Classic Eventing Nation

Weekend Winners: Twin Rivers, Unionville, Heritage Park, University of New Hampshire, & Honey Run

By on Sep 21, 2026 12:30 pm -

From East to West coast, and everything in between, Eventers were out enjoying the fall season this past weekend!

Congrats to all of our Weekend Winners! We’re enjoying a good weekend and social recap, and giving a special shout out to all of our partnerships here, with an extra special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award: Alexandra Naeve and Soaring Bird, who won the Sr Novice Rider division at Twin Rivers on a remarkable 16.8!

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

CCI 4*S: Tamra Smith and Danito (46.3)
CCI 3*S: James Alliston and Made by Leontine EB (30.8)
CCI 2*S: Amber Birtcil and Prince of Oolde (29.1)
CCI 1*S: Tamra Smith and Kareena K (30.5)
Open Intermediate: India McEvoy-Chisholm and Justiz-ESH (37.9)
Open Preliminary: James Alliston and Konditori (31.3)
Open Modified: Katherine Robinson and Party Favor (28.9)
Modified Rider: Keelari Mauzy and West Coast Cooley (31.5)
Jr Training Rider: Samantha Ehrlich and Midnight Endeavour (23.2)
Sr Training Rider: Saryn Koch and Samantha (21.8)
Open Training: Mickayla Howard and Mon Copain (17.4)
Training Horse: Amber Birtcil and Rivale.T. (28.5)
Jr Novice Rider: McKenzie Nelson and Stoneman (18.5)
Sr Novice Rider: Alexandra Naeve and Soaring Bird (16.8)
Open Novice: Rebecca Braitling and Million Ways HE (25.0)
Jr Beginner Novice Rider: Isabella Munoz Jaramillo and Ebay (24.1)
Sr Beginner Novice Rider: Rachel Mitchell and Phineas (30.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Allyson Puccinelli and HSH Untouchable (25.0)
Starter Rider: Hana Samac and Doja Cat (21.6)
Open Starter: Isabella Rega and Mr. Rumba de Palma (51.8)
Open Introductory: Isabelle Franchini and Smudge (30.3)
Young Event Horse Five Year Old: Katherine Robinson and Nite Cap (92.15)
Young Event Horse Four Year Old: Amber Birtcil and Sigur (93)

Unionville International (PA): [Website][Scores]

BrookeUSA Foundation CCI4*S: Monica Spencer and Valkyrie (47.1)
Precise Buildings CCI3*S: Jennie Brannigan and Kismet (28.3)
Back on Track CCI2*S: Kenta Hiranaga and Promised Land TH (28.1)
Brown Advisory CCI1*S: Bradley Champagne and Excel Star Bravo 2 (30.1)

Heritage Park H.T. (KS): [Website][Scores]

Rudix Nutrition-Training: Alexandra du Celliee Muller and Contraband RC (29.1)
AK Equine, LLC – Novice – Junior: Savannah Byer and Louisiana Bling (34.0)
USEA Area IV – Novice Rider: Maureen Gall and Thieo (29.4)
GreenUp Wealth Mgt – Novice: Jessica Ptak-Hooker and Pour Me A Double (30.0)
EquiCircle – Beginner Novice – Junior: Sidney Byer and The Smoke Show (32.2)
Royal Fox Stables – Beginner Novice: Katherine Letcher and Samwise LF (34.4)
JS Equine Appraisals – Open Starter: Julie Wolfert and The Friendly Phantom (28.7)
TeaShirt Creations – Combined Test Starter: Anika Warner and Captain Jack Sparrow (33.4)
Twin Mill Farm – Starter – Junior: Abigail Moentmann and Case Closed (30.6)

University of New Hampshire H.T. (NH): [Website][Scores]

Training: Kate Day and Fortissimo (29.1)
Novice A: Reardon Caroline and Playing With Quarters (29.2)
Novice B: Chelsey Shivley and Tuff Duff (35.2)
Beginner Novice A: Lisa Cook and Mint Julep (35.0)
Beginner Novice B: Anna Estes and Dazzle Me Duke (31.6)
Beginner Novice CT: Gianna Minutelli and Fair Thee Well (45.5)
Beginner Novice HT Unrecognized: Kara Riley-King and Far Away Fancy (28.8)
Grasshopper CT: Grace Lia Harris and Remy (60.3)
Introductory HT Unrecognized A: David Wilson and Brave (37.4)
Introductory HT Unrecognized B: Lily Reeves and Seamus (39.1)
Introductory CT: Maia Lindner-Liaw and Vini Vidi Vici (37.8)
Starter HT Unrecognized A: Karina Graeter and Lily (37.8)
Starter HT Unrecognized B: Ann Grenier and Electric Biscuit (37.3)
Starter A: Mary Boyd-Young and Monte Carlo (37.3)
Starter B: Kaitlyn Covell and Juliette (32.2)
Starter CT: Alex Carlson and Dawson’s Double Scoop (40.3)

Honey Run H.T. (MI): [Website][Scores]

HT-Training-Open: Hannah Fountain and J.M’s Parade (37.3)
Training Open Provisional Scores: Carrie Mulks and Test Ride Colony’s Finale (29.8)
HT-Open Novice A: Mary Clare Owdziej and Latin Jet (28.1)
HT-Open Novice B: Jodi Davidson and Waitinonalady (30.6)
HT-Open Beginner Novice A: Kelsey Boos and Good Trouble (27.9)
HT-Open Beginner Novice B: Kathleen Neuhoff DVM and Mystique Rose (34.1)
HT-Open Starter A: Aurelia Lamoreaux and Lady In Red (41.2)
HT-Open Starter B: Alyssa Cairo and Larkfield Sammy (26.2)
TEST-Intro-Open Provisional Scores: Bianca Maresca and Just Because (30.9)

Asian Games Eventing Brings Olympic Stars Back to Tokyo

By on Sep 21, 2026 9:00 am -

(L-R) Silver medalist Korntawat Samran of Thailand, gold medalist Alex Hua Tian of China and bronze medalist Kazuhiro Yoshizawa of Japan celebrate during the medal ceremony for the Eventing individual competition during the 19th Asian Games on 2 October 2023, in Hangzhou (CHN) © FEI/Yong Teck Lim

The 20th Asian Games will bring eventing back to Tokyo this week, with 33 combinations from ten nations set to contest team and individual honours. Although the Games are centred on Aichi-Nagoya, Equestrian will take place some 250 kilometres away at the Equestrian Park in Tokyo, also known as Baji Koen. The historic venue, which opened in 1940, hosted Equestrian sport at both the Tokyo 1964 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games before reopening after renovation in 2023.

Eventing has been part of the Asian Games programme since equestrian sport was introduced at the 1982 edition in New Delhi (IND). The 2026 competition will take place over three consecutive days in a hybrid format, with dressage and jumping at CCI3* level and cross-country at CCI2*-L level.

China made history at the 2023 edition in Hangzhou (CHN), claiming its first Asian Games Eventing gold medals with victories in both the team event and individual competition through Alex Hua Tian.

This time, Japan line up a team rich in championship experience, as China return to defend their titles against a field that includes several familiar Asian Games medallists.

Ryuzo Kitajima leads the Japanese portion of the victory lap, quite enthusiastically, on foot. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Few nations arrive with stronger credentials than the hosts. Three of Japan’s four athletes – Yoshiaki Oiwa, Toshiyuki Tanaka and Kazuma Tomoto – were members of the squad that claimed historic eventing bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Japan’s first Olympic medal in the discipline.

For Oiwa, the Asian Games also bring back memories of previous success. He won individual gold in 2018 in Jakarta-Palembang (INA), ahead of India’s Fouaad Mirza and China’s Alex Hua Tian.

Remarkably, all three medallists from that podium return eight years later for another Asian Games campaign.

Tomoto has also established himself among the most consistent Japanese performers on the championship stage, finishing fourth individually in Tokyo, and fifth in Paris 2024. This time he rides the eight-year-old Fer de Lance, with whom he won the CCI3*-S at Miki (JPN) in May 2026.

Japan aim to regain a title they last won in 2018, when they took team gold before claiming silver behind China in Hangzhou in 2023. The Japanese team now return to the Asian Games with considerable experience at the highest level of the sport.

