Classic Eventing Nation

Thursday News & Notes

By on May 21, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: Laura Collett & London 52 Target Historic Fourth Straight Bicton Victory

Laura Collett and London 52 clinch their third Bicton title in 2025. Photo by Libby Law.

The outstanding partnership of Laura Collett and London 52, who have scored a hat-trick of wins in the showpiece CCI4*-S at Bicton International Horse Trials, are entered again for the Devon event next weekend where they could have a crack at a record fourth successive victory.

The Olympic gold medalists and European champions have won all three running’s of Bicton’s showpiece class in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and are at the top of their form after a convincing win at the same level at Belsay in Northumberland. Last year, Laura also spearheaded the home team’s victory in the British leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup series.

The TopSpec CCI4*-S, which incorporates the British leg of the FEI Eventing Nations Cup, has attracted a strong international entry, with a clutch of young riders from the US gaining experience on the European circuit, plus New Zealanders — including Tayla Mason, recently a brilliant sixth at Badminton — and Japanese and Irish riders — including local Devon-based Padraig McCarthy. There will be more than 300 horses going across country over the renowned, spectacular viewing tracks at Bicton designed by Helen West.

Two of Britain’s highest ranked U25 riders in the world, Elizabeth Barratt and Isabelle Cook, will also contest the competitive CCIY3*-L for young riders, and some of the world’s top athletes, including dual Olympic gold medalist Tom McEwen and Australian Olympian Kevin McNab, are bringing young horses for the 70-strong CCI2*-L.

Major International Events This Weekend

Millstreet International CCI4*-S (IRL): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

US Events This Weekend

Virginia Horse Center Eventing (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Woodside Spring HT (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Flora Lea Spring HT (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times]

Sol Events at Willow Draw (TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Spring Coconino HT (AZ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Other Links and Reading

Training Tip of the Day

Bec Braitling knows a thing or two about event horses… so listen in for her tips on what you should be looking for when choosing your next partner:

 

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Go Eventing

Desirée Schmidt and Fairy Tale B have been through everything together:

 

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Georgie Campbell Foundation Names Ollie Thompson as Inaugural Beneficiary

By on May 20, 2026 12:00 pm -

Ollie Thompson and Magnetic over the GCF Parallel at Cirencester. Photo: Topshots Photography

In a true demonstration of honoring legacy by creating good from tragedy, those who loved the late Georgie Campbell (a British four-star rider who died in a cross country accident in 2024) set up The Georgie Campbell Foundation with the goal to help other riders get their start as professionals, as well as champion ongoing safety initiatives throughout the sport.

To that end, applications were opened for an inaugural bursary structured over a two-year period to provide financial support to event riders whose careers and businesses are in the early stages. Preference was given to those who had not previously received substantial financial support or benefits from programs like the British World Class Programme. The Foundation’s goal of providing support goes beyond straight cash — its goal is to help produce well-rounded professionals who can create sustainable businesses to make their living froom.

Following an extensive review of the 60+ applications received for this bursary, eight candidates were invited to interview as the final stage of selection. A panel made up of Georgie’s husband, Jesse Campbell, New Zealand Olympic rider Jonelle Price and entrepreneur Dr. Catharine Denning subsequently selected 25-year-old Wiltshire-based Oliver “Ollie” Thompson as the inaugural recipient.

Ollie Thompson and Lagans Rice Star. Photo: ESP Photographic

“He demonstrates a lot of the attributes that we felt were in line with ‘a young Georgie’,” the panel stated in a press release. “Ollie conveyed a strong work ethic, positive mindset, and real love for his horses and the sport of eventing. We therefore think he makes the perfect first Georgie Campbell Foundation beneficiary and are looking forward to seeing his journey unfold with the Foundation’s support.”

Ollie Thompson has competed to the CCI4* level with his top horse, Lagans Rice Star, after starting out as many do on ponies when he was much younger. He’s now developed a string of younger horses and will now receive benefits from the Foundation including mentoring and training from the Georgie Campbell Foundation and a carefully curated group of specialists. Support will be uniquely tailored to him, structured around the development of an individual performance and business plan. Focus areas will include business planning, financial management, attracting and retaining owners and sponsors, social media marketing, and managing staff, as well as identifying and working with talented young horses.

“I’m excited and grateful to have been selected as the first Georgie Campbell Foundation beneficiary,” Ollie said in a press release. “It’s such an amazing opportunity for me to grow my business and be able to reach my full potential. I’m keen to start learning from everyone involved, pushing myself this season and next, and making the most of all the support and opportunities ahead. I would like to thank the committee, and all involved for putting their faith in me moving forward.”

Further updates from Ollie’s journey as well as information on future application windows and other endeavors by The Georgie Campbell Foundation can be found here.

France Announces FEI Eventing World Championships Long List Ahead of Team Selection

By on May 20, 2026 9:00 am -

Benjamin Massie and Filao de Perle. Photo by Sophie Robins / Girl In The Field.

With just over two months to go before the start of the 2026 World Equestrian Championships at Aachen, the French Equestrian Federation has published the long lists of riders, drivers, vaulters, and horses being considered for selection.

The 2026 World Championships will begin on August 11 in Aachen, Germany. A highlight of the season, these World Championships will mark the return of a multi-discipline event, bringing together six of the seven disciplines of the International Equestrian Federation: show jumping, eventing, dressage and para-dressage, as well as driving and vaulting.

For FFE President Frédéric Bouix, “The World Championships are a very important milestone for our federation. They take place every four years, alternating with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and offer direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. It is also the major event of the Olympiad for non-Olympic disciplines such as driving and vaulting, as well as for endurance riding, the championship for which will be held at the end of 2026 in AlUla (KSA). Following the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, we have chosen to open up the national teams to facilitate access to the highest level for more athletes and thus renew the pool of talent.”

National federations will release lists of prospective horse and rider pairs on July 6, before the final selection announcement no later than July 27. It is in this context that the French Equestrian Federation has chosen to release its long lists.

Nicolas Touzaint and Diabolo Menthe help France to a team silver at the Paris Olympics in 2024. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

“The announcement of these long lists marks the starting gun just over two months before the championships begin,” explains Sophie Dubourg, National Technical Director, the head of the French team. “They include the human and equine athletes in contention for selection, having achieved the FEI qualifying standards and embracing the sporting objectives of these championships. This is also a very important moment for us, as it allows us to formalize a three-way commitment between the Federation, the riders, and the horse owners of the Olympic and Paralympic disciplines.”

“For all the athletes already identified on these lists, the FFE is committed to providing them with the closest possible support, including additional resources for veterinary care for their horses, personalized training support, enhanced communication, and assistance for owners. These lists are not final, and other riders and horses can still be added before the beginning of July for selection. We hope that the momentum of these World Championships will inspire as many athletes and owners as possible to join in,” concludes Sophie.

Jean-Luc Force – National Eventing Coach – said: “We have 12 horse and rider combinations qualified for the World Championships, meaning they have achieved qualifying results since January 1, 2025, at the European Championships and/or in 4* and 5* international competitions. So far, this is quite satisfactory, as we have qualified all the combinations we had in mind for selection. Our riders are all experienced, and some even have two horses with potential selection. This means they are well-organized and structured. We met with each of them to establish a genuine relationship, plan the season, and personalize the support to best meet the specific needs of each horse. Nevertheless, the season isn’t over, and for some, there are still two or three competitions before the selection. We must remain very cautious.”

The French eventing long list is as follows:

  • Thomas Carlile – Golden de Beliard AA | Owned by: Elevage de Beliard
  • Luc Château – Cocorico de l’Ebat |Owned by: Laure Sudreau
  • Sébastien Cavaillon – Elipso de la Vigne |Owned by: Elipso 2024 Syndicat
  • Alexis Goury – Colorée de Poteau Z |Owned by: Juliette Bletoux and Je’Vall |Owned by:Michel Mitius, Fanny Goury, Alexis Goury
  • Karim Laghouag – Dream de Viève |Owned by: Philippe Lemoine, Ecurie Karim Laghouag, Guy Bessat, Frédérique Perrody
  • Gaspard Maksud – Zaragoza |Owned by: Martin Thurlow, Jane Young
  • Benjamin Massié – Figaro Fonroy |Owned by: Aurélie Loisin and Filao de Perle |Owned by: Benjamin Massié, Véronique Real
  • Astier Nicolas – Alertamalib’Or |Owned by: Aliette Forien, Pascal Ravery, Astier Nicolas, Paul Nicolas and Dirty Old Town |Owned by: Astier Nicolas, Bénédicte Nicolas de Monval, Olivier Gouraud
  • Nicolas Touzaint – Diabolo Menthe |Owned by: Mézard Sports, Françoise Niclaus

Stay tuned for much more coming your way on EN as we hurtle towards the FEI Eventing World Championships at Aachen in August. EN’s coverage of this year’s World Championships is supported by Kentucky Performance Products — your go-to source for science-backed, U.S.-produced nutritional support for every horse. Learn more about Kentucky Performance Products here.

FEI Eventing World Championships: [Website] [Tickets] [Qualifications] [EN’s Coverage]

Wednesday News & Notes

By on May 20, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: All About Amateurs Virtual Listening Session

Kelly Glaser Beaver with Excel Star Pluto and Kathleen Bertuna with Excel Star Harry as Champion and Reserve Champion in the Bates USEA Preliminary Amateur Championship at the USEA American Eventing Championships 2023. Photo courtesy of Courtney Cooper.

The US Equestrian Federation will host a virtual listening session for members on June 8 at 5:30PM EST titled “All About Amateurs” — in which the USEF team hopes to help members better understand the rules around amateur riders, the factors in competition costs, grassroots programs, and more. This will be the last session for the listening sessions’ spring schedule, which have touched on topics thus far covering welfare, controlled substance guidelines, safety, and other rule changes in progress.

As with previous sessions, a panel of USEF staff leading the town hall will be joined by trainers or amateur riders where available to ensure their questions and topics of interest are part of the body of the presentation. The Federation encourages members to attend so they can receive feedback on meaningful differences for you, no matter the breed or discipline.

[Click here to register for the webinar] and [here to RSVP on their Facebook event].

[Click here to watch the April 6 Virtual Listening Session]

Major International Events This Weekend

Millstreet International CCI4*-S (IRL): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

US Events This Weekend

Virginia Horse Center Eventing (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Woodside Spring HT (CA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Flora Lea Spring HT (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times]

Sol Events at Willow Draw (TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Spring Coconino HT (AZ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Other Links and Reading

Training Tip of the Day

One of the hardest parts of riding is knowing what to focus on when something isn’t going well in your horse training. If you’ve been struggling to make progress with your horse, listen in here:

Go Eventing

The Owners’ Shuffle — much like the Grooms’ Cluck or the Trainers’ Air Kick — is always a treat to watch in the XC tent, so when your horse is on track to a historic Badminton win, it’s probably a bit more tense than most!


Longines Luhmühlen CCI5* Entries Live with 30 Competitors; 2025 Champion, World #1, Strong USA Contingent Feature

By on May 19, 2026 12:12 pm -

Boyd Martin and Shanroe Cooley compete for the US Equestrian Open of Eventing title at Morven Park in 2025. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The next CCI5* on the docket for 2026 comes to us from Germany at Longines Luhmühlen, which has its own unique style and flavor and also features the CCI4*-S Meßmer Trophy German Championship each year. On a championship year, Luhmühlen is generally the final qualifier for most countries, which means we typically see both the 5* and 4* lists full of team hopefuls as selection looms. That’s very much par for the course for this year’s entry lists, which feature 30 CCI5* entries and 63 CCI4*-S combinations.

Now, before you say it, yes this IS a low figure for the Luhmühlen CCI5*. This number somewhat syncs up with the 38 we saw during the year of the last World Championships (2022), but is generally lower than usual for this event. We’ve seen entry lists ranging up into the 70s but also as low as the high 30s and 40s; in 2025, we had 55 entries pre-competition, and 50 entries for the most recent Olympic year (2024). Luhmühlen plays a unique role in the 5* landscape, providing a good launching pad for horses and riders starting at the level for the first time and also frequently serving as a re-route option for those who did not find success at previous events like Kentucky or Badminton. This year, we have fewer of the latter; just a couple of “re-routes” to the 4*-S from Badminton and one or two to the 5* (really, I think this is a positive in itself, that we had a strong completion rate at Badminton that resulted in fewer reroutes), as well as a couple of horses who completed Badminton also coming for the 4* and that all-important World Championship qualifier. We also have nearly 50% of the CCI5* field (14 horses) made up of rookie horses (as well as four 5* first-timer riders), and while I do not have the comparison numbers of rookie horses from previous years at my disposal currently, I do think that’s another big positive for anyone who has negative feelings about the sheer number of entries themselves.

Ros Canter and Izilot DHI: your 2025 Luhmühlen champions. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Now for the list itself, here are just a few highlights from the list, which can be found in full here. The full CCI5* entry list is also listed below.

  • 2025 winners Ros Canter (fresh off a third consecutive MARS Badminton victory) and Izilot DHI will return to defend their title. Ros has had a strategic run up to this point of the season, lightly competing the 13-year-old KWPN gelding at National levels and most recently finishing third in the 4*-S at Belsay International last weekend.
  • Reigning European Champion Laura Collett, who brings forward 2025 seventh-place finisher Hester to seek an even better finish.
  • World #1 Harry Meade debuts a new 5* horse for his string, the 11-year-old British Sport Horse gelding Jet Fighter, who has two strong 4*-L finishes (Ballindenisk and Bramham) under his belt to this point.
  • Rookie horses include: Guess Star (Ben Massie), Mighty Spring FRH (Heike Jahncke – also a 5* rookie rider), Aspen T (Katharina Meyer – also a 5* rookie rider), Mister Big Ears (Sam Ecroyd), Cooley With Ambition (Harry Hortion – also a 5* rookie rider), Jet Fighter (Harry Meade), The Buzz Factor (Emma Thomas), Carrowgar Je Taime Max (Sian Coleman – also his first 5* since 2018), Dallas 13 (James Avery), Cutting Edge (Vicky Browne-Cole – also a 5* rookie rider), Delarado (Samantha Lissington), Kitsch Couture HPK (Lucienne Bellissimo), Lucky Fortuna (Hallie Coon), Shanroe Cooley (Boyd Martin)
  • For the USA, four pairs have sent in their 5* entries: the aforementioned Lucienne Bellissimo and Kitsch Couture HPK, Hallie Coon with Lucky Fortuna, Boyd Martin with Shanroe Cooley and Grace Taylor re-routing from Badminton with Game Changer. The USA is also sending two riders — Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z as well as Jack Curtis with Luska Candy Clover — to contest the 4*-S.

Hallie Coon and Lucky Fortuna. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The full CCI5* list is as follows (view both full entry lists here):

Australia Levett, William RNH Tom Tom R Elisabeth Murdoch, Keith Tyson & Rider CCI5*
Australia Levett, William Sligo Candy Cane Elisabeth Murdoch, Keith Tyson & Rider CCI5*
France Massie, Benjamin Guess Star Alain Real CCI5*
Germany Jahncke, Heike Mighty Spring FRH Carsten Küst & Rider CCI5*
Germany Meyer, Katharina Aspen T Monika Tietz & Rider CCI5*
Great Britain Bryce, Elspeth Lacoste Jim Spiers & Rider CCI5*
Great Britain Canter, Rosalind Izilot DHI Alex Moody & Rider CCI5*
Great Britain Canter, Rosalind MHS Seventeen Lady Milnes Coates & Deirdre Johnston CCI5*
Great Britain Collett, Laura Hester Lucy Nelson CCI5*
Great Britain Ecroyd, Sam Mister Big Ears Julie & Michael Hall & Penelope Ecroyd CCI5*
Great Britain Edmundson, Mary Lionel II Joy Soar CCI5*
Great Britain Gillespie, Sam Bit Not Till Now Rider CCI5*
Great Britain Harris, Caroline D Day Lucy Matthews, Fiona Olivier, Marie Anne Richardson & Heather Royle CCI5*
Great Britain Heal, Stephen Hagonda Heather Chapman & Stephen Heal CCI5*
Great Britain Horton, Harry Cooley with Ambition Harry Horton & Ambition Syndicate CCI5*
Great Britain Meade, Harry Jet Fighter Abigail Bernard CCI5*
Great Britain Thomas, Emma TV The Buzz Factor Zoe Bardey, Arthur Thomas & Rebecca Velarde CCI5*
Great Britain Tordoff, Alexander Cool Jack Cool Jack Syndicate CCI5*
Ireland Coleman, Sian Carrowgar Je Taime Max Gina Heaps CCI5*
Ireland Furnell, Dominic Ivanhoe Thomas Jones CCI5*
New Zealand Avery, James Dallas 13 Karie & David Thomson CCI5*
New Zealand Browne-Cole, Vicky Cutting Edge Vicky Browne-Cole CCI5*
New Zealand Jones, Abby Henton Audacious Abby Jones CCI5*
New Zealand Lissington, Samantha Delarado Rachel Bessell, Ella & Magnus McGrigor, Kate Maitland, Braydon Lissington & Rider CCI5*
New Zealand Price, Jonelle Grappa Nera The Grape Syndicate & Rider CCI5*
New Zealand Price, Tim Happy Boy Susan Lamb, Therese Miller & Rider CCI5*
USA Bellissimo, Lucienne Kitsch Couture HPK Horse Scout Eventing CCI5*
USA Coon, Hallie Lucky Fortuna Rider CCI5*
USA Martin, Boyd Shanroe Cooley Dallas LLC CCI5*
USA Taylor, Grace Game Changer Ann Taylor CCI5*

Longines Luhmühlen will get underway on Wednesday, June 17 with the First Horse Inspection and conclude on Sunday, June 21. The live stream will be carried exclusively on Horse & Country, and you can bookmark this page to follow along when things get underway. Stay tuned for much more from our German CCI5*!

Longines Luhmühlen: [Website] [Schedule] [Entries] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on May 19, 2026 12:01 am -

Horses In the Morning’s Glenn Hebert celebrates his receipt of the Equine Industry Visionary Award at the AHP Equine Media Conference in Lexington, KY.

Many congratulations are in order for a good friend of EN, Glenn Hebert of the Horses In the Morning radio show and founder of the Horse Radio Network, who was recently awarded the American Horse Publications (AHP) Equine Industry Visionary Award at the AHP Equine Media Conference in Lexington, Ky. earlier this month.

The Equine Industry Vision Award is given annually in recognition of outstanding leadership, creativity, and meritorious contributions toward positive changes in the equine industry. This distinguished award is a unique opportunity to publicly recognize ingenuity, originality, and effective innovation that exemplifies commitment, dedication and service to the equine industry.

The following is excerpted from a press release announcing the award:

Hebert’s impact on the equine industry spans decades, marked by innovation, inclusivity, and an unwavering commitment to connecting horse people around the world. In 2008, at a time when podcasting was still in its infancy, he founded the Horse Radio Network (HRN), creating what would become the largest online podcast network dedicated to the equine community.

Through HRN, Hebert has helped unite riders, professionals, and enthusiasts across disciplines, breeds, and geographic boundaries. His flagship show, Horses in the Morning, which he co-hosts, has produced thousands of episodes and is recognized as one of the longest-running daily podcasts of any genre. His work has introduced countless new audiences to the horse world while providing education and entertainment to seasoned equestrians alike.

Beyond his accomplishments as a media pioneer, Hebert is widely recognized for his generosity as a mentor and educator. He has guided aspiring podcast hosts within and beyond the equine industry, frequently sharing his expertise at conferences and industry events. His philosophy – that that a stronger media landscape benefits the entire equine industry – has helped elevate podcasting as a respected and influential communications platform.

Colleagues describe Hebert not only as a visionary, but as a unifier whose warmth and authenticity have built a global community. As one nominator noted, he has “a rare gift for making everyone feel included, whether they are a world-class professional or a first-time pony owner,” creating a welcoming space that reflects the very best of the horse industry.

Prior to launching HRN, Hebert’s hands-on experience in the industry included operating a boarding stable and tack store, where he was also an early adopter of online retail, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the equine world from the ground up. Today, even after the sale of HRN to Equine Network, he continues to serve as a leading voice in equine media, remaining closely connected to the audiences and community he helped build.

The EN team congratulates Glenn on this well-earned achievement!

U.S. Events Opening Entries Today

Bouckaert Equestrian H.T. (GA); Summer Coconino I H.T. (AZ); Winona H.T. (OH); Mile High H.T. (CO)

U.S. Events Closing Entries Today

Windermere Run H.T. (MO); Apple Knoll Farm H.T. (MS); Middleburg H.T. (VA); Revel Run H.T. (MI)

Other Links & Reading

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

Did you know that Kentucky Performance Products owner and CEO Delia Nash is heavily involved in racing? As an owner of several actively racing horses, Delia has honed her skills to also pinpoint ideal follow-up careers for horses coming off the track. Sibelius, a horse currently in training with 5* rider Tim Bourke in Virginia, is the latest example of a KPP-connected former racehorse turned eventer. Check out the latest from Sibelius’ eventing journey:

Want to learn more about Sibelius? Click here to read a profile featured on Paulick Report.

Training Tip of the Day

Improve your medium trot with British dressage Young Rider Ruby Hughes and her dad, World Championships rider Gareth Hughes:

Go Eventing

Tryon CCI4*-L winner Mia Farley has a unique new horse in her barn: a former endurance champion Anglo Arabian, HC Layla! Meet her:

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH Lead Germany to FEI Eventing Nations Cup Victory at Marbach

By on May 18, 2026 5:00 pm -

Germany tops the first FEI Eventing Nations Cup leg of the season at Marbach. Photo by FEI / Libby Law Photography.

Germany claimed the opening leg of the 2026 FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Series on home soil while Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH dominated across all three phases.

Gestüt Marbach wrote itself into FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ history this weekend, hosting its first ever leg of the Series and doing so in fitting style. Germany’s team of Michael Jung, Julia Krajewski, Libussa Lübbeke and Ben Leuwer led from the first phase to the last. At the centre of it all was Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH who delivered a dominant performance to finish 4.9 penalties ahead of second place. The win was Jung’s 10th at Marbach’s four-star, going all the way back to his first-ever four-star win in 2005.

Behind the Olympic champions, the weekend produced its share of drama, with both the individual and team leaderboards reshuffling across every phase. It was Belgium who ultimately secured second place ahead of Sweden after producing two clear rounds in the show jumping phase, compared to Sweden’s one. The new Series format sees all six competing teams add points to their tally as the first step towards qualification for the Boekelo Final.

Germany set the pace

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by FEI / Libby Law Photography.

Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH laid down a 21.2 to lead after dressage. It was a personal best for the 18-year-old at this venue, bettering each of his previous five tests here including three winning performances. Germany took the lead on a score of 81.2, which reflected strong performances from all four team members.

Felix Vogg and Colero sat in second for Switzerland while Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Kiarado d’Arville rounded out the podium after posting a four-star personal best of 26.8. Sweden sat second as a team and Belgium third, with less than 12.7 penalties (roughly 32 seconds cross-country) separating the five teams behind Germany.

Marbach delivers its toughest cross-country course of the last decade.
Saturday’s cross-country proved the most demanding Marbach has produced in a decade. Just 52% of combinations jumped clear, well below the venue’s ten-year average of 72%. Only one combination made the optimum time: France’s Benjamin Massie and Guess Star.

Early rounds from Libussa Lübbeke (GER) and Nadja Minder (SUI) made the course look manageable, laying down quick clear rounds that suggested the competition may be relatively uneventful. However, as the day unfolded, that proved far from the case.

The day’s biggest surprise came when the Luhmühlen CCI5* winners Felix Vogg and Colero had 20 penalties at fence 8C, a corner out of the water, ending their podium hopes.

Jung added 6.8 time penalties with fischerChipmunk FRH which was enough to maintain their individual lead. Germany held onto first place as a team sitting 19.6 penalties ahead of Sweden in second, although Frida Andersen’s non-completion left them with only three counting scores heading into the final phase. Belgium sat close behind on 115.3 after producing four clear cross-country rounds.

Jung seals the win during Sunday’s show jumping

Julia Krajewski (GER) and Tullabeg Platinum. Photo by FEI / Libby Law Photography.

Sunday’s show jumping saw 19% of the field jump clear and inside the time, matching Marbach’s ten-year average. Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH added nothing, their double clear completed a performance of total authority. The win was Jung’s 10th at Marbach’s four-star, going all the way back to his first-ever four-star win in 2005. For fischerChipmunk FRH, it was his fourth victory at this venue and his 12th CCI4*-S win overall, placing him second on the record list since 2008, behind only Virgil’s 13. His 27 international victories across all levels extend his lead as the most decorated horse since records began in 2008.

Julia Krajewski and Tullabeg Platinum jumped their 12th consecutive clear jumping round to finish second individually while Louise Romeike and Caspian 15 jumped clear to climb to third.

Belgium’s growing depth

Belgium took the runner-up spot, and there’s a sense of a team being built rather than just selected. Lara de Liedekerke-Meier remains the spearhead, the Belgian star who broke the record for international wins last season, but Marbach also felt like a breakthrough weekend for Valentine Emsens and the 10-year-old Maplevalleys Concorde.

26-year-old Valentine Emsens arrived with some experience in FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ classes but without a defining result. But at Marbach they looked composed from start to finish and emerged as one of the combinations that really caught the eye. After sitting 38th following dressage, they climbed steadily through the field with a confident clear cross-country round adding just 4.4 time penalties, before finishing with a fault-free show jumping round inside the time. That final phase proved crucial in helping Belgium edge ahead of Sweden for second place.

For a horse in only his second CCI4* start, and a combination still early in their partnership at this level, it felt like a genuine arrival performance. Maplevalleys Concorde had already jumped double clear on his four-star debut, but this was the weekend where the pair looked every bit like future championship team material rather than just a promising prospect.

And there’s more coming: Jarno Verwimp’s Made for Me, yet to jump at four-star but already the second-highest-rated eight-year-old in Belgium, looks like a name for the months and years ahead. Belgium already has a proven leader, but Marbach showed the depth behind her is starting to arrive too.

What it means for the Series

Germany’s wire-to-wire win is a strong start to their season. Their only FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ victories in the past two years have come at Arville in 2023 and 2024, making this home victory an early statement of intent, with their happy hunting ground of Arville still to come later in the season.

Under the new format, qualifier points do not contribute to the Series title. Instead, the priority is to finish among the top 10 nations across the qualifying events to secure a place at the Boekelo final. Germany has added 100 points to their qualification tally, with the remaining nations scoring on a descending 10-point scale based on finishing position.

To view more on the FEI Eventing Nations Cup series, click here. The next leg will take place at Bicton (GBR) May 29-31, where the USA will take its first turn in the series with a team of developing horses and riders set to make the trip over.

Marbach Eventing International CCIO4*-NC-S (GER): [Website] [Scoring] [Live Stream Replays]

Laura Collett is Queen of the Castle at Belsay International

By on May 18, 2026 2:01 pm -

Laura Collett and London 52. Photo via Belsay International.

Britain’s golden pair Laura Collett and London 52 added yet another major title to their remarkable roll of honour by capturing the Houghton Country CCI4*-S at Belsay Horse Trials (May 15-17), sponsored by Barbour.

The Tokyo and Paris Olympic team gold medallists were fractionally behind recent Badminton winner Ros Canter and Izilot DHI after dressage with 24.1 to Ros’s 23.7. Extraordinarily, although both women showjumped clear, Ros’s single second over the optimum time for 0.4 of a time-fault levelled the scores, setting the scene for a genuinely thrilling cross-country showdown.

Ros and Alex Moody’s 13-year-old Izilot DHI, a dual CCI5* champion, went early in the 95-strong class and collected 10.8 time-penalties. But as the competition progressed, this proved surprisingly quick, and jumping faults peppered the scoresheet for course-designer Adrian Ditcham’s creative and challenging track. London 52, the now-17-year-old 2022 Badminton hero for owners Karen Bartlett and Keith Scott, was the penultimate horse to go, and the huge crowds enjoying Belsay in the spring sunshine clustered round the showpiece Barbour Water to watch this famous pairing.

Laura and “Dan” ate up the undulating course, coming home with just 4.4 time-faults to win the class on a finishing score of 28.5. Only Caroline Harris and D.Day, themselves CCI5* victors, were faster with 3.6 time-penalties for second place on 34.1.

Laura said with a big grin: “‘Dan’ was quite feral this weekend – he’s never been so strong. He was very keen, but amazing. He showjumped really nicely, and cross-country he was a almost a bit out of control! It’s so nice to have him feeling that well at this stage in his life. I went fast because I didn’t have any choice!

“To be honest, the ground was amazing – I don’t know when, in a dry year, we’re going to have ground that good again; there doesn’t look like much rain in sight, so I wanted to make the most of that. Now there’s no pressure, he doesn’t run again [before the World Championships, if the pair are selected for the British team] if the ground isn’t right. This was my first visit to Belsay, and it’s a cracking event – I’ve loved it.”

Runner-up Caroline Harris said: “I actually think that was the best D.Day has ever felt – in every phase. He was pretty epic. He will now head off to Luhmühlen for the CCI5*, and this was a great prep run for that.”

Ros, who was juggling looking after her four-month-old baby, Senah, with competing several horses, and Izilot DHI finished a very respectable third. They will also target the German CCI5* next.

Jago Jackson, 19, took the Forster CCI3*-S with Johnny Hornby’s Barrington Highlight K. They led the dressage on a mark of 25.8, but Jago was furious with himself for picking up 0.4 of a showjumping time-fault and letting both Pippa Funnell (Billy Walk On) and Tom McEwen (Brookfield Danny De Muze) ahead of him going into cross-country.

“Then Tom and Pippa got a few time-faults, and I thought, ‘You know what, I’m going to kick on!’” said Jago. “The horse responded so well – he was amazing. It has been an absolutely fantastic weekend at one of my very favourite events; Belsay is just so beautifully run.”

Jago and Barrington Highlight K picked up just 3.2 cross-country time-faults and completed on a mark of 29.3.

Both Laura Collett and Jago are now the live contenders for the big-money Northumberland Challenge, supported by Belsay’s official hotel partner Matfen Hall, An Eventful Life and N.I.S Ltd, which unites the three Northumbrian international events (Belsay, Alnwick Ford and Burgham). While Laura’s next step in the £5,000 CCI4*-S Northumberland Challenge will be Burgham (30 July-2 August), Jago is determined to target Alnwick Ford as the second of three CCI3*-S legs, seeking that £5,000 bonus.

“The Northumberland Challenge prize-money is incredible and I’d really like to give it a go – the Young Rider final trial is at Burgham, as well, so hopefully I’ll be able to get to all three events.”

Second and third places in the CCI3*-S went to two horses owned by Alison Swinburn and John and Chloe Perry of Brookfield Equestrian – Brookfield Danny De Muze, second on 30.2 with Tom McEwen, and Brookfield Lando, third with a final score of 31.2 for Tom Jackson.

Co Durham-based Katie Magee triumphed in the Chaser Communications Advanced class on Sharon Parnaby’s Cushlas Indigo, and another northern rider, North Yorkshire’s Storm Straker, took Ad Gefrin Intermediate section G aboard Abydos, owned by her mother Victoria, Lady Arabella Stagg, Julia Lukas and Sarah Daniell.

Belsay International CCI4*-S (UK): [Website] [Scoring] [Live Stream Replays]

Weekend Winners: Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Championships, Bouckaert, Course Brook, Fair Hill, Hunt Club, May-Daze, Otter Creek, Spokane, & Spring Gulch

By on May 18, 2026 1:56 pm -

We had a packed weekend with Eventers, and we’re looking forward to recapping here to celebrate our Weekend Winners!

Congrats to all on successful outings, with a special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award: Madeline Bletzacker and Drummer Boy, who won the Beginner Novice Rider A at May-Daze on their amazing 12.1!!

USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships (SC): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Madyson Hsue and ISO Cambria (30.8)
Preliminary Rider: Ella Kay Lane and Double Dare (31.1)
Modified Rider: Callie Snow and Botshabelo MVH Z (33.8)
Open Modified: Berkley Gardner and In Vogue (28.0)
Open Training: Jake Tessler and Gold de Riverland (25.0)
Training Rider: Caroline Clay Cooke and Cooley Easy Trip (26.8)
Novice Rider A: Lucy Leff and Amarillo (27.1)
Novice Rider B: Ella Bell and Social Paranoia (26.2)
Open Novice: Devon Tresan and EPA Cullen (24.4)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Marissa Redmond and Salt Air (28.1)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Margaret Armendariz and Finesse FLP (24.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Lauren New and Bayberry ERR (30.3)
Starter A: Sallie Johnson and Fernhill Done Talking (30.9)
Starter B: Angela Palfy and SLE Poppy’s Star (28.8)
Starter C: Aya Koonz and Legendary Spots (27.2)
Starter D: Adeline Crawford and Winecountry’s Romeo (32.8)

Bouckaert Equestrian HT (GA): [Website][Scoring]

Open Intermediate: Katie Malensek and Valeska (33.0)
Open Preliminary: Emily Hamel and Newman Hokeshoeve (34.2)
Preliminary Rider: Addison Craig and OT Bandini (43.8)
Modified Rider: Jessica Copland and Walk the Line (35.2)
Open Modified: Shannon Riley and Monbeg Apollo 11 (29.3)
Open Training: Michael Pendleton and princess (34.0)
Training Rider: Jennifer Poole and Mind Over Matter (40.4)
Novice Rider: Erica Webb and Mr Panda (31.2)
Open Novice: Tracy Strobel and Quality Stock (32.5)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Catelyn Ruehman and Ziggy Stardust (35.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Elinor O’Neal and Redtail Nightcap (26.5)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Julienne Biglin and Reverie GWF (26.2)
Starter: Alexis Blankenship and Rhiannon LDK (30.6)

Course Brook Farm Spring HT (MA): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Caroline Teich and Fürsten Dansil (38.0)
Open Training: Alexandria Caparco and RedAction (46.3)
Training Rider JR: Megan Cavanaugh and Life On Top (48.3)
Training Rider SR: Ashley Honeyman and Palladium (45.9)
Novice Rider JR: Mary Bogart and Mulsanne (31.9)
Novice Rider SR: Kathryn Wakeman and Boracay Wonder (41.2)
Open Novice: Jocelyn Hawe and Heminggray (30.5)
Training/Novice: Paige Beliveau and Pi Mensae (32.0)
Beginner Novice Rider JR: Elizabeth Wieckowski and Haunted Blessings (43.8)
Beginner Novice Rider SR: Jennifer Lingeman and Marana Samson Jaydun (30.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Erin Risso and VinnyVinVincent (37.1)
Open Starter: Hannah Estabrook and Fighting Chance (45.3)
Starter Rider JR: Anna Estes and Dazzle Me Duke (36.2)
Starter Rider SR: Lisa Miracle and Philip My Bucket (37.0)

Fair Hill International Recognized HT (MD): [Website][Scoring]

Advanced: Jennie Brannigan and FE Connery (42.2)
Open Intermediate: Katie Lichten and Hickstead Musterd (30.0)
Open Preliminary: Boyd Martin and Lamorlaye (28.4)
Preliminary Rider: Katherine Maroko and Redfield Champion (30.2)
Modified Rider: Adelaide French and CFH Darker Royale (35.0)
Open Modified: Lillian Heard Wood and Johar de Braize (29.8)
Open Training A: Bradley Champagne and Excel Etoile Zulu 1 (29.0)
Open Training B: Hayley Frielick and Dunedin LB Muze (25.3)
Training Rider: Claire Kassar and Chaplin (28.3)
Novice Rider: Karen D’Lauro and Diamond Striker (28.1)
Open Novice: Olivia Dutton and Heartcore NL (24.7)
Beginner Novice – Junior: Chloe Luedtke and Insuspense (32.5)
Beginner Novice Rider: Hilary Simons and Vive Le Balladeer (21.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Matt Ferguson and Na’Hoku (31.3)
Starter: Abigail McEwen and Paloma (20.6)

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Hunt Club Farms HT (VA): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Lauren Nicholson and I’ll Have Another (55.8)
Preliminary Rider: Alexandra Wikstrom and Viking Navigator (42.9)
Open Modified: Peyton Klein and Pleasant Humphrey (31.8)
Open Training: Michaela Yowaiski and Tego (31.0)
Training Horse: Devon Sutherland and BSI Jerome (27.3)
Training Rider: Kendal Fansler and Milchem Giovanni (34.8)
Novice Horse: Leslie Fredrick and Hilfiger (26.9)
Novice Rider A: Kerri Long and Blue Suede Shoes (Memphis) (25.8)
Novice Rider JR: Isla Bromilow and WhatInSamHill (27.8)
Open Novice A: Rebecca Lee and DGE Swipe Right (28.7)
Open Novice B: Kendyl Tracy and Vagatendro (26.7)
Beginner Novice – Junior: Lilia Rogers and Rockin Roscoe (34.4)
Beginner Novice Horse: Martin Douzant and Magnific Coco Chanel (27.2)
Beginner Novice Rider: Cara Morgan and Piper (24.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Kendyl Tracy and Dollar Mountain (27.2)
Starter A: Cali Johnson and Cooley Tiniest Dragon (30.0)
Starter JR: Madelyn Blair and Lakeside Island (32.1)
Vikings In Training: Emily Hertig and P. Sherman Wallaby Way Sydney (33.8)

Kentucky May-Daze HT (KY): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Alexandra Baugh and Hubert Des 3 Arbres (24.5)
Preliminary Rider: Kathy Baar and Talladega Nights (41.8)
Modified Rider: Stephanie Richardson and Asti’s Charming (24.3)
Open Modified A: Gregory Gebhart and YouShouldBeDancing (28.8)
Open Modified B: Emery Reagan and Allure (27.0)
Open Training: Laura Crowl and Fille de Coqueire (35.5)
Training Horse: Lindsey Howland and Apollo Rocket (36.8)
Training Rider A: Viviana Dunlap and Elegance (28.8)
Training Rider B: Zoë Rizzuto and The Wellerman (24.5)
Novice Horse A: Lee Maher and La Sensation (27.2)
Novice Horse B: Maria Moraniec and She Is (22.8)
Novice Rider A: Jennifer Boshart and Blaze of Charm (23.3)
Novice Rider B: Megan Foote and Shannondale Magnum (18.1)
Novice Rider C: Lauren Collett and Cozywing (31.3)
Open Novice: Jane Musselman and Cayr Della Caccia (22.5)
Beginner Novice Horse: Shelby Kendle and Raising Dreams (32.7)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Madeline Bletzacker and Drummer Boy (12.1)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Joshlyn Hernandez and Kynymont Indelibly Irish (24.4)
Beginner Novice Rider C: Olivia Palmer and Sir Edward (30.0)
Open Beginner Novice A: Alison O’Dwyer and Knockemdown (30.0)
Open Beginner Novice B: Erin Pullen and Sazerac (32.9)
Introductory: Katherine Homra and Out IN Force (22.9)
Starter – Junior A: Hudson Price and Cool sailor (30.6)
Starter – Junior B: Catherine Dakin and Bentley LK II (24.4)
Starter – Senior A: Hannah Reeser and Little Ireland Illusion (23.2)
Starter – Senior B: Caroline Adams and Simon Says (22.9)
Starter – Senior C: Kelsey Boos and pimms (24.9)

Otter Creek HT (WI): [Website][Scoring]

Open Intermediate: Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy (38.2)
Open Preliminary: Meaghan Marinovich-Burdick and Excalibur O’ Donoghue (35.6)
Open Modified: Margo Short and Poseidon (34.9)
Open Training: Bella Godfrey and Wexford Cruise (29.4)
Training Rider: Sara Klinkner and Namibia (37.4)
Junior Novice Rider: Brynn Liberda and Rumor Has It (37.8)
Open Novice: Kristine Burgess and Charmer de Muze Z (30.5)
Senior Novice Rider: Jessica Doering and Jax (29.4)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Cambria Konkle and Mister Cooley (28.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Ava Friese and Big Bad Spotty (24.4)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Dawn Swingen and Beau’s My Daddy (28.4)
Starter A: Kirsten Hiles and Beatrix SWF (25.3)
Starter B: Meghan Walsh and Zans A Rae (33.1)

Spokane Sport Horse Spring HT (WA): [Website][Scoring]

Open Intermediate: Travis Atkinson and Calzini (44.8)
Open Preliminary: Nevaeh Heltman and Igor F (31.1)
Open Modified: Brynn Josey and Gentle Gallucci (26.0)
Junior Training: Anna Patinkin and Falkor CCSH (36.1)
Training Amateur: Olivia Brakefield and Naspahr (31.1)
Open Training: Nevaeh Heltman and Baelfire (31.0)
Junior Novice: Camille Smith and Kensington LV (27.2)
Novice Amateur A: Tessie Shelby and Stella on Tap (32.8)
Novice Amateur B: Tracey Trewin and Barcelona (28.3)
Open Novice: Marc Grandia and Captain Alfred (27.2)
Junior Beginner Novice A: Chloe Dunsmoor and Fine Magic Talon (27.9)
Junior Beginner Novice B: Seraphia Wenzl and London Fog (27.7)
Beginner Novice Amateur A: Jessica Berntson and Grazie Daisy (33.8)
Beginner Novice Amateur B: Jodie Knox and Targaryen TWF (27.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Avery Jacob and Trinket Box Snapdragon (29.3)
Starter Rider: Annabelle Nielsen and DM I Wanna Dance (36.8)
Open Starter: Alessandra Allen-Shinn and Miss Chee Vee Us (27.7)

Spring Gulch HT (CO): [Website][Scoring]

Open Training: Madeline Backus and P.S. Sir Balinor (25.8)
Open Novice: Anna Cummings and Fernhill Colano (30.3)
Open Beginner Novice A: Aspen van der Zee and JF Celtic Thunder (35.9)
Open Beginner Novice B: Brittany Packard and Adonis (34.3)
Starter JR: Raven Rockwell and Fernhill Coastal Cowboy (31.9)
Starter SRA: Stacey Quarles and Our Victorinox (32.5)
Starter SRB: Nicole Ackerman and ITT Gift Of Gold (30.0)
Open Modified: Ron Stephens and High Hopes Viking (28.0)
Tadpole: Elizabeth Pallardy and JF Celtic Banner (39.3)

Recaps from USEA Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Eventing Championships at Stable View

By on May 18, 2026 9:00 am -

While we couldn’t be at this year’s first-ever standalone USEA Intercollegiate Eventing and Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) Championships at Stable View this weekend, our friends at the USEA held down the fort with some epic coverage that encapsulated the team spirit, camaraderie and festive nature of this unique competition.

Let’s hand the mic over to the USEA, to which we’ll link for more extensive stories and coverage of an epic weekend in Aiken, SC!

UGA Claims First USEA Intercollegiate Championship Title in 10 Years

It’s been 10 years since the University of Georgia claimed victory in the inaugural USEA Intercollegiate Championship, and ever since, the top title has remained just out of reach—until today. In the final day of the 2026 USEA Intercollegiate Championship, three members of team UGA Black delivered double-clear cross-country rounds to secure the win on a score of 75.42.

“Knowing that it was the first time UGA has won in 10 years was, like, super exciting, but there was a lot of pressure going into cross-country, knowing that I needed to complete the job to get there,” said recent UGA graduate Ansley Carroll who rode her own 19-year-old Mustang gelding Sweet Georgia Brown to a third place finish in the Novice Rider A division and whose double-clear cross-country round contributed to today’s team victory. “But, we put a lot of prep into it for the past year, and it really paid off, and it was very exciting.”

[Read the full story here]

Virginia Region Pony Clubs Make Debut at the USEA IEL Championships

The Virginia Region Pony Clubs made a memorable first appearance at the 2026 Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) Eventing Championship this week at Stable View, arriving with three full teams, t12 riders, and enough spirit to rival even the most seasoned programs. For a region experiencing its inaugural IEL outing, the group quickly established itself as one of the most enthusiastic and unified contingents on the grounds.

Coach Hannah Schofield, whose home club is Loudoun Hunt Pony Club in Leesburg, Virginia, was a longtime Pony Clubber herself and is now a professional based in Northern Virginia.

“I’ve been coaching for the Virginia region at Pony Club Championships for the past three years, so I get to meet kids from all over Virginia, which is super cool,” Schofield said. “This is our first time doing IEL with a big group, and we decided to come down here and get as many kids involved as we could. We have three full teams—12 riders—which is awesome for our first year to come in strong like that.”

[Read the full story here]

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