Classic Eventing Nation

British Eventing CCIO4*-S Nations Cup Team Confirmed for Arville

By on Jul 31, 2025 12:00 pm -

Libby Seed and Heartbreaker Star Quality. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

British Eventing is pleased to announce the team that have been selected to represent Great Britain at the CCIO4*-S Nations Cup competition at Arville, Belgium between 14 – 17 August is as follows:

  • Helen Bates from Cirencester, Gloucestershire with the 15-year-old gelding Carpe Diem owned by herself and Christine Bates.
  • Barnie Brotherton from Broadway, Worcestershire with the 10-year-old gelding DHI King Nelson owned by Naomi Brotherton.
  • David Doel from Chippenham, Wiltshire with the 15-year-old gelding Midnight Rollercoaster owned by Alison Lidstone.
  • Libby Seed from Chippenham, Wiltshire with the 14-year-old mare Heartbreaker Star Quality, owned by herself and Lesley and Jonathon Seed.

The team will be accompanied by Chef d’Equipe Philip Surl.

The British Eventing teams are supported by the British Equestrian Federation’s World Class Programme, funded by UK Sport through the National Lottery. The Programme focuses on identifying talent, developing potential and maximising medal-winning performances on the world stage.

For further information on the event, click here.

More information on the FEI Nations Cup, including the full calendar, is available here.

Elisa Wallace Joins Road to the Horse Championship Lineup in 2026

By on Jul 31, 2025 9:30 am -

Elisa Wallace and her mustang, Fledge. Photo by Abby Powell.

At its core, Road to the Horse is about transformation — an emotional journey of growth, grit and greatness. The 2026 theme, Legends in the Making, celebrates the powerful bond between horse and rider as they build trust, bravery and courage — one step at a time. The art of colt starting is not discipline-specific, but rather a universal language that connects horsemen and women around the world.

With that spirit in mind, five-star eventer and renowned Mustang advocate Elisa Wallace has been named a Championship Competitor at Road to the Horse 2026, taking place March 19–22, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

From the first touch to the final ride, Wallace brings a lifetime of horsemanship, a deep respect for the horse and a training philosophy rooted in patience and perseverance. Known for her success in international eventing and her dedication as a breed ambassador for Mustangs and Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs), Wallace’s presence on the Road to the Horse stage is a perfect match for an event that honors a confident foundation.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Elisa Wallace to Road to the Horse 2026,” said Tina Battock, President of Morris Media Network. “Elisa embodies the spirit of this event through her courage, horsemanship and unwavering commitment to building trust with each horse. We can’t wait to see her journey unfold in the Road to the Horse round pen.”

Elisa Wallace and her mustang, Fledge. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“I have always been inspired by watching Road to the Horse,” states Elisa Wallace. “Being chosen as a championship competitor is a bit surreal for me. I’m so excited to showcase the skills horses have taught me throughout my career and thrilled to learn so much more. I can’t wait for 2026!”

Elisa Wallace is a five-star eventer, trainer and advocate for American Mustangs and Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs). She began riding at age two and went on to compete internationally, with top finishes at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event and Burghley Horse Trials. Wallace is a champion in both the Mustang and OTTB arenas, winning the 2012 Extreme Mustang Makeover, the 2024 Mustang Classic and the 2018 Retired Racehorse Project with Reloaded.

Based in Reddick, Florida, she shares her training philosophy — centered on trust, patience, and potential—through Wallace Eventing and her popular YouTube channel. Learn more about Wallace at wallaceeventing.com.

Elisa Wallace joins Championship Competitor Ryan Rose, who was announced during the Road to the Horse 2025 event. Announcements of the remaining championship competitors and Wild Card Challenge competitors will follow shortly. Road to the Horse 2026 takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park on March 19-22, 2026. Tickets are available here or by calling 800-514-3849.

Thursday News & Notes from Virginia Horse Center Foundation

By on Jul 31, 2025 12:01 am -

A Modified jump that represents dedication and generosity from the Area VIII community.

Heads up, Area VIII! Hunters Run Horse Trials has been approved to run its first-ever Modified division this August. The brand-new course—complete with freshly built jumps and rolling Metamora hills—will debut alongside dressage and show jumping at nearby Rattlewood Farms. Entries are open now and you can learn more here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T. II (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Hoosier H.T. (IN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Revel Run H.T. (MI): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

River Glen Summer H.T. (TN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

Bayou Gulch H.T. (CO): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Olney Farm H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Major International Events

NAF Five Star International Hartpury H.T. / British Championships (UK): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [H&C+ Live Stream]

News & Reading

What can I build on now? That’s one question USEA EA21 coach Emily Mastervich wanted her riders to be thinking about during the first day of lessons at the West coast Regional Clinic held at Twin Rivers in Paso Robles, CA. “I told these guys I was really hoping to pass along some of the years of knowledge that I have dealing with all types of horses,” Emily said. “You can really tailor things to helping the horses develop their weaknesses without picking on them, so we did quite a lot of that today.” You can read more from the first day’s report here.

It’s time for the Mongol Derby rider roll-call! We have a few eventers (as expected, because we’re just as insane as anyone out there) on the list and a whole roster of experienced horsewomen and horsemen — including one VERY familiar face by the name of Michael Pollard — ready to tackle the Mongolian Steppes starting on August 4. Meet the riders here.

4* eventer Kaylawna Smith-Cook stopped by the Practical Horseman Podcast to share her insights on balancing motherhood and running a professional program, what she’s learned from her superstar mom, Tamie Smith, and what matters the most to her in terms of horse training philosophy. Listen to the episode here.

Sponsor Corner: Virginia Horse Center Foundation

What’s the deal with doing a 2*-L? Virginia Horse Center’s fall event offers Long formats for developmental levels, and it’s a great test of your fitness and skill as you look to continue up the levels. In the video above, get some insight from top coach and 5* rider Sharon White as she walks the 2* track last year with her students. If you’re aiming for a Long format this fall, look no further than VHC Eventing for your competitive needs. The fall event takes place October 30-November 2, and entries open on September 16. Click here to bookmark the omnibus listing.

Video Break

Preview the work of course designer Pierre Michelet as the track for Les 5 Ètoiles de Pau takes shape for October:

US Equestrian Announces Additions to High Performance Program Lists for 2025

By on Jul 30, 2025 1:55 pm -

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Following a review of the US Equestrian High Performance Program lists, a handful of horses and riders have been added to the Eventing Elite and Pre-Elite lists. You can view the initial list of combinations named to High Performance earlier in the year here.

Eventing Elite Program: 

The Eventing Elite Program aims to identify combinations with demonstrated medal-winning potential at the next FEI World Championships or Olympic Games and support these combinations in their preparations to represent the U.S.

The following athlete-and-horse combinations, listed in alphabetical order, have been added to the Eventing Elite Program List.

  • Will Coleman (Ocala, Fla.) & Chin Tonic HS, a 2012 Holsteiner gelding (Chim Champ x Quinar Z) owned by Hyperion Stud LLC
  • Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) & Commando 3, a 2013 Holsteiner gelding (Connor 48 x Amigo XX) owned by Yankee Creek Ranch LLC

Eventing Pre-Elite Program: 

The Eventing Pre-Elite Program aims to identify combinations with the potential to move up to the Elite Program or finish on the podium at the next FEI World Championships or Olympic Games and support these combinations in their preparations to represent the U.S.

The following athlete-and-horse combinations, listed in alphabetical order, have been added to the Eventing Pre-Elite Program List.

  • Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) & Denim, a 2015 Holsteiner gelding (Dinken x Ibisco) owned by Ann Jones, Ann Lapides, Caroline Moran, and Neill Sites
  • Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) & Possante, a 2013 KWPN gelding (Namelus R x Otangelo) owned by The Possante Group
  • Caroline Pamukcu (Springtown, Pa.) & HSH Blake, a 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Tolan R x Kannan) owned by Mollie Hoff, Sherrie Martin, Caroline Pamukcu, and Deniz Pamukcu
  • Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) & Luke 140, a 2011 Holsteiner gelding (Landos x Limbus) owned by the Luke 140 Syndicate

Membership on these lists is reviewed twice per year. For more information about the Pre-Elite and Elite Programs, as well as eligibility criteria, click here.

Aiken’s Fall Showpiece: Stable View Oktoberfest CCI4* Promises Excitement, Challenge, and $40K on the Line

By on Jul 30, 2025 9:00 am -

Phillip Dutton and Z compete at Stable View Oktoberfest in 2023. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The buzz is building in Aiken as Stable View’s Oktoberfest CCI4-S* draws closer (September 26–29), and riders seeking a fall 5* or 4*-L prep will find plenty of refreshed challenges as well as a $40,000 purse up for grabs.

With a wet summer in the books, the Stable View team has doubled down on preparation: the Big Guns and K-Line irrigation systems have been running around the clock, and the cross country course has already been vertidrained and aerated, with the running lanes aerated twice to ensure top-notch footing for the venue’s full slate of upcoming competitions, including Eventing Academy weekends as well as the Oktoberfest FEI in September.

At the heart of this year’s 4* course are some new design concepts from Helen West, who’s been working closely with the Stable View team for months to integrate her fresh tracks with proactive turf management—something organizers say they’ve not been able to accomplish to this level before. Earlier in the season, Helen collaborated with incoming Maryland 5 Star and last year’s Paris Olympics course designer Pierre le Goupil, and she’s brought key insights from that experience to shape a track that is both forward-thinking and preparatory for the fall’s marquee events.

What to expect? A new creative technical use of the arenas, exclusive to the 4* division. Riders will jump into the Hunter Arena, gallop through the Silva Arena, and tackle a combination at 17AB in the New Arena. But it doesn’t stop there—spectators will get an up-close view as the course runs into the Phillips Arena for fences 18 and 19AB before looping back out. This section alone utilizes 500 meters of all-weather footing, making it not just a spectacle, but also perfect prep for Maryland or Pau 5* or Morven Park’s US Equestrian Open Final 4*-L later in October.

Entries for Stable View Oktoberfest, which in addition to the CCI4*-S division will offer FEI competition from 1*-S and up and National divisions from Beginner Novice up to to Advanced. Entries open on August 12, and you can learn more here.

Wednesday News & Notes from Loch Moy Farm

By on Jul 30, 2025 12:01 am -

If you’ve found yourself with some spare time this weekend, auditing day passes for Boyd and Silva Martin’s Windurra Camp are still available! The Camp kicks off on Friday and runs through the weekend, with daily mounted and unmounted sessions on tap with a whole panel of experts such as Natalie Hummel and Peter Wylde. You can view the schedule and purchase your auditing pass here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T. II (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Hoosier H.T. (IN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Revel Run H.T. (MI): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

River Glen Summer H.T. (TN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

Bayou Gulch H.T. (CO): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Olney Farm H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Major International Events

NAF Five Star International Hartpury H.T. / British Championships (UK): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scoring] [H&C+ Live Stream]

News & Reading

US Equestrian is keeping mum on details of its newly-enacted hair testing rule that went into effect on July 1. The implementation of this test is a part of a targeting effort towards dangerous drugs administered to horses for calming effects. Sonja Keating, USEF’s general counsel and chief operating officer, told The Chronicle of the Horse that the federation would publish data from its records annual. “In terms of the competitions and the number of samples, that is not something that we release throughout the year, just to ensure integrity of the program,” she said. “But we do on an annual basis; we do publish out after the end of each competition year the competitions that were tested that year.” No word yet on if the year-end report would include more than just the number of competitions tested/samples collected, but more information stands to come as the testing takes full effect. Read more here.

Australian World Championships hopefuls can now access selection criteria for next year’s big dance at Aachen. The FEI World Championships will be held at Aachen August 11-23 for most disciplines. Prospective riders representing Australia can view selection criteria for their chosen discipline here.

The USEA’s Emerging Athlete 21 Regional Clinics have kicked off this week, with sessions taking place at Stable View and Twin Rivers. On the East coast at Stable View, riders focused on “being a trainer, not a rider” with coach Rebecca Brown during their first day of lessons. “This program is very education based, not necessarily competition based,” Rebecca said. “and ultimately, we’re trying to give these participants the skills to ride and then prove any horse, not just the one they’re on, but the ones that they’re going to have in the future.” You can get a front row seat and some lessons of your own in this wrap-up report.

Sponsor Corner: Loch Moy Farm

The latest Bred to Event Classic Qualifier at Loch Moy Farm, put on in collaboration with the Maryland International Eventing Foundation, took place over the weekend (did you take part? Your photos are now available here!) with several horses stamping their ticket to the Championship scheduled for September 13-14. This creative competition is a competition dedicated to the breeding of event-bred horses. This classic championship will be an opportunity for breeders and owners alike to showcase their decision-making and horsemanship with the young horses they show. You can learn more and send in your entry for the next Qualifier (August 23) here.

Video Break

In honor of Defender Burghley coming up in just over a month’s time, take a look back at Ros Canter’s winning cross country round last year with Lordships Graffalo:

Entries Open for 2025 Defender Burghley Horse Trials, Featuring New Cross Country Direction and Star-Studded Masterclasses

By on Jul 29, 2025 9:00 am -

2024 Defender Burghley winners Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo. Photo by DBHT/Peter Nixon.

One of the most anticipated weekends in the global eventing calendar will be here before you know it! Entries have opened for both the CCI5* and Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Finals at the 2025 Defender Burghley Horse Trials, set to take place September 4–7 in Stamford, Lincolnshire.

This year, Ground Jury President Andrew Bennie (NZL) will be joined by Christina Klingspor (SWE) and Valerie Pride (USA) to preside over the CCI5*. Entries close August 12 and will be published on August 13, with the draw to follow on August 19.

Organizers are expecting a strong international showing in the 5*, with former British winners expected to return and top talent from New Zealand, Australia, and the United States joining the mix. Adding a fresh twist to this year’s challenge, course designer Derek di Grazia will reverse the direction of the cross country track — a move not made since 2017 — while introducing new fences to keep riders and spectators on their toes.

Also now open for entries are the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse Finals, the UK’s most prestigious showcase for four- and five-year-olds with the potential to become future five-star and Olympic champions. Judging will be handled by an elite panel including Harry Payne and Judy Bradwell (dressage), Bettina Hoy and Ian Stark (jumping), Fred Barralet (suitability and type), and six-time Burghley champion William Fox-Pitt (potential to gallop).

This year’s event (and really, any year at Burghley includes a jam-packed schedule of activities and entertainment) will also bring a mix of education, entertainment, and shopping. The Masterclass lineup includes British dressage legend Carl Hester, who will ride alongside Olympic medalist Tom McEwen and a guest international Grand Prix rider. Other highlights include sessions with Bettina Hoy and rising talent from The Howden Way Young Horse Academy. On Thursday, the British squad for the European Championships has been invited to take part in a special arena dressage practice. Returning this year is the hugely popular Insights Stage, which will feature interviews, demos, and expert discussions hosted by former Kiwi eventer Lucy Jackson.

Outside of the competition, Defender Burghley’s iconic shopping village will again offer an unbeatable range of wares from 500 curated retailers, covering everything from equestrian goods to artisan food, fashion, and early Christmas gifts. The 2025 supported charity is the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, a crucial service for equestrians and the wider rural community.

Once more, for those of you unable to attend in person, Burghley TV will host all live streaming and feature content. The subscription cost is increasing from £20 to £25 on August 1 (about $33 USD) and provides viewers with wall-to-wall coverage, feature interviews, course previews and much more — all led by an all-star team of broadcast personnel. Click here to secure your subscription to Burghley TV.

Key Dates:

Entries close: August 12

Entry list revealed: August 13

Draw: August 19

Learn more and get your tickets here.

 

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Jul 29, 2025 12:01 am -

🪅Exciting news 🪅

Trying to decide whether or not to come to the horse trial this year? You should! This year there’s…

Posted by Sundance Farm Horse Trial on Friday, July 25, 2025

Sundance Farm’s Horse Trials in Wisconsin wants your entries! Prize money can be hard to come by, especially at non-FEI competitions, but competitors at Sundance in September will have the chance to win part of a $1000 prize fund (each) for Prelim, Modified and Training level. Click here for more information on entries, etc. Entries open on August 12.

U.S. Events Opening Entries Today

The Vista Fall YEH/NEH Qualifier (SC); The Fork at Tryon (NC); Otter Creek Fall H.T. (WI); Aspen Farm H.T. (WA); Flying Cross Farm H.T. (KY); The Event at Skyline (UT); GMHA Summer H.T. (VT); Marlborough H.T. (MD)

U.S. Events Closing Entries Today

Applewood Farm YEH/OEH/Mini Event (NJ); Waredaca Farm H.T. (MD); Caber Farm H.T. (WA); The Event at Archer (WY); Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club H.T. (NY); Ocala Summer H.T. (FL); Full Gallop Farm August H.T. (SC)

News & Reading

Not quite ready to leave CHIO Aachen in the rearview? It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly a month since this year’s World Equestrian Festival in Germany, but time flies as usual. You can take another look back at the eventing action at next year’s World Championships venue here.

There’s been a new Century Ride recorded in the books! Windermere Run Horse Trials in Kansas City, MO was the host of this special milestone as Debbie Lark Lemberger (75) and Yoshi (25) competed in the Open Novice division together. “I was very nervous,” Debbie said of her mindset before her Century Ride. “I don’t go out of town to show or anything. I only do local shows. There are two parks in my area here, and you just never know what’s going to happen. I just really wanted to complete it.” Read the full story here.

We recently shared a photo of a great save made in Vermont as captured by Flatlands Foto, but what was the actual story behind the photo? The Chronicle of the Horse went right to the source to chat with rider Helena Kopcyznski, who found a way to right her bridle after it slipped off her horse’s (Bantry Bay’s Roper) head. Read the full story here.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

25-ENHNO_07

You spend time and money picking the right supplements for your horse—don’t let poor storage ruin their effectiveness. Whether you’re storing pelleted joint support or a liquid vitamin boost, a little prep goes a long way.

Here are a few golden rules to keep your supplements potent and safe:

Mind the temperature. Powders and pellets are your best bet for durability, but even they can suffer in extreme heat or humidity. Store them between 50–70°F with humidity around 40–50%. Liquids and pastes? Keep them sealed tight and away from temperature swings.

Avoid the elements. Direct sunlight and open air degrade nutrients. Always store supplements in cool, shaded areas with lids properly sealed.

Be delivery savvy. During heat waves or cold snaps, designate a shaded or insulated delivery spot—and skip the sunny car dash. Use a cooler for transport if needed.

Stay dry. Moisture is the enemy, especially for powdered and pelleted products. Keep desiccant packs in the bucket, reseal bags carefully, and consider investing in screw-top lids for airtight protection.

Bonus tip? Store your bulk buckets at home in climate control and refill a smaller barn-sized container as needed. Your horse gets max nutrition—and your wallet gets its money’s worth.

For more on supplement best practices, visit Kentucky Performance Products recommendations here.

Video Break

Michael Jung’s fischerChipmunk FRH was back in action and making a bid for the FEI Eventing European Championships this weekend at Avenches (Switzerland), taking home the CCI3*-S win on a final score of 28.4:

Weekend Winners: Millbrook, Hunt Club, Glen Oro

By on Jul 28, 2025 2:30 pm -

It’s time to look back on another bustling weekend of eventing! In big news from Canada, FEI eventing made its return to Ontario with CCI1* and 2* divisions running at Glen Oro Farm’s Horse Trials. Thanks to the hard work of many, more FEI opportunities in Canada are coming up at Wesley Clover Parks in September.

Our lowest score of the week also comes from Glen Oro, as Jessie Phoenix won the Open EV100 division with Dunhallow Sampson’s Legacy — owned by Chelsea Low — on a score of 20.6. Well done to all!

Millbrook H.T. (NY): [Website] [Scores]

Advanced: Boyd Martin and Miss Lulu Herself (44.9)
Open Intermediate A: Katie Lichten and Fast Company (43.2)
Open Intermediate B: Savannah Fulton and Cash Point (39.7)
Open Preliminary A: Tim Bourke and Quality TNT (27.3)
Open Preliminary B: Tim Bourke and Sing To Me Cooley (30.5)
Preliminary Rider: Jessica Ebzery and Absolut Cooley Quality (23.4)
Modified Rider: Julie Crispin and Magnific C’Imagination (31.9)
Open Modified: Booli Selmayr and Uptown Girl (33.3)
Open Training A: Booli Selmayr and Bobbie Burns (32.0)
Open Training B: Robin Walker and DHI Milan (25.7)
Training Rider A: Fiona King and Kilbracken Blu (37.1)
Training Rider B: Emma Cross and Raise the Bounty (30.0)
Junior Novice: Emerson Hover and Amore (22.8)
Novice Rider A: Jacqueline Thorne and The Fonz Himself (23.9)
Novice Rider B: Hannah Lowin and Jack Frost (27.2)
Open Novice A: Leigh Casaceli and Irish Hero (28.9)
Open Novice B: Morgan Connelly and Call Me Rio (27.2)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Thomas Whitty and Twain (30.3)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Caroline Reardon and Storm the Castle (30.9)
Open Beginner Novice A: Lee Fairchild and Black Magic’s Riverdance (26.2)
Open Beginner Novice B: Joanne Blackmore and Callam (26.9)

Hunt Club Farms H.T. (VA): [Website] [Scores]

Open Preliminary: Lee Maher and Global Crown (39.8)
Open Modified: Ashley Kehoe and My Ernie (46.1)
Open Training: Martha Wunder and Sunshine Daddy (31.9)
Training Horse: Stephanie Sills and Valor (33.3)
Training Rider: Piper Etheridge and Dalhem Theano (33.3)
Novice Horse: Lee Maher and Fernhill Klass Act HTF (28.6)
Novice Rider A: Catherine Ramsey and Cakewalk (25.3)
Novice Rider B: Emma Thornell and Delta Dawn PVF (34.6)
Open Novice: Kendyl Tracy and Disney (26.9)
Beginner Novice – Junior: Mackenzie Hicks and Sorry Not Sorry (32.9)
Beginner Novice Horse: Devon Sutherland and James (40.5)
Beginner Novice Rider: Michaela Yowaiski and Lumen ex Tenebris (21.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Molly Smith and Kimberlake Jophiel (31.8)
Pre-Starter: Celeste Legat and Key To Freedom (27.7)
Starter A: Miranda Van Hemert-Hartsock and River Monster (27.7)
Starter B: Aila Rodriguez and High Maintenance (27.7)

Glen Oro H.T. (Ontario): [Website] [Scores]

CCI2*-S: Jessica Phoenix and ESI Nixon (33.6)
CCI1*-S: Nicole Reynolds and Glendening Totem (34.2)
Open EV115: Melissa Bourtin and Obeah Dancer GS (35.1)
Open EV110: Emily Lindsay and Ta Ta For Now – SR (43.8)
Open EV100: Jessica Phoenix and Dunhallow Sampson’s Legacy (20.6)
Senior EV100: Maureen Sinopoli and Darcy (32.0)
Junior EV90: Melanie Tian and The Mighty Finn (42.1)
Open EV90: Jessica Phoenix and El Tormenta (29.1)
Senior EV90: Jade Buchanan and Gusto (27.7)
Junior EV85: Danica Fetter and Rather Boldly (35.3)
Open EV85: Jade Buchanan and Ginger (26.9)
Senior EV85: Michelle Stableford and Make My Day (27.2)
EV60: Violet Humphries and Sawyer (32.5)
Junior EV75: Emilie Roberts and Lightnight McQueen (35.0)
Open EV75: Marnie Bennett and FF Fortuna – SR (35.8)

Team Switzerland Triumphs on Home Turf at Avenches FEI Eventing Nations Cup

By on Jul 28, 2025 12:00 pm -

Team Switzerland take the win for the CCIO4*-S FEI Eventing Nations Cup | Switzerland: Robin Godel rides Grandeur de Lully CH; Nadja Minder rides Top Job’s Jalisco; Mélody Johner rides Erin; Felix Vogg rides Cartania. 2025 SUI-IENA Avenches International Horse Trials. Photo: Libby Law Photography

Switzerland celebrated a landmark victory at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ 2025 leg held in Avenches (SUI), leading from start to finish and securing the top podium spot in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. Hosted at the Institut Équestre National Avenches (IENA), the competition marked a pivotal moment in the Nations Cup season and underlined Switzerland’s growing dominance in international Eventing. Remarkably, the team also won this event last year with the same athlete line-up.

