Classic Eventing Nation

One Horse Held, Approximately Ten Million Accepted at Boekelo First Horse Inspection

By on Oct 4, 2023 11:35 am -

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

There’s just something about Boekelo, isn’t there? The much-loved CCIO4*-L at which we find ourselves this week is most riders’ favourite event – and with very good reason. It sits at a sweet spot in the calendar, right at the end of the season, when we’re all faced with the prospect of not seeing one another week in and week out for a few months, which means the end-of-season feeling is high; it also sits at a sweet spot in the Netherlands, right on the German border, which means that you probably won’t find a friendlier event anywhere in the world.

The Dutch know how to have a good time, and that’s the spirit at the heart of the competition: not only is there a robust social calendar through the week, with parties raging on well into the wee hours, every single cross-country fence is also furnished with a packed bar, making Saturday’s cross-country a hub of atmosphere and fundamentally impeccable vibes. That’s only been magnified by the Dutch contingent’s successful bid for a ticket to Paris at the European Championships a couple of months ago, and it’s clear from the offset that they intend to celebrate that moment properly this week.

When I arrived today for the first horse inspection, still colossally hungover from last night’s famous welcome party in the stables, I parked up next to an empty bottle of vodka and, I think, devastatingly, a puddle of human widdle. What happens in Boekelo stays in Boekelo, until you start letting journalists come to the parties, and then, I’m afraid, you’ve created a monster. And maybe a gossip columnist. Look, at least no riders broke legs this time at the party.

Jonna Balk and Swarovski (NED) deliver the outfit of the day. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

This year’s edition of Military Boekelo is its biggest yet: there are 110 competitors, representing 14 nations, coming forward for this week’s global showdown. Of those, 11 will be contesting the Nations Cup team competition, which is the finale of this year’s series – and that means that a number of titles are on offer this week. Of course, there’s the obvious ones – we’ll see a team take top honours, plus an outright individual winner of the competition, but we’ll also see the series title awarded to the team that’s amassed the highest number of points across the span of the 2023 series, almost certainly to upstarts Belgium, who’ve been firing on all cylinders this season to come into the finale on a whopping 600 points.

Beyond that, there’s also the not-at-all insignificant matter of the Dutch National Championship, which has eleven exciting competitors battling for the title — and, last but certainly not least, we’ll see the Nations Cup Olympic team ticket awarded. While it’s not truly official until it’s announced, this will go to Italy, who’s only viable competitors in this final leg would have been Spain, but the Spanish elected not to put a team forward.

So with some things decided and some things very much not, let’s look ahead at what’s to come, and what’s already happened.

Felix Etzel and TSF Polartanz. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

This afternoon saw the first horse inspection launch the competition in earnest, with all our competitors presenting in a new location on the site in front of a ground jury comprised of President Judy Hancock (GBR), Xavier Le Sauce (FRA), and Merel Schurink (NED). We’re used to seeing the trot-ups happen in the main arena here, and while the relocation meant that horses had to trot on a hard surface — something that tends to show anomalies in stride more clearly — this didn’t actually translate to more ‘excitement’ in the inspection.

Just one horse, Felix Etzel’s smart Trakehner stallion TSF Polartanz, was sent to the holding box, and even that bit of protocol was the speediest and least complicated we’ve ever seen. Within two horses’ time, Felix was able to re-present and was readily accepted into the competition.

Cosby Green and Jos Ufo de Quidam. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

A couple of other riders had to visit the jog strip twice: Italy’s Alberto Giugni had to trot up Galwaybay Talent a second time as the sparky Irish Sport Horse was far more focused on trying to bite his handler on his first pass in front of the ground jury, and Cosby Green and Jos Ufo de Quidam of the USA also took a second spin, but were then accepted, as were Dutch combination Althea Bleekman and Granncord.

World Champion Yasmin Ingham and Rehy DJ. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The real drama, though, came for some of the British line-up, who faced paperwork issues while trying to leave the UK – an unfortunately common hurdle many riders have faced since Brexit. Luckily for them, and for us, Ros Canter, Yasmin Ingham, and their compatriots were able to arrive just in time to present out of order at the very end of the first horse inspection.

Now, with a whopping entry field to get through, we’re looking ahead to the first of two busy dressage days and slightly earlier starting times than usual. Tomorrow’s dressage will be the domain of the team riders, beginning at 9.00 a.m. CET (8.00 a.m. BST/3.00 a.m. EST) in the main arena. Australia will be the first team to come forward, getting our day started bright and early with pathfinder Ryan Wood and Cooley Flight. The full draw of nations is as follows:

  1. Australia
  2. France
  3. Great Britain
  4. Italy
  5. Switzerland
  6. Germany
  7. Ireland
  8. Sweden
  9. The Netherlands
  10. USA
  11. Belgium

Check out tomorrow’s dressage times here, and Friday’s here.

Jennie Brannigan and FE Connory. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

This week’s competition will be live-streamed in full via the ClipMyHorse/FEI TV partnership, which you can tune into here using a ClipMyHorse subscription or by taking out a free trial. As always, we’ll be bringing you jam-packed full reports on each day of competition, so keep it locked onto EN for all the insights and analysis (and half-pints of Grolsch) you need this week. Boekelo 2023: let’s do this thang.

Military Boekelo Links: Website | Entries | Live Scoring | Live Stream | EN’s Coverage

EN’s coverage of Boekelo is presented by Kentucky Performance Products.

USEA Names Athletes For January 2024 EA21 National Camp

By on Oct 4, 2023 9:30 am -

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

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is proud to announce the selected Young Rider athletes for the Emerging Athletes U21 Program (EA21) national camp, now that the EA21 regional clinics have concluded. Twelve riders were accepted into each of the five regional EA21 clinics, taught by USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) instructors, and now riders have been selected from the regional clinics to participate in the EA21 national camp this winter.

The five EA21 regional clinics that took place were: East Coast I at Morven Park International Equestrian Center (Leesburg, Virginia), coached by Shannon Lilley; East Coast II at Stable View Farm (Aiken, South Carolina), coached by Emily Beshear; Central at Holly Hill Farm (Benton, Louisiana), coached by Rebecca Braitling; West Coast I at Aspen Farms (Yelm, Washington), coached by Rebecca Brown; and West Coast II at Twin Rivers Ranch (Paso Robles, California), also coached by Rebecca Brown.

The USEA’s EA21 Task Force has approved 18 USEA EA21 Young Riders for the program’s second year of the EA21 national camp. Each of these Young Rider athletes were selected to participate in one of the five regional EA21 clinics, and have now been selected to attend the national camp with EA21 Director of Coaching, David O’Connor. The athletes invited to attend the national camp are listed below, in alphabetical order:

  • Camryn Chung (Central regional clinic)
  • Julia Beauchamp Crandon (Twin Rivers regional clinic)
  • Molly Duda (Twin Rivers regional clinic)
  • Kayla Dumler (Aspen Farms regional clinic)
  • Sara Ertl (Stable View regional clinic)
  • Emeline Gilbert (Morven Park regional clinic)
  • Kiersten Miller (Stable View regional clinic)
  • Tate Northrop (Stable View regional clinic)
  • Audrey Ogan (Morven Park regional clinic)
  • Caitlin O’Roark (Morven Park regional clinic)
  • Harper Padgett (Aspen Farms regional clinic)
  • Alina Patterson (Stable View regional clinic)
  • Camdyn Rahe (Central regional clinic)
  • Maia Ramberg (Morven Park regional clinic)
  • Kelsey Seidel (Central regional clinic)
  • Braden Speck (Morven Park regional clinic)
  • Annabelle Sprague (Morven Park regional clinic)
  • Elsa Warble (Twin Rivers regional clinic)

The EA21 Task Force put together a wait list for this year’s national camp in the case an athlete must withdraw. The Selection Task Force felt that the below athletes were prepared for the national camp level, and if an athlete from the national camp withdraws, then their spot will be filled with the first ranked athlete from the waitlist from the same respective clinic, as noted:

Twin Rivers Clinic Alternates:

  • Lauren Crabtree
  • Sarah Ross

Aspen Farms Clinic Alternate:

  • Alexis Larson

Morven Park Clinic Alternates:

  • Rebecca Roth
  • Ayden Schain
  • Samantha Homeyer

Stable View Clinic Alternates:

  • Madison Blodgett
  • Breeanna Robinette
  • Katarina Midgley

Central Clinic Alternates:

  • Katherine Hyndman
  • Vienna Allport

The EA21 national camp will take place in Temecula, California, across Tuesday-Saturday, Jan. 2-6, 2024, and will be taught by David O’Connor. Special guest speakers will also be on-site for this educational camp. The venue will be announced in the coming weeks, and catch ride horses may be available to riders traveling from significant distances.

All invited Young Riders will be responsible for their own travel and accommodations for the EA21 national camp, but the USEA will cover all clinic, coaching, and stabling fees.

The USEA would like to thank the five venues for hosting the inaugural EA21 regional clinics (Morven Park, Stable View, Holly Hill Farm, Twin Rivers Ranch, Aspen Farms), and for their wonderful hospitality.

For questions regarding the Emerging Athlete 21 Program, please email Kate Lokey at [email protected]. For questions regarding the selection procedures, please contact the EA21 Task Force Chairs.

About the USEA Emerging Athlete U21 Program (EA21)

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

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

The USEA would like to thank Kerrits, Sidelines Magazine and WeRideTogether for sponsoring the USEA Emerging Athletes U21 Program.

Wednesday News & Notes from Ocala Horse Properties

By on Oct 4, 2023 12:01 am -

It’s Boekelo week, baby! Time to party!

The Netherlands’ eventing offering is one of my favorite events of the year – from the frolicking crowds and general feel good vibes, to the top-class horses and riders romping round the Boekelo countryside, it’s such a fun spectacle of our awesome sport and one I look forward to watching each year.

With more than 110 entries from 15 nations, including Olympic, World and European Champions – and a strong showing from the US and the UK – the competition looks set to be totally spectacular. Find out more about the world class line-up here.

The competition this week isn’t just about Boekelo glory, it’s also the Nations Cup Final, with an Olympic ticket up for grabs. There probably won’t be any surprises as to which nation books themselves a place in Paris though – Tilly explains why here.

The action trots off today with the first horse inspection at 1:30pm local time – that’s 7:30am EST / 12:30pm BST.

The dressage arena plays its part on Thursday and Friday, beginning at 9am / 3am EST / 8am BST each day.

And then we get to crack out the beer and party our way ‘round the cross country on Saturday from 10am / 4am EST / 9am BST.

Best set your alarm clocks for Sunday morning’s horse inspection, which takes place from 9am / 3am EST / 8am BST and then it’s on to the show jumping at 10:30am / 4:30am EST / 9:30am BST, when we’re sure to see a nail-biting finish to what promises to be a great competition.

You can catch all of the action live on FEI TV on Clip My Horse (membership required) and EN has Tilly’s boots on the Boekelo ground, so keep it locked onto EN and follow @goeventing for all the shenanigans on site.

So, raise a glass of beer, or if you’re going Dutch, Genever (a juniper berry flavored tipple that’s a bit like gin – the national drink of the Netherlands) to Boekelo week, and go eventing!

U.S. Weekend Preview

Apple Knoll Farm H.T. (Millis, MA) [Website] [Volunteer]

Middle Tennessee Pony Club H.T. (Nashville, TN) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

The Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm (Adamstown, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

WindRidge Farm Fall H.T. (Mooresboro, NC) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]

Woodside Fall International (Woodside, CA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Major International Events

Military Boekelo CCIO4* [Website] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Wednesday News and Reading

The Horse of the Year Show is happening this week. There’s lots to watch, from mounted games and showing classes to international show jumping and the big red wall of the Puissance. Catch the action on ClipMyHorse.TV and H&C+.

Novice competitors have a new reason to have Carolina on their mind. Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI and HT will be running Novice Horse Trials next season. So add it to your diaries, and go eventing! [Oh Carolina!]

Nominations for the USEA Appreciation Awards are open! Celebrating the individuals who have served eventing throughout the year, the categories include awards for the range of people who make the sport as special as it is. From young individuals who embody the spirit of the sport and eventers over 60, to instructors, grooms, owners and those in support roles, give a shout out to those you appreciate. [Eventing Heroes]

Evaluate your horse’s – and your own – fitness with five-star eventer Will Faudree. With tips on how to tell if you and your horse need to reevaluate your fitness routine, and ways to do just that, this comprehensive guide from Pan-Ams team gold medalist Will Faudree is a must-read for the eventer in all of us. [Fitness Matters]

The globetrotting groom who’s riding her way round the world. Dinette Neuteboom has spent the last fourteen years traveling to 42 different countries, having a whole host of horsey experiences along the way. From grooming in Florida and jumping in Argentina, to flat riding in China and wrangling in Wyoming, she’s even found time to launch an online resource for grooms. Read all about her adventures with the latest in the COTH Groom Spotlight series. [Around the World]

And finally, for this week’s art supplement we have a rather important drawing of a horse by Raphael (the artist, not the turtle). The 16th Century sketch has been recently rediscovered and is extra special because it was drawn as part of the plan for ‘The Stanze’, which decorates the papal apartments in the Vatican and is considered one of the most significant achievements in art history. The drawing will be auctioned in Vienna later this month. [A Historic Horse]

Sponsor Corner

Throwback to Liz Halliday and her two handsome geldings getting it done at Tryon International in the Intermediate and Advanced divisions! Could Shanroe Cooley and Cooley Nutcracker, both owned by Ocala Horse Properties, be any more perfect? 🤩

Video Break

We’re sad to hear that Carl Hester’s superstar ride Nip Tuck has died following a short illness, aged nineteen.

Bought as a one-year-old for £1000, Carl never dreamed that ‘Barney’ would make it as a Grand Prix horse, but he was very happy to be proved wrong, with Olympic, World and European Championship medals and a wonderful win at London Olympia firmly putting Carl in his place.

Join us in sending our condolences to all of Nip Tuck’s connections, and look back on the special partnership between Carl and his friend Barney.

#TrainingTipTuesday Video: Arena Practice with Boyd Martin

By on Oct 3, 2023 2:30 pm -

I had the awesome opportunity to work with Boyd Martin on the production of his Equestrian Masterclass for NOELLE FLOYD (it’s available now, you can check it out here!), and you can check out a preview in the form of a full lesson from this course. Centering on the topic of building bravery, Boyd provides a lot of insights and tools on confidence through preparation and competence. This video lets you follow along as Boyd teaches some students some jumping exercises that can be practiced at any level.

What’s On Tap: Previewing a Busy October Eventing Schedule

By on Oct 3, 2023 11:36 am -

It’s the inarguable best time of the year (I say that because it’s my birthday month, so it’s ok if you actually would like to argue that point): a full slate of top-level eventing action beckons, and I’m here to provide all the information you need to follow along each week. Let’s dive right in:

Sharon White and Claus 63. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Pan Ams Final Outing (Adamstown, MD) – October 6-7 

The Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm will play host this weekend to the U.S. Eventing team heading to Santiago, Chile in two weeks’ time for the 19th Pan American Games. Your selected team consists of:

  • Sydney Elliott (Benton, La.) and QC Diamantaire, a 2010 Oldenburg gelding owned by Carol Stephens
  • Liz Halliday (Ocala, Fla.) and Miks Master C, a 2012 Swedish Warmblood gelding owned by Debby Palmer and the Ocala Horse Properties, LLC
    • Direct Reserve: Cooley Nutcracker, a 2014 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by The Nutcracker Syndicate
  • Caroline Pamukcu (Miami Beach, Fla.) and HSH Blake, a 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Mollie Hoff, Sherrie Martin and Caroline Pamukcu
  • Sharon White (Summit Point, W.V.) and Claus 63, her own 2012 Holsteiner gelding
  • Traveling Reserve: Tamie Smith (Murrieta, Calif.) and Kynan, a 2015 KWPN gelding owned by Kynan Syndicate LLC

This final Mandatory Outing will be used as a mini-training session and finishing touches run for the squad and the selected alternates. The team will ride a Combined Test Friday, consisting of the 4* dressage test and Advanced show jumping height. The Pan American Games are run as a hybrid 3*/4*-L, using FEI CCI4* Test B, a CCI3*-L cross country track, and CCI4* spec show jumping. The team riders will also have the opportunity to run the Intermediate cross country before the Open Intermediate on Saturday.

I will be on the ground at Loch Moy this weekend to bring you reports from the team outing — stay tuned!

Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm: [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Cassie Sanger and Fernhill Zoro.
Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography

Military Boekelo CCIO4*-L (Enschede, Netherlands) – October 5-8

The final FEI Nations Cup Eventing leg will be held at Boekelo, and a star-studded entry list awaits including a strong U.S. squad consisting of:

  • James Alliston (San Ramon, Calif.) and Karma, a 2014 Oldenburg mare owned by Alliston Equestrian and Ric Plummer
  • Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and Denim, a 2015 Holsteiner gelding owned by Caroline Moran, Ann Lapides, Neil Sites, and Ann Jones
  • Cassie Sanger (Wilmington, Del.) and Fernhill Zoro, her own 2008 Irish Sport Horse gelding
  • Jennie Saville (West Grove, Pa.) and Connory, a 2012 Holsteiner gelding owned by Nina Gardner, Timothy Gardner, and Jennie Saville

There will also be an Olympic ticket up for grabs at Boekelo, as the winning FEI Nations Cup team (if not already qualified) will punch their pass to Paris. Tilly Berendt will be on the ground for us at Boekelo this weekend, so you’ll have plenty of action to keep you up to speed here on EN. You can also watch the action live on FEI TV on Clip My Horse here (membership required). The Netherlands is 6 hours ahead of Eastern time in the U.S., so plan accordingly for following along live.

Military Boekelo CCIO4*: [Website] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Woodside Fall International (Woodside, CA) – October 6-8

On the West Coast as a part of this weekend’s triple-header, Woodside International in the Bay Area of California will hosts its fall CCI4*-S, as well as all other FEI levels and National divisions from Starter through Intermediate. While California-based stalwarts Tamie Smith and James Alliston have their top horses traveling to other events this month, we’ll still see performances from Sophie Click, Tommy Greengard, Emilee Libby, and Karen O’Neal in the 4*-S division.

Woodside is hosting a fundraising auction to support its ongoing eventing efforts, and you can bid on items ranging from luxury vacations getaways, lessons with Tamie Smith, Gina Miles, Robyn Fisher, and many more, cross country schoolings, entries, restaurant gift certificates, and much more. Bidding closes on Saturday, October 7. Click here to see auction items and place your bids.

Woodside Fall Horse Trials: [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Photo by Erin Gilmore Photography.

Morven Park Fall International CCI & H.T. (Leesburg, VA) – October 12-15

Next on the October tour will be a full weekend of international action featuring Morven Park’s CCI4*-L in Leesburg, VA.

Morven Park’s CCI4*-L has taken its place as a prime end-season long format, its cross country designed by Derek di Grazia in honor of the late Tremaine Cooper. This test makes this event a prime move-up target for horses ready to step up to their first 4*-L or ready to tackle a tougher one — but we’ll also see a healthy amount of seasoned campaigners capping off their season here this weekend. Morven Park also hosts a 4*-S, so we’ll see 25 horses and riders tackle that division. You can preview the full entry list here.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of eventing at the historic Morven Park, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the fall scenery via VIP experiences or other hospitality tickets. Click here to see your options.

Veronica Green-Gott and myself will be providing coverage from on the ground at Morven Park.

Morven Park Fall International CCI & H.T.: [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage]

Buck Davidson and Sorocaima. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Maryland 5 Star (Elkton, MD) – October 19-22

We’re lucky to have not just one, but two CCI5* events to finish off the 2023 season (ordinarily, we’d have one more in the Southern Hemisphere, but Australia’s CCI5* ran earlier this year for 2023). The third annual MARS Maryland 5 Star, presented by Brown Advisory, will feature 5* competition as well as the USEF National CCI3*-L Championship and USEA Young Event Horse Championships (East Coast) for 4- and 5-year-olds.

28 horses and riders are entered in the CCI5* this year, including a strong international contingent of William Fox-Pitt with Grafennacht, Piggy March and Brookfield Cavalier Cruise, Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue, Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier, 2022 winning rider Tim Price and Falco, Monica Spencer and Artist, and Oliver Townend with Cooley Rosalent. 2021 winner Boyd Martin will bring forward two rides in Contessa and Luke 140.

As always, EN will have a full team on the ground and supporting coverage remotely. You can also follow the action live on ClipMyHorse.TV with your USEF membership (click here to bookmark the live stream page). You can preview the full entry list here. VIP tickets and other general admission options are still available here.

Maryland 5 Star: [Website] [Entries] [Live Stream] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage]

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Shanroe Cooley. Photo by Irish Eventing Times.

FEI WBFSH Eventing World Breeding Championships (Le Lion d’Angers, France) – October 19-22

Make way for the future superstars! Each year at Le Lion, we get a glimpse at some of the top 6- and 7-year-old horses in the world, some of whom will go on to be 5* and team horses. Set at the 2*-L and 3*-L levels, respectively, this test — complete with its creative and inviting cross country course — is always a big draw in a hotbed of the French sport horse production system.

The USEA last week announced that the 7-year-old Hanoverian mare Gina (Gentleman x Ballerina), owned by Corwin Sport Horses, LLC and ridden by Chris Talley, is the likely recipient of the 2023 Holekamp/Turner Grant and The Dutta Corp. prize. The full entry list has yet to be published, but you’ll be able to find it here once available.

Mondial du Lion will be broadcast live on FEI TV on ClipMyHorse.TV (membership required). You can bookmark this page for the live stream schedule and access.

Mondial du Lion: [Website] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti (CAN) at the 2019 Pan American Games. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

19th Pan American Games (Santiago, Chile) – October 27-29

Get ready, it’s almost Pan Ams time! Every four years, we’re treated to a veritable “mini-Olympics” featuring North, Central, and South American countries vying for titles in their respective Olympic sports. Pan Ams are also a qualifier for the upcoming Games, and while the U.S. did secure qualification in Pratoni last year at World Championships, neighbors to the north Canada did not. To that end, they’re sending a strong team down with the goal of nabbing one of two berths up for grabs. Other countries seeking qualification in eventing this month include Brazil and Mexico, who will each send experienced squads forward to duke it out in Chile. Current FEI tracking of Paris qualifications can be found here.

You can view all Nominated Entries for Santiago here. Definite entries will follow on October 13.

EN will be covering Pan Ams remotely this year, but the FEI TV live stream will enable all of us to follow along live! Santiago is 1 hour ahead of Eastern time.

#Santiago2023: [Website] [Nominated Entries] [Live Stream] [Pan Ams Equestrian Info] [EN’s Coverage]

Tim Price and Falco. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Les Etoiles de Pau (Pau, France) – October 26-29

And this bring us to the end of October, which will cap off in France (where else?) with Tilly at Les Etoiles de Pau, the final CCI5* event of 2023. We always look forward to Pau’s bright fall colors and technical cross country test, and we know there are a few U.S. riders planning to head over, including Boyd Martin, Will Coleman, and Phillip Dutton. Entries have not yet been made public, but should be coming soon. Keep an eye here on EN and on the Pau website for the latest updates.

The live stream for Pau will be carried on Horse & Country (membership or one-time event pass required — save 15% off your annual H&C+ membership using code EVENTINGNATION15); you can bookmark the hub for this event here.

Les Etoiles de Pau: [Website] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

FEI Eventing Nations Cup Final in Boekelo Promises World-Class Line-up and Olympic Ticket

By on Oct 3, 2023 10:00 am -

Tim Price and Happy Boy, 2022’s Boekelo winners. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Boekelo has never failed to draw a high-calibre of international competitors through the gate, but this year’s FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ entry list offers the cream of Eventing stars from across the world. The line-up includes the Olympic, World and European Champions, as well as five of the top ten riders in the FEI Eventing World Athlete rankings. In addition, the Dutch event has taken on extra significance as the final opportunity for nations to qualify their team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Boekelo is by many considered the crown jewels of Dutch Eventing, and has played host to the FEI Nations Cup Final for several years. This year it has attracted over 110 riders from 15 nations and it is guaranteed to offer a masterclass of Eventing with leading riders from across the globe.

Tokyo Olympic individual gold medalist Julia Krajewski is competing with her exciting Holsteiner stallion Nickel 21, the horse who helped the German team win the last Nations Cup leg which took place in Arville in August. Julia previously won Boekelo in 2018.

World Champion Yasmin Ingham brings the ever-consistent Rehy DJ to the party, along with Olympic team gold medalist Laura Collett who won the prestigious Boekelo title in 2019.

Then there is European Champion and current leader in the World rankings, Rosalind Canter who has two horses entered. The British team lifted the title last year and whilst the Nations Cup Team has not yet been finalised, Phil Surl, their Chef d’Equipe will have 19 combinations to choose from.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

World #2 Tim Price, and his wife Jonelle Price are regulars and crowd favourites at Boekelo and it has been a happy hunting ground for Tim who won the individual title in 2017 and again last year. Australia is fielding an experienced group of riders including Kevin McNab, Megan Jones and William Levett.

The Americans are flying over a strong contingent of riders, many of whom hope to prove their worth of Olympic selection, with Chef d’Equipe and former Olympic Champion Leslie Law at the helm. The U.S. entries include several rising stars such as Hallie Coon (riding as an individual) and Jennie Brannigan (riding on the Nations Cup team), as well as team stalwart 60-year-old Phillip Dutton (riding on the Nations Cup team), a previous Olympic champion in Atlanta (1996).

James Alliston and Karma. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

The entry list from France shows the strength and depth that the Olympic host nation offers in the discipline of eventing, with a number of medal winning riders amongst the group, such as Nicolas Touzaint, Maxime Livio and Christopher Six. Dutch National coach Andrew Heffernen has thirteen Dutch combinations entered, who will undoubtedly delight their home crowd at this popular event.

In terms of the Olympic ticket, the highest placed team according to the final team classification of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Series 2023, who have not already qualified, will be allocated a place. Italy is the only team entered here, who have not already qualified, and are currently sitting in second place in the Series behind Belgium.

It was perhaps a surprise not to see Spain on the entries list, as they have not yet qualified a team for Paris and are currently lying fourth in the Series. Belgium are already qualified, after success at the FEI European Championships this year, but they will certainly not be resting on their laurels. They go into the final with 600 points so are almost certain of overall victory.

This is the eighth and final fixture in the popular FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Series, which saw 16 nations compete for the prestigious title over eight fixtures. There will be one final chance of Olympic qualification later this month for some nations including Brazil and Argentina. This will be at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile which takes place from 26-29 October.

Military Boekelo CCIO4*: [Website] [Schedule] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Oct 3, 2023 4:47 am -

Well done to China, who scored both the team and individual gold medals at the Asian Games over the weekend — another accolade to add to their list after scoring an Olympic team qualification for the second cycle in a row at this summer’s Group qualifier. Thanks to the efforts of all their talented riders, helmed by Alex Hua Tian, and the enormous help of Dutch stalwart Tim Lips, who trains two of the Chinese riders and works very closely with the Federation, the future’s looking bright for this developing eventing nation.

Events Opening Today: Ram Tap H.T. & Classic 3-Day, The Event at TerraNova

Events Closing Today: SAzEA Fall H.T., Willow Draw Charity Show, Windermere Run H.T., Ram Tap National H.T., Hagyard Midsouth Three-day Event

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World: 

Happy 100th birthday to SPANA! The Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad has done so much positive work over the last century to help working animals, particularly in developing nations. Learn more about their work and how they began in this piece.

After a frightening rotational fall in an Intermediate class this summer, Trudy Johnson decided to take her horse, Kohinoor, jumping instead — and the pair are skyrocketing to some major successes. It’s a valuable reminder to always listen to your horse and set goals that align with what they love and are comfortable with.

It’s rule change time! Get up to date with the new USEA rules, which came into effect October 1, here.

Ever wondered what it actually takes to put on a livestream? Head backstage at Dressage at Devon with Horse&Country TV to get the inside scoop and have a snoop around the production trailer.

Sponsor Corner: Would you rather be galloping your horse around cross country right now instead of sitting at your desk, working away? Us, too. Luckily, we can all take a between-the-ears view of two tracks at the Fork at Tryon and pretend we’re the ones in the saddle. Sponsored by Kentucky Performance Products. 

Watch This: 

Continue yesterday’s ‘vintage’ Badminton rewatch with part two of the 2003 program:

Monday Video: Eventers Invade Dressage at Devon

By on Oct 2, 2023 4:30 pm -

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Dressage at Devon, one of the premier shows held annually at the historic Devon Horse Show grounds in Devon, Pennsylvania wrapped up yesterday after a fun-filled six days of very fancy prancing. While we tend to see a strong number of event riders frequently moonlight in the show jumping ring, it feels fair to say that we see fewer end up dabbling in pure dressage so it’s exciting to see a few familiar names from our eventing work wind up in the Dixon Oval this weekend!

One such event rider who has done much more than merely dabble in dressage is non other than five-star eventer Lainey Ashker. Over the past several years Lainey has developed a string of dressage horses and has competed through the Grand Prix level. This weekend she brought forward Ann Wilson’s 2014 Oldenburg Gelding, Zeppelin, (Blue Hors Zack — Hardenberg Donnerschwee) to contest the CDI1* Intermediate at Devon. They qualified for thefreestyle finale last night and scored rocking 71.033%, a personal best at the level, earning a fabulous third place overall with their Led Zeppelin themed musical freestyle. Who knew “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” pairs perfectly with an extended trot?!

And that’s not all — earlier this week we mentioned that Boyd Martin filled in for his wife, Silva, as a demo rider in the Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour masterclass, and now Boyd has shared some video highlights from his time with the Dutch Olympian in the Dixon Oval. We know Boyd as quite a brave rider (he does have a whole Noelle Floyd Masterclass on the subject, after all) but I think it’s a whole different kind of bravery to bring an event horse — he rode his own Commando 3 who just won the CCI4-S at The Fork last month — into an arena with stands full of pure dressage riders for a clinic! Well done, mate.

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Weekend Winners: Course Brook, ESDCTA, Fleur de Leap, Jump Start, Old Tavern, Spokane, Stable View, Sundance, & Tomora

By on Oct 2, 2023 1:30 pm -

Phew! Well, Eventers certainly didn’t let the official start of spooky season keep them away from competing at nine recognized events throughout the country. October might be welcoming some cooler weather, but competition is still hot!

Congrats to all on successful rides this weekend, with a special shout out to our Weekend Winners, and the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award: Brad Hall and Sandro’s Spinne, who scored a super 18.6 in the Open Novice at Sundance!

Course Brook Farm Fall H.T. (Sherborn, MA) [Website][Scoring]

Preliminary: Emily Smith and Eleanor (62.7)
Modified/Training: Megan Tardiff and Vindakova (26.0)
Training – A: Julia Paratore and St. Ann’s Bay (39.5)
Training – B: Jocelyn Hawe and Fiddle Head (31.2)
Novice – A: Farley Ordway and SRF Imperious Dream (29.2)
Novice – B: Caroline Teich and Fürsten Dansil (28.1)
Novice – C: Jennifer Clapp and Sidamo de Brio (26.9)
Beginner Novice – A: Merritt Sheffield and Take it Easy (32.5)
Beginner Novice – B: Ashley Proctor and Sequel (30.0)
Beginner Novice – C: Charlene Paolini and Cedrick (31.5)
Beginner Novice – D: Nancy Roche and Saphyra (21.6)
Starter – A: Maisy Day and Mr Goodbar (30.0)
Starter – B: Amy West and Ninety Nine Mack (37.7)
Starter – C: Anne Burkhardt and Mr. WB (29.3)

ESDCTA New Jersey H.T. (Allentown, NJ) [Website][Scoring]

Advanced/Intermediate: Shannon Lilley and Ideal HX (30.7)
Open Intermediate: Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Double Sixteen (35.9)
Open Preliminary: Bruce Davidson Jr. and Just Dance (30.2)
Modified: Lee Maher and RNG QE2 (31.7)
Open Training A: Felicia Barr and Quantum Cooley (31.2)
Open Training B: Diego Farje and Joey Fiddlesticks (23.3)
Training Rider: Jebb Simpson and Grantstown Coney Street (26.2)
Novice Rider: Avery Cascarino and Excel Star Quidam’s Cavalier (33.7)
Open Novice A: Matthew Lewis and Esperance (23.6)
Open Novice B: Erin Kanara and Captain`s Lady (30.0)
Beginner Novice Rider: Kelly O’Brien and B.E. Never Say Never (28.1)
Open Beginner Novice A: Bradley Champagne and BarbeCue (22.5)
Open Beginner Novice B: Clarissa Wilmerding and Furia (30.3)
Starter: Gabby Stone and Dory (29.7)

Fleur de Leap H.T. (Folsom, LA) [Website][Scoring]

Training: Jenna McGowan-Terry and Galene (44.3)
Novice – Junior: Ava McWilliams and Going For Gold (44.3)
Novice – Senior: Kalie Beckers and Calla GBF (29.4)
Beginner Novice – Junior: Sierra Fishell and Indy (30.9)
Beginner Novice – Senior: Stephanie Tyler-Wright and Ghostbuster (32.4)
Introductory A: Charlotte Chastant and Sir Geronimo (36.3)
Introductory B: Carole Schaff and Mi Bella Luna (30.3)
Starter A: Bennett McWhorter and Nevertheless (24.7)
Starter B: Charlene Haber and Caan’s Man In Black (29.5)

Jump Start H.T. (Lexington, KY) [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Madison Temkin and MVP Madbum (29.3)
Open Preliminary Championships: Elisabeth Halliday and Newmarket Cooley (24.1)
Open Modified: Benjamin Noonan and Kay-O (26.0)
Open Modified Championships: Amanda Richard and Count Julian (30.0)
Open Training: Callia Englund and Boss Indy (26.9)
Open Training Championships: Jamie Allison and Jedi (25.2)
Training Horse: Michael Nolan and Rock On (25.7)
Training Rider, Div. 2: Barbara Sprouse and Silver Lining (32.1)
Training Rider, Div.1: Maya Candadai and Albert 105 (31.9)
Novice Horse: Madeline Bletzacker and Landtino S (25.8)
Novice Rider, Div. 1: Madeline Bletzacker and Drummer Boy (23.1)
Novice Rider, Div. 2: Jillian Wisneski and Rubato (29.2)
Open Novice: Hannah Reeser and Ltl Ireland Summr Soldier (20.3)
Open Novice Championships: Emerson Padgett and MSH Giant Jac’ka (19.4)
Beginner Novice Horse, Div. 1: Martha Lambert and Docktarri (31.2)
Beginner Novice Horse, Div. 2: Beth Weisberger and Perfect Idea (27.1)
Beginner Novice Horse, Div. 3: Chelsea Garrison and Freddie Mercury (27.5)
Beginner Novice Rider, Div, 2: Emelia Thompson and Kynynmont Indelibly Irish (24.7)
Beginner Novice Rider, Div. 1: Haliee Bussure and Fiona (29.4)
Beginner Novice Rider, Div. 1: Leslie Cooperman and Lyric (29.4)
Beginner Novice Rider, Div. 1: Taylor Reis-Crihfield and Strong Royalty (29.4)
Beginner Novice Rider, Div. 3: Kendall Westgate and Valoordo (30.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Elissa Gibbs and Grama Cassmetodo (27.2)
Open Beginner Novice Championships: Emma Petrick and Hawthornstud Futures Bright (26.3)
Open Starter, Div. 1: Hannah Reeser and Little Ireland Illusion (26.1)
Open Starter, Div. 2: Meaghan Suhodolsky and Absaluut Annabelle (33.0)
Open Starter, Div. 3: Abby Blackburn and Devine Luck (23.0)
Open Starter, Div. 4: Christina Bailey and The Highwayman (30.3)

Old Tavern Horse Trials (The Plains, VA) [Website][Scoring]

Open Intermediate: Sharon White and Jaguars Duende (33.4)
Open Preliminary: Daniel Clasing and Et Cetera (27.3)
Preliminary Rider: Sylvia Byars and CSF Dassett Decoy (31.9)
Training Rider Senior: Laura Hilliard and Ballarin Shanado (30.6)
Training Rider: Abigail Herr and Lovelocks Rumplestiltskin (33.3)
Training Horse: Lynn Symansky and Caramba (26.1)
Open Training: Sharon White and Arden Augustus (26.7)
Novice Horse: Sharon White and Quizas (26.1)
Open Novice: Leslie Lamb and Journeyman (31.1)
Novice Rider Senior: Jeannette Lussi and Rock’N Ranger (28.1)
Novice Rider: Coree Reuter-McNamara and Another Concerto (32.8)
Novice Rider Junior: Katelyn Good and Tiddlywinks (29.4)
Beginner Novice Rider Senior: Nikki Thomas and Calypso Kid (32.4)
Beginner Novice Horse: Ava Vanselous and Nomorestorms (27.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Carin Coker and Dans La Nuit WE (31.2)
Beginner Novice Rider: Olivia Hickman and We Will (29.1)

Spokane Sport Horse 9th Annual Fall H.T. (Spokane, WA) [Website][Scoring]

CCI3*-Short: Rachel Brickman and Finally DG (53.7)
CCI2*-Short: Caitlyn Sutherland and EMS Florence (37.8)
CCI1*-Short: Caterina Ritson and This Lad is Gold (44.6)
Open Intermediate: Devin Robel and Gillou (34.4)
Open Preliminary: Todd Trewin and Cooley High Society (30.3)
Open Modified: Bianca Linder and Vergano (29.3)
Jr. Training: Simone Clark and Sunsprite Seryndipity (26.9)
Open Training: Jordan Linstedt and LS Crown Royal (28.3)
Training Amateur: Reese Blinks and Lowmax (28.9)
Training Three-Day: Katie Bystrom and Rigby (50.5)
Jr. Novice: Haley Paulson and Summer Suntan (33.6)
Novice Amateur: Lesley McGill and NSC Bellamy’s Diamond (25.3)
Open Novice: Karen O’Neal and MNF North Forks Summit (27.9)
Novice Three-Day: Whitney Spicher and Excel Star High Jinx (31.6)
Beginner Novice Amateur: Susan Harrel and ODonnells Riverdancer (32.2)
Jr. Beginner Novice: Shelby Crocker and Kick Start My Heart (35.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Dagmar Fortmuller and Calisto (25.9)
Beg. Novice Three-Day: Elizabeth Hoffmann and Emma (35.7)
Starter A: Erin Storey and Prachtige Schat (26.3)
Starter B: Jordan Linstedt and Nuca (25.7)
Young Event Horse 4 Year Old: Erin Grandia and Sportsfield Supernatural (87.3)
Young Event Horse 5 Year Old: Jordan Linstedt and Ls Crown Royal (87.7)

Stable View Oktoberfest 2/3/4* and H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website][Scoring]

CCI 4*S: Phillip Dutton and Z (35.3)
CCI 3*S: Allison Springer and No May Moon (29.8)
CCI 3*S YH Championships: Alexandra Knowles and P.S. I Love You (33.4)
CCI 2*S YH Championships: Allison Springer and Monbeg Zebedee (29.0)
CCI 2*S: Elisa Wallace and Lissavorra Quality (33.2)
Advanced: Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times (55.5)
Open Intermediate: Andrew McConnon and Wakita 54 (37.6)
Open Preliminary: Karl Slezak and FE Cheerio (29.7)
Preliminary Rider: Breeana Robinette and Cape Kimberly (32.0)
Modified Rider: Carson Langenberg and Monterrey la Silla (29.8)
Open Modified: Alyssa Phillips and Carrigshawn HFS (27.3)
Open Training A: Candace Elizabeth Bell and Promise the Moon (30.0)
Open Training B: Sarah Kuhn and Ringfort K Special (30.3)
Training Rider A: Kate Bell and FE Velvet Black (25.6)
Training Rider B: Finley Habenicht and Zick Zack (29.7)
Novice Rider A: Ashley Allison and Sophie’s Story (34.8)
Novice Rider B: April Hays and Anteros HSH (30.6)
Novice Rider C: Sheila Wiese and Cooley Greystones (24.7)
Open Novice A: Logan Harris and Ton Of Gold (30.3)
Open Novice B: Werner Geven and Ameristan (27.6)
Beginner Novice Rider: Sarah Forster and Caillou (23.2)
Open Beginner Novice: Morgan Batton and Pandora (28.2)

Sundance Farm H.T. (Plymouth, WI) [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Kristine Burgess and Curious Quality (54.4)
Preliminary Championship: Brynna Jovanovich and Arthur (47.9)
Modified Championship: Nicolette Adams and Total Access (41.8)
Open Modified: Cathrine Wunderlich and Concatulations (33.5)
Open Training: Abbey Zutz and Yes It’s Betts (40.7)
Training Championship: Anna Banks and Primrose BMD (21.7)
Novice Championship: Madelyn Reicher and CMF Cougar Roo (32.3)
Novice Rider – Jr: Riley Mueller and Gemily (29.6)
Novice Rider – Sr: Stacy Lynch and ONYX (35.0)
Open Novice: Brad Hall and Sandro’s Spinne (18.6)
BNovice Championship: Sue Goepfert and Isabeau VT (26.3)
BNovice Rider Jr: Lucille O’Brien and Lotus R (37.8)
BNovice Rider Sr: Steph Hoker and Zone It (25.6)
Open BNovice: Emma Fettig and Time Is Money (32.5)
Starter Test – Section A: Elly Bates and Bold Endeavor (38.9)
Starter Test – Section B: Barbara Weber MD and Glitters Gone Wild (28.3)

Tomora Horse Trials (Greeley, CO) [Website][Scoring]

Modified CT: Victoria Poulton and Starlingh (41.6)
Modified Training: Rebecca Caulfield and Fernhill Opulence (43.5)
Open Training: Sophia Greenwood and Wildwych Forbidden Fruit (31.9)
Open Novice A: Katie Seabaugh and Derwin’s Trick (33.6)
Open Novice B: Alison Osborne and Fernhill Rodger That (24.7)
Open Beginner Novice A: Natalie Ellis and Maggie Belle (32.0)
Open Beginner Novice B: Emma Sletten and Djamilia (22.2)
Open Beginner Novice C: Madeline Backus and P.S. Levi Wilson (25.3)
Introductory A: Brittany Foust and HH Ragamuffin Gunner (31.7)
Introductory B: Ashley Carr and Teja (29.3)
Pre-Comp CT: Marisa Mendenhall and Scottsgold (33.0)

First Golds at an Asian Games for China’s Individual and Team Eventers

By on Oct 2, 2023 11:30 am -

Team China made history for Chinese equestrian sport as the eventing competition at the 19th Asian Games concluded by winning gold in both the individual and team events. This is the first time that the Chinese team or an individual has won a gold since equestrian sport was introduced at the Asian Games in 1982 (New Delhi), marking a significant step in Chinese equestrian sport.

Making history

Team China put in brilliant jumping rounds with none of the team members adding to the overall score of 86.80 following yesterday’s cross country phase. The running order meant that Team China were some of the last to enter the ring, building the suspense as the competition progressed, particularly as Team Japan put in faultless jumping rounds, finishing on the team cross country score of 92.70, meaning less than two fences between them.

Alex Hua Tian of China riding Poseidons Admiral competes in the jumping discipline of the eventing competition during the 19th Asian Games at Tonglu Equestrian Center on October 2, 2023, in Hangzhou, China.
Copyright ©FEI/Yong Teck Lim

Three combinations from the team entered the jumping phase Yingfeng Bao with Newmarket Ritz, Huadong Sun with Lady Chin V’t Moerven Z, and Alex Hua Tian with Poseidons Admiral. Bao jumped in position 11, Sun in 13, and Hua Tian was the last to jump keeping everyone on the edge of their seats as both team and individual gold was on the line for Hua Tian. The fourth member of Team China, Ruiji Liang with Kiriaantje, withdrew before the final phase after failing to pass the horse inspection following cross country.

“It’s taken a lifetime to get here,” said Hua Tian. “We all started riding when we were young, we have a professional career as well. We have years to build a network of horse owners and a team. It’s not just one rider and one horse, there’s a huge network behind each of us to get here. In terms of this championships, the goal has been set… this is very much part of the onward journey.”

Team Japan stays on cross country score

Silver was won by Team Japan with Kazuhiro Yoshizawa and Penny Grans, Yusuke Nakajima and Credit Krunch, and Shoto Kusumoto and Vick Du Gisors Jra entering the arena to jump following Kenta Hiranaga and Duke of Sussex’s elimination on the cross country course yesterday. The team stayed on the combined total of 92.70 following cross country.

Faultless jumping from Team Thailand

Team Thailand maintained bronze medal position delivering four faultless jumping rounds from all four team members: Supap Khaw-Ngam with Canadian Club M, Weerapat Pitakanonda with Carnival March, Preecha Khunjan with Clair De Lune Blanc Rw, and Korntawat Samran with Billy Elmy. Team Hong Kong finished in fourth.

Double gold for China’s Hua Tian

Individual and team gold medalist Alex Hua Tian of China celebrates during the medal ceremony for the eventing competition during the 19th Asian Games at Tonglu Equestrian Center on October 2, 2023, in Hangzhou, China.
Copyright ©FEI/Yong Teck Lim

Moving onto the Individual Eventing, China’s Alex Hua Tian won on his dressage score of 27.00, adding no faults in the cross country or jumping phases. This is Hua Tian’s third Asian Games but his best finish with him taking silver in 2014 (Incheon) and bronze in 2018 (Jakarta-Palembang).

“Competing for the first time in mainland China is extremely special,” said Hua Tian, “As soon as Hangzhou was announced as the host city for these championships, it’s been a huge goal for me and my team to be here and do as well as possible. In the past Asian Games, I’ve used it as a stepping stone for young horses… it’s always been very important to me, but this one even more so. I wanted to bring a horse that could be as competitive as possible this week. It’s very special and very rare for me to compete in front of a home crowd. I’ve always been extremely proud to represent my home country, China, but I made the decision to do this intentionally and fly the flag around the world, so to be able to come back home and do it here is very special.”

Korntawat Samran of Thailand riding Billy Elmy competes in the cross country discipline of the eventing competition during the 19th Asian Games at Tonglu Equestrian Center on October 1, 2023, in Hangzhou, China.
Copyright :copyright:FEI/Yong Teck Lim

Thailand’s Korntawat Samran took silver, also finishing on his dressage score of 27.90. This is Samran’s second Asian Games with him finishing in 9th in the individual competition in 2018 (Jakarta-Palembang). The bronze medal was won by Japan’s Kazuhiro Yoshizawa who also finished on his dressage score of 28.60. Overnight bronze position was held by Hong Kong’s Annie Ho, but four jumping faults picked up in the final phase meant she dropped down to scoreboard, finishing in eighth individually.

Kazuhiro Yoshizawa of Japan riding Penny Grans competes in the cross country discipline of the eventing competition during the 19th Asian Games at Tonglu Equestrian Center on October 1, 2023, in Hangzhou, China.
Copyright :copyright:FEI/Yong Teck Lim

Ho wasn’t the only athlete to pick up faults in the jumping phase with two of her teammates, Daniella Lin and Patrick Lam also adding to their cross country score. India’s Apurva Dabhade picked up both jumping and time penalties, adding to his final score.

This concludes the eventing competition at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, with the final equestrian event, jumping, due to start on October 3. This begins with the first horse inspection before October 4 sees a packed day of competition. The schedule features two individual qualifier rounds and two team rounds, including the final team round which is a medal winning event. The final equestrian event will take place on October 6 with the individual jumping competition.

(L-R) Silver medalists Japan, gold medalists China and bronze medalists Thailand celebrate during the medal ceremony for the eventing team competition during the 19th Asian Games at Tonglu Equestrian Center on October 2, 2023, in Hangzhou, China.
Copyright ©FEI/Yong Teck Lim

Results here