Classic Eventing Nation

FEI to Maintain Protective Measures Regarding Russian and Belarusian Athletes

By on Apr 5, 2023 2:30 pm -

Russia’s Aleksandr Markov and Leader. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Protective measures prohibiting all Russian and Belarusian Athletes, Horses and Officials from participating in FEI Events, which had been introduced on 2 March 2022 following the full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, will remain in place until further notice. The decision was taken by the FEI Board at its extraordinary teleconference held on 4 April.

“The FEI Board met to discuss the framework recommended on 28 March by the IOC for the return of neutral athletes from Russia and Belarus to international competition,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

“While the IOC has not taken any decision regarding the participation of Russian and Belarussian Athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, it is the view of the FEI Board that at this stage neutrality cannot be defined and evaluated in a sufficiently satisfactory way. The Board agreed that the FEI does not have the necessary tools to evaluate in a fair and objective manner the conditions of participation for individual neutral athletes and support personnel as stipulated in the recommendations put forward by the IOC.

“Therefore all Russian and Belarusian Athletes, Horses and Officials continue to be prohibited from participating in FEI Events. In keeping with the sanctions imposed by the IOC, no FEI events organised in Russia and Belarus can be entered in the FEI Calendar for 2023. Any Officials’ course as well as any other FEI activities scheduled to be held in Russia and Belarus in 2023 have been cancelled or relocated and all FEI Solidarity projects in Russia and Belarus remain frozen.

“The Board reiterates its full support to the people of Ukraine, who have suffered tremendously, and pledges its continued solidarity and support to the Ukrainian equestrian community through the FEI Solidarity Relief Fund,” President De Vos concluded.

Side-by-Side (with Analysis!): Two Different Prelim Rides at SRF Carolina International

By on Apr 5, 2023 12:15 pm -

Michael Willham is an Intermediate/3* eventer based out of Ohio with his two competition horses, Fernhill Cayenne and Fernhill Fugitive. Michael recently spent two weeks in the Carolinas to train and stretch his horses’ legs at their first competition of the season: the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International. You can catch up on all of EN’s coverage from SRF Carolina International here.

I am always grateful that my “vacation” each year is actually spent down in Aiken with my horses to get out of the cold, frozen Northwest Ohio. I train and then end my two-week vacation with our first competition of the year to knock the rust off after spending months in an indoor arena. I always drop down to Prelim because both myself and my horses are excited, but also a little rusty in terms of galloping and being fluid on cross country.

I did something a little different with my helmet cam videos for this competition: I spliced them together so you could see how each horse handled the questions as well as their respective speeds at various parts of the course. I also narrated the helmet cam to describe the course, what my thought process was for each jump, and how I felt it actually went.

The Prelim was actually quite straightforward. It was pretty much a “move up” course in my opinion, which I used as an opportunity to work on developing my ability to ride faster and (attempt to) make time, which still didn’t quite happen! But since I knew the jumps and combinations were super simple for what both of my horses have already done, I thought it was the perfect chance to challenge myself with speed instead of the technicality of the course.

My plans were a little foiled by Jack (Fernhill Fugitive) being so excited in the startbox that he shut down and couldn’t function for a few seconds right as we were counted out of the start, as well as him being a bit of a fire-breathing dragon (which is typical for him for the first competition of the year — he LIVES for cross country) as it is. This meant I didn’t have the control/brakes and fluidity that I would’ve liked to have.

There were quite a few times where I fought too much wasting precious seconds, as well as ending up killing the engine and adding too many strides. But he was still great and dealt with it. That is still very much a learning curve for me riding him; he’s so enthusiastic about jumping that I get a little backwards in my riding instead of trusting him more!

I typically don’t run Cayenne for time. I’ve spent years just getting experience of jumping around Intermediate+ with him for the knowledge of it, but I felt it was a good course to push him a little, too. I felt his round was quite a bit more fluid, but that is typical both because of his personality/rideability as well as the fact that I’ve had him for much longer (eight seasons versus just two on Jack). However, he did surprise me by jumping the snot out of most of the fences, sometimes even launching me a bit out of my position (keep an eye out for that Normandy Bank on the video!).

An interesting note here is that because both horses have a lot of experience jumping around bigger tracks (Jack ran around several 5* events with Phillip Dutton and Cayenne has done many Intermediates and part of an Advanced cross country — still working on that!), they both did not respect the jumps whatsoever. As a result, I had to (attempt to) hold them off the base much more than I typically do, which was not always successful. But at the end of the day, for safety’s sake, horses also need to learn to be responsible for their own jump and both are more than athletic enough to get themselves out of the situation they put themselves into.

Overall, it was a great start to the year. Jack surprised me by finally breaking through in our struggles in dressage and laying down a 23.0 to lead the 23-horse division, which Cay did the same and finally got back into the 20s with a 27.3, which has been much deserved. They both showjumped double clear; Jack kept his lead and Cay moved up to seventh. My bit of rustiness on cross country meant Jack came home with 12 seconds of time, bumping him down to third, and Cayenne came home with 17 seconds to move down to 15th.

Regardless of their placing, I was super happy with their individual performances all weekend. It was exactly what we’ve been looking for: relaxed, energetic, dressage tests, double clear show jumping rounds, and a good learning experience on running for time on cross country.

I hope you enjoy the video and can obtain some insights from it as well. I am in the process of compiling a library of videos, PDFs, interviews, lessons, and many more educational tools and knowledge into an Equestrian Masterclass. You can sign up for the free Pre-Launch email list here.

Previewing the $60,000 Stable View FEI & H.T. This Weekend

By on Apr 5, 2023 9:00 am -

Emily Hamel and Corvett. Photo by Shelby Allen.

As the spring 5* events loom ever closer, each competition gives us more insights into the entrants’ preparation and form as they head into their major destinations. This weekend’s CCI4*-S at Stable View in Aiken, SC, is one of the final prep events available for Kentucky and Badminton-bound horses.

You’ll recall some major overhauls made to the USEF eventing calendar for 2023 through 2027. These changes have come to play with mixed reviews, with fewer Advanced and 4* events now available to riders preparing 5* horses, and more competition for coveted dates on the calendar for organizers to navigate. More on this to come..

For its part, Stable View offers a strong purse for cash-poor eventers (come on – it’s a known fact at this point, isn’t it?), with a total of $60,000 on the line for FEI competitors. $30,000 of this is offered for the CCI4*, $20,0000 for the CCI3*, and $10,000 for the CCI2*. Additional prize offerings include:

  • $2,000 Amanda Bader Award ($1,000 to the lowest-scoring dressage pair who completes the 4*, and $500 each to the lowest scoring dressage pairs who complete the CCI3* and CCI2*)
  • FITS $100 Gift Certificate awarded to the first place finisher in the CCI2*, CCI3*, and CCI4*
  • Thoroughbred Incentive Program awards at each level
  • A slew of prizes offered to choose from for National winners – see the new Stable View Winners Table when you win this weekend!

This weekend will see a roster of 35 horses and riders in the headlining CCI4*-S division. Absent from the list are 2022 winners of this division, Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS (who opted instead to win the Carolina 4* this month). However, a strong field awaits the challenges ahead, including notables such as:

  • Former Oktoberfest winner Z, piloted by longtime partner Phillip Dutton
  • Will Coleman and his Pratoni horse, Off the Record
  • Grand-Prix Eventing winner and Carolina 4* runners-up Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C, as well as Deniro Z
  • Aiken-based fan favorite Sarah Kuhn and Mr. Cash van de Start
  • Boyd Martin with his Tokyo and Pratoni partner, Tsetserleg, as well as the talented mare Contessa
  • Soon-to-be 5* debutants Andrew McConnon with Ferrie’s Cello as well as Sydney Solomon with Early Review C
  • Doug Payne with defending USEF National Champion Quantum Leap, as well as Camarillo and Starr Witness
  • Jennie Saville with four strong rides in FE Connory, FE Lifestyle, Stella Artois, and Twilightslastgleam

Stable View will also play host to robust CCI3*-S and CCI2*-S divisions, as well as National offerings from Training level up through Advanced. You can view the full entry list here. FEI action gets underway with dressage and show jumping on Friday, followed by cross country on Saturday.

There’s always much fun to be had at a Stable View event. Here are a few other happenings to be on the look out for all weekend:

  • Join Capt. Mark Phillips and Boyd Martin for an exclusive peek at the CCI4*-S cross country track, Friday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. All are welcome! Please meet on the cross country side of the Hunt Box lodging.
  • Enjoy family-friendly fare during Graze & Gaze on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, 5pm-7pm downstairs in the Pavilion at Ollie’s Inn. There will also be an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday evening for children beginning at 6:30pm, followed by 7pm for the adults. The Easter Bunny will hand out Cadbury chocolate eggs!
  • Last call for VIP tickets this weekend! To reserve a Tailgate spot along the cross country course, or a Pavilion Patron pass, please e-mail [email protected].
  • Competitors will find coffee, tea, water, dry snacks, yogurt, and sodas in the Rider Lounges. Pop-up hospitality tents are set up by the Main Outdoor and Tree arenas.
  • Stroll along vendor row for apparel, tack, barn supplies, and gifts courtesy of Cowgirl Up with Green, Griffinbrook, The Mane Monogram, and VTO Saddlery. Harmony Chiropractic will also be present to discuss the benefits of equine and human chiropractic adjustments.
  • In addition to ribbons, please collect your prize (1st through 6th place) from an assortment of options at the Show Office.
  • Creative prizes this weekend include: A saltwater treadmill/combi floor session from Engineered Equine Performance to the Trainer and Rider with the most horses;  a brown Renaissance bridle from Prestige Italia for the high point Young Rider; and a “recovery basket” for rider & horse by Harmony Chiropractic for the competitor with the “Best Save” on course.
  • Food trucks this weekend include Lobster Dogs (Friday only), the Loco Lemonade Stand, R&L Vending, Roasted & Toasted, and The Skinny Taco.

Shelby Allen and I will be on the ground providing the media experience on behalf of Stable View. There is no live stream of the action this weekend, but we’ll be doing all we can to keep you up to speed. Be sure to follow @goeventing and @stableviewaiken on Instagram for the latest. 

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:

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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]