Classic Eventing Nation

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Dec 10, 2024 12:01 am -

It wouldn’t be winter without us waiting with bated breath for the next installment of “how London 52 comes back from vacation”, otherwise known as “whatever Laura Collett eats for breakfast, I’ll have twelve”.

Laura shared a compilation of her 5* and Olympic partner enjoying the, errr, joys of jumping over the last few winters, and we’re eagerly awaiting the 2025 edition! Never change, London 52. Never change.

Events Opening This Week

Rocking Horse Winter I (FL); Full Gallop Farm January (SC)

News & Reading

Ingmar De Vos and Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges have been elected as President and Vice-President of the International Horse Sports Confederation at the IHSC General Assembly in Hong Kong on December 6. The IHSC was established in 2013, when the FEI and the IFHA joined forces to create the first formal vehicle for cooperation between the world’s leading bodies for equestrian sport. Read more here.

Equine Network has acquired a controlling interest in Nilforushan Equisport Events to further enhance equestrian shows on the West Coast. This collaboration aims to make the West Coast the preferred destination for hunter/jumper events. Read more on this new partnership here.

A new Education and Research Fund has been established in memory of Chromatic BF through The Foundation for The Horse. The “Chromatic Fund,” a collaborative initiative of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), US Equestrian (USEF), Chromatic’s breeder KC Branscomb, and The Foundation for The Horse will fund innovative research and education initiatives designed to improve the health and welfare of sports horses worldwide. Read more here.

A study of dressage horses found oral lesions caused by the bit in a surprising 45% of horses examined at one competition. At the 19th International Society for Equitation Science (ISE) Conference in New Zealand, associate professor Janne Winther Christensen presented her recent findings: “Oral behaviour during riding is associated with oral lesions in dressage horses – A field study” with co-author Dr. Mette Uldahl. The talk discussed the relation between oral behaviour and lesions in the corners of the mouth in dressage horses. Her presentation highlighted the importance of understanding discomfort signals and emphasised the need for improved training practices to enhance equine well-being. Read more on the study here.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

As you continue to care for your equine companion through the seasons, it’s important to adapt your horse care approach to their ever-changing needs. This guide from Kentucky Performance Products delves deeper into specific strategies for managing your horse’s well-being during the transitional periods of fall and spring. From adjusting their diet to accommodating fluctuating weather patterns and maintaining stable conditions, you’ll find provide actionable tips to keep your horse healthy and comfortable no matter the season right here.

Video Break

Nail your spiral circle to improve suppleness with Amelia Newcomb Dressage:

US Equestrian Announces 2025 Eventing Pathway Program Lists

By on Dec 9, 2024 4:45 pm -

Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the Eventing Pathway Program Lists for 2025, including the Elite, Pre-Elite, Development, and Development 25 Programs.

Eventing Elite Program: 

The following athlete-and-horse combinations, listed in alphabetical order, have achieved the Eventing Elite Program List for 2025.
• Will Coleman (Ocala, Fla.) and Off The Record (VDL Arkansas x Dumagoldan Bay), a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Off The Record Syndicate.
• Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Fedarman B (Eurocommerce Washington x Paulien B), a 2010 KWPN gelding owned by the Annie Goodwin Syndicate.
• Caroline Pamukcu (Springtown, Pa.) and HSH Blake (Tolan R x Doughiska Lass ), a 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Caroline Pamukcu, Sherrie Martin, Mollie Hoff, and Deniz Pamukcu.

Eventing Pre-Elite Program: 

Hallie Coon and Cute Girl. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The following athlete-and-horse combinations, listed in alphabetical order, have achived the Eventing Pre-Elite Program List for 2025. 
• James Alliston (San Ramon, Calif.) and Karma (Escudo II x Travita*), a 2014 Oldenburg mare owned by Alliston Equestrian and Ric Plummer.
• Jennie Brannigan (West Grove, Pa.) and FE Lifestyle (Leo von Faelz x Berina A), a 2010 Warmblood gelding owned by Nina and Timothy Gardner.
• Hallie Coon (Ocala, Fla.) and Cute Girl (Coventry x Caligula), a 2014 Holsteiner mare owned by Hallie and Helen Coon.
• Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Commando 3 (Conner x R-Adelgunde), a 2013 Holsteiner gelding owned by Yankee Creek Ranch.

Eventing Development Program: 

Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The following athlete-and-horse combinations, listed in alphabetical order, have achieved the objective criteria for the Eventing Development Athlete Program for 2025. 
• Jenny Caras (Buckhead, Ga.) and Sommersby (Sergeant Pepper x D’Mademoiselle), 2012 Holsteiner gelding owned by Jennifer Caras and Jerry Hollis.
• Julie Wolfert (Bucyrus, Kan.) and SSH Playboy (Cit Cat x Stomeyford Black Pearl), a 2012 Holsteiner gelding owned by Julie Wolfert, Renee Senter, Sheri Gurske.

The following athlete-horse-combinations, listed in alphabetical order, have been selected for the Eventing Development Athlete Program for 2025.  
• Mia Farley (Ocala, Fla.) and Phelps (Tiznow x Boom Town Gal), a 2013 Thoroughbred gelding owned by David O’Conner.
• Cornelia Fletcher (Ocala, Fla.) and Daytona Beach 8 (Duke of Heart x Sandance), a 2010 Oldenberg mare owned by the HCS Syndicate.
• Alyssa Phillips (Forth Worth, Tex.) and Oskar (Coriando x Nicole), a 2009 Holsteiner gelding owned by Julie and Alyssa Phillips.

Eventing Development 25 Program: 

Molly Duda and Disco Traveler. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

The following athletes, in alphabetical order, have been named to the Development 25 Program for 2025.
• Alexandra Baugh (Lexington, Ky.)
• Molly Duda (Menlo Park, Calif.)
• Olivia Dutton (West Grove, Pa.)
• Cosby Green (Lexington, Ky.)
• Lizzie Hoff (Gig Harbor, Wash.)
• Meg Pellegrini (Wayne, Pa.)
• Cassie Sanger (Wilmington, Del.)
• Madison Temkin (Lexington, Ky.)
• Elsa Warble (Portola Valley, Calif.)
If you have any questions about the 2025 Elite and Pre-Elite Programs, please contact Gemma Stobbs, Director, Eventing Elite Programs, at [email protected].

For questions about the 2025 Development and Development 25 Programs or other opportunities, please contact Christina Vaughn, Director of Eventing Development Programs, at [email protected].

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: 11 Ready-to-Run Prelim Horses

By on Dec 9, 2024 4:00 pm -

Have you checked out the new-and-improved Sport Horse Nation lately? EN’s longtime classifieds sister site recently received a big makeover to help make it the best eventers-only matchmaking service in the land. Over 230 listings are now live … check it out today!

These horses recently listed on Sport Horse Nation are looking for the green flags. Are you?

In addition to this selection, there are several Modified listings and others currently competing above the level who might be suitable candidates. Check ’em out today!

Preliminary Mare – Potential For More!

  • Year Born: 2015
  • Height: 16.3
  • Gender: Mare
  • Location: Lexington, KY, USA
  • “CGF Galway Girl is a 9yr old 16.3 mare by Ars Vivendi. ‘Ciara’ is incredibly brave and will jump from anywhere with much confidence! She has recently been competed by an amateur with top results this season so far and has plenty of scope to go beyond Preliminary. She has scored in the 20’s at each of her events this year and is careful while still being incredibly brave with a powerful jump. Ciara would best suit an experienced amateur or an ambitious Junior/Young rider who wants and honest, fun horse who loves her job!” Read more…

Beautiful Mare With Upper Level Potential

  • Year Born: 2015
  • Height: 16.1
  • Breed: Westphalian
  • Gender: Mare
  • Location: Lexington, KY, USA
  • “Alina SD is a gorgeous 9 year old, 16.1 hd imported Westphalian mare by Asagao xx. She has wins and top results through 2*L and has all the blood, movement and talent to go on up the levels. Alina recently won her last event in April and she is fit and ready to go. She is a beautiful mover and regularly scores in the 20’s. She is a forward ride and incredibly brave cross country with many double clear XC/SJ rounds on her record. Alina would be best suited to an ambitious young rider, experienced amateur, or up and coming professional with ambitions for the top levels of eventing.” Read more… 

WINNING PRELIM PACKER FOR SALE

  • Year Born: 2014
  • Height: 15.3
  • Breed: KWPN
  • Gender: Gelding
  • Location: Kennett Square, PA, USA
  • “Proudly offered for sale — J aka Homer — 10 yr old, 15.2h, KWPN, gelding. Homer has been extremely successful at the training, prelim and 2* levels with many wins. He is a beautifully built, small package with a powerful jump and is so sweet to handle. He is very light to the leg and goes whatever pace you set him at to the jumps. Extremely brave—no issues xc. Would suit a small, light rider who wants to win! He’s very well schooled on the flat and a blast to jump.” Read more…

Proudly Offered For Sale in Round Hill, VA: Carlingford Rockabilly

  • Year Born: 2017
  • Height: 17.1
  • Breed: Irish Sport Horse
  • Gender: Gelding
  • Round Hill, VA, USA
  • “Billy” is a beautiful gelding who just won his first preliminary with a 21.3 dressage mark! He has all the quality and trainability to continue a very successful career up the levels. This exciting horse is looking for an ambitious rider to join him on his journey to big things. He is bred for the job and has only been loved and produced with his future in mind. Read more…

Barbados OS-Classy Flashy Mare

  • Year Born: 2015
  • Height: 16.3
  • Breed: KPWN
  • Gender: Mare
  • Location: Lovettsville, VA, USA
  • “Bridget is a 16.3 2015 KWPN mare with experience through preliminary and ability for more. An absolutely stunning model, she moves for a ten and is brave to the jumps. Suitable for a professional looking for their next upper level mount or a capable amateur/young rider who wants to win.” Read more… 

Superstar petite mare wants to be an Advanced horse

  • Year Born: 2014
  • Height: 16.1
  • Breed: Trakehner
  • Gender: Mare
  • Location: Dixon, CA, USA
  • “Leap of Faith FSF is a cross country machine that loves the game. She is light on her feet and brave. She is elegant for dressage and careful for the showjumping. Truly a luxury sport car model for a competitive ambitious rider. She has successfully competed and won in the 1.20 jumpers as well. She has also had a lovely foal who is also currently competing on the A circuit winning in the jumper ring as a 5 year old.” Read more… 

WonderElla

  • Year Born: 2017
  • Height: 16.1
  • Breed: Hanoverian
  • Gender: Mare
  • Location: Scottsdale, AZ, USA
  • “Wonderella is a high performance sport horse mare with top results through preliminary level eventing, 3rd level dressage, and 1.10m show jumping as well as .90/.95 with a junior rider. Ella would be best suited for a performance home with a competitive rider looking for a talented horse to develop through the upper levels. Very much like her grand sire Abdullah, Ella possesses the bravery and scope for the upper levels in eventing while also being careful and quick enough to be a top show jumper.” Read more…

Redfield Lennon

  • Year Born: 2016
  • Breed: KWPN
  • Gender: Gelding
  • Location: Riegelsville, PA, USA
  • “Lennon” has the movement and attitude of a serious top horse in the making. His walk, trot and canter are individually some of the best that we’ve seen, with huge scope and a killer hind end — we feel he’s a true 5* eventing prospect. In 2024, Lennon has competed to the 1* level with a young rider and ready to continue up the levels.” Read more…

Talented Eventer

  • Year Born: 2018
  • Height: 16.2
  • Breed: Irish Sport Horse
  • Gender: Gelding
  • Location: County Meath, Ireland
  • “Clover is a talented young sport horse with the ability and attitude to go up the levels in eventing. He has evented successfully up to El110 (preliminary). This is a horse who is very brave cross country. He does not take a pull and is a chilled out kick ride type. Clover is perfect for giving a junior/amateur rider confidence in show jumping and cross country due to his forgiving and laidback nature.” Read more… 

1.20 Jumper who also has winning Eventing record through Preliminary

  • Year Born: 2011
  • Breed: Oldenburg
  • Gender: Gelding
  • “Pierre is a 2011 Oldenburg gelding. Pierre has a competitive record through the 1.25 classes and also a winning record in eventing through preliminary having also won the T3Day event at Rebecca Farms. He is the perfect horse to give someone confidence around the bigger jumper track while also being able to step into the equitation ring or lower level eventing. Pierre can take a joke and always jumps a 10. Easy and kind in the barn. Hacks out alone, trailers, clips and ties. Offered for sale only because owner is off to college.” Read more…

Modified/ Prelim packer

The Immigrant is a 2015, 17H ISH/ Oldenburg gelding. He is as genuine as they come to ride with a workman like attitude. Grant is a fancy mover and a careful but comfortable jumper. He has competed through training level with an Amateur and Preliminary with professionals. Grant is only for sale as his owner is off to vet school.

  • Year Born: 2015
  • Height: 17.0
  • Breed: ISH/Oldenburg
  • Gender: Gelding
  • Location: West Grove, PA, USA
  • “The Immigrant is a 2015, 17H ISH/ Oldenburg gelding. He is as genuine as they come to ride with a workman like attitude. Grant is a fancy mover and a careful but comfortable jumper. He has competed through training level with an Amateur and Preliminary with professionals. Grant is only for sale as his owner is off to vet school.” Read more…

Weekend Winners: Rocking Horse & Full Gallop

By on Dec 9, 2024 9:30 am -

We’re getting into the Holiday Season with Rocking Horse December HT and Full Gallop Farm’s Jingle Bells HT!

Congrats to all of our Weekend Winners, with a special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award, Ariel Grald and Cheptel Dreamer, who won the Open Novice at Rocking Horse on a 24.4!

Rocking Horse December H.T. (FL): [Website][Scoring]

Open Intermediate: Kyle Carter and Hudson Street (44.4)
Open Preliminary: Clark Montgomery and Hicksteads Halo (26.3)
Preliminary Rider: Sterling Pollard and Ultra T (34.4)
Modified Rider: Javier Gamboa and Legend Has It (36.3)
Open Modified: Briggs Surratt and Booming Bodhran (30.3)
Junior Training Rider: Owen Isrow and Wonderful Courage (32.2)
Open Training: Ainsley Hagen and Ardeo Hennessy (25.6)
Senior Training Rider: Emily Dender and Starspangled (29.4)
Junior Novice Rider: Priscilla Pignatelli and Dittos Gold En Fury (29.2)
Open Novice: Ariel Grald and Cheptel Dreamer (24.4)
Senior Novice Rider: Jill Lance and Always A Wiseguy (27.6)
Open Beginner Novice: Karl Slezak and SF Darc Justice (25.3)
Starter: Meagan Taylor and Caan’s Man In Black (31.4)

Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (SC): [Website][Scoring]

Preliminary/Training: Viktorija Petraitis and Fernhill Float On (49.4)
Training: Kimberly Keeton and Contendro’s Prinz (27.8)
Training/Novice: Elizabeth Harrington and Stained Class (44.5)
Novice: Madeline DiNicola and Willbrook Brown Yeats (31.4)
Beginner Novice: Jessica Schultz and Maggie May (25.9)
Pre-Starter: Koryn Werderits and Sound Doctrine (37.7)
Starter: Maddy Hall and FGF Ofalltheginjoints (25.3)

Monday News & Notes from Futuretrack

By on Dec 9, 2024 12:01 am -

CCI5* and World Championships athlete Sinead Halpin Maynard has launched a new side hustle aimed at helping her fellow riders harness their true potential.

“I have been lucky enough in my career to have several wonderful mentors that have advised me throughout my horse journey,” Sinead wrote in a launch post on social media. “But, my location had a lot to do with the luck I had in finding those mentors. I realize being in the hub of Eventing is not possible for everyone; even if you are in a good location, getting someone to sit down with you for a hour can be daunting. Enter a new concept: Mindfuel Mentorship that aims to create a space (not bound by physical location) to help build confidence and provide council for others navigating their own horse journeys.”

Interested in learning from Sinead? Click here for more information.

U.S. Weekend Results

Rocking Horse December H.T. (FL): [Website] [Scores]

Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (SC): [Website] [Scores]

News & Reading

Only a few hours left to enter our giveaway to win a $400 shopping spree with the new apparel brand, Thiandro Equestrian! Click here to enter before 5 p.m. ET today.

The USEA Annual Meeting & Convention kicks off on Thursday of this week in Seattle, WA! Click here to view the full information hub, schedule, and how to secure any last-minute tickets you’ll need.

As the curtains close on the 2024 competition season, the USEA is looking back at an incredibly busy fall season. With the MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, two Dutta. Corp USEA Young Event Horse Championships, Area Championships in all 10 sections of the country, and more, there was no shortage of excitement, but the rise in IEL Team Challenges was certainly a highlight of the year for the USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL). Since we last reported in October, 13 additional IEL Team Challenges were hosted at events across Areas II, III, IV, VI, and VIII, to bring the grand total for the year to 44 challenges. Read the full recap here.

Looking to develop your control, track, and rhythm? Check out this useful “zig-zag” exercise broken down by Horse Sport that can be incorporated into your next training session.

Video Break

On Netflix beginning tomorrow in the U.S.: a documentary taking us into the wild world of professional polo. Check out the full trailer below:

Sunday Links

By on Dec 8, 2024 12:01 am -

Entries are now open for the annual Fundraiser Clinic at Galway Downs in Temecula, CA! This three-day event features an opportunity to ride with several well-respected Area VI coaches, and this year will include a new Showcase with Olympic riders Jock Paget and Ian Stark. These Showcases will take place on Friday, January 17 (Jock Paget) and Saturday, January 18 (Ian Stark). Spectator auditing for these Showcases is available, and all clinic riders will receive complimentary auditing of the Showcases.

All proceeds from this Fundraiser are used to support the Galway Downs eventing program each season. Entries will close on January 7. Click here to enter.

U.S. Weekend Events

Rocking Horse December H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Links & Reading

Don’t forget to enter our giveaway to win a $400 shopping spree with the new apparel brand, Thiandro Equestrian! Click here to enter before Monday, December 9.

Celebrating the Successes of The USEA’s VIP Volunteers in 2024

Rodney Jenkins Dies At 80

Careers in the Horse Industry: Success Stories

20 Things Your Horse’s Teeth are Telling You

Video Break

Dressage rider Anna Buffini and her horse Flynn, take on the social media roasting challenge:

Can Cobs Go Eventing? New H&C+ Series Says: Of Course They Can!

By on Dec 7, 2024 10:00 am -

In 2023 the hashtag #cobscan went viral after Morven Ritchie and her 20-year-old cob Mikey went clear cross country in the Voltaire Design BE90 Grassroots Championships at Badminton. The pair’s achievement was the inspiration for Horse & Country’s new series, Cobs Can Go Eventing, produced in association with EQUIDRY.

Working in partnership with British Eventing (BE), Horse & Country devised an eight-part series with each episode focusing on a different aspect of preparing your cob for the challenges of eventing. Subjects range from flatwork to boost your dressage score, through to preparing your cob for the ultimate challenge of cross country. There are also episodes on how to protect your cob’s legs and nutritional advice, produced in association with Woof Wear and Baileys respectively.

Once the series got the green light there was never any doubt about who the stars would be. The H&C team headed to Scotland to meet up with Morven and Mikey at the stunning Bogenraith Equestrian centre, set in the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside. As we were filming in early January there was quite a nip in the air so the cast and crew were more than happy to have EQUIDRY, makers of the ultimate equestrian coat, as the series sponsor!

Featuring alongside Morven and Mikey are Josie Smith and her cob Gem who competed at their national championships last year, the NAF Five Star BE80 at Bramham. Helping the combinations to perform to their very best is Sarah Houlden, a BE Level 3 coach delivering BE’s national training programme, under The Howden Way umbrella, in Scotland. Completing the line-up is H&C favourite and five-star event rider Simon Grieve. As well as presenting the series, Simon gets to try eventing on a cob with willing partner Thor.

Jonathan Rippon, Director of Content for H&C commented, “We’re delighted to bring our members this series. Cobs are always a favourite with our viewers and, without giving away any spoilers, the series more than proves that cobs certainly can.”

On behalf of EQUIDRY, Managing Director Vicky Fiddes said, “There has never been a more important time for equestrian sport to focus on being inclusive, welcoming and accessible. This is exactly the message of Cobs Can Go Eventing and is why we at EQUIDRY are so proud to support it. Cobs and native breeds make the most wonderful pets and, as proven by the incredible stars of the programme; Mickey and Gem, are capable of being truly talented competitors. If you have a cob and a passion for eventing, be proud and get out there. EQUIDRY hope to be there to keep you warm and dry along the way.”

All eight episodes of Cobs Can Go Eventing will be available to watch exclusively on Horse & Country’s streaming service, H&C+. For non-members there is a Pay per View option. Annual membership of H&C+ is only £74.99 as a one-off payment, or there’s an option to pay in 12 monthly instalments of £7.99. Full details on how to join, as well as more information, can be found at www.horseandcountry.tv. Interested parties can also save 15% on an annual H&C+ membership using code EVENTINGNATION15.

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Dec 7, 2024 12:01 am -

Coming next week! An online auction hosted by Renaissance Equine Rescue and Welfare Foundation and benefitting horse owners and horses in Western Carolina who have been affected by Hurricane Helene kicks off on December 10. The auction is only running for two days through December 12, so you won’t have to wait long to secure your top bids! Items on offer include donations from Sydney Elliott, Hayley Norfleet, Larissa Ann Fine Art, Breezeway Sporthorse and Diagnostic Clinic, and many more.

To participate in this auction, click here to join the Facebook event page, where items will be posted for bidding once the auction is open.

U.S. Weekend Events

Rocking Horse December H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Links & Reading

Don’t forget to enter our giveaway to win a $400 shopping spree with the new apparel brand, Thiandro Equestrian! Click here to enter before Monday, December 9.

Grooms, the Unsung Heroes of the Horse World

Equestrian Hub Podcast: William Fox-Pitt

Sensational Seminars Set for the 2024 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention Next Week

The history of hyperflexion in dressage training – and how the sport can move away from it

Sponsor Corner: World Equestrian Brands

Want to win an Equilibrium Therapy® Massage Pad Heatsense ($879 Value) from World Equestrian Brands? Now is your chance! World Equestrian Brands has teamed up with the educational platform Equestrian+ for a big holiday giveaway. Click here for more on how to enter!

Video Break

Do you feel seen or attacked?

Adelaide Equestrian Festival to Host Historic Oceania Championships in 2026 and 2029

By on Dec 6, 2024 9:00 am -

The only 5* set in a city center. Photo via Adelaide Equestrian Festival Facebook.

The Adelaide Equestrian Festival, in partnership with the High Performance units of Equestrian Australia and Equestrian Sports New Zealand, is thrilled to announce that the next two Australian-hosted instalments of the prestigious Oceania Championships will take place at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival in 2026 and 2029.

This historic decision follows a challenging Paris Olympiad, marked by numerous major event postponements and international travel disruptions for equine athletes. The extension of the Championships to 2026 will ensure that the domestic season for both Australia and New Zealand competitors will remain unaffected and allow athletes to focus on an extended preparation for early 2026.

The move marks a significant opportunity for Australian and New Zealand competitors to showcase their talents in front of the largest equestrian audience in the Southern Hemisphere. The Adelaide Equestrian Festival, which boasts the only CCI5* event in the region, notably attracts the largest number of spectators but is also the only city-centred event of its kind worldwide, further elevating the prestige of the Championships.

The Oceania Championships will be contested across two divisions: the CCI3*-L for Young Riders and the CCI4*-S for Senior competitors. This will be the first time the Young Rider division will be hosted at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival. At the same time, the Senior teams have not competed here since 2009, when an all-female Australian team won the coveted Championship honours.

Competition Director Belinda Lindh expressed her enthusiasm, “Securing the Championships for the 2026 and 2029 instalments is a major win for our Organising Committee. It’s an incredible opportunity for riders to compete at the pinnacle event in the Southern Hemisphere. We look forward to developing our program to ensure New Zealand riders and their support crew experience the best South Australian hospitality alongside our world-class competition in Adelaide.”

Will Enzinger, Director of High Performance Equestrian Australia, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Utilizing the Adelaide Equestrian Festival’s world-class event to host our longstanding Oceania Championships underscores the collective efforts of both countries and offers critical exposure to our team environment which creates an opportunity to develop our talent at the elite level. This competition plays a significant role in our preparation for the World Championship and Olympic Games.”

Jonathan Paget, ESNZ High Performance General Manager stated, “We are fortunate and appreciate this collaborative approach to providing these great opportunities for our athletes to experience team competitions, particularly at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival. This is a great event and really exposes our southern hemisphere combinations to the international standard.
As we build towards LA and Brisbane, these opportunities will play a critical role in our performance pathway.”

Key Dates:
● Tickets for the 2025 Adelaide Equestrian Festival will be available from Tuesday December 3, 2024
● 2025 Adelaide Equestrian Festival: May 1-4
● 2026 Adelaide Equestrian Festival & Oceania Championships: April 16-19, 2026

For further information, please visit www.adelaideequestrianfestival.com

Friday News & Notes from Stable View

By on Dec 6, 2024 12:01 am -

Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The FEI has suspended British Dressage athlete Charlotte Dujardin for one year and imposed a fine of CHF 10,000 ($11,300), effectively concluding the disciplinary proceedings against her.

The multi-Olympic champion had been provisionally suspended since July 23, just before the Paris Olympics, for engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare. The time served during her provisional suspension will be credited towards the one-year suspension.

During her suspension, Charlotte is prohibited from participating in all activities related to competitions or events under the jurisdiction of the FEI or of a National Federation. British Equestrian and British Dressage have reciprocated the suspension, resulting in her ineligibility to compete in any national competition or training events during this period.

Charlotte responded to the decision on social media yesterday, stating:

“I fully respect the verdict issued by the Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), released today.

As the federation has recognised, my actions in the video do not reflect who I am and I can only apologise again. I understand the responsibility that comes with my position in the sport, and I will forever aim to do better.

This has undoubtedly been one of the darkest and most difficult periods of my life, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me during this time. To those of you who have sent messages, emails and tried to reach me to check in on how lam – thank you. Every kind word truly has made a difference, more than you’ll ever know.

What I was unable to share at the time is that I am currently pregnant, with my baby due in February. This was planned well before the Olympics and something my partner Dean and I have been excited about for a long time.

At the moment, the energy I have is focused on Dean and our daughter Isabella, and we are all very much looking forward to the arrival of our new family member.”

You can read more information about the FEI’s decision here. Meanwhile, we are still awaiting updates on the ongoing investigation into abuse allegations against 5* eventer Andrew McConnon, who is not listed on the currently open Case Status Table of FEI suspensions as of today.

U.S. Weekend Events

Rocking Horse December H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Full Gallop Farm Jingle Bells H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

Don’t forget to enter our giveaway to win a $400 shopping spree with the new apparel brand, Thiandro Equestrian! Click here to enter before Monday, December 9.

Toxic barn behavior: it’s likely we’ve all experienced it to some degree. This reprint from The Plaid Horse is a worthwhile read, offering insight on how one rider was affected by a toxic barn environment, and how she navigated through it. Read the piece here.

What is Neuroathletic training? It’s using the power of brain science to unlock an athlete’s full body potential. Every movement of the rider’s body starts in the brain. Olympic competitor and coach Marc Nölke explains how to direct the specific areas of the brain that control stability, sense of rhythm, precision of movement, breathing, and vision. With his unique brain-focused exercises, riders learn how to change the input sent to their brain to get healthier, more athletic output. Read an excerpt from Marc’s book here.

In The Chronicle of the Horse‘s new series, Ask Stable Sage, one reader asks about financial responsibility in the horse world. Is that even a thing? It certainly can be with a dash of responsibility and accountability, but it requires a fine balance and a willingness to get creative. Read the first Ask Stable Sage column here.

Registration is still open for the IGNITE 2nd Annual Sports Science for the Olympic Disciplines Seminar, happening at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala January 12 and 13, 2025. During this two-day seminar, thought-leaders from both equestrian and human-centric sports will gather to discuss how to use technology to enhance precision within training programs, how athletes acquire skills, how exercise impacts the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems in human and equine athletes, and how to manage chronic injuries, among other topics. Interested parties can view more and register here.

Sponsor Corner: Stable View

It may be a wrap on 2024, but we’re already keen to get going with the 2025 season at Stable View in Aiken, SC! Entries for their Aiken Opener H.T. (January 18-19) are currently open and the perfect way to get your new year off to a rocking start. Click here to view the full recognized eventing calendar at Stable View for the year ahead.

Video Break

In the latest episode of RIDE, presented by Longines, take a trip with the FEI back to 1913 North East England, a time rich in British history and once home to the small but mighty ‘Pit Pony’: