Classic Eventing Nation

The Go Eventing Podcast is LIVE!

We are so proud to bring you the very first episode of The Go Eventing Podcast, which is now live on most major podcast platforms and also on our main podcast hub here.

Here’s what you’ll find in our first episode, featuring 5* rider and Pan Ams team gold medalist Will Faudree.

This episode is brought to you with support from Sentinel Horse Feed, Guardians of Equine Health.

Host and Eventing Nation Managing Editor Sally Spickard kicks things off with the inimitable Will Faudree as our first co-host, setting the stage for a season filled with insightful discussions, laughter, and deep dives into the heart of eventing.

🔥 In This Episode, We Cover…

Will and Sally break down the upcoming eventing season, including the Grand Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field this weekend (February 28 – March 1). 

What’s shifting in eventing rules? Will recaps the FEI Eventing Open Forum and proposed format changes for LA28

A walk down memory lane to revisit Will’s heart horse and long-time best friend, “Brad”

  • No Such Thing as a Dumb Question: Horse-Friendly Courses

What makes a course horse-friendly?

[Submit your question for our co-hosts here]

  • Maybe There ARE Dumb Questions: Mason’s Fan Club

How on earth will Will top his Barbie-themed jog outfit this year at Kentucky? #heiskenough

[Mason’s Favorite Song]

[Mason’s Second Favorite Song]

Will’s Barbie-themed Kentucky jog outfit from 2024:

🎧 Listen Now & Join the Conversation!

Got thoughts on today’s episode? Send us your questions, stories, and feedback — we want to hear from you! Find us on Instagram and Facebook @goeventing or email us at [email protected].

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review Go Eventing wherever you get your podcasts.
#GoEventing #EventingNation #WhereEventingLives

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

We love seeing the cross-collaboration across disciplines, and this weekend Phillip Dutton and his longtime supporter and owner, Caroline Moran, accepted a check from the U.S. Polo Association to benefit the Philadelphia program Work To Ride as it builds toward a new facility and growth for youth in the inner city to have a haven of horses to connect with.

You may recognized Work To Ride as one of the focal parts of Kareem Rosser’s first book, Crossing the Line. We’ve been diving into his second book, When You’re Ready, which details his relationship with Phillip’s stepdaughter/Evie Dutton’s daughter, Lee Lee Jones, before and after a life-altering riding accident. Stay tuned for a review of When You’re Ready coming soon on EN, as well as special mini-episode of The Go Eventing Podcast in the next few weeks featuring an exclusive interview with Kareem.

You can learn more about Work To Ride and how you can support their ongoing growth here, and you can find Kareem’s books here.

Events Opening Today

Twin Rivers Spring International (CA); F.E.N.C.E. H.T. (SC); Longleaf Pine H.T. (NC); Unionville H.T. (PA); Spring Bay H.T. (KY); Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (KY)

Events Closing Today

Carolina International CCI & H.T. (NC); Ocala Winter II (FL); Ram Tap National H.T. (CA); Pine Top Spring H.T. (GA)

Links & Reading

What day is it? It’s The Go Eventing Podcast launch day! Our first episode is live this morning on your favorite podcast platform or here on our main podcast page. We’ll also be embedding the episode right here on EN later today. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

What’s the deal with the USEA Classic Series? These events, which throw back in homage to the “classic” long format of four phases on cross country are offered around the country, ranging from Beginner Novice through Preliminary. Rider Sharon White and organizer Sarah Broussard join Nicole Brown on the latest episode of the USEA Podcast to discuss the Classic Series and what you can expect when you enter one. Listen it here.

Dutch Olympic stalwart Karin Donckers isn’t hanging up her spurs just yet. In fact, she’s aiming for an unbelievable eighth Olympic appearance in just over three years’ time at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Read a new interview with Karin here.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

The reviews are in and Kentucky Performance Products’ Trouble Free behavior and calming supplement is having great results! Here’s one review from a recent user:

“After purchasing my 7-year old gelding, it was very evident that he had a lot of anxiety. He frantically weaved in his stall all the time! This put a lot of extra stress on his front legs, especially his front right that has navicular changes. A friend of mine recommended trying Trouble Free and it was a life changer! After a couple days on Trouble Free powder, he started to weave less and less! His eyes got softer and his sweet personality began to shine through! I had never used a supplement that worked so fast and so well!”

You can check out Trouble Free for your horse here.

Video Break

Let’s go to Denmark for our latest helmet cam share!

