Classic Eventing Nation

Ocala and Fair Hill International Offer Kentucky Bound Final Prep

By on Apr 22, 2024 11:44 am -

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Double Sixteen. Photo by Xpress Foto.

Kentucky week has started, and while we’re so ready to jump into all of the excitement that that brings, we’ve been following along with some of our Kentucky-bound pairs as they make their final outings and preparations for the week ahead.

Ocala International Festival of Eventing and Fair Hill International offered two major stages to wrap up final preparations for horse and rider combinations making the trek to Kentucky this week, as well as offered opportunities including a 4*S, 3*L, and even a 5* CT.

Ocala’s 4* saw a strong showing from Caroline Pamukcu, who finished first with the rider and The Baltodano Family’s HSH Double Sixteen (Robin Des Pres – Azaria) and 4th with the rider and Derek Strine’s HSH Tolan King (Tolan R – Porter Rhodes Dam). HSH Double Sixteen moved up to the top position after a clear show jump and cross country round, while HSH Tolan King had one rail but also jumped around cross country with a clear.

Karl Slezak and Hot Bobo. Photo by Xpress Foto.

Karl Slezak and his own Pan-Ams mount Hot Bobo (VDL Arkansas – Taneys Leader) Hot Bobo finished in second, laying down a typical clear cross country for the duo, after an uncharacteristic 60 penalties at TerraNova in March. Sharon White finished in third with Shirsheen Ice (Beowulf — Candy Copper, by Regal Sting XX), owned by herself, Beth Lendrum, and Kathleen Neuhoff. Sharon and “Wolfie” added only time to the dressage score, an impressive debut at the 4* level!

Sharon White and Shirsheen Ice. Photo by Xpress Foto.

Ocala also saw a strong Advanced CT group, that was filled almost exclusively with Kentucky bound duos. As a final prep the weekend before Kentucky week, the CT offered riders the opportunity to test out their plan, and fine tune any additional details prior to running the upcoming 4* or 5*. We saw Colleen Loach and WEG mount FE Golden Eye (Goldfever I – Cascade, by Contendro I), owned by herself, Amanda Bernhard, and Maureen Lemay, secure the Advanced CT win, and will see them in the 4* later this week. We’ll also see second place finisher, Leslie Law with Jackie and Steve Brown’s Lady Chatterley (Connor 48 – Jucy, by Mytens XX) in the 4*, and third place finisher Sharon White with her own Claus 63 (Catoo—Tina II, Levisto) in the 5*.

Erin Strader and Live and Learn. Photo by Xpress Foto.

Fair Hill also offered CT options for pairs heading to Kentucky. We saw Ema Klugman with the Bronte Beach Syndicate’s Bronte Beach (Verdi TN – Dalphine, by Chopin) in the 5* CT, heading into “Bronte’s” 5* debut. In the 4* CT, we see Savannah Fulton with Nelson Warnell’s Cash Point (Cash and Carry – Up To Date 15) and Cassie Sanger with her own Fernhill Zoro (Verdi – Oronia 2, by Voltaire) and her own Redfield Fyre (Canabis Z – Tiona), all heading to the 4* in Kentucky this week.

Beyond the Kentucky prep, Fair Hill offered riders the opportunity to continue developing horses towards their 2024 goals. We saw twenty-two horse and rider combinations in the CCI3*S, with Emily Beshear and Nicholas Beshear’s Rio de Janeiro (River Dancer – Vanilla Ice) winning after clear show jump and cross country rounds. This was Rio de Janeiro’s second win at the level, the first in 2022 at River Glen with Nicholas Beshear. Ariel Grald with Anne Eldridge’s Isla de Coco (Cascadello – U-Lotti, by Guardus Limbus) came in second, with Jennie Brannigan and Nina Gardner’s Kismet (National Anthem – Ularinka, by Krack C) in third.

Good luck to all making their way to Kentucky, and those who are continuing on towards other 2024 goals!

A CCI4*-L Win for Chris Burton at Strzegom

By on Apr 22, 2024 9:30 am -

Christopher Burton and Clever Louis. Photo by Leszek Wójcik.

Christopher Burton riding Clever Louis triumphed in the CCI4*-L, the most demanding class held during the second leg of Strzegom Spring Open.

Christopher Burton took the lead after the dressage test, kept it with overtime points in the cross country and sealed the victory with a clear performance in the showjumping – 35.4.

Second place went to Pontus Hugosson with Zin Fire – 47.2. The best ride in the cross-country ensured the Swede’s jump from fifth to second position, and even with one knockdown and being four seconds late in the last trial, he kept his second place. Poland’s Joanna Pawlak riding Fantastic Frieda was seventh after dressage, she went clear but late in the cross-country, but despite this moved up to fifth place. Sunday she scored a clear round in the showjumping and finished with 52,4.

The winner of the 4*S was Robin Godel with Grandeur De Lully – 32.0. The Swiss was the runner-up after dressage, he maintained his position after cross despite penalty points for the time, and with a clear showjumping round he secured his first place on the podium. Second went to Andrew Hoy with Vassily De Lassos – 33.4. The Australian representative was eighth after dressage, he moved up to third after a clear but over time cross country, and added nothing during the showjumping. Third place was taken Belgium’s Lara De Liedekerke – Meier with Formidable 62 – 34.0.

The leader after the dressage trial, Germany’s Johanna Marloh on the mare Crazy Carlotta, won the 3*L class after a faultless cross-country and one knockdown in showjumping, with a final score of 31.8. Second place went to her compatriot Mathies Rüder with Bon Ton – 34.8 and third to Swiss Mélody Johner riding Gratte Cielle Peccau with 36.4.

Antonia Baumgart with Lamango was victorious in the 3*S. The German took the lead after a faultless performance in the jumping test, she crossed the cross-country line clear with a slight overtime – 31.1. A very good performance and the second place on the podium belonged to Paweł Warszawski with the Polish-bred mare Hatteria II – 32.7. The pair made no mistakes in their jumping trial, and in the cross-country they only went one second over the optimum time. Third place went to Mélody Johner with Erin – 35.1.

Kane Van Houte from the Netherlands on the horse Guapo 29 won the 2*L competition after a double clear – 34.8. Second belonged to Lara De Liedekerke – Meier with La La Land D’arville – 36.8, and third to Dutch athlete Ilonka Kluytmans with Prince Canna – 38.8.

In the 2*S, the best was Germany’s Mathis Huisinga riding Carlotta – 31.0, before Dutch riders representatives Nick Ros with Ottello Z – 34.0 and Dennis Huits riding Perseverance Luxery from Second Life Z – 35.0.

The Strzegom Spring Open competition determined the winners of ten classes, with over 330 horse-and-rider combinations representing 24 countries taking part.

Strzegom Spring Open II [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

“Timing is Everything”: Reigning Kentucky Champion Withdrawn from CCI4*-S

By on Apr 22, 2024 9:16 am -

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We’re very sad to share the news that Tamie Smith and hot favorite Mai Baum, 2023 CCI5* winners at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, will not be contesting this week’s CCI4*-S competition as planned, following an unfortunate incident at home that slightly derailed the gelding’s preparation for the competition.

“We arrived in the amazing state of Kentucky and [are] excited for a great week ahead with the Young Guns!” writes Tamie in a post on her social media channels. “Sadly, Mai Baum will be sitting out this Kentucky 4S and resting up for an exciting summer. They say timing is everything and while I was away competing some of my other horses last weekend, Lexus was a bit wild & feeling exuberant and pulled away from his handler and tweaked himself. He wasn’t 100 percent in time to make the trip across the country to Kentucky and we have elected to withdraw him from the Defender 3-Day Event.”

The CCI4*-S at Kentucky is set to be a significant event in the Paris selection infrastructure for the US Eventing Team, with many of the sport’s heaviest hitters lining up in this, rather than the feature five-star, class.

“It can be difficult to withdraw your horse from a key competition, especially leading up to this summer, however, this decision is in his long-term best interest and the one thing we’ve never wavered from is our commitment not to compromise the well-being of any horse,” continues Tamie, who won with Mai Baum in their prep event at Galway Downs CCI4*-S this spring. “I look forward to seeing everyone in the Blue Grass state; and, although I know Lexus will certainly miss seeing all of his fans, he has been given strict orders to behave himself until I return home.”

While we won’t have the treat of seeing the Ahearn family’s eighteen-year-old superstar in action, there’s still two exciting shots in it for Tamie: she’ll ride Danito, who was second at the MARS Maryland Five-Star in 2022, and nine-year-old Kynan, who’s never finished lower than seventh in an FEI event, in the CCI4*-S. Plus, you can still represent Team Lexus this week – just head to the USEA booth at the Horse Park to pick up your Mai Baum x Strides for Equality baseball cap, which will help fund the Mai Baum SEE Scholarship to help increase diversity in the sport.

EN’s coverage of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is presented by Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional support for all types of horses. Click here to learn more about Kentucky Performance Products.

Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: [Website] [Tickets] [Entries/Drawn Order]

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Apr 22, 2024 8:59 am -

 

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A post shared by Tom McEwen (@tommceweneventing)

Last week, we shared news that the European contingent of horses had all cleared quarantine en route to the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event – and now, they’re not only in situ at the Horse Park, their riders have all arrived, too! I fly in yesterday from London and was surprised to bump into Germany’s Christoph Wahler at the gate – but because eventers are truly bonkers, he explained to me that he’d ended up coming via Heathrow because he wanted to squeeze in a last-minute show with his young horses in the morning and getting a short flight to London to then travel long-haul to Cincinnati was the only truly viable option. I, on the other hand, considered heading to the yard to squeeze in a short 8.30 a.m. schooling session and ultimately decided that I simply could not be bothered to add another thing to my day, so that’s probably why I’m not a professional rider.

Anyway, insanity aside, so much goes into these long transatlantic journeys, and I think it’s all too easy for us to assume that once people get to that level of sport, it’s all pretty smooth sailing. Christoph was filling me in on his own Kentucky drama as we waited to board: when the horses arrived at Chicago from Germany last week, somehow, his tack trunk didn’t come off the plane. And so groom Lilly and his horse, D’Accord, have been without, well, everything for the past few days as she’s settled him into his new digs. Fortunately, a local tack shop kindly lent her everything she needed to get her charge out hacking around the park, and, Christoph has been told, his trunk should be with him today. We’re crossing our fingers – and I’m on a mission to find out which tack shop saved the day, because this is such a classic example of horse folks just being really quite good eggs.

National Holiday: It’s the Monday of Kentucky week, duh. I won’t even say ‘for those who celebrate’, because… come on now.

U.S. Weekend Action:

Fair Hill International April H.T. & CCI-S (Elkton, MD) [Website] [Results]

Masterson Equestrian Trust YEH/NEH Qualifier (Lexington, KY) [Website] [Results]

Meadowcreek Park – The Spring Social Event (Kosse, TX) [Website] [Results]

Ocala International Festival of Eventing (Ocala, FL) [Website] [Results]

Sporting Days Farm April H.T. III (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Results]

Major International Events:

Adelaide Equestrian Festival: [Website] [Results]

Strzegom Spring Open II (Poland): [Website] [Results]

UK Weekend Results:

Kelsall Hill International (Kelsall, Cheshire): [Website] [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

As a news site, we maintain some degree of necessary impartiality when it comes to sharing the stories of the folks and horses within our sport. But we’re also only human, so permit us a little leeway to be complete and utter fangirls this week when one of our own, Ema Klugman returns to the five-star level with a very, very cool debutant mare. Ema’s a pretty cool character, if we say so ourselves, and there’s no shortage of reasons to throw your cheering power behind her: not only has she been part of the Nation Media team for a good few years, she also first made the step to the top level as the youngest rider in the Kentucky field aboard the oldest horse when she, at 23, piloted the late, great Standardbred-cross Bendigo around Kentucky. He was nineteen at the time, and it wasn’t to be his only outing at the top level, either. Beyond that? She’s an outspoken advocate for human rights, and alongside producing her string of horses, she’s also busy at law school. Just before shipping to Lexington, she passed the Virginia Bar Exam. This week, we all want to #BeMoreEma. Check out US Eventing’s weekend long-read on her to double down on your own fangirl vibes!

Speaking of very cool women to cheer extra-loud for, may we suggest Susie Berry? It always feels a bit naughty doing this – this is an article I wrote for the Chronicle of the Horse, but I so firmly believe in everything that Susie is doing and building, and I’m also such a big fan of the game and gutsy mare she’s brought to Kentucky this week, that I can’t not share it. Find out how the 28-year-old sort-of-accidentally became a pro, which crowd favourite US five-star horse she had a hand in producing, and plenty more about her Kentucky ride, Clever Trick, in this long read, which I named after a Lindsay Lohan film, because of course I did.

Speaking of serious, top-level competition, apparently the hobby horse movement is on the rise in the UK. For those of you who haven’t been graced with the incredibly odd videos of hobby horse ‘riders’ that make their way around social media fairly regularly (and in which you may well have been tagged by a non-horsey friend saying “haha is this u”), let Horse&Hound take you on a bit of a journey through the madness. I’ve already decided that my magnum opus for 2024 will be a full-length documentary following my non-horsey partner’s journey from a local hobby horse show to the World Championships, but I’m still trying to find the right moment to break that news to him.

Need a pre-Kentucky listen to get your day going? The Heels Down Happy Hour pod is here to serve. Pour yourself an Old Fashioned (it’s five o’clock everywhere, all the time during Kentucky week, which operates under airport rules) and tune in.

Morning Viewing:

Kentucky might be all we can think about this week, but Badminton’s creeping up, too! Catch up with amateur eventers Evie and Donut as they continue their prep for the Voltaire Design Grassroots Championship:

What’s Happening at the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event

By on Apr 21, 2024 12:30 pm -

While we all flock to the promised land of eventing (the Kentucky Horse Park) to watch the best of the best compete in arguably the top event in the country, we’d be lying if we said we didn’t also enjoy the shopping, show jumping, and events going on outside of all the CCI5* action. Every year Eventing Nation puts together your guide to everything going on at the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event that doesn’t necessarily take place in an arena or on the cross country course. And this year, the vendors have really brought it! We’ve got the inside scoop on autograph signings, course walks, raffles, prizes, Trivia Tours, and more.

Note: all times and locations are subject to change, particularly autograph signings, and this is not an official or comprehensive list. Be sure to stop by the booths to get more details on timing of signings/activities in the mornings to make sure you don’t miss it, and keep an eye out for additional activities happening all weekend long.

Feeling a little lost? Here’s a link to the Trade Fair map.

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Ongoing

Check out Eventing Nation’s Trivia Tour with Chinch! Keep an eye out for Chinchilla stickers at a list of exclusive vendors. Scan the QR code and be entered to win a prize for each booth, as well as one Grand Prize featuring combined products from all the booths– including a $400 Vespucci Bridle from World Equestrian Brands.  Stay tuned for details!

Ride EquiSafe is running a $1000 giveaway, plus win the stirrups Tamie Smith rode in when she won the Kentucky Three Day Event just last year.

Tamie Smith and the Ahearn/Markell family are teaming up with Strides for Equality Equestrians to increase diversity and accessibility in equestrian sports! A simple and elegant baseball cap with the likeness of Mai Baum will be offered for sale for $25 at the USEA booth. In purchasing a cap, you will be supporting a Mai Baum SEE Scholarship offered through the USEA Foundation. This program will support experiential internships that promote openness and diversity to young equestrians. All proceeds from the cap sales will be contributed to the scholarship. Learn more here.

Win a $500 shopping Spree at Kentucky Performance Products, Visit booth #193 at KY3DE and pick up a KPP bandana. Shoot a pic of your dog (or yourself) sporting the bandana and post it on social media with #KPP500 and you will be entered to win a shopping spree

Stop by the Canter Culture booth (#30 in the main Trade Fair building) to enter to win a pair of breeches, belt & boot sock package! Winner will be drawn at the end of the event.

Zoetis is hosting a scavenger hunt all weekend long! Scan the QR code located at each orange horse statue for a chance to win money back on ProStride. Full details located at each statue!

Boyd Martin fans rejoice– you now have a booth that’s dedicated solely to your favorite 5* eventer. Stop by booth #13 to get all the fan swag you’ve been dying for. You may even see him there!

Stop by the Ethel M Chocolates booth located in the Sponsor Courtyard area for a free sample or to customize a 12-piece box of chocolates for your favorite person – or just for you. All your favorite flavors are back, including Kentucky favorite, Knob Creek Bourbon Barrels, just in time for Mother’s Day!

Fleeceworks will be giving away a Quilted Therawool Saddle Pad with Perfect Balance Technology, as well as donating $250 to the 501(c)(3) Animal Rescue of your choice. Stop by Booth #104 throughout the weekend for a chance to win!

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Alex Jeffery.

Thursday
Thursday is your last day to submit your Achieve Equine #Supergroom Nominations! Do you know of a groom who drinks enough Redbull to give someone a heart attack just to stay awake late into the night and then get up early to get the horses taken care of? Nominate them for one of our superlatives here!

Meet Zebediah the Zedonk at Divine Equestrian! Zebediah will be at booth #254 all day Thursday and Friday. Photo sessions will be held at 9:00-9:30am and 12:00-12:45pm both days. Plus, stop by at 10am and 3pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for a Meet Zebediah book signing!

Hear all about the course, right from the designer himself! Derek Di Grazia is leading an exclusive course walk on Thursday morning at 8:30 am. This event is offered by USEA and is only open to members of the USEA Adult Rider Program. Meet at the five-star start box that morning!

Looking for some fast-paced action to start the weekend off right? Stop by the Walnut Arena at 11am to watch the EEI Invitational Pony Club Mounted Games!

Stick around after the Mounted Games in the Walnut Arena to learn more about the Retired Racehorse Project at 1pm. It’s the perfect event for all of our OTTB-loving eventers.

At 11:45am, Elisa Wallace will be leading a course walk, presented by Stable Feed. Walk with Elisa and her friends at Stable Feed to get a 5* eventer’s opinion on the ins and outs of this year’s course.

Lillian Heard will be signing autographs and leading a 5* course walk at Zomedica during the lunch break. Meet at booth #303 to get started!

5* eventer Jennie Brannigan will be signing autographs at Schneiders Saddlery at 2pm.

Pan Ams Medalist Sharon White will be signing autographs at Sentinel Feeds on Thursday! Stop by their booth for more information on time.

Alexa Thompson will be hosting an autograph signing and 4* course walk at the Zomedica booth during Thursday afternoon. Stop by booth #303 for more details on time!

Joe Meyer will be signing autographs at the Devoucoux tent Thursday afternoon. Stop by the Devoucoux tent Thursday morning for more details on what time Joe will be there. You don’t want to miss it!

Last but absolutely not least, Zach Brandt will be signing autographs at Buckeye Nutrition on Thursday afternoon.

Kyle Carter entertains the group at the EN x Ride iQ course walk at Kentucky. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Friday
Meet Zebediah the Zedonk at Divine Equestrian! Zebediah will be at booth #254 all day Thursday and Friday. Photo sessions will be held at 9:00-9:30am and 12:00-12:45pm both days. Plus, stop by at 10am and 3pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for a Meet Zebediah book signing!

You’ll have multiple opportunities to get an autograph from Phillip Dutton this morning! He’ll be at the Antares booth from 10 – 10:30, at the Triple Crown booth from 10:45 to 11:15, and at the Ariat booth from 12:15 to 12:45.

The pony action continues into Friday morning! Stop by the Walnut Arena at 11am to watch the EEI Invitational Pony Club Mounted Games.

Stick around after the Mounted Games in the Walnut Arena to learn more about the Retired Racehorse Project at 1pm. It’s the perfect event for all of our OTTB-loving eventers.

Head to the USHJA tent at 2pm to get an autograph from a CSI4* rider. (We see you, hunters!)

The Ride IQ Course Walk, led by Kyle Carter and Will Faudree, will take place at 4:45pm, after dressage is completed. This year, we’re going to meet at the Normandy Bank. As a stop on the EN Trivia Tour with Chinch, you won’t want to miss this course walk! Ride IQ will be giving away Lemieux saddle pads. World Equestrian Brands will also be doing a drawing at the Ride IQ Course Walk to give you an opportunity to win Equilibrium Open Front Boots and Fetlock Boots. Sign up here in advance!

After 5* dressage, stick around to watch the Welcome Speed Cup Ranking Class on Friday at 7:00 p.m.

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Saturday
Meet Zebediah the Zedonk at Divine Equestrian! Zebediah will be hosting a book signing at 10am and 3pm at booth #254.

The USEA Area V Adult Rider Program is hosting a USEA Adult Rider Tailgate in Section L! If you’re a USEA Adult Rider Program Member, drop by to enjoy a good time watching cross country.

Have you ever wanted to get insight on the 5* cross country course from another 5* eventer? Thanks to Ecogold, you now have your chance! You can watch the 5* cross country sitting right next to Caroline Pamukcu who can answer any questions you might have about the course, the riders, and their horses. Spots are extremely limited! Reserve yours here.

Looking to cram even more excitement into your day? Watch the $35,000 1.45m two-phase competition during the lunch hour.

Tamie Smith will be signing autographs at Wise Choice Tack/Fleeceworks at 3pm! Head to booth #104 to get an autograph from last year’s KY3DE Champion.

Sharon White will be signing autographs at Sentinel Nutrition (Booth #30 in the Sponsor Village) at 3:30pm. At 4pm, find Sharon at the Mrs. Pastures booth on The Hill (#306). Then at 5pm she’ll return to the Sentinel Nutrition booth for more signings!

Are you a Phillip Dutton fan? Get an autograph from the man who’s competed in seven Olympic games. He’ll be at the Cosequin booth for a meet and greet immediately following all cross country.

Why settle for one autograph when you could get four? The Pan Ams team will be signing autographs at the USEF booth. Stop by the booth in the morning for more details.

And of course, we can’t forget the annual Kentucky CSI4* Invitational Grand Prix! Taking place at 6:00 p.m. after the event’s cross-country phase, head to the show jumping arena to watch these show jumpers soar.

Vendors and riders– are you running an event that’s not on this list? Send us an email at [email protected] and we’ll update the article!

Kentucky CCI5* At A Glance: The Horses and Riders of The Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event

By on Apr 21, 2024 10:30 am -

If you’re a numbers person like myself, then sit back and get ready for a deep dive into the stats and facts of our CCI5* field at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. This year’s run brings a lot of diversity, with riders from across the globe pushing to earn their golden ticket to Paris in July. We’ve seen a lot of entry shuffling over the past few weeks (seriously, are you as whiplashed as I am from the back-and-forth of who’s going to Kentucky, who’s going to Badminton, some riders are opting for Stable View — it’s been a scramble) as everyone races to work the system to their best advantage in this incredibly pivotal year.

Several of our usual 5* contenders will actually be seen running in the 4*-S for this reason as well, so while these numbers only reflect our 5* competitors, keep an eye on your favorite pairs as they tackle both courses at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day!

You can view the full drawn order for the CCI5* by clicking here, and be sure to keep an eye out for our Form Guide (coming soon!) for a more thorough investigation into each horse and rider. The drawn order for the CCI4*-S can be found by clicking here.

EN’s coverage of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event is presented by Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for science-backed nutritional support for all types of horses. Click here to learn more about Kentucky Performance Products.

Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: [Website] [Tickets] [Entries/Drawn Order]

Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event: [Website] [Tickets] [Entries/Drawn Order]

Perfect Conditions for the Adelaide Equestrian Festival Finale

By on Apr 21, 2024 9:45 am -

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival gates opened at 8am for the TRM Horse Inspections with blue skies and sunshine seeing spectators arriving early in anticipation for the final day of competition.

A morning performance from Guy McLean Horsemanship was welcomed with crowd laughter, applause and cheers as his time with the festival came to an end after a successful four days.

The competition commenced at 10am with the Heritage Grand Stand quickly filling up with eager onlookers. Some late rail drops saw overnight leaders Sam Woods and SS Eight Count drop into fourth place while Olivia Barton and APH Sodoku demonstrated a seamless clear round to take out the 2024 Racing SA CCI3*-L.

It was the Horseland CCI4*-S that followed with a stellar line-up of riders who delivered an exciting midday session. Shenae Lowings took out the win with a gasp-worthy performance with Bold Venture fortunately making a quick recovery following a stumble coming off the back of the Brand South Australia jump.

It was a nail-biting finish for the Adelaide International CCI5* with David Middleton completing the only clear round of the class which saw the Australian rider take out first place. It was the year 2000 that last saw David win first place at the South Australian event with his then horse, Willowbank Jack. Olivia Barton received second place with a remarkable round in her first ever 5* start with Hollyander HG while Donna Edwards-Smith from New Zealand took out third place.

The Racing SA CCI*3-L Results:

First Place: Olivia Barton and APH SODOKU (AUS) 31.9

Second Place: Olivia Shore and DREAMCATCHER (AUS) 32.4

Third Place: Gemma Tinney and PHS HILTON (AUS) 36.2

Bates Saddle Young Rider Championship: Olivia Shore and DREAMCATCHER (AUS)

Horseland CCI4*-S Results:

First Place: Shenae Lowings and BOLD VENTURE (AUS) 31.8

Second Place: Andrew Cooper and PEPPERJACK (AUS) 43.6

Third Place: Oliver Barrett and SANDHILLS SPECIAL (AUS) 46.9

Pure Steed Grooms Awards: Charlotte Andrews

Adelaide International CCI5* Results:

First Place: David Middleton and WEC IN THE MONEY (AUS) 47.8

Second Place: Olivia Barton and HOLLANDER HG (AUS) 53.4

Third Place: Donna Edwards-Smith and DSE MENDOZA (NZ) 63.3

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival Chair Greg Rolton said the 2024 program was a standout with an excellent display of world-class performances supported by a record-breaking crowd.

“What a fantastic competition that we have just witnessed right here in the heart of the Adelaide CBD. It’s been a pleasure to watch these talented equestrian athletes and their horses compete in our 4-day International event.”

“For all of our spectators that have joined us here in the Adelaide Park Lands, thank you. And for those who have watched from afar, we also say thank you. Likewise, to our fantastic sponsors and volunteers – without you we wouldn’t have this world-class event to share with the world.”

Adelaide Equestrian Festival [Website] [5* Entries] [Schedule] [Scoring] [Live Stream Replay]

Sunday Links from EcoVet

By on Apr 21, 2024 12:01 am -

IT’S KENTUCKY WEEK!! The best weekend all year is here and we are ready. And in true spirit of K3DE week, Liz Halliday is offering meet-and-greet tickets to two lucky winners — attendees can enter here to win, but you need to enter by tomorrow!

So strap in and get out your walking shoes (or your sittin’ sweats if, like me, you’ll be glued to the screen all weekend) and join the party — and make sure to check in regularly here for all Kentucky, all weekend. Additionally, if Kentucky Derby fans get Derby Fever, what do we eventers get? Defender Diphtheria? Three-Day Typhoid? Kentucky Cold Sweats? Vote now on your phones, let’s start a new hashtag.

U.S. Weekend Action

Fair Hill International April H.T. & CCI-S (Elkton, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times][Scoring]

Masterson Equestrian Trust YEH/NEH Qualifier (Lexington, KY) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Meadowcreek Park – The Spring Social Event (Kosse, TX) [Website] [Entries][Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

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

Sporting Days Farm April H.T. III (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer][Scoring]

Major International Events

Adelaide Equestrian Festival [Website] [5* Entries] [Schedule] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

UK International Events

Kelsall Hill International [Website] [Entries] [Scoring]

European International Events

Strzegom Spring Open II [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

MARS Bromont Rising Grant Applications Now Open

Two new members appointed to British Eventing’s leadership team

Charlotte Fry and Everdale unfortunately eliminated at FEI Dressage World Cup

Check out some construction updates for the Paris Olympic Games!

Sponsor Corner: Does your horse’s tail look like this? Don’t panic. Reach for Ecovet– the only fly spray repellent that improves insect-related skin sensitivity by stopping insects from landing on the horse in the first place. [Shop now.]

Morning Viewing: Here’s some extra Kentucky hype to start off your week!

Adelaide Cross Country Day Delivers Standout Performances

By on Apr 20, 2024 5:00 pm -

It was a picture-perfect Saturday as South Australia turned on the weather for day three of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival – the RB Sellars Cross Country Day.

The morning kicked off with a Godolphin Cross Country Masterclass in the Gillian Rolton Main Arena. Hosted by Olympian Amanda Ross, the Masterclass was a one-hour showcase guided by the experience and knowledge of a world-class athlete as Amanda workshopped a series of cross country tips and techniques, showcasing the athleticism of five off-the-track Thoroughbreds.

Sam Woods and SS Eight Count. Photo courtesy of Adelaide International.

The Racing SA CCI3*-L cross country saw riders take to the course this morning with clear skies and pristine conditions. Rider Sam Woods and SS Eight Count took out the top spot by a narrow 0.1 margin over Olivia Barton and APH Sodoku.

The Adelaide International CCI5* cross country presented a stellar line-up of riders with the action-packed session seeing Australian rider Olivia Barton and Hollyander effortlessly executing their first ever CCI5* clear and under time, allowing her to jump from seventh after dressage to first place. First-phase leaders Diane Gilder and Your Attorney slipped to second when adding 14.8 time penalties, while first-phase runners-up Andrew Cooper and Hey Arnold picked up an unfortunate 20 penalties to drop to seventh. Ten of the eleven starters completed the phase; just one pair, Sam Woods and Cage Fighter, were eliminated after a horse fall at fence 24B, the second of a double of open corners. Olivia will go into the final phase with two rails and time in hand. 

 

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The Horseland CCI4* cross country rounded out the third day with last year’s winner, Shenae Lowings and Bold Venture taking out the top spot with 27.8.

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival Chair Greg Rolton said the level of athleticism on display across the day was second to none.

“The Adelaide Park Lands were alive with atmosphere as spectators made their way between Victoria Park and Rymill Park to watch on as each incredible rider took to the course. The RB Sellars cross country day was the perfect showcase of what South Australia has to offer. It was a pleasure to see so many families and equine enthusiasts out experiencing this great sport. The challenging course put riders to the test as each athlete put their bodies and horses on the line as we head into the final day of the competition.”

Check out the results in full here. To tune in for the remainder of the competition, check out our viewing guide. Showjumping for the CCI5* will commence on Sunday at 2:45pm local time/1:15am ET/ 7:15am CEST.

Exclusive on ClipMyHorse TV: The Story of Tamie Smith and Mai Baum

By on Apr 20, 2024 3:00 pm -

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum danced and jumped their way into eventing lore last year, taking the first U.S. title at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event since Phillip Dutton won in 2008. It’s a victory we won’t be tired of reliving any time soon, and as this year’s event looms, ClipMyHorse TV has released an exclusive short documentary about the pair.

Click here to watch the video, which features interviews with Tamie, her husband Dave, and the true story of the highest highs and the lowest lows experienced in the sport we all love so much.

Note: ClipMyHorse TV does require a membership to view its content. Click here to see your options.