Classic Eventing Nation

Wednesday News & Notes from Maryland International CCI & H.T.

By on Jun 25, 2025 12:01 am -

Phillip Dutton and Denim. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

There’s been a change made to the U.S. lineup headed to CHIO Aachen in July after Karma, who was to be competed as an individual with James Alliston, picked up an injury that will prevent her from making the trip. In the wake of that, US Equestrian has swapped in Phillip Dutton’s second horse, Denim, to compete as an individual. Phillip will also ride Possante as a part of the U.S. team alongside Paris Olympians Caroline Pamukcu (HSH Blake) and Boyd Martin (Commando 3) as well as CHIO Aachen winners Will Coleman and Off the Record. Competition kicks off on Friday, July 4 — be sure to tune in!

U.S. Weekend Preview

The Maryland International CCI & H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Twin Rivers Summer H.T. (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

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

Inavale Farm H.T. (OR): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

Larkin Hill H.T. (NY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Full Moon Farm Aloha H.T. & YEH (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

In a powerful reflection for Pride Month, 5* rider Ema Klugman shared a deeply personal essay honoring her late mentor Packy McGaughan and recounting her own journey toward self-acceptance. “Until not that long ago, it was not just unpopular to be gay; it was illegal,” she writes. While Ema says she’s found acceptance in the horse world, she also candidly acknowledges lingering fears about discrimination. “Feeling accepted and settled in my personal life allows me to compete with confidence,” she says. “Feeling scared or alone or not fully yourself makes competing… feel like an uphill battle.” Her message? Visibility matters—and LGBTQ+ riders belong here, too. Read Ema’s piece here.

As the 2025 eventing season hits its stride, the USEA is giving a mid-year shoutout to the sport’s real MVPs: the volunteers. So far this year, 2,582 individuals have donated more than 32,800 hours across 134 competitions, recorded via EventingVolunteers.com. These hours aren’t just logged — they’re celebrated through the Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP), which awards medals for cumulative service. Notably, Diane Bird and Jim Moyer joined Susan Hart this season as the newest Gold Medal recipients (2,000+ hours). Jim, who was the 2023 Volunteer of the Year, leads the 2025 leaderboard once again with over 343 hours already logged. To every volunteer—from Area leaders to first-timers—thank you. The sport truly can’t run without you. Read more here.

Created by equestrian Holly Johnson and a veteran firefighter, the FireHorse Rescue Kit is designed with one goal: to save horses during barn fires—if it’s ever needed. With features like easy-use extinguishers, an equine blindfold, fire-resistant gloves, and a flashlight that cuts through thick smoke, each kit bridges the knowledge gap between first responders and horse people. It’s an all-in-one emergency system that barn owners hope will collect dust, not soot. FireHorse has already been adopted by top facilities like the Kentucky Horse Park and Wellington International, with plans to expand into compact kits and educational outreach. As Holly puts it: “When you equip your barn with a FireHorse Rescue Kit, you know exactly where to go—and exactly what to do.” Read more about FireHorse Rescue Kit here.

Sponsor Corner: Maryland International CCI & H.T.

We’re headed to Loch Moy Farm this weekend for the Maryland International CCI & Horse Trials, where the USEF Eventing Youth National Championships will run alongside an epic lineup of FEI and national divisions from Training through Advanced. With $30,000 in prize money on the line and a world-class cross country course designed by Andrew Heffernan, this is one midsummer showdown you won’t want to miss.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain, the Maryland International is free to attend and packed with perks—Highland Club festivities, nightly parties, shopping, food trucks, and plenty of elite eventing action. Just 50 minutes from DC and Baltimore, it’s the perfect day in the country and a front-row seat to the future of U.S. eventing.

Click here to learn more about what’s on tap this weekend.

Video Break

What would your favorite rider advise when it comes to making the dream happen? Tune in to find out:

German Squad Named for CHIO Aachen

By on Jun 24, 2025 12:00 pm -

Anna Siemer and FRH Butts Avondale (GER). Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Germany has tapped the riders it will be sending to compete on “home” turf at CHIO Aachen in July (July 4-5 will see the eventing competition during this 10-day festival). The following pairs have been nominated, in alphabetical order:

  • Nicolai Aldinger with Timmo
  • Antonia Baumgart with Ris de Talm
  • TEAM Calvin Böckmann with Altair de la Cense
  • Emma Brüssau with Dark Desire GS
  • Pauline Knorr with Aevolet MAF
  • TEAM Libussa Lübbeke with Caramia
  • TEAM Jérôme Robiné with Black Ice
  • Nina Schultes with Grand Prix iWest
  • TEAM Anna Siemer with FRH Butt’s Avondale

To add to the fun, Calvin Böckmann with Kasparow FRH and Jérôme Robiné with Thorsten will also be competing in the popular Jump & Drive class on Saturday evening. We can also look forward to the unveiling of a cross country course put down through fresh eyes in Giuseppe Della Chiesa, who is also anticipated to be tapped to design for next year’s FEI World Championships, also to be held at CHIO Aachen.

To follow along with more CHIO Aachen coverage, click here.

British Equestrian Announces Nominated Entries for Agria FEI Eventing European Championship 2025

By on Jun 24, 2025 10:28 am -

Ros Canter and Izilot DHI. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Nominated entries for the British Equestrian eventing squad, in partnership with Agria, listed in alphabetical order by athlete surname, with horses for each athlete then listed alphabetically:

  • Rosalind Canter (39) from Hallington, Lincolnshire, with Alex Moody and her own Izilot DHI (bay, gelding, 12yrs, 16hh, Zavell VDL x Cavalier, Breeder: B. S. Wichers NED), Archie and Michele Saul’s Lordships Graffalo (bay, gelding, 13yrs, 17hh, Birkhof’s Grafenstolz x Rock King, Breeders: Lordships Stud and Pennie Wallace GBR) and Deirdre Johnston and Lady Milnes Coates’ MHS Seventeen (bay, gelding, 12yrs, 16hh, Callahan x Quidam Junior I, Breeder: Mary Brennan GBR)
  • Laura Collett (35) from Salperton, Gloucestershire, with Karen Bartlett, Keith Scott and her own London 52 (bay, gelding, 16yrs, 16.3hh, Landos x Quinar, Breeder: Ocke Riewerts GER)
  • Caroline Harris (35) from Stroud, Gloucestershire, with Karen Dunford, Dinah Posford and Gail Sinclair’s Cooley Mosstown (bay, gelding, 9yrs, 16.1hh, Celtic Hero BZ x Riverman, Breeder: David Harrison IRL) and Lucy Matthews, Fiona Olivier, Marie Anne Richardson and Heather Royle’s D. Day (bay, gelding, 11yrs, 16.1hh, Billy Mexico x Dilum XX, Breeder: Fiona Olivier GBR)
  • Yasmin Ingham (28) based in Nantwich, Cheshire and originally from The Isle of Man, with Janette Chinn and The Sue Davies Fund’s Rehy DJ (bay, gelding, 15yrs, 16.2hh, Tinarana’s Inspector x Big Sink Hope, Breeder: Noell Russell IRL)
  • Emily King (29) from Halkyn, Holywell, Flintshire with Paula and David Evans, David King and her own Valmy Biats (bay, gelding, 16yrs, 16.2hh, Orlando x Hadja, Breeder: Phillipe Brivois FRA)
  • Piggy March (44) from Maidwell, Northamptonshire, with Jayne McGivern’s Halo (grey, stallion, 12yrs, 16.2hh, Humphrey 61 x Contender, Breeder: Bernard Hobe GER)
  • Harry Meade (41) from West Littleton, Wiltshire, with Charlotte and Peter Opperman’s Cavalier Crystal (bay, mare, 15yrs, 16.3hh, Jack of Diamonds x Cavalier Royale, Breeder: Thomas Horgan IRL) and Mandy Gray and his own Et Hop Du Matz (bay, gelding, 11yrs, 16.2hh, Nouma D’Auzay x Easy Star, Breeder: Roger Sevette FRA)
  • Tom McEwen (34) from Stroud, Gloucestershire, with John and Chloe Perry and Alison Swinburn’s Brookfield Quality (bay, gelding, 16yrs, 16.2hh, OBOS Quality 004 x Cavalier Royale, Breeder: Sean Kelly IRL) and James and Jo Lambert and Deirdre Johnston’s JL Dublin (dark brown, gelding, 14yrs, 16.2hh, Diarado x Cantano, Breeder: Volker Göttsche-Götze GER)
  • Gemma Stevens (40) from Horsham, West Sussex, with Pru Dawes’ Flash Cooley (grey, gelding, 13yrs, 16.1hh, CSF Mr Kroom x OBOS Quality, Breeder: Jim O’Neil IRL)
  • Oliver Townend (42) from Ellesmere, Shropshire, with Karyn Shuter, Val Ryan and Angela Hislop’s Ballaghmor Class (grey, gelding 18yrs, 16.2hh, s. Courage II, Breeder: Noel Hicky IRL) and Paul and Diana Ridgeon’s Cooley Rosalent (grey, mare, 11yrs, 16.2hh, Valent x Roselier, Breeder: JW Rosbotham IRL)
  • Bubby Upton (26) from Newmarket, Suffolk, with Rachel Upton’s Cola (brown, gelding, 15yrs, 16.2hh, Catoki x Contender, Breeder: Peter Boege GER) and the Five Time Syndicate and her own Its Cooley Time (grey, gelding, 10yrs, 16.1hh, Quality Time TN x Heartbreaker, Breeder: Ishennisnag Stud IRL)

At the time of release, the names of the grooms for each horse have not been confirmed, but will be included in the final squad announcement.

Selection decisions are subject to the athletes and horses maintaining fitness and performance. The selected squad of six combinations to travel to Blenheim Palace will be announced mid to late August.

The funding that the British Equestrian World Class Programme receives from the National Lottery and UK Sport is pivotal in preparing teams for senior championships and supporting them on the ground.

US Equestrian Approves New Rule Changes Focused on Equine Welfare and Fairness in Sport

By on Jun 24, 2025 9:00 am -

In a continued effort to strengthen equine welfare and support the integrity of equestrian sport, the US Equestrian (USEF) Board of Directors approved a series of impactful rule changes during its Mid-Year Board Meeting, held June 16–17 in Lexington, Ky.

Among the key updates were initiatives to broaden anti-doping testing methods, enhance communication protocols for veterinary services at events, and improve rule clarity in the sport of eventing.

Expanded Anti-Doping Measures: Hair Testing Approved

In a significant move to bolster anti-doping efforts, the Board approved an amendment to GR402.1, allowing the use of hair testing in addition to traditional blood and urine samples. Hair testing enables detection of certain prohibited substances—including barbiturates like euthanasia drugs—for much longer periods of time, offering a more comprehensive tool in the fight against illicit drug use in horses. This change will go into effect July 1, 2025, with a full list of banned substances to be published prior to implementation.

Veterinary Registration Requirement for Competition Grounds

Another new addition, GR843, mandates that veterinarians treating horses on competition grounds must register with the Federation, though they will not be required to become USEF members. This rule, effective December 1, 2025, is designed to help event organizers communicate efficiently with attending vets regarding biosecurity measures, disease outbreaks, and other critical veterinary concerns. The goal is to better safeguard the health of horses at competitions across the country.

Clarifying Technical Eliminations in Eventing (Effective December 1, among other rule changes across disciplines)

In the discipline of eventing, the Board approved EV104.8, which offers a comprehensive definition of “Technical Elimination” (TE). Effective December 1, 2025, this rule aims to clearly distinguish between eliminations due to performance issues and those stemming from technical errors, such as failure to wear the correct attire or starting at the wrong time. By creating a standardized framework for officials and competitors, USEF hopes to improve fairness and reduce confusion across events.

A link to the complete rule change document is available here; be sure to brush up before the changes take effect, whether you are an official or a competitor.

These rule changes are part of USEF’s broader strategy to elevate equine sport ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, with an emphasis on integrity, safety, and consistency.

Stay tuned to usef.org for further updates and educational resources surrounding these rule changes as their effective dates approach.

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Jun 24, 2025 12:01 am -

Caitlin Davison and M Cloudy de Lune SE. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

We’re sending strength and healing to Caitlin Davison, a beloved member of the eventing community who was recently seriously injured in a riding accident. Caitlin, known for her compassionate and skilled approach to training both horses and riders, faces a long road to recovery and will undergo surgery today (Tuesday). A GoFundMe has been launched to help with medical bills and support her while she’s unable to work. If you’re able to donate — or even just share the fundraiser — it would mean the world. Let’s rally around Caitlin the way she’s always shown up for others. You can also see more updates from Caitlin during her recovery process on her Facebook page here.

U.S. Events Opening Entries Today

GMHA Festival of Eventing August H.T. (VT); Otter Creek Summer H.T. (WI); Fair Hill International Recognized H.T. (MD); WindRidge Farm Summer H.T. (NC); Woodside Summer H.T. (CA)

U.S. Events Closing Entries Today

Summer Coconino HT and Western Underground, Inc. TR,N,BN 3 Day Event (AZ); The Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm (MD); Genesee Valley Hunt H.T. (NY); Huntington Farm H.T. (VT)

News & Reading

“He’s never going to the Olympics, but never sell this horse.” That’s the assessment given to one of the mustangs purchased from a correctional facility training program by David Wilson and Olivia Knott. After acquiring several mustangs from Northern Nevada Correctional Center Wild Horse Training Facility in Carson City, NV, the roundabout journey of David and Olivia now leads them west to the USEA American Eventing Championships this summer at Galway Downs. Read more about these special mustangs here.

For most riders, a win at a competition like VHC Eventing would be thrilling. For James Power and his Connemara, Brambleridge Ponder The Truth, it was something else entirely: a triumph over odds most never face. After a freak accident involving a rusty t-post on a hack, James wasn’t sure his friend would make it to the other side, let alone compete. When they finally did get the green light to get back to showing, there was a never a goal to win. But they did just that — you won’t want to miss the full story here.

Want to fill out your bookshelf this summer? Then you’ll want to tune in for Trafalgar Square Books’ “Barn Sale” happening now! As the publisher prepares to move to a new home, they’ve put a ton of inventory on sale and there are some crazy deals to be had! Stock up and shop the sale here.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

Endocrine Disorders: More Than Just Laminitis

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

We often think of PPID and EMS/ID in terms of laminitis — but the impact goes much further. New research shows these endocrine disorders can affect joints, tendons, exercise tolerance, fertility, and more. It’s a whole-horse issue, not just a hoof one.

At Kentucky Performance Products, we believe in proactive care backed by science. From aging athletes to metabolic-prone ponies, smart nutrition plays a vital role in managing endocrine health and preventing complications before they start.

Not sure where to begin?
👉 Visit KPPusa.com for expert support and trusted supplements.

Because every horse deserves to feel their best — from the inside out.

Video Break

An update on Remi the OTTB!

Weekend Winners: Stable View, Midsouth, Loudoun Hunt, Fox River Valley, Round Top, Valinor Farm, & Bucks County

By on Jun 23, 2025 12:52 pm -

Happy Monday, Eventing Nation! Thanks for joining us to celebrate this week’s Weekend Winners!

We saw a busy weekend, with seven events running across the country – from Massachusetts to South Carolina to Illinois, Colorado, and more, Eventers braved the summer heat to tackle these events.

Congrats to all on successful weekends, with a special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award, Kyra Steinrock and Really All Gold, who scored a 19.8 at Midsouth in the Training Rider, Div. 1!

Stable View Summer H.T. (SC): [Website][Scoring]

Advanced: Sara Beth Anton and Go Go (60.5)
Open Intermediate: Moriah Orms and Shanaclough Quality Clover (40.4)
Open Preliminary: Waylon Roberts and Fernhill Salt Lake (29.1)
Preliminary Rider: Lily Barlow and Spiderman (35.4)
Modified Rider: Ella Wegerich and VC Hermes du Landran (33.3)
Open Modified: Candace Elizabeth Bell and Shmick (28.9)
Open Training: Sarah Kuhn and Hashtag Trending (25.8)
Training Rider: Kaitlyn Cobey and Redfield Need For Speed (24.7)
Novice Rider A: Stephanie Letarte and Garryndruig Albie (25.0)
Novice Rider B: Charlotte Terry and WHF Wilhelmina (32.2)
Open Novice: Sarah Kuhn and Pokerface (26.9)
Beginner Novice Rider: Evan Harris and RREF Rubix (25.6)
Open Beginner Novice: Lily Barlow and AF Royale Contender (25.0)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Allie Keresman (@alliekeres)

Midsouth Pony Club H.T. (KY): [Website][Scoring]

Open Intermediate/Preliminary-Open: Mia Farley and Fast Forward (29.2)
Open Preliminary, Div. 1: Rosie Napravnik and Army Ranger (28.1)
Open Preliminary, Div. 2: Marin Swyers and Fernhill Mac an Bata (31.9)
Open Modified, Div. 1: Abby Blackburn and Ballysimon Cavalier (29.7)
Open Modified, Div. 2: Jessena Defler and Quality on Tap (27.1)
Open Training: Madison Temkin and Fernhill Celtic Flight (26.2)
Training Horse: Rosie Napravnik and Boleo (25.7)
Training Rider, Div. 1: Kyra Steinrock and Really All Gold (19.8)
Training Rider, Div. 2: Kathleen Fitzgerald and Spotted Chap (29.8)
Novice Horse: Chelsey Sawtell and Show Off Z (29.2)
Novice Rider, Div. 1: Kendall Norris and Aneira (26.1)
Novice Rider, Div. 2: Sabine Nicoson and One Sly Fox (29.4)
Novice Rider, Div. 3: Viviana Dunlap and Elegance (27.5)
Novice Rider, Div. 4: Holly Goen and Ildiko T (31.1)
Open Novice: Jessica Gibson and Stormy Clover (25.6)
Beg Novice Horse, Div. 2: Jesse Chapman and Boujie Babe (38.7)
Beg Novice Horse, Div. 1: Woods Baughman and Pacific Harbor (30.6)
Beg Novice Rider, Div. 3: Melanie Helms and Edelweiss du theil (26.3)
Beg Novice Rider, Div. 1: Lauren Ketch and Lather, Rinse, Repeat (29.9)
Beg Novice Rider, Div. 2: Nicola Tucker and Pandora (30.6)
Open Beginner Novice: Emily Hansen-Palmus and Lucero (25.0)
Open Introductory: Marty Riney and Ghost Lion (26.0)
Open Starter, Div 3: Olivia Palmer and Sir Edward (32.7)
Open Starter, Div. 1: Azure Schloemer and Royal Lady (30.7)
Open Starter, Div. 2: Joshlyn Hernandez and Kynymont Indelibly Irish (25.7)
Open Starter, Div. 4: Laurie Barrett and Global to the Max (23.7)
Open Starter, Div. 5: Paige Markel and Tinkerbelle (31.3)

Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Summer H.T. (VA): [Website][Scoring]

Preliminary Open: Daniel Clasing and Barbados OS (29.0)
Training Junior: Theodora Byars and Carbon Copy Z (35.0)
Training Open: Caitlin O’Roark and Maple’s Spicy Chilli (32.5)
Training Rider: Rachael Livermore and Accuraat Z (26.9)
Novice Horse: Jaclyn Burke and Casino Kid (28.3)
Novice Junior: Kara Levi and Champagne Toast (41.3)
Novice Open: Emily Mastervich and MGH HighLife (29.4)
Novice Rider: Michaela Yowaiski and Tego (31.1)
Beginner Novice Junior: Brendi Carley and Unforgettable (34.8)
Beginner Novice Open: Martin Douzant and Frame Nantucket S (23.5)
Beginner Novice Rider: Jill Widdifield and Zurich (33.0)
Introductory: Karen Conk and Khurasan (30.0)
Starter STA: Courtney Bell and Joke’s On You (30.0)
Starter STB: Lisa Hannan and Lowenbrau (29.3)

Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T. (IL): [Website][Scoring]

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nicolette Adams (@nicoletteadams13)

Open Preliminary: Nicolette Adams and Total Access (30.9)
Modified/Training: Ann Bower and San Rubin (34.0)
Open Training: Rebecca Gall and Gemily (25.1)
Training Rider: Jordan Scroggins and C25’s Bugatti (25.6)
Junior Novice Rider: Anya Szwejbka and King Bing (30.4)
Novice Horse: Kristine Burgess and Charmer de Muze Z (27.1)
Open Novice: Cigi Sutrick and Charming Day (28.1)
Senior Novice Rider: Jessica Doering and Jax (29.2)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Adysen Minneman and Haze Bay Under Way (26.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Ava Friese and Big Bad Spotty (21.8)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Lianne Burgess and Marisol (24.1)
Starter A: Aliya Bedell and Rum Tum Tugger (27.7)
Starter B: Rebekah Wittenberg and Jackie Blue Jack (29.0)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ellia Barnes (@ellia_eventing)

Round Top H.T. (CO): [Omnibus][Scoring]

Novice: Julie Pawlak and Viva la Vida (23.1)
Beginner Novice: Madeline Backus and P.S. Sir Balinor (20.0)
Starter: Amanda Porterfield and The Last Call (21.6)

Valinor Farm H.T. (MA): [Website][Scoring]

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Zina Baltopoulos (@zinatopple)

Modified: Julia Grella and Nero per caso (38.5)
Open Training: Kristina Branco and Acacia GS (35.4)
Training Rider: Mariah Cates and Leonidas (31.1)
Novice Rider A: Leyla Sheldon and EACHANN TL (35.8)
Novice Rider B: Jennifer Clapp and Sidamo de Brio (23.1)
Open Novice: Corrinne Lauze and Anam Cara (29.3)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Cathlene Clark and Falco (32.9)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Nancy Roche and Saphyra (23.2)
Open Beginner Novice: Megan Ledoux and Anthem (31.2)
Starter A: Marissa Corcoran and Catalogue LB (33.3)
Starter B: Alyssa Vieira and Fred Bob (36.7)
Starter C: Kaitlyn Grennon and High on believing (34.3)

Bucks County Horse Park H.T. (PA): [Website][Scoring]

HT-Preliminary/Training-Open: Sophie Reed and Leabeg Sam (34.2)
HT-Training-Open: Jen Kostiv and Fast Gordon (41.1)
HT-Novice-Open: Jamie Leuenberger and N’Chantress (20.6)
HT-Beginner Novice-Open: Jamie Leuenberger and Pandaeia GHF (30.4)
TEST-Starter-Open: Kim DiMascio and Donnabelle NZ (35.3)
YEH-4 Year-old-Open: Emily E. Lehman and Day Drunk (80.1)
YEH-5 Year-old-Open: Stefanie Mazza and Mystic Harbor (84.8)

Sweden Makes FEI Nations Cup History at Strzegom

By on Jun 23, 2025 9:00 am -

Team Sweden take the win for the CCIO4*-S FEI Eventing Nations Cup | Poland. Chef d’Equipe: Fredrik Bergendorff. Stina Arosenius and Lorelei-L; Amanda Staam and Carilda Rose AT; Jenny Glebenius and Canela. Photo: Libby Law Photography/FEI.

An all-female team made history this week by winning Sweden’s first-ever FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ leg, marking a significant achievement for the country in the history of the Series. Their victory at the popular polish venue of Strzegom was made even more impressive by the fact that this was a team made up of just three horse-and-athlete combinations. Their final score of 151.1 placed them ahead of the home nation, Poland, who scored 158.5. Germany finished well behind in third with 1100.4, after the early withdrawal of one of their athletes following the Dressage phase.

Five teams started this second leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™, none of whom had competed at the opening leg of the Series, which took place at Bicton in Great Britain last month. Spectators were kept entertained as the leaderboard changed dramatically throughout the competition. On paper, the French team looked to be the strongest, but after two of their athletes were eliminated on the cross country, their chances were dashed.

It was the Swedish trio of Stina Arosenius and Lorelei-L, Amanda Staam and Carilda Rose AT, and Jenny Glebenius and Canela who proved their resilience, climbing from last place after Dressage to first place after the cross country phase yesterday. It was also a definitively female performance, as all three athletes were riding mares.

Stina Arosenius (SWE) and Lorelei-L. Photo: Libby Law/FEI.

Sweden’s Chef d’Equipe, Fredrik Bergendorff, who has worked tirelessly to develop teams for his nation and deliver promising performances at championship level, was delighted with the result. Speaking after the competition, he emphasised the significance of the Nations Cup Series as a means of giving younger combinations an opportunity to learn while being part of a team: “We had a great day yesterday (in the cross country), and it was nice for these girls to be able to finish it off today. They are inexperienced or riding inexperienced horses, and this is really about learning. To be able to learn and to win like this has been fantastic. These riders have worked hard to figure out their system, and if I can help a little, I do that. But this win is because of them. Now, the spring season comes to a halt, and we need to take a moment to reflect and think about the European Championships in the autumn, considering how to best prepare for that.”

After finishing fourth here last year, 28-year-old Stina Arosenius was once again competing along her long-term partner Lorelei-L, who, at 16 years old, looked as good as ever. Arosenius summed up their experience at Strzegom: “It has been sunny and fantastic, quite dramatic from the beginning, but totally amazing to finish like this. I think we’re going to take our lorries home to Sweden, but we take a lot of happiness and joy with us, and then, with our families and our beautiful horses, we’ll celebrate.”

Jenny Glebenius (SWE) and Canela. Photo: Libby Law/FEI.

Jenny Glebenius delivered the best individual performance for the Swedish team by finishing third overall with the lovely Swedish-bred mare Canela, who, at eight years old, was one of the youngest horses in the field. The pair produced one of the fastest cross country rounds of the day but had an unlucky rail in the Jumping, which cost them second place. “The cross country was amazing; it was a really nice course. We love everything about this sport, and doing this with the horses is very special,” she said after her podium result.

Thirty-five-year-old Amanda Staam finished just behind Glebenius in fourth place, riding her own Carilda Rose, another Swedish-bred mare. “It’s super cool, and we are very, very happy. All three of us are very proud of our horses and very happy to be here, doing this together. This success is because our horses are so great, and our hard work paid off. We stuck to the plan and had a lot of fun during this week.”

Strzegom has now hosted a leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ on 12 previous occasions. Once again, the cross country course was designed by Marcin Konarski, who is also the Organiser of Strzegom. The course is always influential, and Konarski set a challenging test, with no combination jumping clear within the time. In fact, only 5% of starters have finished both clear and inside the time, and five of the twelve FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ editions have seen no one make the time at all.

Amanda Staam (SWE) and Carilda Rose A. Photo: Libby Law/FEI.

The cross country leader was Germany’s Heike Jahncke, who praised the Series and the course. “I really like this show. We all know that this competition in June is the most difficult one. It’s an honour to ride a Nations Cup for a team, and we must thank Marcin and the whole organising team for their support. There was no entry fee for the Nations Cup horses, which was very nice, as we all know how expensive the sport can be, and that gives us a great opportunity. At Strzegom, the cross country isn’t just one question—it’s always question after question. The water complex was the most difficult, and you always have to be prepared for everything. Marcin has done a great job, and it was lovely to ride.”

The Nations Cup Series now heads to Avenches in Switzerland, which takes place from 24-27 July. Great Britain, who won their home leg at Bicton last month, are currently in equal first place with Sweden, both on a score of 100.

Strzegom CCI4*-L/S (Poland): [Website] [Scores] [Live Stream Replays]

Monday News & Notes from Futuretrack

By on Jun 23, 2025 12:30 am -

The U.S. team horses competing at CHIO Aachen the first weekend in July are undergoing final preps before they fly to Germany this week, taking part in a training camp in Pennsylvania before heading out on their journey. To send off the team in style, the Martins hosted a get together at their Windurra USA base. The team (which includes former CHIO Aachen winners Will Coleman and Off the Record, Boyd Martin and Comamndo 3, Phillip Dutton and Possante, Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake, as well as James Alliston and Karma as individuals) will begin their travel in just a few days, and we’ll be catching up with them on the other side of the Atlantic very soon. Safe travels to all!

U.S. Weekend Preview

Stable View Summer H.T. (SC): [Website] [Scores]

Midsouth Pony Club H.T. (KY): [Website] [Scores]

Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Summer H.T. (VA): [Website] [Scores]

Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T. (IL): [Website] [Scores]

Round Top H.T. (CO): [Omnibus] [Scores]

Valinor Farm H.T. (MA): [Website] [Scores]

Bucks County Horse Park H.T. (PA): [Website] [Scores]

Major International Events

Strzegom CCI4*-L/S (Poland) *FEI Nations Cup Event*: [Website] [Scores] [Live Stream Replays]

News & Reading

While many riders spend decades searching for their “horse of a lifetime,” Meghan O’Donoghue considers herself doubly blessed. At only 35 years of age, the international 5* event rider has already had two such horses. Pirate’s Gold Star and Palm Crescent—both bay OTTB geldings—achieved remarkable success at eventing’s highest peak, guided by Meghan’s unwavering love and respect for them. Read a feature on Meghan here.

You may have read a feature on the Full Moon Farm Eventing Foundation on EN over the weekend, and further to that is this story on the Foundation’s inception and mission on The Chronicle of the Horse here — don’t miss it, and make sure to learn more about the FMFEF fundraisers happening all year long!

5* rider Matt Brown has put his thoughts on record: it’s time to let go of the whip, especially in competition settings. The concept has sparked much discussion on social media, and you can read Matt’s thoughts and form your own opinions here.

Dayton Gorsline, who has served as the jumping youth development program advisor for Equestrian Canada since 2019, has been permanently suspended by the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner, part of the Canadian Safe Sport Program, for alleged “boundary transgressions, grooming, physical maltreatment and sexual maltreatment.” Read more on this story here.

Video Break

Check in on some Preliminary action from Fox River Valley this weekend:

Sunday Links

By on Jun 22, 2025 12:01 am -

We love it when our “horse friends” take their talents global! John Kyle, one of our sport’s commentators who was also a co-host on The Go Eventing Podcast recently, recently received his invitation to work the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy! If you’re planning to tune in, you’ll be hearing his commentary (and if you weren’t, now you have a big reason to!). Congratulations, John!

U.S. Weekend Preview

Stable View Summer H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountryApp Course Previews]

Midsouth Pony Club H.T. (KY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountryApp Course Previews]

Loudoun Hunt Pony Club Summer H.T. (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Fox River Valley Pony Club H.T. (IL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Round Top H.T. (CO): [Omnibus] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Valinor Farm H.T. (MA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Bucks County Horse Park H.T. (PA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

Major International Events

Strzegom CCI4*-L/S (Poland) *FEI Nations Cup Event*: [Website] [Schedule/Timing/Scoring] [Live Stream]

Links & Reading

Mighty-Mouthed Pests: 5 Tactics To Combat the Bugs Behind Sweet Itch

From Wild to World Equestrian Center: Chincoteague Ponies Make a Splash, Delight Fans Ahead of Centennial Pony Swim

Improving Your Riding: Knowledge Isn’t Enough

Video Break

Relive THAT Hickstead Derby moment, and don’t forget to watch this year’s running today and on-demand on ClipMyHorse.TV (spoiler alert: there are two eventers competing!):