Weekend Winners: Full Gallop, Pine Top, & Three Lakes Winter

Let’s give it up for this week’s Weekend Winners! We’re almost almost almost through winter, and we see the season picking up. A big congrats to everyone for getting out and a jump start on the season!

We saw plenty of impressive rides this weekend… including our upcoming Go Eventing Podcast co-host Will Faudree, who won the Advanced – 2022 USEF Advanced Test A (A-B) at Pine Top with Mama’s Magic Way.

And an extra special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award, Jane Musselman and Caitane Z, who won the Open Novice B at Three Lakes on a 19.2! Jane also won the Open Novice A at Three Lakes with Cayr Della Caccia on a 22.2! Well done!

Full Gallop Farm Mid-February H.T. (SC): [Website][Scoring]

Modified: Brit Vegas and Slew the Zodiac (33.8)
Training: Marin Swyers and Mac an Bata (32.3)
Novice: Heather Sinclair and About Time Too (23.6)
Training/Novice: Cheryl Morris and Swing Hard (28.2)
Beginner Novice: Rachel Leigh Miles and Zane (23.8)
Pre-Starter: Eden Moges and FMF Sullivan aka Sully (48.4)
Starter: Hailey Klau and Corona With Lime (38.0)

Pine Top Advanced (GA): [Website][Scoring]

Advanced – 2022 USEF Advanced Test A (A-A): Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times (41.3)
Advanced – 2022 USEF Advanced Test A (A-B): Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way (33.7)
Intermediate Horse: Allison Springer and Crystal Crescent Moon (33.8)
Intermediate Rider: Margaret Ragan and Tanimo Proosthof Z (48.4)
Open Intermediate A: Alexandra Knowles and Morswood (34.8)
Open Intermediate B: Ariel Grald and Adagio’s Nobility (26.2)
Preliminary JR/YR: Harrison Chang and FE Always In Time (30.5)
Open Preliminary A: Matthew Ulmer and Metalbridge Knight (28.2)
Open Preliminary B: Alexandra Baugh and Dream Worker (29.0)
Open Preliminary C: Ariel Grald and Obalix (23.7)
Preliminary Rider: Sterling Pollard and Ultra T (27.1)
Modified – Open A: Maddie Hale and Shanbeg Legacy AND Ariel Grald and Ted 22 (28.5)
Modified – Open B: Boyd Martin and Fetiche Des Rouges (26.5)
Modified – Rider A: Reese Dellangelo and Carlson 119 (32.8)
Modified – Rider B: Lauren Meyers and SW Cooley WinePort (42.0)
Junior Training Rider: Ava Davis and Birdseye Baby (33.6)
Open Training A: Meaghan Marinovich-Burdick and London ROF (28.9)
Open Training B: Paige Roy and Master Higgins (28.3)
Senior Training Rider: Brie Murray and Fernhill Ranga Tanga (27.2)
Junior Novice Rider: Reagan Gallagher and Ferocious Storm (42.4)
Open Novice A: Erin Kanara and HSH Juniper (31.4)
Open Novice B: Kristine Burgess and Marisol (27.8)
Senior Novice Rider: Rebecca Saria and Prince Caspian (27.8)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Madeline Brechtel and Fernhill Sinatra (31.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Meaghan Marinovich-Burdick and Old Number 7 (23.5)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Liana Theroux and Our Golden Chance (29.1)

Three Lakes Winter II H.T. at Caudle Ranch (FL): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary A: Mia Farley and Pina Colada 28 (28.6)
Open Preliminary B: Mia Farley and Nikita (25.7)
Preliminary Rider: Rebecca Hunt and Snowflake Lane (29.0)
Modified Rider: Cooper Madden-Hennessey and Retsami (30.6)
Open Modified A: Jaelyn Comer and Kingcarra Cooley Diamond (28.5)
Open Modified B: Jaelyn Comer and Uvera Z (34.7)
Open Training A: Alyssa Phillips and Centerfold (26.0)
Open Training B: Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Sebastian (22.7)
Training Rider: Stephanie Watko and Brinley Gold (31.2)
Novice Rider: Jill Lance and Always A Wisegu (28.1)
Open Novice A: Jane Musselman and Cayr Della Caccia (22.2)
Open Novice B: Jane Musselman and Caitane Z (19.2)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Malie Lockard and Dynamic Decision (36.6)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Ella Ruth Goodman and MHF Christine (23.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Amanda Walker and Master Maximo (30.6)
Open Starter: Cathy Rotola and BKP Nick Of Time (24.7)
Starter Rider: Anne Dottore and VSH Devine Magnum (34.7)

Monday News & Notes from Futuretrack

We had to do a double take when this photo showed up on our feed. Is it a bird? A plane? No, it’s a flying Olympian, picking up a second (Olympic) sport on a ski trip in France — none other than William Fox-Pitt himself!

U.S. Weekend Results

Full Gallop Farm Mid-February H.T. (SC): [Website] [Scores]

Pine Top Advanced (GA): [Website] [Scores]

Three Lakes Winter II H.T. at Caudle Ranch (FL): [Website] [Scores]

News & Reading

🧠 Some mindsets make us powerful, while others can take our power away. In his latest Pressure Proof column for the USEA, Coach Daniel Stewart brings up four new mindsets for us to, well, wrap our minds around. See what he’s got for you here.

🐎 For Anne Kursinski, a member of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame, nothing can beat a good Thoroughbred. Read why she believes so here.

🧘 Looking for a new calming supplement to take the edge off? Heels Down Mag recently reviewed Finish Line’s Thia-Cal, a daily thiamine (vitamin B1) and magnesium supplement, and you can read their takeaways here.

Video Break

New season loading… check out some of reigning World Champion Yasmin Ingham’s winter prep:

Sunday Links

We can’t wait to unveil the first ever episode of The Go Eventing Podcast this coming Tuesday, February 25! Tune in on your favorite podcast platform (or email us at [email protected] to request a platform!) every other Tuesday this season. You can also follow along and find what platforms The Go Eventing Podcast is currently on at eventingnation.podbean.com.

U.S. Weekend Events

Full Gallop Farm Mid-February H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Pine Top Advanced (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteers]

Three Lakes Winter II H.T. at Caudle Ranch (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Links & Reading

We Are All Responsible for Making Our Sport More Accessible—The Future is at Stake

Is Your Sporthorse Shod Properly for the Job?

Highlights in Equine Musculoskeletal Research: AAEP Kester News Hour

‘Look closely, not away’: FEI World Cup organisers announce zero-tolerance policy on welfare violations

Video Break

Follow The Go Eventing Podcast!

It’s almost time for the launch of The Go Eventing Podcast, coming your way with bi-weekly episodes starting this Tuesday, February 25.

Our first episode features co-host, 5* rider and Pan American Games team gold medalist Will Faudree, and we’ll be diving into topics such as the upcoming noseband measurement tool implementation, the recent FEI Eventing Open Forum, and what Will has up his sleeve for the Kentucky trot-up this year.

If you want to go ahead and be ready to listen on Tuesday, be sure to follow us on Podbean here, where you can also find your favorite podcast platform or listen to new episodes (or simply search on your app of choice! If we aren’t there yet, let us know by emailing [email protected]).

We’ll see you on Tuesday, and Go Eventing!

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

More Black History Month comes your way today from the Full Moon Farm Eventing Foundation (FMEF), and today you can learn the story of Ervin Johnson.

“Ervin is a former marine and we thank him for his service,” FMFEF wrote. “He grew up in a town in North Carolina and had many animals to raise, creating a lifelong love. His first horse was given to him by his Great Grandfather at the age of 11. After the military he purchased his next horse while living in Queens NY. After this, he moved his family to Howard County and has been living here for over 25 years. Horses are his therapy program. He previously volunteered at a therapeutic riding facility. Now he helps the owner of Plot Twist Farm LLC with her business. He is passionate to help people understand how such a large animal can be so kind and understanding.”

Did you know that FMFEF is currently raising funds to support its new grant administered via the USEA Foundation? One fundraiser event on the calendar is a a Spring Festival on Sunday, April 13 from 12-5. The event will feature a Derby X, a hobby horse jump off, a pet costume competition, a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and an exhibition ride from some of the top talent in the Full Moon Family.

To learn more about FMFEF and how you can support their mission to promote good horsemanship, prevent marginalization, and foster diversity, equity, and inclusion, click here.

U.S. Weekend Events

Full Gallop Farm Mid-February H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Pine Top Advanced (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteers]

Three Lakes Winter II H.T. at Caudle Ranch (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Links & Reading

A Year of Growth for 2024 USEA 6-year-old Leaderboard Winner Arden Augustus

After Deadly Barn Fire, Community Bolsters Virginia Stables

‘The Wrong Direction’: Why Martin Fuchs Is Boycotting Longines League of Nations

Test to find out if horses suffer from depression

Jumping Lessons: The Bounce Grid Exercise

Sponsor Corner: World Equestrian Brands

Did you know? The Equilibrium Heatsense Massage Pad delivers three massage intensities through six independent motors, and it can incorporate targeted heat interval sessions, making it an easy out-of-the-saddle choice.

