Classic Eventing Nation

Creating Healthier Barns from the Inside Out: Join the USEA Eventing Grooms Program for “Barn Harmony” Panel

The USEA Eventing Grooms Program is back with another impactful and important conversation—this time tackling the link between barn management and mental health. Titled Barn Harmony: Where Management Meets Mental Wellness, the live panel invites horse lovers of all stripes to take a closer look at the emotional and logistical realities of life behind the scenes.

Featuring an all-star lineup—sports psychologist and performance coach Dr. Tyler Murray, renowned groom and educator Emma Ford, and top groom Stephanie Simpson—the panel will unpack the invisible load so many barn professionals carry and explore how we can build a more supportive, sustainable culture for both horses and humans.

This virtual event is free to attend and open to everyone—whether you’re managing a bustling program or simply looking for better balance in your horse life. Attendees can even submit questions in advance when they register.

📅 Don’t miss this powerful session—register here.

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) has announced the next class of riders selected for the Ever So Sweet Camp, a fully-funded educational experience designed to provide Equestrians of Color with top-tier training and mentorship! Set to take place July 15–18 at Sara Kozumplik’s Overlook Farm in Virginia, the camp offers both mounted and unmounted sessions with Sara and her team, thanks to generous support from longtime equestrian advocate Edy Rameika and additional partners.

Congratulations to the July 2025 campers: Deja Auguste, Tiffany Champion, Bastien Clemons, Peyton Couch, Neha Konduru, Liya McKnight, Jeremy Scott, Amanda Stradley, Esha Tariq, and Amaya Zaslow!

Applications are now open for the August 21–24 session — visit stridesforequality.org to apply by July 6.

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] [Cross Country App XC Maps] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

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

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

Full Moon Farm Aloha H.T. & YEH (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Cross Country App XC Maps] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

The road to the LA 2028 Olympics has been a bit bumpy. Capt. Mark Phillips, a longtime course designer and former Olympic gold medalist, described Santa Anita Park—-site of the 2028 equestrian events—-as “perhaps the most difficult Olympic site on which to design a cross-country course ever.” A shake-up in leadership saw Derek di Grazia step down from the role after reaching an impasse with organizers. Alec Lochore has now been named course designer, with Mike Etherington-Smith appointed as adviser. The FEI is under pressure to meet a tight deadline, with turf needing to be laid by September to prep for a 2027 test event. With limited space and unconventional terrain—including a racetrack, its infield, and a car park—the challenge ahead is significant. Read more of Capt. Phillips’ thoughts here.

The future of North American eventing takes center stage this week in Adamstown, MD, as the 2025 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships (YRC) kick off at The Maryland International + HT. A total of 34 combinations will contest the CCI1*-S, CCI2*-S, and CCI3*-S Championship divisions, representing seven USEA Areas and Canada. The Championships, now in their second year as a summer short-format event, feature five teams of four, two three-member teams, and eight individuals, including three scramble teams combining riders from different regions. Alongside the YRC, over 190 entries will compete across divisions from Training to CCI4*-S, making for a packed and promising weekend of competition at Loch Moy Farm. Read more fast facts here.

A recent Dear Stable Sage column tackles a heated barn blow-up that’s left one rider questioning whether her sanctuary has turned into a standoff. When a political rant from the barn owner pushed her past her limit, things got loud—and personal. Now, the barn feels more tense than tranquil. Can the relationship be salvaged, or is it time to move on? The Sage offers a thoughtful perspective on boundaries, barn dynamics, and finding peace in politically charged times. Read the full column here.

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

Take a look back at some scenes from the Summer H.T. at Stable View — and be sure to check out their full calendar here to sign up for their next event!

Video Break

A little jaunt in the woods with Tom McEwen sounds like a nice day:

What’s Happening? Your Guide to Horse Shows, Schooling, Clinics & More on STRIDER

Emily Beshear and Rio de Janeiro. Photo by Sally Spickard.

“What’s Happening?,” presented in partnership with Strider, is your guide to horse shows, schooling opportunities, clinics and other riding and educational opportunities.

Need a way to accept digital entries and payment for your venue’s next equestrian activity? Join Strider, a mobile friendly, user-controlled services platform that connects organizers with riders. It’s easy and fast to use — click here to get started.

Here is what’s happening in your USEA Area!

Location Quick Links: Area I | Area II | Area III | Area IV | Area V | Area VI | Area VII | Area VIII | Area IX | Area X

Area I

Area II

Area III

Area IV

Area V

Area VI

Area VII

Area VIII

Area IX

Area X

Go Eventing.

2025 AEC at Galway Downs to Offer Early Stabling Arrangements and Festival Classes

Photo by Tina Fitch Photography.

The USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds is getting closer and more enticing by the day. Accessibility and opportunities abound with early stabling arrangements for those hauling long distances and the addition of Festival classes in the Modified, Preliminary, Intermediate, and Advanced Open divisions.

The AEC will be held Aug. 27-31 at Galway Downs in Temecula, California.

Early Arrivals for Long Haulers

In anticipation of horses and riders traveling from all over the country, the Galway Downs organizing team has announced special stabling arrangements for those traveling long distances.

As a lifelong horseman and competitor, Galway Downs organizer Robert Kellerhouse advocates the horsemanship principle that long travel requires horses to have adequate recovery time before they start the competition.

To accommodate that, Galway Downs set the following schedule for horses traveling from specified USEA Areas to arrive without incurring extra stabling fees.

Horses from Areas I, II, III and VIII: Arrival time 12 p.m., Friday, August 22

Horses from Areas IV, V and IX: Arrival time 12 p.m., Saturday, August 23

Horses from Areas VII and X: Arrival time 12 p.m., Sunday, August 24

Horses from Area VI: Arrival time 12 p.m., Monday, August 25

All early arrivals are by appointment only. Appointments can be made by email to [email protected].

Tuesday, Aug. 26, at 8 a.m., is the normal horse arrival date for the AEC. Stabling fees are $275 per stall, which includes the stall through Monday, Sept. 1 at 8 a.m. Early arrival requests outside of the parameters stated above are subject to availability and will be charged at $50 per stall for each day that precedes the stated arrival/distance schedule.

Festival Classes for Modified–Advanced Divisions

With an eye toward encouraging professionals and other upper-level riders to capitalize on the championship atmosphere and challenges, non-championship Festival classes will be offered for Modified, Preliminary, Intermediate and Advanced divisions.

The courses will be the same as the Clayton Fredericks-designed tracks for those Championship levels. New horses or those not qualified for the AEC can gain mileage in Galway Downs’ famously electric atmosphere and on the 242-acre venue’s beautiful cross-country courses.

In this first year of Galway Downs hosting the AEC, the Festival classes open more opportunities for those prepared to compete at these levels but not quite ready or qualified for Championship inclusion.

If you are planning to compete at the 2025 AEC, remember that entries open on Tuesday, July 15 and will close on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Click here to view the AEC calendar listing. As a reminder, both horse and rider must be qualified for the AEC at the level they wish to compete in. For more information, please visit the AEC qualification page, and view the lists of Qualified Riders and Qualified Horses. For questions regarding AEC qualifications, contact Hannah Seagle.

The USEA looks forward to seeing everyone in California! Stay tuned to the USEA website for more event updates and details, and don’t forget to respond “going” on the 2025 AEC Facebook event page. For general questions about the AEC, please contact Kate Lokey.

Thursday News & Notes from Virginia Horse Center Foundation

A fun throwback Thursday for you today as we head into CHIO Aachen next week. Will Coleman made history in 2021 with Off the Record, etching his name on the winner’s wall as the first-ever U.S. winner of the prestigious eventing competition in Germany. Take a look back on Will and “Timmy’s” epic win — and stay tuned to see if they can match that effort in their return to Aachen next week!

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] [Cross Country App XC Maps] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

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

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

Full Moon Farm Aloha H.T. & YEH (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Cross Country App XC Maps] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

The late, great Jim Wofford had a gift for saying things that stuck—and more importantly, helped riders improve. In his classic column, recently resurfaced on Practical Horseman and well worth a reread, Jimmy shares timeless advice on how to use observation as one of your most powerful learning tools. Whether you’re watching warm-up at an event or reviewing video footage of a lesson, he reminds us that you can gain volumes—if you know what you’re looking for. As Yogi Berra once said (and Jimmy loved to quote), “You can observe a lot just by watching.” Read the article here.

Guac, cherries, and horse show clothes don’t always mix—but they do make for a charming essay from Chronicle of the Horse blogger Tracy Gold. After her non-horsey husband made his “adult leadline” debut (every show should have one!), he texted a friend about how much he admired what horses teach their daughter… except for the pressure of perfect turnout. Tracy had some thoughts about that—and turned them into a thoughtful, funny, and insightful read about what our kids really learn from spit-shined boots and pre-dawn packing lists. Read it here.

Planning ahead for winter weight loss? You’re not alone—many Thoroughbreds, like the one in this reader Q&A on TheHorse.com, tend to drop a body condition score or more during the colder months. The key? Start now. By building a nutritional game plan during the summer and adjusting forage, testing hay, and adding supplemental calories early, you can help your horse head into winter with a healthy buffer. Check out this helpful advice on maintaining condition year-round, before the chill sets in. Read more here.

Confused ≠ disobedient. In her latest piece for Horse Nation, Marcella Gruchalak reminds us that what looks like resistance in the saddle often stems from confusion—not defiance. A horse who’s anxious, inconsistent, or “not listening” might actually be trying their hardest to understand unclear cues. This insightful read breaks down the difference and offers practical steps to replace frustration with clarity and connection. Read the full article here.

Sponsor Corner: Virginia Horse Center Foundation

Keep your summer eventing vibes alive at the Virginia Horse Center! ☀️🐎 Whether you’re sharpening up for fall or just want a fun, low-pressure outing, this weekend has something for everyone:

🗓 Saturday, August 23: $75 Schooling Day — Ride all three phases (Dressage, SJ, XC) at your own pace. No assigned stadium times = max flexibility, especially for groups.
🗓 Sunday, August 24: Choose your adventure with an Unrecognized Horse Trial, Combined Test, or Dressage Test of Choice — perfect for green horses, green riders, or just getting in the groove.

With stabling, flexible scheduling, and a welcoming atmosphere, there’s no better way to keep progressing this summer. 🐴💪 Entries are open now at EventEntries.com.

Organized by Molly Bull | Cross country by Tyson Rementer
We’ll see you at the Virginia Horse Center in August!

Video Break

Keeping the Coleman party going, look back on this mini-doc filmed with Will and Katie Coleman last year:

US Equestrian Open of Eventing: Where Things Stand After the Spring Qualifiers

Phillip Dutton and Jewelent. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

We’re just about halfway to the $200,000 Final of the US Equestrian Open of Eventing, and the leaderboard is starting to take shape — though if we’ve learned anything from the first few qualifier legs, it’s that anything can happen in this exciting new game.

The most recent qualifier, held at Tryon International Equestrian Center, added a fresh twist to the standings as Sharon White and her MARS Maryland 5 Star CCI3*-L winner Jaguars Duende clinched the win and picked up 40 points toward the Open leaderboard to bring her total to 90. 

If you’re just catching up: the US Equestrian Open is a brand-new high-stakes series aimed at raising the profile — and the prize money — of eventing in the U.S. The format is straightforward: compete in designated CCI4*-S qualifiers across the country, earn points based on your finish, and earn your spot in the Final, held at Morven Park’s CCI4*-L this October. That Final carries a $200,000 purse — the biggest ever awarded at this level in the U.S. (and really, just about anywhere in the world). On top of that, the top points earners are eligible for an additional $50,000 in prize money. To keep things fair, riders can use their top six finishes toward the series prize. 

Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Here’s how it works:

  • Each qualifier is worth up to 50 points for the winner of the CCI4*-S division, depending on the number of starters.
  • Points are awarded through 10th place in divisions with 25+ starters, and through 8th in divisions with 25 or fewer starters. 
  • Your best six results count toward your final score — meaning consistency is key, but there’s room to rebound if one weekend doesn’t go to plan.
  • Riders can also buy in to the Final for a $5,000 fee (which is contributed to the overall prize fund), which opens this competition up to riders who missed qualifiers or even international riders who want to come from overseas. We could see some riders bring a 4* horse over for Morven and a 5* horse over for the Maryland 5 Star the following weekend.

James Alliston and Karma. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

So far, we’ve seen qualifiers at venues such as TerraNova, Stable View, Ocala, Kentucky, Aspen Farms and Tryon. Next is Maryland International (MD) this weekend. From there, it’s on to the final stretch: six qualifiers will remain before we turn toward the season finale in Leesburg, VA. The final qualifier will be held at Woodside International in California.

And what a finale it promises to be — a championship-style atmosphere, a big crowd, and that eye-popping prize pot. For many riders, this is a rare chance to ride for serious money at a level that develops our future 5* stars and team horses.

Looking to the current leaderboard, U.S. Olympic medalist Phillip Dutton is currently sitting atop the standings, with 215 points accumulated toward the leaderboard bonus to date. Dutton has completed his minimum of six qualifiers, but can still add more points by replacing one or some of those six results with better finishes at future events. Right behind Dutton is Canadian Olympic rider Jessica Phoenix, who has earned 185 points with five qualifying results. Brit-turned-American rider James Alliston is in third overall currently with 145 points across five qualifying results. 

Boyd Martin and Commando 3. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Want to dive deeper?
🧠 Here’s a quick guide to how the series works
📊 Check the current leaderboard — and get ready to hit refresh after every qualifier

We’ll be watching closely as the summer season kicks off — and we’ll keep bringing you the stories behind the points, the partnerships that are building momentum, and the nail-biters yet to come. Who will punch their ticket to Morven Park? We’ve only a short time to wait to find out.

Hold onto your helmet covers — this one’s only just heating up.

This article is brought to you with support from the Virginia Horse Industry Board, championing the Commonwealth’s vibrant equine community.

The Virginia Horse Industry Board (VHIB) was established to promote the economic development of the state’s horse industry through education, marketing, and research. Funded by fees collected from feed sales, the VHIB reinvests in programs that benefit horse owners, breeders, and enthusiasts across all disciplines. From supporting local events and youth initiatives to advancing equine health and industry sustainability, the Board plays a key role in preserving and growing Virginia’s rich horse heritage. Learn more here.

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

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

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

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

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.