Classic Eventing Nation

Weekend Winners: The Fork, Otter Creek, Aspen Farm, Flying Cross, GMHA & Marlborough

By on Sep 14, 2026 2:30 pm -

Hello, Eventing Nation! We’re starting another week in our fall season by celebrating a wonderful weekend of Eventing!

We’re recapping and celebrating all of our Weekend Winners here, and giving a special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award: Lauren Lambert and FE JOKER IS COMING, who won the Open Training A division at the Fork on a 20.0!

The Fork at Tryon International (NC): [Website][Scoring]

CCI 4*S: Boyd Martin and Luke 140 (40.3)
CCI 3*L: Dana Cooke and FE Quattro (28.0)
CCI 3*S: Emily Mastervich and Posh Quality (35.0)
CCI 2*L: Lauren Lambert and FE Alfonso Z (34.0)
CCI 2*S: Sharon White and Arden Janeway (27.8)
CCI 1*S: Alyssa Phillips and Nadal (23.0)
Advanced: William Coleman and Box Como (36.1)
Open Intermediate: Morgan Batton and Betty Z (43.3)
Open Preliminary: Allison Springer and No May Moon (31.8)
Preliminary Rider: Ashlyn Hayworth and Fernhill Barndarig (34.4)
Modified: Allison Springer and Nadira 34 (25.6)
Open Training A: Lauren Lambert and FE JOKER IS COMING (20.0)
Open Training B: Ashlyn Hayworth and Hello Paradise (29.4)
Training Rider: Morgan Getchell and Fernhill Famous (23.8)
Novice CT: Lauren Lambert and FE Harvey (26.8)
Novice Rider CT: Cynthia Holbrook and Sweet Pea (27.9)
Beginner Novice CT: Jane Musselman and Joyau Du Guerny (23.1)
Beginner Novice Rider CT: Maddie Goddard and FGF Tiebreak Bella (30.6)

Otter Creek Fall H.T. (WI): [Website][Scoring]

Intermediate Championship: Meaghan Marinovich-Burdick and Excalibur O’ Donoghue (37.9)
Open Intermediate: Todd Wulf and Kilcannon Max (45.1)
Open Preliminary: Liz Lund and R’MANI CF (43.5)
Preliminary Championship: Natassa Papadakis and FE Cortino (59.6)
Modified Championship: Ann Bower and San Rubin (31.7)
Open Modified: Cigi Sutrick and Charming Day (33.1)
Open Training: Kristine Burgess and Charmer de Muze Z (24.1)
Senior Training Rider: Sara Stone and Ingress (33.5)
Training Championship: Charles Campbell and Fighting Fellow (25.0)
Junior Novice Rider: Riley Mueller and Gemily (24.4)
Novice Championship: Cambria Konkle and Mister Cooley (22.3)
Open Novice: Liz Lund and FORREST GUMP CF (25.9)
Senior Novice Rider: Sofie Goodlund and Bimini Sands (29.0)
Beginner Novice Championship: Lianne Burgess and Marisoll (28.1)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Ella Michael and Mi Amor (33.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Kristen Rozycki and Offshore (25.6)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Nicole Jaeb and Valkyrie (28.8)
Starter A: Amy Tatnell and Apollo (26.1)
Starter B: Ellen Weis and Red Rose Vik (30.3)
Starter Championship: Patricia Bourdon and Put the Lime in the Coconut (28.8)

Aspen Farm H.T. (WA): [Website][Scoring]

Open Intermediate: Sara Sellmer and Sportsfield Supernatural (44.3)
Open Preliminary: Patience O’Neal and Viva Las Vegas (26.1)
Preliminary Rider: Brynn Josey and Gentle Gallucci (36.7)
Junior Training: Camille Smith and Kensington LV (33.5)
Training Amateur A: Karyn Smith and Supernova (30.6)
Training Amateur B: Lorilee Hanson and Dionysos (26.9)
Open Training: Stephanie Goodman and Kremer VD Falieberg (28.5)
Training Horse: Maya Black and Django HS (26.8)
Junior Novice A: Izabella Fierner and Devotion WGF (22.4)
Junior Novice B: Hailey Huarte and Her Copilot (20.9)
Novice Amateur A: Emi Hansen and Lil’ Bunny Foo Foo (30.7)
Novice Amateur B: Diane John and Boris (27.1)
Open Novice: Patience O’Neal and Decadent Blue (28.1)
Novice Horse: Erin Grandia and Lexi CF (25.6)
Junior Beginner Novice: Audrey Rehberger and Frigal (29.1)
Beginner Novice Amateur A: Kristin Maloney and BC Madoc (32.4)
Beginner Novice Amateur B: Caroline Smith and Northern Vigor (28.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Adria Fix and ESP Tiny Dancer (37.1)
Beginner Novice Horse: Ashley Loucks and Domina WSS (27.5)

Flying Cross Farm H.T. (KY): [Website][Scoring]

HT-Modified-Open: Claire Rigney and Cobra King (34.2)
HT-Training-Open:Amanda Richard and Volante CPF (31.5)
HT-Training-Rider: Hannah Garner and Drumcrave Frank (28.8)
HT-Novice-Open A: Stephanie Richardson and Undercover Cooley (24.1)
HT-Novice-Open B: Suzanna Hall and Upland Seven Z (30.3)
HT-Novice-Rider A: Lauren Collett and Cozywing (20.6)
HT-Novice-Rider B: Abbie Bush and Ardeo Copperfield (27.1)
HT-Beginner Novice-Open A: Madeleine Richards and Smitten GHF (20.9)
HT-Beginner Novice-Open B: Elizabeth Swire and Lord Vries SVN (26.3)
HT-Beginner Novice-Rider A: Emily Aschbacher and Sauveteur (35.2)
HT-Beginner Novice-Rider B: Karen Taylor and Weekapaug Groove (32.1)
TEST-Intro-Open: Holly Barger and Here’s Carlos (36.1)
TEST-Starter-Open A: Katie Reisz and Will’s Wildcat (22.2)
TEST-Starter-Open B: Alayna Lalka and Lady Loki (28.1)
TEST-Starter-Open C: Jillian Embry and Chilli Star (29.5)

GMHA September H.T. (VT): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Elizabeth Meyers and Starr Kaz (39.5)
Open Modified: Susan Gornall and Abounding Angel (34.4)
Junior Training: Adeline Tullar and Fernhill Forest (29.7)
Open Training: Katie Murphy and Grafik Opposition (31.3)
Training Rider: Paige Beliveau and Pi Mensae (31.2)
Junior Novice A: Ava Hamlett and Ballynoe Bruce (30.3)
Junior Novice B: Caroline Reardon and Playing With Quarters (23.5)
Novice Rider A: Sandy Lovejoy and Ardeo Granite Mountain (25.0)
Novice Rider B: Mary Shimkin and Captain Kismit (31.2)
Open Novice: Danielle Downing and Shaboozey (26.2)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Tara Astacio and Money to Burn (29.1)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Donna White and Celestial Bliss (34.7)
Junior Beginner Novice A: Adelaide Reist and Firecracker (30.9)
Junior Beginner Novice B: Anna Estes and Dazzle Me Duke (27.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Ferial Johnson and Gone Black AND Linnea Ackerman and Norma Jeane (29.7)

Marlborough H.T. (MD): [Website][Scoring]

Open Training: Donald Ruths jr and Raven (37.5)
Training Rider: Sam Cecil and CCS Spotlight (42.3)
Novice Rider: Chloe Luedtke and Insuspense (25.6)
Open Novice: Ellie Horah and Mystic Fair (32.5)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Ryleigh Adams and Girl Scout Cookie (35.3)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Ryan Gaches and Franklin’s Reserve (42.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Kaitlin Clasing and Faction (30.9)
Starter Horse: Alexa Hellenthal and Practical Magic (29.4)
Starter Rider: Lula Simpson and The Legend of Caldez (34.1)

A Decade in the Making: New Water Complex Coming to Adelaide’s Victoria Park for 2027

By on Sep 14, 2026 9:00 am -

Madison Seivwright and Waitaingi Pinterest at the 2026 Adelaide Equestrian Festival. Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.

Nearly ten years after the idea was first conceived, a new water jump is coming to Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi, the home of the Adelaide Equestrian Festival and sole CCI5* in the southern hemisphere.

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival has announced it will debut a new water complex within Victoria Park ahead of the 2027 edition of the event, a project first championed by former Event Director and dual Olympic gold medallist Gillian Rolton AM before her passing in 2017. Gillian, who ran the event (then the Australian International Three-Day Event) for a decade, remains one of the most significant figures in Adelaide’s history: she won team gold for Australia at both the 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta Games, and Victoria Park itself hosted her state funeral following her death.

The Victoria Park Water Jump has been part of the Festival’s long-term vision for its home in the Adelaide Park Lands, and the organizing team have billed it as an important legacy project for both the Festival and the sport of eventing in Australia. Work on the project got underway prior to Gillian’s death, but was shelved amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced a three-year postponement of the event itself.

A rendering of the forthcoming new water question to be added at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival in 2027.

With the Festival now firmly re-established on the international calendar, preliminary work resumed in early 2025 in partnership with the City of Adelaide.

The new water complex has been designed to sit lightly on the landscape it occupies; a consideration that is an important part of the ongoing sustainability and future of the sport. The site is an existing cleared area within Victoria Park’s naturally undulating terrain, and for most of the year it will simply read as a grassed depression in the parkland. Only during the Festival itself will the complex hold water, using stormwater engineering and water-management systems built into the design.

Adelaide’s beautiful parklands play host to the first CCI5* of the season in April. Photo by Atalya Boytner.

Notably, the project does not require removing any trees or established vegetation, and organizers say it will not be affected by the new MotoGP circuit also being built within the park ahead of an anticipated November 2027 race — a project that is separately reshaping parts of Adelaide’s competition footprint (as EN reported when Clayton Fredericks was named the new CCI5* cross-country designer for 2027).

Adelaide Equestrian Festival Event Director Kirsty Withers called seeing the project move toward reality an emotional milestone.

“This is a project that has been close to a decade in the making,” she said. “Cross country is the defining discipline of our event and sport — a second water complex brings Adelaide’s course infrastructure in line with the world’s leading venues. To be realizing Gill’s vision ten years on is incredibly special.”

Kirsty added that the design philosophy centers on working with, rather than against, the existing parkland. “The site is already cleared and naturally depressed, allowing us to create something that presents as part of the grassed Park Lands year round and then transforms into a world-class competition feature during the Festival,” she said.

The new water jump arrives as Adelaide navigates a broader reshaping of its home turf. The Festival is working alongside the South Australian Government and the SA Motor Sport Board to ensure the 2027 event — set for April 15-18 — is delivered to the standard expected of a five-star competition while the park simultaneously accommodates MotoGP circuit work. A new event layout, which will see some temporary rejigging of the grounds’ layout for 2027, is in development to respond to the changes within Victoria Park, with organizers aiming to preserve the atmosphere and professional presentation the Festival is known for among competitors, spectators, partners, and traders.

It won’t be the first time Adelaide has had to adapt on the fly. “Our team is no stranger to adapting to disruption and change within the Adelaide Park Lands, with the Festival having successfully operated outside the traditional Victoria Park hub on a number of occasions throughout its history,” Kirsty said.

Adelaide Equestrian Festival Deputy Chair Karlene Maywald framed the project as part of a longer-range strategy to protect the Festival’s standing on the international calendar.

Photo by Atalya Boytner.

“The Adelaide Equestrian Festival is an iconic international event that has been successfully staged in the Adelaide Park Lands for more than 25 years,” she said. “The Victoria Park Water Jump represents an important investment in the Festival’s future. We are pleased to work collaboratively with the City of Adelaide, South Australian Government and SA Motor Sport Board on the opportunities ahead for the Festival.”

“Our focus is not simply on navigating the changes required for 2027, but on ensuring the Adelaide Equestrian Festival continues to thrive, evolve and strengthen its international standing for decades to come,” she added.

Adelaide remains the only CCI5* in the southern hemisphere and one of just six such events run worldwide (a number the sport hopes to see return to seven in 2027 with the re-addition of the Maryland 5 Star, under new management). The venue’s signature urban course, which famously threads through closed-down city streets within Victoria Park, has long been central to its identity. A second water complex would bring its cross country infrastructure closer in line with fellow five-star venues like Kentucky, Badminton, and Burghley, each of which features multiple water features on course.

The announcement also lands amid a broader changing of the guard at Adelaide. Longtime designer Mike Etherington-Smith is handing the CCI5* course design reins to Clayton Fredericks for 2027, while himself shifting into a Course Advisor role and Ewan Kellett stepping in as Assistant Course Designer. Clayton will now be tasked with incorporating the new water complex into his first five-star design, something he’s expressed to us that he’s quite excited to do.

More details on the new layout, and how the water complex will factor into the course itself, are expected as planning continues. In the meantime, tickets for the 2027 Adelaide Equestrian Festival, April 15-18, are available here.

Monday News & Notes from Equine Discounts

By on Sep 14, 2026 12:01 am -

The US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final, worth over $200,000 including leaderboard bonuses, is coming to Morven Park October 8-11! This is one of the most exciting additions to high performance eventing in the U.S. and boasts the highest amount of prize money, aside from five-star prizes, in the sport.

We’re expecting a rocking entry list for the headlining CCI4*-L division at Morven Park (Leesburg, VA) and if you’re wanting to attend there are a few options listed below:

[Get your free spectator ticket and parking]

[Book VIP and tailgating spaces]

[Sign up for a volunteer shift]

[Additional information]

U.S. Weekend Results

The Fork at Tryon International (NC): [Website] [Scoring]

Otter Creek Fall H.T. (WI): [Website] [Scoring]

Aspen Farm H.T. (WA): [Website] [Scoring]

Flying Cross Farm H.T. (KY): [Website] [Scoring]

GMHA September H.T. (VT): [Website] [Scoring]

Marlborough H.T. (MD): [Website] [Scoring]

Links & Reading

Sponsor Corner: Save on John Deere through Equine Discounts

Since 2001, John Deere has proudly served as the official equipment supplier of the equine industry, and through Equine Discounts, that partnership is now available to you.

John Deere brings quality, innovation, and the backing of the industry’s most trusted brand and dealer network to everything you need around the farm — from mowers and tractors to hay equipment and Gator™ Utility Vehicles. Whether you’re running a full-scale operation or maintaining a backyard barn, there’s a discount tier built for you.

Full Time Program
For active equine association members with an equine business (breeders, trainers, owners, veterinarians, farriers, hay producers, and more)
→ Save up to 28% off MSRP

Part Time Program
For anyone holding an active equine association (that includes USEA, your local association and more!) membership for 30+ days.
→ Save up to $2,700 in cash discounts; stackable with most other John Deere offers and special rate financing

Whichever program fits your lifestyle, the John Deere Equine Program makes it easier — and more affordable — to keep your farm running at its best.

[Learn more and check your eligibility at EquineDiscounts.com]

Training Tip of the Day

Work on balance and pace in turns with this exercise using ground poles:

Go Eventing

Check in on some alumni from Strides For Equality Equestrians and what they’ve been up to!

Sunday Links

By on Sep 13, 2026 12:01 am -

A former racehorse forging a second career in the sport of eventing was the star of the final day of Cornbury House Horse Trials, taking place this weekend in England’s Cotswolds.

Enhanced, ridden by Bubby Upton (GBR) and owned by his breeders, Phoebe and Jeffrey Hobby of Brightwalton Stud, won the £45,000 first prize in the Arena Racing Company Racehorse To Eventer Challenge Cup, just tipping one showjump to add four faults to his dressage mark of 25.8.

What is the Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup? Introduced in 2025 at Cornbury and supported by Arena Racing Company, the Racehorse to Eventer Challenge Cup is a joint initiative between the Howden family’s Cornbury House Horse Trials and Jayne McGivern of Dash Grange Stud designed to encourage and promote second careers in eventing of racehorses who have come off the track and those thoroughbreds who didn’t make it to the racecourse. [Read more here]

Bubby said: “Enhanced has been amazing all week. He’s a really, really sensitive horse – his sire is New Approach, and his offspring are renowned for you needing to get on the right side of their brains. I’ve had him for two years and we’ve really built an incredible partnership and developed the trust. Cross-country he’s an absolute Ferrari – the feeling of galloping up these Cornbury hills on a racehorse is unbelievable; so effortlessly fast and powerful. I’m so grateful to David, Jayne and Arena Racing Company for staging this class – it’s amazing for the racehorses to be able to shine.”

Another note from Cornbury: The USA’s Hallie Coon picked up another international win, taking the CCI3*-S Section J victory with her own Tykillen Tango. Here’s what Hallie had to say: “The horse really surprised me this weekend. We came here for a nice run, to prepare for the seven-year-old world championships in Le Lion, so to come and win the open class is really special. He gives me all the feelings that you would want from a top horse.”

[Read more from Cornbury here]

[See full scores here]

[And don’t forget, Cornbury House will be the host of the new FEI Eventing World Championships for U25 Riders in 2027]

U.S. Weekend Events

The Fork at Tryon International (NC): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Live Stream] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Otter Creek Fall H.T. (WI): [Website] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

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

Flying Cross Farm H.T. (KY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

GMHA September H.T. (VT): [Website] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Marlborough H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Links & Reading

Training Tip of the Day

Train your eye by focusing on the right things when finding a distance, as taught by the German Riding Instructor:

Go Eventing

Gamal Awad, husband to Canadian Olympian Hawley Bennett-Awad, was one of the first responders on scene at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. In honor of the 2026 date, Gamal was invited to the Observance Ceremony at the place where he helped to save many lives in service to his country and countrymen and women. Thank you to Gamal and to every other first responder who made an impact on that day.

Team Riders Announced for £50,000 Blenheim Challenge

By on Sep 12, 2026 9:00 am -

Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

As the Agria Blenheim Palace International approaches, riders participating in the inaugural £50,000 Blenheim Challenge have been announced. This new Challenge division will feature developing/rising star riders from Great Britain, the USA and Australia and has been supported by the GB Rising Lions team that sent over a handful of young riders to contest the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S at Defender Kentucky this past April.

The riders who have been announced are:

Olivia Dutton and Jewelent. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

USA:

  • Olivia Dutton and Jewelent
  • Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z
  • Grace Taylor and Bandito van Polderzicht

Great Britain:

  • Isabelle Cook and Cymoon “F” Z
  • Jess Rimmer and The Spice Merchant
  • Barnie Brotherton and DHI King Nelson
  • Josh Levett and Huberthus AC

Oliver Barrett and Sandhills Briar. Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.

Australia:

  • Oliver Barrett and Sandhills Briar

You can see more about each competitor on the GB Rising Lions Instagram page here. The Agria Blenheim Palace International kicks off on September 17 in England, and you can learn more here.

Saturday Links from Morven Park International

By on Sep 12, 2026 12:01 am -

We’re underway with one of the last few qualifiers for next month’s US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final at Morven Park (October 8-11), with The Fork at Tryon’s CCI4*-S and 16 hopefuls vying for the top honors en route to their various fall destination events.

Today will be show jumping for the top level, and things will wrap up with cross country on Sunday. There will be a live stream of some of the competition available on Horse & Country; you can find the link to the live stream here.

To view the current US Equestrian Open leaderboard rankings, click here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

The Fork at Tryon International (NC): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Live Stream] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Otter Creek Fall H.T. (WI): [Website] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

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

Flying Cross Farm H.T. (KY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

GMHA September H.T. (VT): [Website] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Marlborough H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Links & Reading

Sponsor Corner: Morven Park International is Just Around the Corner!

The best way to take in top-level eventing action is to give back! Volunteering is the backbone of our sport, and there are plenty of positions currently open for the Morven Park International CCI & H.T., October 8-11 in Leesburg, VA!

In addition to the chance to win wonderful prizes, Morven Park provides all assigned volunteers with lunches, drinks, and snacks as well as a Morven Park Mansion Pass and a Cross Country Schooling Pass. As of publication, positions like Dressage Scribe, XC Timing, Jump Judging and much more are still available. The volunteer coordinators can work around your schedule and you’ll be getting the best seat in the house to all of the competition action.

To sign up for your shift, click here.

Training Tip of the Day

Four cavaletti or ground poles are all you need for this simple adjustability exercise:

Go Eventing

Ride around Defender Burghley with Simon Grieve and Autograf!

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Sep 11, 2026 12:01 am -

Riders and fans heading to Dressage at Devon for the Capital Square Masterclass featuring Carl Hester have a chance to sharpen their test-riding knowledge beforehand: USDF University’s “Center Line Success” program returns to the Hope Scott Memorial Room on Thursday, September 24 from 2-4 p.m., sponsored by Team Tate Academy.

With USDF dressage tests set to change on December 1, 2026 (USEF’s eventing tests already have this year), the session brings together ‘S’ USEF Dressage judge Jeanne McDonald and ‘S’ USEF Eventing judge Heather Gillette for a panel discussion and Q&A on why the tests are built the way they are, and how to ride the movement sequences with more confidence.

Admission is free, but organizers ask attendees to register by September 22 via email to [email protected] with “Dressage At Devon” in the subject line.

U.S. Weekend Preview

The Fork at Tryon International (NC): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Live Stream] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Otter Creek Fall H.T. (WI): [Website] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

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

Flying Cross Farm H.T. (KY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

GMHA September H.T. (VT): [Website] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Marlborough H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries & Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Links & Reading

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

There’s plenty going on at Stable View Oktoberfest, taking place September 25-27 in Aiken, SC! Over the years, Stable View has built up the happenings at its events, and this year attendees can look forward to a Defender Off-Road Experience presented by Land Rover Jaguar Columbia, which will have vehicles stationed all around the property for the weekend. You can take the experience in from behind the wheel on the all-new off-road course at Stable View (think the similar Defender Experience at Kentucky each spring). Sign-ups in advance are encouraged, and you can secure your spot by calling the Stable View office at (484) 356-3173.

Additionally, the Aiken Horsepower Association’s Annual Car Show will be on site adjacent to the Pavilion Saturday from 9:00am – 2:00pm, which is a great way to send off your car enthusiast horse show supporter for the day!

VIP tickets are also available for Saturday, with guests receiving the best view in the house on the top level of Stable View’s Pavilion, lunch and an open wine and beer bar and much more. Click here to get your tickets.

To learn more about Oktoberfest, click here.

Training Tip of the Day

Some advice on body control from 5* rider Sarah Kuhn:

Go Eventing

The next generation grows up together:

Jacqueline Mars Pledges $500,000 in Matching Funds to USEA Foundation for the Future of Eventing

By on Sep 10, 2026 2:21 pm -

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) Foundation is proud to announce an extraordinary commitment from longtime supporter Jacqueline Mars, who has pledged $500,000 in matching funds to help grow the Foundation’s unrestricted endowment and ensure a strong future for the sport of eventing.

The pledge, which will be distributed in four installments, is contingent upon the USEA Foundation raising an equal amount in unrestricted donations. Every qualifying contribution made toward the Foundation’s endowment fund will effectively be doubled, providing supporters with an unprecedented opportunity to maximize the impact of their gift.

This matching challenge comes at a pivotal time as the USEA Foundation works toward its ambitious goal of raising $5 million with its Campaign for Eventing’s Future. A larger endowment will provide the Foundation with sustainable, long-term funding, allowing its Board of Trustees to make strategic investments that enrich the sport today while protecting its future for generations to come.

“For decades, the USEA Foundation has supported initiatives that make our sport stronger, safer, and more accessible,” said USEA Director of Development Katherine Cooper. “This generous matching challenge from Jacqueline Mars gives every member of our community the opportunity to provide their own support and to play a direct role in shaping the future of eventing.”

While many know the USEA Foundation for its specific grant programs, unrestricted endowment funding is essential to ensuring those programs can continue to evolve. Earnings from the endowment help provide lasting support for initiatives that benefit every corner of the sport, including:

  • Educational grants and programs for riders at every level
  • Safety research and implementation of emerging technologies
  • Training and education for licensed officials, coaches, trainers, grooms, and riders
  • Assistance for organizers and the administration of the sport
  • Research into equine health and athletic performance

Unlike restricted gifts designated for a specific purpose, unrestricted endowment contributions provide the flexibility to direct resources where they are needed most, ensuring the Foundation can respond to the evolving needs of the eventing community.

The Foundation encourages supporters to contribute to either the USEA Foundation General Fund or the Kyra King Stuart Legacy Fund, both of which support the campaign to build a stronger endowment.

Every donation, large or small, moves the Foundation closer to unlocking the full $500,000 matching gift while helping secure a lasting legacy for the sport.

To make a donation and learn more about the campaign, visit www.USEAFoundation.org/donate.

University of Kentucky Eventing Team Builds Athletes, Leaders and Community

By on Sep 10, 2026 10:00 am -

Photo courtesy of UK Eventing.

For students who dream of continuing their equestrian careers while earning a degree, the University of Kentucky’s Kentucky Eventing Team offers more than just a place to ride. It provides community, leadership and a nationally recognized program that continues to attract students from across the country.

As the largest intercollegiate eventing team in the United States, the Kentucky Eventing Team brings together about 80 members who share a passion for horses, competition and teamwork.

Kaya MacLeod, Eventing Team president and International Business student at UK, knows firsthand the impact the program can have on a student’s college decision and journey.

“I saw Kentucky Eventing on social media throughout high school, and as I got more serious about eventing, it was definitely a contributing factor in my decision to come to UK,” MacLeod said. “I knew there was already a community of people with similar interests that I could join as a freshman. I don’t think there’s a better place to event on a team than Kentucky.”

While eventing is traditionally an individual sport, the Kentucky Eventing Team gives students the opportunity to compete together under the UK Banner through the United States Eventing Association’s intercollegiate program.

Faculty advisor Jill Stowe said that team aspect is what makes the organization so unique. “It’s been really meaningful for students to have the opportunity to compete on a team and to represent the University of Kentucky,” Stowe said. “They have a lot of fun doing it.”

The team’s influence extends far beyond competition. Members develop leadership skills by serving on a hands-on officer board, organizing events, coordinating competitions and mentoring new members.

“One of the things that I have always been impressed by with this group is the really strong student leadership,” Stowe said. “The Board of Officers has been really intentional about transitioning the program to new officers and making sure they’re as prepared as they can be. That intentional focus on consistent leadership has resulted in a really good experience for most students.”

As president, MacLeod coordinates communication, oversees club operations and helps organize competitions and outreach events. For MacLeod, leading the organization has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her college career.

“You kind of do everything which I really like,” MacLeod said. “It is super fun and super rewarding.”

Kentucky provides the ‘greatest place’ for eventing

Photo courtesy of UK Eventing.


Members also benefit from Kentucky’s world-renowned equine industry. Lexington provides access to premier trainers, competition venues and the Kentucky Horse Park, creating opportunities that are hard to find anywhere else. “I think Lexington is probably the greatest place to be not only as a college student but also as an eventer,” MacLeod said. “Being surrounded by so many other people who have the same goals as you is really motivating.”

Perhaps the greatest strength of the Kentucky Eventing Team is the sense of community it creates. Students don’t have to be experienced competitors to become involved. The organization offers both competitive and social memberships, and there are no tryouts.

“I didn’t know a soul when I came to Kentucky,” MacLeod said. “Now I have this awesome group of people. Even before I became president, it was so fun and so special to be a part of.”

Stowe says that their culture has made the organization a strong recruiting tool for the university. “There are people that come to UK because of the Eventing Team, whether it’s because of the people they can train with or our location near competitions up and down the East Coast,” Stowe said. “It’s very popular, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.”

For students looking to continue riding, make lifelong friendships or simply become part of one of UK’s most vibrant student organizations, the Kentucky Eventing Team offers an opportunity to grow both in and out of the saddle.

Learn more about the Kentucky Eventing Team at ukeventing.org

Thursday News & Notes

By on Sep 10, 2026 12:01 am -

Equestrian Canada’s 2026 Across the Nation Clinics head into the fall season with three stops remaining, giving eventers from beginner through EV115 the chance to train with National Team Program athletes while raising funds for the sport back home.

Jessica Phoenix kicks off the fall run September 14–15 at Wesley Clover Parks in Ottawa, ON, followed by Kendal Lehari at Minds Eye Ranch in Sturgeon County, AB on October 10–11, and Mike Winter closing things out at Bronte Creek in Hamilton, ON on October 25–26. Each clinic offers two full days of show jumping and cross-country instruction for $290, with auditing available for $50. There are still a few spots available for Jessie’s clinic next week, for anyone interested.

Beyond the coaching, the clinics double as a fundraiser for Canadian eventing, with proceeds split 50% to High Performance Sport, 25% to Domestic Eventing, and 25% to the Venue Development Fund.

Riders can register to ride here and auditors can sign up here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

The Fork at Tryon International (NC): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Otter Creek Fall H.T. (WI): [Website] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

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

Flying Cross Farm H.T. (KY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

GMHA September H.T. (VT): [Website] [Entries & Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Marlborough H.T. (MD): [Website] [Entries & Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Links & Reading

Training Tip of the Day

Good posture in the saddle makes you an effective rider. If you struggle with this, these tips from Ride iQ might help:

Go Eventing

We love to see community being built through intercollegiate eventing!