Classic Eventing Nation

The Go Eventing Podcast is Launching February 25!

By on Jan 30, 2025 11:59 am -

Eventing Nation has always been your go-to source for the latest news, stories, and behind-the-scenes action in the *insane* world of eventing. Now, we’re bringing that excitement straight to your ears with the Go Eventing Podcast, dropping with bi-weekly episodes starting February 25, 2025!

Hosted by the EN Managing Editor Sally Spickard, joined by a new co-host for each episode, The Go Eventing Podcast will feature candid conversations with top riders, course designers, and other industry thought leaders, plus deep dives into the biggest competitions, training insights, and all the ridiculous eventing commentary you’ve come to expect from team EN. We wanted to create a space to host discussions about important topics facing our sport and the broader equestrian industry, as well as a place for our fellow eventing diehards to gather. Whether you’re in the saddle, on the road, or mucking stalls, we’ve got the perfect companion to keep you entertained and informed.

Our first episodes will take you inside the Stirling Venture Capital Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field (February 28 and March 1), the FEI Eventing Open Forum, rule changes coming our way this year, and much more.

Now, we need your help! We’ll have a segment on each episodes for questions from our readers. Anything goes! What does your favorite rider eat for breakfast? When do you know if it’s the right time to move up? Why won’t your horse bend left? We want to hear it, and we want our co-hosts to answer your burning questions. Click here to submit your question for an upcoming episode.

Want to receive updates from EN in your email, including new podcast episodes announcements and other news? Sign up for our FREE newsletter here.

Stay tuned, and Go Eventing!

Thursday News & Notes

By on Jan 30, 2025 12:01 am -

We are counting down the days to the Setters Run Farm Carolina International, which has just opened for entries this week and will take place at Carolina Horse Park (Raeford, NC) March 13-16. EN is proud to host the media experience for Carolina each year and we look forward to joining you for one of the key Kentucky and spring Long format preps on the calendar. If you’re hankering to enter, your show secretary will appreciate you! Click here to view the omnibus and entry information.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Galway Downs Kickoff H.T. (CA): [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Sporting Days Farm February II H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

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

News & Reading

We’re down to just a couple of days left to enter our raffle for Strides for Equality Equestrians! You could win a private lesson with British 5* winner and Olympian William Fox-Pitt during his clinic in Ocala, FL in March. Click here to learn more and get your raffle tickets.

The U.S. Equestrian Federation’s board of directors has approved additions to the prohibited substances rule. The rule additions, which were approved last week during the organization’s annual meeting, will go into effect April 1. See more here.

In this reprint from The Plaid Horse, blogger Jamie Skubal muses on the idea of the “older horse” stigma, calling back to big names in eventing such as Lenamore, the Olympic partner of New Zealand’s Caroline Powell. Read the piece here.

Balance and stability are fundamental to success in eventing, where precision and control are demanded across three distinct phases. At this year’s USEA Annual Meeting and Convention, Bates Saddles’ expert presentation on saddle fit and rider position highlighted a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of our sport: how small adjustments to our equipment can lead to significant improvements in our riding. Read the recap here.

Horses on all-day pasture have more opportunities than stalled horses to meet their behavioral needs. Here’s what you need to consider if you’re thinking of transitioning your horse to living out 24/7.

Video Break

Watch Will Coleman clean up in the jumper ring with Hyperion Stud’s Comme Again HS:

MD Department of Agriculture Awards $1,500 to Horse Sport Maryland for Sport Horse Registry Start-Up Costs

By on Jan 29, 2025 9:30 am -

Colleen Rutledge and Covert Rights, a 5* example of a Maryland-bred horse. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Horse Sport Maryland (HSM) is thrilled to announce that the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has awarded it $1,500 from the Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB) grant program to help defray the start-up costs of building its Maryland Sport Horse Registry and pedigree database.

According to Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks, the MHIB “grants are vital to the Maryland horse industry and agricultural sector. Reaching a cross section of many horse organizations representing different disciplines and geographic areas of the state is important to keeping this industry thriving.” MDA’s press release explains that the grant applications were “evaluated based on their value to the industry, degree of industry promotion, size and scope of activity, financial need, potential for matching funds, benefits and overall quality of the written presentation.”

The Maryland Sport Horse Registry contains five-generation pedigrees for Maryland-bred sport horses and sport ponies. To be eligible for the registry, the horse or pony must have been born in Maryland and must have competed in at least 3 non-racing competitions, with at least 3 participants, judged by a disinterested judge, under a publicly available set of rules. Breed shows and in-hand shows qualify as competitions.

There are four classes of Maryland Sport Horse:

  • Class A – a Maryland-bred Thoroughbred.
  • Class B – a horse or pony of any breed with a Maryland-bred Thoroughbred within 2 generations.
  • Class C – a horse or pony of any breed that is not Class A or Class B.
  • Class D – a Maryland-bred dam or sire of a Maryland Sport Horse.

The benefits of registration include:

  • Access to the Maryland Sport Horse genetic testing panel (coming soon);
  • Eligibility for inclusion in marketing collateral at major breed shows east of the Mississippi;
  • Eligibility for free promotional coverage in The Equiery; and
  • Eligibility for Maryland Sport Horse Awards.

Learn more about the registry here.

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Jan 29, 2025 12:01 am -

It’s high training session season and this week we’ve been following the USEF development program as they work in Ocala, FL with coaches Leslie Law and Ian Stark. Each year, US Equestrian identifies horse and rider combinations it feels could benefit from additional training and preparation to one day represent the country on the world stage. You can view who made the training lists for 2025 here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Galway Downs Kickoff H.T. (CA): [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Sporting Days Farm February II H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

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

News & Reading

Hunters Run Farm (Metamora, MI) is adding a Modified level this year, but they need your help to push the project past the finish line. Donations are being accepted via The American Horse Trials Foundation, and you can learn more about the project here.

In 2024, USEA Young Event Horse graduates participated in major events around the world, including the Paris Olympics, the FEI Eventing Nations Cups in Millstreet (Ireland) and Aachen (Germany), five-star events in the U.S. and England, and the FEI WBFSH Eventing World Championships (France). Several graduates also rose to the top of the USEA year-end leaderboards, proving once again that the YEH Program continues to identify some of the country’s next rising stars. Read about their adventures in globetrotting here.

Thierry Touzaint, who led the French eventers to the podium on home turf at the Olympics in 2024, has opted to move on to other projects after helming the team since 2013 (and on two other occasions prior). There are a few candidates in the mix and rumored to be potentials to fill the vacancy, and you can read about them here.

The results of a major study into public attitudes on equine welfare and drivers of trust in UK horse sport have been released by leading organizations in Britain’s equine sector who joined together to commission the research in recognition of evolving social values around the involvement of animals in sport and leisure. Read the findings here.

Video Break

Why are half-halts so incredibly important? Amelia Newcomb breaks it down:

Sport Horse Nation Spotlight: Ocala Snowbird Edition, Part I

By on Jan 28, 2025 9:30 am -

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. Check it out today for nearly 290 active listings of eventing horses for sale. And also be sure to check out the newly launched Dressage Only for over 100 listings of dressage horses for sale. 

It’s high season for one-stop-horse-shopping in winer training hubs like Aiken and Ocala. With Sport Horse Nation you can search by location, so be sure to check here when you’re putting together your wish list!

If you’ve already migrated and have a horse listed on SHN, gentle reminder to update your location so that your listing shows up when people are searching for horses in your area.

Here are nine horses recently listed on SHN that you can try in Ocala today!

HSH Bali

  • Year Born: 2020
  • Height: 16.2
  • Breed: Irish Sport Horse
  • Gender: Gelding
  • Eventing Competition Level: Novice (US)

Independer JWB

  • Year Born: 2013
  • Height: 16.3
  • Breed: British Sport Horse
  • Gender: Gelding
  • Eventing Competition Level: Preliminary

Specter: Very special young event horse

  • Year Born: 2021
  • Height: 15.3
  • Breed: Thoroughbred
  • Gender: Gelding
  • Eventing Competition Level: Starter

Flashy 3* Gelding with Top Potential

  • Year Born: 2016
  • Height: 17.1
  • Breed: Zanghersheide
  • Gender: Gelding
  • Eventing Competition Level: Intermediate

Fun Experienced Eventer

  • Year Born: 2013
  • Height: 16.1
  • Breed: Thoroughbred
  • Gender: Mare
  • Eventing Competition Level: Preliminary

Talented 4* KWPN mare

  • Year Born: 2011
  • Height: 16.1
  • Breed: Dutch Sporthorse
  • Gender: Mare
  • Eventing Competition Level: Intermediate

Talented eventer/jumper available in Ocala

  • Year Born: 2015
  • Height: 16
  • Breed: KWPN
  • Gender: Gelding
  • Eventing Competition Level: Training

Redfield Osellie JDV

  • Year Born: 2019
  • Height: 16.2
  • Breed: KWPN
  • Gender: Gelding
  • Eventing Competition Level: Novice (US)

Incredibly genuine talented ISH gelding going Novice with plenty of scope for more

  • Year Born: 2018
  • Height: 16.1
  • Breed: Irish Sport Horse
  • Gender: Gelding
  • Eventing Competition Level: Novice (US)’

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Jan 28, 2025 12:01 am -

Looking for a fun thing to do over Valentine’s weekend this year? Bundle up and head over to Loch Moy Farm (Adamstown, MD) for their Hot Pink X-Derby on February 15 and 16! Loch Moy Farm and its team work hard every year to create a calendar that features not just top-level FEI and recognized events, but also plenty of accessible and educational activities designed for everyone. The Hot Pink X-Derby will make use of the venue’s arena infrastructure and is a great opportunity to get some rust knocked off over cross country and show jumping fences. You can learn more about this and other events at Loch Moy Farm here.

Events Opening Today

Carolina International CCI & H.T. (NC); Ocala Winter II (FL); Ram Tap National H.T. (CA); Pine Top Spring H.T. (GA); Masterson Equestrian Trust YEH/NEH Qualifier (KY)

Events Closing Today

Rocking Horse Winter II (FL); Ram Tap H.T. (CA); Jumping Branch Farm H.T. (SC)

News & Reading

Are horses and riders fit enough at the 5* level? This was the topic of a panel session mediated by German Olympian Bettina Hoy during the FEI Eventing Open Forum earlier this week. ““One thing that has come up in a lot of our committee meetings when we talk about previous five-stars and championships, is that we do notice a lot of the horses and also the riders are actually not fit enough. They have the MER [minimum eligibility requirement], but the level of fitness seems not good enough,” Bettina said. Horse & Hound reports more here.

Uncertainty surrounds the Irish eventing calendar this year after disagreements between Eventing Ireland and a group of Event Organisers (EOGs) that has resulted in a flurry of public statements outlining a potential withdrawal of several events from the 2025 schedule. Eventing Ireland’s board released this statement on Monday.

Some of the top 9-year-olds in the world have been tapped by EquiRatings as horses to watch in 2025, and one of them hails from the U.S. Find out who EquiRatings is keeping an eye on here.

Can horses get depressed? It’s a different process to determine this in comparison to humans, who can fill out a questionnaire or sit down and voice their emotions to another, but how do we make this determination in horses? Horse Sport dives in here.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

Impaction colic is a real threat during the winter when conditions are dry and horses are drinking less water. Here are three easy tips to ensure your horse Is getting enough water this winter!

Tip 1: Provide moist feed when possible.
Tip 2: Keep drinking water from getting too cold or freezing.
Tip 3: Ensure horses are consuming adequate levels of salt.

Click here to download an infographic for your feed room. The more you know!

Video Break

A different view, from the vital seat of the navigator on a combined driving course at TerraNova this past weekend!

Weekend Winners: Rocking Horse & Full Gallop

By on Jan 27, 2025 9:30 am -

Happy Monday, Eventing Nation! This past week brought some unusually chilly weather around the country (hello, snowy south?!) but that didn’t keep our Eventers from getting out and about. We’re here to give a shout out and celebrate our Weekend Winners!

Congrats to all on successful weekends, with an extra special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award, Theodora Byars and New Moon Stella Bella, who won the Starter division at Rocking Horse on an impressive 15.7!

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

Intermediate Rider: Kelsey Seidel and Chico’s Man VDF Z (39.2)
Open Intermediate: Lauren Nicholson and Landmark’s Jungle’s Gold (29.4)
Open Intermediate One Day: Ali Kuhn and Little Hail (32.6)
Intermediate/Preliminary: Autumn Schweiss and Global Quarycrest (30.4)
Open Preliminary: Lauren Lambert and FE Zardet (26.9)
Open Preliminary One Day (Friday) A: Chris Talley and Fast Forward (24.8)
Open Preliminary One Day (Friday) B: Gabby Dickerson and Gortglas Lupin (33.7)
Preliminary Horse: Dana Cooke and FE Damaskus (27.8)
Preliminary Rider: Hanni Sreenan and Ebenholtz (29.2)
Modified Rider: Lisa Hickey and Blackjack (26.5)
Open Modified A: Stephanie Goodman and HSH Clever Z (20.3)
Open Modified B: Michael Nolan and Cooley Quickfire (22.8)
Junior Training Rider: Elle White and Biscotti (26.2)
Open Training A: Mia Farley and Spring Morning (26.9)
Open Training B: Amelia Ebhardt and Fernhill 767 (25.6)
Open Training C: Natalia Neneman and Sir Galahad (27.8)
Senior Training Rider: Emma Tuit and Call Me Joe (27.3)
Training Horse A: Kendyl Tracy and Dublin ZR (20.6)
Training Horse B: Kyle Carter and Redfield Nola (25.6)
Junior Novice Rider: Priscilla Pignatelli and Dittos Gold En Fury (21.4)
Novice Horse: Robin Walker and DHI Milan (23.9)
Open Novice A: Sinead Maynard and Global Cassero 3 (23.9)
Open Novice B: Shannon Lilley and Jane’s Addiction (22.8)
Senior Novice Rider: Kristen Gillespy and Over The Moon (30.0)
Beginner Novice Rider: Melissa Burdette and LH Moment in Time (Gumby) (24.7)
Open Beginner Novice: Kara Andrew and Twenty Park Diamond (26.8)
Starter: Theodora Byars and New Moon Stella Bella (15.7)

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

Modified: Darcy Dean and Oy to the World (34.5)
Training: Cord Flora and Giving Gallantry (44.2)
Novice: Mary Curran and FGF Starship Butler (26.7)
Beginner Novice: Claire Eiane and Shadow of Night (26.5)
Pre-Starter: Lila Kelly and Dreamcatcher (28.0)
Starter: Catherine Baker and Sienna (25.0)

This is definitely an unusual situation that I have never had to deal with at a show🥶😱 We have unfortunately had to take…

Posted by Storm’s Haven Farm on Sunday, January 26, 2025

Monday News & Notes from Futuretrack

By on Jan 27, 2025 12:01 am -

There’s much to learn when it comes to caring for horses, and we’re fortunate to have groups like the USEA Grooms’ Association, which hosts educational seminars in Ocala and Aiken each winter. Each session focuses on a different aspect of horse management and is open to anyone to attend for a nominal donation to the Grooms’ Association. This week in Ocala (January 28), you can attend one of show jumping course designer Chris Barnard’s popular seminars on theory, design, materials, rules, and much more. This seminar will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the World Equestrian Center – Ocala in Indoor 2 (see a site map of WEC Ocala here).

Also on January 28 at 6:30 p.m., but happening in Aiken at Bruce’s Field, a seminar will be held on The Importance of Good Feet and the Art of a Good Farrier, featuring Red Oak Equine co-founder Dan Martzall CF.

To see more information and schedules for future sessions, visit the USEA Grooms’ Association on Instagram here.

U.S. Weekend Results

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

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

News & Reading

We are very much in the digital era when it comes to managing our businesses and our competitions. How can we expect to see benefits from making use of digital tools? By expanding the convenience factor associated with entering and managing events, unrecognized or not, the sport becomes accessible to a wider range and greater number of people. STRIDER’s Natasha Sprengers-Levine writes more here.

It’s no secret that burnout is a very real thing that those working in our industry suffer from regularly. Balancing a career, in many cases a family, the benefit of the horse, competitive aspirations, and scraping enough money together day in and day out to keep the whole wheel spinning — it’s enough to cause anyone to spin out, even just a little. A summarization of one researcher’s finding about this subject can be read here.

Can social media be used to create a better dialogue around social license and equestrian sports? Social media is a volatile environment, but it can also be a forum in which opinions can flow and constructive dialogue can effect real change. But that takes a responsibility from each and every one of us. Read more thoughts on how social media could be leveraged to build a more sustainable future for our sports here.

The BridgeUP GiddyUP program in Tennessee is showing the community around it just how incredible horses can be for all. A writer for The Plaid Horse traveled to Tennessee to meet this group, and the lessons he took away can be read here.

Video Break:

Cowboy dressage at Ben Hobday’s, anyone?

Sunday Links

By on Jan 26, 2025 12:01 am -

Some data from EquiRatings starts us off this Sunday as we take a look at the top FEI scores earned by U.S. riders in North America in 2024. Who will top this year’s list? We’re eager to find out!

U.S Weekend Events

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

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

Links & Reading

We’ve teamed up with Strides for Equality Equestrians to raffle off a private flat lesson with British Olympian William Fox-Pitt during his Ocala, FL clinic in March! Click here for more details on how to enter before the end of this month. Entries close soon!

The Queen hosts celebration to thank Paris Olympic and Paralympic riders

Pressure Proof Tip: Tomato Salad?

The Effects of Longeing on Your Horse’s Joints

AMA: How Should I Correct My Horse’s Mistakes?

The “Barbie Movie Monologue” For The Modern Equestrian Women

Video Break

Ingrid Klimke has a new dancing partner!

Your Chance to Win a Private Lesson with William Fox-Pitt + Support Strides for Equality Equestrians

By on Jan 25, 2025 9:30 am -

Sierra Lesny rides cross country in front of William Fox-Pitt. Photo by Lisa Madren.

We are looking forward to the return of 5* winner and Olympic medalist William Fox-Pitt, also a popular clinician who makes frequent trips to the U.S. to teach. William’s clinic in Ocala, FL will take place March 5-8 and is hosted by Rhonda Sexton and Sara Kozumplik at Overlook South and Barnstaple South. If you’d like to ride in this clinic, you can email [email protected] to inquire.

We’re pleased to partner with Strides for Equality Equestrians (SEE) to raffle off an exclusive private lesson with William while he is in Florida! Proceeds from this raffle will be used to benefit Strides for Equality Equestrians’ mission of expanding opportunity and visibility for marginalized equestrians. You can learn more about this organization here.

So, what’s the skinny? Here’s how to win your private flat lesson with William!

1: Click here to purchase raffle tickets in bundles of 5, 10, 20, or 30 tickets between now and January 31, 2025.
2: We’ll draw a winner at random using a random number generator from the list of purchasers. The winner will be notified via the email address provided on the purchase page no later than February 3, 2025.

The Fine Print:

Eventing Nation is hosting this raffle on behalf of Strides for Equality Equestrians. 100% of donations/ticket purchases will be given to Strides for Equality Equestrians.

The winner of this raffle is responsible for transport of their horse, stabling and lodging if applicable, and for securing their own spot in the full clinic if they choose (subject to availability). Scheduling requests will be accommodated to the best of the organizer’s ability. The private lesson will be held at Overlook Farm South (13749 NW 115th Street) in Ocala, FL between March 5 and March 8, 2025. Winner must be at least 18 years old or must have a parent or guardian purchase the raffle tickets and handle the registration if winner/recipient is a minor. Winner or parent/guardian must sign a Release of Liability form and any other participation paperwork required by the clinic organizer.

Best of luck and we can’t wait to live vicariously through our winner!