Alex Hua Tian and Manjushri. Photo by Yong Teck Lim.

China’s challenge is again led by defending individual champion Alex Hua Tian. His victory in Hangzhou in 2023 completed a full set of Asian Games individual medals following silver in 2014 in Incheon (KOR) and bronze in 2018. China’s team success marked another milestone for a nation that has become an increasingly significant force in Asian Eventing.

Hua Tian returns with Manjushri, fresh from winning the CCI3*-S at Alnwick (GBR) in July 2026. He also finished 12th individually at the FEI Eventing World Championship 2026 in Aachen (GER) and is currently 17th in the FEI Eventing World Athlete Rankings.

Thailand has been another consistent presence on the Asian championship podium. Korntawat Samran and B.Grimm Billy Elmy took individual silver behind Hua Tian in Hangzhou in 2023 and followed that with bronze at the FEI Asian Championships 2025 in Pattaya (THA). Thailand went one better in the team competition there, taking gold ahead of India and Hong Kong.

Ashish Limaye (IND) and Willy Be Dun. Photo by Yong Teck Lim.

That result also underlined the strength of the wider field heading to Tokyo. India brings the reigning FEI Asian Champion, Ashish Limaye, who won individual gold with Willy Be Dun in Pattaya in 2025 and helped his country secure team silver.

With the medallists from both Hangzhou 2023 and Pattaya 2025 represented in Tokyo, the challenge to the host nation comes not only from established names but from combinations that have been at the forefront of Asian Eventing throughout the current championship cycle.

Alex Hua Tian (China) and Don Geniro compete at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The eventing competition will return to familiar Olympic ground, but with an important difference. At Tokyo 2020, dressage and jumping were held at Baji Koen while cross country took place separately at Sea Forest in Tokyo Bay. For the Asian Games 2026, all three phases will be centred at the Equestrian Park itself.

That gives this competition a different character from the Olympic eventing contest. Cross country will become part of the sporting action within the park rather than taking the athletes and horses to a separate venue, bringing all three phases together at one of Japan’s most historic equestrian sites.

Poland’s Marcin Konarski has been appointed Cross Country Course Designer. A Level 4 FEI Course Designer and Technical Delegate, Konarski served as Eventing Technical Delegate at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and has extensive international course-designing experience, including many years at Strzegom.

His task in Tokyo is to create the decisive middle phase within an established urban Equestrian venue, adding a new chapter to a park that has already staged sport at two Olympic Games.

Eventing begins with dressage on September 21, followed by cross country on September 22 and the final jumping phase and medal ceremonies on September 23. There is no live stream for this event, but you can follow along with live scores, start lists and more here.

Monday News & Notes from Equine Discounts

By on Sep 21, 2026 12:01 am -

Corvett celebrates another clear 5* cross country with #supergroom Jeanna Epping. Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.

HorseGrooms, the online education and community platform for equine caretakers, has launched the HorseGrooms Foundation, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit designed to build the educational and professional infrastructure long missing for grooms.

From mentorship and scholarships to financial and legal resources and, eventually, a recognized industry certification pathway, the Foundation is seen as a continuation of the work HorseGrooms set out to do and the headway they’ve made thus far. The platform will build on existing programs like HorseGrooms MeetUps while rolling out new initiatives including the HorseGrooms Financial Corner and Legal Corner.

Organizers behind the Foundation say the goal is to establish clearer career pathways and professional standards for grooms. At the end of the day, better-supported, better-educated grooms translate directly into better horse care and welfare across the industry.

[Read more and support the HorseGrooms Foundation]

Major International Event Results

Agria Blenheim Palace International (UK): [Website] [Scoring] [Blenheim Challenge Scores] [H&C+ Live Stream Replays]

U.S. Weekend Results

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

Unionville International (PA): [Website] [Scores]

Heritage Park H.T. (KS): [Website] [Scores]

University of New Hampshire H.T. (NH): [Website] [Scores]

Honey Run H.T. (MI): [Website] [Scores]

Links & Reading

Sponsor Corner: The John Deere Equine Program — Built for Every Horse Farm

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Training Tip of the Day

Can’t stop tipping forward? Try this!

Go Eventing

Relive Burghley with Barry (aka Emily Hamel’s Corvett)!

Tom McEwen Smashes All Records by Doing the Double at the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials

By on Sep 20, 2026 4:30 pm -

Tom McEwen and The Fieldmaster are your Agria Blenheim Palace CCI4*-L winners. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Britain’s Tom McEwen made history today (Sunday, September 20) at the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, as the first ever rider to win both the Agria CCI4*-L and the GFS Saddles CCI4*-S 8 & 9-Year-Old in the same year. He topped off a spectacular weekend by finishing in first and second places in the CCI4*-L, his two horses separated by just 0.1 of a penalty.

By the time Tom went into the arena as last to go on Jo and James Lambert and Penny Barker’s nine-year-old Irish sport horse The Fieldmaster, he had already secured victory whatever happened. He could afford one fence down on the young horse, a new mount this season, to remain ahead of faithful campaigner Brookfield Quality, a 17-year-old owned by John and Chloe Perry and Alison Swinburn.

“I had absolutely no idea what was going on, but fortunately both horses jumped superbly,” Tom confessed, as the magnitude of his achievement sunk in. “It’s a shame they couldn’t both have won, but what a weekend. I came here with five very nice horses and no expectations. It is a very nice result for Tom Strawson who took ‘Trev’ [The Fieldmaster] around here last year, but ‘Norris’ [Brookfield Quality] is an absolute star, a great old boy.”

Tom, who accrued a prize fund of £28,000 in this competition, is the first to score a one-two in the CCI4*-L at Blenheim since William Fox-Pitt in 2002 with Stunning and Tamarillo.

Sam Ecroyd also had an excellent weekend, rising from fifth and sixth places to finish third and fifth with clear show jumping rounds on Bloomfield Manuscript and Jackpot, a horse produced by partner Emily King.

New Zealander Jesse Campbell was one of four antipodean riders to finish in the top 10, in fourth place on Speedwell, and Burghley heroine Gemma Stevens was sixth on another son of Chilli Morning, Chilli’s Jester.

The Australian rider Oliver Barrett, who was making his first visit to Blenheim, produced a beautiful clear show jumping round on Sandhills Briar to finish 10th and best of the eight young riders contesting The Blenheim Challenge. Oliver was representing the Stars & Stripes side, who scored a convincing 12.5-4 win over the UK’s Rising Lions.

The GFS Saddles CCI4*-S 8 & 9-Year-Old class has been a pointer to future stardom ever since its inception in 2009 and, once again, this prestigious competition for young horses went right to the wire. With the top 20 running cross country in reverse order of merit, Tom McEwen, last to go on Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry’s Brookfield Danny de Muze, produced an inspired performance to clinch the top prize of £7,500.

He could afford to be nine seconds over the optimum time of 6 minutes 54 seconds, but not 10, and, as in the Agria CCI4*-L, time penalties were to prove hugely influential. In the end, Tom and the talented eight-year-old Irish-bred gelding were only five seconds over to overtake the 2025 national champions Katie Magee and Cushlas Indigo, whose brilliant round was only seven seconds over the optimum time.

Bubby Upton finished third on the exciting prospect Sancerre de Tigi, ahead of Tom Jackson (My Star Turn, fourth), Yasmin Ingham (Kinda Corvette, fifth) and Irishman Padraig McCarthy (Kilroe Tiger, sixth), who was fastest of all with only 1.2 time penalties.

Katrina Midgley, Event Director, said, “This is an event like no other. We cannot thank the competitors, their support staff, our team and Blenheim Palace enough for all the effort and hard work.”

In addition to the thrilling four-star competition, visitors were treated to incredible events across the four days including the evoke Eventer Challenge, a series of Connolly’s RED MILLS Retraining of Racehorses showing classes, the Pony Club Jumping Championship and demonstrations from the European 3* Squad. Away from the equestrian activities, visitors enjoyed falconry displays, dog agility and delicious picnics from Fortnum & Mason. Plus influencers Meg Elphick and Simon Grieve made an appearance, much to the delight of fans.

Vicki Wentworth, CEO of Agria said, “The atmosphere at Blenheim is just gorgeous. At the end of our second year as title sponsor, I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together. There’s something incredibly special about seeing our Agria-sponsored riders Ros Canter, Kirsty Chabert and Tom McEwen out there, competing alongside riders at the very top of their game, all striving for the title. And then to see more dogs here than ever, and our ambition to make Blenheim the UK’s most dog-friendly equestrian event really come to life, has been wonderful. To finish the week with Tom taking a record-breaking win – I don’t think we could have asked for a more special ending.”

In recognition of the many incredible individuals who work behind the scenes, the awards were numerous, with over 200 exhibitors in contention. Culinary Concepts (Large Stand), Bishops & Haig (Small Stand) and Mayston (Open Space), all won.

The teams managing the horses were also recognised with Marcus Bean, groom to Clarke Johnstone, being awarded the 2026 Top 4* Groom Award, which had been judged across Bramham, Scone Palace and Blenheim 4* events throughout the season.

“It has been an incredible week of talent, both experienced and new,” continued Katrina, “And I for one, cannot wait to see what the next generation of riders will do for our sport. We look forward to seeing you all in 2027!”

The Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials will be back next year from September 16-19. For more information, please visit www.bpiht.co.uk.

Agria Blenheim Palace International (UK): [Website] [Scoring] [Blenheim Challenge Scores] [H&C+ Live Stream Replays]

Sunday Links

By on Sep 20, 2026 12:01 am -

Equestrian Canada has opened applications for the 2026 Country Yucca Eventing Travel Grants, offering up to $10,000 CAD to help U25 event riders fund international and cross-country travel for competition. Named for the diminutive but fearless mount ridden by two-time Olympian Nick Holmes-Smith, the grants will award up to four athletes this cycle — $5,000 CAD for travel within North America or $10,000 CAD for overseas trips — with applications due October 12 and recipients notified October 31.

[Access the application]

Major International Events

Agria Blenheim Palace International (UK): [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Timing & Scoring] [Blenheim Challenge Scoring] [H&C+ Live Stream]

U.S. Weekend Events

Twin Rivers Fall International (CA): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scores] [Volunteer]

Unionville International (PA): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Heritage Park H.T. (KS): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Volunteer]

University of New Hampshire H.T. (NH): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Honey Run H.T. (MI): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scores]

Links & Reading

Training Tip of the Day

Are your legs and stirrup leathers uneven, or is it something more? Here’s a test to find out:

Go Eventing

Jewelent loves a crowd (and a cross country course!) as demonstrated after a clear run for the Stars & Stripes at Blenheim with Olivia Dutton yesterday:

Team GB Powerhouse Tom McEwen Leads Both Agria Blenheim Fields on Saturday

By on Sep 19, 2026 5:00 pm -

Tom McEwen and The Fieldmaster lead the Agria Blenheim Palace CCI4*-L after cross country. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

British Olympic and world gold medallist Tom McEwen enjoyed a superb day at the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials and is now dominating the leaderboard in both competitions. He now holds first and second places in the Agria CCI4*-L after cross-country and leads the GFS Saddles 8 & 9 Year-old CCI4*-S class after the show jumping phase.

Packed crowds enjoyed a thrilling day of cross-country action against the splendid backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Blenheim Palace. The elusive optimum time of 10 minutes 8 seconds, achieved by only one rider, played an influential part and considerably reshuffled the scoreboard, making for an exciting competition.

Tom is now leading the Agria CCI4*-L after two of the fastest rounds, aboard Jo and James Lambert and Penny Barker’s The Fieldmaster, a new ride this season, and ‘the elder statesman’, Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry’s 17-year-old Brookfield Quality, the two horses separated by a mere 0.1 of a penalty.

The Fieldmaster, one of an elite handful of nine-year-old horses in the CCI4*-L, was produced by amateur jockey and eventer Tom Strawson and completed the CCI4*-S at Blenheim last year with his previous rider. “I spotted him here last year and liked the look of him,” said Tom. “He travelled and jumped so well throughout today and when we kicked for home he really picked up. I couldn’t be happier with him. He’s a phenomenal horse.”

Tom does not have a show jumping fence in hand tomorrow over his Tokyo Olympics teammate, third-placed Oliver Townend, who shot up 29 places on the leaderboard as the only rider of the day to achieve the optimum time, on new ride Sommersby. Oliver, who has been concentrating on producing young horses this season, was competing in only his third international competition with Sommersby, a 14-year-old German-bred gelding previously competed by American rider Jenny Caras.

New Zealander Jesse Campbell has dropped two places to fourth on Speedwell with 8.4 time penalties. An elated Sam Ecroyd also had a good day and is now in fifth and sixth places on Bloomfield Manuscript and Jackpot. Zara Tindall, who won the European title at Blenheim 21-years-ago, had a brilliant ride on the grey Classicals Euro Star and has risen 12 places to seventh.

Young rider Jack Pinkney, 27th after dressage, has sprung into contention on Monbeg Stone Town (eighth), Gemma Stevens is now ninth on Chilli’s Jester and New Zealander Tayla Mason, who set an early target with a fast round (5.2 penalties), has risen 41 places to 10th.

The dressage leader, 22-year-old Australian Oliver Barrett, is now in 11th place with 19.2 time penalties on Sandhills Briar, his clear round helping extend the Stars & Stripes’ lead to 8-4 over the UK-based Rising Lions in the inaugural Blenheim Challenge. Isabelle Cook, who is now in 12th place on Cymoon ‘F’ Z, was the only Rising Lion to score points in the cross-country phase.

The brand-new international competition taking place alongside the Agria CCI4*-L, is formatted like the Ryder Cup, sees daily head-to-head competitions between the British Rising Lions team and an international Stars and Stripes team, with the rider achieving the best result from each phase earning a point for their team.

The Agria CCI4*-L final horse inspection, sponsored by British Horse Feeds, takes place at 8am BST / 3am EST on Sunday, followed by showjumping starting with the lower placed horses at 11am BST / 6am EST. The GFS Saddles 8 & 9-Year-Old CCI4*-S cross-country starts at 9.30am BST / 4:30 am EST on Sunday.

Agria Blenheim Palace International (UK): [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Timing & Scoring] [Blenheim Challenge Scoring] [H&C+ Live Stream]

Saturday Links from Morven Park International

By on Sep 19, 2026 12:01 am -

We love to follow eventing to every corner of the world in which it exists, and this week’s postcard comes to us from FEI eventing judge Valerie Pride, who is working at the 13th South American Games in Santa Fe, Argentina. Valerie is serving as President of the Ground Jury for the eventing competition, which is run at the CCI3*-L level. She’s accompanied on the Ground Jury panel by Delano Bastos de Miranda (BRA) and Gimena Fernandez Arrigoni (URU). 15 combinations representing four countries are on the roster for eventing (view the Definite Entries here).

The eventing kicked off yesterday and will conclude on Sunday with show jumping. There is no live stream that we are aware of, but you can find more updates and scores here.

Major International Events

Agria Blenheim Palace International (UK): [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Timing & Scoring] [Blenheim Challenge Scoring] [H&C+ Live Stream]

U.S. Weekend Events

Twin Rivers Fall International (CA): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scores] [Volunteer]

Unionville International (PA): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Heritage Park H.T. (KS): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scores] [Volunteer]

University of New Hampshire H.T. (NH): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Honey Run H.T. (MI): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scores]

Links & Reading

Sponsor Corner: Morven Park International Beckons

Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Have you started planning your trip to the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final at the Morven Park Fall International CCI? It’s a weekend you won’t want to miss in Leesburg, VA October 8-11 and with the richest non-five-star prize in eventing on offer, beautiful fall weather, and some of the best athletes in American eventing, what’s not to love?

If you’re considering attending, you’ll want to book your free admission pass and parking ticket here to help the team plan ahead for spectator traffic. Additional options for hospitality, VIP and tailgating can also be found here.

Training Tip of the Day

Before you think about jumping, an intentional warm-up can go a long way for preparation. Five-star rider Sarah Kuhn chimes in with some advice:

Go Eventing

Break down a dressage test with British five-star rider Alex Bragg at Blenheim:

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Sep 18, 2026 12:01 am -

James Wofford on Carawich, 1978. Photo courtesy of Gamecock Photo.

It’s a USEA Hall of Fame induction year, which means we’re getting a drip feed of the newest class of greats who will join their predecessors in receiving this honor at the Annual Meeting & Convention in Arlington, VA this December.

Among the four-legged inductees for this Class of 2026 is the great Carawich, who many the eventing fan will know as a famous horse of Jimmy Wofford’s.

Carawich (Scratchy x Polly’s Vaughan), known in the barn as “Pop,” was one of the most important horses of Jimmy’s career. Discovered through Jimmy’s mentor Lars Sederholm, he was purchased in 1977 and quickly proved to be a remarkable partner. Jimmy and Carawich represented the United States at the 1978 World Championships, contributing to the team bronze medal and going on to earn an individual silver medal at the 1980 Alternate Olympic Games in Fontainebleau and win the 1981 Kentucky Three-Day Event.

Celebrated for his intelligence and athleticism on cross-country, Carawich developed a reputation for anticipating questions on course and forming a unique partnership with his rider. Retired in 1984, he remained one of the defining horses of Jimmy’s career and an enduring figure in American eventing history.

Major International Events

Agria Blenheim Palace International (UK): [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Timing & Scoring] [Blenheim Challenge Scoring] [H&C+ Live Stream]

U.S. Weekend Events

Twin Rivers Fall International (CA): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scores] [Volunteer]

Unionville International (PA): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Heritage Park H.T. (KS): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scores] [Volunteer]

University of New Hampshire H.T. (NH): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Honey Run H.T. (MI): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scores]

Links & Reading

Sponsor Corner: Oktoberfest at Stable View is just around the corner!

Don’t miss out on the best view in the house at Stable View’s iconic Oktoberfest event, taking place in Aiken, SC next weekend, September 26-27. VIP tickets are still available and will include access to the upper level of Stable View’s Pavillon, catered lunch, open beer and wine bar (along with N/A options, of course) and more. Get your VIP tickets sorted here.

[More Stable View Oktoberfest information]

Training Tip of the Day

Improve your rhythm, confidence and understanding of the question when jumping using this exercise:

Go Eventing

Catch up with the USA’s Allie Knowles and her two rising stars competing in the 8/9-Year-Old CCI4*-S Championships at Blenheim this weekend:

Australia Steals the Show on Day One of the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials

By on Sep 17, 2026 4:30 pm -

Oliver Barrett (AUS) and Sandhills Briar. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

Oxfordshire’s premier equestrian event, the Agria Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, kicked off today at the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site, as riders began their conquest for the top spot, with Australian and Great Britain riders coming up trumps early on.

Dressage was the name of the game on day one, as riders took to the arenas to showcase their talent and skill. As the gates opened, Tom McEwen was the first to take to the CCI4*-S GFS Saddles 8 & 9 Year Old arena, scoring a strong 27.2 on Brookfield Danny de Muze and permanently securing the prime position.

At lunchtime, Australian Oliver Barratt was at the top of the Agria CCI4*-L leaderboard with his horse Sandhills Briar, and he maintained his lead, having taken first place from Team GB stalwart Gemma Stevens just before the mid-day break.

As the day’s competition ended, he commented, “I was thrilled! Sandhills Briar has been going well this week and I knew that if I did a good enough job, we could put a good test forward with great scores, so I was really happy it paid off.”

Tomorrow (September 18) will see the remaining horse and rider combinations battle it out in the Palace Arena for the CCI4*-L and CCI4*-S first phase honours, ahead of the cross country over the weekend.

Tom McEwen (GBR) and Brookfield Danny De Muze. Photo by Libby Law Photography.

In addition to the traditional classes, this year sees the inaugural Blenheim Challenge, an international showdown between a British U25 team and an international Stars and Stripes U25 team. The competition is formatted like the Ryder Cup, with head-to-head competitions at each phase and a fresh draw. The rider achieving the best results in each individual phase will earn a point for their team, whilst a drawn match-up will see a half point awarded to each team.

