Want a front row and free admission to all the action at #AnEventLikeNoOther, the $100,000 Stirling Venture Capital Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field next weekend? We’re only 10 days out and there are still volunteer opportunities available for both Friday, Feb 28th and Saturday, Mar 1st. Go to eventingvolunteers.com or aikenhorsepark.org/eventing to sign up. All volunteers get a free General Admission Full Event Pass!
š“ 5* rider and Olympian Will Coleman penned a column for Practical Horseman centering on the topic of self-carriage. What the heck is it, and how does it apply to the different phases of eventing? Hear from Will here.
šļø You have put in the practice at home, you and your horse feel confident, and your trainer has said, āItās time!ā All that is left to do at that point is to submit your entry for the horse trial in which you want to compete. Here are some important things to consider each time you submit your entry, whether by mail or online.
š You may have seen our new Instagram series, Heart Horses, and our first edition focused on Will Faudree’s 5* partner, Mama’s Magic Way. Get to know “Mason” even better in the latest Behind the Stall Door on The Chronicle of the Horse.
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Take an African riding safari with Elphick Event Ponies!
Annie Goodwin and Fedarman B. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.
The Aiken Horse Park Foundation and the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Selection Committee are pleased to offer eight unique experience items on auction to raise funds for the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Fund.
The online auction items include:
Deep Sea Fishing Experience
Four Nights Stay for 4 at the HF Bar Ranch in WY
Accompanied Threesome at Palmetto Golf Club
Accompanied Threesome at Old Barnwell Golf Course
South Carolina Outdoor Experience
Meet & Greet Day with Boyd Martin & Federman B
Customized Merchandize Package
Gourmet French Dinner by Olympian Michel Vaillancourt
Each of these packages have been generously donated by friends and family of the late Annie Goodwin.Ā The auction will close at 11:00 pm EST on Friday, February 28th. Click here to place your bids!
Established in July of 2021, the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Fund is intended to foster, support and develop Aikenās young equestrians who embody Annieās character and dedication in their respective sports.Ā To date the Fund has raised over $200,000 and directly supports the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant.
The inaugural Annie Goodwin Rising Star Grant application was published in the Fall of 2023 and Isabelle Bosley was named as the 2024 recipient. Taylor Bradish, 2 time FEI Combined Driving World Championship Team USA member, was named as the 2025 recipient and will be formally recognized Saturday, March 1st during the $100,000 Stirling Venture Capital Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.
For more information on the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Fund & Grant please visit this link.
A new fundraiser for The Georgie Campbell Foundation, started in honor of British 5* rider Georgie Campbell in the wake of her passing last spring, has kicked off this week. There are loads of options for prizes you can put raffle tickets toward, all supporting the important work of the Foundation to support early stage event riders in establishing and running their eventing businesses through the provision of tailored mentorship, training, and grants in areas including financial management and attracting and retaining staff, owners, and sponsors. The Foundation also seeks to help improve the safety of the sport of eventing.
Up for grabs are things like exclusive Membership access to Badminton and Burghley this year, a private lesson and yard tour with Kitty King or Tom Jackson, behind-the-scenes access with riders like Harry Meade, and much more. Check out the full prize listing here.
šŖ The USEA has released the five-stop EA21 Regional CLinic schedule for this year, featuring educational events scattered about the country. Applications are currently open for this year’s EA21 roster and are due on March 15. Find the schedule of Regional Clinics here.
š“ Want to create more harmony with your horse? Much of this comes down to the effectiveness of your aids, and this how-to from Practical Horseman takes it one step further to encourage riders to learn to synchronize their aids with their horse’s gaits. Read more on this concept here.
š¤ Hobby horsing may be a bit unpopular among equestrians (or is it?), but Horse & Hound argues that the growing sport (that yes, uses actual hobby horses in things like dressage and jumping) could be beneficial for all horse sports in a recent opinion piece. See why here.
Alyssa Phillips (USA) of Fort Worth, Texas, won the Galati Yacht Sales CCI4*-S at The Event at TerraNova, presented by B&D Builders, at TerraNova Equestrian Center on Saturday aboard Oskar (Coriando x Nicole) in March of 2024. Photo by EQ Media
TerraNova Equestrian Center is thrilled to announce the return of The Event at TerraNova from March 27-30, 2025. The biannual three-day event attracts top riders and international competitors. Entries for theĀ competition are now open, with the following levels offered: CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S, CCI1*,Ā Advanced, Intermediate, Preliminary, Training, Novice, Beginner Novice,Ā and Starter. The CCI4*-S serves as a qualifying event for the US Equestrian Open of Eventing, a series that will award $50,000 in prize money to the three-highest placed combinations following the conclusion of the qualifying period. $200,000 in prize money will be distributed at the US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final in 2025.
As a staple event on the venueās calendar, The Event at TerraNova has become a beloved favorite for competitors and spectators alike. Molly Oakman, President of TerraNova Enterprises, is looking forward to welcoming all to enjoy the facility and appreciate the sport of eventing.
“We are honored to host both horse and human guests to our world-class facility for exciting equestrian competition,” said Oakman. “The additional development of our cross-country course, arena maintenance, and new show jump designs are all the ways we are choosing to create a safe and challenging environment to support all levels of the sport. Falling in line with our commitment to excellence, we have additions to our property like the vendor cottages, onsite lodging and food service options, and the elevated production of our live stream as we are mindfully growing.”
Spectators are invited to reserve seating in the VIP pavilion on Saturday, March 29th as the CCI riders take on the show jumping phase. The pavilionās panoramic views allow guests to take in the sights and sounds of both international show jumping and national-level cross-country at the same time!
TerraNovaās Executive Chef, Christopher Capstick, will return with gourmet brunch fare and a seasonal twist with local ingredients.Ā Don’t miss the chance to mingle with fellow equestrian enthusiasts in our boutique shopping area and bring the kids to TerraNova Tiny Town.
For those looking to lend a helping hand, for every hour volunteered, $20 will be donated to Easterseals SWFL, supporting their mission to provide essential services to children, youth, and adults with special needs. Volunteers will receive training and can choose from various roles, including assisting in Tiny Town, the VIP pavilion, and parking services. No horse experience is requiredāeveryone is invited to make a difference!
Join us for an unforgettable weekend of world-class equestrian competition and community engagement. For more information and to purchase VIP tickets or sign up as a volunteer, please visit our website at TerraNova Equestrian Center.
Happy Monday, Eventing Nation! We’re here with a weekend recap as we celebrate our Weekend Winners!
We had quite a tough competition for our Unofficial Low Score Award, with plenty of sub-20 scores. However, the crown goes to Robin Walker and EWSZ Jalando, who scored an impressive 15.6 in the Open Novice A at Rocking Horse!
Advanced – Dressage Test A: Jack Curtis and Luska Candy Clover (47.7)
Advanced – Dressage Test B: Lauren Nicholson and Larcot Z (26.8)
Intermediate Rider: Zach Ketelboeter and Liondrive (33.1)
Open Intermediate A: Phillip Dutton and Denim (31.4)
Open Intermediate B: Phillip Dutton and Possante (31.6)
Intermediate/Preliminary: Emeline Gilbert and Albano (34.8)
Open Preliminary A: Kiersten Miller and Mama Mia (25.5)
Open Preliminary B: Isabelle Bosley and Cooley Starship (29.6)
Open Preliminary One Day (Friday) A: Tik Maynard and Kayan (28.8)
Open Preliminary One Day (Friday) B: Hallie Coon and Boleybawn Oliva (28.0)
Preliminary Horse: Clark Montgomery and Hicksteads Halo (23.9)
Preliminary Rider: Kasidy McMartin and Newtown’s Llewellyn (29.2)
Modified Rider: Darlene Walters and Concord Dawn (26.2)
Open Modified A: Mya Poulos and DHI Rock Dancer (27.6)
Open Modified B: Lea Adams-Blackmore and Nike (30.0)
Open Modified One Day (Friday) A: Ariel Grald and Sinodinos (25.0)
Open Modified One Day (Friday) B: Megan Edwards and Legende De Mies (26.0)
Junior Training Rider: Elle White and Biscotti (24.8)
Open Training A: Colleen Loach and Canada Post (30.5)
Open Training B: Erin MacDonald and Classicals Smartie Pants (26.4)
Senior Training Rider: Emerson Padgett and MSH Giant Jac’ka (29.3)
Training Horse: Michael Nolan and Rock Acapella (31.4)
Junior Novice Rider: Nicole Nair and Cooley Vita (27.2)
Novice Horse: Chris Talley and CSF Darwin (26.4)
Open Novice A: Robin Walker and EWSZ Jalando (15.6)
Open Novice B: Liz Lund and Ballytarsna Dunne Waiting (24.7)
Senior Novice Rider: Jordan Scroggins and C25’s Bugatti (24.4)
Beginner Novice Rider: Lila Brown and Sparrow Hawk de la Galerna (26.6)
Open Beginner Novice: Kara Andrew and Bridge View (28.7)
Open Starter: Madeline Backus and P.S. Sir Balinor (28.0)
Starter Rider: Amy Snow and Queen of the North (33.3)
Advanced/Intermediate: Helen Alliston and Call Me Rudi (47.0)
Open Intermediate: Gabriella Ringer and Get Wild (23.4)
Open Preliminary: Sophia Click and Tarantino 54 (30.0)
Preliminary Rider Provisional Scores: Jillian Mader and Cooley Neptune (33.7)
Open Modified: Tommy Greengard and Kremer VD Falieberg (21.3)
Open Training: Tommy Greengard and Shannondale Fionn (17.8)
Training Rider: Sophie Stocks and Rosco (28.2)
Novice Rider: Victoria Klein and Monets Wish (26.1)
Open Novice A: Deborah Rosen and Nevada (23.3)
Open Novice B: Tommy Greengard and SZ Raudo (28.3)
Beginner Novice Rider: Annie Desmond and Little Elf (20.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Pippa Murray and Kynynmont Sebastian (28.3)
Open Starter: Jessica McKendree and Lumani (19.7)
Open Grasshopper: McKenzie Nelson and Jonny (45.8)
Open Introductory: Harvest Renfro and Take That (43.9)
Open Preliminary: Boyd Martin and Curraghgraigue Clear Future (24.5)
Preliminary Rider: Mikki Kuchta and Special Reserve (92.0)
Junior Training: Larkyn Hendren and Castle’s Boy (33.9)
Open Training A: Boyd Martin and Cooley Kaboom (25.3)
Open Training B: Boyd Martin and Joey Fiddlesticks (27.5)
Training Rider: Cora Riley and Riviera Lu (35.1)
Novice Rider A: Jody Cattell and Firefly MRF (29.0)
Novice Rider B: Rebecca Saria and Prince Caspian (26.9)
Open Novice A: Lillian Heard Wood and Topolino (23.3)
Open Novice B: Kristine Burgess and Marisol (26.9)
Junior Novice: Grace Copley and Lexington II (33.2)
Beginner Novice Rider: Tracey Miller and Mac N Cheese (37.0)
Open Beginner Novice A: Savannah Fulton and FMF Asparagus (26.2)
Open Beginner Novice B: Jacqueline Cameron and Ticket to Ride (25.3)
Starter: Carleton Henrich and Now, Voyager (26.7)
Tuesday February 18 – 6:30 p.m. at Bruce’s Field
Dr. Kate Echeverria will discuss management considerations for horses with EMS, IR, or Cushing’s.
RSVP/more information here.
āļø West coast roving photographer Tina Fitch has been awarded the Official Photographer designation for this year’s USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC), presented by Nutrena Feeds. This year’s AEC will take place in Temecula, CA at Galway Downs, the proposed host site of all equestrian disciplines at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The competition is scheduled for August 26-31. Finalizations on plans to return the AEC back to Kentucky Horse Park in 2026 are underway.
š Spoga Horse, a B2B equestrian fair in Cologne, Germany held each winter, is a big item on our bucket list here at EN. Each year, new innovations in technology and equipment are unveiled, making it akin to a CES (an annual tech trade show held in Las Vegas) for horse people. Here are the award winners for Best Innovations this year.
Ā The 2025 Eventing Development 25 and Developing Programs started the year with two educational training sessions held in Ocala, Fla., throughout January, setting the tone early and helping to shape future success for participating athletes. Combinations rode in a multi-day clinic with USEF Eventing Development Coach Leslie Law and Ian Stark, providing valuable coaching and guidance to help further their skills and to better prepare them for the competitive season and the next Olympic quadrennial. Additionally, athletes participated in educational workshops to further build on their knowledge and hone their horsemanship skills as up-and-coming professionals in the industry.
āThe athletes bring with them an absolute dedication, professionalism, and commitment to achieving a future of more with the very important focus on sport success being the end goal, while balancing that with a respect for their animals and a commitment to a high level of horsemanship,ā said Law.
The following USEF Eventing Development 25 athletes participated in the session held from January 6-9, 2025:
Alexandra BaughĀ (Lexington, Ky.)
Olivia DuttonĀ (West Grove, Pa.)
Lizzie HoffĀ (Gig Harbor, Wash.)
Meg PellegriniĀ (Wayne, Pa.)
Cassie SangerĀ (Wilmington, Del.)
Maddie TemkinĀ (Lexington, Ky.)
The following USEF Eventing Development athletes participated in the session held from January 27-30, 2025:
Mia FarleyĀ (Ocala, Fla.)
Cornelia FletcherĀ (Ocala, Fla.)
Alyssa PhillipsĀ (Fort Worth, Tex.)
Julie WolfertĀ (Bucyrus, Kan.)
Athletes not able to make it to the east coast received their training adapted based on their location. Eventing Development 25 athletes, Elsa Warble (Portola Valley, Calif.) and Molly Duda (Menlo Park, Calif.), reside on the West Coast and received training from Law separately, while Cosby Green (Lexington, Ky.) and Jenny Caras (Buckhead, Ga.) are based full-time in England.
Both four-day sessions included individual dressage lessons on Monday and Wednesday at Shady Oaks East and cross-country sessions on Tuesday. The Development athletes had the opportunity to ride with Ian Stark at Okonokos Farm. All athletes finished the mounted portion of the clinic with a day of jumping at Notting Hill Farm with Law and Chris Barnard.
āI thought the whole process was really neat and learning from legends like Ian and Leslie was very beneficial for my riding,ā said Julie Wolfert, a first-time participant in the USEF Eventing Development Program. āI loved how the lessons were one-on-one and were adjusted depending on what the horse and athlete needed.ā
Athletes participated in several unmounted educational sessions, learning from industry experts in a variety of fields directly impacting the performance and lifestyle of professional equestrian athletes, both in and out of the competition arena. Renowned course designer, Barnard, led an in-depth discussion and hands-on practical session focusing on course design theory while explaining the technical aspects of course building for the various levels.
Olivia Minicucci, from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) led an informative session on human nutrition, helping athletes understand the crucial role of diet in optimizing performance and overall health. Dr. Jo Frantz, a licensed human physiotherapist who works with several USEF High Performance teams, offered a comprehensive look into the physical aspects of an athleteās body, covering its role in strength, endurance, and injury prevention. Kenny Bark, who served as team farrier for the three teams fielded by US Equestrian at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games, shared his knowledge and expertise on shoeing high performance horses.
āI found it very helpful to work with, Olivia, from the USOPC, and our human physiotherapist, Jo, as there is so much we can improve in our own flexibility and strength which can then translate over to how our horseās feel and move underneath us,ā added Wolfert.
The comprehensive blend of practical knowledge and education from the unmounted sessions intends to better equip athletes with the necessary knowledge and understanding to continue development of both their horses and home programs to ultimately produce top results at the highest levels.
āIt was a great way to start out the season, and I learned a lot both from the lessons and lectures that we had,ā said Olivia Dutton. āLeslie’s lessons were very helpful and shared some very useful input that I will use throughout the season with all my horses.ā
Learn more about the Eventing Pathway ProgramsĀ here.
It’s racehorse training season at British Olympic medalist Laura Collett’s year! Each year, Laura brings in a handful of young racehorses to cross-train them over fences. Check out the progression video above for some of the work Laura does with these youngsters.
The Jacqueline B. Mars Competition and Training Grants are awarded annually by theĀ USET FoundationĀ and aim to support the Eventing Pathway Programās goal of sustainable success on the world stage. Specifically, these grants are designed to assist athlete-and-horse combinations to achieve Pre-Elite or Elite Program criteria. The grants will support athlete-and-horse combinations already competing at the 4* level with the perceived potential to achieve Pre-Elite or Elite status within the next 12 months. Pre-Elite and Elite criteria can be foundĀ here.
The goal of the grant is to provide training and competition resources for athletes who have never competed on an Olympics or FEI World Championships Team. Athletes will have earned, via results and potential, the opportunity to travel to another part of the country with the National grant.
Past recipients of the Jacqueline B. Mars National Competition Grant include athletes such as Mia Farley, Liz Halliday, and James Alliston.
The application period for the Spring 2025 grant closes onĀ April 11, 2025. For more information, including application criteria and eligible competitions, clickĀ here.
If you have any questions about the Spring 2025 application criteria and eligibility, please contact Gemma Stobbs, Director, Eventing Elite Programs, atĀ [email protected].
Do you think you could catch your whip midair? Canadian rider Waylon Roberts demonstrated this useful skill at Pine Top last weekend, and you can consider us very impressed. Just call him Cool Hand Waylon!
What’s the best way to care for your tack investments? World Equestrian Brands carries a full line of leather care products that can be used on a schedule to ensure your tack is properly maintained. Visit this link to pick up your own set of Amerigo leather care.
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How do five different horses tackle the same cross country question? Laura Collett demonstrates:
