Classic Eventing Nation

Sunday Links

By on Nov 1, 2026 12:01 am -

Tamie Smith and Jump To Day D compete at the Florida Horse Park in 2026. Photo by Andy Media.

In case you missed it, there’s a new competition coming to Ocala in January and it’s set to be a multi-sport festival featuring all Pan American nations as the upcoming Lima 2027 Games approach in July. The Pan American Equestrian Confederation (PAEC) Championship of the Americas will be run as a CCI2*-S for eventing, with dressage and show jumping held at WEC Ocala and cross country at Florida Horse Park January 25-28. The Championship will take place again in 2029 and from then will repeat on a quadrennial cycle. Team and individual competition will be fun.

US Equestrian will be fielding a team for this, and applications are now open for riders interested in selection. Here’s a look at the requirements and process:

MERs:

All athletes and horses wishing to compete on the Squad must achieve the following minimum eligibility requirements (MERs) as a combination between January 1, 2025, and the FEI nominated entry deadline of December 15, 2026 (“Qualifying Period”) to be eligible to compete in the championship (see the FEI Rules for Eventing, Article 517). Combinations must achieve their MER result at:

  • One (1) qualifying result at a CCI2*-S in the Qualifying Period
  • Additionally, for U.S. applicants, one (1) qualifying result must be obtained at a CCI2*-L and CCI3*-S between June 1, 2025, and December 15, 2026.

Qualifying requirements and the selection process are outlined in the 2027 FEI PAEC Championship of the Americas Selection Procedures, now available here. Athletes interested in being considered must apply on the USEF Athlete Dashboard by December 1, 2026.

For questions, please contact Amber Braun, Managing Director, Eventing, at [email protected].

U.S. Events This Weekend

The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Schedule] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Virginia Horse Center Fall (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Rocking Horse Fall H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Links & Reading

Coaching Corner

Go Eventing

Halloween vibes at Galway Downs’ season finale:

Cross Country Continues the Action at Eventing Championships at Galway Downs

By on Oct 31, 2026 1:38 pm -

Cool temperatures and a little overnight rain set the stage for a galloping good time as international pairs tackled the cross-country phase of The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs.

CCI3* and CCI4* course designer Clayton Fredericks (AUS) enjoyed seeing many of his questions answered as he had intended. The Olympic eventer became Galway Downs’ course designer in 2020 with the intent of helping raise the standards to evolving international levels. Along with seeing successes today, he’s noticed that Galway Downs regulars are increasingly faring well when competing on the East Coast and in Europe. “They’re getting good results and I’d like to think it helps that they’re getting the hang of this style of cross-country.”

Fredericks’ style of cross-country requires riders to “ride the horse they have in the moment” at every point on the track. Competitors praised the routes and efforts as appropriate to each level, creative and educational – for Fredericks’ designs and for those at the lower FEI levels designed by Allesandra Allen-Shinn (USA).

CCI4*-L – Tamie Smith Leads

Tamie Smith and Spiro P. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Freak occurrences arose for Tamie Smith with her two horses – the only two – in this level, but that didn’t dampen the international star’s enthusiasm for their performances.

“Unreal” is how Smith described Spiro P, who maintained the lead. Course highlights included a steep, bounce drop to an angled brush corner at 10ABC, and the imposing Rails/Ditch/Brick House at 24ABCD on a 40-effort track. None of it fazed the 9-year-old German Sport Horse. A missed rope resulted in 14.4 time penalties that elevated Spiro’s score in his CCI4*-L debut to a 45.8.

Stablemate Jump to Day D had his breast collar break on approach to the first element of 7ABC, contributing to a refusal that marred an otherwise ideal effort. “He was perfect after that,” Smith said. “The best thing was feeling how much stronger both horses are getting.”

“Clayton has really gotten the full feel of this place,” Smith said of Fredericks’ courses. “He’s an innovative course designer and it’s amazing how he creates challenges, including lots of terrain, on this basically flat piece of ground.”
Space limitations are a Galway Downs challenge that Smith sees as a positive. The Eventing Championships host everything from Starter to CCI4*-L, and that means there’s a lot of fences to look at in the field. “You might walk the course and think it’s not that difficult, but for the horse, it can be really easy to get distracted by something to the right or left, or off on the horizon.” The upside is that Smith has found it easier for horses to focus on more typical courses – back east and in Europe – where it’s more obvious what’s next and needs focus.

Show jumping awaits Saturday in the Grand Prix Arena, with Smith virtually assured of winning her first CCI4*-L at her home competition venue.

CCI4*-S – Erin Kellerhouse and Ringwood Adios Amigo Take Lead

Erin Kellerhouse and Ringwood Adios Amigo. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Erin Kellerhouse’s Ringwood Adios Amigo’s “likes to go!” and the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse did exactly that to jump up from 4th to 1st in the standings today. The Galway Downs-based professional was surprised to learn they were 16 seconds under the 6:51 optimum time after a mid-course slow down to “get things organized,” Kellerhouse explained.

They’re the only pair to finish on their dressage score – a 38.2 – and vaulted into the lead when two horses above them on the leaderboard had refusals.

Kellerhouse imported Amigo as a 4-year-old and it’s been a patient process bringing him along to this third run at the level. Show jumping is a strength, Kellerhouse shared – especially when it follows cross-country so that “he’s a little less wild and erratic.”

Kellerhouse and Amigo have 4+ rails to spare going into Saturday’s show jumping. Kaylawna Smith-Cook maintained her 2nd position with Dealas, a 9-year-old Holsteiner, even with a refusal at 4C and 4.8 time faults.

Tamie Smith and Kynan had the lead after dressage, but another snafu – this time an inadvertent, approximately 30-second scenic detour – resulted in time penalties that pushed them to 3rd.. Stephanie Goodman and Elwenda DP had another uncharacteristic day, with a refusal at the C element of the first water complex. They’re now in 4th.

CCI3*-L – James Alliston and Made by Leontine EB Keep the Lead

James Alliston and Made By Leontine EB. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

After dressage judges yesterday made special mention of the 3* horses’ quality, this 17-horse contingent warranted that appraisal on today’s course. One horse had a refusal, and one activated a frangible fence, but the rest had only time faults.

James Aliston continues a remarkable run of fault free jumping with Arnell Sporthorses’ Made By Leontine EB. They had only an .8 time penalty to stay in the lead on a 26.7.

Amber Bitcil leapt into 2nd, from 7th, with Orpheus, a 7-year old Dutch Warmblood who had .4 time faults. “He has an amazing, giant gallop and it never really looks like he’s going that fast.” One of the “keepers” in her ever-present string of youngsters, Orpheus easily handled the step up to this level and to new pressure for pace. In past outings, Birtcil has emphasized rideability but today’s galloping stretches were perfect for testing the gas pedal. The horse’s biggest attribute, however, is “his heart,” said Birtcil.

Tamie Smith and Sumas Tina Turner kept their 3rd position, with the quick, handy mare adding 2.4 time faults to stand on a 29.8. Tina Turner’s stablemate, Solaguayre Cantata was the only horse to finish without time faults. The 8-year-old Argentine Sport Horse mare moved into 4th, from 10th, , and her 32.1 leaves the three horses above on the leaderboard without a rail to spare in show jumping.

CCI3*-S – Helen Alliston and Fary Prince Lead

Helen Alliston and Fary Prince. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Helen Alliston and Hulme Equestrian’s Fary Prince only added 2.8 time faults on cross-country. The 7-year-old British Sport horse has the luxury of two rails in hand going into Saturday’s show jumping finale on a 29.6.
Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Piccadilly’s Pride M.E. keep their second standing, but crosssed the timers with 8.8 time faults for a 37.1 total. Stephanie Goodman and Diranca jumped into 3rd spot, with 8 time faults and a 41.7 score.

CCI2*-L – Amber Birtcil and Prince of Oolde

Amber Birtcil and Prince of Oolde. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Prince of Oolde breezed to a double clear round for Amber Birtcil, keeping the lead on their 25 dressage score. “He’s honest, genuine, brave and fast,” the Northern California professional said of the 6-year-old Dutch Warmblood, owned by Cellar Farm Corp. “If you told me he’s a 12-year-old, I’d believe you!” Presented with lots of new elements in his first Long format, “Noodles” took everything in easy stride.

Seattle-based amateur and ICU nurse Brynn Josey and Gentle Gallucci were also double clear to stay second. They keep the heat on the leaders with their 25.6. Whatever their result in Saturday’s show jumping, Josey is thrilled with the 7-year-old Hanoverian gelding.

Josey had competed at 3* level in the past, then took a five-year break before returning to ride – with this horse — two years ago. They started at Novice, advanced steadily and targeted this fall’s Galway Downs for their 2* debut. “He has been the most incredible partner,” Josey said. “He’s so fun and so safe.”

Returning to eventing as an adult and working in the ICU stirred fears Josey never knew as a junior. But choosing the perfect partner for her return to the sport helps rein them in. A student of last year’s Galway Downs CCI4*-L champion Karen O’Neal, Josey is excited for Gentle Gallucci to show off his efficient, usually clear jumping style on Saturday.

Amber Bitcil’s busy day included riding Picasso to double clear and into the 3rd spot, up from 6th after dressage. The 6-year-old Dutch Warmblood is rising alongside his stablemate Prince of Oolde and poised to claim some limelight for himself.

CCI1*-L – Leah Forquer and Favorit Ask Lead

Leah Forquer and Favorit Ask. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

Leah Forquer and Favorit Ask, a 9-year-old Hanoverian, took over the lead with double clear cross country as this phase shook up the standings.

Kennedy Wicklund and BT Juste Capitaine moved into 2nd on the 26.4 dressage, followed by Nicole LeGrange and CES Excel Star Clovers Chip on a 26.6.

Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Challenges

Team standings in this special event for collegiate, high school and middle school eventers began to take shape today. In the Interscholastic Equestrian League (IEL) division, the Avon/Dragonfire team leads with dressage scores in the books. Squads affiliated with trainers Lauren LoPiccolo and Allyson Hartenburg stand 2nd and 3rd respectively, out of 10 teams in contention.

Eventers representing Sacramento State, Sierra College, Cal Poly SLO and LA Mission Community College lead the three-team collegiate standings so far.

The Team Challenges are a precursor to the USEA’s inaugural Western U.S. Championships for Intercollegiate and Interscholastic riders that will debut at Galway Downs Nov. 4-7 of 2027.

The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Schedule] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Saturday Links

By on Oct 31, 2026 12:01 am -

Z enjoys “retirement” at the Bruce’s Field costume contest with Joanie Morris.

Happy Halloween! We hope that, wherever you are, you’ve got a killer costume on hand like Joanie Morris and Z, who’s been enjoying his semi-retirement with her after journeying to the World Equestrian Games and Olympics with Phillip Dutton. We think Z’s living his best life at this point, honestly.

U.S. Events This Weekend

The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Schedule] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Virginia Horse Center Fall (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Rocking Horse Fall H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]

Links & Reading

Coaching Corner

  • What’s the most underrated job in the barn?
  • Master the ‘Circle of Death’ for Sharper Aids and Improved Stride Control

    • Go Eventing

    Just more brilliant costuming from our eventing family:

    The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs Underway in West Coast Season Finale

    By on Oct 30, 2026 1:07 am -

    Tamie Smith and Spiro P. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

    Six divisions of international dressage kicked off the Eventing Championships at Galway Downs today. Members of the Smith and Alliston families lead in the 4* and 3* levels, while members of the Ground Juries complimented the overall quality of horsepower on display in the Grand Prix and Sycamore Arenas. That quality, and riders making the most of it, resulted in very tight standings at the top of most levels.

    Short format competition at 3* and 4* are new this year, as are “Team Challenges” for collegiate, high school and middle school age eventers. The Area VI Eventing Championships add to the excitement and activity again this year. All it all, it’s four days during which every eventer has a chance to excel and advance on an international-caliber competition stage – from Starter pairs up to CCI4*-L.

    Tamie Smith Locked on the CCI4*-L

    Tamie Smith revealed that she has never won the CCI4*-L at Galway Downs, which is her competitive home turf – located across the street from her Next Level Eventing. Smith has multiple titles at every other level, but this one has eluded her. With Smith riding the only two horses in the division, that should change this weekend.

    Smith didn’t use the lack of competition to relax her standards, and she was pleased with the performances of both horses. She leads on Megan Sykes’ Spiro P, a 9-year-old German Sport Horse owned by Donna Wallace. Sykes has a long association with Smith and her training program so “it was almost like he was my horse” when Smith took over the ride this past March. “We had a few little communication errors, but not in a bad way. I’m really pleased with the overall performance and feel like he’s really coming on.”

    Smith is 2nd with Jump To Day D, on a 32.1 Their partnership began with a CCI3*-L win here last year and their 32.1 today represented a break-through. “That was the first time that he was so relaxed and he really tried,” Smith explained. “You could hear him whinny and he was a bit insecure. In the past, he would usually explode when that happens, but not this time.”

    Staged in Galway Downs’ atmospheric Grand Prix Arena, today’s CCI4*-L dressage was evaluated by the Ground Jury of Peter Gray (CAN), Debbie Adams (USA) and Bea DiGrazia (USA).

    Smith made a point of sharing her appreciation for organizer Robert Kellerhouse and the Galway Downs team in pulling out all the stops for the CCI4-L with only two entries. “It would have been easy to make it an afterthought, but instead they’ve really done a top job.” That includes Friday’s cross-country course, designed by Australia’s Clayton Fredericks. It looks “super” and plenty different than previous tracks, Smith said. “Robert (Kellerhouse) told me that, whether they have 200 horses or 2, they’re going to do everything to the highest standard, and I really appreciate that.”

    CCI4*-S – Tamie Smith and Kynan Lead

    Smith and the Kynan Syndicate’s Kynan continue a three-year international trek, leading the CCI4*-S on a 28.8. The elegant 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood earned Smith’s highest praise. “I was so impressed with how rideable he was, his self-carriage and by how much I could ride him from back to front.”

    It’s a pay-off for patience with Kynan being “cheeky and a bit of a baby” in his early years. “He’s big and strong and I’ve always needed a bit of ring craft to pull out what I needed from him, but I didn’t have to do that today,” she continued. “He was accurate and correct and I had fun riding him. It was cool to feel his confidence and how bold I could ride him.”

    Smith’s daughter and fellow professional Kaylawna Smith-Cook kept the good vibe in the family. She and Dealas, a 9-year-old Holsteiner, sit 2nd on a 32.2. “He’s my best friend,” Smith-Cook said of her partner of two years. “He’s been slow to develop, but I feel like his strength is coming just in time” for their first 4* effort. “He’s an unbelievable trier – he never says ‘no.’”

    Like her mom, Smith-Cook is grateful for opportunities made possible at this year’s Eventing Championships, including the addition of the CCI4*-S. “It’s been our goal to move up and this was the perfect opportunity to do it.”

    Idaho-based Stephanie Goodman and Elwenda DP had some uncharacteristic bobbles but are in the hunt with a 32.6 for the reliably good 17-year-old Dutch Warmblood. Also in ascent mode, Erin Kellerhouse and Ringwood Adios Amigo will leave the start box Friday on a 38.2, in 4th position.

    CCI3*-L – James Alliston and Made by Leontine EB Lead

    James Alliston and Made by Leontine EB. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

    Consistently impressive performances are James Alliston and Made By Leontine EB’s trademark and the Northern Californians logged another one today. They top the 17-horse field on a 25.9 from the Debbie Adams (USA) and Peter Gray (CAN) Ground Jury.

    The 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood owned by Arnell Sporthorses exemplified the quality of contenders praised by both officials after this phase. For the rider, Leo’s relaxed attitude translated to ideal rideability.

    Clayton Fredericks’ cross-country should suit the handsome gray horse well, Alliston said. “It looks like a nice galloping, open course, which should be good for him. It’s big and challenging and he has some good experience at this level.” If all goes well here, Alliston hopes to have another 4* horse in his quiver next year.

    Savannah Gwin and Molly Duda’s De Facto are second on a 26.9. In their two years together, they’ve been there for each other – Gwin having the guts and grit to take on a horse that regularly bucked others off, and De Facto waiting while Gwin recovered from a broken neck in early 2025. The happy chapters of their story include two European competitions this summer, while accompanying coach Tamie Smith to the FEI World Championships (Germany) and Molly Duda to the U25 World Championships (Ireland). The whole experience gave Gwin and the striking 11-year-old German Warmblood a big confidence boost.

    “It was eye opening in a good way,” said Gwin, who also described Smith and the Duda family’s support as “life changing.”

    Gwin anticipates that making the time will be the biggest challenge on cross-country. “I’ve had trouble going super fast with him because he’s a bit strong, but he’s grown up a lot and we’re going to do our best out there.”

    Tamie Smith and Sumas Tina Turner are in 3rd position on a 27.4. The 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare is owned by Julianne Guariglia.

    CCI3*-S – Helen Alliston and Fary Prince Lead

    Helen Alliston and Fary Prince. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

    Having ridden Fary Prince for breeder Hulme Equestrian for several years, Helen Alliston had been unsure when was the right time to push the “go” button on the big and big moving 7-year-old British Sport Horse. So she sought the advice of dressage Olympic team bronze medalist Laura Graves in two recent video lessons. “Laura is all about being ‘on it’!,” Alliston shared. In earning a field-leading 26.8 from Ground Jury members Debbie Adams and Peter Gray, Alliston asked for more and got it easily and elegantly. “I felt it work today,” she said.

    Fary Prince is typically solid on cross-country and Alliston expects the same for Friday’s outing.

    Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Piccadilly’s Pride M.E. follow on a 28.3. The 9-year-old Swedish Warmblood is owned by Bonner Carpenter and has been in Smith-Cook’s program for slightly over a year. “He’s the funniest horse I know,” she shares. “I joke that he does not take his job seriously, but he proved me wrong today.”

    Canadian Olympian Hawley Awad sits 3rd, on a 30.7, with her own Levino, an 11-year-old Holsteiner.

    CCI2*-L – Amber Birtcil and Prince of Oolde

    Amber Birtcil and Prince of Oodle. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

    Wins dominate results for Amber Birtcil and Prince of Oolde, 6-year-old Dutch Warmblood, owned by Cellar Farm Corp. Grand Jury members Bea di Grazia (USA) and Vicky Stashuk-Matisi (USA) awarded a 25 score that tops this 15-horse field.

    “’Noodles’ has been just lovely to produce all along the way,” Birtcil said. She was especially pleased with the 6-year-old’s focus in the Sycamore Arena, when Noodles had few equine friends around as the second to last in the class. Birtcil is excited to tackle his first Long format cross-country. “He’s young and there will be a lot of different questions for him, but the course looks great and I think he is very much up to the challenge.”

    Brynn Josey and Gentle Gallucci are close behind on a 25.6 and Jennifer McFall and High Five DF are 3rd with a 26.1.

    CCI1*-L – Savannah Gwin & Crafty Don Lead the Way

    Savannah Gwin and Crafty Done. Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

    Savannah Gwin and Crafty Don earned the lowest FEI dressage score with a 24.8 from Ground Jury members Vicky Stashuk-Matisi (USA) and Bea DiGrazia (USA). The 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse is owned by Julianne Guariglia. Veteran professional Deborah Rosen and Nevada, an 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood, are 2nd on a 26. Leah Forquer and Favorit Ask, a 9-year-old Hanoverian, sit third on a 26.2.

    Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Challenges

    Always a highlight of the West Coast eventing season, the Eventing Championships at Galway Downs added the “Team Challenges” for collegiate, high school and middle school eventers. It’s a precursor to the USEA’s inaugural Western U.S. Championships for Intercollegiate and Interscholastic riders that will debut at Galway Downs Nov. 4-7 of 2027.

    Ten interscholastic division (high school and middle school) teams and three collegiate squads face off over the weekend. Some are “scramble” teams comprised of members from various schools, and each squad includes riders competing in various divisions. The turn-out bodes well for early West Coast embrace of a program that is thriving on the East Coast.

    Friday Line Up

    International competition continues Friday with cross-country, as national and USEA Area VI Championships phases continue and/or begin.

    The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Schedule] [Scores] [Volunteer]

    Friday News & Notes from Stable View

    By on Oct 30, 2026 12:01 am -

    With the news of the passing of the great Neville Bardos yesterday, we took a trip down memory lane to watch, in our opinion at least, one of the greatest eventing documentaries ever created. This Purina piece tells the story not just of Boyd’s career, but of the incredible comeback that Neville Bardos underwent en route to his top 10 finish at Burghley in 2011. It’s SO worth the watch or rewatch, but fair warning: you’ll want to grab a carton full of tissues.

    U.S. Events This Weekend

    The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Schedule] [Scores] [Volunteer]

    Virginia Horse Center Fall (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]

    Rocking Horse Fall H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]

    Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]

    Other News & Recommended Reading

    • What purpose do event evaluations serve? Spoiler event: a big one! Competitor feedback on events and licensed officials is solicited at every show, and it can have a big effect.
    • A new UK foundation is making strides in advocacy for victims of abuse within the equine industry.
    • If you’ve ever found feed labels confusing, you’re not alone. How to demystify them.
    • With the upcoming ban on horse-drawn carriages in New York City, Heels Down Mag’s Justine Griffin writes on the reckoning that must be done with the ugly side of equine tourism.

    Sponsor Corner: Stable View

    Find out if you have qualified for the Stable View Eventing Academy Championships happening next month! Over $20,000 worth of prizes will be given out on this special weekend (November 20-22), and you have until November 13 to get your entry sent in.

    Learn more about this fun, low-pressure and affordable away to Go Eventing here.

    Coaching Corner

    Go Eventing

    Ride around Kronenbeg (Netherlands) with Andrew Hoy (AUS) and Call It Cooley:

    The Stuff of Legends: Neville Bardos Laid to Rest at Age 27

    By on Oct 29, 2026 4:14 pm -

    Boyd and Neville Bardos during a recent photo shoot. Photo by Taylor Pence / Incanto Sports Group.

    We learned this morning that the great Neville Bardos, the tough-as-nails longtime partner of Boyd Martin, was laid to rest this week at the age of 27.

    In terms of horses that launch careers, Neville Bardos could certainly be considered one. It wasn’t that he was the first horse Boyd took around a five-star, or the one that won everything in sight. It was more of what the horse represented: a grit and toughness that Boyd himself has cultivated throughout his career.

    This through line can be traced all the way to the origins of Boyd and Neville’s relationship.

    It was 2002. Boyd’s business in Australia was in its fledgling phase, building up from a foundation of buying and selling horses off the racetrack — a popular tactic in Australia, where many a top event horse is sourced from the track. Neville was one horse that crossed his path, but he was feral in every sort of way, and he was a cribber. He purchased the horse for $850 (talked down from $900) and quickly lived to regret his decision in the immediate aftermath because Neville was incredibly hot, “half-mad” as Boyd described.

    It proved difficult to sell the gelding, so Boyd kept ticking along and eventually produced him to the Advanced level in Australia. In 2007, Boyd and Silva Martin made their big leap to the U.S., and Neville made the trek with them. He, like his rider, took to America quickly, racking up now-5* results and an individual 10th place finish at the 2010 World Equestrian Games.

    Then, disaster struck.

    In May of 2011, Boyd and Silva’s barn at True Prospect Farm in Pennsylvania burned to the ground, taking the lives of six horses and sending several others into emergency care. One of the latter was Neville, who’d suffered massive burns on his body and severe smoke inhalation. He was treated at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, assisted by a breathing tube and sessions in a hyperbaric chamber.

    The team had mostly rested their hopes that Neville would ever come back to top sport after the injuries he’d suffered and their potential longterm effects.

    But he recovered quicker, and more completely, than anticipated. Hope began to spring eternal again. And then, the impossible: Neville and Boyd went clear around Burghley — the toughest track in the world — just four months after the fire. They would eventually finish seventh.

    Boyd Martin and Neville Bardos compete at Kentucky.

    It was a poignant, emotional end to a year that had taken much from Boyd. In July, his father, Ross Martin, lost his life in a tragic accident during a bicycle race. Later that year, Silva’s father passed away.

    Neville didn’t compete much after that fabled Burghley trip, but he enjoyed the rest of his semi-retirement and full retirement at Boyd and Silva’s Windurra home base. Most recently, he lived out with the next generation of Martin horses, filling their ears with stories of what it took to make it in this life.

    “Yesterday, I buried him at the top of our gallop track at the farm. Every time I zoom up that track, I will always think of him at the top of the hill,” Boyd wrote in an emotional tribute posted on social media today. “It’s amazing how horses touch our lives. Never in my life would I have believed that a scruffy off-the-track Thoroughbred would have such an incredible impact on my life.”

    It’s the true stuff of legends. We all hoped the movie rights would be sold — the story, after all, made its rounds in mainstream media like the New York Times. But even if Neville isn’t memorialized on the big screen, he’ll forever be a part of the fabric of the sport of eventing, representing what it means when someone just gives you one shot, one chance, to be who you’re meant to be.

    Thanks for the ride, Neville. You will be missed.

    In his post, Boyd also listed out some of the people who were a big part of Neville’s career and life:

    “So many people have helped me with Neville over the years. Firstly, his grooms and handlers throughout his career: Kate Chadderton, Shannon Kinsley, Lindsay Taylor, and Steph Simpson. They all equally loved him and cared for his every need during the prime of his competition career. I also want to thank his farriers, Bob Sims in Australia and Doug Neilson in America, for their care and dedication to Nev over the years.

    “Sarah Reese cared for him, rode him, and groomed him every day in the twilight of his life. Neville loved Sarah, and she really looked after him like the champion he was.

    “I had so many coaches who helped me with him across two countries. Obviously Silva (who rode him at his first-ever eventing competition at Scone Horse Trials, and fell off him in the XC!), Heath Ryan, Jamie Coman, and Leesa Robinson in Australia, and in the US, Phillip Dutton, Katie Prudent, Lauren Hough, Michael Barisone, Oded Shimoni, and Captain Mark Phillips.”

    Thursday News & Notes

    By on Oct 29, 2026 12:01 am -

    It seems fairly on brand for us in the horse world to glob on to the newly-unveiled LA28 slogan, “Stars Align”. “The slogan also draws on Los Angeles’ global association with entertainment and creativity, while looking ahead to a historic chapter in the city’s sporting history,” a press release announcing the slogan said. Los Angeles will host its third Olympics in 2028.

    Equestrian events will be hosted at Santa Anita, located in Arcadia (though it’s our opinion that they would have been better suited, particularly for eventing, at Galway Downs in Temecula as was the original plan, but hey, what do we know?).

    U.S. Events This Weekend

    The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Schedule] [Scores] [Volunteer]

    Virginia Horse Center Fall (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]

    Rocking Horse Fall H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]

    Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]

    Other News & Recommended Reading

    • Six hip replacements and the ride of her life: How Annette Reals and Knights Tale earned their Century Ride.
    • The special story of a one-eyed Thoroughbred’s long road back to competition at the USEA American Eventing Championships
    • Max Warburton (GBR) scored a big weekend at Bicton
    • Those missing the Dover Saddlery store in Aiken, SC now have a salve for their wounds: Canadian-based retailer Greenhawk has moved into the vacated Dover space. Greenhawk made a strategic move to accelerate its planned move into the U.S. when Dover announced its closure earlier this year, though the latter has recently announced it’ll be making a comeback of some sort in the future.

    Coaching Corner

    Go Eventing

    Travel to Mexico with Laine Ashker to compete in the Dressage World Cup qualifier!

    British Eventing Launches Independent Review of Horse and Rider Safety

    By on Oct 28, 2026 9:00 am -

    Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo compete at Badminton in 2026. Photo by Sophie Robins / Girl In The Field.

    British Eventing has launched an independent review of horse and rider safety, the first independent examination of the sport’s safety systems in Britain since 2018. This announcement comes after several serious incidents in recent years, which do sadly include two during the 2026 season.

    The new Eventing Horse and Rider Safety Commission will be chaired by Dame Caroline Spelman, a former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and recent board member of the British Horse Society. British Eventing set it up in partnership with the FEI, British Equestrian and the British Eventing Support Trust. The Commission is expected to report within six months of its formal establishment, though the Chair can recommend an extension if more time is needed to consider the evidence.

    The review’s remit is broad. According to its published terms of reference, the Commission will examine at least five seasons of incident data, including British Eventing’s use of EquiRatings/EquiRisk analysis. It will also assess whether past safety interventions have delivered measurable results and review everything from qualification requirements and return-to-competition rules to frangible technology, course inspection and the training of officials. The review is also asked to look at safety culture, including how concerns are raised within the sport and whether there are barriers to challenging current practice.

    Its reach extends past British Eventing’s own fixtures, too: the review covers FEI competitions held in the UK and unaffiliated eventing as well (oe of its governance questions asks what responsibility British Eventing should take for unaffiliated competition). The Commission is also directed to benchmark Britain against other major eventing nations and to highlight any implications for eventing safety internationally.

    “The Board has instigated this review as part of our responsibility for good governance and our duty to ensure that the sport continues to examine, challenge and improve our approach to safety,” said Julia Mulligan, British Eventing Chair. “It is deliberately independent of British Eventing’s operational activity, with a majority of independent members and Dame Caroline leading the work. This is bigger than any one organisation. Eventing is delivered by a wide community of people and organisations, and we want this review to draw on that collective knowledge while also bringing in independent expertise and learning from outside the sport. The Commission must be prepared to ask difficult questions, follow the evidence and identify where meaningful change can be made.”

    The Commission will not reinvestigate individual incidents, determine liability or assign blame. Its terms of reference state that it will not duplicate investigations by police, coroners or statutory authorities, nor prejudice any ongoing legal or regulatory proceedings. The publication of its findings will be subject to any ongoing coronial or statutory processes.

    “The purpose of an independent review is to be prepared to ask difficult questions and test existing assumptions, while also recognising the considerable work that has already been undertaken to improve safety,” said Dame Caroline Spelman. “No outcome has been predetermined. We will look carefully at the data, research and experience available to us, both within eventing and beyond it, and consider where further practical and proportionate improvements may be possible. Our focus throughout will be on learning and identifying what more can be done to reduce avoidable risk to horses and riders.”

    Multiple demographics of the sport’s stakeholder are represented on the Commission, including Harry Meade representing professional riders, Lottie Bullick representing amateur riders, Alec Lochore representing organizers, and more. The full list of panel members can be found here.

    Wednesday News & Notes

    By on Oct 28, 2026 12:01 am -

    Is it the start of something special?

    That’s the question buzzing around the internet this week as Michael Jung’s latest post announcing a new eventing partner made its rounds. It’s not that a new horse on Michael’s string is out of the ordinary – he’s got about four other horses competing currently in eventing that he’s acquired and produced over the years – but it’s not all that usual for a top rider to acquire a horse going four-star or better.

    In fact, the 10-year-old Monbeg Cazador, ridden to this point by Britain’s Fiona Kashel, was in hot demand in recent months; Fiona told Horse & Hound she’d fielded several offers for the Irish Sport Horse gelding by Cazador LS (Dam: Cheryl CH). One of those came from Michael, who’d seen her working the horse at Blenheim and asked if she’d consider selling. He told her to let him know if she ever changed her mind when she said no. Over time though, Fiona did change her mind. You can read much more of the backstory behind the changing of hands, which wasn’t a decision taken lightly, here.

    You can view a bit of Monbeg Cazador in action with Fiona, shown in the clip below at Hartpury in August:

    Michael certainly saw something special in this young horse and with the LA Olympics looming in less than two years, it’s time for the contenders to start lining up their strings accordingly.

    U.S. Events This Weekend

    The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Schedule] [Scores] [Volunteer]

    Virginia Horse Center Fall (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]

    Rocking Horse Fall H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]

    Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scores] [Volunteer]

    Other News & Recommended Reading

    Coaching Corner

    Go Eventing

    Early morning vibes with Nox Martin and Miss Lulu Herself:

    Bouckaert Farm Celebrates Inaugural U25 Champions at October International

    By on Oct 27, 2026 9:00 am -

    Sterling Pollard and Tinto, winners of the inaugural CCI3*-S U25 division at the October 2026 Bouckaert Farm International Horse Trials. Photo by Melina Velleman-White for Liz Crawley Photography.

    Bouckaert Farm welcomed a new generation of eventing talent to its October International Horse Trials, October 23–25, introducing dedicated Under 25 (U25) divisions at the CCI1*-S, CCI2*-S and CCI3*-S levels. The inaugural competition marked the beginning of an expanded U25 initiative, with plans to offer young athletes additional competition and training opportunities throughout the 2027 season.

    Held alongside the National Horse Trials, the weekend brought riders together for competition ranging from Beginner Novice through CCI4*-S, including seven young athletes competing for the inaugural U25 titles and podium placings.

    Sterling Pollard and Tinto claimed the CCI3*-S U25 title, finishing on 31.5 penalties. The pair continued a successful season that included winning the USEF Eventing Young Rider CCIU253*-S National Championship at the Maryland International in June. Katelyn Smith and HSH Henry finished second on 42.0 penalties, followed closely by Mya Poulos and Cock A Doodle Doo in third on 42.7.

    In the CCI2*-S U25 division, Ella Hubert and Ardeo Dance Monkey took the win on 36.1 penalties. Kaitlyn Cobey and Redfield Need For Speed secured second place on 42.4, while Jordan Reyes and Hacketts Cross finished third on 61.4.

    Nicole Nair and Cooley Vita rounded out the inaugural champions, taking the CCI1*-S U25 title with a final score of 79.8 penalties.

    Seven-time Olympian Phillip Dutton, USEF Eventing Development Program Advisor, was on site watching the U25 competition. Dutton’s role with US Equestrian includes supporting athletes through the Development 25 and Development programs as they work toward senior international competition.

    For Bouckaert Farm owner and two-time Olympian Carl Bouckaert, creating opportunities for the next generation of riders is a longstanding priority.

    “Developing young riders has always been important to me,” said Bouckaert. “These athletes are the future of our sport, and they need opportunities to gain experience and compete at a high level. We have a great facility here, and I want to see it used to help young riders move forward in the sport. We’re already looking at how we can build on this through 2030 and beyond.”

    The weekend’s open FEI divisions brought together established international competitors, with Sharon White and Jaguars Duende claiming the CCI4*-S victory on a final score of 53.6 penalties.

    Canadian Olympian Karl Slezak and SF Darc Justice won the CCI3*-S on 38.1 penalties, while Lauren Akers and Waverly secured the CCI2*-S title on 29.8. Susan Plumb and Cooley All In completed the FEI winners’ lineup, taking the CCI1*-S on 29.9 penalties.

    Australian Olympian Clayton Fredericks designed the cross-country courses, introducing new tracks and challenges across Bouckaert Farm’s expansive terrain. National competition also ran throughout the weekend, with divisions from Beginner Novice through Advanced.

    With the inaugural U25 competition complete, Bouckaert Farm is turning its attention to an expanded 2027 season. Dedicated U25 divisions are planned for all three international horse trials, giving young riders opportunities to compete against their peers throughout the year.

    The farm is also pursuing approval to add CCI2*-L and CCI3*-L divisions to its international offerings in 2027 and exploring U25 development clinics that would provide additional training and educational opportunities with experienced professionals.

    2027 Bouckaert Farm International Horse Trials Dates

    • March 4–7, 2027
    • August 19–23, 2027
    • October 21–24, 2027

    The upcoming season will build on Bouckaert Farm’s established competition calendar, with continued opportunities for riders at every stage of the sport, from grassroots schooling shows to international competition.

    Bouckaert Equestrian International (GA): [Website] [Scores]