Classic Eventing Nation

Halo Takes the Crown at Burgham International

By on Jul 26, 2025 5:34 pm -

Piggy March and Halo. Photo by 1st Class Images.

Piggy March boosted her chances of British team selection for the European Championships with a convincing victory on Jayne McGivern’s Halo in the Project Pony-sponsored CCI4*-S section C at Burgham International Horse Trials (24-27 July).

Piggy’s finishing score of 19.8 with the 12-year-old Holsteiner stallion is a Burgham CCI4*-S record; the pair added nothing to their dressage mark in the subsequent jumping phases, floating easily round David Evans’ cross-country track within the time allowed.

“He’s been amazing – he really has felt on top form, and I’m genuinely really excited about this weekend; I put pressure on myself because I know what a great little horse he is,” said Piggy, who has won medals at World and European Championships for her country. “I want to put him in a position to try for championships – I know that Britain is an incredibly strong nation and there are lots of brilliant horses and riders coming up and I am not in the early days of my career, but I am still very competitive and would love to try to do it still.

“Halo was put on the planet for those sorts of classes [championships] and I wanted him to come here and do a solid performance and look like the sort of horse I know he is. I wanted to make this happen and happen very well. He was very polished, very consistent and it made for a very happy day. He’s a wonderful little horse.”

Piggy and Halo clearly relish eventing in Northumberland: they won the inaugural CCI4*-S at Belsay in May.

Wills Oakden and Keep It Cooley repeated their 2024 second place in this highly competitive class, completing on their dressage score of 25.3. Their next target will be the new event at Scone Palace in Perthshire in August. Third, just 0.6 of a penalty behind Wills, were Tom Jackson and Hawkeye.

Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent, the 2024 winners, led after showjumping but cruised round the cross-country for four time-penalties and fifth place, behind Clarke Johnstone and Sparky Lad in fourth.

Tom McEwen and JL Dublin. Photo by 1st Class Images.

Tom McEwen and his 2024 Paris Olympics team gold medallist JL Dublin took the second CCI4*-S section, which this time was sponsored by local company Holme Dodsworth Metals. Tom and the Deirdre Johnston, Jo and James Lambert-owned Diarado 14-year-old were faultless in the showjumping and cross-country, completing on their dressage mark of 23.4.

Tom said: “‘Dubs’ has been fantastic. He came out very fresh for all three phases; he flew round the cross-country, and it was so nice to have such a well-built track that was really flowing to ride with a few different striding patterns. As a ‘prep run’ for the autumn – hopefully the European Championships, if we are selected – it has been perfect.”

It was Tom’s second international victory at Burgham 2025 – he had already won WL Straughan & Son Ltd CCI3*-S section A on Brookfield Danny De Muze.

Izzy Taylor and SBH Big Wall were second in CCI4*-S section D behind Tom on their dressage mark of 24.4, with Sarah Bullimore and the homebred Corimiro third on 26.2. World champion Yasmin Ingham (Gypsie Du Loir) and Laura Collett (Count Onyx) were fourth and fifth.

On Sunday, the final day of Burgham 2025, the focus turns to the two CCI2*-S classes. Willa Newton and Da Vinci are in the lead in the NIS Group Ltd and Encon Technical Solutions-sponsored section E with a dressage score of 24.8, ahead of Ros Canter (Club Class, 27.5). In the Jack-Thomas Watson CCI2*-S section F, Danielle McCormack is in pole position aboard Hildare Trust Me on 28.3, giving her a slim margin over Jago Jackson and Barrington Highlight K on 28.5. Jago, 17, is also the only rider still with a chance of winning prize-money in the Northumberland Challenge, which unites the three Northumbrian events of Belsay, Alnwick Ford and Burgham. He is in fifth place in CCI2*-S section E on Cooley Top Boy, on whom he won the CCI2*-S at Alnwick Ford in June, having already finished third in that class at Belsay in May. Jago must finish third or better at Burgham on Cooley Top Boy to take home a potential total of £8,000.

Sunday at Burgham not only offers top-class sport, but also great fun for families, friends and children. There is a fun dog shows, have-a-go dog agility, hobby horses for children to “ride”, and a Thoroughbred and Ex-Racehorse Show on Sunday, alongside grassroots eventing classes.

Burgham also features an excellent range of tradestands and lots of delicious, locally-produced food and drink and public bars. It is situated in beautiful, tranquil Northumbrian countryside not far from the A1 between Morpeth and Alnwick.

Visit www.burghaminternationalhorsetrials.co.uk to find out more and to buy tickets.

Burgham International (UK): [Website] [Timetable] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]

We Want This Farm: Aiken’s Hidden Shangri La

By on Jul 26, 2025 11:48 am -

If you’ve ever dreamed of a life where every detail was designed with horses—and your own luxury—in mind, welcome to Shangri La (literally). Tucked away in prime horse country in Aiken, South Carolina, this 13-acre estate feels like a private resort with an equestrian heartbeat.

From the moment you turn onto the magnolia-lined driveway, you know you’re in for something special. Crepe myrtles frame the approach to the main residence, a 3,953-square-foot Tuscan-style home built in 2009 that balances warmth and elegance.

Inside, a solid wood arched door with horsehead hardware opens to a foyer featuring a stunning inlay of 11 wood species and aqua marble, lit by an artisan stone chandelier. That attention to detail continues throughout the home—6” European white oak planks underfoot, river stone fireplaces, Schonbek crystal chandeliers, and custom stained-glass windows handcrafted by Savannah River Art Glass.

The primary suite is a sanctuary in itself, with a gas fireplace, ambient lighting, and a spa-worthy ensuite bath that includes heated floors, a freestanding clawfoot air jet tub, steam shower, towel warmers, and dual walk-in closets. Even the garage was built with intention, featuring 11’6” ceilings ready for car lifts or extra storage.

But it’s not just the main home that makes this estate exceptional. The 2,500-square-foot Koi House, built in 2016, is both serene retreat and architectural marvel. Enclosed with copper screen and birnam wood beams, it features a fully automated 52,000-gallon koi pond with imported Japanese koi, plus a gourmet kitchen with Wolf and Bosch appliances, hand-forged lighting, and a cozy fire pit sitting area—ideal for quiet mornings or entertaining guests (like the EN team, which will certainly be knocking on the door after we referred you to this amazing property).

Of course, no dream farm is complete without the perfect equestrian amenities – that’s what we’re here for, right?

The 3,500-square-foot climate-controlled stable is built to impress. It includes four stalls with Nelson automatic waterers and fans, a hot/cold wash stall with heat lamps, a spacious tack room, storage, laundry with a raised dog-washing station, and even an adjoining kitchenette and half bath.

Also included: kennels for five dogs open to a fenced yard, and the two pastures and two paddocks are complemented by three matted, fan-cooled run-ins with automatic waterers and lights. The entire property is irrigated and enclosed with no-climb wire, ready to keep horses safe and comfortable year-round.

Security, comfort, and longevity were key considerations across the property. Each structure includes built-in generators, lightning rods, copper flashing and gutters, and 50-year architectural shingles. HVAC systems are equipped with purification and humidifiers to maintain ideal conditions no matter the season.

Residents enjoy access to over 30 miles of riding trails, private carriage roads, two professionally designed equestrian complexes with GGT footing, and two clubhouses. Whether you’re a competitive rider, a dedicated horse owner, or simply someone who craves privacy and natural beauty, Shangri La offers an unmatched blend of equestrian functionality and luxurious living.

Can we go ahead and start a Kickstarter campaign to make this EN headquarters? Asking for a friend.

Click here to view the full listing!

For more information:

📍 1029 Shell Bluff Drive, Aiken, SC 29803 [View listing]
💲 Listed at $4,500,000 | MLS #216062
📞 Contact:
Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt – 803-640-4591
Alexa Bottomley – 843-540-6831
Presented by Meybohm Real Estate

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Jul 26, 2025 12:01 am -

Now here’s a real blast from the past, posted this week for a #ThrowbackThursday from The Chronicle of the Horse! Would you believe there was once an event in California that had an *actual* water jump on cross country? Really, it was not a jump — more of a casual swim that counted as an obstacle on course.

“The cross-country led along the left side of the valley to the beach where obstacle No. 3 consisted of going out into the bay alongside a pier and passing underneath it between the last sections of pilings, and thence back to the shore,” the article covering this competition on The Chronicle said. “Whether the horse waded belly deep or swam depended on his size as well as his mood!”

You can dive down the blast from the past rabbithole with more photos and stories from the archives here.

U.S. Weekend Events

Millbrook H.T. (NY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps]

Hunt Club Farms H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps] [Volunteer]

Stone Gate Farm Mini Trial (OH): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Maps]

Major International Events

Burgham International (UK): [Website] [Timetable] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]

FEI Eventing Nations Cup – Avenches (Switzerland): [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream]

Links & Reading

Fast Facts: 2025 USEA EA21 Regional Clinics

Switzerland Set to Defend Home Soil as 2025 FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Series Returns to Avenches

British Equestrian marks the end of an era with final Young Professionals Programme workshop

Horse Owners: Conflicting Emotions and Equine Obesity

Sponsor Corner: World Equestrian Brands

Just some hilarious (and useful!) insights from World Equestrian Brands rider Rebecca Brown! Did you know you can find more tips and tricks on World Equestrian Brands’ Instagram? Click here to follow them!

Video Break

As we look ahead to this year’s Defender Burghley CCI5*, look back on the great story of Australia’s Sophia Hill from 2024:

Robin Walker Leads Advanced Division at Millbrook Horse Trials

By on Jul 25, 2025 9:00 pm -

Robin Walker and SBT Barolo. Photo by Amber Heintzberger.

Robin Walker and his 15-year-old Irish Sport Horse SBT Barolo, (Loughehoe Guy x Tentore Flight), took the lead in the Advanced division when they scored 29.8 on their dressage test at Millbrook Horse Trials in New York. Walker, 60 of Lexington, KY and Ocala, FL owns the horse in partnership with Alston Kerr and Roger Schramm and the pair have competed to the four-star level. The horse was purchased as a youngster at the Goresbridge Go for Gold sale in Ireland.

This year is the 40th Anniversary of the Millbrook Horse Trials. The event kicked off yesterday with lower-level dressage at Riga Meadow Equestrian Center at Coole Park in Millbrook. There are more than 350 total entries competing at Millbrook, from Beginner Novice to Advanced level. Today the upper-level entries competed in the dressage phase, while the lower levels went cross country.

Katie Lichten and HTS Jensen R. Photo by Amber Heintzberger.

Katie Lichten of Hamilton, Massachusetts and now based in Virginia, is placed second after dressage in the Advanced division riding HTS Jensen R, a nine-year-old Irish Sport Horse by Tolan R with 30.7 penalties. She is also ranked 9th riding Hickstead Musterd, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Stakkato out of Saleria M.

This weekend is HTS Jensen R’s first Advanced and Lichten said that he got a bit excited going into the ring today, as a storm was rolling through the area just as she started her test.

“I looked around and saw lightning in the distance and just thought, ‘I need to focus’,” she said. “He’s a pretty good boy and he tries hard, so he tried to stay with me.” Lichten said that the cross country course looks like fun, but noted that there are a few tricky combinations on course, especially the corners. “They will be challenging, especially at his first advanced, but everything looks very fair,” she said.

Lichten is a student of Allison Springer, who is placed just behind her in third place on the Connemara cross Crystal Crescent Moon, (31.1), owned and bred by Nancy Winter, as well as tied for sixth with Irish Sport Horse Monbeg Zebedee, (31.8), owned by the Zebedee Group LLC.

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B. Photo by Amber Heintzberger.

In the Intermediate divisions, Boyd Martin and Fedarman B, owned by the Annie Goodwin Syndicate, are winning Division A with a score of 25.5, and Martin is also second riding Fetiche Des Rouges, (30.5), owned by the Barney Rubble Syndicate. Katie Lichten riding Fast Company is tied for third with Canadian Lindsay Traisnel riding Bacyrouge (31.6).

Martin also has the lead in Intermediate B riding Cooley Nutcracker, owned by Liz’s Nutcrackers, on a score of 30.2.

The competition continues tomorrow with the schedule as follows:

Saturday, July 26

  • 6 am to 6 pm — Simply Gourmet Concession Tent open
  • 8 am to 4:30 pm — Stadium Jumping (Training, Novice, Beginner Novice)
  • 9 am to 4 pm — Cross Country (Intermediate, Advanced, Preliminary)
  • 8 am to 4 pm — Yellowframe Farm Waterview Tent open to ticket holders
  • 9 am to 5 pm — Trade Fair open
  • 10 am to 5 pm – Millbrook Market open
  • 11 am to 3 pm — Two by Two Animal Haven Petting Zoo open
  • 11 am to 6 pm — Food Trucks open
  • 6 pm to 8 pm — Competitors’ and Volunteers’ party sponsored by Purina

Millbrook H.T. (NY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]

Piggy Marches to the Top at Burgham

By on Jul 25, 2025 2:28 pm -

Piggy March and Halo. Photo by 1st Class Images.

Piggy March has soared to the top of the leaderboard in CCI4*-S section C, sponsored by Project Pony, at Burgham International Horse Trials (July 24-27).

Piggy posted an exceptional dressage mark of 19.8 aboard Jayne McGivern’s lovely grey stallion Halo to overtake Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent, who go into Saturday’s showjumping and cross-country in second place on 23.9. Izzy Taylor and Barrington Alice are third on 24.5.

Piggy said: “Halo was spot on – fabulous in his body and brain. He’s really come on; he’s beginning to feel more established, stronger, with more consistency and strength to his body and his work. He’s always felt very special and I’m delighted he is starting to get the marks that correspond to what he feels like.”

CCI4*-S showjumping starts at 8am (3am EST) tomorrow morning at the Northumbrian event, with cross-country commencing at 9am (5am EST). The cross-country can be watched live on ClipMyHorse.tv.

Piggy added: “The cross-country looks very inviting with some good questions. This is Halo’s first run since the CCI5* at Luhmühlen; he feels fit and well and I am looking forward to tomorrow.”

There was no change to Thursday’s top three in Holme Dodsworth Metals CCI4*-S section D. Caroline Powell is in first place with a score of 23.3 aboard Nicholas and Fiona Lambert’s 10-year-old Legally Grey. Caroline has half a penalty in hand over Paris 2024 Olympic team gold medallists Tom McEwen and JL Dublin. Izzy Taylor is also third in this section, this time on SBH Big Wall with 24.4.

Tom McEwen and Brookfield Danny De Muze. Photo by 1st Class Images.

Double Olympic team gold medallist Tom McEwen proved he has another exciting young horse on his hands after winning WL Straughan & Son Ltd CCI3*-S section A on Brookfield Danny De Muze. The seven-year-old, who is owned by Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry, added just 0.8 of a cross-country time-fault to his leading dressage score of 20.8 to stay ahead of Sweden’s Therese Viklund and Sella (22.9). New Zealander Jesse Campbell finished third on his Tokyo Olympics ride Diachello, also with a finishing score of 22.9.

Tom said: “He’s been amazing, to be honest. Piggy [March, from whom Tom has inherited the ride] has done a fantastic job producing him, as only she could do. He’s only done one intermediate and then this [three-star], which I thought was quite a strong track. I know the courses here all jump beautifully, but it was probably the punchiest one I’ve seen, so I was really pleased with him.

“He’s perfect – a really placid character at home who puts everything into it when he comes out at a competition. He did a stunning test here, handled the showjumping well and was very cool across country.”

Elizabeth Barratt and Big Boss Melo. Photo by 1st Class Images.

Elizabeth Barratt, 19, headed up AW Jenkinson CCI3*-S section B on Barratt Eventing’s Big Boss Melo. The pair completed on their second-placed dressage score of 26.5 to win the class, which also acted as the final selection trial for the British team for the European Young Rider Championships in Poland in August. They are the reigning Young Rider National Champions, having won at Bicton in June.

Elizabeth said: “He’s been amazing all week. I was sp pleased with his test, because he can get quite tense and stressy, but he was really with me and I couldn’t have asked for much more from him. He jumped like his always does – amazingly. He has his own unique technique, but he tries so hard and gets the job done. We were held at the start of the cross-country, which hasn’t happened to me with him before, so that was a new experience, but it didn’t seem to bother him at all.

Fourteen-year-old Big Boss Melo was bought by the Barratts from France a year ago.

“It took us a bit of time to adjust to each other – he had been ridden by a man over there – and he is big, strong and bold-moving, but we seem to have gelled quite now,” said Elizabeth, who is very much hoping for a first British team appearance next month.

Jemima Howden – also on the young rider squad short-list – took the runner-up spot on her father David’s Van Kaunitz on her dressage mark of 28.1, while yet another highly competitive under-21, Finn Healy, was third on Greannanstown Monbeg Joe. In fact, the next five placings in this section were all filled by British young rider team hopefuls – Isabelle Cook (Mexican Law, fourth), Josh Levett (This Ones On You, fifth and Huberthus AC, eighth), Anya Strilkowski (K, sixth) and Elizabeth Barratt, (Ride For Thais Chaman Dumontceau, seventh).

Saturday and Sunday at Burgham not only offer top-class sport, but also great fun for families, friends and children. There is a fun dog show on both days, have-a-go dog agility, and hobby horses for children to “ride”, unaffiliated showjumping on Saturday and a Thoroughbred and Ex-Racehorse Show on Sunday, alongside grassroots eventing classes.

Burgham also features an excellent range of tradestands and lots of delicious, locally-produced food and drink and public bars. It is situated in beautiful, tranquil Northumbrian countryside not far from the A1 between Morpeth and Alnwick.

Visit www.burghaminternationalhorsetrials.co.uk to find out more and to buy tickets.

All the cross-country from Burgham is being shown live on ClipMyHorse.tv.

Burgham International (UK): [Website] [Timetable] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]

Gemma Stevens Wins Again at Hickstead Ashby Underwriting Eventers’ Challenge

By on Jul 25, 2025 9:00 am -

Photo via Hickstead Events.

Gemma had two horses entered in the class, but it was with the nine-year-old Cooley Park Muze that she secured the win, while her 2022 winner Flash Cooley finished eighth with three fences down.

Stevens was one of only two riders from the 24 starters to jump clear round the lengthy course, with the other being first-timer Ellie Fredericks, who produced a careful but steady round with Upper Class Brit to end up in ninth.

Last into the International Arena was the defending champion Alexander Bragg, this time riding his Badminton horse Ardeo Premier. He gave a valiant effort, but one fence down added four sec to his time, and he ended up more than 8pen behind Gemma.

Gemma describes Cooley Park Muze as a laid-back, confident horse who loves crowds and big occasions. “He literally strutted his stuff up the chute and into the arena, and he was ready to give his best today,” she said. “He was second in his first Advanced on Saturday at Aston, and he’s come out of that absolutely bouncing. He went around with such ease.”

The pair absolutely cruised round the twisting course, keeping up a strong rhythm from the outset to cross the finish in a time of 122.36sec. “I was trying to ride the tightest, fastest lines everywhere and be as efficient as I possibly could. Cooley Park Muze was so with me today – he was so smooth and calm, and that’s why he can be fast. He’s probably one of the nicest horses I’ve ever had.”

Somerset rider Alexander Bragg ended up in the runner up spot with Ardeo Premier, and finished seventh with new ride Pamplona. “Ardeo Premier, or Eddie, just turns up and does the job. He’s always a bit gawpy, like he’s never been out eventing before, but he’s done big five-stars and he’s so reliable – I trust him implicitly,” said Alexander, who is now aiming to go to Burghley with him.

Another Cooley horse took third place, with Harry Horton and Cooley With Ambition crossing the finish in a time of 136.95sec after two fences down, while Pippa Funnell came fourth with the homebred Billy Wonder, with the 4sec penalty leaving them on a time of 137.16sec.

For full results click here.

The Agria Royal International Horse Show takes place at Hickstead in West Sussex from 23-27 July. Tickets are available at the gate or online. The action will also be shown live on ClipMyHorse.TV.

Highlights from the Ashby Underwriting Eventers' Challenge

Watch some of the best moments from today's Ashby Underwriting Eventers' Challenge, when Gemma Stevens cruised round on Cooley Park Muse to win the title for a second time.

#Hickstead
ClipMyHorse.TV Great Britain

Posted by The All England Jumping Course, Hickstead on Thursday, July 24, 2025

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Jul 25, 2025 12:01 am -

The famous cross country jumps housed at Kentucky Horse Park have a new shelter with the erecting of a new hoop barn on site this week! This new building will help keep the jumps safe from the elements and improve storage capacities in other facilities on the property, which of course hosts competitions across disciplines all year round — that’s a lot of equipment to store!

U.S. Weekend Preview

Millbrook H.T. (NY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]

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

Stone Gate Farm Mini Trial (OH): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

Major International Events

Burgham International (UK): [Website] [Timetable] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]

FEI Eventing Nations Cup – Avenches (Switzerland): [Website] [Entries] [Timing & Scoring] [Live Stream]

News & Reading

What is the target of USEF’s new hair testing rule that has just gone to effect as of July 1? Unfortunately, there exist people who have chosen to use jaw-dropping drugs such as the barbiturate pentobarbital, which is commonly used in humane euthanasia, to reduce a horse’s energy before competition, and this new rule aims to have a better chance of detecting these highly illegal usage cases. The advantages of using hair testing? The test can go back further in time — some 12 to 18 months, in fact — providing a larger window in case a drug has been used well in anticipation of competition. But the euthanasia drug isn’t the only substance on the target list for this rule — you can read more about it here.

Blanka Bodi, a young rider in Hungary, and her mother, Réka Lestyán, are being hailed as heroes after their brave efforts to save horses from a raging barn fire near their hometown. “I didn’t want anything to happen to the horses – I wasn’t thinking about myself. I just wanted to save them and help them get to safety. Someone had to,” Blanka told Horse & Hound. “I was a bit scared, but mostly because of the horses. We were feeding off each other’s energy. I was more nervous that they might get loose or run off, so my fear was really about them – not the fire.” Hungary’s Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky honored Blanka’s bravery at the Hungarian Derby meeting at Kincsem Park. Read more about the courageous efforts that helped to save the lives of four horses here.

Back pain, for a variety of reasons, is a common issue plaguing many horses, and it’s not always easy to know how to manage it. Of course, it starts with understanding the root of the issue. Does your horse have any conditions that would create pain? Does your saddle and equipment fit well? Are they properly conditioned for the work they are doing? Among other reasons, these causes can help you find a path forward to navigate the back issues. You can find more advice on what to consider when it comes to managing back pain here.

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

Have you checked out an Eventing Academy schooling or competition at Stable View yet? This fun, low-pressure (and low cost!) option provides the opportunity to practice over flagged cross country courses and participate in an unrecognized event on the final day of the Academy. Competitors can earn leaderboard points throughout the year. There are three more Eventing Academy weekends coming up before the end of the year, so you can find out more and send your entry in for the next one here.

Video Break

Belgian team manager Kai Steffen-Meier stopped by the latest episode of The Jon and Rick Show:

US Equestrian Announces Defender U.S. Eventing Team for FEI Eventing Nations Cup Arville CCIO4*-NC-S

By on Jul 24, 2025 2:12 pm -

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the horse-and-athlete combinations selected to represent the Defender U.S. Eventing Team at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup Arville CCIO4*-NC-S hosted in Arville, Belgium, from August 13-17, 2025. The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Leslie Law and Team Leader Christina Vaughn.

The following horse and athlete combinations have been selected to represent the Defender U.S. Eventing Team and are listed in alphabetical order.

  • Cosby Green (Lexington, Ky.) and Clever Louis, a 2010 Holsteiner gelding (Cyrkon x Cor de la Bryere) owned by Chedington Estate, and cared for by Sara Bech Strom
  • Lauren Nicholson (The Plains, Va.) and Larcot Z, 2013 Zangersheide gelding (L’Arc de Triomphe x Socrate de Chivre) owned by Jacqueline Badger Mars, and cared for by Sally Robertson
  • Caroline Pamukcu (Springtown, Pa.) and She’s The One, a 2015 Anglo European mare (Jaguar Mail x Condios) owned by Andy Hoff, Mollie Hoff, Sherrie Martin, and Caroline Pamukcu, and cared for by Chloe Teahan
  • Cassie Sanger (Wilmington, Del.) and her own Redfield Fyre, a 2013 KWPN gelding (Canabis Z AKZ x Guidam) cared for by Meigs Rutherford
Competition Information

Competition will begin with the first day of dressage on Thursday, August 14, with the second day of dressage following on Friday, August 15, beginning at 11:00 a.m. GMT+2/5:00 a.m. ET on both days. The stadium phase will begin at 2:00 p.m. GMT+2/8:00 a.m. ET on Saturday, August 16, and followed by cross-country starting at 10:00 a.m. GMT+2/4:00 a.m. ET on Sunday, August 17.

Tune in live on ClipMyHorse.TV/FEI.TV with a ClipMyHorse.TV Premium Membership. USEF Subscribers, Competing Members, and Fans receive a 10% discount on ClipMyHorse.TV Premium Memberships.

Oliver Townend Tees Up Another Big Burgham Win

By on Jul 24, 2025 2:09 pm -

Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent. Photo by 1st Class Images.

Oliver Townend has won Burgham International Horse Trials’ feature class – the CCI4*-S – an impressive seven times since 2016, and he has given himself the best possible chance of adding to that tally by leading the dressage after day one at the Northumbrian event.

Riding his 2024 Burgham winner, Paul and Diana Ridgeon’s Cooley Rosalent, the former world number one scored 23.9 in Project Pony-sponsored CCI4*-S section C. This gives him a narrow margin of 0.6 of a penalty over Izzy Taylor and Barrington Alice. Scotland’s Wills Oakden is in third with 25.3 on Keep It Cooley.

Cooley Rosalent, the 2024 Kentucky CCI5* champion, finished runner-up at Badminton this spring, and Burgham is only her second run back after her post-five-star break.

Oliver said: “‘Rosie’ feels fantastic. She feels a lot stronger again than she has felt previously; she’s developing all the time and I felt that some of her work was as good as it has ever been. She’s still slightly fresh, but more than anything this is a very important preparation run for a big event in the autumn.”

Oliver also triumphed in AW Jenkinson intermediate section J on a new ride, HK Horses’ Thunder Bird Z.

“I’ve only had him a very short time, but he’s won both of his first two runs with me within 10 days, and he’s very good fun to ride. He’s a beautiful horse who has been well-produced by Richard Howley and Morgan Kent of HK Horses,” said Oliver.

New Zealand’s Caroline Powell is in pole position in Holme Dodsworth Metals CCI4*-S section D with a dressage mark of 23.3 aboard Nicholas and Fiona Lambert’s 10-year-old Legally Grey.

Caroline said: “He was bought for Fiona Lambert’s ‘big birthday’ as a three-year-old and he’s the most stunning horse. Everyone has been very patient, and it’s lovely to show people now what he can do. There’s a lot more to come from him, which is very exciting.”

Caroline has half a penalty in hand over Paris 2024 Olympic team gold medallists Tom McEwen and JL Dublin. Izzy Taylor and SBH Big Wall are third on 24.4.

Tom McEwen tops section A of the CCI3*-S, sponsored by WL Straughan & Son Ltd, after dressage on Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry’s Brookfield Danny De Muze. The pair pulled off a score of 20.7, giving them a clear lead of 2.2 penalties over Sweden’s Therese Viklund and Sella.

In the Houghton Country CCI3*-S section B, Bubby Upton is in the lead with a mark of 24.9 on Magic Roundabout IV, owned by her mother Rachel and the Zebedee Syndicate. Sitting in both second and third is Elizabeth Barratt on Big Boss Melo (26.5) and Ride For Thais Chaman Dumontceau (28). Elizabeth therefore is in prime position in the final trial for selection for the British team for the European Young Rider Championships next month.

Other winners today at Burgham included Lizzie Baugh, who took the Cussins Homes Open Intermediate on En Taro Des Vernier, and Clarke Johnstone, successful in Project Pony Intermediate section J1 on Ceralda. Novice section winners were Sean Henderson, Clarke Johnstone and Indie Vaughan-Jones.

Burgham continues on Friday (July 25) with showjumping and cross-country for the CCI3*-S sections and dressage for the CCI4*-S and CCI2*-S classes. On Saturday CCI4*-S showjumping and cross-country take centre stage.

Saturday and Sunday at Burgham not only offer top-class sport, but also great fun for families, friends and children. There is a fun dog show on both days, and hobby horses for children to “ride”. There’s unaffiliated showjumping on Saturday and a Thoroughbred and Ex-Racehorse Show on Sunday, alongside grassroots eventing classes.

Burgham also features great tradestands and lots of delicious, locally-produced food and drink and public bars. It is situated in beautiful, tranquil Northumbrian countryside not far from the A1 between Morpeth and Alnwick. If you’re looking for a family day out that’s really affordable this summer, you can’t do better than Burgham International Horse Trials (July 24-27) – visit the Burgham website here to find out more and to buy tickets.

Burgham International (UK): [Website] [Timetable] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]

Emily Hamel and Corvett Set Sights on Pau 5* — Join the “Team Barry” Experience

By on Jul 24, 2025 12:00 pm -

In what promises to be a historic moment in international eventing, Emily Hamel and her iconic partner Corvett (“Barry”) are preparing to take on Les 5 Étoiles de Pau (CCI5*) in France this October. Their journey to Pau marks not only a major milestone in their competitive career but also presents a unique opportunity for fans and supporters to become a part of their story through the exclusive launch of the Team Barry: Push to Pau membership program.

Known for his unmistakable jumping style and massive presence in the arena, Barry has become a fan-favorite at events across the globe. With top finishes at Kentucky, Maryland, Luhmühlen, and Burghley already under their belt, Pau will represent the final jewel in their crown — making Emily and Barry the first horse and rider combination to complete all six Northern Hemisphere CCI5* events.

To support this historic campaign, only 10 all-inclusive “Team Barry” memberships are being offered to approved individuals. Each $3,000 share is 100% tax-deductible and includes:

  • Owner access at events (credential lottery per share)
  • VIP invitation to Team Barry events, with behind-the-scenes access and the chance to meet top riders and owners
  • A farewell Meet & Greet party with Emily and Barry at Good Fortunes Farm prior to their departure for France in October
  • Limited-edition Team Barry logo wear
  • Two signed copies of “Big, Bold & Brave”
  • Exclusive gifts and discounts from Emily’s brand partners
  • Behind-the-scenes updates throughout the journey to Pau

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of something truly special,” said Emily. “Barry has given me everything and more over the years, and now I want to share this final chapter of our 5* adventure with the people who have supported us from the start. I’ve always wanted to create an opportunity for people to experience the thrill of eventing as owners do for those who otherwise couldn’t afford to. Through this opportunity, I’m excited to do that at a fraction of the cost with a horse who is also simultaneously set to make history!”

Barry’s final U.S. lead-up events include:

  • September 6–7: Five Points Horse Trials – Intermediate
  • September 27–28: Stable View Oktoberfest – CCI4*-S
  • October 23–26: Les 5 Étoiles de Pau – CCI5*, France

To secure one of the limited Team Barry shares or learn more about the program, contact Emily Hamel at [email protected] or 484-678-3078. More details can be found at www.emilyhameleventing.com/team-barry.