Classic Eventing Nation

Bouckaert Farm to Add Dedicated U25 Divisions Starting in October

By on Sep 25, 2026 12:00 pm -

U25 World Championships individual bronze medalist Olivia Dutton competes at Bouckaert Farm. Photo by Liz Crawley Photography.

Developing riders heading to Bouckaert Farm (Georgia) this fall will have a new chance to compete against riders of similar age. The long-standing equestrian venue, which has committed to a future of equestrian sport in the coming years (and has stated on its website that a “permanent solution” for the venue’s equestrian future is in the works), will debut dedicated U25 divisions at the CCI1*-S, CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S levels at Bouckaert Equestrian International Horse Trials, October 23–25, and will carry those divisions through all three of its international events in 2027.

For Carl Bouckaert, a two-time Olympian for Belgium, the new divisions address a familiar problem for young riders at FEI events.

“A young rider can have an excellent result at an FEI event and still finish well down the leaderboard because they are competing against some of the most experienced professionals in the sport,” he said in a press release. “Dedicated U25 competition gives those riders a chance to see how they compare with others in their generation and have strong performances recognized as they move through the levels. Bouckaert Farm is an exceptional venue, and with three International Horse Trials on the calendar each year, we have an opportunity to make U25 competition a real part of what we offer. We want developing riders to have a place where they can gain experience, build results and keep progressing through the international levels.”

USEF Eventing Selector Michael Pollard sees the initiative as a building block for the U.S. pathway.

“The U25 years are one of the most important transition points in an athlete’s development,” Michael said. “These riders need FEI mileage, experience competing under pressure and opportunities to measure themselves against their peers. Dedicated U25 divisions create meaningful competition at that stage, raise the standard within the next generation and help develop a deeper pool of athletes capable of progressing into senior international competition. That ultimately strengthens the U.S. eventing pathway and our ability to produce competitive teams in the future.”

The October 23–25 International will run CCI1*-S through CCI4*-S, the new U25 divisions at the 1*, 2* and 3* levels, and National Horse Trials from Beginner Novice through Advanced, over a cross country track designed by Clayton Fredericks.

Dedicated CCI1*-S, CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S U25 divisions will be offered at each of the following, alongside open FEI competition through CCI4*-S and National Horse Trials from Beginner Novice through Advanced:

  • March 4–7, 2027
  • August 19–23, 2027
  • October 21–24, 2027

The Internationals sit within a larger Bouckaert calendar of schooling shows and national events, which Carl says is designed to keep horses and riders coming back as they progress. “Our goal is to provide consistency throughout the season,” he said. “Whether someone is developing a young horse, moving through the national levels or progressing through FEI competition, we want Bouckaert to be a venue they can return to throughout the year. With schooling shows, National Horse Trials and International Horse Trials across the calendar, horses and riders can keep gaining experience and progressing at whatever level they are at.”

Learn more about Bouckaert Farm and its competition calendar here.

Military Boekelo CCIO4*-L Reveals World-Class Entry List

By on Sep 25, 2026 9:00 am -

The following article contains portions of a press release that has been translated from Dutch and lightly edited for style. Please forgive any translation errors. To read the original release, click here.

Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Kiarado d’Arville, 2025 Boekelo champions. Lara returns this year with three entries for the title. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The organizers of Military Boekelo-Enschede can once again look forward to the arrival of numerous world-class riders for the 55th edition of the event, taking place Thursday, October 1 to Friday, October 4.

The list comprises a total of 85 riders from 15 countries with a combined 106 horses. Great Britain will provide by far the largest share of the starting list, with 19 riders and 23 horses.

Among the British is the 2022 World Champion Yasmin Ingham, fresh off top six finishes at Burghley and Blenheim’s 8/9-Year-Old CCI4*-S Championships, which were used as a set-up for the 9-year-old Kinda Corvette to contest his second CCI4*-L. Yasmin’s joined by British World Championships representatives Tom McEwen with Isa and Caroline Harris with Lester CKV, as well as teammate and Burghley winner Gemma Stevens with the Chilli Morning clone, Chilli Morning IV and Cooley Park Muze.

Jack Curtis and Luska Candy Clover. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

For the USA, the four-member team of Hallie Coon (Sirius SB), Jack Curtis (Luska Candy Clover), Allie Knowles (LS Crown Royal and Montpellier Scais) and Lauren Nicholson (Landmark’s Jungle Gold) will compete for the FEI Eventing Nations Cup competition while also doing the double duty of providing experience and depth to its roster as a home Olympics in Los Angeles loom two years from now.

Germany is led by Julia Krajewski, who already stood on the top podium in Boekelo in 2018 with Samourai du Toit and in 2024 with Uelzeners Nickel. She was recently part of the Germans’ silver quartet in Aachen with the 2024 Boekelo winner. This year, she’s brought the 12-year-old Selle Francais Ero de Cantraie, who’s just won the 4*-S at Strzegom earlier this month. Ingrid Klimke has an exciting 4*-L debutant in the 10-year-old Kallista, who’s been in Ingrid’s stable for a little over a year.

Belgian Lara de Liedekerke-Meier makes her twentieth appearance at Boekelo in the Twente classic as the defending champion. Last year, she was the first in the event’s history to secure an individual victory for her country. She’ll have three shots at the title this year in La La Land D’Arville, Call Me Senorita and Quintus.