The first point was officially awarded to the Stars and Stripes team at Wednesday’s trot-up for the Best Turned Out Horse, with Tommy Greengard’s groom Adriana De Peppe taking the honours.

As Thursday’s proceedings came to a close, Oliver Barratt was in prime position to help the Stars and Stripes team take another point, with his first day leading position in the CCI4*-L dressage.

“It’s really cool to be here at Blenheim”, he continued. “It’s been amazing and it’s such a wonderful place to be able to ride. The Blenheim Challenge is a great initiative and I’m really fortunate to be a part of it.”

Also taking to the Blenheim arenas today were the first cohort of riders in the evoke™ Eventer Challenge, participating in the Riding Club 100cm and 90cm competitions. At the end of day one, over 150 horse and rider combinations had taken to the Bladon and Hensington arenas, with North Somerset’s Equestrian Training South West (ETSW) team honoured with the first team place in the RC100cm and High Wycombe securing the RC90cm first place honours. Rebecca Wilman and her horse Soviet Suspect secured the individual RC90cm gold, and Harriet Couplan with her horse Cillbhrid Mermaid took home the RC100cm gold. The competition continues tomorrow with the 100cm and 90cm Pony Club competition.

Catherine Burgress from ETSW said of the team’s RC100cm win, “Three of the team members were winners in the Riding Club National Horse Trials Championships this year, so this is a double whammy for them. They are a very experienced 90cm team, and having started at 10am today, it has been a long wait to see if they were victorious. And what a way to end the day! They have had a wonderful experience and love coming to Blenheim.”

Rebecca Wilman, the individual winner of RC90cm said of her result, “We had a lovely round. Soviet Suspect is an ex-racehorse, so he’s quite small, and this is the best we’ve ever done. Can’t get better than first. I’m chuffed!”

Agria Blenheim Palace International (UK): [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Timing & Scoring] [Blenheim Challenge Scoring] [H&C+ Live Stream]

Thursday News & Notes

By on Sep 17, 2026 12:01 am -

Eventual individual European champions Laura Collett and London 52 during dressage at Blenheim in 2025. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We’re underway today with the Agria Blenheim Palace International CCI4*-L and 8/9-Year-Old CCI4*-S Championships and today’s schedule includes the first halves of both four-star divisions’ dressage. Dressage begins at 9:00 am BST / 4:00 am EST with the CCI4*-S division, and then at 10:25 am BST / 5:25 am BEST with the Agria CCI4*-L division. You can view full scores and orders here.

For those of you following the £50,000 Blenheim Challenge, scoring for this match-based competition can be found here. Team USA/Stars and Stripes (which this weekend welcome another (temporary) Aussie transplant of sorts in Adelaide winner Oliver Barrett) has one point in their corner already as the winners of the Best Turned Out prize from Wednesday’s horse inspection.

A full explainer of this Blenheim Challenge plus today’s dressage head-to-head draws can be found here.

All of the action this weekend can be found on Horse & Country here. A membership or viewing plan will be required to view this event (you can save on a first-time purchase of an H&C+ Annual Subscription by using code EVENTINGNATION15).

Major International Events

Agria Blenheim Palace International (UK): [Website] [Tickets] [Timetable] [Timing & Scoring] [Blenheim Challenge Scoring] [H&C+ Live Stream]

U.S. Weekend Events

Twin Rivers Fall International (CA): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scores] [Volunteer]

Unionville International (PA): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Heritage Park H.T. (KS): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Volunteer]

University of New Hampshire H.T. (NH): [Website] [Entries/Timing] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Honey Run H.T. (MI): [Website] [Entries/Timing/Scores]

Links & Reading

Training Tip of the Day

Today’s training tip doesn’t require mounted work! Reconnect with your horse and strengthen some foundational skills with these groundwork tips:

Go Eventing

The 20th Asian Games – Aichi-Nagoya are kicking off soon in Tokyo, Japan! Eventing is included on the roster for these regional Games, running at the CCI2*-L level and set at the host venue of the 2021 Olympics, with a unique cross country course set in the midst of Tokyo as another unique feature. Click here for more information.