Classic Eventing Nation

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

By on Apr 23, 2025 6:07 pm -

Jennie Brannigan and Twilightslastgleam. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

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

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

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

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

Boyd Martin and Luke 140. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

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

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

Go Eventing.

EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

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

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

By on Apr 23, 2025 10:00 am -

Presented by Dressage TestPro

Hannah Sue Hollberg and Carsonstown. Photo by Sally Spickard.

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

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

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

1. Break It Into Bite-Sized Chunks

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

Instead, divide the test into sections:

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

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

2. Walk It Out

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

3. Visualize Like a Gold Medalist

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

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

4. Say It Out Loud

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

5. Use Dressage TestPro Like a Secret Weapon

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

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

6. Drill the “Oh No” Moments

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

7. Look at the Test from the Big Picture

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

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

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

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

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

How EN Does Product Reviews:

We believe that product reviews are the most useful when they’re honest. We will always let you know if we’ve been compensated in some way for writing a product review; in all review cases, we reserve the right to write with honesty on our experience with a product. This review of Dressage TestPro was compensated as a part of an advertising package. The review reflects our writer’s full experience using this product.

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Apr 23, 2025 1:00 am -

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

U.S. Weekend Preview

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

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

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

Today at Defender Kentucky

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

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

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

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

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

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

News & Reading

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

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

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

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

Video Break

We call this a hype reel!

Remembering Timothy Holekamp

By on Apr 22, 2025 12:00 pm -

USEA/Meagan Delisle photo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By on Apr 22, 2025 9:30 am -

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

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

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

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

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

Weekend Winners: Ocala, Fair Hill, Meadowcreek Park, Sporting Days, & Full Moon Farm

By on Apr 21, 2025 1:00 pm -

Kicking off Kentucky week, we’re celebrating the crazy busy weekend before! With final preps under way, we see competitors of all levels getting out and about at Ocala, Fair Hill, Meadowcreek Park, Sporting Days, and Full Moon Farm.

Congrats to all of successful pairs this weekend! We’re giving a shout out to our Weekend Winners, with an extra special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award, Nicole Nair and Cooley Vita, who scored a 20.3 in the Junior Novice Rider at Ocala!

Ocala International Festival of Eventing (FL): [Website][Scoring]

CCI 4*-S: Jessica Phoenix and Aeronautics (52.3)
CCI 3*-L: Rebecca Brown and Fernhill Quite Frankly (29.3)
CCI 2*-L: Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Afterglow (25.6)
CCI 1*-L A: Caroline Pamukcu and After Hours (27.5)
CCI 1*-L B: Ava Staton and Lamondale Graciana (30.8)
Advanced: Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis and Flower Girl (53.9)
Advanced CT 4* Test C: William Coleman and Very Dignified (34.3)
Advanced CT 5* Test C: Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Double Sixteen (38.5)
Intermediate Rider: Chelsea Lowe and Fernhill Malito Park (35.2)
Open Intermediate: Sara Kozumplik and Rock Phantom (32.5)
Open Preliminary: Bethany Hutchins-Kristen and Geluk HVF (29.3)
Open Preliminary – One Day: Callie Heroux and Watermark (34.1)
Open Preliminary – Seven Year Old: Kyle Carter and FR’s Citadel (29.7)
Preliminary Horse: Declan Bast and Je M’appelle Balou (26.7)
Preliminary Rider: Cindy Rawson and Evening Melody (25.4)
Modified – Open: Shannon Riley and MBF Zenith Good Lux (29.8)
Modified – Rider: Cindy Rawson and Fourfields Classek (25.7)
Open Modified – One Day: Karl Slezak and Ballmullo’s Day Off (27.1)
Junior Training Rider: Madison Carter and Hella Famous (29.1)
Open Training: Fanny Lee and Monba Jamba (28.0)
Open Training – One Day A: Colleen Loach and Canada Post (26.2)
Open Training – One Day B: Melanie Loschiavo and Spartacus Q (31.4)
Open Training – Six Year Old: Aki Joy Maruyama and Kroonboy (34.3)
Senior Training Rider: Brie Murray and Fernhill Ranga Tanga (26.9)
Training Horse: Robin Walker and DHI Milan (25.5)
Junior Novice Rider: Nicole Nair and Cooley Vita (20.3)
Novice Horse: Karl Slezak and Hellboy (23.1)
Open Novice: Mary Bess Davis and FE Tarou (25.0)
Senior Novice Rider: Valli Corbin and Napoleon Z (30.3)
Beginner Novice: Nicky Tucker and Pandora (22.8)

Fair Hill International April CCI & H.T. (MD): [Website][Scoring]

CCI 3*-S: Ariel Grald and Adagio’s Nobility (32.5)
CCI 2*-S: Ashley Adams and Global Halcyon (30.1)
CCI 1*-S: Julieann Prettyman and Cooley Mullingar (54.6)
Advanced: Laine Ashker and Lovedance (46.6)
Intermediate: Phillip Dutton and Jewelent (31.0)
Preliminary A: Kim Severson and Cooley Consort (26.5)
Preliminary B: Emily Bradford and Tangerine Traveler (35.4)
Modified A: Cassie Plumb and Excel Star Eye Candy (38.6)
Modified B: Kristina Marth and Curiosity (34.0)
Training A: Bradley Champagne and Excel Star Bravo 2 (27.2)
Training B: Phillip Dutton and Darwinn (26.1)
Advanced CT: Savannah Fulton and Cash Point (31.1)
CT Test 4C: Jennie Brannigan and FE Connery (32.3)
CT Test 5C: Jennie Brannigan and Twilightslastgleam (48.5)

Meadowcreek Park Spring Social Event (TX): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Kate Bell and FE Velvet Black (25.8)
Junior Training Rider: Jaeli Uselding and Lil Jet Setter (30.3)
Open Training: Katherine Rivera and Inverness Z 54 (43.4)
Preliminary/Training: Emily Jackson and Major Milestone ERE (55.5)
Senior Training Rider: Kristina Brown and Marvel (28.0)
Junior Novice Rider: Sarah Jackson and WHF Wangari (22.8)
Open Novice: Olivia Pratt and Fernhill Beautiful Boy (28.3)
Senior Novice Rider: Victoria Udrys and Sir Oberon (31.7)
Beginner Novice Rider: Emma Lewis and Adiesta Moon (31.3)
BNR A: Anna Pool and My Blend of Whisky (27.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Katie Carney and Talk of Texas (28.1)
Starter A: Hailey Bourne and Hi Jinx (28.7)
Starter B: Donna Struke and Singing in the Wind (24.0)

Sporting Days Farm April H.T. (SC): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Breeana Robinette and Cape Kimberly (34.3)
Open Training: Michael Pendleton and Coolpark Chilli (33.9)
Training Rider: Elle Snyder and Fernhill DiCaprio (31.7)
Novice Rider A: Lisa Edinger and Quinto Quest (30.3)
Novice Rider B: Margaret Schneck and Islandwood Border Patrol (31.9)
Open Novice: Moriah Orms and Django (21.4)
Beginner Novice Rider: Kamran Fatehdin and Fernhill São Miguel (20.6)
Open Beginner Novice: Madison Manley and Sua Sorella (33.5)
Starter: Madison Manley and Jump 4 Joy Smart as a Fox (33.0)

Full Moon Farm Spring Thing H.T. (MD): [Website][Scoring]

Modified/Training – Open: Brynn Miller and Clever Deception (42.3)
Open Training HT: Kerri Long and Blue Suede Shoes (Memphis) (29.4)
Training/Novice Open: Carla Lindsay and Take Note (35.4)
Open Novice HT: Sarah Shearin and Chika Kuroda (32.8)
Open Beginner Novice HT: Daniel Clasing and Guido (28.5)
Open Starter HT: Savannah Fulton and Donnervan (26.3)
Pre-Starter Rider: Savannah Shaw and FF Figaro (30.9)
Pre-Starter CT: Kristen Brennan and Coleraine (30.6)

What’s Happening at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: Your Guide to Promotions, Contests, Course Walks & More

By on Apr 21, 2025 12:00 pm -

It can be quite the experience to take in the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, whether it’s your first time attending or your 12th. One thing that really takes the spectator experience to the next level are all of the happenings that can be found on the schedule, which is already massive in itself.

We’ve done our best to collect as many events outside of the official schedule (which you’ll want to check out here to pinpoint anything specific you don’t want to miss out on). Below, you’ll find information on special events, course walks, and more. One thing we won’t know the schedule for ahead of time are autograph signings, so you’ll want to keep an eye on your favorite rider’s social media pages or stop by the Trade Fair, The Hill, and Sponsor Village as there will be signage outside of specific booths to promote rider appearances. We’ve also included some special promotions hosted by our family of sponsors — be sure to stop by and show them some love!

This is not an official list, nor can we guarantee its completeness or finality of schedule, but we’ve done our best and will continue to keep this updated as we become aware of new things to add. You can also email us at [email protected] if you have an event you want to make sure is included.

Official Event Schedule – Check this for not only competition scheduling, but official demos, Mounted Games, breed spotlights and more.

Food & Dining

Sponsor Specials

World Equestrian Brands: Get 20% your $250+ purchase (Spend a minimum of $250 and get 20% off your purchase (storewide, except: saddles, Like New/Outlet items, and Equilibrium Therapy products)
Get 25% off Equilibrium Therapy products (excludes Like New/Outlet items). This deal is valid both in person at booth 110 in the indoor Trade Fair, or online at worldequestrianbrands.com.

Kentucky Performance Products: Stop by the Kentucky Performance Products booth (#160 at the indoor Trade Fair) to enter two contests:

• Win a $500 Shopping Spree of Kentucky Performance Products supplements.

• Snag a limited-edition pink or gray KPP baseball cap (only 100 available!) by taking a photo with the cap at the KPP booth and posting it to your social media, tagging KPP. This enters you for a drawing for a collector’s bottle of Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby Bourbon.

Special Events

Chase the Chinch and win Go Eventing Podcast stickers + other prizes!

In honor of our brand new Go Eventing Podcast, we’ve decided to build our mascot, Chinch the Chinchilla, a roving DJ booth. Throughout the Kentucky Three Day Event, he’s going to be roving around the Kentucky Horse Park blasting his favorite tunes and giving away a set of exclusive stickers. To receive your sticker pack and add your favorite song to his playlist, snap a photo with Chinch and share it to social media, using #ChasetheChinch and tag @goeventing.

Since the Kentucky Horse Park is a pretty big place, we’ve decided to give you a helping hand. We’ll be sharing clues to Chinch’s location on our Instagram and Facebook stories.

If you’d like to listen in to the group playlist we’ll be compiling while at Kentucky, you can find it here or by searching for Chase the Chinch on Spotify.

Once you find Chinch, we’ll give you some Go Eventing Podcast stickers and you can also enter to win one of our awesome prizes from World Equestrian Brands, Sentinel Horse Feed, Ride EquiSafe, and more!

Cross Country Course Walk with Derek di Grazia – Thursday morning, benefitting USEA Adult Riders (Information TBD)

Cross Country Course Walk with Cathy Wieschhoff – Thursday at 4 p.m. – Meet at the Head of the Lake

Cross Country Course Walk with Jon Holling and Kyle Carter (brought to you by Ride iQ and EN) – Friday at approximately 4:30 p.m. – Meet at the Corgi Fence

Sign up in advance here

Cross Country Course Walk with Boyd Martin, presented by SmartPak – Friday approximately 45 minutes after last horse in dressage – Meet at the Head of the Lake

Elite Equine Care seminars, powered by Shapley’s – Friday from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Secretariat Center

Stop by and learn from top grooms, including Emma Ford, Max Corcoran, Steph Simpson, Sidney Baughman and Alex Cain! You can drop by anytime between 6:30-8 p.m. Demos will be rotated every 15 minutes or so.

Autograph and Book Signings

Please note: this list is NOT official and is very subject to change. Be sure to check your favorite rider’s social media pages as well as look for signage in the Trade Fair, on The Hill, and in Sponsor Village, for more signings and timing. Once the event begins, it will become more difficult for us to keep up with timing, so we strongly encourage you to take note as you walk around of any upcoming signings!

Show jumping legend Margie Engle will be signing autographs at the County Saddlery booth (booth #159 in the Trade Fair) on Friday at 3:30 p.m.

Boyd Martin will be doing autograph signings at Le Mieux, Ariat, Stübben and Majyk Equipe, (times TBD, keep an eye on his social pages for exact timing), and his merch stand will also be open all weekend at booth #63.

Tik Maynard will be signing copies of his new book, Starting in the Middle, at the I Love My Horse Booth (#109 in the indoor Trade Fair) for a few hours on Saturday as well as Sunday morning.

Ema Klugman and Sharon White will be signing autographs at the Sentinel Horse Feed booth in Sponsor Village (booth #25) on Saturday following cross country.

Ariel Grald will be signing autographs at the World Equestrian Brands booth in the indoor Trade Fair (#110) on Saturday evening after the conclusion of 5* cross country.

Tailgates

Come join the United States Sport Horse Breeders Association for our annual USSHBA brunch held during cross country day for Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. Tailgate spot A58, across from the campground entrance. Feel free to join at any time during the day, but brunch will be available from 9am-12pm (mimosas! Breakfast sandwiches!). Look for a grey Dodge Ram 2500 truck, a white tent and potentially a USSHBA banner.

No Shortcuts, No Regrets: Arden Wildasin’s Journey to 5* with Sunday Times

By on Apr 21, 2025 9:00 am -

Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times. Photo by Sally Spickard.

When Arden Wildasin leaves the start box at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, she won’t be wearing a watch. She never does. Not because she doesn’t care about the clock—she does. But because time, for Arden, isn’t measured in minute markers. It’s measured in feel. In breath. In trust. In the way her longtime partner Sunday Times—”Mumbles” to those who know him—gallops beneath her with the kind of confidence you can only earn through time, determination, and attention to detail.

“I always want to feel what’s underneath me,” Arden says. “I don’t want to be told by a device how the round should go. I want to know how my horse feels. That’s what matters.”

That sentiment reflects everything about Arden’s journey to her first 5*. It’s not about the destination—it’s about the foundation. And hers wasn’t built quickly. It was built slowly, consciously, and honestly, with plenty of moments that tested her resolve and reshaped her identity as a rider.

Mumbles came into her life more than a decade ago, a quirky grey gelding purchased through the Goresbridge Go For Gold sale in Ireland. At first glance, he didn’t look like much—more pony than powerhouse—but Arden and her mom took a chance on him. He was bold on cross country and full of running, but riddled with questions in the jumping phases. For a while, no one was sure what he’d become.

“He’s always been the type where we say, ‘Let’s see what he wants to do,’” Arden explains. “It was never about pushing. If he wants to keep playing the game, I’m all in. If not, I’ll be the first to pull up. He doesn’t owe me anything.”

But the truth is, they’ve built something special—something stronger than a resume or record. Together, they’ve grown from the ground up. Arden brought Mumbles up the levels herself, and every step of the way, he’s kept showing her he was game for more. But it wasn’t a linear climb. And for a time, it wasn’t even a climb at all.

Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Years ago, Arden stepped away from eventing completely after feeling burned out and alienated. Despite riding at a high level and earning opportunities with respected trainers, she felt like she didn’t belong. She didn’t feel seen. She didn’t feel joy. It all came to a head after a show where, despite being surrounded by peers and familiar faces, she felt utterly alone.

“I had friends in the sport, but I didn’t feel a part of them,” she says. “That’s a really strange, painful feeling. And I just didn’t want to keep throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping it would stick.”
When she returned, it wasn’t with fanfare. It was with humility. She called Heidi White—who had once coached her mom—and asked to go back to basics. Not polish, not prep. Basics.

“She took me back to being a toddler,” Arden says. “The very first lesson, she asked me to bend him to the outside and use my inside leg, and I just stared at her. I had no idea what she meant. I’d gotten through the levels by being talented, by being scrappy. But the understanding wasn’t there.”

That moment was a turning point. With Heidi’s guidance, Arden rebuilt everything—her flatwork, her balance, her confidence. They dug into her riding like it was a new language to be learned. No assumptions. No shortcuts. They reshaped Mumbles’ strength and her mindset simultaneously. And slowly, everything began to change.

“Without her, I’d still be having rails. I’d still be on the watch list,” Arden says, referencing the humbling realization that she’d once been flagged as a safety risk—without anyone ever telling her. “It was heartbreaking. But looking back, it made sense. I didn’t know what I didn’t know.”

Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Now, she does. Her dressage has improved. Her show jumping is solid. And her galloping? That’s always been her favorite.

“I’m a speed demon,” she laughs, “but not in a reckless way. I’m fast because I feel what my horses can give. They’re the athletes—I just get to ride them. It’s a blessing.”

It’s also a responsibility she takes seriously. Arden is hands-on in every aspect of her program. She’s the first one at the barn each morning, the one who preps the tack, checks the feed, coordinates the therapy routines, and braids before shows. Mucking stalls is her version of meditation. Braiding is her quiet time to think.

“If something’s off in the saddle, I want to know if something on the ground contributed to it,” she says. “That’s my job—to know my horses inside and out.”

Preparing for Kentucky has required more than just daily rides and meticulous routines. Arden brought in a fitness coach to ensure Mumbles would be ready—not just to get around, but to feel great doing it. And in solidarity, she’s matched that commitment herself. She gave up refined sugar to sharpen her focus, knowing her body and mind needed to be in sync with her horse. It’s one of many lifestyle shifts she’s embraced to be at her best—not just for Kentucky, but for every ride.

“This is supposed to be a joy,” she says. “We’re supposed to make mistakes. We’re supposed to learn. And if things go wrong? We deal with it, we grow, and we try again.”

Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times. Photo by Shelby Allen.

If the weekend goes to plan, she hopes to score in the mid-40s in dressage, gallop home with a confident clear on cross country, and finish strong in show jumping—even with a rail or two, she’ll be thrilled. But if Mumbles tells her he’s not feeling it at any point, she’ll pull up without hesitation.

“He’s earned that right,” she says. “He’s given me everything. This is already the dream.”

Still, she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t imagining the finish line—and what comes after.

“There’s going to be ice cream,” she laughs. “Mumbles gets cookies. I get an ice cream sandwich. That’s the deal.”

EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To learn more about Kentucky Performance Products’ science-backed nutritional support products, click here.

Monday News & Notes from Futuretrack

By on Apr 21, 2025 12:01 am -

Here’s a fun Monday morning watch for you! Olympic champion Michael Jung stopped by the Behind the Barn studio to make his confessional chat with hosts Frankie Thieriot-Stutes and Lynn Symansky. You can watch his full interview below:

U.S. Weekend Results

Ocala International Festival of Eventing (FL): [Website] [Scores]

Fair Hill International April CCI & H.T. (MD): [Website] [Scores]

Meadowcreek Park Spring Social Event (TX): [Website] [Scores]

Sporting Days Farm April H.T. (SC): [Website] [Scores]

Full Moon Farm Spring Thing H.T. (MD): [Website] [Scores]

News & Reading

Confidence over corners starts at home — and top eventer Ryan Wood shares his proven four-step method to help horses and riders tackle this cross-country question with clarity and control. From building a corner in your arena to troubleshooting runouts in the field, Ryan’s step-by-step plan is all about setting your horse up for success. Check out his full guide on Practical Horseman here.

In his latest Horse & Hound column, Mark Phillips reflects on the whiplash-inducing English weather conditions organizers and riders have faced this season — from last year’s mudfest at Thoresby to this year’s near-perfect going. He also weighs in on BE calendar woes, Olympic venue speculation, and the exciting addition of a new U25 FEI Championship. Read his full thoughts here.

Here’s to the horse trials! In a new article for the USEA, STRIDER’s Natasha Sprengers-Levine explores why eventing competitions — from starter level to FEI — are the heartbeat of our sport. These events not only build skill and confidence in riders, but also strengthen the equestrian economy and foster lifelong community. Whether you’re a competitor, organizer, or sponsor, horse trials are essential to keeping the spirit of eventing alive. Read more here.

Video Break

Look back on Boyd Martin’s 5* career: