Classic Eventing Nation

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Aug 4, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: The World Championship Eventing Manager Market is Open!

 

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The stage is set. The EquiRatings Eventing Manager market for the World Championships at Aachen is open, and the first big decision arrives right at the top of the price list.

Market Leader — 2.4m

Laura Collett & London 52 head the market alone Aston supplied a recent blip and a little fuel for the doubters, but the reigning European champions still command top billing. Their numbers explain why: a 22.6 six-run dressage average, just 0.7 showjumping penalties on average and a 97% Top Speed Percentage. Proven class just ain’t cheap.

The 2.3m Premiums

Michael Jung and Olympic champion fischerChipmunk FRH lead the field on dressage form with a 19.9 average. Oh, they’re also reigning Olympic Champions…!

Three-time Badminton winners Lordships Graffalo and one of three European Champions JL Dublin both bring outstanding form, while Julia Krajewski and Uelzener’s Nickel brings a perfect 100% cross-country clear-jumping rate in their last 10 — and yes, they’re the reigning Aachen champions…!

Serious Quality at 2.2m

Kentucky winners William Coleman and Diabolo bring a 100% cross-country clear-jumping rate and 93% Top Speed Percentage. Gemma Stevens and Flash Cooley offer speed and just a 0.7 showjumping average, while Nicolas Touzaint’s Diabolo Mentha has jumped clear across country in all 10 of the recent rounds measured. Astier Nicolas and Alertamalib’or complete a group that will tempt plenty of managers away from the favourites.

The 2.1m Traffic Jam

At 2.1m, Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue have a perfect cross-country clear-jumping rate and a 96% speed figure. Luhmuhlen 5* winners Caroline Harris and D. Day combine a 0.0 showjumping average with the highest Top Speed Percentage among the leading contenders at 98%. Ian Cassells and Millridge Atlantis have a 100% cross-country record, while HSH Blake, Vassily de Lassos, d’Accord FRH, and Rocket Man add even more depth.

Risk and Reward at 2.0m

At 2.0m, the risk-reward conversation gets louder. Tim Price and Falco bring World Championship pedigree (reigning bronze medalists) and a perfect 0.0 showjumping average, but a 70% cross-country clear-jumping rate adds jeopardy. That is real — Falco’s last two visits to Aachen did not go well on cross-country day, but he has huge upside if he can lay that ghost to rest. Tamra Smith and Lillet 3 offer a 28.1 dressage average but again with cross-country jeopardy, while Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH carry a perfect recent cross-country jumping record.

[Use code PCTD to join the EN league]

Do you pay for the proven superstar, trust the numbers or chase the combination capable of smashing its price? This sport really is better when you share the debate, excitement, anticipation and build-up, so this is a great opportunity to bring in your friends and family to see the very best in action. [Click here to select your Eventing Manager team for the 2026 FEI Eventing World Championships]

US Events Opening Entries Today

Twin Rivers Fall International (CA); Unionville International HT (PA); Heritage Park HT (KS); University of New Hampshire HT (NH)

US Events Closing Entries Today

Bouckaert Equestrian HT International (GA); Five Points HT (NC); Shepherd Ranch Pony Club HT II (CA); Huntington Farm HT (VT); Silverwood Farm HT (WI)

Other Links and Reading

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

Is your easy keeper lacking essential vitamins and minerals? Generally when owners feed easy keepers they are overfeeding calories or underfeeding nutrients. If your horse has such a low metabolism that he can easily subsist on forage alone, then his complete nutrient requirements are not being met; only his energy requirements are fulfilled. On the other hand, if you feed your easy keeper adequate forage plus 5 pounds per day of a commercial grain mix in order to meet his vitamin and mineral requirements, then he is likely receiving excessive calories for his metabolism and/or workload.

So where do we find the balance?

A well-balanced, low-calorie vitamin and mineral supplement can provide the missing nutrients and fill the gaps in a horse’s diet. Find supplements formulated to boost your horse’s intake for Vitamin E, GI tract support, Omega-3 fatty acids, and more nutritional boosters at kppusa.com.

Training Tip of the Day

Breathing controls a lot more than you think; try this trick out yourself:

 

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Go Eventing

Even if your horse is bad with ditches, it’ll never be worse than this Kia:

 

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A post shared by Beanie Sturgis (@dauntsey_horse)


Weekend Winners: Hoosier, Revel Run, Bayou Gulch, & Full Moon

By on Aug 3, 2026 12:00 pm -

There’s no better way to start a new week than to recap a fun weekend of Eventing! Congrats to all of our Weekend Winners on successful outings.

We’re celebrating all of our Weekend Winners here, and giving an extra special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award: Elizabeth Gillmor and Not So Normal, who scored a great 22.5 in the Beginner Novice Rider division at Bayou Gulch!

Hoosier HT (IN): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Emery Reagan and Allure (28.0)
Open Modified: Molly Mcbride and Storm Chaser (41.3)
Open Training A: Laura Wilhem and Redfield Soranella (29.4)
Open Training B: Nicholas Staples and WF Old Fashioned (34.3)
Open Novice A: Ashley Hudson and Figlio (23.8)
Open Novice B: Anabelle Friend and Puddle’CZ (27.1)
Open Novice C: Jhett Jenkins and ISO Serendipity (26.8)
Open Beginner Novice A: Jennifer Coleman and SS Mymonstersforreal (28.4)
Open Beginner Novice B: Madeline Bletzacker and Drummer Boy (27.5)
Open Beginner Novice C: Addison Neumeyer and Cappakeel Billy (27.8)
Open Beginner Novice D: Elizabeth Leonhardt and Cut to the Chase (24.1)
Open Starter A: Emily Deuser and Mazikeen (31.6)
Open Starter B: Nicole Taylor and Bourbon N’ Ice (26.3)
Open Starter C: Abby Blackburn and Baton Rouge (30.3)
Open Tadpole A: Becca North and VSH Splish Splash (31.8)
Open Tadpole B: Kate Mand and Brighthill Brody (26.5)

Revel Run HT II (MI): [Website][Scoring]

HT-Preliminary-Open: Lauren Lambert and FE Alfonso Z (28.0)
HT-Modified-Open: Lauren Lambert and Gowiene (26.9)
HT-Training-Open: Halle Dillon and Pepe (32.7)
HT-Training-Rider: Anabelle Iverson and Delgado (33.8)
HT-Novice-Open: Heather Lawson and Speedball (26.2)
HT-Novice-Rider A: Fischer Kepper and Quality Rox (31.5)
HT-Novice-Rider B: Stacy Johnson and Altruismo (26.2)
Beginner Novice Jr: Paige Johnson and Archangel (28.4)
HT-Beginner Novice-Open: Halle Dillon and Curated (26.3)
HT-Beginner Novice-Rider: Elizabeth Enderle and Bridge View (25.3)
Starter-Jr: Aurelia Lamoreaux and Lady In Red (30.6)
Starter-Open A: Alayna Lalka and Lady Loki (34.4)
Starter-Open B: Kelsey Boos and Carrick Diamond Uskerty (24.4)
Intro: Abby Lewis and Mischievous In Color (37.4)

Bayou Gulch HT (CO): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Rebecca Caulfield and Fernhill Opulence (34.4)
Open Modified: Anna Cummings and Fernhill Primrose (39.0)
Open Training: Anna Cummings and Fernhill Colano (29.1)
Training Rider: Rowan Sisk and Fernhill Muse (24.1)
Junior Novice Rider: Taylor Hockersmith and Ardeo Mighty Business (36.7)
Novice Rider: Jennifer Achilles and Trendy Hawk (28.5)
Open Novice: Erin Contino and Magnificent Mireya (24.4)
Beginner Novice Rider: Elizabeth Gillmor and Not So Normal (22.5)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Aspen van der Zee and Celtic Thunder (23.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Tani Smihula and Baron (30.9)
Introductory A: Karie Slade and Double Down (38.5)
Introductory B: Wendy Lazier and Excel Star Percy (29.9)
Open Starter: Madeline Backus and Highland Willow (25.0)
Starter Rider A: David Groover and Lucky Punch (31.9)
Starter Rider B: Karli Carston and Knockroe Jack (31.3)
Starter Rider C: Zoe Bailey and Goodness Gracious (25.9)


Full Moon Farm’s Midsummer HT (MD): [Website][Scoring]

Modified – Horse Trial: Daniel Clasing and Glen Future (31.5)
Open Training – Horse Trial: Kaitlin Clasing and TGS Lions Sunshine (28.0)
Training Rider – Horse Trial: Siena Lundberg and Curraghgraigue Clear Future (31.0)
Novice Rider – Horse Trial: Kelsey Klein and Simply Starbucks (30.6)
Open Novice – Horse Trial: Dayna Blumel and Brave Sand Rider (31.1)
Open Beginner Novice – Horse Trial A: Savannah Fulton and Bellavista Independence (29.7)
Open Beginner Novice – Horse Trial B: John Keith and Wendy LG (30.0)
Open Starter – Horse Trial: Savannah Fulton and PRIDE OF GRAINMOR (26.5)
Open Introductory: Ellie Bufkin and Natty Beau (29.3)
Starter/Intrductry – Open: Eden Moges and Churchita (37.4)
Dressage Test of Choice: Emily Stakem and King of Diamonds (30.6)

Applications are Open for the 2027 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant

By on Aug 3, 2026 9:00 am -

The Annie Goodwin Rising Star Selection Committee awarded two grants in 2026. Sophie Miller (C) was formally recognized at the 2026 Aiken Charity Horse Shows joined by (L-R) Joanie Morris, Cat Stumberg, Tara Bostwick, and Kate Boggan

The Aiken Horse Park Foundation (AHPF) is pleased to open the 2027 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant Application to all qualified applicants.

Established in the spirit of her vision and legacy, the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant, provides financial support for young professional equestrians establishing the early years of their business and wishing to continue their equestrian education and competition.

All applicants must be:

  • Professional member in good standing with their respective national governing body
  • US citizen or legal resident
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Reside in Aiken, SC for a minimum of three (3) months annually
  • Between the ages of eighteen (18) and thirty (30) years of age (born between 1995 – 2008)

The 2027 Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant is now accepting applicants. Applications are due on September 30. Click here for more information and to view the application.

Annie Goodwin and Fedarman B. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

In the spirit of Annie’s vision and legacy, the Aiken Horse Park Foundation has established the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Fund, to foster, support and develop Aiken’s young equestrians who embody Annie’s character and dedication in their respective sports.

Click here to donate to our secure online portal, or should you prefer to write a check please mail to the following: AHPF PO Box 1951, Aiken SC 29802, attn. Annie Goodwin Rising Star Fund. Checks should be made out to the Aiken Horse Park Foundation.

Monday News & Notes

By on Aug 3, 2026 12:01 am -

Dirk Schrade and Bakalar. Photo by Leszek Wójcik / Strzegom Summer Tour.

The following is an excerpt from a press release distributed by Strzegom Horse Trials:

Another edition of the Strzegom Summer Tour has come to an end, bringing together nearly 300 horses and riders from 13 countries over four days of international eventing competition at the Morawa, Poland venue. Once again, the event confirmed its position as one of the key fixtures on the European eventing calendar, combining top-level sport with the development of young horses and emerging riders.

The programme featured international competitions from CCI1-Intro* to CCI4-S*, alongside national classes. The event also hosted the Polish Youth Olympiad in Eventing, which serves as the Polish Junior Championships, making Strzegom the meeting place for both experienced international athletes and Poland's most talented young riders.

CCI4*-S – Demanding Cross Country Reshuffles the Leaderboard

The CCI4*-S delivered the greatest excitement of the weekend. A demanding cross country course and a particularly challenging optimum time resulted in significant changes to the leaderboard.

After Saturday’s show jumping, Germany’s Dirk Schrade was only fifth, but an outstanding cross country performance moved him to the top of the standings. The difficulty of the course is reflected by the fact that even the winning combination – Dirk Schrade and Bacalar – finished on 49.5 penalty points.

Fellow German Emma Hartmann and Baloucor claimed second place on 52.3 penalties, while Jan Matthias and Peppermint Patty FRH completed an all-German podium with 53.3 penalties.

To see full results from Strzegom, click here.

Major International Results

Burgham International Horse Trials CCI4*-S (GBR): [Website] [Scoring] [Live Stream Replays]

Strzegom Horse Trials CCI4*-S (POL): [Website] [Scoring] [Live Stream Replays]

US Events This Weekend

Hoosier HT (IN): [Website] [Scoring]

Revel Run HT II (MI): [Website] [Scoring]

Bayou Gulch HT (CO): [Website] [Scoring]

Full Moon Farm’s Midsummer HT (MD): [Website] [Scoring]

Other Links & Reading

Sponsor Corner: Save Big with Equine Discounts

Each Monday this month, we’ll be highlighting our partnership with Equine Discounts!

Equine Discounts provides exclusive discounts on nationally known products for everyone in the horse world. Current partners include John Deere, Big Ass Fans, Sherwin Williams, ODP Business Solutions, Farmers Insurance, and Pets Best. They offer steep discounts on everything from paint, fans, office supplies, and pet insurance to farm equipment such as tractors, mowers, hay equipment and GatorsTM.

Anyone with a paid membership to any equine association qualifies for Equine Discounts. Whether you are a member of a national association such as USEF or USEA, or a local equine affiliate, you qualify by being a member of the equine world.

A percentage of every sale through Equine Discounts is returned to the equine industry. Call 877-576-6872 or click here to see how you can save money while helping support the industry at the same time.

Training Tip of the Day

Work on your horse’s topline from the ground up:

Go Eventing

Some scenes from some fun in the rain at Canada’s Grandview Horse Trials!

Tim Price, Tom McEwen Capture CCI4*-S Titles at Burgham

By on Aug 2, 2026 9:00 am -

Tim Price and Happy Boy. Photo by Peter Nixon.

World number one Tim Price captured his first Burgham title when winning Holme Dodsworth Metals CCI4*-S section C with Susan Lamb and Therese Miller’s Happy Boy.

The New Zealander, who will represent his country at the forthcoming World Championships in Aachen, Germany, rocketed up the order from 13th after dressage at the Northumbrian event with a mark of 32.7 to the top spot by only adding 0.4 of a showjumping time-fault in the two jumping phases. When Tim and 14-year-old Happy Boy stopped the clock one second inside the time around Andrew Heffernan’s brand-new CCI4* cross-country track, he slipped ahead of long-time leaders Izzy Taylor and Barrington Boy.

Tim said: “He went like a rat up a drainpipe this time! He’s pretty cheeky, he either goes really well, or has a silly run-off or puts me on the ground, like he did at Luhmühlen, but he’s full of talent. He’s a fast horse, too, so I think this suited him.

“I was a bit disappointed in his dressage, as he can go a lot better, but this is such a good competition and it’s authentic – three good phases gets you up the leaderboard. He showjumped well around what I thought was a difficult track. Andy’s four-star cross-country track was a brilliant course, we couldn’t ask more of the ground, all things considered, and there was no point wearing a stopwatch – it was about just going as fast as you can, and he loved it.”

Izzy Taylor was delighted with her second place aboard Johnny Hornby’s CCI4*-S debutant, eight-year-old Barrington Boy. The pair’s 4.8 cross-country time-faults denied them victory by 0.2 penalties, but – given that Burgham was Izzy’s first international competition since breaking her leg badly at the beginning of March – this was an excellent result.

“He led the dressage, which is phenomenal. I thought the showjumping track was very serious, and Andy has done a superb job with the cross-country course. The first combination sets you up for the whole thing; you get that, you’re on. Yes, the horse was green, but where he was green he looked at me and I went, ‘Go on, you’re ok’, and he just grew all the way round and finished well. I’m so pleased with him,” said Izzy.

Alexander Bragg finished third on the Ellicotts’ Shannondale Arco on a score of 35.2.

Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality. Photo by Peter Nixon.

Double team gold and individual silver Olympic medallist for Britain Tom McEwen won a CCI4*-S section at Burgham for the second year in a row, this time taking Indoor Climate Control CCI4*-S section D with Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry’s 17-year-old Brookfield Quality.

Tom, who, like Tim Price, is Aachen-bound in a couple of weeks’ time, led the dressage on 24.2 penalties and stayed out in front, showjumping clear and finishing on a clean sheet across country.

He said: “‘Norris’ is unreal. He’s always been something of the bridesmaid – he’s always there or there abouts, but he can be a bit undercover. However, he’s the most special horse. He always delivers, is always competitive, and like he always does, he put three good phases together this week. He cruised across country; he always tries his hardest, which is the most you can ask of any horse. I really enjoy riding him and love him as a character.”

Tom Jackson and United 36 were 5.4 marks behind in second; only the two Toms, Tim Price and Jesse Campbell – fourth in CCI4*-S section C on Cooley Lafitte – were inside the time allowed across country.

Michael and Amie Stenning’s United 36 is aiming for Defender Burghley in early September, and will be among Britain’s leading hopes at the Lincolnshire CCI5*.

“He’s been amazing all week and I actually set off across country not necessarily with the idea of chasing the time, but he felt so good and was finding it easy, which isn’t that normal at this level. Hopefully he’ll stay on as good a form as he is for Burghley.

“I thought the new CCI4* track was a great addition; Burgham’s such a good prep run for so many horses and for so many different reasons – you can bring a whole lorry-load here and it benefits all of them.”

Third in CCI4*-S section D was reigning world champion Yasmin Ingham and the exciting 10-year-old mare Gypsie Du Loir, owned by Janette Chin and The Sue Davies Fund.

Burgham 2026 concludes on Sunday (August 2) with showjumping and cross-country for the Jack-Thomas Watson Horses CCI2*-S, which is led after dressage by Caroline Harris and Cooley Riddle Master, with Piggy March (Diamond Wood) in second.

Burgham not only offers top-class sport, but also great fun for families, friends and children. There is a fun dog show on Sunday at 1pm, and hobby horses for children to “ride”. As well as international and national eventing classes, there is a Thoroughbred and Ex-Racehorse Show to watch.

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

If you’re looking for a family day out that’s really affordable this summer, you can’t do better than Burgham International Horse Trials – visit www.burghaminternationalhorsetrials.co.uk to find out more and to buy tickets.

All four days of cross-country from Burgham – Thursday, 28 July to Sunday, 2 August – are being shown on Horse & Country TV’s livestreaming platform, H&C+.

Sunday Links

By on Aug 2, 2026 12:01 am -

Photo by Zenya Lepper Photography.

The Horse Sport MD Bred to Event Classic returns to Loch Moy Farm this year with a new feature for its oldest competitors: four-year-olds will jump a single steeplechase fence and five-year-olds two, incorporated into the gallop phase at the end of cross country during the Championship — a change organizers say reflects the series’ commitment to preserving the gallop as a core evaluation tool amid ongoing debate over the sport’s direction. The steeplechase obstacles will appear only on the Four- and Five-Year-Old Championship courses, not at the qualifiers, giving judges Phyllis Dawson, Kim Severson, and Robin Walker an added dimension for assessing the Gallop Score.

The 2026 schedule pushes the second qualifier and Championship later in the calendar to reduce conflicts with other events: the first qualifier runs August 22 at Loch Moy Farm, with the second qualifier on October 23 and the Championship October 24–25. The program, created to fill the gap left by the discontinued USEA Future Event Horse program, offers divisions from yearlings through five-year-olds with awards for Maryland-bred, Thoroughbred, and U.S.-bred horses, and prize money split among breeders, owners, and riders.

Learn more about the HSI Bred to Event Classic at Loch Moy Farm here.

Major International Events This Weekend

Burgham International Horse Trials CCI4*-S (GBR): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]

Strzegom Horse Trials CCI4*-S (POL): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [Live Stream]

US Events This Weekend

Hoosier HT (IN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Revel Run HT II (MI): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Bayou Gulch HT (CO): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Full Moon Farm’s Midsummer HT (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Links & Reading

Training Tip of the Day

What, exactly, is “throughness” as it relates to riding?

Go Eventing

Not every training session needs to include a horse!

Denim Named as Team Horse for Phillip Dutton in Aachen 2026 Substitution

By on Aug 1, 2026 6:00 pm -

Phillip Dutton and Denim. Photo by Chelsea Spear Photography.

A substitution for the Defender U.S. Eventing Squad has been announced ahead of the FEI Eventing World Championships in Aachen, which begin on August 11 in Germany.

Phillip Dutton, who was initially named to the team with The Possante Group’s Possante, announced that “Impy” had sustained an injury in training. “He will heal well but not in time for the WEG,” he wrote. “My huge condolences to Impy and all of his owners! We were really clicking well.”

Subsequently, Denim (owned by Caroline Moran, Ann Jones, Neill Sites and Anne Lapides) will step in to fill his stablemate’s shoes, as announced by US Equestrian on Saturday.

Denim, an 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding, comes in off a win at the MARS Bromont CCI4*-S in June and also finished 14th individually with Phillip at CHIO Aachen’s traditional CCIO4*-S offering in 2025. He had been listed as an alternate with Phillip on the initial US Equestrian roster announcement for these World Championships.

The U.S. squad consists of:

  • Will Coleman and Diabolo
  • Phillip Dutton and Denim
  • Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker
  • Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake
  • Tamie Smith and Lillet 3

The U.S. will eventually name four of these combinations to serve as the team, with one pair competing as individuals.

EN’s coverage of these World Championships is supported by Kentucky Performance Products. To view all of our coverage to date, click here.

Saturday Links

By on Aug 1, 2026 12:01 am -

Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Kansas City-based Julie Wolfert is heading to Les 5 Ètoiles de Pau in France this fall! This long-awaited five-star debut has been on Julie’s list for many years, and after some “almost there” moments, she and her Morven Park CCI4*-L winner from 2024, SSH Playboy, are packing their bags for a properly French first time at the level.

To aid in this effort, Julie’s hosting a schooling show at her farm in Bucyrus, KS to raise funds for the long journey.

The show will feature dressage on Saturday, August 15 and show jumping on Sunday, August 16. To enter or support Julie in another way (we hear Florida-based Kyle Carter might even be “entering” some horses!) click here.

Major International Events This Weekend

Burgham International Horse Trials CCI4*-S (GBR): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]

Strzegom Horse Trials CCI4*-S (POL): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [Live Stream]

US Events This Weekend

Hoosier HT (IN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Revel Run HT II (MI): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Bayou Gulch HT (CO): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Full Moon Farm’s Midsummer HT (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Links & Reading

Training Tip of the Day

Some helpful insights on the concept of “back to front” with Laine Ashker:

Go Eventing

Catch up with Tim Price at Burgham this weekend:

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Jul 31, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: USEF’s July Listening Session proposes Coaches’ Registry, Lite Licensure, and more

Rob Burk, CEO of US Eventing, and USEA ECP Level V coach Bec Braitling joined US Equestrian’s David O’Connor and Bill Moroney for USEF’s July Listening Session. In this session, three main topics were presented for feedback: the possibility of a voluntary coaches’ registry program, an expansion of the USEF Lite program through USEA Endorsed competitions, and recently-released data on overuse in hunter/jumper competition.

David O’Connor’s proposed USEF Coaches Registry would serve to provide an online Learning Management System (LMS) with modules for coaches and trainers’ continuing education. Although the program would be voluntary, USEF is exploring the possibility of offering reduced rates for trainers’ liability insurance if they opt in to the registry and its courses. “This isn’t an idea that we’re trying to take over your ideology of training horses and the accepted practices for training horses,” said O’Connor. “This is actually about can we all be better coaches and we really learn that from a lot of other sports.”

Rob Burk and Bill Moroney also brought forth their plan to bring the eventing levels at Training and below under a “USEF Lite” license beginning this December. USEF Lite was developed as an accessible competition product for organizers and participants who wish to “test drive” hosting and participating in a USEF Licensed Competition, while also reducing cost for the competitors and allowing the events to qualify for grant programs. While a USEF membership will not be required to enter a USEF Lite competition, trainers must still complete SafeSport training and have a Lite Annual Pass — something the USEA has pledged to cover the cost of if the competitor is riding at or below Training level.

And finally, further data was presented on the topic of overuse in hunters and jumpers first presented at the December USHJA Annual Meeting. Rule changes have already been placed for Hunter shows to combat this, and an anonymous survey is being created to capture more detailed and encompassing data that may collect more feedback and solidify the definitions of normal practice within these disciplines.

The next USEF Listening Session will take place August 3 at 4:30 pm ET, where the Drugs and Medication Guidelines updates will be discussed, as well as priorities for the next USEF CEO. [Click here to learn more and register]

Major International Events This Weekend

Burgham International Horse Trials CCI4*-S (GBR): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]

Strzegom Horse Trials CCI4*-S (POL): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [Live Stream]

US Events This Weekend

Hoosier HT (IN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Revel Run HT II (MI): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Bayou Gulch HT (CO): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Full Moon Farm’s Midsummer HT (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Other Links and Reading

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

Did you know that Stable View’s environmental efforts have earned the venue the Land Stewardship Award from the Southeast Regional Land Conservancy? The annual award recognizes caring landowners who go above and beyond to protect, restore, and manage local habitats and natural resources on their land. Stable View is currently conducting a variety of plant and wildlife surveys to identify and quantify as many species as possible, and have identified over 350 plants (including several rare and endangered plants) and 75 bird species.

Other Firsts:

Stable View is the first equestrian facility to have a Pavilion with LEED (Gold) certification, a globally-recognized symbol of sustainability achievement. The 8,775 square foot observation pavilion was designed with one goal in mind; give every visitor the best possible view of the equestrian arena and cross-country course. To achieve the certification, Stable View had to achieve some very high standards, including protection and restoration of the project site, developing an Erosion and Sedimentary Control Plan, and limiting site disturbances.

Training Tip of the Day

Grand Prix rider and trainer Quentin Judge shares why coaching goes beyond technical instruction:

Go Eventing

The teamwork and talent involved in this incredible eventing foley artist work is undeniable:

Izzy Taylor Bounces Back at Burgham

By on Jul 30, 2026 3:51 pm -

Izzy Taylor and Barrington Boy. Photo by Peter Nixon.

In a remarkable comeback to the sport of eventing after breaking her leg badly in March, Izzy Taylor is in pole position at Burgham International Horse Trials (July 30 – August 2) in Holme Dodsworth Metals CCI4*-S section C on Johnny Hornby’s eight-year-old Barrington Boy on a score of 28.1.

“I’m very excited to be here,” said Izzy, who won this feature class at Burgham in 2021. “Barrington Boy was really good – he’s very babyish still, but he tries really hard. He coped with the flags and all the excitement, and did a really nice test.

“I’m really pleased to be back, and the enforced break did me good in a lot of ways. Would I wish it to happen again? Absolutely not! But have I learnt a lot from it? Definitely.”

Izzy is 1.5 penalties ahead of second-placed Gemma Stevens (Chilli Knight).

Tom McEwen and Brookfield In the Spotlight. Photo by Peter Nixon.

British double Olympic gold medallist Tom McEwen holds the lead in two of the Northumbrian event’s international classes.

Riding Brookfield In The Spotlight, Gloucestershire-based Tom scored 24 in An Eventful Life CCI3*-S section A, while in Indoor Climate Control CCI4*-S section D, he posted a mark of 24.2 aboard Brookfield Quality. Both horses are owned by Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry.

In Houghton Country CCI3*-S section B, China’s Alex Hua Tian is on top with an impressive score of 22.6 after dressage on his own Manjushri.

The showjumping and cross-country phases of the CCI3*-S sections take place tomorrow (Friday, 31 July), while dressage continues for the CCI4*-S sections on Friday with the jumping phases on Saturday.

There was a full day of British Eventing national classes at Burgham on Thursday – and the Open Intermediate, sponsored by the charity Day One Trauma Support, was won by Dutch Olympic rider and national coach Andrew Heffernan, who has taken over designing the CCI4*-S cross-country course at Burgham this year. Cheshire-based Andrew was riding SSK Cape Cooley, whom he owns with Gill Shea, Julia Willan and Mary Thelwall, and the pair added just 2.8 cross-country time-faults to their dressage score of 27.7 to beat Tom McEwen (Quintus) by 0.2 of a penalty.

Andrew said: “I loved it! I thought David Evans [Burgham’s long-standing course-designer, responsible for all the tracks except the CCI4*-S] has done an amazing job. It’s good for me – I can’t ride in the CCI4*-S because I have designed it, but this course takes a similar route and as we’ve changed so much about the tracks this year, it gives me a real feel of what we are creating. It felt that the flow was great.”

As well as an increasingly busy course-designer, responsible for, among others, the tracks at Bramham and the new Advanced under-25 class at Cornbury House, Andrew is the Dutch national coach, and very in demand in the UK as a trainer. Finding time still to compete himself isn’t always easy.

“It’s a challenge, but I’m determined to keep mixing it up. I think it’s really important for my designing and my coaching to keep on riding for as long as I can, but I have made the decision to stick to small numbers of horses and try to do them properly,” he said.

Burgham not only offers top-class sport, but also great fun for families, friends and children. There is a fun dog show on both Saturday and Sunday at 1pm, and hobby horses for children to “ride”. Burgham also features great tradestands and lots of delicious, locally-produced food and drink and public bars. It is situated in beautiful, tranquil Northumbrian countryside not far from the A1 between Morpeth and Alnwick.

If you’re looking for a family day out that’s really affordable this summer, you can’t do better than Burgham International Horse Trials – visit www.burghaminternationalhorsetrials.co.uk to find out more and to buy tickets.

All four days of cross-country from Burgham – Thursday, 28 July to Sunday, 2 August – are being shown on Horse & Country TV’s livestreaming platform, H&C+.

Burgham International Horse Trials CCI4*-S (GBR): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]