Click here to shop Equilibrium on World Equestrian Brands.

Video Break

More African horse safari content because at this point we’re just manifesting it:

US Equestrian Announces Leslie Law as U.S. Eventing Chef d’Equipe and High Performance Manager and Karyn Shuter as U.S. Eventing High Performance Advisor

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the appointment of former USEF Eventing Development Coach Leslie Law to the position of Chef d’Equipe and High Performance Manager for the Defender U.S. Eventing Team, and Karyn Shuter, who will take on the newly developed role of U.S. Eventing High Performance Advisor. Both Law and Shuter will begin in their respective roles immediately.

“As riders, we are very excited with the selection of Leslie Law and Karyn Shuter as the leaders for our high-performance goals,” said Tamie Smith, USEF Eventing High Performance athlete. “After an extensive and thoughtful evaluation process, we believe their combined expertise and passion will inspire our team to achieve new heights. We extend our gratitude to USEF for their support and for allowing us to be a part of this process. We are confident this duo will lead us toward the success and excellence we’ve all been aspiring to achieve.”.”

Law, an individual Olympic gold and team silver medalist, has served as the USEF Development Coach for more than a decade, bringing a thorough understanding of the foundations of the USEF eventing programs and pathway to his new role. His commitment to the developing pathway has contributed to numerous top results for the U.S. on international stages at FEI Eventing Nations Cup CCIO3*/4* competitions.

“Having supported the USEF eventing programs and teams for more than a decade, I have a clear understanding of our depth of talent and ability,” said Law. “I’m honored the athletes supported this transition and are confident in this new structure. With Karyn [Shuter] coming into the fold, alongside our program staff, we are starting this new quad heading in the right direction with the same collective goals in mind.”

“I’m pleased to join the U.S. Eventing Team in the new role of High Performance Advisor,” said Shuter. “The U.S. has a longstanding and successful history in the sport of eventing and a lot of untapped potential. I’m looking forward to the future with this program and to contributing to supporting the athletes and identifying ways we can improve performance at the international and championship levels.”

Shuter brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position. In her role, she will directly liaison with athletes and stakeholders on performance plans, while supporting Law in developing a long-term strategy to produce sustained success.

“We are pleased with the athlete engagement during the identification and interview process for these positions,” said Bill Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of US Equestrian. “Both Leslie Law and Karyn Shuter will report to Managing Director of Eventing, Amber Braun. As they begin their work, they have our full support, and we look forward to them sharing their plans and vision with our key eventing stakeholders. Together we share the collective goal of building sustained success and a culture of excellence leading into LA 2028 Games and beyond.”

Christina Vaughn, who has worked with Law on the USEF Eventing Development programs for the past ten years, will transition into the role of USEF Eventing Elite Program Director and Team Leader.

For more information on USEF Eventing High Performance Programs, please visit here, and for additional questions, please contact Managing Director of Eventing, Amber Braun, at [email protected].

Preview the Entry List for the $100k Stirling Venture Capital Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field

Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Shelby Allen.

We are officially ONE WEEK away from the start of competition at the $100,000 Stirling Venture Capital Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services and we cannot wait to be on the ground at our favorite “unofficial” open to the eventing season.

With $100,000 on the line and plenty of spectator appeal at this condensed-format event, the excitement is building and we now have a list of the entries who we’ll be seeing in a week’s time.

For those unfamiliar with the Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase, this event is run with all three phases, with the major difference being a much shorter (think 4-5 minutes at most) cross country course that looks more akin to a motocross track than a traditional course. Now of course, we all love the longer courses that traditionally feature in our sport, but we love this event because of its spectator friendliness and atmosphere. It’s a great way to introduce new people to the sport — in fact, I have a few family members coming for the first time to see eventing for themselves — and we highly encourage you to check it out!

Tickets are still on sale here, and if you’re not able to join us in person you can also find the live stream on Horse & Country here.