[View the current entry list – current as of September 24]

Military Boekelo-Enschede has been the regular venue for the FEI Nations Cup final for years. This year, the team competition is getting a different setup, with the final being run according to a new format. Nine selected teams start the decisive competition with a clean slate, guaranteeing significantly more excitement than before.

Context: The Series will continue to feature CCI4*-S qualifying legs followed by the CCI4*-L at Boekelo in October but the overall title will no longer be decided by cumulative points across the season. Instead, the new structure is designed to reintroduce jeopardy and reduce predictability, creating a true winner-takes-all Final.

Across the five qualifying legs at Marbach, Bicton, Strzegom, Avenches, and Lignières, nations can compete as often as they choose, with only their best three results counting towards qualification. After the five legs, the top 10 nations will progress to the Boekelo Final, where all scores reset to zero and every team starts again on equal footing to compete for the 2026 FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ title. View the current Nations Cup standings (which won’t include the final qualifier leg in France that’s happening this weekend) here.

The title is being defended by Germany, which had to settle for second place behind England at the most recent World Championships on home soil in Aachen and finished ahead of the Americans in the battle for silver. In addition to these countries, the teams from Belgium, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland will also be competing in Boekelo.

Ema Klugman (AUS) and Chiraz compete at Boekelo in 2025. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Adrian Ditcham is starting his seventh edition as course designer for Military Boekelo-Enschede. The 55-year-old Englishman succeeded his compatriot Sue Benson in 2019, who fulfilled the important role of designing obstacles to full satisfaction for no less than 19 years. This time, the Brit is presenting a course that is run in the opposite direction to previous years.

“Boekelo is a very important event for the sport of eventing,” Adrian said. “Many riders test their horses there at the end of the season, with which they want to compete in an international championship such as the World Championships or the Olympic Games the following year or two years later. You hardly see young horses from around nine years old at this level internationally anywhere else.”

That is certainly the case for the upcoming edition, as the participants are now riding in the opposite direction, meaning that not a single one of the 26 obstacles is exactly the same as last year. A significant difference compared to previous years is that the most important of the two water combinations must now be overcome early in the course. By tradition, it is the most selective decider on the approximately six-kilometer course, where by far the largest crowds of spectators invariably gather.

Military Boekelo CCIO4*-L (Netherlands): [Website] [Entries/Schedule]

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Sep 25, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: Deadline for 2027 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant is Approaching

Annie’s father, Putter Goodwin, presents the The 2026 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant to recipient Elle Choate at the 2026 $100,000 LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field, p/b THIS. Joining Elle and Putter (C) at the presentation were (L-R) Jim & Vickie Choate, Ashley Adams, Kim Ferguson, Cat Stumburg, Mike Koether, and Craig Duchossois.

Established in the spirit of her vision and legacy, the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant provides financial support for young professional equestrians establishing the early years of their business and wishing to continue their equestrian education and competition. As the Grant enters its fourth year, the deadline to submit your application for the 2027 award is rapidly approaching on September 30.

The late and very much loved Annie Goodwin and Fedarman B. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

Who can apply? This grant is not limited just to eventers! While we of course love to see eventers receive this support, any professional member in good standing with their respective national governing body, between the ages of 18-30, who resides in Aiken, SC at least three months out of the year is eligible to apply. Additional criteria do apply (view the full application and criteria here).

What can the grant funds be used for? This grant can be used exclusively for competition costs, training expenses and travel. It’s intended to be a professional development grant, and the funding should be used as such.

[Access the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant application]

[Donate to the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Fund]

[Learn more about this program]

Major International Events This Weekend

FEI Eventing Nations Cup – Lignières (France): [Website] [Timing & Scoring] [FEI Eventing Nations Cup 2026] [Live Stream – FEI YouTube] [Live Stream – ClipMyHorse.TV]

Ballindenisk CCI4*-L (Ireland): [Website] [Entries & Timing] [Scoring]

Eventing at the Parks and Canadian Eastern Eventing Championships (Ontario, Canada): [Website] [Entries & Timing] [Scoring]

U.S. Weekend Preview

Stable View Oktoberfest CCI4*-S (SC): [Website] [Entries & Timing] [Scoring] [Live Stream – H&C+] [Sept. 26 VIP Tickets] [Volunteer] [Play Eventing Manager]

Spokane Sport Horse 12th Annual Fall H.T. (WA): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Sundance Farm H.T. (WI): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring]

Jump Start H.T. (KY): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Tomora H.T. (CO): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Old Tavern H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Course Brook Farm Fall H.T. (MS): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

In the News

  • The deadline to apply for a variety of USEA Foundation grants is also approaching soon. October 15 is the date you need to remember to send in an application for funding towards continuing education, high performance development, official certifications and much more. Find your funding here.
  • Citing political instability, Berlin, Germany has withdrawn its “Berlin+” bid to host an upcoming Summer Olympic Games. Had Germany been selected to host the 2036, 2040 or 2044 Games, Aachen’s Soers Sports Park would have been in line to host equestrian events. Also, you can expect more infrastructure for equestrian sports and other endeavors in the coming years in the Aachen area.
  • Darwinn, piloted by Phillip Dutton and owned by Caroline Moran, is the likely recipient of Holekamp/Turner Grant to compete at the FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championships for Young Horses in the 7-year-old CCI3*-L Championship at Mondial du Lion in Le Lion d’Angers, France, from Oct. 15-18. As an imported horse, Darwinn would receive $8,000 in funding for the trek to France, with an additional $10,000 in Dutta Corp. flight credit activating once he passes the First Horse Inspection. That’s an expensive trot-up.
  • The defending champion of the US Equestrian Open of Eventing has sent his entries in for Morven Park. See what’s brewing.

