z who only started eventing two years ago, Gemma has another thrilling prospect in the Chilli Morning son Chilli’s Jester (out of Mary King’s King’s Gem), ninth in the same class. “These horses are keeping me in the sport,” revealed Gemma, who also competes regularly in showjumping.

Robbie Kearns (IRL) and Belline Thistle Bethelasttime (ISH) – winners of the CCI2*L – Donagh Hickey Motors. Photo by Bit-Media.

There was a popular home victory in the Donagh Hickey Motors CCI2*-L for Irishman Robbie Kearns riding Belline Thistle Bethelastime, a seven-year-old by Grafenstoltz out of a Kannan mare bought by owner Richard Ames as a yearling from the breeder, John Brodie.

Robbie’s clear round put the pressure on overnight leader Giovanni Ugolotti (Magherard Candy), who was left with no margin for error and dropped to third with just one rail down. Australia’s Kevin McNab, already a winner this weekend, rose to second on Chanel Rf.

Robbie, who is stable jockey to Richard Ames, has produced the attractive grey mare since she was five. “We always thought she had so much talent,” he said. “She fell on the flat at Le Lion d’Angers last year, so this feels like setting the record straight.”

Pony rider Hugh Kelly, 16, impressed in the Connollys Red Mills CCIP2-L with a mature performance on Bronagh Kennedy’s seven-year-old mare Fairyhouse In A Pickle, having added nothing to his dressage score over the three days.

Cross country leader Kitty Cullen on Coppenagh Spring Sparrow finished second with one showjumping rail down.

Carla Williamson (IRL) won the CCI1*-Intro – Carr & Day & Martin with Karolita O. Photo by Bit-Media.

Carla Williamson, 16, who won the Pony class at Millstreet last year, led throughout the Carr & Day & Martin CCI1*-Intro on her new ride this season, Ann Magee’s Karolita O, a 10-year-old Dutch warmblood mare by Firestone.

The other short-format sections saw victories for Joseph Murphy riding Austin O’Callaghan and Amanda Torrens’s Barberstown Castle Rehy in the Foran Equine CCI3*-S; Alison Holden with Eamon Holden’s Lates Eddie in the Eventing Ireland CCI2*-S; and American rider Hallie Coon in the Coral Cove Championships for young horses on the Irish Sport Horse Boleybawn Olivia.

“It has been another great weekend of sport at Millstreet,” said event director and host Thomas Duggan. “We are thrilled that so many international competitors want to come here to educate their horses and enjoy the superb courses and footing here, and that it has been such a successful showcase for the Irish Sport Horse.”

Millstreet International CCI4*-L/S (Ireland): [Website] [Scores] [Live Stream Replays]

USEA Foundation Announces the Janet Briggs Fund for the Continuing Education of Licensed Officials

By on Jun 1, 2025 9:30 am -

Images courtesy of USEA.

The USEA Foundation is pleased to announce a new initiative, the Janet Briggs Fund for the Continuing Education of Licensed Officials. Established in memory of Janet Briggs, this fund honors her lifelong dedication to the sport of eventing by supporting the ongoing education and development of eventing licensed officials.

Mrs. Briggs founded one of this country’s longest-running horse trials at the University of New Hampshire. She also directed the UNH Equine Program and shepherded many students through that program who remain active in the sport today. Mrs. Briggs was a sought-after dressage judge and held her official’s license for more than 50 years. Her legacy continues through this vital program ensuring that our current and future generations of licensed officials uphold the high standards she championed.

Donations to this program will reduce the cost of attending continuing education clinics for licensed officials. Donations can be made here.

If you prefer to send a check, please make it payable to the USEA Foundation and mail it to 525 Old Waterford Road NW, Leesburg, VA 20176. For information on other ways to give, please contact Katherine Cooper at [email protected].

Mrs. Briggs died on Nov. 20, 2024. A celebration of her life will be held on June 7 at Meadow Farm, 454 Jenness Pond Road, Northwood, NH. The family invites all those whose lives she touched to join them in honoring and celebrating a life well lived.

Sunday Links

By on Jun 1, 2025 12:39 am -

We love a good link-up! This week, Equestrian Fitness Academy’s Ifa Simmonds, Nicky Caden Equestrian, the team at Cool Ridings in the UK, and other riders and coaches got together for a few days of learning at Racewood Training Centre (home to high-tech riding simulators) for a Rider Coaching Day organized by eventer and Cool Ridings founder Lydia Heywood. Enjoy some scenes from a great week!

U.S. Weekend Preview

Equestrians’ Institute H.T. (WA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

IEA Horse Trials (IN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

The Spring Event at Archer (WY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Ocala Summer H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

GMHA June H.T. (VT): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Poplar Place June H.T. (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [ref=”https://evententries.com/#LiveScoreszPhdTSyZB4_0jqP1FTY2XQ==” target=”_blank”>Scoring] [Volunteer]

MCTA H.T. at Shawan Downs (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]

Essex H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring H.T. (NY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

Major International Events

Chaumont en Vexin CCI4*-L/S (France): [Website] [Timetable] [Timing & Scoring]

Millstreet International CCI4*-L/S (Ireland): [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Live Stream]

Links & Reading

Recognize Excellence in Eventing: USEA Appreciation Award Nominations Are Open

Active Riding Trips: Stacey Adams Spreads Love of Horses Globally, Making Travel Dreams Come True

‘I thought if one person like me could learn more about horses, that would be brilliant’: how This Esme’s drive to make riding more accessible drew in millions of fans

Planning for Equine Emergencies

Thoroughbred Logic, Presented by Kentucky Performance Products: Five Thoroughbred-Approved Pieces of Tack

Video Break

How to *properly* scope out a water jump:

Patrick Whelan is Irish Champion as Kevin McNab Wins CCI4*-S at Millstreet

By on May 31, 2025 6:00 pm -

Patrick Whelan, first winner of the Connollys Red Mills EI120 National Championship. Photo by Bit-Media.

Rising eventing star Patrick Whelan was crowned Irish National Champion after a strong finish as runner-up behind Australian Kevin McNab in the Connolly’s RED MILLS CCI4*-S at Millstreet International Horse Trials.

The inaugural Connolly’s RED MILLS EI120 National Championship title is awarded to the highest-placed member of Eventing Ireland in the class.

Patrick, 28, from Murrintown in Co Wexford, has had a good month, completing his first Badminton in 36th place. At Millstreet, where he was riding owner-breeder Seamus Carew’s Altitu, he rose from seventh after dressage with a clear showjumping round and the second-fastest cross-country time of four penalties.

“He’s a really consistent horse who is rarely out of the ribbons,” said Patrick of the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse by Orestus VDL with whom he was a member of the winning team in last year’s FEI Nations Cup at Millstreet. “I’ve been competing him since he was six and have hardly ever had a bad day as we’ve come up through the levels. We’re off to Luhmuhlen (five-star) next, which is all part of the natural progression.”

Kevin, whose sympathetic horsemanship is always a joy to watch, was fastest across the country (3.6 time faults) with Sonia Moltke and his wife Emma’s nine-year-old Oldenburger Faro Imp and clinched the win, having led throughout the competition. His less experienced horse, Wilfred Lancer, incurred a run-out and 15 penalties for a missed flag to drop from third to 22nd.

Ireland-based British rider Daniel Alderson was third on Islandwood Quality Control.

“Faro Imp has a real natural motor and travelled very well,” said Kevin. “I had one or two green moments with a young horse [Cassie in the CCI2*-L], but she will have come out of it a better horse when she finished. There aren’t many better cross-country tracks in the world and that is why we come to Millstreet every year.”

Kevin McNab (AUS) and Faro Imp (OL) – winner of the CCI4*-S – Connollys RED MILLS. Photo by Bit-Media.

British five-star rider Gemma Stevens has retained her lead in the Noel C. Duggan Engineering CCI4*-L after an assured cross-country performance on Flash Cooley, in which she only added 1.2 time penalties. This gives her a rail in hand for Sunday’s showjumping finale.

Only two riders achieved the optimum cross-country time of 10 minutes: Italy’s Giovanni Ugolotti, who has retained second place on Duke of Champions, and Ireland’s Aoife Clark, who rose from seventh place after dressage to third on Full Monty de Lacense.

Gemma also leads the Goresbridge Horse Sales CCI3*-L with another Cooley horse: TJM Equestrian’s Cooley Park Muze, a nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse by Pollux de Muze Z. Again, she has the luxury of a rail in hand over the second- and third-placed Irish riders Jack O’Haire (Jamaica Rose) and Ben Connors (OLS King Aragon).

An exciting show jumping finale is assured in the Donal Hickey Motors CCI2*-L on Sunday with a mere 0.8 of a penalty separating the top three.

Kevin McNab lost his lead on Cassie with a cross-country run-out, but is in third place on Channel RF (by the same sire, Cassall) behind new leader Giovanni Ugolotti riding Valentine Tourres’ Magherard Candy Boy (by Sligo Candy Boy) and, in current second place, Ireland’s Robbie Kearns with the seven-year-old Irish Sport Horse Belline Thistle Bethelastime by Grafenstoltz.

As ever, the Pony riders were great fun to watch enjoying themselves on Paul Brady’s beautifully presented cross-country track. Kitty Cullen and Coppenagh Spring Sparrow finished comfortably within the optimum time of 6 minutes 51 seconds to hold onto their overnight lead in the Connollys Red Mills CCIP2*-L.

However, they do not have a showjumping rail in hand over Hugh Kelly and Fairhouse In A Pickle, who were even speedier and rose four places to second. Sweden’s Freya Von Moltke has slipped a place to third on Grantstown True Loves.

The cross country for the rest of the short-format classes takes place Sunday, starting with the CCI1*-Intro, while show jumping for the long-format classes gets underway at 09.30. Both phases are available to watch on www.millstreet.horse/eventing where start lists and results can also be found.

Millstreet International CCI4*-L/S (Ireland): [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Live Stream]

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on May 31, 2025 12:01 am -

If you haven’t checked out the Eventing Weekly podcast, you’re missing out on some seriously hilarious and authentic conversations with the people in our sport. In the latest episode, hosted by horse-husbands Mitch and Brayden, features two U.S. rising stars, Mia Farley and Olivia Dutton! You can check out the latest episode wherever you get your podcasts or here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Equestrians’ Institute H.T. (WA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

IEA Horse Trials (IN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

The Spring Event at Archer (WY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Ocala Summer H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

GMHA June H.T. (VT): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Poplar Place June H.T. (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [ref=”https://evententries.com/#LiveScoreszPhdTSyZB4_0jqP1FTY2XQ==” target=”_blank”>Scoring] [Volunteer]

MCTA H.T. at Shawan Downs (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]

Essex H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring H.T. (NY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

Major International Events

Chaumont en Vexin CCI4*-L/S (France): [Website] [Timetable] [Timing & Scoring]

Millstreet International CCI4*-L/S (Ireland): [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Live Stream]

Links & Reading

Join the Action at the 2025 USEA AEC as a Sponsor and Vendor!

Walking The Walk at the Virginia Horse Center

It’s All About That Base! Strengthening You Base of Support in the Saddle

Why Brand Credibility is Crucial for Equestrian Businesses in 2025

Sponsor Corner: World Equestrian Brands

Don’t miss out on one of the best 1% Better interviews yet on the World Equestrian Brands’ social media! This interview brings in the perspective of top show jumper Lillie Keenan, who has some tips we can all use – regardless of discipline.

Video Break

Just a funny for you, and a cheeky name to boot, depending on how you pronounce it!

Sound up if you are over 18 🤣🤣🤣

Posted by Melissa Montevideo May on Thursday, May 29, 2025

A New Japanese Star Emerges at Belsay (2)

By on May 30, 2025 3:20 pm -

Yuya Segawa and Vegas De L’Elfe. Photo by Athalens.

Japanese riders have taken the sport of eventing by storm in recent years, and the newest star in their firmament, Yuya Segawa, shone at Belsay by scoring his first European international victory in the NIS Group Services/Encon Technical Solutions CIC2*-S.

Riding Vegas De L’Elfe JRA, 25-year-old Yuya show jumped clear and added just 1.2 cross country time-faults to his second-placed dressage mark of 30.2 to take the competitive class by less than a penalty from Scotland’s Louisa Milne Home.

Yuya, who is based in Leicestershire with eventer Richard Jones, only took over the ride on 16-year-old Vegas De L’Elfe from fellow Japanese rider Shunto Takahashi in April.

“He is a great horse who has a lot of experience and knows his job and I think I will learn a lot from him,” said Yuya. “He felt very confident across country and it was fun to ride him.”

Belsay formed the first element of the 2025 Northumberland Challenge, which offers a huge prize-pot of £61,000 to riders who win or are placed in the CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S and BE100 at the three Northumbrian international events of Belsay, Alnwick Ford (18-22 June) and Burgham (24-27 July). Yuya now has his sights set on Alnwick Ford and Burgham – and his ambition is to ride for Japan at the Olympics.

Louisa finished second with her own and Susie Wilks’ Future Plans on 32.2, while rising British star Jago Jackson, 17, was third on Cooley Top Boy.

Katie Magee and Agadir Gano. Photo by Athalens.

Local riders also made their mark on Friday afternoon at Belsay. Barnard Castle’s Katie Magee enjoyed the perfect Bramham preparation run by winning the Galbraith Intermediate Novice on Angela Hislop’s Agadir Gano.

“Our bit snapped across country at Belsay (1) two weeks ago, so today was all about testing out a new bit and checking we had brakes,” said Katie. “The course was fantastic and the ground is amazing, so we’ve really enjoyed it. The fact that the Belsay team has run two brilliant events in two weeks is incredible – I think we should have two Belsays every year!”

Will Murray, who lives in Durham, won the Evelyn Partners/HorseQuest Novice Masters’ on Linda Philipson’s seven-year-old mare Drumrankin Idha.

“I’m very lucky – I’m a part-timer rider these days; I’m the lead coach for British Eventing in the northern region – so I just turn up and ride a couple of days a week, and the team at Linda’s do all the fitness work. My showjumping coach Philippa McKeever came to warm me up today, which was a big help, because I thought it was a proper track. The mare finds the cross country very easy and she’s naturally very fast. I’m a lucky person to ride such a special horse.”

Local rider Lucinda Atkinson has held on to her lead in the Barbour CCI2*-L on PRF Made In England with a faultless cross country round, adding nothing to her dressage mark of 27.4. Eliza Bell (Macgyver) and India Wishart (BP Quinnton) are second and third.

In the Lycetts British Junior Championships, the podium remains unaltered after cross country. Lucy Standish is in first place on Global H on 25.9. Second is Ella Howard (Marchwood, 27.8), with Oscar Fitzgerald third with 28 on Super Cillious.

Annabel Ridgway has kept the top slot going into the final showjumping phase in the Project Pony British Pony Championships on Akim De L’Arquerie ahead of Maisie Greening (Kilnaspic Lily) and third-placed Alice Fraser (Bookhamlodge Pennylane).

Izzy Taylor has maintained her lead in the Hambro Sport Horses CCI3*-S on Bayaanaat with a dressage score of 26.2, but Willa Newton has slipped into second on Hartacker with 26.2. India’s Shashank Kanumuri is third on 27.8 with Gideon II.

A busy Saturday at Belsay starts with dressage for the national intermediate classes at 8 a.m. (3 a.m. EST) and CCI3*-S showjumping at 8.30 a.m. (3:30 a.m. EST). Cross country commences at 10.30 a.m. (5:30 a.m. EST). There is also a BSPS show in the Castle Arena, a fun dog show, lots of children’s entertainment, excellent shopping and delicious locally produced food and drink available.

To purchase tickets for Belsay and to find out more information, please visit www.belsayhorsetrials.com. All the cross country at Belsay will be shown on Horse & Country TV’s live streaming platform H&C+ here.

Kevin McNab and Faro Imp Have the Magic Touch to Lead Millstreet CCI4*-S

By on May 30, 2025 3:12 pm -

Kevin McNab (AUS) and Faro Imp (OL) lead the way after dressage in the CCI4*-S – Connollys RED MILLS. Photo by Bit-Media.

Leading Australian rider Kevin McNab opened and closed the dressage phase for the Connolly’s RED MILLS CCI4*-S at Millstreet International Horse Trials, Co Cork, Ireland, with two impressive performances. He is now in first and third places, on Sofia Moltke’s Faro Imp (score 28.8) and CCI4* first-timer Wilfred Lancer (29.7), the two horses split by Sweden’s Sofia Sjoborg riding Govalent for a score of 29.2.

Faro Imp is an Oldenburger by F One USA out of a Master Imp mare; the nine-year-old was recently second in the Strzegom CCI4*-L in Poland and is bound for the Aachen CCI4*-S in Germany. Kevin, who also heads the leaderboard for the Donal Hickey Motors CCI2*-L with Hugo Junker and Alexa Gartenberg’s seven-year-old grey mare Cassie, has been visiting the premier Irish horse trials since its inception a decade ago.

“We always try to have horses to come here because we know we will get good surfaces and Mike Etherington-Smith’s cross country courses are always educational and a nice challenge,” he explained.

Patrick Whelan is best of the Irish in seventh place on Altitu in the class of 30, while Irish-based Daniel Alderson is in contention for the newly announced Connolly’s RED MILLS EI120 National Championship title which will be awarded to the highest placed Eventing Ireland member in this class.

British Olympian Laura Collett is in first place in the Goresbridge Horse Sales CCI3*-L with a mark of 27.1 on Sheena Pilkington’s nine-year-old Dutch-bred C-Let’s Dance van de Beemd, already a winner of a CCI3*-L on Irish soil, at Lisgarvan last year.

In an all-British top four, Laura is followed by Louise Bradley (Ardeo Mandela), Caroline Harris (Lester Ckv) and Gemma Stevens (Cooley Park Muze). Badminton hero Austin O’ Connor is best of the Irish in fifth place on Diamond Mistress.

British-based US rider Hallie Coon’s brand new partnership with Bruce Fraser and Keith Norman’s Headleys Quixote, has got off to a flying start as they are in the lead in the Foran Equine CCI3*-S, which is only their second competition together. The British-bred 10-year-old by Flyinge Quite Easy 958 has been produced by Hallie’s friend, Zimbabwean rider Julia Norman.

“He’s spectacular and I think he will be something special,” said Hallie, who is another regular Millstreet visitor. “The cross country here is such a course for horses – you always come away with a better horse as it is such an education. It should suit mine as he is a big, galloping, jumping type, but it is very much a fact-finding mission.”

Carla Williamson and Ann Magee’s Karolita O are in pole position in the Carr & Day & Martin CCI1*-Intro on 23.9; Kitty Cullen heads the Ponies, sponsored by Connolly’s Red Mills, on Jane Hancock’s Coppenagh Spring Sparrow (28.9); and the experienced Sam Watson, winner of the CCI4*-L last year, has the exciting seven-year-old Irish Sport Horse Ballybolger Goldman, owned by Rosemary Ponsonby, Lesley Crampton and his wife Sparkles, in first place on 31.1 penalties in the Coral Cove Championship for young horses.

Tomorrow’s busy cross country day starts at 8am with the CCI2*-L while the show jumping action kicks off with the CCI4*S at 9am. Both phases are available to watch on www.millstreet.horse/eventing where start lists and results can also be found.

Millstreet International CCI4*-L/S (Ireland): [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Live Stream]