Classic Eventing Nation

Bec Braitling Stars in CCI4*-S Shake-up at Galway Downs International

By on Mar 29, 2025 11:30 pm -

Bec Braitling and Caravaggio II. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Spring is a time to prepare for what’s ahead and many of this week’s International Horse Trials contenders took full advantage of ideal opportunities to build confidence, confirm training and find out where they can push the edges of their horse’s performance.

Bec Braitling’s plan to “run quick here” with Caravaggio II was part of a shake-up in the CCI4*-S standings. Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z moved from 6th to 2nd and Megan McIver and Igor B kept their overnight third rank.

Prepping for a return to the Defender Kentucky CCI5-L next month, Braitling and Caravaggio stepped up from 4th after Friday’s dressage and show jumping. It helped that the overnight leaders, Tamie Smith and Kynan, took it easy timewise over Clayton Fredericks’ widely praised cross-country course.

The California-based Australian rider was thrilled with their 30.4 dressage score, though less so with an uncharacteristic rail in show jumping. European show mileage last year accelerated Braitling’s ability to “be brave with his really big stride,” she said of their final phase performance. “He sets himself up really well and I’m learning to not mess it up!” At 6:44 minutes, they were the fastest 4* finishers, incurring 13.2 time penalties.

“I get excited when I see a course I can get a lot out of,” Brailting explained. “I loved the flow. It was really good with distances that helped me with forward riding. And plenty of places to challenge me to be brave in the turns.”

The win gives Braitling 40 qualifying point for the USEF Open of Eventing, set for Morven Park in Virginia in October. “It’s definitely a big goal for this year.”

“It’s safe to say that Z blew everybody’s expectations away,” said Tommy Greengard of That’s Me Z. The 8-year-old Zangersheide has been a young horse superstar and continued that trajectory in his first Advanced level outing. “I felt like he was well prepared for the level, but you never know,” said Greengard. “He finished as well as he started.”

Of the track, the partner in Andrea Pfeiffer’s Chocolate Horse Farms acknowledged that the quantity of challenging corner lines “made me a little nervous. But once he jumped the 8AB Galway Leap/Corner so well, I had a good feeling.”

Megan McIver celebrated her one-year partnership with Igor B, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood. They debuted at this show last year by winning the CCI2*-S and ended their year 2nd in the CCI3*-L here in the fall. Recent work with former US eventing coach Eric Duvander has “completely revolutionized how my horses do dressage,” McIver shared. Their 30.8 dressage effort reflected Duvander’s emphasis on “thoroughness and keeping him loose and supple” to excellent effect.

The Northern California-based professional had penciled in next month’s Kentucky pending how well things went this week. “I give serious credit to Clayton (Fredericks’) design. A 4* never feels easy, but I think all the challenges were right where they should be.”

McIver plans to hit Kentucky now, as does Tamie Smith with her overnight leader Kynan. They took their time today to finish 5th. “We had to keep the cat in the bag until it’s time to let him out,” said Smith.

Sitting second overnight, Washington-based professional Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 had the win in their sights until a heartbreaking run-out at the C element of fence 22 – the coffin combination.

CCI3*-S: Smith and Lillet 3 Light It Up

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Smith went from cruising on Kynan in the 4* to crushing it with Lillet 3 in the 3*. Tommy Greengard had just 1.6 time faults with Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad, who had risen from 7th after dressage and 4th after show jumping. Erin Kellerhouse and Bon Vivant GWF held their third-place position with 5.6 time penalties.

Three seconds under the 5:33 optimal time, Smith and Lillet were the only double clear cross-country duo in this 33-horse field. “She’s amazing, so rideable and just super,” Smith raved of the 9-year-old Holsteiner. “The course was tough. There were a number of combinations that were quite strong, but it was super easy for her.”

Tommy Greengard sat second overnight with Joshuay MBF, but it was lesser-known Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad who zipped into 2nd place. The 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse came to Chocolate Horse Farm’s program less than a year ago with “severe confidence issues,” Greengard said. “He’s new to the upper levels and is just going from strength to strength.”

Greengard took a smooth, leisurely pace with Joshuay, slipping to 11th place. “Everything went exactly to plan,” said Greengard of his two 3* rides, two of the nine horses he competed week. His equine quiver included Open Preliminary Champion MBF Google.

Erin Kellerhouse and Bon Vivant GWF were “getting our mojo back on” after a bad fall last season. In his return to the 3* level, the 10-year-old Oldenburg put in one of his best dressage tests on Friday. “He was with me the whole way. He’s comfortable with this level of work and it’s nice to go into the ring being able to ride for things, rather than just manage them.”

After double-clear show jumping, Bon Vivant was cool over a cross-country course that Kellerhouse admits gave her some pause. “There were three or four hard combinations, but he didn’t care.” Five golf carts of cheering Kellerhouse fans racing alongside their route may have helped, too. “I hear them for sure and that’s been fun!”

Kellerhouse also finished 4th with Ringwood Adios Amigo, a 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse.

CCI2*-S: Smith Keeps Top Two Spots

Tamie Smith and Kareena K. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Kareena K and Solaguayre Cantata kept earning their rider Tamie Smith’s high praise. The 9-year-old Holsteiner mare and the 7-year-old Argentine Thoroughbred finished 1st and 2nd and stayed on their 23.2 and 27.4 dressage scores.

“They were both unbelievable,” said Smith. “It was the first 2* for both and it was a strong one. They answered all the questions.”

Washington-based Anni Grandia-Dodson and Mistral, a 9-year-old German Sport Horse, moved up from 11th to 3rd. “It’s our first time out for the season and our first time finishing on our dressage score at this level,” she said. “Today’s course was really inviting and a great gallop for my horse to start the season. There were lots of great questions, but it wasn’t overly technical.”

CCI1*-S – Kaylawna Smith-Cook Keeps Lead

Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Coco Chanel. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Coco Chanel, a 7-year-old Holsteiner, kept it flawless to finish on Friday’s 31.5 dressage effort. A new ride in the young professional’s promising string, Coco Chanel “is gorgeous and she knows it,” said Smith-Cook. The mare had some 2* experience in her native Belgium, but it was mostly the feeling she gave that sold her. “I just felt like she was my horse and that’s not a feeling I’ve had very often.”

Like her mother Tamie Smith, Smith-Cook works monthly with Australian show jumper Scott Keach. She credits him with solidifying her jumping fundamentals for the benefit of all the horses she’s bringing along. Having horses of very high quality helps, too, and Coco Chanel is in that camp.

“She has a little spook in her, and the 1* cross-country was pretty tricky today. But she handled everything just wonderfully.”

Asia Vedder and Litmanen Z, a 7-year-old Zangersheide, finished 2nd, with Megan McIver and Storm Dino, a 6-year-old Irish Sport Horse, in 3rd before cross-country.

Tomorrow’s Stars

The International Horse Trials concluded today, with Starter through Open Training divisions concluding Sunday. Saturday celebrations started shortly after the CCI4* ended as adorable pony riders, brave advanced age equestrians and everything in between took to the Grand Prix Arena for Starter division show jumping.

Raucous cheers and encouragement celebrated the common denominator across all this week’s divisions – a love for the horse and the sport eventing and its community.

CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S divisions are available on-demand for Equestrian+ subscribers. Commentators Frankie Thieriot-Stutes and Spencer Sturmey of Great Britian share their insights and expertise in all phases.

Galway Downs International H.T. (CA): [Website] [Live Stream Replays] [Scores]

Hallie Coon and Will Coleman Stay on Top After Show Jumping at The Event at TerraNova

By on Mar 29, 2025 8:26 pm -

Hallie Coon and Cute Girl. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Overnight leader Hallie Coon kept her cool riding Cute Girl to jump clear and in the time allowed in the B&D Builders CCI4*-S show jumping today at The Event at TerraNova in Myakka City, Florida. The 11-year-old Holsteiner mare owned by Coon popped around the course handily to maintain their lead on their dressage score of 28.5 heading into the final cross-country phase tomorrow.

“I thought the show jumping course was tough enough,” said Coon. “It was a lot of atmosphere, and with all the flags and the windy day it’s a lot for them – so I think they got in there and they lit up a bit. That’s where we saw a few poles get rolled. With the VIP area it was a really lovely atmosphere and it was a good preparation for some of the bigger events coming up. Cute Girl was great today, she just pinged around. I couldn’t be more pleased with her.”

Having walked the cross-country course by now, she said: “the cross-country looks big and bold and it’s going to require a lot of forward riding. It’s early season and there’s a lot to do, but it’s a great setup for horses going to Kentucky and onwards. I’m excited to tackle it.”

Coon, 29, of Brunswick, Maine has spent the past couple of years training in England with Richard Waygood and Olivia Oakley, supported by the Karen Stives Endowment Fund Grant from the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation. She has competed extensively throughout Europe, including events at Le Lion d’Angers, France and Aachen, Germany. At the end of 2024 Coon competed as a member of the US Eventing Team at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup in Boekelo, The Netherlands, where the team finished in second place and Coon and Cute Girl placed third individually.

Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Phillip Dutton maintained his second place standing with Caroline Moran’s Quasi Cool (33.7), in spite of 0.8 time faults. A double clear round with Denim (33.9), owned by Anne Jones, Ann Lapides, Caroline Moran and Neill Sites and secured the third place standing when Carolina Pamucku and Redfield Dexter had the first rail of the triple combination down and added .4 time penalties. Dutton is also placed fourth on Jewelent (34.1) and eighth on Possante (38.2).

Hannah Sue Holberg on Christa Schmidt’s Irish Sport Horse gelding Carsontown moved up from ninth to fifth place on a double clear, followed by Lynn Symansky and Bounce 6, who moved up from eighth to sixth place. Jessica Phoenix is the top-placed Canadian rider in ninth place riding Freedom GS, owned by Charlotte Schickedanz, on a score of 38.7.

Twenty horses will start cross-country tomorrow in the B&D Builders CCI4*-S, starting at 12:17pm, with Phillip Dutton and Possante first out of the start box.

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

In The Estates at TerraNova and Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty CCI3*-S, William Coleman and Chin Tonic HS, a 13-year-old bay Holsteiner gelding owned by Hyperion Stud, laid down a faultless round to maintain their overnight lead with an impressive 19.0 penalties. Chin Tonic had time off last year with a badly-timed minor injury that kept him off of the Olympic team; now Coleman is prepping the gelding for the Kentucky CCI4*-S in April, with the long-term goal of setting him up for selection to next year’s FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany.

At TerraNova this morning, two rails and 3.2 time faults dropped Kelsey Seidel and Chico’s Man VDF Z from second to 20th place and Mya Poulos and Cock A Doodle Doo dropped from 3rd place to a tie for 12th with 7.2 time faults.

Their misfortune was good luck for a couple of Irish-bred horses, opening the door for Leslie Law and the Oldenburg gelding Must Be Cooley, owned by Madeline Hartstock (31.2) to move up from fourth to second place and Jonathan Holling and Fernhill Esmeralda, an Irish Sport Horse mare owned by Team Charles McGrath and Team Rebecca (32.0) to move up from sixth to third. Caroline Pamucku and HSH Talbots Hill, owned by Sherrie Martin and Gayle Davis (32.9) round out the top four.

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

“Chin jumped super today,” said Coleman. “He’s really been very relaxed all weekend and I thought we were very lucky to have Bernardo Cabral designing the course for us, he’s one of the top show jumping designers in the world and having him here at TerraNova this weekend has been fabulous for everybody competing. He set a great track and Chin handled it well. He’s an experienced horse and he’s just doing the three-star here, so the height wasn’t necessarily what he’s accustomed to, but it was still a technical course, and for what we want out of this weekend, it was brilliant.”

Coleman also piloted a couple of horses around the preliminary level cross-country today and said, “I walked around and I think Alec [Lochore] has done a nice job with the tracks for the three and four-star courses. It should be a nice preparation for Kentucky. My other horses were great, I had nice rides on the preliminary horses and just rode a very, very green young horse around the novice and was happy with him, too. It’s been a nice day for us.”

Competition began on Friday, March 28 and continues through Sunday, March 30, featuring competition from Starter through the CCI4*-S level. Spectators are invited to attend with free daily admission, on-site food trucks, and children’s activities such as Mini Horsemanship Camp on both Saturday and Sunday!

Sunday

  • Competition begins at 8:30am
  • Feature event: FEI Cross-Country & National Show Jumping
  • Special activities:
  • Non-denominational service (7:30am) on the back patio of the show office
  • Mini Horsemanship Camp (10am & 1pm)
  • Hospitality: Family Breakfast in the Pavilion (8:30am – 12pm), purchase tickets at the door: $30/adults and $15/children
  • Open on-site: food trucks, Tiny Town, boutique vendors, open viewing tent on the cross-country course (open to all)
  • Volunteers are still needed for Sunday! If you have an interest in becoming a volunteer, please click here to inquire. For every volunteer hour worked, $20 will be donated to Easterseals SWFL. No previous horse experience is required. We have roles for all levels, interests, and abilities!

Can’t make it to Myakka City? Stream it LIVE, presented by Keyflow Feeds.

The Event at TerraNova (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

A Healthy Weight for Myself: Eventer Edition

By on Mar 29, 2025 12:00 pm -

Photo by Alyson Saxon and In Frame Photography.

I have been on a weight reduction journey since the end of December. My weight is not usually something that I have struggled with. I am lucky to be in the fitness industry and not have body dysmorphia. I have my own struggles but this is not one of them.

At the end of last year, I was quickly approaching an unhealthy weight and trending in the wrong direction. I was not feeling confident in my body and did a photo shoot in December that I was not happy with how I looked or felt in my own skin. I was up two pant sizes, and I really was unhappy with the photoshoots I was doing for my fitness business. This resulted in a major shift in the way I was fueling my body.

This journey has not been easy and A LOT slower than I expected. My first five pounds came off pretty easy. However, I plateaued right about 150lbs. I finally started using a weight loss app. For the first time in my life, I was counting calories. I had no idea how many calories I was consuming even though they were healthy (mostly plant) choices.

At the beginning of this journey I set an arbitrary goal weight. Based on having a lower BMI. One thing, I didn’t take into account, is that I am a fairly muscular person. All that is to say, I am about 10 lbs away from my original goal weight, but down 10+ pounds from where I started. I am very happy in my skin right now, I feel strong and I am ecstatic with my progress. Going further to make the point that the weight on the scale is just a number. I feel confident in the saddle and when I look in the mirror.

Exercise and Weight Loss

Exercise and weight loss pair well together. However, you cannot strictly exercise into significant weight loss. Also, it is important to emphasis here there is no such thing as spot reduction. A whole bunch of crunches will not lead to 6 pack abs. I have a few clients that have come to me for weight loss when I have sent them to work with a nutritionist instead because it really is a degree of its own for a reason.

I am not someone who exercises because I love exercising. I realized from an early age that I needed to do it not only to improve my riding but truly to make a difference in my injury prevention. I love riding, it really excites my soul. Exercise on the other hand is like brushing my teeth, I do it for my health. My favorite part about is usually when it is done.

There is No Such Thing as Spot Reduction

Even though I do not do core exercises to have defined abs or a thinner waist, I do train a lot of core work myself, and with my clients. Improved core stability helps a rider maintain an independent seat and absorb the movement of the horse without bouncing or gripping. Engaging the abdominals and lower back muscles helps riders maintain proper posture reducing fatigue. A well-conditioned core allows for more effective and precise movement, allowing you to move your hands and legs without impacting stability.

The exercise for today’s workout is the alternating crunch. This works the obliques and the deep stabilizer muscles of the low back. These are essential for maintain balance, stability and control in the saddle.

Alternating Crunch

This effective exercise will get to targeting your core.

  • Start on your back with your feet on the floor
  • Bring your hands to your head, but do not pull on your head
  • Trying to keep your feet on the floor sit-up, and bring your right elbow to your left knee
  • Come back down to the start position
  • Then sit-up again bring your left elbow to you right knee
  • Go back and forth until you hit to minutes or you can no longer maintain form

Want to get some tailored support for your own fitness program? Laura Crump Anderson and Hidden Heights Fitness are currently accepting new clients! Click here to learn more and sign up. 

Galway Downs Jumps to Near-Certainty as 2028 Olympic Equestrian Host

By on Mar 29, 2025 9:00 am -

The LA28 Olympic Organizing Committee’s proposal to have Galway Downs host the Equestrian and Para Equestrian competitions jumped to a near-certainty this week.

On Wednesday, March 26, the Ad Hoc Olympic and Paralympic Committee of the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved LA28’s proposal that six venues outside the city limits host competition in various sports. Proposed venues were initially announced in June of 2024, as amendments to the 2028 Games’ venue master plan. This included proposing Galway Downs as host of Equestrian and Para Equestrian events.

The LA28 Ad Hoc Olympic Committee’s vote to approve new venue proposals was ratified by the entire Los Angeles City Council on Friday, March 28. Final approval by the International Olympic Committee’s Executive Board is expected in early April.

When the IOC approval is announced, Galway Downs and the local host committee will release further information and regular updates. Please send your name and email to Kim F. Miller to receive the latest news.

How We Got Here

Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Galway Downs Equestrian began its pursuit of the LA28 Equestrian and Para Equestrian competition four years ago.

Game-changing investments in the venue’s infrastructure, safety and hospitality put Galway Downs in pitch position for the Games. That dovetailed with the IOC’s insistence on sustainability, legacy and fiscal responsibility in evaluating venue change proposals. In addition, Galway’s ability to host all three equestrian events meets new IOC mandates.

Under the recent ownership by entrepreneurs Ken and Tina Smith, and with international three-day eventing organizer Robert Kellerhouse at Galway’s equestrian helm, the venue has proven its ability to stage international three-day eventing and dressage competition over several years.

Ali and Francie Nilforushan are equally critical to Galway’s Olympic odyssey thanks to the investments, innovations and visions manifested in their Nilforushan Equisport Events’ hunter/jumper competitions. Their ground-breaking emphasis on quality in everything from arena footing to VIP amenities launched with multi-week shows in 2018.

This year, the International Equestrian Federation bestowed international “CSI3*” status on the Nilforushans’ Spring and Fall show jumping events at Galway Downs. This recent news reflects global enthusiasm and embrace for the venue. And it completes the Galways trifecta of hosting highest-level events in all three Olympic equestrian disciplines.

Located in the Temecula Valley’s Valle de los Caballos – “Valley of the Horses” – Galway Downs embodies the 242-acre property’s “A Legend Reborn” motto.

“Temecula is a great tourist town and an attractive place to host an event like this,” asserts Ken Smith, Citizen of the Year nominee and recipient of the Temecula Chamber of Commerce’s Welty Award for Tourism Professional of the Year. “And I think it’s going to help the equestrian world come together. I hope it helps us work together more going forward – between the different disciplines that often don’t talk to each other. I hope it can be a way to protect and advance the equestrian lifestyle for everybody.”

Hosting Olympic Equestrian and Para Equestrian is phase-one of groundswelling support for creating a permanent equestrian lifestyle in the beautiful Temecula Valley. As opportunities to own and enjoy horses disappear in much of the country, the Temecula effort and its many supporters are determined to buck that trend.

Stay abreast of Galway Downs Equestrian news on GalwayDownsEquestrian.com, Facebook, Instagram and via the Galway Gazette monthly newsletter.

Galway Downs International Horse Trials: Tamie Smith Leads 3 of 4 Divisions

By on Mar 29, 2025 1:13 am -

Tamie Smith and Kynan. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Riding a high from the latest milestone in Galway Downs’ path to hosting LA28 Olympic equestrian competition, several of the event’s 50 international competitors tried to put themselves on that same path today.

Today, the Los Angeles City Council formally approved the LA28 Organizing Committee’s proposal that six venues outside the city limits host competitions in various sports – including Galway Downs as host of Equestrian and Para Equestrian events. A final approval from the International Olympic Committee is expected in early April and will fully finalize the plan.

Even for those not on an Olympic path, there’s plenty at stake this weekend. Successful outings can earn both qualification and experience for the USEA’s American Eventing Championships. They’ll be held in California for the first time ever, at Galway Downs August 26-30. This weekend’s CCI4*-S is also a qualifier for the US Open of Eventing, set for Morven Park in Virginia in October.

The CCI Short format competitions for 2*, 3*, and 4* divisions held dressage and show jumping today, with the cross-country decider set for Saturday. The CCI1* division took place Thursday evening and concludes with Saturday’s cross-country.

Tamie Smith continues her reign in the realm, leading the three highest divisions. And her daughter Kaylawna Smith-Cook leads the 1*

CCI4*-S: Smith Sails to Lead

Tamie Smith and Kynan, 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood, were fault free over new course designer Brody Robertson’s show jumping track to stick on a 28.1 dressage score from judges Marilyn Payne and Sukhdev Rathore. They’ll head out on cross-country in the lead – but not by a lot.

Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14, an 11-year-old Westphalian, were also clear to stay on their 30.1 effort. Megan McIver and Igor B had just 1.4 time faults to stand third on a 32.4.

Smith said Kynan “came out this year as a different horse. This sport is always a progression – for all the horses – and Kynan is mentally and physically stronger this year.” Working with Australian show jumper and former eventer Scott Keach has been a big help, Smith added. “I am a student of the sport and always trying to get better with all my horses.”

O’Neal had high praise for the show jumping course. “I come from jumpers, so I love the turns. There were fun, different elements with the outside bending lines, and the triple bar to two uprights. It walked forward and rode forward, and I loved it.”

Cross-country, designed by Galway Downs veteran Clayton Fredericks, “has plenty of places where I’ll need to sit up and ride and I am more confident about doing that after today’s course.”

Regardless how tomorrow goes, “This is a big day for me,” O’Neal shared. An incident while jogging another horse last fall resulting in a broken hip, a hip replacement and months of rehab. During that stretch, Clooney had time off, so having rider and horse back in form is a thrilling step, said the Washington-based professional. A good day tomorrow will help them achieve a major goal of qualifying for the US Open of Eventing.

CCI3*-S: Smith and Lillet 3 Blaze the Trail

Tamie Smith and Lillet 3. Photo by Sally Spickard.

This division’s top three after dressage stayed the same after show jumping as Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 lead on a 25.4 from Marilyn Payne. Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood, are hot on their heels with a 26, and Erin Kellerhouse and Bon Vivant GWF, a 10-year-old Oldenburg, are third with a 28.3.

Smith and the relatively new ride continue a promising partnership highlighted by winning the Fall International CCI3*-L here last year. The elegant mare is a 9-year-old Holsteiner owned by rising star young rider Molly Duda. They’ve gone from strength to strength and Smith plans to step her up to CCI4*-S at Twin Rivers Ranch in April.

Tommy Greengard is another exhibitor over the moon about his horse, in this case his own “Josh.” It’s their first outing since finishing as reserve national champion in the USEF CCI4*-L Championships in the fall of 2023, Greengard and Josh’s mutual debut at the level. Josh had a minor injury last spring. Meanwhile, Greengard spent several months competing in Europe and “adding new tools to our toolbox and gaining so much more experience and understanding.”

Josh’s comeback could not have gone better. “He is a through and through professional and he never fails to be a showman,” Greengard said. “He has returned so much stronger because we worked on his strength and fitness more than we ever have.”

CCI2*-S: Smith Has Top Two Spots

Tamie Smith and Kareena K. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Tamie Smith dominates another division so far, leading this16-entry field after two phases. Her leader is Kareena, a 9-year-old Holsteiner mare, whose flawless show jumping added nothing to their 23.2 dressage score from judges Marilyn Payne and Christel Carlson.

With Solaguayre Cantata, Smith is 2nd on a 27.4. Like Kareena K, the 7-year-old Argentine Thoroughbred is owned by longtime supporter Julianne Guariglia. And both are “such quality mares,” Smith said. “They are very good on the flat and have amazing gallops, so I’m really excited for tomorrow.”

Having just completed a walk of all four international cross-country courses, Smith described the routes as full of fair challenges and big questions. Smooth rounds will the goal for all her contenders, she said.

Amber Birtcil and Milagro, an 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood, head out on Saturday cross-country on a third-standing 28.5.

Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Coco Chanel. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Kaylawna Smith-Cook kept the division leads in the family by riding Coco Chanel, a 7-year-old Holsteiner. Asia Vedder and Litmanen Z, a 7-year-old Zangersheide, follow them, with Megan McIver and Storm Dino, a 6-year-old Irish Sport Horse, in third before cross-country.

Tune-In Tomorrow!

The International Horse Trials action continues Saturday, with CCI1*-S cross-country starting at 8:30 a.m.

CCI3*-S and CCI4*-S cross-country will be livestreamed on Equestrian+ starting at 1:30 PST. If you can’t make it out, commentators Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Spencer Sturmey of Great Britian bring the action and their expertise to you!

Galway Downs International H.T. (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Stream]

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Mar 29, 2025 12:01 am -

The Go Eventing Podcast and the Horse Person podcast have teamed up for some discussion over on Instagram, and we want to know your thoughts! Head on over to @goeventing or @horsepersonpodcast on Instagram to join the conversation.

U.S. Weekend Preview

The Event at TerraNova (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Galway Downs International H.T. (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Stream]

Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Jumping Branch Farm Spring H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Morven Park Spring H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Major International Events

Thorseby Park International Eventing Spring Carnival (UK): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]

Links & Reading

Mark Your Calendar for the Bucks for Bayou Benefit at the Colorado Horse Park

2032 Olympic venue proposal ‘confirms expectations’ of horse sport at the Games

Dry Conditions, Helene Debris Fuel Fires And Force Horse Evacuations

Breaking Down The Role Of The Steward

Ultrasonography’s Role in Equine Lameness Cases

Sponsor Corner: World Equestrian Brands

How much World Equestrian Brands gear can you spot in this reel? Hint: there’s plenty of it!

Video Break

Preview a busy 2025 season on Horse & Country!

Hallie Coon and Cute Girl Lead B&D Builders CCI4*-S at The Event at TerraNova

By on Mar 28, 2025 7:20 pm -

Hallie Coon and Cute Girl. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Just before the lunch break in the B&D Builders CCI4*-S dressage, Hallie Coon and the impeccable gray mare “Cute Girl” performed a foot perfect test to take the lead (28.5) from Phillip Dutton, who held the top three placings all morning. Caroline Pamukcu and Redfield Dexter had a bold, forward test to slot into third place (33.5).

Coon said, “Cute Girl took pity on me because I’ve had the flu for the past three days and have been really out of it. She was super mellow and went in there and worked with me. I couldn’t be happier with her.”

Coon has spent the past two years based in Europe, training with British team coach Dickie Waygood as well as dressage coach Olivia Oakley, and will go back after Kentucky.

“It’s a great system, it’s really clicked with us and I wouldn’t have it any other way, I’m really happy,” she said.

Hallie Coon and Cute Girl. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

A native of Maine, Coon was based in Wellington, Florida over the winter and spent most of the time training at home. “She hasn’t competed a lot, we’ve really been focusing on the basics mostly, it was a good opportunity to focus on that and really get her with me, because I think that’s the most important thing with mares.”

Coon and her groom arrived at TerraNova yesterday with four horses, so she’s had a busy start to the weekend. “It’s my first time here and it’s magical,” she said. “I just can’t get over the facility; not just the spectacle of it, but the details – the water fountains and the wash racks, it’s just unbelievable. I’m really excited to explore more, it’s just beautiful.”

Following dressage, Dutton is placed second on Caroline Moran’s Quasi Cool (32.9); fourth on Denim (33.9), owned by Anne Lapides, Caroline Moran, Ann Jones and Neill Sites; fifth on Jewelent (34.2) owned by the Juwelent Group; and sixth on Possante (34.7) owned by the Possante Group.

Phillip Dutton said, “We’re on our way back to Pennsylvania after wintering in Florida and decided to run the four of them here. Logistically it seemed like a smart thing to do but it’s a lot of horses for me to ride in one four-star,” he admitted.

Recapping his horses’ performances this morning Dutton said, “Possante was faultless in his test, he just wasn’t that flamboyant but I was pleased with the way he went. Similarly with Denim, he went well and I probably lost him a bit in the canter, but he behaved well. Quasi Cool had a good amount of energy and was relaxed but behaved well. Jewelent was workmanlike but very good.”

Phillip Dutton and Quasi Cool. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Dutton is currently ranked number one on the US Equestrian Open of Eventing leaderboard and said, “I think the US Open is a great addition to the calendar, especially having prize money, it’s a win-win for everybody. Obviously, you have to do the right thing for your horse and his career but if I can, I’ll go to those events over the other ones.”

While he hasn’t walked the cross-country course yet, Dutton competed at TerraNova last fall and felt that the course then was big and fair, and he said he’s looking forward to getting out on course. “Another reason we come here is it’s an incredible venue for the horses and the owners, they always have a great time,” he said.

Course designer Alec Lochore said, “One of the things I like to do at all of the venues where I design is, even if you follow the same route, the features have got to be different every time so people don’t come back and see the same thing. We’ve changed the route quite a lot between the spring last year and the fall event.

With the fact that it’s a US Open [qualifier] event, you’ve got to really reward the horses and riders who are positive. The alternatives we’ve tried to make quite long, so they take a lot of time if you use them, and there are some combinations where there are no alternatives – it’s get in or go home. For example if you do the alternative at the second water, it’s very easy but it’s going to take you ten or more seconds. There’s a lot of prize money at stake, both from the event and in the US Open, so people who are brave can be rewarded.”

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

In The Estates at TerraNova and Laughlin Tanner Group at Premier Sotheby’s International Realty CCI3*-S, William Coleman and Chin Tonic HS surpassed the division of 42 entries with an outstanding score of 19.0. The have a solid lead ahead of second-placed Kelly Seidel on Chico’s Man VDF Z (30.2) in second and Mya Poulos on Cock A Doodle Do (30.5) in third.

Coleman said, “Chin Tonic is an exceptional horse on the flat. He’s a beautiful horse. I think our goal coming here this weekend was a nice relaxed test in a very real atmosphere, which TerraNova provides, and I think by and large we accomplished that. The score is really nice, but I think more than anything we wanted to come here and feel like we went through all of the warm-ups and pre-rides having the horse in a good, relaxed place and confident and happy in what he’s doing. It was a good day for us.”

Coleman is riding six horses total this weekend, from Novice through the Three-Star level. Following The Event at TerraNova he plans to run Chin Tonic in the CCI4*-S at the Kentucky Three-Day Event and then compete at the CHIO Aachen (Germany) this summer, then finish the year with the Morven CCI4*-L.

“We won’t contest a five-star this year, but we’re trying to work backwards from the World Championships at Aachen next year and put ourselves in a position to get on a team and go to that Championship representing our country.”

Competition began on Friday, March 28 and continues through Sunday, March 30, featuring competition from Starter through the CCI4*-S level. Spectators are invited to attend with free daily admission, on-site food trucks, and children’s activities such as Mini Horsemanship Camp on both Saturday and Sunday!

Saturday
Competition begins at 8:00am

  • Feature event: FEI Show Jumping & National Cross-Country
  • Special activities: Mini Horsemanship Camp (10am & 1pm)
  • Hospitality: VIP Brunch (10:30am – 3:00pm)
  • Open on-site: food trucks, Tiny Town, boutique vendors, viewing tent on the cross-country course (open to all)

Sunday
Competition begins at 8:15am

  • Feature event: FEI Cross-Country & National Show Jumping
  • Special activities:
    • Non-denominational service (7:30am) on the back patio of the show office
    • Mini Horsemanship Camp (10am & 1pm)
  • Hospitality: Family Breakfast in the Pavilion (8:30am – 12pm), purchase tickets at the door: $30/adults and $15/children
  • Open on-site: food trucks, Tiny Town, boutique vendors, open viewing tent on the cross-country course (open to all)

Volunteers are still needed for Sunday! If you have an interest in becoming a volunteer, please click here to inquire. For every volunteer hour worked, $20 will be donated to Easterseals SWFL. No previous horse experience is required. We have roles for all levels, interests, and abilities!

Can’t make it to Myakka City? Stream it LIVE, presented by Keyflow Feeds.

The Event at TerraNova (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Product Review: Dressage TestPro

By on Mar 28, 2025 12:30 pm -

Some people have a mind like a steel trap, while others have a mind more like a colander. I, unfortunately, am the latter. Not trying to brag, but if you need something forgotten, I’m your girl. I’m still trying to live down that one time I went to an event 3 hours away and forgot both of my saddles.

As you can imagine, I’m also not exactly the quickest when it comes to learning dressage tests. For those of you who can get to a show, look at your test, and then immediately go ride it, I heartily salute you (with only the tiniest bit of malice in my heart). That’s just not a skill I have.

Back in the day you could find me a few days before a show with a dressage court sketched out on a piece of paper, trailing my finger along the path, and the test pulled up on my computer screen. I must not have been the only one, because it turns out there’s an app for that, just much better, smarter, and more advanced than my old-fashioned paper method. Enter: Dressage TestPro.

I’ve been using this app for years, and at this point I couldn’t even tell you how I found out about it (because, duh, I forgot) but it’s become a staple of my horse show prep. And while yes, it is very convenient to have every test you could ever need right therein one place in your phone, it’s the tools contained within the app itself that have made it so incredibly helpful and invaluable to me.

The app allows you to watch the test movements being drawn out, as one way to practice.

When you open up the app, you can choose your dressage test from the menu. Once you click into it, the app pulls up a page with the dressage court (short or long, depending on the test) and a list of the movements. You can click through the movements to see it laid out in the court, or you can take your finger and draw the test out yourself. It shows you the track once you complete it (assuming you were right), or if you get stuck you can click back into the list or click the arrow forward or back at the bottom to see the movement listed out. It’s pretty much what I did before with a pen and paper, but considerably better and more efficient.

Over the years I’ve learned that I’m a bit of a mix between an auditory and visual learner, and this app offers both. At the bottom of the screen you can turn on the sound, and the app will read you the directives as you scroll through. You can also hit the Moves button in the upper right corner and the app will bring up a page of the movement diagrams, the directives, and how many points the movement is worth (this page can also be shared as a PDF, which is neat!).

You can also draw the movements yourself, as another form of practice.

Usually when opening up a new test I’ll go to the Moves screen first, read through all the movements and the directives, then hit Play at the bottom and have the app draw it out movement by movement with the audio on. After that I’ll start taking a stab at drawing it out myself on the screen. Not only is it beneficial for me to have all the test information right there, but it also helps me learn the test much more quickly since I can visualize how I want to ride each movement as I’m drawing it out. If at any point I get lost, I can scroll forward or back, or pull up the list of movements, OR go to the Moves page for the diagrams. Much, much easier than trying to refer back to a website, find your place, and then try to get going again. It’s easier to focus when you have everything right there at your disposal, thus it’s much easier and faster to learn.

I think the best thing about this app is that there are just so many options, depending on how you learn best. Even if you’re a whiz at learning your test, it seems like it would still be incredibly valuable for professionals or people showing multiple horses who are often riding several different tests at a time. Being able to grab your phone, go to one place, and quickly find and scroll through an easy-to-read version of your dressage test (or even have the app read it out to you while you’re getting ready) is super convenient. No more Google searches or squinting at a screen… that’s so 2015.

As for the cost, I feel like the $2.99 monthly subscription (or $29.99/year) is totally worthwhile. Earlier this year I went through and unsubscribed from a bunch of apps, including this one, and let me tell you how long that lasted: right up until the next horse show. I re-subscribed immediately. It has become a “need” for me and it’s pretty easy to justify that much money per month if it helps me learn and remember my dressage test. I’d call it a real “please take my money” situation. Now if only it could help me find a distance… we really need an app for that.

Whether you want access to USEF tests for eventing, FEI tests, USDF tests, or some combination of both, there’s a Dressage TestPro version for you! Check out their website here or search in your app marketplace for the latest version.

How EN Does Product Reviews:

We believe that product reviews are the most useful when they’re honest. We will always let you know if we’ve been compensated in some way for writing a product review; in all review cases, we reserve the right to write with honesty on our experience with a product. This review of Dressage TestPro was compensated as a part of an advertising package. This review reflects our writer’s full experience using this product.

Hold Your Horses: Adelaide Equestrian Festival Returns in May with Stunning Four-Day Line-up

By on Mar 28, 2025 9:30 am -

Photo courtesy of Parlàre PR.

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival is set to return from May 1-4, 2025 with more than 70 elite equestrian athletes and their horses taking to the arena and cross country course for a truly spectacular, family-friendly event.

As the only 5* equestrian event in the Southern Hemisphere and the only horse trials held in the heart of a major city anywhere in the world, this prestigious event delivers a vibrant, action-packed four-day showcase of disciplines including dressage, cross country and show jumping.

Greg Rolton of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival said the event was always a delight for spectators and equine enthusiasts. This year will mark the 25th year of the festival taking place in South Australia. This world class festival attracts a significant influx of interstate and international visitors alongside South Australians looking to witness the very finest athleticism and horsemanship.

“We welcomed more than 30,000 spectators to Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi in 2024 and we anticipate this number to grow as the sport of eventing continues to gain momentum following a successful performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics,” Mr. Rolton said. “While the LA 2028 Olympics and 2032 home soil Brisbane Olympics may seem like a long way away, it is at this point that our experienced and rising Australian equestrian athletes are already in training and preparing in order to be considered for the Australian team.”

“It’s not often that you can find a sporting event that caters to everyone. We’re incredibly proud to showcase the very best equestrian athletes from around the country while ensuring that even the youngest attendees are entertained with live music, kids’ activations and a newly expanded family-friendly food and beverage offering,” Mr. Rolton continued.

The only eventing competition set in a city center. Photo via Adelaide Equestrian Festival Facebook.

The 2025 Adelaide Equestrian Festival timetable includes:

Thursday May 1: Through the generosity of ResourceCo, Thursday is free to attend for all spectators. With an array of food and beverage vendors on site, a dedicated marketplace for all your retail needs and the first day of the dressage competition – you’ll be sure to have a relaxing day in the Adelaide Park Lands. A great one for anyone with young children looking for an exciting day out!

Friday May 2: Friday sees spectators experiencing a graceful but highly competitive display of dressage thanks to Pryde’s Easifeed. Soak in all the action from the iconic Victoria Grand Stand and enjoy the picturesque park lands. Plus, you can start your weekend right with free entry for spectators from 3pm.

Saturday May 3: They’re on the move for cross country during this action-packed day that sprawls across the Adelaide Park Lands. Sponsored by RB Sellars, this event is bound to have your heart racing! Finish the day with live music from the Happy Leonards at 4pm at Victoria Park.

Sunday May 4: This is your chance to see who will take to the podium following the exhilarating ATCO Show Jumping Day – the final discipline showcased for the festival.

South Australian Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said there is nothing like the Adelaide Equestrian Festival anywhere else in the world. “Elite equestrian athletes and spectators from all over will experience the only 5-star equestrian event in the southern hemisphere right in the heart of our boutique city,” she said.

“I am proud to support the Adelaide Equestrian Festival, which showcases why South Australia is a leading events destination, while bringing tens of thousands of visitors to our city to help boost visitation for our local businesses.”

Tickets and more information can be found here. This event will be livestreamed on H&C+ here. 

EN is thrilled to be collaborating with Atalya Boytner this year for our first time ever covering this special 5*! Stay tuned for more coming your way soon, including a preview of the entry list. 

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Mar 28, 2025 12:01 am -

Today marks day two of competition at the Thoresby Park International Eventing Spring Carnival, which is one of the larger prep stops en route to spring 5* events for UK and European-based pairs. The massive entry lists here require two days of dressage competition, and leading the way in his section of the 4*-S is JL Dublin, teamed up with British Olympic team gold medalist Tom McEwen, scoring a 24.5 with plenty more yet to ride their tests today. In the other 4*-S section, it’s New Zealand’s Jesse Campbell riding Speedwell, an 11-year-old Irish gelding formerly ridden by Georgie Campbell, who tragically passed away in an accident at Bicton last year. They sit on a score of 30.0 for the day one lead.

Our UK reporter Tilly Berendt will be on site later on this weekend, so stay tuned for a full wrap-up report from Thoresby coming your way soon. We’ll also have press release updates from Galway Downs and TerraNova coming over the weekend, as there’s plenty of action to catch all around the world! Stay tuned.

U.S. Weekend Preview

The Event at TerraNova (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring] [Live Stream]

Galway Downs International H.T. (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Stream]

Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Jumping Branch Farm Spring H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Morven Park Spring H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Major International Events

Thorseby Park International Eventing Spring Carnival (UK): [Website] [Entries/Times/Scoring] [Live Stream]

News & Reading

Galway Downs is one step closer to being the confirmed host venue for equestrian events at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics after the LA City Council approved the venue update in a meeting this week. The motion still needs to be ratified, which should be happening this week, and then the venue plans will move on to the IOC for final approval, which is anticipated to go forward without issue. Stay tuned for more on this developing news, but in the meantime you can catch up with what we know so far here.

If you’re navigating a return to riding after a confidence-breaking episode like a fall or accident, consider taking a patient approach with yourself. There’s a lot of advice out there on managing fear, but not all advice is created equal. Check out some ways to holistically manage these tough emotions here.

Our reigning World Champion, Yasmin Ingham (GBR), is set to make her long-awaited Badminton debut this year, as are several other “rookies” lined up for one of the most prestigious events in the world. Take a look here.

Want to up your dressage game, Anna Buffini style? Check out three takeaways to level up your game, whether you compete in pure dressage or eventing, and try them out in your next rides.

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

If you’re feeling nostalgic about your intercollegiate eventing days (or if you simply never got the chance to compete yourself!), you definitely want to check out Stable View’s Alumni Cup, which will be held during the May Local Charities Horse Trials May 2-4 in Aiken, SC. There’s a boatload of prizes up for grabs, and you can also create scramble teams with alumni from other schools. You can submit your team rosters to Emma Young by emailing [email protected].

Video Break

Check out the live stream replay from the Wild Card round on day one of the Road to the Horse competition at Kentucky Horse Park:

https://www.youtube.com/live/9O3fOzi7i5k?si=NYBi3XfXct6BOb9P