Recommended Reading

  • Joy in Every Stride: Alex Hua Tian is fresh off a second consecutive Asian Games eventing gold medal and sat down with China Daily to speak on his pursuit of success, the meaning of his partnerships with his horses, and what it is to be an ambassador of the sport for his country. Read the interview.
  • Recommended listening: Gemma Stevens on the Horse & Hound Podcast to chat about her big Burghley win and what’s left to conquer. Listen here.

Coaching Corner

Sponsor Corner: All Eyes on Stable View

Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri compete at Stable View. Photo by Haley Boothe / Impulsion Media.

We’re getting underway today with Stable View Oktoberfest, and it’s all to play for in every division as the season begins to think about winding down. Stable View knows how to host an event, and there is always something to do (and eat/drink) on site for both you as well as any family or friends who come along for the ride. Here are a few things on the docket:

Graze & Gaze, sponsored by Hollywood Feed – Friday & Saturday: Join the rest of the Stable View crew and your fellow competitors from 5-7pm in Ollie’s Inn on the backside of the Pavillon for complimentary drinks and food. Each entered competitor receives two entry wristbands and two drink tickets for Graze & Gaze; additional wristbands and tickets can be purchased at the Show Trailer.

Defender Off-Roading Experience: Guided by a certified instructor, Explore the Trail System built last year in a NEW Defender! Expect steep hills, muddy terrain, and bridges made of trees — the best kind of adventure (in a vehicle, at least). Sign up by calling the office at (484) 356-3173. And if you’re interested in a Defender for yourself, keep an eye out for representatives from Jaguar Land Rover Columbia, who are on site all weekend. [Watch Boyd Martin help debut this new fixture at Stable View last year]

  • Friday: Drives every hour from 9-5
  • Saturday: Drives every 30 minutes from 9-5

VIP Experience – Saturday: From 11:00am – 4:00pm, ticket Holders receive picnic lunch consisting of Stable View’s signature charcuterie from the Stable View Bistro, open bar with beer + wine, access to the Pavilion upstairs and a stainless steel Stable View tumbler.

[Get your tickets – 2 for $100]

Aiken Horsepower Car Show – Saturday: The Aiken Horsepower Association’s Annual Car Show will be on site adjacent to the Pavilion Saturday from 9:00am – 2:00pm. Featuring fast cars and hot rods along with knowledgeable car owners to chat about their wheels.

And if you aren’t on-site, never fear! Horse & Country has you covered for the jumping phases of the upper-level FEI divisions. Coverage today will include the CCI3*, CCI4*, Advanced, and Intermediate divisions’ show jumping. The current schedule has the CCI4*-S kicking things off at 1:15 pm EST.
​
On Saturday, September 26, coverage will continue with Open Intermediate, CCI3*, CCI4*, Advanced, CCI2*, Preliminary, and CCI1* on cross country. This will be a full-day venture, starting with the Intermediate at 9:00 am EST. The CCI4*-S will begin cross country at approximately 12:29 pm EST. You can view the current orders of go and scheduling on EventEntries here.

[Access the live stream]

Go Eventing Moment of the Day

After spending the last few seasons competing all over Europe, including two trips to Burghley, Sarah Clark is back in her home country of Australia and recently picked up the CCI4*-S win at Equestriad in Camden, New South Wales. Hear from Sarah after her win with Casallia S:

Thursday News & Notes: Stable View Preview, Boekelo’s New Direction, Who’s Stepping in for Dover & More

By on Sep 24, 2026 12:01 am -

We’re trialing some new formatting options for News & Notes! Let us know your thoughts on today’s column. 

Waylon Roberts and Fernhill Salt Lake. Photo by Haley Boothe / Impulsion Media.

A big weekend at Stable View awaits with their popular Oktoberfest CCI and H.T. on tap starting tomorrow (Friday). It’s the final East coast Qualifier for the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final at Morven Park next month, and while the Series win has already been zipped up by Tamie Smith, there are still some points to be jockeyed for. The top three all receive a cash bonus from a $50,000 fund, and the second and third steps on the podium are still in contention.

Beyond the Open, it’s a CCI4*-S field that also provides a look at some up-and-coming horses, many of whom will be in the next crop of five-star horses and Championship contenders, as well as some who will be stepping on to Morven Park and the US Open Final. Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri — top-ranked by EquiRatings to win — are one such pair, as are Alyssa Phillips and Rocket 19, Canadians Katie Malensek (entered in the three-star at Morven Park as well as the four-star this weekend with Valeska and MRF Qwikstep) and Waylon Roberts (Chevalier and Fernhill Salt Lake, each in the top five of the EquiRatings Prediction Centere) and Kim Severson with Cooley Corraghy Diamond.

If you’re unable to follow in person, there will be some livestreaming available on Horse & Country (subscription is required). Show jumping on Friday and cross country on Saturday are on the schedule.

[Access the live stream]

[Visit the EquiRatings Prediction Center]

[Select your Eventing Manager team]

[Competitor Information, VIP Tickets, Etc.]

Major International Events This Weekend

FEI Eventing Nations Cup – Lignières (France): [Website] [Timing & Scoring] [FEI Eventing Nations Cup 2026] [Live Stream – FEI YouTube] [Live Stream – ClipMyHorse.TV]

Ballindenisk CCI4*-L (Ireland): [Website] [Entries & Timing]

Eventing at the Parks and Canadian Eastern Eventing Championships (Ontario, Canada): [Website] [Entries & Timing] [Scoring]

U.S. Weekend Preview

Stable View Oktoberfest CCI4*-S (SC): [Website] [Entries & Timing] [Scoring] [Live Stream – H&C+] [Sept. 26 VIP Tickets] [Volunteer] [Play Eventing Manager]

Spokane Sport Horse 12th Annual Fall H.T. (WA): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Sundance Farm H.T. (WI): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring]

Jump Start H.T. (KY): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Tomora H.T. (CO): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Old Tavern H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Volunteer]

ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Course Brook Farm Fall H.T. (MS): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

In the News

Beer tents are a primary feature on the famously Dutch Boekelo cross country course, providing an excellent backdrop for Jesse Campbell (NZL) and Speedwell last year. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

  • The U.S. team for the Boekelo Nations Cup leg was announced on Wednesday. See who was named.
  • Thailand completed an epic come from behind victory at the Asian Games, which concluded with cross country after a typhoon wreaked weather havoc on the Tokyo area that hosted the Games. Read the final recap from Aichi-Nagoya.
  • New World Screwworm was confirmed in a horse in New Mexico. US Equestrian statement here.
  • Canadian retailer Greenhawk is stepping into a void left by the private equity liquidation of Dover Saddlery earlier this year, opening 10 stores in the U.S. this fall in spaces previously occupied by Dover outposts. Nancy Jaffer reports more.
  • Christina Wright was named a recipient of the Jimmy Wofford Scholarship to compete at the Waredaca Classic Three-Day next month

Recommended Reading

Boekelo’s water complexes will have a different intensity this year due to the changing of the course’s direction. Photo via CrossCountry App.

  • Turned Around: Boekelo competitors can expect a refreshed look to the cross country course as designer Adrian Ditcham confirms the track will run in the opposite direction (so, counterclockwise) next month. This will be the first time the course has run in this direction since the Sue Benson design days, in 2017. You’ll need to translate this article from Dutch, but it’s a good update ahead of the October 1-4 running of the CCIO4*-L, which always attracts an entry list a mile long and provides a good preview of future top horses.
  • This AMA Will Make You Feel Seen: If you’ve rehabbed a horse after injury, you’ll understand the concept of ongoing panic that ensues even after the healing happens. Heels Down Mag brings their popular AMA (Ask Me Anything) column to Substack and dive right in to this relatable topic. Read it and relate.

Coaching Corner

  • “Speed gives you options,” says Ros Canter. Hear more.
  • Show jumping Olympian Scott Brash sometimes uses just one fence to help a horse that rushes. See it for yourself.

We’re trialing some new formatting options for News & Notes! Let us know your thoughts on today’s column. 

Go Eventing Moment of the Day

Some well-deserved celebratory moments from this week’s eventing competition at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games:

Defender U.S. Squad for Military Boekelo CCIO4*-L Unveiled

By on Sep 23, 2026 1:20 pm -

Military Boekelo’s fall festival CCI4*-L features on the global eventing calendar as the final leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup, and team USA historically sends a developing team of horses and/or riders to this despite not participating heavily on the Nations Cup circuit. Boekelo has yielded a fair share of future five-star and Championship horses, and its late-season spot on the calendar lines up as a natural goal for many riders based overseas.

This year’s Defender U.S. roster has just been announced by US Equestrian for the October 1-4 competition in Enschede, Netherlands. The team is made up of:

  • Hallie Coon (Ocala, Fla.) and Sirius SB, a 2014 Hanoverian gelding (Scuderia x Contendro I) owned by Katherine Coleman and cared for by Conor Comey
  • Jack Curtis (Beverly, Mass.) and Luska Candy Clover, a 2013 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Sligo Candy Boy x White Clover) owned by Betsy Curtis and cared for by Jason Wood
  • Allie Knowles (Lexington, Ky.) and Montpellier Scais, a 2017 Anglo European gelding (Quasimodo van de Molendreef x Indoctro) owned by Katherine O’Brien and cared for by Alex Cain
    • Allie is also an alternate for this squad with LS Crown Royal, a 2018 Hanoverian gelding (Comte x Escudo 19) owned by Katherine O’Brien and cared for by Alex Cain
  • Lauren Nicholson (The Plains, Va.) and Landmark’s Jungle Gold, a 2015 Holsteiner-Irish Sport Horse cross gelding (Diarado x Cougar) owned by Jacqueline Mars and cared for by Sally Roberston

The majority of this team is currently based or stationed overseas; Hallie Coon has been based overseas for the past couple of seasons, Jack Curtis recently begun a stint riding with Tom McEwen in England, US Olympian Lauren Nicholson is traveling over for Boekelo before returning to the U.S. to compete in the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final with I’ll Have Another the following week, and Allie Knowles is globetrotting her way from competition to competition, shuffling herself back and forth to compete in the UK as well as stateside. Here’s a look at her current rough schedule: most recently, she competed in Blenheim’s 8/9-year-old Championships 4*-S with her Boekelo-named horses and has a horse or two entered at Jump Start in Kentucky this weekend before she’ll hop back over for Boekelo, then do quick scamper back to Virginia to run four horses at Morven Park. Oh, and Allie’s doing this all while balancing motherhood and her full business at home in Kentucky — no biggie.

There will be ample live streaming available to follow along from wherever you are, and EN will be bringing you updates throughout competition week as well, though we won’t have a team on site this year. Use the link list below to follow along October 1-4:

Military Boekelo CCIO4*-L (Netherlands): [Website] [Schedule/Timing] [Live Stream – ClipMyHorse.TV] [Live Stream – FEI YouTube]

Thailand Rises to Team Gold, Alex Hua Tian Defends Individual Gold for China at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

By on Sep 23, 2026 10:30 am -

Woraphat Sittiju (THA) and B. Grimm Uster de Chenay. Photo by FEI/Yusuke Nakanishi Photography.

Thailand completed a remarkable rise from third place to team gold at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games on Wednesday, while China’s Alex Hua Tian successfully defended his individual title with Manjushri.

Cross-country was moved to be the final phase of competition, going away from the traditional three-day format to account for weather considerations due to Typhoon Dujuan. Third after Tuesday’s show jumping and 12.6 penalties behind overnight leaders Japan, Thailand produced three faultless counting cross-country rounds when it mattered most. Woraphat Sittiju and Uster de Chanay, Korntawat Samran and Billy Elmy, and Weerapat Pitakanonda and Carnival March all completed the 3,640-metre cross-country course in Tokyo without adding a single penalty.

Their team score remained unchanged at 109.9, enough to secure gold before Japan’s final combination had even left the start box.

Thailand, Japan and the Republic of Korea on the team podium at Baji Koen. Photo by FEI/Yusuke Nakanishi Photography.

The result marks the latest step in a long period of progress for Thai Eventing. Thailand took Asian Games team bronze in Jakarta in 2018 and again in Hangzhou (CHN) in 2023, while also winning the inaugural FEI Asian Championships on home soil in Pattaya in 2019. Last year they repeated that Asian Championships team victory, again in Pattaya.

Two athletes have been central to much of that journey. Samran was part of the 2019 and 2025 Asian Championships-winning teams and took individual silver at the 2023 Asian Games, while Pitakanonda was alongside him for both Asian Championships victories as well as the Asian Games bronze in Hangzhou. Supap Khaw-Ngam and Vinetto 3 completed Thailand’s gold-medal-winning quartet at Tokyo Equestrian Park.

Team Thailand (L to R): Supap Khaw-Ngam, Weerapat Pitakanonda, Korntawat Samran, and Woraphat Sittiju. Worapat Sittiju (THA) and B. Grimm Uster de Chenay. Photo by FEI/Yusuke Nakanishi Photography.

“We kept training and never stopped improving ourselves,” said Pitakanonda. “We had about three years to keep improving, to try to fix what we lacked and to make it better this time. I also have to thank the horses, the best part of the sport. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to get this medal. Especially my horse, Carnival March. He’s been with me for eight years, and I also rode him at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. This is a very special moment for me, to come back to this venue and win the gold medal.”

Japan had led the team competition after both dressage and jumping, but Ryo Murata and Brookpark Vikenti dropped from third individually after adding 20 jumping penalties and 10.8 time penalties on cross-country. They were far from alone in finding trouble on the course, with five combinations eliminated and two retiring during the final phase. Japan eventually finished on 115.2 to take silver, 5.3 penalties behind Thailand.

The Republic of Korea claimed bronze on 143.5, just 1.2 penalties ahead of Hong Kong, China.

Defending team champions China left Tokyo without a team result after Yuying Shu and Diabolo D’Ems AA were eliminated on cross-country. With only three combinations in the team, China had no discard score.

Of the 31 combinations that started cross-country, 17 completed without jumping penalties, but only seven finished without adding any penalties at all, underlining the influence of the seven-minute optimum time.

Alex Hua Tian (CHN) and Manjushri. Photo by FEI/Yusuke Nakanishi Photography.

There was no such movement at the top of the individual standings.

Hua Tian and nine-year-old Manjushri had led since scoring 26.9 penalties in dressage. After adding nothing in jumping, they completed cross-country in 6:49, 11 seconds inside the optimum time, to finish the entire competition on their dressage score. The victory gave Hua Tian a second consecutive individual Asian Games title after his 2023 success in Hangzhou with Poseidons Admiral.

“I’m just very relieved, mainly,” said Hua Tian, who competed Manjushri at the FEI Asian Championships in Pattaya last year, finishing fourth individually. “Obviously, there’s some pressure coming into a championships, defending a gold medal, but also bringing such a good horse like Manjushri. My main feeling was I just didn’t want to let him or his owners down. They’re such amazing supporters. I’ve had a good year, now I can just relax and be happy.”

Yoshiaki Oiwa (JPN) and Ottawa des Desig. Photo by FEI/Yusuke Nakanishi Photography.

Sittiju and Uster de Chanay also finished on their dressage score of 30.1 to secure individual silver, completing a memorable championship for Thailand. Japan’s Yoshiaki Oiwa and Ottawa des Desig added just 0.4 time penalties on cross-country to take bronze on 31.7.

The eventing competition in Tokyo ultimately delivered two very different stories, with Hua Tian successfully defending the individual title he won three years ago and Thailand adding a first Asian Games team gold to a run of major championship results stretching back to 2018. With Sittiju also taking individual silver, Thailand leave Tokyo with their strongest Asian Games Eventing result to date.

[Full Results]

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Sep 23, 2026 12:01 am -

This weekend is a busy one in Aiken, SC with the first-ever Aiken Equine Summit taking place on Saturday (September 26) at Bruce’s Field. If you’re in the area or planning a trip, here’s a look at the busy schedule for the Aiken Equine Summit (presented by Aiken Saddlery):

Highlights include cross country and show jumping demonstrations from top riders, course building seminars, a “fix-a-test” dressage session, grooming and farrier chats and much more. A full vendor row will also be active in Barn 10 and 11. Tickets can still be purchased here for $10, and kids 6 and under get in free. Attendees can also bring a canned good and receive a $5 certificate valid at many vendors on-site. [More information + ticket sales]

You can keep up with more happenings at the Aiken Equine Summit here.

Major International Events This Weekend

FEI Eventing Nations Cup – Lignières (France): [Website] [Timing & Scoring] [FEI Eventing Nations Cup 2026] [Live Stream – FEI YouTube] [Live Stream – ClipMyHorse.TV]

Ballindenisk CCI4*-L (Ireland): [Website] [Entries & Timing]

Eventing at the Parks and Canadian Eastern Eventing Championships (Ontario, Canada): [Website] [Entries & Timing] [Scoring]

U.S. Weekend Preview

Stable View Oktoberfest CCI4*-S (SC): [Website] [Entries & Timing] [Scoring] [Sept. 26 VIP Tickets] [Volunteer]

Spokane Sport Horse 12th Annual Fall H.T. (WA): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Sundance Farm H.T. (WI): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring]

Jump Start H.T. (KY): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Tomora H.T. (CO): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Old Tavern H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Volunteer]

ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Course Brook Farm Fall H.T. (MS): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Links & Reading

Training Tip of the Day

Learn from the post-cross country strategies of top riders at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival earlier this year:

Go Eventing

Catch up with U.S. rider Tommy Greengard, who’s currently based in the UK and enjoyed a great weekend at Blenheim Palace last week:

Alex Hua Tian (CHN) Holds Steady after Two Schedule-Modified Phases at 2026 Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya; Japan Leads Teams into Cross Country Finale

By on Sep 22, 2026 12:30 pm -

Alex Hua Tian and Manjushri. Photo via FEI/Yusuke Nakanishi Photography.

Defending individual Asian Games champion Alex Hua Tian made a strong start to his title defense as eventing got under way at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 on Tuesday. Typhoon Dujuan, which has dumped record-breaking rain on some parts of the country, delayed the initially planned start of the equestrian competition on September 21. The adjusted schedule shifted show jumping to be the second phase to allow additional time for Marcin Konarski’s cross country course to dry; cross country will now take place on Wednesday, September 23.

Alex Hua Tian and Manjushri lead after dressage and show jumping on 26.9 penalties, giving them a 2.8-penalty advantage over Thailand’s Korntawat Samran and Billy Elmy on 29.7. Japanese Olympian Toshiyuki Tanaka and Talma D’Allou were third after the first phase on 29.9.

A familiar face: Kazuma Tomoto competes for Japan aboard Fer de Lance. Photo via FEI/Yusuke Nakanishi Photography.

“I’ve brought a very competitive horse,” said Hua Tian. Manjushri, Hua Tian’s ride in Tokyo, finished fourth at the FEI Asian Championships in Pattaya (THA) last year and, most recently, won the CCI3*-S at Alnwick in July on his dressage score. “He’s only nine years old, but he’s already competing at four-star level and he’s always been very reliable. I’m here to win an individual medal. Whether it’s gold, silver or bronze depends on what happens, but I hope we do a good job.”

Hua Tian would go on to maintain his lead following show jumping, adding no penalties to his mark. The 1.20-metre jumping course, featuring 11 obstacles and 14 efforts, proved influential, with only eight of the 32 combinations completing without adding any penalties. “The technical bits are out of the way now, and I’ve got to focus on the cross-country tomorrow and do a good job,” he said after his round. “I think the time is going to be influential. The ground looks much better than I thought it would after yesterday. The team here did an amazing job to prepare the course and mitigate the effects as much as possible.”

Woraphat Sittiju and B. Grimm Uster de Chaney jump from fourth into second individually for Thailand. Photo via FEI/Yusuke Nakanishi Photography.

