Classic Eventing Nation

Eventing at LA Olympics Unconfirmed; Subject to Format Change

By on Jan 22, 2024 3:19 pm -

Laura Collett and London 52 at the Tokyo Olympics. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

This weekend’s FEI Eventing Seminar brought forward some surprising news: just as smattering of months after the FEI’s confirmation that equestrian sport had been confirmed for the 2028 LA Olympics, a talk led by FEI Eventing Committee Chairman David O’Connor and FEI Eventing Director Catrin Norinder on Saturday, 20 January revealed that while showjumping and dressage are firmly in situ for those Games, eventing is on slightly shakier ground.

FEI President Ingar de Vos began the session with an announcement that eventing will only be confirmed for Los Angeles is a venue can be secured that can host all three phases in one venue – a departure from previous Games, including Tokyo, which required athletes and horses to travel to a satellite venue for cross-country, a set-up that drastically increases the financial outlay of hosting the sport. While this year’s Paris Olympics are contained within one venue – the capacious grounds of the Versailles Palace estate southwest of the city – it’s looking increasingly likely that LA’s eventing could be hosted at a pre-existing equestrian venue, thus reducing the logistical and financial investment required to develop terrain and course features suitable for this calibre of competition.

While this is a hurdle that the FEI feels confident in its ability to overcome – a confidence substantiated by pitches from California venues in the past months – their work isn’t likely to end there. Olympic viability is tracked, in no small part, by popularity, measured by broadcast viewing numbers and engagement – and the primary engager in eventing, consistently, is cross-country. The seminar went on to suggest format changes to highlight this: the first is a classic short-format schedule, though retaining the longer distances and times of the ‘championship’ level used at the Olympics (a roughly ten-minute course held at four-star dimensions and technicality). This would see dressage held on day one, team and individual showjumping rounds on day two, and a cross-country finale on day three. Another suggestion is something more of a departure from the norm: day one and two would feature dressage in the mornings and team showjumping in the afternoons, with cross-country and team medals on day three and an individual jumping finale on day four.

“The message of the IOC president was very clear: change, or be changed,” says de Vos.

This proposed change is a bid to increase the IOC’s ‘positivity’ about cross-country, which it sees as an exciting viewer draw – and while discussions are now ongoing, and inclusive of national federations who can submit format proposals until March 1, we’re looking at a fairly quick timeline for confirmation. O’Connor has suggested that eventing’s final confirmation is likely to come in the next couple of months, so that all equestrian venues can be announced in tandem, though the last call on format will come after the conclusion of the Paris Olympics, which ends in August.

Weekend Winners: Ram Tap & Stable View

By on Jan 22, 2024 1:30 pm -

We saw a good weekend at Ram Tap and Stable View, with plenty of horse and rider combos getting a jump on their 2024 goals.

Congrats to all on successful weekends! We love giving our Weekend Winners a shout out, and we’re giving an extra shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award, Stable View Open Novice winner Ryan Wood and Ardeo Cruise with an impressive 17.8!

Ram Tap Combined Test (Fresno, CA) [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary: Ella Garcia and Wynnville (39.6)
Open Modified: Jennette Scanlon and Zoltaire (35.0)
Open Training: Alexis Helffrich and Casanova (30.6)
Training – Dressage Only: Jessie Deeter and Munchkin (33.9)
Open Novice: Jessie Deeter and Munchen (30.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Jillian Terzian and Nehoa (27.4)
Open Introductory: Sophia Hoxworth and Tigger Too (29.0)
USDF Intro Test B: Carrie Nast and River (45.9)

Stable View Aiken Opener H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary A: Isabelle Bosley and Night Quality (36.0)
Open Preliminary B: Boyd Martin and Contessa (33.2)
Preliminary Rider: Marty Riney and George Alexander (36.1)
Modified Rider: Molly McLaughlin and Top L’Amour WV (38.5)
Open Modified A: Boyd Martin and Kolbeinn (29.1)
Open Modified B: Claire Robinson and Fernhill Swatch Out (27.7)
Open Training A: Sarah Kuhn and Signeur (25.6)
Open Training B: Jane Jennings and SF Vancouver 2 (25.6)
Training Horse: Booli Selmayr and Uptown Girl (28.1)
Training Rider A: Kelsey Estes and Trionfo (34.4)
Training Rider B: Samantha Reinbold and Donald Drake (32.6)
Novice Horse: Kristine Burgess and Marisol (27.2)
Novice Rider A: Sheila Wiese and Cooley Greystones (34.4)
Novice Rider B: Avery Brennan and King Pony (28.4)
Novice Rider C: Abby Buenting and Calvin (32.0)
Open Novice: Ryan Wood and Ardeo Cruise (17.8)
Beginner Novice Horse: Amanda Beale Clement and B.E. Cointreau (32.9)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Gemma Ciccarelli and Knockmeal Corners Liberty (31.4)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Kelly O’Brien and B.E. Never Say Never (21.2)
Open Beginner Novice: Maddie Lichten and RF Luminati (35.9)
Starter: Logan Harris and Leviticus (31.7)

The Netherlands Reveals Long-Listed Athletes for Paris 2024

By on Jan 22, 2024 11:30 am -

Janneke Boonzaiijer at the European Championships. Photo by Tilly Berendt

It’s a big year for the Dutch contingent: for the first time since the Rio Olympics in 2016, our friends in orange will be sending a full line-up to the Games after securing a ticket at last year’s FEI European Eventing Championships at Haras du Pin. Today, they’ve hit one of the first big milestones in the run-up to their trip – they’ve released their long-list of eligible horses and riders, which features a broad range of experienced talent and exciting up-and-comers.

British-based team coach and upper-level competitor Andrew Heffernan, says, “My selection includes combinations that have already met the most important qualification requirements. In addition, there are a few combinations that I think it is realistic to expect to achieve their goal of qualifying this year. And of course, adjustments can still be made within the selection during the season. I look forward with confidence with this group.”

The long-listed combinations are as follows:

  • Althea Bleekman and Granncord, owned by Janou Bleekman and the rider
  • Merel Blom and Vesuve d’Aveyron, owned by Radstake Horses — Robert and Bjinse Venderbosch
  • Janneke Boonzaaijer and ACSI Champ de Tailleur, owned by Hetty Roozendaal and Lieke van der Werf, and I’m Special, owned by Sandhoeve Stables — Bas de Grood and the rider
  • Jillian Giessen and Gold Nugget, owned by Caroline Jane Moss and the rider
  • Stephan Hazeleger and James Bond, owned by the rider
  • Sanne de Jong and Enjoy, owned by Jantien van Zon and the rider, and Global Faerlie Flashy, owned by Morgan Sheehy and Van Zon en de Jong Hippique, and Jersey MBF N.O.P., owned by Ad Verkerk
  • Raf Kooremans and Houdini, owned by J. Huijjbregts and R. Buiteman, and Crossborder Radar Love, owned by Jeanine Steentjes
  • Tim Lips and Eckinops D’am, owned by Lips Stables
  • Elaine Pen and Divali, owned by Eli and Stephanie Leenaars
  • Rachel Rendle and Ballyvally Bay, owned by the rider
  • Maartje van Riel and Eppo, owned by Van Riel B.V. and the rider
  • Jordy Wilken and Curacao, owned by the rider

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Jan 22, 2024 8:05 am -

 

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Two things I really, truly love: perfectly imperfect horse-themed illustrative artwork, and the grace and space to be allowed to screw things up a bit and bounce back. The latter, I think, is something that’s particularly worth adding into your life in January, which is a heinously long month that’s somehow both incredibly sluggish feeling but also constantly, invasively peppered with pseudo-motivation and the idea that everything you do is setting the tone for your year to come. Newsflash, though: January is just January, and you are just a human being, and you are doing your best, and it’s totally okay if ‘your best’ is just getting through the day some days. And on a horsier note, it’s also okay if your horse has an extra day off because the short days are messing with your energy levels; it’s okay if your ride feels like you’ve taken five steps back rather than one step forward. It’s all good. The sun will rise again tomorrow, the days will be longer soon, and you will try again, and you will succeed again, and at some point, you will fail again, and it’s all fine. We’re just specks of dust anyway; we might as well try to eke a bit of peace out of it all, right?

(You can find more of Natalie Klaassen’s work here. It’s a joy!)

National Holiday: It’s National Celebration of Life Day. Maybe this is the time to start using that gratitude journal your well-meaning auntie bought you for Christmas.

US Weekend Action:

Ram Tap Combined Test (Fresno, CA) [Website] [Results]

Stable View Aiken Opener H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Results]

Your Monday Reading List:

If you’ve ever gone through the onerous process of trying to find the perfect horse to buy, you’ll probably need a bit of a humour injection. My experience of the whole thing is a little bit like how I’ve heard women describe childbirth: by the time the next one rolls around, you’ve forgotten the pain of the process and are overcome with excitement about the possibility… but then, BAM! You’ve either got to squeeze a small human out of your hoo-hah again or, in this case, your bright ideas that you’ll get to sit on loads of lovely horses and have a really jolly time are quickly wiped out by the fact that actually, all those sale ads you’ve painstakingly pored over are often actually replete with misrepresentations. COTH’s summary of what some of those advert catchphrases really mean hits the nail on the head. (It’s all worth it when you find your perfect horse or hold your tiny baby, I think, probably.)

Before we dive headlong into the new season, it’s always fun to relive some of the action of the old. Catch up with Liz Halliday as she reminisces on her trip to California for the National Championships at Galway Downs, where she truly had the weekend of dreams. Roll on all that’s to come in 2024!

Power imbalances are everywhere in sport. In many cases, they’re a necessary and positive thing: productive hierarchy in staffing systems means that less experienced grooms and working students have management in place to turn to for assistance and structure; coaches having the final word on schooling plans and lessons can push students to make the right calls for their horse and safely push themselves out of their comfort zones, too. But when the powerful party has slightly more insidious intentions, this can take a nasty turn. Whether we’re looking at the case of Larry Nassar, who used his position as a team doctor in US Gymnastics to abuse hundreds of young girls, or in the many cases of trainers or bosses similarly abusing young people in their barns, studying the dark side of power imbalances is essential. It goes beyond sexual abuse, too — and advocacy organisation Global Athlete is digging into the quagmire to try to create positive change to protect athletes, both in their training structures and on the world stage. Find out more about what they’re doing, and why this is so important, here.

And finally, snowbirds: enjoy this throwback from our sister site, Horse Nation, which sees beginner ski-bunny Leslie Threlkeld take to the slopes and find a few comparisons with riding — and also a few key differences, including… the importance of French fries manifesting itself in a rather unfamiliar way.

Morning Viewing:

We spend a lot of time rewatching videos of the established pros tackling five-stars – but what about those intrepid first-timers? Relive Holly Richardson’s ride around Burghley with Bally Louis and join us in wondering how colossal one’s figurative cajones must have to be to choose Burghley as your first go at this level:

Equestly Courses for the Exhausted Equestrian: Diaphragmatic Breathing

By on Jan 21, 2024 10:00 am -

Quick story before we get into it. Because I’m a chatty Kathy (verbose Veronica?) I used to talk during my dressage test. My trainer was tired of watching me lose points (so many points), so she taught me and my horse to communicate via breath work. A sharp inhale readies her for an increase in energy, a long slow exhale is just as good as a verbal “whoa.” Unfortunately, overachiever that I am, I took that assignment a little too seriously. Riding my horse when you have the sniffles now means a lot of unexpected trotting. Poor girl is just as much of an overachiever as I am.

So, don’t learn breathwork from me, learn from Maija of Freely Forward Bodywork instead. A licensed massage therapist, she and Equestly have partnered up to create the latest addition to the Equestly Ride app, the Exhausted Equestrians course. Does that sound like you? ‘Cause it sure sounds like me.

I watched the first episode of the course, where Maija teaches you all about diaphragmatic breathing and why you should be putting this tool to good use.

Every experienced equestrian knows how much our breathing impacts our horses. If you haven’t experienced this for yourself, next time you get on your horse, try breathing quickly and shallowly. How does your horse react? (If you ride a sensitive horse, try deep breathing instead. For our lawyer’s mental health, please don’t do something that will get you thrown off.) You may notice your horse becoming tense, alert, and nervous.

The way we breathe has a significant impact on our body, our posture, muscle tension, mental state and more. All of this translates to how our horses move, as well as their mental state. Remember, horses are herd animals. If one horse in the herd becomes snorty and tense, the rest of the herd goes on high alert. When you ride, you are effectively part of the herd. When you take short, shallow breaths, or forget to breathe altogether, you are sending warning bells to your horse.

Many equestrians breathe using their chest, particularly when they’re anxious. Instead of using the diaphragm, this type of breathing relies on the scalene muscles, which are located on either side of your neck and connect into your shoulders. Maija said chest breathing stresses these muscles and causes tension in the shoulders and neck. If at the end of a horse show or after riding a spooky horse you notice some neck and shoulder pain, that might be why.

According to Maija, diaphragmatic breathing allows for more oxygen to enter the body and stimulates the vagus nerve, which helps keep your mind calm and focused in stressful situations such as at a horse show or while riding a spooky horse. The vagal nerves are responsible for many functions involving the parasympathetic nervous system, including your mood, speech, heart rate, blood pressure and respiration. There are many ways you can stimulate your vagus nerve, including diaphragmatic breathing and singing.

Have you ever had a trainer make you sing while you ride? They were onto something! Singing stimulates that vagus nerve and keeps you breathing, both of which will prevent your body from locking up and going into a freeze state. But, because you can’t really go around the warm-up ring singing, learning how to breathe with your diaphragm is probably the better option.

Maija says the best way to learn how to breathe diaphragmatically is to lie down on your back on the floor. As you breathe in, focus on fully inflating your stomach. As you breathe out, contract your stomach or simply allow it to slowly deflate. To get all the benefits of diaphragmatic breathing, take very slow deep breaths. Maija suggests breathing in for seven seconds and out for seven seconds. Make sure you’re counting this out; when I did this exercise it was much slower than I thought.


If you breathe with your shoulders and chest automatically, it will take some dedicated practice to start breathing with your diaphragm. While you can practice your diaphragmatic breathing anytime, Maija says that she practices her diaphragmatic breathing at the end of a long day, while lying in bed, like any true exhausted equestrian. This way she can relax before she drifts off to sleep.

After some practice, you should be able to breathe diaphragmatically all the time on a subconscious level. Just think, if you’re this accomplished now, what will you be able to achieve when you’re getting all the oxygen your body needs? Maybe you won’t be as much of an exhausted equestrian as you are now!

Up next on the Exhausted Equestrian course, learn how to decompress your spine for better posture in the saddle. Download the Equestly Ride app and watch the course.

This article was sponsored by one of our valued supporters, Equestly. Download the Equestly Ride app, where you can earn points towards discounts on high-quality equestrian apparel and read news from Eventing Nation!

Are you a business looking to join Equestly in our stable of sponsors? Download our media kit here.

Sunday Links from Etalon Equine Genetics

By on Jan 21, 2024 12:01 am -

After recently concluding our #Supergroom of the Year awards, we are always looking for more opportunities to recognize our industry superheroes. The backbones, the management, the inner circle; whatever we call them, they’re what keeps our world goin’ round.

Anyway, we are all about grooms here, and so is Horse & Country with their new Integral to Success series. Keep it up!

U.S. Weekend Action

Ram Tap Combined Test (Fresno, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Stable View Aiken Opener H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Lignières will replace Haras du Jardy as host of the French leg in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup 2024

Eventing not yet confirmed for 2028 Olympics – with just weeks to decide on new format

Is Harmony on Horseback Measurable?

Open and Junior Starter Divisions to be offered at 2024 USEA AEC

Liz Halliday on the CCI4*-L Eventing National Championship at Galway Downs

Sponsor Corner: Eventer and breeder Heather McWilliams plans to use Etalon Genetic Testing to improve her breeding practices. Check out how she’s going to breed for upper level event horses by testing for endurance alleles.

Morning Viewing: Just one more of the (countless) reasons I want to attend the London International Horse Show, because this is just cool. How does one apply to be a member of the Royal Horse Artillery? Asking for a friend.

Eventing Legends and Industry Experts Set to Lead the 2024 ECP Symposium

By on Jan 20, 2024 2:37 pm -

Photo by Meagan DeLisle/USEA.

The 2024 ECP Symposium is less than two weeks away, and the star-studded list of faculty and special guests set to lead the three-day immersive educational experience is sure to make this an unforgettable event. On Jan. 30–Feb. 1, current eventing coaches, riders, parents, owners, and avid supporters of the sport will convene in Ocala, Florida, at the Florida Horse Park to experience some of the key elements of the USEA’s revamped program for developing coaches and evaluate riders of all levels. Click here to register to attend today!

In recent years, the interactive group teaching model has become an extremely popular format for the ECP Symposium, and this year, the ECP Committee has new plans to further enhance the model for attendees. Participants will again be divided into groups with assigned faculty to evaluate riders at various levels in all three phases, and each group will be asked to present their observations of what should be addressed and how best to improve each horse and rider pair.

New this year, prepare to have your observation skills honed! Each group presentation will highlight the exact principles or techniques they observed as needing improvement and demonstrate the exercises and concepts which address those issues. Other groups will be invited to contribute their own observations and suggestions to broaden the discussion around each horse/rider combination. Participants will play an active role in prioritizing learning segments for various horse and rider pairs to support the most successful path forward in their training.

Several top ECP faculty will be on hand to help facilitate the group learning portion of the Symposium. Among the Level V and IV ECP Certified Coaches who will help mentor and facilitate the process are:

  • Emily Beshear, a five-star eventer with experience coaching riders from Starter through Advanced, including EA21 athletes and Young Rider teams.
  • Jan Byyny, a top-ranked international rider who’s represented the U.S. at Pan American and World Equestrian Games, and now focuses her time on running her own Surefire Farm.
  • Mary D’Arcy, an ECP Assessor and Faculty member with experience coaching through the Olympic level.
  • David O’Connor, Olympic gold medalist, Director of Coaching for the USEA EA21 Program, and USEF Chief of Sport
  • Karen O’Connor, an ECP Assessor and Faculty member who has represented the U.S. at the Olympics, World Equestrian Games and Pan American Games, while also being named the U.S. Equestrian Female Athlete of the Year 10 times.
  • Jennifer Howlett Rousseau, as ECP coach that trains riders from the Starter to three-star level, the USEA Vice President of Education, and the champion of the subcommittee that created The USEA Eventing Handbook by the Levels.
  • Robin Walker, a founding force behind the USEA ECP and an active competitor in both eventing and Grand Prix show jumping.

The ECP Symposium will also feature several exciting guest speakers. Peter Gray, a Level V ECP Certified Coach, will kick off the fun on Tuesday with an interactive dressage judging exercise. Gray will provide real-time movement by movement commentary on ridden dressage tests from the judge’s perspective, giving attendees unique insight before they tackle their group learning exercises in the afternoon. Throughout his career, Gray competed at some of the most prestigious international events in North America and Europe, including two Olympic Games, the World Championships, and the Pan American Games, and he now serves as an FEI Level IV Eventing Judge, the highest certification for international officials, and recently served on the Ground Jury at the 2022 Eventing World Championships at Pratoni del Vivaro in Italy.

On Wednesday, crowd-favorite sports psychologist Dr. Paul Haefner will return to the Symposium to present a special segment on self-care for the professional, focusing on ways coaches can ensure that their own mental and physical wellbeing are being prioritized. Dr. Haefner will provide attendees with coping mechanisms and tips on dealing with the daily stressors that may arise in their line of work. Dr. Haefner will also be available for individual consultations all three days of the event, at no charge. If you would like to preschedule a consultation, please contact Dr. Haefner via email at [email protected].

During the event, the USEF Developing Riders will also be utilizing the Florida Horse Park for a training session and attendees will have the opportunity to audit some of their training time. Symposium attendees will be in for a treat on Wednesday afternoon, as the Developing Riders will lead a panel discussion for all to enjoy on their current training programs and their educational journeys as they climbed the levels of the sport. A Q&A session will follow to allow eager attendees to pick the brains of these successful upper-level competitors.

Finally, equine legal expert and USEA Board of Governors member Yvonne Ocrant, will discuss the basics of what coaches need to know about equine and business liability on Thursday morning. Ocrant’s equine law experience is extensive and includes handling litigation and transactions involving the Equine Activity Liability Act, assisting industry professionals to litigate and resolve claims of personal injury, property damage and other losses, drafting contracts for horse purchases, sales and leases, creating liability releases for individuals and entities sponsoring or participating in equine activities, and developing multi-owner syndicates for horses in numerous disciplines. Ocrant will break down complex equine liability laws and coverage to help attendees ensure that they are properly protected in their businesses.

Registration for the 2024 ECP Symposium at the Florida Horse Park on Jan. 30–Feb. 1 is open now! Current ECP Certified Coaches and/or USEF Licensed Officials can attend the event for the discounted daily fee of $50 per day or the full event fee of $125. The general public is also welcome to attend, and their rates are $80 per day or $215 for the full event. If you are planning on bringing your child or a student under the age of twelve, their attendance is free of charge. Advanced registration is greatly appreciated, so click here to register now. On-site registration will also be available.

If you have any questions about the ECP Symposium or the Eventing Coaches Program, please contact Nancy Knight, Senior Director of Education, at [email protected].

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Jan 20, 2024 12:01 am -

We love to see it! Z, Phillip Dutton’s Tokyo Olympic mount (amongst other accolades,) is getting the star treatment at Furlong’s Soundness Center at B.W. Furlong & Associates in New Jersey. Looks like he’s getting a great start on the road to recovery from the injury sustained at Pau which spurned his retirement from the top level of the sport. Will we get to see Z carting around a young rider at the lower levels in due time? Or will he just get to enjoy the good retired life straight away? It doesn’t really matter — we’re happy to see him feeling good either way!

U.S. Weekend Action

Ram Tap Combined Test (Fresno, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Stable View Aiken Opener H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Weekend:

FEI Makes Spurs Optional in Dressage

Federal Bill Would Protect Trail Access For Horseback Riders

Eventing Legends and Industry Experts Set to Lead the 2024 ECP Symposium

The Story of Anna Sewell & Black Beauty Animation Shortlisted for International Award

USEF Responds To Katie Prudent Clinic Controversy

Sponsor Corner: What do you think this little guy thinks of the view? Quick reminder that a portion of every order placed on the World Equestrian Brands website goes to FlyPups! FlyPups transports rescue puppies to shelters and rescues across the country, bringing them to safer places and to new lives.

Morning Viewing: Today I learned that gym workouts for jockeys involves a lot of squatting. Makes sense!

“A Heavy Heart”: British Eventers Lose Two Much-Loved Events

By on Jan 19, 2024 4:16 pm -

Camilla Speirs and BT Border Bandit at Somerford Park. Photo by Nico Morgan.

Weston Park Horse Trials and Somerford Park International have both been lost from the British Eventing calendar, each citing financial hindrances due to abandonment insurance as their reason for departure in this tricky climate for the sport.

Weston Park, which is based in Shropshire, has been a mainstay on the calendar since 1978, and has hosted classes through Advanced as well as Pony Club Championships, and had been scheduled to run on April 6 and 7 this year with a roster of classes from Novice to Advanced — but, crucially, in the tricky weekend between FEI events at Thoresby Park and Burnham Market. Weston was making a welcome return to the calendar after an absence in 2023; previously, it had hosted both an April and an October fixture, with the latter focused on grassroots levels.

“This year for the first time Abandonment Insurance for adverse weather is either not available from Insurance Brokers [or] we have been quoted a 24% premium to cover the sum being insured for Spring and Autumn Events,” write organisers Plant A Fence Events in a statement on the event’s Facebook page, which explains that the event will no longer continue. “The financial risks of running a green field site event with the added burden of being sandwiched between two FEI events with no chance of a change of date puts us under financial pressure. The lack of Abandonment Insurance at an affordable cost in April weighs heavy, we do have the new BE Abandonment Policy to cover riders entry fees for a 60% entry refund that we have to pay into. Unfortunately for some years Events have been unable to run on entry fees alone. Financial stress to repay Sponsorship, Trade stands, Start Fees, Gate Admission and all our service contracts for a spring event is no longer feasible as they must be covered by insurance, Marquees, Loos, Public Address, Porta Cabins etc… Our Facility Fee (rent) Paid to Weston Park has risen significantly, as have our other costs, all must be paid if we ran or had to cancel.”
Cheshire’s Somerford Park International offers some hope at a return after having to withdraw from the calendar for the second year in a row. The late June fixture offered classes from BE100 through to CCI3*-S.
“After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision due to challenges in securing a cost-effective insurance policy for potential bad weather. We understand the disappointment this may cause, and we share in that sentiment,” reads the event team’s statement. “As an organisation committed to upholding excellence, it is imperative that our events are not only sustainable but also profitable to ensure their continuity and success.

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of our fantastic sponsors, especially our title sponsor and partner Baileys Horse Feeds, for their unwavering support over the years, which has been instrumental in ensuring the event’s continued success.
“We are immensely grateful to our dedicated team of volunteers, whose selfless dedication and generosity of time are truly invaluable.
In particular, we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the late Cliff Parry, who made significant contributions in the scoring team for the horse trials and numerous other events at Somerford. His presence will be deeply missed, and his impact will always be remembered.”
After a tough 2023 season replete with weather-related event cancellations, British Eventing announced in December that it would be introducing an Abandonment Support Fund – a departure from last season’s requirement for organisers to secure their own policy for their events as an increasing number of insurance underwriters continue to withdraw from this volatile market.

New Talent Joins British Eventing Youth Programme Coaching Roster

By on Jan 19, 2024 11:57 am -

The 2021 European Champion Nicola Wilson will join the British Eventing Youth coaching team this year. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

British Eventing is delighted to announce two new coaches joining their Youth Programme which will offer further support to young members as they journey through our training and competition opportunities.   

The two new coaches will join an experienced team of existing Youth Coaches under the guidance of Head of Youth Darrell Scaife. 

Nicola Wilson, a former Olympian and a UKCC Level 3 Coach will be joining the team as a National Youth Coach with a particular focus on Ponies. Nicola was a member of the silver medal-winning team at London 2012 riding Opposition Buzz and has also won a further eight medals at both World and European Championship level, five of which were gold.  

Tim Rogers, a UKCC Level 3 coach, will join the Central region as a Youth Regional Coach. Tim is an international rider and a former Junior European individual medallist.  

In addition, Camilla Kruger, also a former Olympian and a UKCC Level 3 Coach, will continue to support the International Pony Squad as Chef d’Equipe. Camilla is a keen hockey player, a wonderful communicator and is part of the Eastern Regional Youth Coaching team. 

Darrell Scaife said of the appointments: “We are delighted that both Nicola and Tim have accepted the roles offered to them and that Camilla will continue the good work she started with Ponies last year. They will be a great asset to the existing team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience that young members will undoubtedly benefit from.  

“The calibre of training on offer this season to our youth membership is, in my opinion, second to none. I am really looking forward to watching our up-and-coming riders reap the rewards from what we are putting in place.” 

British Eventing CEO Rosie Williams OBE added: “This is an exciting opportunity for British Eventing’s young riders. Having people to work with them of the calibre of Nicola, Tim and Camila is brilliant and our riders should be very excited about the opportunities now available to them. We went through a very rigorous selection process, and I am extremely pleased to welcome the coaches to the BE team and look forward to supporting them along their coaching journey.”  

Darrell Scaife further added thanks to Jonquil Hemmings, who had held the post of National Youth Coach for the past 25 years, by saying: “Jonquil has had huge influence on the success of Great Britain’s event riders. Alongside a mighty haul of multiple medal wins, Jonquil has undoubtedly enabled and empowered young people to be the best versions of themselves on and off the field of play. I’m thrilled that we will be working with Jonquil to deliver some new initiatives to our members in the future months.” 

The British Eventing Youth Programme offers riders aged between 12 – 21 years the extensive training, education and support focused on the different categories of BE80/90, BE100 and International competition. The Youth Programme also offers a regional championship for riders across all categories competing on both ponies and horses. The three performance coaches are additionally supported by a network of regional coaches to offer an end-to-end training platform for all levels of ability across the youth eventing membership. 

To find out more about British Eventing Youth, please click here.