The Swiss team—Robin Godel, Mélody Johner, Nadja Minder, and Felix Vogg—were the same athletes selected to compete at the Paris Olympics last year. This talented quartet showcased exceptional consistency and composure across all three phases of the CCIO4*-NC-S. Their final team score of 100.4 comfortably secured the win ahead of Germany (141.7) and France (175.6), improving on their 2024 winning score of 127.7. It was also one of the lowest finishing scores recorded in the 2025 Nations Cup season so far, despite a star-studded field that included reigning Olympic champion and former Avenches winner Michael Jung of Germany, as well as Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier, who has already claimed 14 international victories this year.

Felix Vogg and Colera. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

As is the nature of the Nations Cup Series, the event also featured several rising stars making team debuts, with nations using the series as a valuable opportunity to give emerging athletes team experience.

Felix Vogg led the way on his 17-year-old gelding, Colero. The pair were in second place behind Jung after Dressage, before delivering a double clear and picking up just 3.6 time penalties. This secured second place individually with a score of 31.2—only 0.1 behind Vogg’s other ride, Cartania, who took the individual win on 31.1.

Nadja Minder and Top Job’s Jalisco. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Nadja Minder also delivered a double clear on her Paris Olympic mount, the Polish-bred Top Job’s Jalisco, finishing third individually on a score of 32.2 with one of the fastest Cross-Country rounds of the day. Mélody Johner and Robin Godel rounded out the team effort, placing fifth and seventh respectively. Johner’s 10-year-old Spanish-bred gelding, Erin, looks to be a very exciting prospect for the future, while Godel was partnered with his long-time companion Grandeur de Lully CH. The 17-year-old Swiss gelding has been a consistent performer at major championships and is currently the highest-rated Swiss event horse.

Avenches is a particularly stunning venue on the Nations Cup circuit. It is Switzerland’s only four-star venue and has recently been announced as the host of the FEI Eventing European Championship 2027, having previously staged the event in 2021. Since its debut in 2020, Avenches has developed a reputation for producing a tough Cross-Country test, with time playing a major role. All four Swiss athletes produced fast clears in this phase. With the FEI Eventing European Championship at Blenheim Palace (GBR) in September fast approaching, this performance firmly establishes Switzerland as medal contenders.

Melody Johner andhttps://eventingnation.com/ Erin. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Speaking after their performance team coach Andrew Nicholson summed up their performance. “I’m very proud of them all. They all did a superb job in all phases and it’s a great pleasure to work with them. I think they are going in the right direction. Sone of our other riders- the younger ones have done a very good job in the same competition so that’s looking good for the future and I am very proud to be part of it. They are looking good for Blenheim and they will do their best for sure and it’s another step up the ladder”.

Dominique Burger is the Chef d’Equipe of the Swiss team and was equally enthusiastic with the home victory. “It is fantastic. It is very satisfying for all the work that is done. It was a compact team performance; we never had it like that that that our result not to count for dressage was 31.6. This was already fantastic and, in the cross-country, they worked fantastically. Also the showjumping was good. We think we are on a good track and we will no work to get better and better.”

Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Avenches was the third leg of the 2025 Series and the half-way point. Germany leads with 170 points, followed by France on 150. Switzerland, having only competed once so far, now sits in strong contention with 100 points, the same tally as Sweden and Great Britain. The Series next moves to Arville, Belgium, from August 13-17.

FEI Eventing Nations Cup – Avenches (Switzerland): [Website] [Scores] [Live Stream Replays]