Behind them, Thailand’s Woraphat Sittiju, with Uster de Chanay, moved from fourth to second after a clear round kept them on 30.1, while Japan’s Ryo Murata and Brookpark Vikenti also added nothing to climb two places to third on 30.4. Yoshiaki Oiwa, with Ottawa des Desig, completed a clear round as well, moving from seventh to fourth on 31.3 and giving the host nation two combinations inside the top four.

Ryo Murata and Brookpark Vikenti climbed into third individually for the host nation. Photo via FEI/Yusuke Nakanishi Photograph.

The jumping phase proved costly for several of the combinations that had been closest to Hua Tian after dressage. Thailand’s Korntawat Samran and Billy Elmy dropped from second to 13th after adding 9.6 penalties, while Japan’s Toshiyuki Tanaka, with Talma D’Allou, slipped from third to 19th with 12.4 penalties. Japan nevertheless extended its advantage in the team competition. The hosts lead on 97.3 penalties, 12.1 ahead of Hong Kong, China on 109.4, with Thailand just 0.5 further back on 109.9. China, the defending Asian Games Team champions, have no discard score after starting the competition with only three combinations.

“The fact that we’re in the lead after the first day is exactly as planned, although the actual results were a little different from what we predicted,” said Japanese Chef d’Equipe Atsushi Negishi. “We had hoped everyone would score over 70% in the dressage, but we started with more penalty points than expected. But after the dressage and jumping, we’re in first place with a 12-point lead. I believe we’ve gained a significant advantage.”

India’s team challenge ended when Arjan Singh Nagra and Cooley Goodwood were eliminated in jumping. With only three combinations entered, India had no discard score, although their remaining athletes continue in the individual competition.

A satellite view of Marcin Konarski’s cross country course for the 2026 Asian Games. Cross country is run at the CCI2* level for these Games.

The 3,640-metre course designed by Poland’s Marcin Konarski features 24 obstacles and 30 jumping efforts, with an optimum time of seven minutes.

The cross country course backs up to the local metropolitan area, but lush, well-maintained grass features prominently on this unique track. Photo via CrossCountry App.

[View the course on CrossCountry App]

“I think Marcin has done an excellent and very interesting job. The time and technicality are going to be influential, and I think the ground could be very influential,” Alex Hua Tian described. “All of those things coming together will put a lot of pressure on the athletes, especially the ones who want to win. I think it’s an open competition and it will be interesting and exciting all the way to the end.”

[View full results and start lists]

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Sep 22, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: Tamie Smith is the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Series Winner

With a win and second place in the CCI4*-S at Twin Rivers this past weekend, Tamie Smith has cemented an insurmountable points lead in the US Equestrian Open of Eventing series. There are still two qualifiers to come (Stable View Oktoberfest and Woodside), but Tamie’s 265 accumulated points — earned from the best six results of the qualifier season — won’t be able to be caught. She’ll thus take home the winner’s portion (50%) of a $50,000 cash prize — and that’s before we get to the actual Final competition, which is the CCI4*-L at Morven Park (October 8-11 in Leesburg, VA) that’s worth $200,000.

In 2025, Boyd Martin was the inaugural Series winner and Open Final champion, and it’s not a stretch to say that Tamie Smith has a strong shot to do the same this year. She’s not yet confirmed whether she’ll be traveling to Virginia next month with a horse or two, but if she does she’ll be collecting a minimum of one sizable check to make the trip a worthwhile one.

As of this week, the second- and third-place prizes in the Series will go to Will Coleman (215 points) and Boyd Martin (210 points). This week at Stable View Oktoberfest, both Caroline Pamukcu (210 points) and Lucienne Bellissimo (175 points) have a shot to secure a top-three finish for the season.

[View the full US Equestrian Open leaderboard]

[Read more about Tamie’s Series win roadmap]

[Plan your trip to the Final at Morven Park]

U.S. Events Opening Entries Today

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks (FL); Fleur de Leap H.T. (LA); River Glen Fall H.T. (TN)

U.S. Events Closing Entries Today

Morven Park International & Fall H.T. (VA); Poplar Place Farm October H.T. (GA); Redefined Equestrian H.T. (CO); The Event at Isaacks Ranch (NM)

Links & Reading

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

Is your horse at risk for laminitis this fall? Take a 3-5 minute quiz supported by Kentucky Performance Products to assess your risk.

[Take the assessment]

Training Tip of the Day

The notion of control comes from behind the horse’s head. It’s easy to get stuck focusing on what we can see, but here’s a helpful reminder of the foundation concept that guides us as we progress in our riding:

Go Eventing

Thinking of competing in a Classic Three-Day this year? Come learn about the Steeplechase phase with Olympic event rider Stephen Bradley via the Waredaca Eventing Education Foundation! Participants will practice proper pace for Roads & Tracks as well as practice jumping the steeplechase brushes used for the Waredaca Classic Three-Day Event. Register on Strider.

Danito Wins Second Four-Star in a Row, and Made By Leontine EB and Prince of Oolde Continue Stellar 2026 Seasons in Twin Rivers Fall International

By on Sep 21, 2026 7:42 pm -

Tamie Smith and Danito. Photo by Emma Gray for Atalya Boytner Photography.

Tamie Smith has won four-star eventing competitions around the United States in 2026 to become the second Series winner of the US Equestrian Open, and she added a victory in her home state aboard Danito — and placed second on Spiro P — in the first FEI competition she’s done this year in California at the Twin Rivers Fall International. Smith has spent the majority of the season based in the UK, competing as an individual for the U.S. team at the FEI Eventing World Championships in August as well as at several four-star competitions in the UK. She recently returned to her southern California home base.

Other highlights from Twin Rivers International – September 18-20 in Paso Robles, CA: Made By Leontine EB and James Alliston continued their nearly flawless record in 2026 to win the three-star, as did Prince of Oolde and Amber Birtcil in the two-star.

Smith won the CCI4*-S with Ruth Bley’s 17-year-old chestnut Hanoverian gelding Danito (Dancier x Wie Musik), picking up right where they left off in their last competition together when they won the CCI4*-S at Tryon in North Carolina in May. At Twin Rivers, they had the top four-star dressage score of 26.3, picked up two rails on William Robertson’s show jumping course, but retook the lead with clear jumping in the fastest cross-country round on Morgan Rowsell’s four-star tracks to finish with a score of 46.3.

“I’m really pleased with Danito,” Smith said. “It’s so easy now. We’ve done so much together, and so it’s really awesome. The show jumping wasn’t what I ideally loved, but I think William designs a very technical track, more so than what we’ll ever see even in championships. So, it’s good practice for us to have that type of technicality and makes for some real challenging courses that I find to be exciting and beneficial.”

Tamie Smith and Danito. Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.

Danito’s first four-star came at this same event in 2019. By contrast, Spiro P, on whom Smith finished second with a score of 51.1, only moved up to the level this year and had his first clear cross-country jumping round at the level at Twin Rivers. The chestnut gelding registered with the Anglo European Studbook (Spiros Z x Ugomein) is just 9 years old. Smith’s student Megan Sykes has also competed the horse owned by Donna Wallace.

“He jumped out of his skin [in show jumping], and then [on cross-country] he just skipped around it like an old seasoned pro, which he’s not, so it’s always fun when they do that,” Smith said. Twin Rivers’ CCI4*-S was also a step forward in the career of third-place finisher Baratheon, a 14-year-old chestnut Trakehner gelding (Holster x Bewitching Mist) owned by The MDB Syndicate and ridden by Madeline Backus. Like with Spiro P, Baratheon had his first four-star cross-country round with clear jumping.

James Alliston and Made By Leontine EB. Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.

In the CCI3*-S, Alliston and Made By Leontine EB were the only pair out of 15 to finish on their dressage score, which was 30.8. They also won the level at the 2026 Twin Rivers Spring International and have added blue ribbons at Intermediate in events at Twin Rivers and at Woodside in California this year as well.

“He seems to be really consistent and confident with lots of good results,” Alliston said. “You’re always working on little things. With a view to stepping up to Advanced, you’re just hoping it feels really easy and everything is comfortable.”

Alliston and the 9-year-old grey Dutch Warmblood gelding (Scuderia 1918 Casago x Jackpot E.B.) owned by Arnell Sporthorses have finished first or second in 15 of their last 16 USEA-recognized events, with their only blemish to that streak coming when a lost shoe knocked them out of the CCI3*-L at The Event at Rebecca Farm in Montana in July. This was their first competition since, and they’re eyeing a move up to four-star in 2027.

Amber Birtcil and Prince of Oodle. Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.

Birtcil and Prince of Oolde made the move up to two-star and won their eighth event in a row. They were one of only two in the field of 14 for the CCI2*-S to finish on their dressage score, which was
29.1.

“A horse like this just spoils you,” Birtcil said. “He is just so easy, and he comes out and delivers every day. He’s just so lovely to ride, and he shows up in spades every time he comes to compete.” She will aim the precocious 6-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood gelding (Ibolensky x Aurora J) to the USEF/USEA Developing Horse National Championships for 6-year-olds held at the two-star level at Morven Park in Virginia in October and also plans to enter Picasso (High Shutterfly x Athene HBC) in the 6-year-old championship and Orpheus (Gerardus x Hiewitta) in the 7-year-old championship held at the three-star level.

It will be Birtcil’s first time traveling to the East Coast to compete since 2019. “I feel like I now have a solid string of horses and am excited to get out there and get going again,” Birtcil said.

Tamie Smith and Kareena K. Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.

Smith captured Twin Rivers’ CCI1*-S with Kareena K (Cash and Carry x Namur III) with a score of 30.5.

Katy Robinson and Nite Cap. Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.

The final USEA-recognized event at Twin Rivers Ranch in 2026 will be the USEA YEH West Coast Championships & Last Chance Qualifier from Oct. 22-24. The YEH qualifiers that Twin Rivers hosted at the Fall International went to Birtcil and Sigur (Pommerol De Muze x Glinn) for the 4-year-olds and to Katy Robinson and Nite Cap (Contenda x Happy Hour) for the 5-year-olds. Then, the popular Halloween Derby and Combined Test on Oct. 25 will wrap up the year of eventing at Twin Rivers Ranch.

Twin Rivers Fall International (CA): [Website] [Scores]