Classic Eventing Nation

#TimeTravelTuesday: Take Us Back to Tokyo

By on Aug 2, 2022 3:30 pm -

A year ago, we were wrapping up the action from the postponed Tokyo Olympics, where we saw the crowning of Germany’s Julia Krajewski as the individual gold medalist for eventing and Team Great Britain cleaned up the team gold medal in convincing fashion. It’s quite difficult to believe it’s been a whole year since that magical trip, so I thought it fitting to take a travel back to #Tokyo2020:

Team Poland enjoy a sunset slot in the main arena during my first stop upon deplaning: Arena Familiarization! Photo by Sally Spickard.

Derek di Grazia’s Tokyo Olympic cross country course was cleverly set on an artificial island featuring epic views and even more epic temperatures. While the track at an Olympic Games isn’t dimensionally as large nor as technical as a “true” five-star event, the challenge was thickened by the temperatures and the undulations in the ground — one of Derek’s favorite things to utilize as he designs.

Julia Krajewski begins her weekend with Amande de B’Neville. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Alex Hua Tian debriefs with the team. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Julia Krajewski (Germany) and Amande de B’Neville. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Bea di Grazia sends Lauren Billys some good cheer ahead of her test. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Jesse Campbell runs through his safe words. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Michael Jung and Chipmunk FRH. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Ludwig Svennerstal and Balham Mist. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

After a busy two days of dressage, which featured a shortened test that drew mixed but generally positive reactions, it was time to tackle the challenge ahead on Sea Forest Island…

Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Huadong Sun and Lady Chin V’T Moerven Z. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Felix Vogg and Colero. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Joanna Pawlak and Fantastic Freida. Huadong Sun and Lady Chin V’T Moerven Z. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Susanna Bordonne and Imperial Van De Holtakkers. Rafael Mamprin Losano and Fuiloda G. Joanna Pawlak and Fantastic Freida. Huadong Sun and Lady Chin V’T Moerven Z. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Doug Payne and Vandiver. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

(This was also the day EN decided to crash for a full day, in true traditional fashion, but we won’t dwell on that)

Once cross country finishes, it feels like an all-out landslide for the finish as the combinations rested and recovered for the trot-up the following day and two rounds of show jumping to determine team and individual medals.

Kazuma Tomoto (JPN) and Vinci De La Vigne. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Tamie Smith (USA) and Mai Baum. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Sandra Auffarth (GER) and Viamant Du Matz. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Doug Payne and Vandiver. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Laura Collett and London 52. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue D’Argouges. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Oliver Townend and Ballaghmor Class. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

And then, as the dust settled in the mostly empty stadium, it was time to crown our podium toppers:

A podium finish! Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Has anyone ever seen Oliver Townend jump for joy before?! A historic moment, indeed. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

Julia Krajewski and Amande de B’Neville. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Golden Great Britain! Tom McEwen, Laura Collett and Oliver Townend. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

The next Olympic cycle will bring us to Paris in 2024, where the equestrian disciplines will take place July 27 – August 6. But first, we’ll get a glimpse at the first federations to qualify for a Paris berth at the upcoming FEI World Championships for Eventing in Italy next month.

Canadian Team Named for FEI World Championships for Eventing

By on Aug 2, 2022 1:18 pm -

Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

The Canadian eventing team for the forthcoming FEI World Championships for Eventing at Pratoni del Vivaro (September 14-18) has been released today, and it’s arguably among the strongest Canadian teams we’ve seen in recent memory. Though we don’t yet know which of the five named horses and riders will take the four team berths, and which will come forward as an individual, we can expect to divulge that information closer to the competition itself.

The named horses and riders are as follows:

  • Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo – eighteen-year-old British-bred Sport Horse mare (Jumbo x Polly Coldunnell, by Danzig Connection), owned by the Jolly Syndicate LLC and the rider.
  • Holly Jacks-Smither and Candy King – twelve-year-old British-bred Sport Horse gelding (Grafenstolz x Eye Candy, by Moothyeb), owned by the Candy King Eventing Limited Partnership.
  • Colleen Loach and Vermont – ten-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Van Helsing x Hauptstutbuch Hollywood, by Heraldik), owned by Peter Barry.
  • Karl Slezak and Fernhill Wishes – thirteen-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Chacoa x KEC Galway Bay, by Gildawn Diamond), owned by Kirk Hoppner and the rider.
  • Mike Winter and El Mundo – thirteen-year-old KWPN gelding (Numero Uno x Calvaro’s Bria Z, by Calvaro F.C.), owned by Jonathan Nelson, Emma Winter and the rider.

The non-travelling reserves for the team are:

  • Dana Cooke and FE Mississippi – twelve-year-old Württemburg mare (Cassini II x Liastra, by Legaat), owned by the FE Mississippi Syndicate LLC.
  • Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me – sixteen-year-old Welsh Sport Horse gelding (Brynarian Brenin x Dream Contessa, breeding unknown), owned by the rider.

Canada will be fighting for a top seven finish at the World Championships, which would secure them a team spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics — a goal that’s very much at the forefront of the squad’s collective mind after a disappointing previous Olympic cycle saw them fail to qualify for Tokyo. There’ll be plenty of fighting to do in Pratoni, but we have high hopes for this exciting line-up.

If you’re looking for all the latest information on Pratoni, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide that’s chock full of the latest coverage, team announcements, and much more. 

#Pratoni2022: Website, Box Office, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Coverage

It’s Here! Meet the U.S. Team Traveling to Pratoni for the FEI World Championships for Eventing

By on Aug 2, 2022 12:52 pm -

Like kids on Christmas, we’re eagerly tearing the wrapping off press release after press release today, and the latest to land in our inboxes is the hottest ticket of them all: Team USA has been announced for next month’s FEI World Championships for Eventing at Pratoni del Vivaro in Rocca di Papa, Italy.

The traveling team to Pratoni for the U.S. will include:

  • Will Coleman (Gordonsville, Va.) and Off The Record, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Off The Record Syndicate
    • Direct Reserve: Dondante, a 2010 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Team Rebecca, LLC
      Groom: Hailey Burlock
  • Ariel Grald (Southern Pines, N.C.) and Leamore Master Plan, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Anne Eldridge
    Groom: Meredith Ferraris
  • Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Tsetserleg TSF, a 2007 Trakehner gelding owned by Christine, Thomas, and Tommie Turner
    Groom: Stephanie Simpson
  • Lauren Nicholson (The Plains, Va.) and Vermiculus, a 2007 Anglo-Arabian gelding owned by Jacqueline Mars
    Groom: Sally Robertson
  • Tamie Smith (Murrieta, Calif.) and Mai Baum, a 2006 German Sport Horse gelding owned by Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell
    Groom: Alyssa Dobrotin
  • Traveling Reserve: Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and Z, a 2008 Zangersheide gelding owned by Thomas Tierney, Ann Jones, Caroline Moran, David Vos, Evie Dutton, Patricia Vos, and Suzanne Lacy
    Groom: Sydnee Ledyard

The following combinations have been named as alternates, and are listed in alphabetical order:

  • Jennie Brannigan and FE Lifestyle, a 2010 Warmblood gelding owned by Nina and Timothy Gardner
  • Buck Davidson and Carlevo, a 2007 Holsteiner gelding owned by Katherine O’Brien
  • Phillip Dutton and Sea of Clouds, a 2011 Thoroughbred gelding owned by the Sea of Clouds Partnership
  • Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire, a 2010 Oldenburg gelding owned by Carol Stephens
  • Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver, a 2011 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by The Monster Partnership
  • Boyd Martin and Fedarman B, a 2010 KWPN gelding owned by the Annie Goodwin Syndicate

The competition format for Worlds will consist of four (some teams may have three members) team members with one dropped score and one individual combination. These designations will be determined and announced later on. Team USA will converge on MARS Great Meadow International August 24-28 in The Plains, VA for a final Mandatory Outing before shipping out from USET Headquarters in Gladstone.

If you’re looking for all the latest information on Pratoni, be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide that’s chock full of the latest coverage, team announcements, and much more. 

#Pratoni2022: Website, Box Office, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Coverage

Rebecca Farm Adds Festival Divisions to AEC Weekend

By on Aug 2, 2022 12:30 pm -

Maddie Lichten and Yarrow. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The 2022 USEA American Eventing Championships are heading west this year, happening over Labor Day weekend (Aug. 30 – Sept. 4) at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, MT. The “eventer’s Super Bowl” each year brings together the top qualified horses and riders from all levels, including the popular $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final. Entries are currently open and will close on Tuesday, August 16.

To provide opportunity for non-AEC-qualified pairs to come and compete, organizers at AEC this year have also added a handful of “Festival” classes, which are recognized divisions that will not fall under the Championship umbrella. Riders may enter Festival divisions from Beginner Novice up through Preliminary.

You can find all of the info you need on entering and getting to AEC here and sneak a peek at 2022 entries here.

Get Your Tickets to the Maryland 5 Star Beginning Today!

By on Aug 2, 2022 10:35 am -

Tim Price and Xavier Faer. Photo by Abby Powell.

After making its spectacular debut last year and being named the Best New Event of 2021 , the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill is set to return to the Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Cecil County, MD, October 13-16. Tickets for the thrilling second edition are on sale now with tailgating options next to the exhilarating Cross-Country phase to become available on August 9.

The Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, one of only two 5* level equestrian events of its kind in the United States and just the seventh worldwide, welcomed a total of 20,886 spectators and 184 competitors that featured four of the top eight eventers in the world or its debut in 2021, when three-time U.S. Olympian Boyd Martin and On Cue made history by claiming the first American victory in any CCI5*-L since 2008. Now, the event’s management team is gearing up for a successful second year with some exciting new additions that will be announced soon!

The four days of eventing competition feature Dressage (Thu-Fri), Cross-Country (Sat) showcasing Ian Stark-designed courses, and Show Jumping (Sun).

In addition to the CCI5*-L, the event also features the USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship. The Maryland 5 Star is also honored to host The Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships Presented by Dubarry of Ireland on Thursday and Friday, showcasing divisions for 4- and 5-year-old horses in what is best described as an equestrian talent search.

Tickets for the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill are on sale now at Maryland5Star.us/tickets. A variety of single and multi-day ticket packages along with exclusive Club and VIP Hospitality packages, General Admission tickets starting at just $15 and much more are available. Reserved Tailgate spots right next to the dynamic Cross-Country action will be available starting August 9.

Click here to purchase your tickets and ticket packages, and we look forward to seeing you in Maryland in October!

Tuesday News & Notes from Ocala Horse Properties

By on Aug 2, 2022 8:29 am -

In the last 4 days we have done The All England Jumping Course, Hickstead➡️Hambro Sport Horses Burgham International…

Posted by Laura Collett Eventing on Sunday, July 31, 2022

I’m not sure anything has ever encapsulated the mid-season vibe quite so deftly as this — Laura Collett‘s account of the many miles she’s driven over the weekend while flitting between three competitions on each end of the country. Are eventers lunatics? Yes, absolutely. But we reckon the good results she’s notched up make it worthwhile.

Events Opening Today: FEH Qualifier at Loch Moy Farm, FEH Championships at Loch Moy Farm, Marlborough H.T, Stone Gate Farm H.T., Otter Creek Fall H.T., Flying Cross Farm H.T., The Event at Skyline, Aspen Farm H.T., Unionville H.T., Tryon Fall Horse Trials

Events Closing Today:Applewood Farm YEH/FEH & Mini Event, Huntington Farm H.T., Ocala Summer H.T. II, Waredaca Farm H.T., Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club H.T., The Event at Archer, Caber Farm H.T.

Tuesday News & Notes from Around the World:

Horse nerds, listen up: there’s some fascinating new research into the origin story of horses in the US, and there’s some pretty interesting links between the ponies of Assateague and Chincoteague and Spanish settlers. Lots to sink your teeth into with this one. [All from a solitary molar, too]

If you were at the USPC Championships East over the weekend, you might have spotted a pretty special team. The Brook Hill Pony Club rides exclusively rescue horses, with a wide swathe of unique needs, and many of the kids in the programme are overcoming mental and physical challenges themselves. [We’ll happily root for these guys any day of the week]

Nicola Wilson has released another update on her progress. In it, she shares exciting details about how she’s smashing her own movement goals, and bittersweet details on the horses leaving her yards for pastures new. [Keep on fighting, Nic]

Watch This:

Yesterday, we rewatched the cross-country from the Young Rider European Championships – now, we’re deep-diving into the Junior CCI2*-L track. Sign us up (although we’re far too old).

Spend a Day Abroad with Cornelia Dorr

By on Aug 2, 2022 7:00 am -

Cornelia Dorr and Daytona Beach 8. Photo by Shelby Allen.

With an exciting Young Rider career and kick off as a professional, Cornelia Dorr has had an exciting season, most recently picking up a top 10 finish in the CCIO4* at Avenches in July. We hear Cornelia’s aiming for a little event that begins with a B in September, so we thought it high time to catch up with her as she’s currently based in the UK with McNab Eventing. Cornelia has earmarked this year as an educational opportunity to further her riding and horsemanship.

We’re also following along with Cornelia live today as she takes over our Instagram story! Give us a follow at @goeventing to see snapshots from her day.

Cornelia fills us in on a “normal” day on the yard:

First Things First

Around 6:15, I wake up and first things first – I grab coffee and a light breakfast.

Coffee to kick off the day is a necessity. Photo by Cornelia Dorr.

By 6:45 I’m heading to the car to drive to the yard. Claire, my groom, and I take turns having the car at night, so sometimes she picks me up, and other times I pick her up. We have our cute, bright blue Volkswagen named Darcy! Kevin [McNab] has two flats that everyone on the yard lives in. Claire is in one and I am in the other.

We arrive by 7:00, where we start normal morning chores: feed, hay, clean stalls. Daytona wears the Activo-Med blanket first thing every morning, so we get that on her and started while she eats. With four horses and two people the chores go quickly.

Between Cornelia and her groom Claire, chores speed by! Photo by Cornelia Dorr.

By 8:00, I am normally getting on my first ride of the day, which is typically Daytona. I always try to ride her first, as she is my best horse and we both prefer to start our day that way. She goes outside after she’s done being ridden, around 9:00. While I ride Daytona, Claire turns the other horses out and gets the next one ready for me.

Best way to kick off the day with your top horse. Photo by Cornelia Dorr.

From 9:00 to 1:00 I ride the rest of the horses. They come in to get worked and then normally go back outside until 2/2:30 when we bring them in for the night.

Currently based with McNab Eventing, Cornelia and her horses are enjoying a facility with amenities specific to training. Photo by Cornelia Dorr.

By 3:00 it’s time for afternoon chores: clean stalls and feed hay.

Settled in for the night, the horses enjoy roomy boxes. Photo by Cornelia Dorr.

Around 4:30, Daytona either goes on the treadmill or gets hand walked, depending on what she did with her ride that day. By 5:00, we’re feeding for the evening, and by 7:00 we’re all finished at the barn and I’m heading to the gym to finish my day. I alternate between yoga, abs, and weight lifting.

The feed room at McNab Eventing. Photo by Cornelia Dorr.

Both horse and rider fitness is important! Spending time in the gym, Cornelia makes sure to put the work in. Photo by Cornelia Dorr.

Monday Video: Colleen Loach’s Winning Weekend in Jumper Land

By on Aug 1, 2022 4:00 pm -

It was a very successful weekend in jumper land for Canada’s Colleen Loach and her own, Amanda Bernhard and Peter Barry’s FE Golden Eye. They spent the weekend at the International Bromont Hunter/Jumper show and cleaned up across the Grand Prix divisions, winning the $15,000 Modified Grand Prix on Friday and following that with another win on Sunday in the $50,000 Grand Prix. That’s not a bad payday at the end of the weekend!

The now 10-year-old “Goldie” first caught our eye just three years ago when she was slotted as Colleen’s mount for the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. This is her second year competing at the Advanced/4* level and earlier this spring she placed sixth in the formidable Lexington CCI4*S held alongside the Kentucky Three-Day Event.

It turns out that Goldie is gelding of many talents, not only finding success as an eventer and in the show jumping ring as well — he’s also a great lesson pony for a very lucky kid!

Check out their dazzling Grand Prix round (if the embedded post below does not show up for you, you can view the post on Instagram here):

Will we see this pair representing Canada at the World Championships next month? It’s very possible! Colleen has been long-listed with both Goldie and stablemate Vermont, Colleen’s other very successful young up-and-comer. Both formidable horses are also entered in the Nations Cup leg to be held at Bromont in a few weeks, so if I had to speculate, I’d personally bet we’ll see Colleen riding one for Team Canada at the Nations Cup and the other for the World Championships in Pratoni.

Go Colleen and Go Canada!

The Barnstaple USEA Educational Program and Classic Three-Day Event Announcement

By on Aug 1, 2022 1:30 pm -

Looking to expand your knowledge of and experience in a Classic Three-Day event? You’ll want to mark your calendars for this one!

Picture from Lauren Romanelli’s Facebook Page.

Coming this November (16th-20th) in Morriston, Florida, Barnstaple will be hosting an educational program and unrecognized competition (starter through training) with the purpose of using the Classic Three-Day format to further the education of both the competitors and auditors. Professionals such as Peter Gray, Max Corcoran, Leslie Law, Kyle Carter, Lauren Nicholson, Buck Davidson, Jr., Sinead Halpin, Tik Maynard, Dorothy Crowell, and Sarah Kozumplik will be hosting demonstrations and talks in order for participants to have the opportunity to learn from some of the top professionals in the industry. Participants will then be able to apply that knowledge to their own preparations for the unrecognized event.

Sitting down to talk with the event’s Education Coordinator Dorothy Crowell, it is clear that this program and competition was formed around the passion for the education of the event horse and rider.

“Riders with Classic Three-Day experience have to learn how to schedule fitness, lessons, and vet and farrier to coordinate with the Three-Day. They need to learn TPR, how to properly, and efficiently cool their horses, how to wrap legs, ice after hard work, and know their horses legs so they can tell if something is different – even in a dark stall. They need to understand their horse’s minds, so they know when to ask the hard questions and when to back off, learn to train their horses in hand in order to be ready for the jog, understand how important time off is, as well as the importance of long walks when bringing them back into work. They need to learn how vital their own fitness is, both physical and mental. These are imperative horsemanship skills whether your goal is to ride at the next local Horse Trial, or for the U.S. Team!” Dorothy explained.

To further help riders, and the larger equine community, The Barnstaple USEA Educational Program and Classic Three-Day Event is working with small businesses in a one-time-only rider sponsorship program. Additionally, the event gives back to beneficiaries such as The Liz Cochran Memorial Groom’s Award and The Ocala Horse Alliance’s Black Stallion Reading Project.

“I am so excited about the talented professionals attaching their name to an educational program that gives back to both riders and the community,” Dorothy expressed.

With pre-registration up and running, keep a close eye on Barnstaple’s website for more information and further announcements.

Conversations at the Finish Line: Your 2022 Mongol Derby Winners!

By on Aug 1, 2022 11:30 am -

Deirdre Griffith (USA) and Willemien Jooste (SA) crossed the finish line of the 2022 Mongol Derby two days ago as unplanned partners. The two riders hadn’t anticipated riding together, but had unexpectedly met up to ride out to camp on Day 2 of the race, and never turned back.

I had a chance to talk with both riders to hear about their experience, the highs and the lows of the Derby, key takeaways, and helpful tips for future participants. A big thank you to Erik Cooper of The Equestrianists for connecting us.

Both Deirdre and Willemien immediately expressed their gratitude of having the partnership to support them through the race. “It’s helpful to have another person to help navigate and make decisions, but also to keep you smiling, to keep that optimism,” Willemien stated. Deirdre shared similar sentiments, expressing “It would have been hard to do alone. And the horses go better when they’re together.”

The partnership between Deirdre and Willemien served them well, combining the two riders’ experience with packing and distance rides with navigation practice. Both Deirdre and Willemien come from horse-related backgrounds.

Deirdre, of Jackson, WY, grew up riding English and in Pony Club, which she mentioned was a wonderful upbringing with horses. During her time in high school at the Thacher School in California, Deirdre was introduced to and involved in everything horse related: rodeo, gymkhana, and eventually, packing.

Packing horses turned into Deirdre’s passion, which she continued through her time in undergraduate and graduate school at the Colorado State University. Continuing to work on ranches and on packing trips through her time in school, Deirdre moved to Wyoming after graduation to work as a wrangler on these pack trips.

While these experiences uniquely prepared Deirdre to take on the Mongol Derby, preparing for the race didn’t come without nerves. With a determination to set and achieve a goal, have something to focus and train on, and show her young children that they too can achieve goals they set, Deirdre’s focus, experience, and resiliency set her up for success.

Willemien has a horse background as well, although had come back from a riding hiatus to participate in the Derby. Growing up on a farm in South Africa with horses, cattle, and dogs, Willemien is no stranger to working around animals. That said, Willemien hadn’t been riding much when she saw the Mongol Derby on social media.

Seeing the Derby for the first time on social media in 2019 immediately captivated Willemien. “I couldn’t stop thinking about it,” she reflected. “I applied out of a moment of weakness, I guess!”

In preparation to further train for the Derby, Willemien began her endurance riding endeavors in 2021, which helped in fitness for riding long distances. It certainly was useful practice, as crossing 1000km of Mongolian steppe is no easy feat.

Despite years of experience and practice in preparation for the Derby, both riders stressed the importance of navigation time and time again – “You’re not just following a line on a GPS… navigation is complex, and plays a big factor of where you need to go to save your horse’s energy while getting as far as possible,” Willemien states. “Although we had a GPS, it is even more important to be able to read a map, to understand elevation, and to ask “is it worth it?” to go over or around an obstacle,” Deirdre suggests. So, future participants beware: practice with those maps!!

While each rider sets off in the Derby as an individual, they are by no means alone. Neither Deirdre nor Willemien had been to Mongolia previously, yet felt so welcomed and accepted from the first day.

“We stayed many nights with families in their gers,” Willemien reflected. “It is remarkable how everyone works as a team. When you come in from a long ride, no matter how terrible you feel, you are met with people that are happy to see you, and happy to help.”

“What really struck me was the generosity [of the families] to take in complete strangers and give us the food off of their tables, and space in their gers,” Deirdre commented.

Even thought the riders were facing the challenge alone, each of them on riding their own race, and on their own horse, help and encouragement were never far away. From the friendships built between riders, the welcoming atmosphere created by the families along the steppe, the support, care, and attention to detail from the vets, medics, and coordinators working to organize the race, and each and every friend and family member back home cheering for their person, each rider was riding with a group of people rooting for their success.

Are you interested in taking part in the longest and toughest horse race in the world? If so, head over to The Equestrianists website to sign up for future races.