Classic Eventing Nation

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Dec 4, 2023 8:35 am -

 

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Nothing warms the cockles of my heart quite like seeing a former top-level horse enjoying a well-earned, fat and fluffy retirement being treated like a king or queen. We’ve been treated to glimpses of two such retirements this week, thanks to Liz Halliday-Sharp, whose Fernhill By Night has mastered the art of the mud spa, and Michael Jung, whose La Biosthetique Sam FBW is king of the castle out with his equally fluffy buddies. Talk about living their best lives!

National Holiday: It’s World Wildlife Conservation Day. Find out more about this important day here and help do your bit for endangered species.

US Weekend Results:

Rocking Horse December H.T. (Altoona, FL) [Website] [Results]


Your Morning Reading List:

Rehab rides are basically my whole life right now. They’re…not exactly interesting, are they? Unless, of course, your horse hasn’t been ridden for a really long time and decides to throw in some extra dance moves. But for the most part, they’re just a long ebb of necessary drudgery, and keeping yourself on track to do all the right things in the right ways can be pretty tough. That’s why I’m going to be making best use of RideiQ’s Post Injury Rehab playlist, which is jam-packed with useful information, ‘hack chats’, and in-ear ride-along lessons that’ll give me plenty to do with my thus far rather bored mare. Want more information for your own rehabbing process? Check out Heels Down’s review here.

Grief is something that – horrendous as it is – is an unavoidable component of the human experience. I lost my grandfather just this morning, and found this, from COTH, a particularly comforting read as I sat down at my laptop to cobble my working day together. It’s all about gratitude, and embracing the good that a person – or a horse – brought to your life while they were in it. Because ultimately, aren’t we all so lucky to have people around that are bright enough lights that we grieve them when they’re gone?

Sometimes those bright lights can give us headaches, too, says the mare owner… But if a moody, tricky mare is one of your primary conundrums, you’ll be particularly interested in a prospective new solution, in the form of Pearl Pods, which aim to better the not-wholly-successful glass marble concept. Find out more here.

And finally, it transpires that infrared thermometers might not be the best solution to replace the old thermometer up the bum trick. Apparently, they’re not giving you totally accurate readouts, because they’re much more likely to get a read on surface, rather than internal, temperature. Sorry for the indignity, horses, but the old method looks like it’s here to stay.

Morning Viewing: 

Fancy an educational start to your day? This documentary feature on the first horsemen is a great way to get the brain juices flowing (ew):

It’s Time to Vote for the EquiRatings 2023 Horse of the Year

By on Dec 3, 2023 11:30 am -

Each year, our pals at EquiRatings gather up their massive stores of data to pull out a handful of contenders for their fan-voted Horse of the Year award. This year, we’ve got a strong roster of horses to choose from, including several from this side of the pond. Here’s the skinny:

Eight horses will start us off, bracket style, with three rounds of voting determining the eventual champion. Click here to view the full ERHOTY page and to cast your vote.

Here are your first Quarter Final contenders — cast your votes for this round at this link by December 6.

Quarter Final 1: Ballaghmor Class v. Mai Baum

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

BALLAGHMOR CLASS:
Ballaghmor Class tallied his third five-star win this year at Burghley, making him one of only 12 horses in the history of the sport to win three or more. The win came six years after Ballaghmor Class’s first five-star victory. That is one of the longest five-star-winning careers in eventing history (second only to La Biosthetique Sam’s seven-year span between first and last five-star title).

Ballaghmor Class is arguably the most consistent five-star horse of all time, having produced ten top-five placings at the five-star level, including a second-place finish at Badminton this year. His true-to-form consistency this season has given Ballaghmor Class the highest Elo of his career as he climbed with every single 2023 result. After his Burghley win, the 16-YO passed fischerChipmunk to top the Elo table for a while. Ballaghmor Class is, simply put, a five-star warrior and absolute workman.

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

MAI BAUM:
Mai Baum ended the USA’s wait for a Kentucky win. Before this year, the US had waited 15 years to win their own home major.

At 17 years old, Mai Baum delivered one of the most-special victories of the year at Land Rover Kentucky, topping the field by 3.6 points and beating the likes of JL Dublin, Banzai du Loir, Z, Viamant du Matz, and Miks Master C.

The winning performance registered a 106-point High Performance Rating (HPR) which was four marks ahead of this year’s Pau-winning HPR and six marks ahead of the 2023 Burghley-winning HPR. In fact, Mai Baum’s win was one of the top three 5* HPRs this season (Badminton 111, Luhmühlen 108, Kentucky 106) and one of the highest-rated Kentucky performances we’ve seen.

A 2023 season made of: Galway Downs CCI4*-S. Won it. Land Rover Kentucky. Won it. CHIO Aachen. Podiumed it. That is one great season.

Quarter Final 2: Diabolo Menthe v. Vendredi Biats

Boekelo winners Nicolas Touzaint and Diabolo Menthe. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

DIABOLO MENTHE:
This year’s Boekelo was the strongest non-championship 4*-L field of the past nine seasons (based on Elo Field Strength ratings) and Diabolo Menthe is the one who came out on top, beating 111 opponents to earn the title.

The win was achieved with a finish-on-dressage score of 25.4 and that result alone boosted Diabolo Menthe’s Elo rating by a major 28 points. He is now the highest-rated 10-year-old in the world based on Elo ratings, ahead of the likes of Izilot DHI, Greenacres Special Cavalier and last year’s ERHOTY winner, Zaragoza.

The Boekelo win followed a second place finish at Chatsworth 4*-S earlier this season where Diabolo Menthe was one of just nine horses to show jump clear (jump + time) of the 112 who tried. The Boekelo victory also registered a High Performance Rating (HPR) of 102, the same rating Amande de B’Neville earned for winning Saumur 4*-L just three months before she became Olympic champion…Paris here we come.

Kitty King and Vendredi Biats (GBR). Photo by Tilly Berendt.

VENDREDI BIATS:
At the Europeans this year, in the face of tough cross country conditions and after disappointment in similar conditions just three months before (Badminton), Vendredi Biats dug in and rose to the occasion to lay down a cross country performance that was key to earning the European individual silver medal. His XC run as the team pathfinder, over tough ground, on a tough day was also critical to Team GB’s gold. A selection to any British team is hard-won but Vendredi Biats proved his mettle and punctuated his place on the team.

The Euros performance boosted Vendredi Biats’ Elo by an impressive 25 points in one fell swoop, such was the quality of the competition he bested. That makes him one of only seven horses in the world right now to have an 800+ Elo rating (802). The silver-medal performance also registered a High Performance Rating (HPR) of 106, making it one of best 4*-L/5* performances of the year.

It was Vendredi Biats’ second major podium of the year, after placing second at Luhmühlen in June. Two major placings and delivering for Team GB make it a standout year for Vendredi Biats.

Quarter Final 3: Lordships Graffalo v. HSH Blake

Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

LORDSHIPS GRAFFALO:
Lordships Graffalo won Badminton by 15.0 points, the largest 5* winning margin in the modern era of the sport. He then went on to win the European individual gold by 6.7 points and that was against international competition with renowned low-scoring ability and, indeed, against one of the strongest fields on record according to the Elo Field Strength rating (second only to Pratoni 2022).

Registering a High Performance Rating (HPR) of 113, Lordships Graffalo’s European gold set the new standard for 4*/5* performances, the best HPR ever (rating starts in 2008).

We’ve seen this horse coming (it’s not even his first ERHOTY rodeo): Lordships Graffalo was the highest Elo-rated horse for his age as both a 9-YO and 10-YO and is now the highest-rated 11-YO ever (rating starts in 2008). It’s a table-topping Elo trend that mimics La Biosthetique Sam-FBW’s record. Plus, Lordships Graffalo was only the third combination since 2008 to win Badminton from the front as did a certain La Biosthetique Sam in 2016.

Lordships Graffalo is, on many metrics, one of the best we’ve ever seen. For this point in his career, he is going toe-for-toe with La Biosthetique Sam who is arguably the greatest horse of all time…for now…

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

HSH BLAKE:
HSH Blake is the newly-minted Pan Ams individual gold medallist…and he’s only 8 years old. In fact, HSH Blake is one of the top ten 8-YOs of all time based on the Elo rating (which goes back to 2008), he is the best ever 8-YO for the USA, and he is the number one 8-YO in the world this season.

Having just stepped up to the four-star level this year, HSH Blake finished top three in both of his four-star appearances, including a second-place finish at the Strzegom Nations Cup where he led dressage and added just XC time to his score. Of all HSH Blake’s six international runs this year, he was never out of the top five, including two wins.

HSH Blake boosted his Elo rating with each successive international appearance this year. Continually upward. Consistent. While not quite having the top-level experience yet, a good showing at the CCI4*-L U.S. selection trial might put this horse in the Paris conversation. And as far as Los Angeles 2028 goes…watch out.

Quarter Final 4: Virgil v. Colorado Blue

Shane Rose and Virgil lead the way going into the final phase at Adelaide. Photo by Michelle Terlato Photography.

VIRGIL:
Eight years after his five-star debut, 18-year-old Virgil won Adelaide 2023 by 9.5 points and became the oldest five-star winner of the last 16 seasons. It was Virgil’s first five-star win and he delivered it on a 28.5, adding just one second on the XC to his dressage score.

Adelaide was Virgil’s second international run of the year, having won a CCI4*-S before the five-star victory, giving Virgil a two for two record this season.

Virgil is particularly appreciated in context. He’s been to Tokyo: top 10. Pratoni: top 15. Burghley: asked and answered, top 20. Luhmühlen: top 10. And here he was in Adelaide, still competing at the very top level 8 years after his five-star debut…and he wins it. Seven times, Virgil has produced a 95-or-higher High Performance Rating (HPR). A 95+ is an elite achievement and top do it over and over is a testament to a top-level stalwart.

Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue. Photo by Sally Spickard.

COLORADO BLUE:
This year at Badminton, we saw Colorado Blue go head-to-head with Lordships Graffalo in the cross country phase. It was Colorado Blue who was the fastest on the day in those notoriously testing conditions; 10.8 time penalties for him, 11.6 for Lordships Graffalo, and everyone else?: Twenty-one-plus time penalties. The result was a deserved climb up the leaderboard and the first Badminton podium from an Irish combination in 40 years.

Colorado Blue is in fact one of the top-rated cross country horses in the sport. His five-star XC jumping reliability puts him in the top 0.1% of horses worldwide and his five-star speed is among the top 0.05%.

Five months after Badminton, Colorado Blue went on and did it. At Maryland, he jumped double clear (XC and SJ) to produce the first five-star win for Ireland in 58 years. He had added just 1.2 XC time penalties on a day when only one horse was under the time and he was the only double-clear SJ round on the final day.

A classic sporting story – highs (Badminton and Maryland) and lows (Burghley) and when it ended with that big win, we could practically hear the whole eventing world cheer.

Click here to view the full voting on EquiRatings, and to cast your votes by December 6!

Sunday Links from Etalon Equine Genetics

By on Dec 3, 2023 12:01 am -

West Coast eventers brought the representation at Ingrid Klimke’s “Masterclass in Wine Country” at Galway Downs this weekend. After an inspirational discussion at the preceding rider dinner, the participants followed the legendary German Olympian’s direction over some rather intriguing cavaletti exercises. Stay tuned with Galway Downs to see how their second day turns out today!

U.S. Weekend Action

Rocking Horse December H.T. (Altoona, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Sunday:

Vote now for the EquiRatings Horse of the Year

The Pearl Pod: A new intrauterine device for mares displaying extreme behaviour during estrus is showing promising results

The Mia Farley And Phelps Story

All Julien Anquetin & *Name Redacted* Do Is Win in 2023, But Actually..

Andreas Helgstrand to miss Paris 2024 – as three Helgstrand Dressage instructors reprimanded

Sponsor Corner: How much Thoroughbred blood is in your Warmblood? Is your horse inbred? To what degree? Find out with Etalon Equine Genetics! Their Ancestry Testing will help you make informed decisions about your horse’s future.

Morning Viewing: Learn all about saddle fit with part one of Master Saddler Jan Jacobsen’s series:

Wesko Equestrian Foundation Young Eventers Pathway Applications Open

By on Dec 2, 2023 4:35 pm -

Photo courtesy of the Wesko Equestrian Foundation.

The Wesko Equestrian Foundation launched its first project in 2018, the Young Eventers Programme, where the Foundation aimed to support the transition from Young Rider to Senior and amateur to professional. Moving into 2023, the Foundation expanded its support of young event riders via the new Young Eventers Pathway. Our aim is to support young eventers from every background to become better and more viable athletes. The Foundation’s vision is to create an eventing community and peer learning environment that surrounds the riders who are participating in the programme.

Moving into 2024, Wesko has combined the three separate pathways from 2023 (Grassroots, 2/3* and 4/5* level), into one new Young Eventers Pathway. The new Pathway will accommodate up to 16 riders, between the ages of 21 and 28-years-old, and will not only offer three separate training events with our coaching team of European Champion Nicola Wilson, 5* dressage judge Nikki Herbert, and British Equestrian Assistant Performance Manager Philip Surl, but will also have access to a 12-month education programme, that will offer riders support in a variety of areas, from business to media training, fitness and nutrition, and to equine welfare.

The education programme will be free for all Pathway members, while ridden coaching sessions are £160 for two days and cross-country training will be £60 per rider. These fees are inclusivee of training (with one or two horses per session), venue hire, stabling, meals, refreshments, and unmounted activities.

The total value of training days is between £300-350 per rider, per day, but the Foundation is pleased to be able to subsidise access to this training and education programme, thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, including Pathway partner Agria Equine Lifetime. All ridden training taking place at Solihull Riding Club.

Riders can apply from 1st December to the 15th December here. Applicants must be based in the United Kingdom and able to commit to all of the relevant Pathway dates. These dates are as follows:

JANUARY – 11th

  • Induction day to outline the programme
  • Social Media & Sponsorship support from Sarah Skillin
  • Introduction to insurance from Agria Equine Lifetime
  • Kitting out session with team kit, supported by Toggi and Agria
  • Discussion around aims and goals for the 2024 season
  • Discussion of individual support plans

FEBRUARY  – 3rd – 4th 

  • Dressage training with Nikki Herbert (1 lesson per rider)
  • Showjumping training on day 1 (2 sessions per rider)
  • Area Cross-country training on day 2 (2 sessions per rider)
  • Jumping coach – Philip Surl
  • Dismounted activities and education sessions TBC
  • All to stable on-site, unless local to commute for evening meal and education session

APRIL – 25th – 26th

  • Dressage training with Nikki Herbert (1 lesson per rider)
  • Showjumping training on day 1 (2 sessions per rider)
  • Cross-country training on day 2 (2 sessions per rider)
  • Jumping coach – Nicola Wilson
  • Dismounted activities and education sessions TBC
  • All to stable on-site, unless local to commute for evening meal and education session

JUNE/JULY – TBC

  • Cross-country training day to focus on Novice – Advanced level riding
  • Coach – TBC

BADMINTON & BURGHLEY

  • Course walking support and advice will be available for riders competing in the 5* and Grassroots events
  • Media support for those competing at 5* level

BRAMHAM

  • Course walks and support for riders competing in the 4*

 

On Sale Now: Get Your Tickets for the 2024 $100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field

By on Dec 2, 2023 1:00 pm -

Holly Jacks-Smither and More Inspiration, winners of the Retired Racehorse Project Highpoint Thoroughbred Award at LiftMaster Grand-Prix Eventing, Bruce’s Field, Aiken, SC in 2021. Photo by Chris Quinn.

Festive season present idea alert! Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 $100,000 Conceal Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services. VIP and General Admission tickets are both available for purchase online for this fast, furious, and incredibly fun showcase of upper-level eventing action, set to take place March 1 and 2 at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, South Carolina.

There are several General Admission ticket options available. Exclusive online purchase options include:

One Full Event Pass which grants access to Friday, March 1st Dressage & Show Jumping a Saturday, March 2nd Cross-Country:

  • Full Event Pass $30.00 (Friday, March 1st & Saturday, March 2nd)

Two Single Day Pass options, which grant access to one day’s activities respectively:

  • Friday, March 1st Only Pass $20.00 (Dressage & Show Jumping)
  • Saturday, March 2nd Only Pass $20.00 (Cross-Country)

These General Admission ticket options are only available online. General Admission tickets will be available at the gate for $25.oo per day, cash or check only.

VIP tickets include:

  • Invitation to the Thursday evening, February 29th, Welcome Party
  • Ring side for the Friday evening, March 1st, Show Jumping
  • Prime viewing locations for the Saturday, March 2nd, Cross-Country
  • Access to all VIP areas (VIP tent & Chalets) for the entire event
  • Food & Beverage served
  • VIP Parking

VIP tickets start at $1,000.00. For more information on Reserved Tables, Chalets, or Tailgate Parking Spots, please contact [email protected]. In need of somewhere to stay in Aiken for the weekend? Check out this handy list of recommended hotels and B&Bs in the area. Happy spectating!

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Dec 2, 2023 12:01 am -

Are you looking for the 2023 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Champions? Take a left! The members of the University of South Carolina Aiken eventing team — Alexa Duncan, Heidi Gyselinck, Carson Langenberg, and Sydney Shinn — have been honored with a token that I would presume not many eventers can say they have: a road sign! When you head down to Aiken this winter, keep your eyes peeled for this unique trophy of sorts.

U.S. Weekend Action

Rocking Horse December H.T. (Altoona, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Links to Start Your Weekend:

The Mia Farley And Phelps Story

‘Breaking down barriers’ as dark breeches to be allowed in British Dressage competition

2024 ECP Symposium to Be Held at the Florida Horse Park on Jan. 30-Feb. 1

You Are Going To Die; What Happens To Your Horse When You Do?

Horses for All: Diversity, inclusion key to equestrian world’s future

Sponsor Corner: Cosby Green can check her first 5* off her to-do list. The World Equestrian Brands‘ rider finished in the top 20 at Pau with her talented chestnut, Copper Beach. Hear about her experience at Pau and what’s it like to work with Team Price.

Cosby Green and Copper Beach. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Morning Viewing: Buckle up and join Boyd Martin for a winning ride at Sweden International Agria Indoor Eventing!

Friday Video: Putting Piggy’s Jumping Exercises to the Test

By on Dec 1, 2023 7:18 pm -

Here at EN, we’re big fans of Piggy TV, the educational and entertaining video channel of the eponymous eventer, which is chock full of inspiration and ideas for ringwork, jumping exercises, fitness, and much, much more – but we also appreciate that not everyone has the extra income to tack another subscription cost onto their monthly outgoings. And so we were thrilled to stumble upon this video from British vlogger Emily Dobson, who, like us, is a huge fan of the Badminton and Burghley winner and decided to put one of her tried-and-tested jumping exercises to the test with her own horse, six-year-old Addie. Watch to see how they got on, the original inspiration for the session, and, most importantly, how to put it all together in your own arena. Happy jumping!

US Equestrian Announces 2024 Eventing Pathway Program Lists

By on Dec 1, 2023 1:00 pm -

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum, the first U.S. winners of LRK3DE since 2008. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the Eventing Pathway Program Lists for 2024, including the Elite, Pre-Elite, Development, and Emerging Programs. In addition to these Eventing Pathway Program updates, several opportunities will be available in 2024 for both Program and non-Program athletes.

Eventing Elite Program List

The following athlete-and-horse combinations, listed in alphabetical order, have been named to the Eventing Elite Program List for 2024.

  • Will Coleman (Ocala, Fla.) and Off The Record, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Off The Record Syndicate
  • Liz Halliday (Lexington, Ky.) and Miks Master C, a 2012 Swedish Warmblood gelding owned by Ocala Horse Properties, LLC and Deborah Palmer
  • Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Luke 140, a 2011 Holsteiner gelding owned by the Luke 140 Syndicate, and Commando 3, a 2013 Holsteiner gelding owned by Yankee Creek Ranch
  • Tamie Smith (Murrieta, Calif.) and Mai Baum, a 2006 German Sport Horse gelding owned by Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell

James Alliston and Karma. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Eventing Pre-Elite Program List

The following athlete-and-horse combinations, listed in alphabetical order, have been named to the Eventing Pre-Elite Program List for 2024.

  • James Alliston (San Ramon, Calif.) and Karma, a 2014 Oldenburg mare owned by Alliston Equestrian and Ric Plummer
  • Will Coleman (Ocala, Fla.) and Chin Tonic HS, a 2012 Holsteiner gelding owned by Hyperion Stud, LLC
  • Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Fedarman B, a 2010 KWPN gelding owned by the Annie Goodwin Syndicate
  • Caroline Pamukcu* (Springtown, Pa.) and HSH Blake, a 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Caroline Pamukcu, Sherrie Martin, Mollie Hoff, and Deniz Pamukcu
    • *The following horses have met the objective criteria for the Development Program: HSH Tolan King, a 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Caroline Pamukcu and Sherrie Martin, and HSH Connor, a 2016 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Caroline Pamukcu, Sherrie Martin, and Luann McElduff
  • Doug Payne (Rougemont, N.C.) and Quantum Leap, a 2011 Rheinlander gelding owned by Doug and Jessica Payne

Membership is reviewed twice annually for the Eventing Elite and Pre-Elite Program Lists. View the updated criteria here.

Mia Farley and Phelps. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Eventing Development Program List

The following athlete-and-horse combinations, listed in alphabetical order, have been named to the Eventing Development Program List for 2024.

  • Jenny Caras (Buckhead, Ga.) and Trendy Fernhill, a 2011 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Elyse Eisenberg
  • Mia Farley (Ocala, Fla.) and Phelps, a 2013 Thoroughbred gelding owned by David O’Connor
  • Cornelia Fletcher (Ocala, Fla.) and DHI Qyaracolle Z, a 2016 Zangersheide mare owned by Cornelia Fletcher and Ann Wehrle
  • Jacob Fletcher (North Little Rock, Ark.) and Fabian, a 2010 Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Fletcher Farms
  • Emily Hamel (Aiken, S.C.) and Corvett, a 2007 Holsteiner gelding owned by Black Flag Option, LLC
  • Alyssa Phillips (Fort Worth, Texas) and Cornelius Bo, a 2014 Hanoverian gelding owned by Alyssa Phillips, and Oskar, a 2009 Holsteiner gelding owned by Julie Phillips and Alyssa Phillips

Updates have been made to the Development Program criteria. View the updated criteria here.

Cosby Green and Copper Beach. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Eventing Emerging Program List

The following athletes, listed in alphabetical order, have been named to the Eventing Emerging Program List for 2024.

  • Julia Beauchamp Crandon* (Redwood City, Calif.)
  • Alexandra Baugh (Lexington, Ky.)
  • Molly Duda (Menlo Park, Calif.)
  • Alexa Gartenberg (Gladwyne, Pa.)
  • Cosby Green (Lexington, Ky.)
  • Tommy Greengard (Malibu, Calif.)
  • Maddie Hale (Lexington, Ky.)
  • Ben Noonan (Ballwin, Mo.)
  • Meg Pellegrini (Wayne, Pa.)
  • Cassie Sanger (Wilmington, Del.)
  • Madison Temkin (Lexington, Ky.)
  • Elsa Warble (Portola Valley, Calif.)
    *Indicates that an athlete was talent-spotted for the program

View the criteria here.

Other Opportunities

The following opportunities will be available in 2024 for both Program and non-Program athletes to gain valuable team experience and further their development as U.S. athletes.

2024 Eventing European Development Tour

The 2024 Eventing European Development Tour will target three FEI Nations Cup opportunities with six athletes. The Tour is open to current USEF Emerging and Development athletes who are qualified for the CCI4*-S level as well as athletes that have been in either Program in the preceding three years (2021-2023).

  • Haras de Jardy (FRA) CCIO4*-NC-S, May 2-5, 2024*
  • Chatsworth International (GBR) CCIO4*-NC-S, May 17-19, 2024
  • Millstreet International (IRL) CCIO4*-NC-S, May 30- June 2, 2024
    *pending approval of date change from the FEI

Athletes interested in the Tour should reach out to Emerging and Development Coach Leslie Law to review their plans for the remainder of the 2023 season and beginning of the 2024 competition season. If the athletes on the Tour are not able to fill complete Teams for the above competitions, then the process for adding team members not involved in the Programs will be released. Selection procedures are available here.

Madison Temkin and MVP Madbum. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

2024 Futures Team Challenge

The 2024 USEF Futures Team Challenge is administered by the USEF to complement the Eventing Pathway Programs. Selection to a team under this Challenge does not represent selection to a recognized U.S. team. This Challenge is designed to replicate the experience of competing within a team environment and thus is a training opportunity embedded within an existing competition.

Athletes will submit an application for consideration by the Pathway Working Group no later than February 24, 2024. Two teams of four combinations led by Chef d’Equipe/Technical Advisor Robert Costello and Emerging and Development Coach Leslie Law will be selected to contest unofficial, simulated team competitions, the first being at the Carolina International (CCI3*-S/CCI4*-S). Additional opportunities in the summer or fall may be added.

An application indicates athletes are committed to attend the pre-competition training taking place two days before the start of competition. Athletes must be prepared to run their horse for time and be able to produce a competitive result in the competition. More information on the Futures Team Challenge may be found here.

Untargeted Nations Cups

Selection for FEI Eventing Nations Cups that are not targeted by the Elite/Pre-Elite Program or the Tour will follow these procedures. All U.S. FEI-Registered Athletes have the opportunity to apply for the competitions; however, USEF will not be providing funding, apparel, or coverage of expenses for attending the competitions.

2025 Emerging Program

Applications for the 2025 Emerging Athlete Program will be available at the end of July 2024 for assessment sessions in September. Stay up to date on application availability and assessment locations on the Emerging Athlete page.

If you have any questions about the 2024 Elite and Pre-Elite Programs, please contact Gemma Stobbs, Director of Elite Program, at [email protected].

If you have any questions about the 2024 Emerging and Development Programs or other opportunities, please contact Christina Vaughn, Director of Emerging and Development Programs, at [email protected].

Host Nation France Reveals Updated Paris ‘Long List’

By on Dec 1, 2023 11:58 am -

Nicolas Touzaint and Absolut Gold HDC. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The home-side French defensive has updated its list of potential horses and riders for next year’s Paris Olympics, following a review of summer and autumn events and results.

“This new ‘On Horseback for Paris’ list is made up of horses who performed well this year,” explains eventing team chef d’equipe Thierry Touzaint in a translated statement on the French Equestrian Federation website. “We also have horses of Olympic caliber, who will have to qualify in 2024 by meeting the Olympic minimums in international 4* long format events to qualify for selection. Among them, Darmagnac and Alertamab’Or are two experienced horses who were injured in 2023 and placed on rest. From the start of the year, they can regain their best level and have their place in the French team.”

“We have six riders who have been very consistent for several seasons and now have experience of one or more championships (Olympics, World Championships or European championships),” continues Thierry. “They are the most confirmed and appear to be team pillars. We also have couples who are a little less seasoned but who are on the rise and have had a good season in 2023.”

The fifteen horses and riders on the updated list are:

  • Thomas Carlile and Darmagnac de Béliard , owend by Scea de Beliard and Jean-Jacques Montagne
  • Sébastien Cavaillon and Elipso de la Vigne, owned by the Elipso Syndicate
  • Luc Château and Bastia de l’Ebat, owned by Haras des Châteaux and Laure Sudreau
  • Karim Laghouag and Embrun de Reno, owned by Sarl Ecurie Karim Laghouag, Guy Bessat, Camille Laffite and Philippe Lemoine
  • Karim Laghouag and Triton Fontaine, owned by Philippe Lemoine, Guy Bessat, Sarl Ecurie Karim Laghouag and Camille Laffite
  • Stéphane Landois and Chaman Dumontceau*Ride for Thaïs, owned by S.C.E.A. Ecurie du Cerisier Bleu
  • Gireg Le Coz and Aisprit de la Loge, owned by Frédérique Grand and Augustin Grand
  • Camille Lejeune and Dame Decoeur Tardonne, owned by Sarah Gospodnetic and the rider
  • Maxime Livio and Api du Libaire, owned by S.d.f Api Club
  • Benjamin Massié and Édition Fonroy, owned by Jean-Luc Van Hoenacker and the rider
  • Gaspard Maksud and Zaragoza, owned by Jane Young and Martin Thurlow
  • Astier Nicolas and Alertamalib’Or, owned by Aliette Forien, Pascal Ravery, Nicolas Paul and the rider
  • Astier Nicolas and Babylon de Gamma, owned by Marielle Grivot Bize, Etienne Grivot, Bénédicte Nicolas and the rider
  • Nicolas Touzaint and Absolut Gold*HDC, owned by Haras des Coudrettes
  • Nicolas Touzaint and Diabolo Menthe, owned by Mézard Sports and Françoise Niclaus

FFE’s National Technical Director, Sophie Dubourg, says, “We really have ambition for the next Olympic and Paralympic Games. We can count on successful couples who have an efficient ecosystem and on owners committed to France. The assessment that was drawn from the underperformance that we had on the last Olympiad highlighted two problems: emotional instability in the teams and staff and the health problems of the horses. We therefore further accentuated the longitudinal monitoring of the horses. The riders and grooms are very attentive to the team of veterinarians who accompany them in an individualised way throughout the year. We have also strengthened the support in terms of the mental preparation of riders and staff. Mental trainers individually accompany riders in each discipline, staff members and collectives.”

The French team won bronze at the 2023 FEI European Eventing Championships. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The ongoing evolution of the high-performance lists, she continues, is undertaken “according to objective criteria of short-term performance and potential. However, it is not forbidden to bring in other couples in the coming months. We have already seen the very rapid ascent of horses generally associated with very experienced riders. The pressure of the JOPs is great and it is even more so for this edition in France. We learn every day to master it a little more. We have extremely motivated riders in all disciplines. The framework of Olympic and Paralympic competitions is quite rigid. It will be necessary to remain very focussed and not disperse with external stresses. We will have to be very attentive to best protect athletes during the Games.

“In this preparation phase, we try to keep the group alive, to strengthen ties with the owners. We also strengthen our communication by choosing to show the backstage of the preparation to embark everyone on this Olympic adventure.”

Thierry adds, “We are establishing the winter training program for everyone and are starting to plan the start of the competition season which will resume in the spring. We will be able to narrow the list once all the horses have returned to the show grounds. Beyond the horses who must obtain their qualification in a long format, all will need a qualifying result on a CCI4*-S in 2024 to qualify for selection. The idea is to obtain it as early as possible in the season so as not to have to chase qualification as the selections approach. We know from experience that the road is still long and that nothing is certain in advance. We have to stay focused on the objective and do a good job in the coming months.”

Follow along with all of EN’s coverage of the Olympics here.

EN’s pre-coverage of the Paris Olympics in 2024 is brought to you with support from Zoetis — Long Live the Horse.

Friday News & Notes Presented by Stable View

By on Dec 1, 2023 12:03 am -

Icelandic winter stroll! Photo by Åsta Røhr Kleiven.

It’s officially the first day of the last month of 2023! When I say time is an illusion, it applies to the fact that I usually don’t know which day of the week it is, but also to the absurd realization that yet another year has passed in a blur! Honestly, where does  the time go?! Every year, December sneaks up on me, and I feel simultaneously that so much has happened, and also almost nothing has changed. The stability of a horsey life means that both are true; you wake up every day and basically do the same thing, but hopefully better than the day before by a fraction of a percent. The same, but entirely different.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Rocking Horse December H.T. (Altoona, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

News From Around the Globe:

Meet the nominees for the USEA Board of Governors  before casting your vote! Each year every member of the USEA receives a nomination ballot to submit nominees to the Board of Governors and during the Annual Meeting of Members, all members are invited to vote for those individuals nominated to serve. This year, there are three new nominees for the USEA Board of Governors and three nominees which have been re-nominated for a further term. [Nominees for USEA Board of Governors]

When your first coach at the age of six is Mike Plumb….well what can we say. Grace Swinson was horse-obsessed from birth, and spent her childhood breathing them in at her aunt’s farm, where there happened to be a certain elder Olympian riding. She didn’t go down the eventing route, but learned dressage and showjumping under his tutelage from the very beginning. It has served her well throughout her young rider career, and she still learns more from him every day. [Curiosity Takes Swinson to Mike Plumb]

In light of recent news from the dressage world, I thought it was time to drop this article again. It’s sometimes hard to see, but there are good horse people in every discipline, and those who are working hard to prove that compassionate, ethical training and management is the right answer. This article is about training happy dressage horses, but the theories and message are applicable to all horses. [Training the Happy Equine Athlete]

As I’ve grown as a rider, I have developed more and more appreciation for the lesson horse. I used to think that only finely tuned horses were the cream of the crop, but I now have a great appreciation for the horses that know how to teach lessons to riders in a compassionate way. In truth, every horse is a lesson horse to some extent, but some of them are better at it than others. [The Love of the Lesson Horse]