  • Alexandra Baugh and Hubert Des 3 Arbres
  • Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle
  • Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS
  • Will Coleman and Off the Record
  • Alexander Conrad and Malibu Preacher
  • Dana Cooke and FE Quattro
  • Hallie Coon and Cute Girl
  • Phillip Dutton and Denim
  • Phillip Dutton and Possante
  • Will Faudree and Mama’s Magic Way
  • Will Faudree and Pfun
  • Emily Hamel and Corvett
  • Sara Kozumplik and Rubens d’Ysieux
  • Sara Kozumplik and Rock Phantom
  • Sarah Kuhn and Mr. Cash van de Start
  • Boyd Martin and Commando 3
  • Boyd Martin and Cooley Nutcracker
  • Boyd Martin and Fedarman B
  • Austin O’Connor and You’ve Got the Lux
  • Waylon Roberts and OKE Ruby R
  • Monica Spencer and Artist
  • Allison Springer and No May Moon
  • Allison Springer and Vandyke
  • Sharon White and Claus 63
  • Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times
  • Arden Wildasin and Billy Beaufort
  • Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy

The list includes former winners Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS (2024) and Boyd Martin and Fedarman B (2022), returning and looking to reclaim their titles. Boyd will also debut on a bigger stage with Liz Halliday’s Ocala Horse Properties’-owned Olympic horse, Cooley Nutcracker. It will surely be an emotional weekend for all of Liz’s family and friends as we all wish she was here with us as she continues to recover from a traumatic brain injury sustained last summer, and we know she’s cheering on “Bali” every step of the way.

Boyd Martin and Fedarman B en route to the 2022 win. Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.

But it’s very much anyone’s game. There are several factors to consider here: the horses won’ t quite be 5* fit and will likely be somewhat fresh in some cases with the increased atmosphere. Riders will be factoring in their various spring plans in terms of how competitive they try to be, but with $100,000 on the line we know there will surely be some speedy cross country rounds on Saturday.

Waylon Roberts and OKE Ruby R. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Key among the speed demons are Waylon Roberts and OKE Ruby R, who were the sole pair to catch the time last year and went on to podium in the 4*-L at Bromont later that summer. Sara Kozumplik also has an ace in her pocket with Rubens d’Ysieux, who absolutely lives for these shortened events these days. Monica Spencer (NZL) and Artist are another pair whose relationship will take them far on a twisting Mark Phillips-designed course and Allison Springer is also mounted on a couple of dirt bikes in the Connemara crosses No May Moon (2024 Bromont 4*-L champ) and Vandyke.

Of course, the competition is not the only feature on the schedule. There’s plenty to do for spectators too, including a combined driving demo on Saturday featuring Annie Goodwin Rising Star Award winner Taylor Bradish and some of your favorite eventers, cross country and show jumping rider-led course walks, a Silent Auction benefitting the Annie Goodwin Rising Star fund, and a team competition featuring a Ride for Charity voting opportunity. Click here to learn about all of the happenings!

Emily Hamel and Corvett. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The schedule for competition is as follows:

Friday, Feb 28 – Morning

Dressage

8:00 am – 2:00 pm EST

Friday, Feb 28 – Evening

Show Jumping

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm EST

Saturday, March 1 – Afternoon

Cross-Country

12:30 pm – 3:00 pm EST

We’ll look forward to seeing you in Aiken, and in the meantime, Go Eventing!

Our coverage of the Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field is brought to you by Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt. You can learn more about Deidre’s Aiken real estate offerings here

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

Wherever you are in the world, we sure hope you’re staying safe and warm, especially if your farm looks anything like Doug and Jess Payne’s home base in North Carolina!

U.S. Weekend Preview

Full Gallop Farm Mid-February H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Pine Top Advanced (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteers]

Three Lakes Winter II H.T. at Caudle Ranch (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

🇬🇧 We recently shared a press release from British Eventing about their upcoming new offering this year, XC+, which gives competitors at BE80 and BE90 level to partake in a shortened format event. XC+ has garnered much debated online about whether or not it has a space in our sport, and Horse & Hound dives into the details here.

❤️ ColdSpring Nurse Mares, a nonprofit organization that provides nurse mare services to orphaned foals around the country, announced this week a new effort to support US-based retired broodmares with a soft landing spot. Their ongoing goal is to offer a safe, loving, purposeful home for retired broodmares while striving to cause change within the nurse mare industry and shift to an ethical treatment of the mares that step in and save orphaned foals’ lives every year. You can read more about this new endeavor here.

🐴 USEA Young Event Horses dates are ready for your perusal! If you have a promising young horse who just loves to get out eventing, this is a series dedicated to the development of top-class horses for the future. Check out the full YEH schedule for 2025 here.

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

It’s Kentucky and Badminton prep season for real for real now, and that means entries to events like Stable View’s early-April CCI4*-S (April 4-6, Aiken, SC) are now open! Of course, 4* isn’t the only level on offer at Stable View; there are also levels from Training through Advanced, as well as 2* and 3*, available. Click here to learn more and get your entry in!

Video Break

Jon Holling and Rick Wallace hosted Jan Bynny on their latest episode: