Classic Eventing Nation

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Apr 5, 2023 12:01 am -

Fancy owning a top-level event horse for a teeny tiny fraction of the real cost of running one of these – frankly, wildly expensive – equines? Well, that’s exactly what the Event Horse Owners Syndicate is all about.

If you tuned in to H&C+ to watch Great Britain’s Emily King win the Grantham Cup in the 4*-S at the Eventing Spring Carnival at Thoresby Park International last weekend – the event where everyone talked about the weather – you may have heard the commentary team talking about Valmy Biats’ owners – along with Emily herself, Philippe Brivois, Mrs Jacquie Shere and Mr Jeremy Shere, Emily’s Badminton bound horse has a syndicate of owners via the Event Horse Owners Syndicate.

In this Instagram post, Emily talks about her prep for Badminton and what it’s like having a whole host of owners along for the ride.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Stable View Spring 2/3/4* and H.T. (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

CDCTA Spring H.T. (Ruckersville, VA) [Website] [Volunteer][Scoring]

Pine Hill Spring H.T (Belleville, TX) [Website] [Entries / Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Rocking Horse Spring H.T (Altoona, FL) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Wednesday News and Reading

Are you attending Stable View’s FEI & H.T. this weekend? If you’re around Friday afternoon, be sure to join us along with FEI course designer Capt. Mark Phillips and Boyd Martin for an exclusive behind the scenes cross country preview of the CCI4*-S. We’ll meet on the cross country side of the Hunt Boxes on site at 4:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon. See you there!

Have you been on winning form recently? USEA are putting out a call for entries for their Winner’s Circle column. Find out how to share your success and feature in Eventing USA magazine. [Winner, Winner]

Land Rover Kentucky is on the horizon and it’s not long now ‘til a whole bunch of talented horses and riders tackle the Derek di Grazia cross country courses. Find out more about the team behind the fences, what it takes to design a course, how safety is always a priority and the R rated language that’s all part of the camaraderie. [Courses for Horses at Kentucky]

Join the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) at Kentucky for a bunch of great activities. They’re offering the opportunity to learn from top event riders, as well as the chance to get your hands on a signed Boyd Martin poster and enter the RRP super raffle. There’s a course walk with Elisa Wallace, jumping advice from Buck Davidson, a master class with Sara Kosumplik, and insights into picking prospects for eventing from champion jockey and eventer Rosie Napravnik. [Thoroughbred Treats at Kentucky]

THE most swoon-worthy tack collection your eyes ever did see. Cowboy and horse trainer Gerry Gesell talks tack collecting (yes, he does clean ALL those bridles!), how he learned about horses from his mom, and how kindness and patience are at the heart of horsemanship. [A Dream of a Tack Room]

Barn Banter about a new horsey book, equine massage and rehabilitation, and mini horses. Horse Illustrated talks to New York Times reporter and author of ‘The Flying Horse’ Sarah Maslin Nir, and equine bodyworker and mini horse enthusiast Jenny Zonghetti. [Listen Up]

Equestrian Living Magazine has brought my attention to this little gem – ‘The Young Lady’s Equestrian Manual’. Published in 1838, it’s a bit of a period read, so, for those of you not inclined to wade through it, here are some of the best bits. 1. ‘Strange as it may seem, it is an incontrovertible fact that horses are much more docile and temperate with riders of the fair sex than when mounted by men’. (Indeed!) 2. ‘The lady usually has a horse selected for her, by some gentleman’. (Any old gentleman will do!) 3. ‘She ought to be correct, without seeming stiff or formal: and easy, without appearing slovenly’. (Easy does it!) 4. There’s a whole section on how a woman should arrange her ‘drapery’ so it falls ‘gracefully around her’. 5. It’s actually a pretty comprehensive guide to accurate riding. Unless you want to gallop that is – ‘No lady of taste ever gallops. Not above one among a thousand of our fair readers is likely to be endowed with sufficient ambition and boldness. Any remarks with regard to this pace would be all but needless’. [The Most Elegant Feminine Recreation]

Video Break

It’s National Walking Day today so here’s little pupper Nacho taking his buddy for a walk.

Join Capt. Mark Phillips and Boyd Martin for a 4* XC Preview at Stable View

By on Apr 4, 2023 1:00 pm -

Boyd Martin and On Cue. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Are you competing or otherwise attending the $60,000 Stable View FEI & H.T. this weekend? You’re invited to take a closer look at some of the questions the CCI4* competitors will be tackling on Saturday, with expert guidance and entertainment provided by designer Capt. Mark Phillips and Olympian Boyd Martin.

It’s one thing to watch a course being ridden – it’s a whole other to get up close and personal with the questions being asked of the horses and riders. You’ll gain useful insights on why a question is presented the way it is, and how it should be ridden – all information that can be applied at any level. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for free education!

Capt. Mark Phillips surveying the scene as cross country kicks off at Stable View in 2022.

This event is free and open to all, presented by Stable View Farm and Eventing Nation. Please join us on the cross country side of the Hunt Box lodging (see map below) at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 7. Be prepared for some walking, though we will not be walking the entire course – and bring your questions! Updates to the schedule will be made in this post and on Stable View’s social media, so keep an eye out for any changes.

Boyd and Capt. Phillips will be available for questions, photos, and autographs after the walk concludes.

Stable View FEI & H.T. (Aiken, SC): [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer]

GMHA Festival of Eventing Announces Multiple Improvements for 2023 HT & CCI

By on Apr 4, 2023 11:30 am -

Photo courtesy of GMHA Festival of Eventing.

The GMHA Festival of Eventing will return to Woodstock, Vermont August 11th – 13th for USEA sanctioned Horse Trials and FEI CCI2*S and CCI3*S level competition with $10,000 in prize money. Rich in history, the GMHA Horse Trials began in 1957 and was one of the first to be held in the US since the US Cavalry Team competed in the 1948 Olympics. Today, it is the only remaining FEI competition for northern New England equestrians and this year promises several well-thought-out improvements for all division competitors.

New Schedule For 2023

GMHA and the Festival of Eventing committee has made the decision to replace the one-day Horse Trial, previously run on Friday, with the multi-day HT format which offers a better competitor experience. The new schedule accommodates a long-standing request to move the stadium to the larger Upwey arena, providing a more inclusive experience for all levels participating in the event as well as challenging the riders’ use of time and riding ability.

* Friday All Day – Dressage (FEI 3*/2*, I, P, M, T, N, BN)

* Friday PM – Show Jumping (FEI 3*/2* & Intermediate)

* Saturday All Day – Cross Country (FEI 3*/2*, I, P, M, T, N, BN) & Competitor’s Party

* Sunday All Day – Show Jumping National Levels (P, M, T, N, BN)

For divisions that culminate on Saturday with Cross Country or Sunday with Show Jumping, those divisions will run in reverse order of go, allowing for a few victory gallops, photo opportunities, interviews, and the award celebration!

Chris Barnard, of Reddick, Florida, an international show jump designer and builder whose talents have been employed at The Florida Horse Park, The Jockey Club, Tryon International, Stable View, Chattahoochee Hills, and the Virginia Horse Trials. Barnard will be designing the show jumping courses for the weekend. On Wednesday, August 9th, Barnard will design the courses in the Upwey Arena, the location for the HT SJ, for the GMHA Jumper Schooling Day. Sign up early to ensure your spot in this popular Pre-Festival of Eventing Jumper Schooling Day.

The cross-country courses are custom designed by FEI-licensed designer Morgan Rowsell. Rowsell’s resume includes Cross-Country Course Designer at Essex, Florida’s Rocking Horse Stables, Seneca Valley’s (MD) two events, ESDCTA (NJ) Horse Trials held at the Horse Park of New Jersey, the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event and Millbrook. Course Builder Jamie Gornall, GMHA Technical Coordinator and resident of South Woodstock, Vermont will join Rowsell’s team. Some of the courses that have benefited from Gornall’s course building talents have included Millbrook, Fair Hill, Southern Pines, UNH, Stable View, Great Meadow and the 2018 World Equestrian Games.

New Modified Division

In 2016, the USEA Board of Governors approved the addition of a seventh recognized level between Training and Preliminary. This new “Modified” level helps to bridge the gap between the upper and lower levels and provides a steppingstone to assist and prepare riders for advancement.

According to GMHA Event Manager, Jill Bogert, “Competitors have been asking to add Modified for a number of years now. Festival Committee members, Jane Hamlin and Cristin Roby, have really advocated for it from an educational perspective, and that’s what we’re all about here at GMHA.”

Olympic Judge and Committee Co-Chairman, Jane Hamlin agrees, “I’m so excited that GMHA is adding a Modified level. It’s such a useful division. It suits horses and riders who are not quite ready to jump into the preliminary division either because it might be beyond their comfort level or for people who haven’t gone south in the spring. I’m sure GMHA will provide a fun, educational experience!”

Photo courtesy of GMHA Festival of Eventing.

Other 2023 GMHA Festival of Eventing Highlights

* Friday Night Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres – Adjacent to Upwey Show Jumping Arena

* Saturday Evening Competitors Party – featuring Trail Break Tacos and Live Music

* Educational SJ & XC Course Walks with Chris Barnard and Morgan Rowsell

* Friday FEI 2*/3* and Intermediate Dressage (am) & SJ (pm) in Upwey Arena

* Friday BN through Prelim Dressage in White and Walker Arenas

* Saturday – All levels run Cross County.

* Sunday All Day – Show Jumping National Levels (P, M, T, N, BN)

Entries Open: June 27, 2023 | Entries Close: July 25, 2023 | FEI Entries Extended Close Date: Tuesday, August 1st (for 2* & 3* only)

For event information including entries, visit GMHA Festival of Eventing.

Sponsorship opportunities are key to the successful production of the GMHA Festival of Eventing. Please contact Bruce Perry, GMHA Executive Director, at (802) 457-1509, [email protected] for information.

For event details, volunteer and sponsorship information, please visit the Festival of Eventing website.

Every Fan’s Guide to Attending LRK3DE

By on Apr 4, 2023 9:00 am -

Photo by Shelby Allen.

Who better to tell us how fans should prepare for this year’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event than the fans themselves? In this guide, you’ll find top tips and hacks from spectators just like you.

Before the Event

What’s that saying? “Lack of preparation on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine?” Nothing is more true for Land Rover. To really enjoy the biggest eventing weekend of the year, prepare in advance.

After doing all the normal traveling tasks (booking your hotel, flight, etc), take some extra time to prepare for the event itself. If you want to spend the entire day shopping at the Trade Fair, you may want to spring for preferred parking. You’ll thank yourself for splurging on parking when you watch everyone else lugging their finds all the way back to the boonies of the parking area.

Speaking of shopping, take a look at the Trade Fair map before you hit the road. That way you’ll know what vendors will be there and plan the route you should take to hit your favorite vendors first.

Read up on who will be riding in the 5*. So far, we’ve got an impressive group of riders coming to Kentucky, including 2022 FEI World Champion Yasmin Ingham.

What our readers had to say:

“Reserve your stadium seats under cover. When it’s 85 degrees and sunny, you will stay cooler and not get burnt. When it’s 50 and raining, you won’t be wet and cold…The first several rows in the 200 sections are not under cover.” – Denise F.

“Follow all your favorite riders and brands on Insta/FB to keep up with when they are hosting meet and greets/signings and xc course walks!” – Sarah S.

Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

What to Bring

Make sure you bring every weather-related essential. You’ll be spending a LOT of time outside at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, particularly on cross country day. Make sure to pack all those exciting common sense items: sunscreen, a water bottle, hat, sunglasses, lip balm, etc. One thing to know about springtime weather in Kentucky is…it’s quite unpredictable. Best to pack something for just about any type of conditions — we even saw snow at Kentucky in 2021!

One piece of advice that was repeated by multiple fans was to bring the biggest backpack you can possibly carry. This will hold all your shopping steals from the Trade Fair, all your layers, sunscreen, water bottle, and other essentials. Don’t skip this step or you’ll regret it when you find yourself carrying all your layers, shopping, and essentials in a thin-handled shopping bag.

“All I know is that there was an old man with a portable folding stool last year that I definitely would have taken out at the knees to acquire said stool from him.” – EN writer, Amanda Chance

Protect the elderly. Prevent violence. Bring a portable folding stool to LRK3DE.

But in all seriousness, unless you’re young enough that your knees won’t protest sitting on the ground, you really will want to bring a folding chair or portable stool.

Bring a power bank so you can keep your phone charged all day long, and keep updating your social media with that sweet LRK3DE content. Don’t forget to tag @goeventing when you do!

What our readers had to say:

“Bring rain gear, snacks/water, comfy shoes, and a pack to carry stuff! Also sunscreen! Kentucky is notorious for multiple seasons across the weekend! Be prepped for LOTS of walking! And most importantly LIVE IN THE MOMENT!” – @irishsaints

Wonderful Will and Michael Pollard on their way to a clear round at Kentucky 2011. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld

What to Wear

If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes. It’ll probably change.

LRK3DE is notorious for having all the seasons in one weekend. Your best bet to stay comfortable no matter what the weekend throws at you is to dress in layers, Michelin Man style. Rain gear and waterproof walking shoes are must-have items. If you forget waterproof boots, stop by the Trade Fair early, before they run out of your size.

What our readers had to say:

“Get a good rain coat. Bring your wellies/dublins/dubarrys and WEAR THEM.” – @megsilgni

“Pay attention to Lexington weather. Make sure you have appropriate clothing and footwear for the expected weather conditions. Most of all, be kind to all and keep your sense of humor.” – Holly Y.

“Bring clothes for all seasons! I’ve gotten sunburned and windburned. Temperatures have ranged from 40+° – almost 90°; and the rain is always a concern.” – Leslie P.

Kyle Carter entertains the group at the EN x Ride iQ course walk at Kentucky in 2022. Photo by Sally Spickard.

What to Do

The great thing about LRK3DE is that there’s something for everyone. If you want to focus on shopping and watching some exhilarating cross country, focus your time on the Trade Fair. Just make sure you shop on the first few days of the weekend before sizes get picked over and selection thins out. But if you attend LRK3DE to learn a little something, you might want to change your tactics.

To get the most out of watching dressage, rent a headset so you can hear the commentary and analyze the rides. Plan to spend some time watching the dressage warm up and ring familiarization. You’ll get a real sense for the partnership between horse and rider and learn a lot. Plus, you’ll get to see your favorite riders schooling their horses.

For the much-anticipated cross country phase, preparation is key. Walk the course before cross country day so you can scope out the best spots to watch from and appreciate the size of the fences (and stay tuned for information on our annual course walk with Ride iQ on Friday afternoon!). Many fans also suggested watching some riders gallop out of the start box and soar over the last fence. Put your phone to good use and livestream the event so you can see the entire course digitally and hear the commentary.

Thinking of ditching show jumping? Don’t. According to EN writer Abby Powell, “There is nothing like experiencing the roar of the crowd from one of the biggest grandstands in the sport when a top ten pair jumps clear. It will give you chills.”

Multiple fans insisted that you have to stay to watch show jumping, even if it’s your least favorite phase to ride.

What our readers had to say:

“Get the dressage headsets, watch the arena familiarities and warm ups, do the xc and sj course walks (They can be long but you learn sooo much)!” – @lenamakes

“Bring clothes for every temp – plan to shop, and take advantage of the meet and greets and course walks! We ducked out of Boyd’s to join Jimmy’s ~ so memorable.” – @southernstarr

“If you need boots, shop for them day 1 so your size isn’t picked over.” – Janelle C.

You can always find a party on cross country day in the tailgating area! Photo by Leslie Wylie.

What to Eat

Horse shows mean horse show food. This is not the weekend to choose to stick to your diet, at least not when there’s bourbon chicken around.

There’s a few different places you can find food at the event. Check out the Sponsor Village, The Hill, the Food Court at the Trade Fair, the Rolex Stadium, and the Alltech Arena. We got lots of comments recommending the event’s signature bourbon chicken. For those with a sweet tooth, check out the Chocolate Moonshine Co. at the Trade Fair for gourmet fudge and chocolate. If you’re over 21, stop at the Tito’s booth on the Hill and Country Boy Brewing in the Sponsor Village.

What our readers had to say:

“Find the little kiosk that sells cream soda and root beer in silver or copper coated engraved mugs! It’s usually in the Rolex stadium, the soda is so good and the cups are cool keepsakes!” – @kupono.horsemanship

“Hot take: Bourbon Chicken is grossly over hyped. Go to Schmidt’s or Toasties or the Gyro truck instead!” -Kirsten L.

Oliver Townend and Cooley Master Class, winners of the 2019 Kentucky Three-Day Event. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Where to Stay

The Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event is located just 12 minutes from downtown Georgetown and 20 minutes away from downtown Lexington, giving you plenty of options for places to stay. There are plenty of places to book an AirBnB, hotel, or bed and breakfast in either downtown, but if you want the best convenience and don’t mind roughing it just a bit, you may want to check out the Kentucky Horse Park Campground.

The KHP Campground is right on the grounds. Sites fill quickly, so act fast. The campground features a grocery store/gift shop and two bathhouses. According to Amanda Chance of Breed. Ride. Event., it’s her favorite place to stay every year. “Rent an RV and stay on grounds in the campground. No driving back and forth, no parking, we can come back during the day for food/water and to put our shopping stuff away, there are some lit parties and cookouts, etc.”

Bonus Tip:
“Tell your husband not to mind the credit card statement after you walk through the vendors!” – Becky W.

Most importantly, bring a sense of humor and patience. We’re all horse lovers here.

Have anything we missed? Leave it in the comments!

Go Eventing!

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Apr 4, 2023 7:00 am -

I’m always a sucker for a cute “Where Are They Now?” story, and this morning’s comes to us from Jessie Phoenix and her longtime upper-level horse, Pavarotti. These days, “Rotti” is teaching the next generation all about what it means to ride — and looking pretty pleased to have landed the gig!

Events Opening This Week:

Hunt Club Farms H.T. (VA), Otter Creek Spring H.T. (WI), Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (GA) , Fair Hill International Spring H.T. (MD), Spring Gulch H.T. (CO),

Events Closing Today:

Ocala International Festival of Eventing (FL), Fair Hill International April CCI & H.T. (MD), River Glen Spring H.T. (TN), Sporting Days Farm April H.T. III (SC), Meadowcreek Park Spring Social H.T. (TX)

Tuesday News & Notes

Fancy heading to Harvard to play polo? That’s exactly what West Philadelphia’s Alyssa Perren, who has spent much of her high school life in the Work to Ride riding and polo program, is heading to do after learning she was accepted to the prestigious Ivy League university. [Heading to Harvard]

Meet this month’s USEA VIP Volunteer: Kayla DeHart, hailing from Area IX. If something needs to be done at an event in Area IX, you can be sure Kayla Dehart’s thought of it — and that’s the type of person who makes our sport whole. [VIP Volunteer – April]

Need a new tool for your jumping days? Try these tried-and-true trips for utilizing four-stride lines from show jumping rider Kama Godek. [The Usefulness of the 4-Stride Line]

If you struggle with riding anxiety, the first thing to remember is that you’re far from alone. Then, pull up resources like this article from The Chronicle of the Horse to call to mind next time you struggle.

Sponsor Corner:

Toe dragging. Muscle loss. Poor performance. Is your horse showing signs of a Vitamin E deficiency?

Elevate was developed by Kentucky Performance Products to provide a highly bioavailable source of natural vitamin E to horses. This powerful antioxidant limits the damage caused by everyday oxidative stress.

Learn more about Elevate here.

Tuesday Video Break:

It’s FEI World Cup Finals week in Omaha! If you follow show jumping, vaulting, and dressage, you’ll want to keep up with the action from Nebraska all week long. Germany’s own Queen Klimke will be competing later this week with the amazing Franziskus — take a look at one of their recent freestyle performances below:

Monday Video: Two TerraNova Cross Country Helmet Cams

By on Apr 3, 2023 5:00 pm -

What a blessed Monday indeed when we have not one, but two great helmet cams to share with you! Both videos today come from the cross country at The Event at TerraNova this past weekend. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been oogling over the beautifully decorated fences that TerraNova touts — now we can get our own between the ears glimpse!

Our first video (above) comes from Lainey Ashker aboard Lovedance, a seven-year-old Warmblood mare owned by the Lovedance Syndicate who is making her Intermediate debut. And an excellent debut at the level it was — the pair finished second place in the Open Intermediate division.

Below, we get to ride along with Stephanie Jackson and her nine-year old Irish Sport Horse gelding, Fernhill Quality Vision, as they conquer the CCI1*-S course to the tune of the double clear round, finishing barely outside the top ten in a very large class.

Enjoy the ride(s)!

The Event at TerraNova (Myakka City, FL) [Website] [Results][En’s Coverage]

Ian Stark’s Newest 4* Challenge: Coming to the Maryland International This Summer

By on Apr 3, 2023 3:00 pm -

On July 7-9, 2023, a new 4*S and Advanced horse trial will hit the American eventing calendar at the Maryland International, located in Adamstown, Maryland. I got on the phone with the course designer, Ian Stark, as well as the venue’s owner and organizer, Carolyn Mackintosh, to ask about their plans for the new 4*S in the heart of Area II.

“An Educational Track”: Ian Stark’s Plans for the Course

Ian Stark has designed cross country courses around the globe. In trying to assess his approach to designing at this event, I asked him what other 4* in the world he would liken it to. “It’s not a huge acreage, so I would compare it to Tattersalls [Ireland].” Tattersalls, which was a destination event in Ireland, was on a fairly small property, and Ian got the experience of making the best use of a smaller venue. The trick, he explained, is “trying not to pull horses around.” Thus, he tries to avoid anything twisty. His plan with the Maryland 4* is to make the track open and flowing. Ian has designed the courses at the Maryland Horse Trials for a number of years, including for their 2*S and 3*S courses most recently.

“It will be designed as an educational track for the first year or two,” Ian expounded, noting that the space in the calendar that the 4* occupies will be ideal for horses and riders getting going in the mid-summer, or perhaps for pairs new to the level building on their spring campaigns.

The Maryland Horse Trials team, including course designer Ian Stark, as well as the venue’s owner and organizer, Carolyn Mackintosh, are working hard to continue developing the venue for the Eventing community.

As for the plans for the track itself, Ian described some exciting additions. “We have built a new 4* coffin, a new leaf pit, and a new bank complex at the big water which can be used for lots of different levels.” He also noted that they have made a specific camber track through the woods for the 4*, which will ensure that they are running on exactly the terrain he intends. Finally, the team has built up an area down behind the arenas which will make it more suitable for the course to run through.

Hard ground is often a concern for riders in the summer months. I asked about this issue, and Ian noted that the course is getting new top soil and new grass planted. The team works tirelessly on the ground, watering and aggravating it to ensure that the horses can run on the best ground possible.

In all, Ian is excited about the new track and hopes it will be educational and exciting for horses and riders. Given its place in the calendar, it will fill an important gap because there are no other events at that level in the month of July on the East Coast.

The course will provide an educational opportunity to fill a gap in the east coast competition calendar in July.

The Woman Behind the Scenes: Carolyn Mackintosh

“Everywhere we go to design courses, we joke that we should bring Carolyn, because she is so good at making grass grow!” Ian laughs.

Anyone who has been to the Maryland Horse Trials in the past has probably met Carolyn Mackintosh, the owner of the venue. She is a force of nature, and she is good at not only making grass grow. She organizes all of shows with a trusted team of secretaries, course designers and builders, and of course an army of volunteers. I often see her running scores or organizing fence judges, but she is never too busy to stop and say hello.

In January, Ian Stark recounts visiting the venue and making some plans for the summer event. He gave Carolyn four new ideas for projects on the cross country course, some of which involved a fair amount of earth-moving. “I thought she’d take a couple of years to complete these projects, but I visited the venue last week, and she was already done with them!”. If that story doesn’t describe Carolyn’s zealous approach to running and improving her events, I am not sure what does.

With a dedicated and driven team, the course’s progress has been coming along quickly.

Carolyn herself describes the new 4*S with excitement. Her latest investments in the venue include an upgraded hospitality viewing area above the main arena, which will provide a view not only of the arena but of the entire cross country course. The cross country course will run in and out of the arena twice, making it a fun up-close experience for spectators.

With a ground jury of Marilyn Payne, Gretchen Butts, Peter Gray, and Bobby Stevenson, competitors are sure to have a great experience at the event. Carolyn has also brought on Joanie Morris to help her run it. The venue is still looking for sponsors and would welcome any contact from those interested.

Carolyn also indicated that scholarships will be made available for select entrants in the 1* through 4* classes, who will also receive a cash grant for the weekend. Details about the application process for these scholarships and grants will be forthcoming.

Looking Back, and Looking Ahead

I attended some of my very first events at the Maryland Horse Trials. They were unrecognized shows, and my brother and I were just learning about the sport. We undoubtedly made mistakes, and probably went off-course and fell off a number of times. But those starter events (which the venue still runs regularly) are what hooked me on eventing. They are the events to which I first took my now-5* partner Bendigo, when I was 14 years old and he had never been to an event before in his life.

This is all to say that the Maryland Horse Trials is special because it caters to everyone. And this sport is, really, about everyone. It’s about the new-to-eventing families who are getting a taste of the sport, just as it is about the Advanced horses and riders who now have a new 4* on their calendar. Looking ahead, the venue will continue to serve everyone in the community. I hope you will put the Maryland International in July on your calendars, whether it be to ride, spectate, or volunteer. Go eventing.

Kentucky-Bound Dibowski Victorious in the 4* in Strzegom

By on Apr 3, 2023 1:00 pm -

Alina Dibowski was the winner of the CCI4*-S, the highest-ranked class at the Strzegom Spring Open. Polish rider Wiktoria Knap finished third.

Kentucky-bound Alina Dibowski was the winner of the CCI4*-S at the Strzegom Spring Open. Photo by Mariusz Chmieliński.

The weather did not spoil the competitors during Saturday’s cross-country. None of the pairs of the four-star competition managed to go inside the optimum time. The favourite, Michael Jung, riding fischerChipmunk FRH, entered the course from the leading position. One refusal and points for time cost the German representative as many as 48.4 penalty points and a drop from 1st to 22nd place. The winner, with a score of 39.7 points, was Alina Dibowski (GER) with the Polish-bred Barbados 26. The German was eighth after dressage and fifth after jumping. They went clear on the fences in the cross-country, 20 seconds over the time. Second place went to her compatriot Sandra Auffarth with Viamant du Matz – 40,1. Wiktoria Knap with Quintus 134 finished third, with the score of 41,1. The Pole was sixth after two trials and crossed the finish line just three seconds later than the winner.

Polish rider Wiktoria Knap finished third in the 4*. Photo by Mariusz Chmieliński.

In the 3*-S, the winner was Anne-Dorthe Möller (DEN) with Polar Fox. The rider was second after the cross country and secured her win with a clear jumping round (46,3). German Andreas Dibowski took home the third with Cristallik (48,5), and third went to Johannes Hayessen (GER) with By My Side 2 – 48,9.

3*-S winner Anne-Dorthe Möller (DEN) with Polar Fox. Photo by Leszek Wójcik.

The podium of the 2*-S was dominated by Polish riders. After clear XC and jumping, the winner was Zuzanna Borkowska with the Polish-bred Gracja – 31,9. Karolina Miś followed with Go Jack – 35,1, and Zuzanna Społowicz topped off the podium with Bankier – 35,2.

Polish rider Zuzanna Borkowska won the 2* with the Polish-bred Gracja.Photo by Mariusz Chmieliński.

In the Intro class, the best one was Miloslav Prihoda Jr., from the Czech Republic, riding Obora’s Guitar Gangster – 29,8. Dunka Anne-Dorthe Möller (DEN) with First Class Gs was second – 30,7, and Anna-Katharina Vogel (GER) with Kookie P – third with 33,0.

The Strzegom Spring Open began the season of international eventing shows in Poland. Four international short format competitions were played out, as well as three national classes. More than 220 horse-and-rider combinations took part, representing 13 countries.

The next edition of the Strzegom Spring Open will take place in three weeks, from 20 to 23 April.

Weekend Winners: Chatt Hills, Galway, Jumping Branch, Morven, TerraNova

By on Apr 3, 2023 11:00 am -

Happy April, Eventing Nation! We’re all certainly excited to be in the thick of spring season, and are happy to be reporting on another busy weekend out eventing! We saw many successful rides at Chatt Hills, Galway, Jumping Branch, Morven, and TerraNova.

Congrats to all, with a special shout out to our Unofficial Low Score Award winner Amanda Beale Clement and KC’s Mosaic with a stellar 14.4 in the Open Beginner Novice B at Jumping Branch!

Chattahoochee Hills H.T. (Fairburn, GA) [Website] [Results]

Earlier this year, Chattahoochee Hills announced their offering of $35,000 for their spring events, including a $25,000 A/I division, designed to assist riders in their preparation for Kentucky, and other big spring runs. Recognizing the importance of choice, Chattahoochee Hills is working to provide both the physical and financial support to riders to build a season that best supports their horses.

Alexandra Baugh and MHS Fernhill Finale. Photo by Liz Crawley.

Advanced/Intermediate: Alexandra Baugh and MHS Fernhill Finale (45.6)
Open Intermediate: Ryan Wood and Check Point (51.2)
Open Preliminary: Marissa Griffin and Conguistador (27.9)
Open Modified: Alexa Thompson and Parlez Clear (33.8)
Open Training: Darrah Alexander and Layla LFS (27.2)
Training Rider: Avery Grantham and Watch Maker C (30.0)
Junior Novice Rider: Vivian Pierce and Fernhill Saulsford Nazar (26.1)
Open Novice: Ella Kay Lane and Dark Shadow’s (34.2)
Senior Novice Rider: Cece McElwee and Famous Pen Pal (30.0)
Beginner Novice Rider: Olivia Martinez and Super Cooper (35.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Alison Zeitlin and Royal Report (21.8)

Valerie Pride and Favian. Photo by Liz Crawley.

Ryan Wood and Cooley Flight. Photo by Liz Crawley.

Galway Downs International H.T (Temecula, CA) [Website] [Results]

CCI-4*S: Tamra Smith and Mai Baum (31.4)
CCI-3*S: Taren Hoffos and Regalla (43.4)
CCI-2*S: Jordan Linstedt and Lovely Lola (26.9)
Advanced: James Alliston and Karma (45.1)
Intermediate: Molly Duda and Disco Traveler (40.8)
Open Preliminary: Tommy Greengard and Kremer VD Falieberg (27.1)
Preliminary Rider: Maeson Messmer and Gambling On Jack (36.1)
Modified Rider: Jessica Berntson and HS Wis Sport (37.9)
Open Modified A: Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Cooley Sky Watch (30.1)
Open Modified B: Rebecca Braitling and Conlino PS (24.8)
Junior Training Rider: Avery Fletcher and Whats That Sportsfield (36.7)
Open Training: Auburn Excell Brady and Galliard’s Lancer (25.0)
Senior Training Rider: Kayley Batt and Kingsfield Jasperretto (32.2)
Training Amateur: Jessica Jones and Jameson (30.0)
Training Horse: Amber Birtcil and Maverick (27.5)
Junior Novice Rider: Paige Beauchamp Crandon and Fyfin Ramiro (28.1)
Novice Amateur: Jacqueline Gilmartin and Citizen Jane (28.3)
Novice Horse: Marc Grandia and Fierzel Duverie (23.6)
Open Novice: Whitney Tucker Billeter and Beautiful Mine (27.8)
Senior Novice Rider: Sadie Geernaert and Quixotic KC (30.6)
Beginner Novice Horse: Patience O’Neal and Limitless P (21.2)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Kate Flaherty and Eli’s Coming (30.0)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Erin Rousey and Winsome Willow (34.0)
Open Beginner Novice: Erin Kellerhouse and FE CUPCAKE (22.1)

Jumping Branch Farm H.T (Aiken, SC) [Website] [Results]

Open Preliminary: Shannon Riley and Ingress (32.4)
Preliminary Rider: Darci Phelps and Sandro Street (40.0)
Junior Training: Mary Bauersfeld and Calle (31.7)
Open Training A: Emily Watson and Upland Seven Z (28.9)
Open Training B: Kaelen Speck and Checkwithme (33.6)
Training Rider A: Shelley Onderdonk and River Dance LC (32.6)
Training Rider B: Lisa Edinger and Quinto Quest (31.5)
Novice Rider: Cynthia Holbrook and Sweet Pea (26.1)
Junior Novice: Abigail Walker and Galway Bay Cooley (33.3)
Open Novice A: Emily Smith and Vallis Alpes (26.1)
Open Novice B: Gabrielle Hutchison and GHE Time Traveler (26.4)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Catherine Kelly and Gas House (34.1)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Susanna Ringler and Royal Colors (27.4)
Junior Beginner Novice: Addison Amato and Hermione Granger (37.1)
Open Beginner Novice A: Alison Eastman-Lawler and Lexington II (25.6)
Open Beginner Novice B: Amanda Beale Clement and KC’s Mosaic (14.4)

Morven Park Spring H.T. (Leesburg, VA) [Website] [Results]

Open Intermediate: Boyd Martin and Fedarman B (40.4)
Open Preliminary A: Ema Klugman and RF Redfern (25.3)
Open Preliminary B: Mckenna Martinez and Commitment (30.3)
Junior Training: Bailey Kent and Scooby Dooby Doo (27.4)
Open Training: Keara Schmidt and Iniesta M (31.2)
Training Horse: Stevie LeCain and Fletcher Christian (31.7)
Training Rider A: Rachel Bitsko and Well Al Be (31.4)
Training Rider B: Jessica Goldberg and America Runs on Duncan (36.1)
Junior Novice Rider: Ella Genkinger and Soup of the Day (33.3)
Novice Horse: Martha Wunder and I’ll Have Another (29.7)
Novice Rider A: Katherine Holzrichter and Idlehour Center Stage (31.3)
Novice Rider B: Melissa Fox and Tito Tonight (27.5)
Open Novice: Kurt Martin and Baraboo MVH Z (29.6)
Beginner Novice Rider: Lynn Kundravi and Rocket Man (31.8)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Kelley Sell and Mojave Moon (35.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Katherine Lorenzen and Make it a Double (33.8)

The Event at TerraNova (Myakka City, FL) [Website] [Results]

CCI-4*S: Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Be Cool (30.6)
CCI-3*S: Lea Adams-Blackmore and Frostbite (34.3)
CCI-2*S: Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp and Maybach (15.5)
CCI-1*S: Elisa Wallace and Tullymurry Fifi (28.6)
Open Intermediate: Ashton Hays and A Boy Named Rozy (43.4)
Open Preliminary: Bethany Hutchins-Kristen and Geluk HVF (29.4)
Preliminary Rider: Sherry Pound and Carnaby (31.4)
Open Training: Dan Kreitl and Horales (26.2)
Training Rider: Abigail Mazzatta and DCE Pandora’s Dream (26.7)
Novice Rider: Aline Briot and Divine Legacy (26.4)
Open Novice: Sinead Maynard and Lightning V/Z (21.1)
Beginner Novice Rider: Abigail Bennett and Stormin Hot (28.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Vanessa Stevenson and Fidelio (24.1)
Intro: Evan Heller and O’Cally (31.0)