Classic Eventing Nation

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Apr 18, 2025 12:01 am -

We’re wishing Dutch 5* rider and Olympian Tim Lips all the best as he recovers from some serious injuries sustained in a car crash recently. Tim will undergo surgery to repair fractures in his spine and ankle, and he’ll be sidelined for the foreseeable future but we look forward to seeing him out on a horse soon. Get well soon, Tim!

U.S. Weekend Preview

Ocala International Festival of Eventing (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Fair Hill International April CCI & H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Meadowcreek Park Spring Social Event (TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Sporting Days Farm April H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Full Moon Farm Spring Thing H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

After nearly four years of preparation, Galway Downs owner Ken Smith was blindsided by a last-minute decision to move the 2028 Olympic equestrian events to Santa Anita Park. Galway had been the listed venue on the LA28 website and had undergone extensive upgrades in collaboration with Olympic officials. “We ask, ‘Why are you pulling the Olympics?’ And they go, ‘For a host of reasons.’ I go, ‘Well, what’s one?’ They couldn’t give us one,” Smith said. Galway Downs features an advanced-level cross-country course and is set to host the 2025 American Eventing Championships. It’s unclear how Santa Anita, a racetrack, will accommodate eventing’s cross-country phase. The FEI confirmed all equestrian events will take place on-site at Santa Anita, but no course details have been shared. The Chronicle of the Horse has more here.

In the latest episode of Equine Innovators, Dr. Kara Brown of Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center dives into cutting-edge approaches to diagnosing and managing osteoarthritis in horses. She discusses the limitations of traditional treatments like NSAIDs and corticosteroids—especially for horses with metabolic concerns—and shares insights into regenerative therapies such as PRP, Pro-Stride APS, and stem cells. Dr. Brown also highlights the role of advanced imaging and personalized rehab plans in preserving joint health for equine athletes of all ages. Listen to the full episode here.

After years of near-misses, Rachael Hardman finally qualified for the 2025 LeMieux Badminton Grassroots Championships with her Irish import “Jimbo”—only for a serious injury to threaten everything. A winter fall landed her in the hospital for surgery on New Year’s Day, followed by a six-month no-riding prognosis. But with support from the British Eventing Support Trust, Rachael began a remarkable recovery and is now back in the saddle, aiming to compete at Calmsden—and officially entered for Badminton. “The Trust isn’t just there for professionals — it’s for amateur riders too,” she says. “Even if we don’t make it to the start line, I’m so proud of how far we’ve come.” Read her latest update here.

Izzy Taylor heads to her 20th Ballindenisk 4*-S start this weekend with one goal in mind: finally adding a win in this class to her résumé. Despite six 4*-S wins in Ireland and four runner-up finishes at Ballindenisk, the top spot here has remained just out of reach. According to EquiRatings, Taylor holds a 41% win chance — led by SBH Big Wall, who last won at Lisgarvan House. With Barrington Alice also in the mix, could this be the year Taylor breaks the streak? Read more from EquiRatings here.

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

All levels of showjumping for the USEF/USEA Local Charities Horse Trials & USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Championships & Stable View Alumni Cup will be live-streamed on Horse & Country for H&C+ members.

Purchase clips of your show jumping round from H&C+, and Gold members can download clips for free! If you’re not already a member, take advantage of a special offer by using the discount code 2025STABLEVIEW for 15% off an H&C+ subscription!

Video Break

Preview Kentucky with The Jon and Rick Show, featuring guest Leslie Law:

‘One Step at a Time’: Lucienne Bellissimo Aims for 5* Debut at Defender Kentucky with Dyri

By on Apr 17, 2025 12:00 pm -

Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri. Photo by Shelby Allen.

For Lucienne Bellissimo (GBR), the path to her 5* debut at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event hasn’t been paved with shortcuts or serendipity. It’s been a long, grueling climb, marked by heartbreak, grit, reinvention, and above all, perseverance.

But as Lucienne prepares to ride down the centerline at the Kentucky Horse Park with Dyri it finally feels like the moment she’s been working toward for over two decades has arrived.
“It genuinely means a ridiculous amount to me,” Lucienne says. “But I’m trying not to let it mean too much—because then you try too hard. And with this horse, it has to be about patience. It always has.”

Dyri is a horse Lucienne’s produced tactfully with this goal in mind, managing his general spookiness with patience and ensuring that she’s elevating his confidence while also developing his strength to become increasingly competitive across all three phases.

Imported from Germany as an eight-year-old, he had spent the early years of his career with an amateur rider, jumping 1.10m and dabbling in low-level dressage. Later, Germany’s Dirk Schrade campaigned him through the 2* level before Lucienne took the chance and brought him home. “He’s by Diarado, which makes him incredibly athletic,” she describes. “But he’s also spooky and a bit fragile mentally. He’d be in the lead and then just stop—see a ditch or water and shut down four or five strides out.”

Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Lucienne knew right away that this horse wasn’t going to be a quick project. But she also knew he had something special—if only she could find the right way to bring it out.

Over the past few years, Lucienne has invested heavily in Dyri’s education, traveling the country to expose him to varied questions and atmospheres. From Rebecca Farm to Morven Park, from Stable View to Tryon, she’s carefully built a program around the gelding’s unique needs: long gallops on undulating ground, slow and consistent fitness work, minimal jumping to preserve his freshness, and careful planning of competitions. “He’s better when he has more time between fences,” she says. “And he’s one of those who needs to feel a little cheeky—like he’s got something to say. That’s when he gives you his best.”

This careful production isn’t new to Lucienne—it’s the thread that’s run through her entire riding career. But what’s different this time is that she’s still in the irons.

In the past, she’s produced dozens of international-level horses, only to move them on or experience one setback or the other before they reached their peak. Eventing – and any success one finds within it – takes grit and hard work, and Lucienne has built her program on self-reliance. At just 19, she was running a 60-horse operation in the UK while backing and selling horses to keep the lights on. By her early twenties, she was juggling that workload with a five-year chiropractic degree and a growing reputation for producing sale horses.

“I’ve sold hundreds of horses,” she says. “That’s how I built this business. But when you sell everything, you never get to see how far you can really go. That’s what’s different now.”
Her decision to stay in the saddle is all the more remarkable considering how many times life nearly forced her out of it.

Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri. Photo by Sally Spickard.

In 2013, a riding accident shattered her foot and ankle, putting her in a wheelchair for a year. While she rehabbed, she lost several owners and had to sell much of her string. It was a devastating blow—but instead of giving up, Lucienne doubled down. She launched Horse Scout Limited, a platform focused on equestrian services and sales, and hustled to raise capital across Europe to get it off the ground. The business, combined with her unshakable work ethic, bought her the independence she’d fought so hard to earn.

Then, in 2018, another freak accident nearly ended everything. While driving in England, a deer ran into the road. Lucienne swerved instinctively—and in the aftermath, had broken 28 bones, punctured both lungs, and faced another long, painful road back. “I’m full of titanium now,” she says with a dry laugh. “You can see it in my riding—my right shoulder sits lower than my left. But I’m lucky. I’m still here.”

The recovery was grueling, both physically and emotionally. But Lucienne is not someone who quits. “I’ve had some very dark days,” she says. “But after years of not being able to walk, after losing horses and owners and getting knocked down again and again—you come to appreciate the small things. Just getting to make the entry for Kentucky is a privilege.”

She credits that perspective with helping her weather the sport’s many inevitable heartbreaks—including the loss of a promising mare, Diamond Duette, who colicked shortly after her 5* qualification. “That one broke my heart,” she says. “But it happens to all of us. And I’ve learned to take a breath and remember how much joy I got out of producing her up to that point. That’s what keeps you healthy in your head.”

Her philosophy now is simple: stay pragmatic, stay focused, and above all, stay patient. “You’ve got to pick your moment,” she says. “I know my horse. I’ve put the time in. Now we just go out there and do our job.”

Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Kentucky won’t be about chasing the win—not yet. The goal is a positive, educational trip for both horse and rider. “He’s fit, he’s strong, and mentally he feels in a good space,” Lucienne says. “He’s been in work since November 1. I’ve taken my time. I haven’t rushed him. I want him to come home confident and happy and feeling like he can do it again.”

Even now, with Kentucky on the horizon, Lucienne continues to think like a producer. “Every year, I make a deal with myself: whichever 13-year-old horse isn’t my top horse, as well as two of my top young horses, I sell. That’s how I keep the business running,” she explains. “I love producing them. But I don’t know how long my body will let me keep riding at this level. So I need the model to work.”

For now, though, Dyri stays. And in just a few weeks’ time, Lucienne will ride into the Rolex Stadium for the first time, not as a seller, not as a groom, not as a spectator—but as a competitor.

“It’s been 20 years in the making,” she says. “This is everything I’ve ever wanted in sport. But I’m not putting that pressure on this weekend. This is just the beginning.”

Want to learn even more about Lucienne? You’re in luck! Her Behind the Barn interview with Frankie Thieriot-Stutes and Lynn Symansky just dropped, and you can watch it below:

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.

New National Approval Process Launched for Innovative Frangible Device Designs

By on Apr 17, 2025 9:00 am -

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF), in collaboration with the United States Eventing Association (USEA), has announced a new national review process for innovative frangible cross-country jump designs. This initiative aims to support and streamline the evaluation and potential use of novel frangible devices at the national level within the United States.

The new process allows for the evaluation of new frangible device concepts to determine whether they meet the minimum performance standards established by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). Notably, the national process will not require devices to comply with the mass production provisions included in the FEI standards, offering flexibility for unique and small-scale innovations.

This national-level process is designed to encourage domestic innovation by providing a pathway for designers, engineers, builders, and organizers to introduce and validate frangible technology suited to national competitions. Until now, approval was available only through the FEI for international use. This new structure will provide the possibility of a timely review and potential approval for use in U.S. national events.

“We look forward to the launch of this program. Minimizing the risk within the sport for athletes and horses is always a top priority for both organizations” said USEF Managing Director for Eventing Amber Braun.

Applications for frangible device review will be accepted through a submission link on the USEF website.

Rusty Lowe, USEA Vice President of Safety and USEA Board of Governors member at-large, has served as a liaison to the USEA BOG for all USEA safety committees and is looking forward to the advances that can be made in the United States through this new process.

“We’re excited about it because frangible technology is one of the biggest aspects of safety in our sport for cross-country,” he said. “Frangible technology has been proven in the United States and worldwide. It has been shown to reduce injuries and deaths in the sport. This is another way for us in the United States to work with new ideas, new innovations, and work to improve safety on cross-country.”

Members of the USEF/USEA National Frangible Device Review Committee will include:

Marc Grandia

​Marc Grandia is a seasoned eventing professional with a rich background in both competing and course design. He has competed through the four-star and Advanced levels of eventing, providing him with a deep understanding of the sport’s demands and intricacies. Grandia has designed for West Coast events, implementing significant changes to the cross-country courses, including the introduction of new fences and optimized tracks that leveraged the venue’s rolling terrain to enhance the complexity and educational value for competitors.

Grandia has served as a member of the USEA Cross-Country Safety Subcommittee since 2022, actively contributing to the evaluations of cross-country safety and was appointed as chair in 2024.

Dr. Kaitlin Spak, PhD, P.E.

Dr. Kaitlin Spak received her PhD from Virginia Tech in 2014 based on her work modeling the structural dynamics of space flight cables. Since then, she joined Exponent, an engineering and scientific consulting company, and she currently serves as their Office Director and Principal Engineer. She has a distinct interest in the work being conducted to identify new and innovative frangible designs as she is an avid equestrian and enjoyed eventing during years of membership in the United States Pony Club and intercollegiate equestrian sports.

In addition to competing in eventing, hunter/jumpers, and dressage, she has enjoyed polo, foxhunting, and barrel racing. She has been a member of the USEA Cross-Country Safety Subcommittee since 2017. She has been actively involved with evaluating cross-country safety, including frangible design over that period, to include experience in the field evaluating fence design and implementation. Through connections at Virginia Tech, she has led the USEA’s involvement in cross-country safety vest and helmet research with the university since its inception.

In 2024, she and her horse Hemingway competed at the GAIG/U.S. Dressage Federation Region 5 Dressage Championships in Colorado at second level and qualified for and competed at US Dressage Finals in Kentucky.

Tyson Rementer

Tyson Rementer has established himself as a leading course builder in the eventing community, continually enhancing the sport’s safety, complexity, and aesthetic appeal. Since 2003, he’s pursued course building full-time, contributing to numerous prestigious events including both U.S. five-star competitions. Rementer has collaborated with esteemed designers such as Derek di Grazia and Ian Stark, contributing to the development of world-class courses that challenge and inspire competitors as well as taking the initiative to lead the construction of over 100 new cross-country jumps at regional venues, ensuring national competitions are able to maintain hosting the eventing community.

Rementer has been a proactive advocate for integrating frangible technology into cross-country course design, emphasizing rider and horse safety. He works with course designers to find new and interesting ways to utilize the latest safety technology into different types of fences.

For more information about the national frangible device review process and to submit a design for evaluation, please visit: https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/Li9md8liXJA/us-eventing-national-frangible-device

Thursday News & Notes

By on Apr 17, 2025 12:01 am -

Want a chance to ride with the one and only Jonelle Price? Well, you’re in luck — the Olympic veteran for New Zealand is popping over to California after Kentucky to teach a clinic at Amber Birtcil’s Cellar Farm (Petaluma, CA). Spots are still available to ride and audit this clinic, which will take place May 1 and 2. If you’d like more information or to sign up, you can contact Amber Birtcil directly at 951-532-8757.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Ocala International Festival of Eventing (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Fair Hill International April CCI & H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Meadowcreek Park Spring Social Event (TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Sporting Days Farm April H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Full Moon Farm Spring Thing H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

When Zoie Brogdon sat down to interview Donna Cheek, who became the first Black rider to represent the U.S. in international show jumping back in 1982, it became much more than a conversation. It was a moment of connection, legacy, and a powerful reminder of how representation shapes possibility. Donna’s story is one of grit, love for the sport, and the barriers that still remain. This beautifully written piece reflects on their shared experiences, the importance of visibility, and the generations they continue to inspire. Read the full story here.

A new national review process for frangible cross-country jump designs is now in place, thanks to a collaborative effort between USEF and USEA. The initiative aims to encourage domestic innovation by allowing for the evaluation of new frangible devices at the national level—without requiring mass production standards set by the FEI. The goal? Improve safety while providing more flexibility for unique and small-scale designs. Applications are now open via the USEF website. You can read more about this new initiative, which stands to make frangible technology more accessible and prevalent, here.

Horse & Hound took a closer look at the change of host venues for the LA28 equestrian events. News broke earlier this week that the LA28 organizers were allocating equestrian to Santa Anita Park, a racetrack located in Arcadia, CA, after originally proposing Galway Downs in Temecula, CA as the venue. You can read their story here. Of note: there has not yet been a formal confirmation of venue for para-equestrian.

Video Break

Who’s ready for next week?!

USEA Names Athletes for 2025 EA21 Regional Programs

By on Apr 16, 2025 9:00 am -

Caitlin O’Roark jumps at the East Coast I regional EA21 clinic. USEA/Lindsay Berreth photo

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is delighted to announce the selection of athletes for the 2025 USEA Emerging Athlete U21 Program (EA21). Members of the USEA Young Rider program who are aged 21 and under are eligible to participate. The EA21 program aims to establish a pipeline for potential team riders by identifying and nurturing young talent, enhancing horsemanship and riding skills, and fostering consistency and improvement for the next generation of elite event riders.

Participants in the USEA EA21 Program will have the opportunity to learn from selected USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) coaches designated for each regional clinic by the EA21 Task Force, under the guidance of David O’Connor, the EA21 Director of Coaching. O’Connor will provide mentorship to the chosen ECP coaches and design a curriculum that culminates in a national camp he will coach in Ocala, Florida, from December 30, 2025, to January 3, 2026. The specific location of the national camp will be announced in the coming months, and national athletes will be selected from the summer regional clinics, with announcements made in the fall.

The USEA will assume responsibility for the costs associated with the regional clinic, including coaching and stabling fees, for all applicants who are accepted into the program. However, it is important to note that applicants will be accountable for their own travel and accommodation expenses. Further details regarding logistics and scheduling will be communicated by the USEA in collaboration with the on-site Young Rider Coordinators for each clinic.

The 2025 EA21 regional clinic venues, dates, and coaches are listed below, along with the athletes selected for each clinic:

*Athletes are listed in alphabetical order per clinic, and the wait lists appear in the order the athletes will be accepted should openings occur at each clinic.

Central Clinic | Chaps Equestrian Center (Bucyrus, Kansas), coached by Shannon Lilley | Tues-Wed, June 17-18, 2025:

  • Ava Davis
  • Sierra Fishell
  • Carter Jackson
  • Ella Munsat
  • Finley Powell
  • Shaena Putnam
  • Willow Schwartz
  • Sophia Street
  • Mia Volpentesta
  • Elle White
  • Abigail Williams
  • Brett Youssi

WAITLIST 1: Sylvia Byars
WAITLIST 2: Rayna Williams
WAITLIST 3: Olivia Pratt

East I Clinic | Morven Park International Equestrian Center (Leesburg, Virginia), coached by Bec Braitling | Tues-Wed, June 17-18, 2025:

  • Olivia Cannizzaro
  • Addison Hagan
  • Madison Haney
  • Carlin Keefe
  • Audrey Littlefield
  • Katherine Maroko
  • Caitlin O’Roark
  • Chloe Paddack
  • Eliza Quigley
  • Ella Spiers
  • Annabelle Sprague
  • Riley Zgrebnak

WAITLIST 1: Lyman Ordway
WAITLIST 2: Elle Stephenson
WAITLIST 3: Camila Saenz

East II Clinic | Stable View (Aiken, South Carolina), coached by Rebecca Brown | Tues-Wed, July 29-30, 2025:

  • Juliana Cassar
  • Anabelle Friend
  • Ella Hubert
  • Kasidy McMartin
  • Jillian Newman
  • Harper Padgett
  • Adelyn Rinehart
  • Rebecca Roth
  • Katelyn Smith
  • Devon Tresan
  • Hannah Willford
  • Taylor Wing

WAITLIST 1: Luciana Hackett
WAITLIST 2: Juliana Aulbach
WAITLIST 3: Jake Tessler

West I Clinic | Twin Rivers Ranch (Paso Robles, California), coached by Emily Mastervich | Tues-Wed, July 29-30, 2025:

  • Olivia Baca
  • Julia Beauchamp Crandon
  • Paige Beauchamp Crandon
  • Greylin Booth
  • Amanda Boyce
  • Lauren Crabtree
  • Jillian Mader
  • Gabriella Ringer
  • Kylie Scott
  • Emma Slocum
  • AnniePearl Stroud
  • Elsa Warble

WAITLIST 1: Camille Batoy
WAITLIST 2: Anya Ostrovsky
WAITLIST 3: Victoria Smith

West II Clinic | Aspen Farms (Yelm, Washington), coached by Jan Byyny | Tues-Wed, August 12-13, 2025:

  • Reese Blinks
  • Shruti Bona
  • Simone Clark
  • Lindsay Essex
  • Sophia Greenwood
  • Madyson Hsue
  • Alexis Johnson
  • Olivia Keye
  • Coco Ramkowsky
  • Caterina Ritson
  • Kendal Smith
  • Hanni Sreenan

WAITLIST 1: Brianna Rasmussen
WAITLIST 2: Annabelle Davis
WAITLIST 3: Natalie Barlow

“This program has really grown in popularity since its inception and the vast number of applicants exemplifies this,” stated EA21 Task Force founding member and coach, Rebecca Brown. “The EA21 Task Force and coaches are blown away each year with the quality of applicants; the selections are an intense process each year. If you did not get chosen to participate this year, keep applying! Just because you did not make it this year, doesn’t mean you aren’t a great candidate for the following year. We are watching you, rooting for you, and hoping to get you involved in the program in years to come!”

“As the EA21 Task Force Chair and an Area selector, it is extremely satisfying to read and watch a repeat candidate’s application,” said John Bourgoin. “Another year of growth and determination to improve gets our attention. The old adage ‘try and try again’ holds true. The application asks you to share a lot about yourselves, don’t try to make all of your videos show only the perfect stuff, we’d like to see a little bit of ‘grit’ when things aren’t perfect. The more times you try, the more chances you have to grant yourself the gift of success. Remember, repetition is a training and educational tool, not just for yourself but for your horse as well.”

About the USEA Emerging Athlete U21 Program (EA21)

The purpose of the USEA Emerging Athletes U21 Program (EA21) is to identify and provide consistent quality instruction to the next generation of elite event riders. The aim is to create a pipeline for potential team riders by identifying and developing young talent, improving horsemanship and riding skills, and training and improving skills and consistency.

The USEA Emerging Athletes U21 Program was launched in 2022 with a model of five summertime regional clinics taught by carefully selected USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) coaches, leading to a winter national camp consisting of selected Young Riders from the regional clinics. Athletes who are 21 years or younger, are current members of their USEA Young Rider Area program, and are established at the Training Level or higher, are eligible to apply for the EA21 program. Click here to learn more about the USEA EA21 Program.

The USEA would like to thank ARMA, Bates Saddles, Horse Illustrated, Kerrits, Mythic Landing Enterprises, PulseVet, Ride iQ, Schneiders Saddlery, Sidelines Magazine, WeRideTogether, and YETI for sponsoring the USEA Emerging Athletes U21 Program.

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Apr 16, 2025 12:01 am -

Have you been following this year’s Behind the Barn series ahead of Defender Kentucky? You definitely don’t want to miss out on some awesome (and at time hilarious) conversations between some of the riders we’ll be seeing next week and co-hosts Frankie Thieriot and Lynn Symansky. Check out the ever-popular Boyd Martin’s interview above, and see more from Behind the Barn here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Ocala International Festival of Eventing (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Fair Hill International April CCI & H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Meadowcreek Park Spring Social Event (TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Sporting Days Farm April H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Full Moon Farm Spring Thing H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

We are heartbroken to share the tragic news of 25-year-old rider and mother Katie Hacche, who passed away on April 12 following a fall in the warm-up arena at Little Mill Equestrian Centre in Wales. Despite the valiant efforts of first responders and emergency services, Katie could not be revived. Known as a kind and well-loved presence in the community, Katie had recently moved into a new home with her partner, Dan, and their 9-month-old son, Theo. A fundraiser has been launched to support Dan and Theo in the wake of this unimaginable loss. Little Mill Equestrian has pledged entry fees from the weekend’s event to the fund in Katie’s honor. Our deepest condolences go out to Katie’s family, friends, and all who knew her. Read more here.

The entry list for the 2025 MARS Badminton Horse Trials continues to evolve, with two exciting international additions: Ireland’s Patrick Whelan and Ikoon LAN and Austria’s Dr Harald Ambros with Vitorio Du Montet have both joined the roster of accepted entries. On the other side of the update, British riders Aaron Miller (KEC Deakon) and Emma Thomas (The Buzz Factor) have withdrawn from the competition, marking a shift in the home nation’s representation as the countdown to the big event continues. Read more updates here.

Southern California riders kicked off 2025 with a masterclass from two-time Olympic gold medalist Tom McEwen at Galway Downs. Known for his thoughtful, individualized coaching, McEwen encouraged riders to think critically with each ride—starting every session with the question, “What do you reckon?” Exercises focused on straightness, balance, and creating the ideal canter, with an emphasis on letting horses learn without micromanaging. From green horses to upper-level pairs, every rider left with a clearer understanding of their role—and their horse’s—on course. Read more on Practical Horseman here.

If you’re looking to add more softness, suppleness, and balance to your horse’s way of going, Relaxation Exercises for Horses: A Guide to Soft, Supple, and Light by Guillaume Henry is packed with thoughtful, classical approaches. The book breaks exercises into longitudinal (think transitions, halts, stretching, hills) and lateral (circles, leg-yield, shoulder-in, haunches-in) movements, each designed to help improve flexibility, engagement, and symmetry. Whether you’re schooling on the flat or looking to improve your jumping, these exercises can bring your horse’s body—and brain—into greater harmony. Read the full excerpt here.

Video Break

Go behind the curtain with what it takes to run a successful program with help from Ride iQ and Alex O’Neal:

https://www.youtube.com/live/E1Ygaq37Z64?si=YEUAkgbxPRyuiqoR

Santa Anita Park Confirmed as Venue for Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 Equestrian Events

By on Apr 15, 2025 12:58 pm -

Lara de Liedekerke-Meier (BEL) and Origi compete in Paris. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Santa Anita Park, located in proximity to the Los Angeles city area, has been confirmed as the venue of the equestrian events of the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 (LA28).

“Santa Anita Park will be a spectacular venue for the LA28 Olympic equestrian events,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

“The FEI has very fond memories of Santa Anita, which had hosted the equestrian events at the 1984 Olympic Games. The venue is set to offer a breathtaking stage for all the Olympic equestrian competitions and the proximity to LA City will undoubtedly attract many spectators to Santa Anita. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with LA28 to deliver spectacular equestrian events at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.”

“I would like to thank the FEI on behalf of the IOC for the active engagement in all the discussions regarding the venue,” IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell said. “We have created a strong partnership with the Organising Committee and the city of Los Angeles, which enjoys the full support of the local equestrian community.”

Embed from Getty Images

“We have the utmost confidence in the LA2028 Organizing Committee, and we anticipate exceptional equestrian sport will take place at this special legacy venue from the 1984 Olympic Games. We are also extremely pleased that the IOC has confirmed the athlete quotas across the disciplines for 2028 and they remain unchanged from 2024,” said Bill Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of US Equestrian.

Santa Anita features an on-course veterinary clinic and has hosted some of the major Thoroughbred events in the USA including the Breeders Cup. The famous champion thoroughbred racehorse Seabiscuit won his last race at Santa Anita in 1940. The facility also hosts a CSI3* as well as a FEI Jumping World Cup™ Qualifier CSI5*-W, which this year will take place in November.

Santa Anita covers 130Ha (320 acres) and includes a 340m-long (1,100-foot) grandstand that seats 26,000 spectators. The track infield area, which resembles a park with picnic tables and large trees, can accommodate a crowd of 50,000. The Park has 61 barns that can house more than 2,000 horses.

The venue for the Para Equestrian events will be announced at a later date following the review and approval of the International Paralympic Committee Governing Board.

The LA28 Olympic Games will take place from 14 to 30 July 2028 whereas the Paralympics are scheduled from 15 to 27 August 2028.

Details on the LA28 Olympic equestrian events and quota places are available here.

Olympic Champion Christian Kukuk Tops Impressive Field of Show Jumping Athletes Set to Compete in Kentucky International CSI5*

By on Apr 15, 2025 11:55 am -

Olympic champion and World #3 Christian Kukuk (GER)

Olympic champion and World #3 Christian Kukuk (GER) tops an impressive field of show jumping athletes set to compete in the Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. Entered to contest the courses designed by 2016 Olympic course designer Guilherme Jorge is an impressive list of athletes that includes 20 Olympians, top international stars from 12 countries and the three podium finishers from 2024.

The Kentucky International CSI5* is hosted as part of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™ (K3DE), April 23-27 at the Kentucky Horse Park. Produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports by staging sporting events at the highest level, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian features one of only seven annual 5* three-day events in the world.

Last year’s top finishers: (l-r) Nayel Nassar of Egypt, Conor Swail of Ireland, and Charlotte Jacobs of the U.S.

Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations. In addition to the traditional CCI5*-L, K3DE also features the Cosequin® Lexington 4* and Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. EEI is the only event organizer in the world to host both a CCI5*-L and CSI5* in the same week, and with Kukuk joining countryman Michael Jung, the 2024 Olympic champion in Eventing, this year’s K3DE features the reigning Olympic champions in both disciplines!

Introduced at the 2018 K3DE as a CSI3*, the Kentucky International CSI5* has annually taken place to the cheers of a packed stadium of fans. The show jumping event kicks off Wednesday morning, April 23, with the $35,000 1.45m Two-Phase. Thursday’s $75,000 1.50m Welcome Stake and Friday’s $35,000 1.45m Speed Cup will take place in the evenings after the conclusion of the K3DE’s dressage competition. The Kentucky International culminates with the featured $400,000 1.60m finale on Saturday evening after the event’s cross-country phase.

Battling Kukuk for top honors is a world-class field that includes two-time Kentucky champion and World #11 Conor Swail (IRL), who is entered with his 2024 winning mount Casturano. Among the other competitors are fellow 2024 podium finishers Nayel Nassar (EGY), who competed in the 2021 Olympic Games and took second place in 2024, and Charlotte Jacobs (USA), who finished third last year. Swail is also joined by fellow Irishmen Daniel Coyle (2024 Olympian and World #17), Shane Sweetnam (two-time Olympian and World #20) and Darragh Kenny (2021 Olympian and World #21).

2024 champions Conor Swail (IRL) and Casturano

Joining Jacobs from the star-studded U.S. contingent are two-time Olympic veteran and World #2 Kent Farrington; six-time Olympic veteran and World #10 McLain Ward; four-time Olympic veteran and World #18 Laura Kraut, who was recently inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame; World #28 Lillie Keenan, who rode on the U.S.’s World Championship team in 2022; 2000 Olympic veteran and Show Jumping Hall of Famer Margie Goldstein Engle; 2021 Olympic show jumping veteran Jessica Springsteen; and 2021 Olympic eventing veteran Doug Payne, who won the Defender/USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian in 2022.

Other world-class entries include 2021 Olympians Roberto Teran Tafur of Colombia and Patricio Pasquel of Mexico; 2024 Olympians Thaisa Erwin of Australia and Luis Fernando Larrazabal of Venezuela; two-time Olympian Katie Laurie of New Zealand; and three-time Olympian Tiffany Foster and four-time Olympian Mario Deslauriers, both of Canada. Three-time Olympic veteran and World #24 Daniel Bluman (ISR) will try to reclaim the title he won in 2023, competing alongside two-time Olympic veteran Ashlee Bond (ISR) and Donatello 141.

More information on the Kentucky International CSI5* can be found here.

Hard Work, Determination and (Imperio) Magic Turn Mary Bess Davis’ 5* Dreams into Reality

By on Apr 15, 2025 9:00 am -

Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Mary Bess Davis is one of several riders making a splashing CCI5* debut at the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event this month. She’ll be partnered with her own 11-year-old Anglo European gelding Imperio Magic to take on their biggest challenge yet.

Considering Mary Bess’ early life, it’s no surprise she’s ended up a professional rider. Daughter of FEI veterinarian Dr. Mike Sigman, she grew up on the family farm in Covington, GA, where she was around horses since she was a little girl.

“I’ve been around horses my whole life, but I really started learning about all the disciplines through Pony Club,” she said. “I started doing Pony Club and did a little bit of three day eventing, a little hunting, and then actually started vaulting. I stopped eventing after I was 14, and didn’t really ride that much after that—I just vaulted competitively until I was 19. My brother had evented growing up. That’s part of why I initially chose vaulting—I didn’t want to do what my brother did.”

She put horses on the back burner when she went to college at the University of Georgia, but got pulled back in by those family ties.

“My dad actually got me back into eventing because when my brother went to college, he quit riding. My dad started riding his horses to keep them in shape, and then he started eventing when he was 52,” she said. “My dad was like, ‘Hey, you should come go eventing with me,’ so we got a lower level horse and I just did it for fun with my dad.”

Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic at Boekelo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“My mom and dad bought me a Thoroughbred at the Novice level, and that little horse took me from Novice to Advanced,” she continued. “By that point, I think I was a senior in college. I started running a barn and just took off from there. I’ve never looked back. It all just kind of fell into place the way it was supposed to.”

Mary Bess’ business continued to boom, and she eventually relocated her program to the family farm in Covington. By 2008, Mary Bess had brought three other horses to the Advanced level and had been named to the USEF Developing Rider List. While she continued training horses and teaching students, the next decade of her life was focused on her family as she welcomed two sons with husband Mark Davis. Once the boys were school age, Mary Bess’ competitive aspirations reignited. She turned to her former coach, Canadian Mike Winter, for a horse shopping trip with the goal of bringing home two horses: one to sell and one to keep.

Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

“Mike found McColl and said, ‘This is the horse.’ I hadn’t even sat on him, but Mike knew me and my type really well. He told me, ‘Just don’t sell him too quickly—I think this is the one you’re going to want to keep,’ she recalled. “We laugh about that now because after I saw him jump, I pretty much knew he wasn’t going anywhere. My husband is very understanding, so I actually kept both horses I bought—one for myself and McColl, who was meant to be an investment. The other went up to the three-star level, and McColl just kept going.”

It was that trip that gave the striking bay gelding his barn name, McColl, after the name of a pub where over a few drinks, Mary Bess was able to convince her husband to buy both horses. Once stateside, McColl (Cassander C x Khadijah Des Layettes, by Banboula du Thot) and Mary Bess clicked together like a puzzle, and he quickly brought her back to the four-star level after a ten hear hiatus.

“He’s always understood things—if I present it in a way he can understand, he’s in. He’s so brave. It was just easy. We had to be careful not to move him up too quickly. I got him when he was just turning six, and then he went to the Fair Hill three-star as a seven-year-old—he hadn’t done anything before that. So he basically went from Beginner Novice to the three-star at Fair Hill in a year. That just shows how incredible he is—how smart, how much he gets it, and how much he loves it. He kind of plays with it—he really thinks it’s fun,” she said.

McColl with his groom Courtney Lucas. Photo courtesy of Mary Bess Davis.

While he can be quirky in the warmup, in the barn he’s a complete “pet,” especially to Mary Bess’ groom Courtney Lucas.

“He’s so precious. He is a pet, through and through. He just loves everyone. He wants to be in everybody’s pocket in the barn—he’s just a love. So sensible, sweet, and kind,” she said. “[McColl and Courtney] are inseparable. I can’t say enough. She stares at him all the time, spends so much time making sure he’s just right. I’m very, very thankful. She loves him just as much as I do, which is so special. I always know she loves him just as much as I do, so it’s easy to have her take care of him.”

For most upper level competitors, getting to the five-star level is the ultimate goal, but Mary Bess is exceedingly realistic, so she turned her attention away from her highest aspirations, and instead focused on the experience of bringing along a talented horse. McColl blossomed in the sport with this mindset, quickly bounding from his first event to the Advanced level in just two years. In the last two seasons they’ve picked up two top-ten CCI4*-L finishes stateside and were 19th in their overseas debut at Military Boekelo CCIO4*-L last autumn.

“You know, getting a five-star horse is so hard—finding one, especially without a lot of funding. The goal was just to go back to the upper levels, be out there, enjoy it, have goals to work toward, and be competitive. That was pretty much it. This is just the icing on the cake. I’ve had three other horses qualified for [Kentucky] but I never got to go. That was never really the goal, even though it was always the dream. I never gave up on the dream, but I’m also, sadly, very realistic. So [with McColl], I really just took it easy and enjoyed the journey. It’s been such a gift—I didn’t expect it. Then with him, I started to think it might all be possible. But I never let myself get too excited, because you just never know.”

The Kentucky start box looms nearer and nearer, but life on the farm continues at its usual chaotic pace as she balances horses and family. Mary Bess sat down to talk with EN in a short window of time between getting home from Stable View–where she and McColl finished 7th in the 4*– traveling across the state for her son’s soccer game, and organizing an 8th birthday party two weeks before cross country day. All this made possible by her invauable support system.

Mary Bess with her sons, Grayson and Austin, and Karen O’Connor at the Kentucky 4*-S in 2024. Photo courtesy of Mary Bess.

“It’s wild. It’s all in every direction but thankfully, I have the best team ever so that I can be in different places and you know that [the horses] are all taken care of.  Natalie Barnes and Felipe Patiño take care of the barn when I’m away and Courtney travels with me. My mom lives right next-door and then my mother-in-law is right around the corner so anytime I leave she comes to help which is amazing. Everything is taken care of for me because I just have such great people in my life, which is just lucky,” she said.

The competition and riding goals are squared away, thanks to invaluable expertise she’s gotten from longtime coaches Karen O’Connor and Mike Winter, and now it’s time to put pen to paper, so to say, and get the weekend started.

“It’s all the emotions daily. He looks great, but of course, I want to check on him all the time. You go through every emotion—one minute you feel ready, the next you’re second-guessing everything. But I am excited. I’m trying to remember to be excited with everything else going on. Everything looks really good. He’s so confident and so fit right now, so I feel confident—at least as confident as I can, going into something I’ve never done.”

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [EN’s Coverage]

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.

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Apr 15, 2025 12:01 am -

Some days, you’re the bug. Other days, you’re the windshield. Tamie Smith showed her sense of humor on social media this weekend after taking an untimely tumble into the water at Twin Rivers with Lillet 3 (both of them were unhurt!) on cross country. Eventers surely have a different perspective on life, don’t they? We’re here for it!

U.S. Events Opening Today

Equestrians Institute H.T. (WA); IEA Horse Trials (IN); The Spring Event at Archer (WY); Ocala Summer H.T. I (FL); GMHA June H.T. (VT); Poplar Place June H.T. (GA); MCTA H.T. at Shawan Downs (MD); Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring H.T. (NY)

U.S. Events Closing Today

Riga Meadow at Coole Park Combined Test (NY); The Event at Skyline (UT); Stable View Local Charities H.T. (SC); Waredaca H.T. (MD); Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (TX); Windridge Farm Spring H.T. (NC)

News & Reading

Practice until you’re an artist,” says legendary horseman Bernie Traurig, who recently led a three-day workshop at Coker Farm in Bedford, NY, focused on the American forward riding system. Riders worked through fundamental transitions, shoulder control, and perfecting non-clashing aids—key ingredients to success across disciplines. Bernie’s message? Master the basics, think through every ride, and keep at it until polish becomes instinct. Read more on Practical Horseman here.

Hard work, talent, and a pair of special horses have launched Texas junior Mia Holstien into the eventing spotlight. With guidance from coach Rebecca Brown—and some seriously dedicated FaceTime lessons—Mia climbed the levels aboard her beloved OTTB DaVinci and now looks ahead with her new partner, FE Chiara Mia. Her goal? The EA21 program and, one day, the Olympics. Read more on Mia’s journey here.

From quirky turnout habits to top 5* finishes, Buck Davidson’s Sorocaima is equal parts workhorse and weirdo—in the best way. “Cam,” a 14-year-old OTTB, will make his fourth start at Defender Kentucky later this month, bringing with him a big forelock, a bigger heart, and a routine that includes pausing to admire a rock every. single. day. Read more about this fan-favorite Thoroughbred in the latest “Behind the Stall Door” on The Chronicle of the Horse here.

Burnham Market was a showcase for British Eventing’s youth talent, with Alice Gates and Elizabeth Barrett both turning heads. Alice and Shanbeg Pandora delivered the fastest cross-country time across all intermediate sections to win the OIu21, while Elizabeth topped the Young Riders in the CCI3*-S aboard Georgina W. With Bicton and Jardy on the horizon, both riders are firmly on the path toward major goals this season. Read more on a great weekend for the British youth program here.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

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Video Break

Don’t miss a very special and candid episode of Behind the Barn with Jennie Brannigan: