Classic Eventing Nation

Thursday News & Notes from Virginia Horse Center Foundation

By on May 29, 2025 12:24 am -

Piggy March and the ex-racehorse Our Old Fella. Photo courtesy of Cornbury Horse Trials.

Exciting news from the UK! Cornbury House Horse Trials has announced an exciting new addition for 2025: a dedicated Thoroughbred class at the Open Novice level offering a staggering £45,000 top prize. The initiative, spearheaded by Dash Grange Stud’s Jayne McGivern and Cornbury’s founder David Howden, is open to Weatherbys-registered Thoroughbreds and aims to showcase the breed’s potential beyond the racetrack. It’s also a natural extension of Howden’s ongoing commitment to Thoroughbred aftercare, including the recently launched Howden Way Thoroughbred Aftercare Program (TAP) — a nationwide support system to help former racehorses transition to new careers. Could this be your horse’s future destination? You can learn more about this program here.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Equestrians’ Institute H.T. (WA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

IEA Horse Trials (IN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

The Spring Event at Archer (WY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Ocala Summer H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

GMHA June H.T. (VT): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Poplar Place June H.T. (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [ref=”https://evententries.com/#LiveScoreszPhdTSyZB4_0jqP1FTY2XQ==” target=”_blank”>Scoring] [Volunteer]

MCTA H.T. at Shawan Downs (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times]

Essex H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring H.T. (NY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

Major International Events

Chaumont en Vexin CCI4*-L/S (France): [Website] [Timetable] [Timing & Scoring]

Millstreet International CCI4*-L/S (Ireland): [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Live Stream]

News & Reading

Each year the US Pony Club awards a media internship at Kentucky in honor of the late Ann Haller, a longtime well-known face on the press and media team at many events. This year’s recipient, William Coon, has been a volunteer during Kentucky before and was eager to learn about the sport from a new angle through this award. You can read more about his experience — which included an opportunity to meet this year’s winner, Michael Jung — here.

A quality canter is a strong base of support for just about everything you do in the saddle. Another key ingredient to adjustability is the ability to obtain the right canter for the task you’re doing. Different types of jumps or transitions require their own type of canter. In this breakdown, grand prix show jumper Elizabeth Gingras walks us through her favorite exercises to work on this without jumping a million fences. Read or bookmark it here.

Ahead of CHIO Aachen in July, take a dive into the history books of the next World Championships venue (2026). This ten-day festival is an annual spectacle that dates back to 1898, when it began as a racing tournament. What was started as a way to bring horse enthusiasts and new fans together has grown into an attraction that sees over 350,000 spectators each year. Learn more about this historic event and venue here.

Sponsor Corner: Virginia Horse Center Foundation

Photo by Veronica Green-Gott

Did you know that in addition to eventing, Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA also hosts a full calendar of other equestrian events each year? This year’s slate includes the VHC Youth Equestrian Festival in July, breed shows, the Thoroughbred Heritage Horse Show, and much more. You can view the full calendar at Virginia Horse Center here.

Video Break

Guess who’s back! Doug Payne’s former 4* eventer, Starr Witness, is back and ready to tackle the dressage ring again:

Eventing World Celebrates Millstreet’s 10th Birthday This Weekend

By on May 28, 2025 9:30 am -

Ireland’s Sam Watson and Ballyneety Rocketman. Photo by Bit-Media.

This weekend, the eventing world will descend on the Duggan family’s Green Glens Arena in Co Cork, Ireland, for the 10th anniversary of the Millstreet International Horse Trials (May 29-June 1) where more than 400 horses from 13 nations will be running in classes from CCI1*-Intro to CCI4*-L plus the Dubarry Burghley Young Event Horse qualifiers.

As well as providing a first taste of international atmosphere for young riders, many of the world’s most experienced riders return year after year for the renowned cross country courses designed by Mike Etherington-Smith in the picturesque parkland of Drishane Castle.

Britain’s dual Olympic gold medallist Laura Collett, who dominated last weekend’s Bicton CCI4*-S in such great style, brings several horses, including new ride Drumgiven Mr Charisma, an Irish Sport Horse, for the Noel C. Duggan Engineering CCI4*-L. Her compatriot Gemma Stevens also has an Irish-bred ride in this class, Flash Cooley.

Other top riders making the trip to Ireland include Australia’s veteran triple Olympic gold medallist Andrew Hoy and Kevin McNab plus Britain’s Emily King and, from the USA, Hallie Coon. All the big Irish names are out in force, too, including Austin O’ Connor after his brilliant Badminton performance, alongside Joseph Murphy, Padraig McCarthy, Ian Cassells, Sarah Ennis and Sam Watson.

The following nations are represented: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Morocco, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and USA.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming both new and familiar faces to Millstreet for what we hope will be another happy weekend of good competition and good company,” said event director Thomas Duggan. “Yet again we have received a great entry, which is testament to our annual showcase of both the Irish horse and Irish hospitality.”

For more information and links to start lists and live results when available, visit www.millstreet.horse/eventing. Admission to the public is free of charge on all days. Live-streaming of all the action from the Main Arena and two full days of Cross Country will be available via the Millstreet website, social media channels and ClipMyHorse.tv.

Millstreet International CCI4*-L/S (Ireland): [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Live Stream]

Wednesday News & Notes from Maryland International CCI & H.T.

By on May 28, 2025 12:01 am -

A big EN shout-out this morning to all of the hardworking moms and dads who juggle life at horse shows, running a business, and parenthood all at once. Puerto Rican Olympian Lauren Billys returned to coaching and riding this week just a few weeks after giving birth to her son, Ben, at Woodside Horse Trials in California. It truly takes a village, and you inspire us all!

U.S. Weekend Preview

Equestrians’ Institute H.T. (WA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

IEA Horse Trials (IN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer]

The Spring Event at Archer (WY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Ocala Summer H.T. (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

GMHA June H.T. (VT): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Poplar Place June H.T. (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

MCTA H.T. at Shawan Downs (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times]

Essex H.T. (NJ): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Volunteer]

Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring H.T. (NY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring]

Major International Events

Chaumont en Vexin CCI4*-L/S (France): [Website] [Timetable] [Timing & Scoring]

Millstreet International CCI4*-L/S (Ireland): [Website] [Entries] [Timetable] [Live Stream]

News & Reading

Chronicle of the Horse blogger Caroline Howe wrote an opinion editorial that calls out USEF for not taking horse abuse allegations and cases as seriously as stakeholders wish the governing body would. Specifically referring to several recent cases, including one surrounding now-expelled hunter/jumper trainer Shannon Eckel, who was investigation for an incident surrounding the death of a horse in her care, Caroline writes, “USEF, I am asking you in this moment to do the hard work. And to take the uncomfortable actions required to do what’s right for our horses and for our sport. Tradition, paired with how horses are viewed ideologically across different membership segments, poses a challenge to defining and enforcing strict welfare standards that we can all agree on. But tradition and human ideological differences don’t change a horse’s physical and psychological needs. Or what causes them pain, stress, and discontentment. Our traditions, biases and sport must not supersede horse welfare.” Read her full piece here.

A dispute between the International Eventing Officials Club (IEOC) and the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) is headed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland this fall. The conflict centers around the FEI’s termination of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that previously recognized the IEOC as a stakeholder representing eventing officials worldwide. The IEOC says the FEI has not acknowledged them as a stakeholder since August 2024, despite a temporary reinstatement of the MOU by the FEI tribunal. Efforts at mediation were unsuccessful, and the IEOC argues that the FEI’s actions undermine the governance and representation of eventing officials—many of whom are volunteers. The FEI maintains that their dispute lies with IEOC management, not the officials themselves, and says it remains committed to working directly with officials through other avenues. Read more on this developing story here.

Catch up with #supergroom Bettina Cardi, who was named the 2024 FEI Cavalor Best Groom, in the latest International Grooms Association (IGA) blog. Bettina, who now works for Kai and Lara de Liedekerke-Meier at Arville (BEL), has built her career through a mix of hard work, curiosity, and finding the right people to work with. In this interview, she shared thoughtful insights on what helps grooms thrive, including honest communication, comfortable living conditions, reasonable workloads, and most importantly, real recognition. “I work with Lara, not for her,” she says. “It’s about making your people feel like they’re your people.” Bettina encourages young grooms to be passionate, patient, and selective—because the right fit can turn hard work into happiness. Read Bettina’s full interview here.

Sponsor Corner: Maryland International CCI & H.T.

Loch Moy Farm has a fresh new look underfoot thanks to a major upgrade from new Official Arena Sponsor, TRUTEX Equestrian, ahead of the Maryland International CCI & H.T. June 27-29 in Adamstown, MD. All four arenas have been resurfaced using TRUTEX’s top-tier footing blends, and the newly named TRUTEX Arena will now serve as the flagship competition space.

Known for its premium, dust-minimizing, low-maintenance materials, TRUTEX helps provide a cleaner, safer, and more consistent riding experience. “We’ve worked with TRUTEX before and were thrilled to partner with them again,” said Loch Moy’s Carlyn Mackintosh. “Their customer service and quality are unmatched.”

With decades of equestrian experience, TRUTEX offers both arena restorations and custom builds—handling every detail to meet the performance needs of every horse and rider. “It’s an honor to contribute to a venue that means so much to the eventing community,” said TRUTEX Director Naomi Holcomb.

Thanks to support from TRUTEX, Loch Moy continues to be a premier home for over 50 annual events, year-round schooling, and top competitions like the Maryland International CCI & HT + Young Rider Championships. To learn more about TRUTEX, click here. For information and entries for the Maryland International CCI & H.T., click here.

Video Break

Don’t forget to book your tickets for the 2025 MARS Maryland 5 Star, presented by Brown Advisory! Click here to access the box office.

US Equestrian Announces Defender U.S. Eventing Team for 2025 CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S

By on May 27, 2025 3:19 pm -

US Equestrian is pleased to announce the athlete-and-horse combinations selected to represent the Defender U.S. Eventing Team at CHIO Aachen in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup CCIO4*-S hosted in Aachen, Germany, from July 2-5, 2025. The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Leslie Law and Team Leader Christina Vaughn.

The following combinations have been selected to represent the Defender U.S. Eventing Team and are listed in alphabetical order:

• Will Coleman (Ocala, Fla.) and Off The Record, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding (VDL Arkansas x Drumagoland Bay) owned by the Off the Record Syndicate and cared for by Erin Jarboe
• Phillip Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and Possante, a 2013 KWPN gelding (Namelus R x Otangelo) owned by The Possante Group and cared for by Erin Deyo

• Direct Reserve: Denim, a 2015 Hanoverian gelding (Dinken x Celia II), owned by Caroline Moran
• Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Commando 3, a 2013 Holsteiner gelding (Connor x R-Adelgunde) owned by Yankee Creek Ranch and cared for by Stephanie Simpson
• Caroline Pamukcu (Springstown, Pa.) and HSH Blake, a 2015 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Tolan R x Doughiska Lass) owned by Pamukcu, Sherrie Martin, and Mollie Hoff and cared for by Chloe Tehan
The following combination has been selected to represent the U.S. as an individual combination at CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival: 
• James Alliston (San Ramon, Calif.) and Karma, a 2014 Oldenburg mare (Escudo II x Travita*) owned by Alliston Equestrian and Ric Plummer, and cared for by Sophie Tice
The following combinations have been selected as alternates and are listed in alphabetical order: 
• Jenny Caras (Buckhead, Ga.) and Sommersby, a 2012 Holsteiner (Sargeant Pepper x d’Mademoiselle) gelding, owned by Jenny Caras and Jerry Hollis
• Bruce “Buck” Davidson, Jr. (Unionville, Pa.) and Cooley Candyman, a 2013 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Sligo Candy Boy x Dashing Hill) owned by Cassandra Segal
• Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) and Cooley Nutcracker, a 2014 Irish Sport Horse gelding (Tolant R x Ballyshan Cleopatra) owned by Liz’s Nutcrackers
• Cassie Sanger (Wilmington, Del.) and Redfield Fyre, her own 2013 KWPN gelding (Canabis Z x Tiona)

The Maryland 5 Star Box Office is OPEN for 2025!

By on May 27, 2025 12:30 pm -

Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Tickets for the fifth annual MARS Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill presented by Brown Advisory are NOW AVAILABLE!

This year’s event will take place October 16-19, 2025 in beautiful Elkton, MD. If you’re looking for a place to stay, be sure to check out hotels and vacation rentals in the area, including Fair Hill, MD, Newark, DE, and other neighborhoods nearby.

The MARS Maryland 5 Star features four days of thrilling equestrian competition, but that’s not all! With a wide variety of family-friendly activities, exciting special events and activations, and diverse food and beverage offerings, there’s something for everyone. Be a part of the excitement at THE Place to be in October. Click here to secure those tickets!

Buck Davidson and Sorocaima. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Here’s a look at the preliminary schedule of events each day:

Thursday

  • CCI3* Dressage
  • CCI5* Dressage
  • The USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) East Coast Championships
  • Retail Vendors, Food Trucks, Kids Corner, and More!

Friday

  • CCI3* Dressage
  • CCI5* Dressage
  • The USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) East Coast Championships
  • Retail Vendors, Food Trucks, Kids Corner, Live Music, and More!

Saturday

  • CCI3* Cross Country
  • CCI5* Cross Country
  • Shetland Pony Races
  • Local Beer, Wine, and Spirits Showcase
  • The Real Rider Cup
  • Retail Vendors, Food Trucks, Kids Corner, Live Music, and More!

Sunday

  • CCI3* Show Jumping
  • CCI5* Show Jumping
  • Maryland Corgi Cup presented by Major League Eventing
  • Local Food Festival hosted by Horizon Farm Credit
  • Retail Vendors, Food Trucks, Kids Corner, Live Music, and More!

Woodside Spring Horse Trials Were Event to Remember, From Starter to Advanced

By on May 27, 2025 11:38 am -

Tamie Smith and Kynan. Tina Fitch Photography

The 2025 Woodside Spring Horse Trials highlighted accomplishments across a range of experiences for event horses and riders.

For the sport’s elites, Kynan and Tamie Smith followed up their top-10 finish in the CCI4*-S at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event with a win at the Advanced level. That sets them up for some of the country’s top four-stars the rest of the year.

For the up-and-comers, The Horse Park at Woodside created a five-star atmosphere for the Modified Match to spotlight the Modified level that has made a significant impact on the progression of eventing’s rising stars to the upper levels.

For the veterans, 22-year-old horse “C” Taz Go and 78-year-old rider Susan Burwen completed a “Century Ride” at the Starter level.

Smith finished first and second at Advanced with Kynan and Lillet 3. Between Kynan’s top-10 in Kentucky and this win at Woodside, Smith said she’s as confident as she’s ever been with the Kynan Syndicate’s 10-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood gelding (Envoy x Danieta).

“It’s just like one day it just all clicked, and he feels like a grown-up now,” Smith said. “It happened before Kentucky, but I don’t think I really trusted it. So, Kentucky really solidified that, and then coming here after Kentucky, I’m like, ‘OK, was that because Kentucky was big and impressive and on terrain, and was that because of that?’ And no, he was actually even better this weekend. Every time he just gets more with me, and now I feel like we have a real understanding and a real partnership.”

Smith reminisced that “I believed in him from the very beginning” since they started competing together in 2022, and The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer” played during their victory lap at Woodside. She said she will now aim for the top by moving Kynan up to the CCI4*-L at Rebecca Farm in Montana in July and at Morven in Virginia in October. Morven’s four-long will serve as the inaugural $200,000 US Equestrian Open of Eventing Final.

Both Kynan and Lillet 3 had zero jumping penalties, just adding time on Derek di Grazia’s Advanced cross country course and going double clear on William Robertson’s show jumping. Kynan’s final score was 47.3. Lillet 3 was right behind with 47.6.

“It’s such a different ride than Kynan, which is difficult,” Smith said about the 9-year-old dark bay Holsteiner mare (S.I.E.C. Livello x Princess L) that joined her stable less than a year ago after winning a four-star in Europe. “Sometimes you see riders and they have a type of horse, but that’s not really me. I pick a horse based on whether I like their qualities, and it just happens to be that all of them are all so different. At the Intermediate level, she and I just gel, but she’s green at the Advanced level. The course was testing, and she fought for me the whole way. I made mistakes and she still fought for me and got through the flags. I wouldn’t say that I gave her the best ride, but it’s coming, and she show jumped beautifully and had a beautiful dressage. So, it’s just matter of time.”

Saulo Tristao and Cartaleyo JF win the Modified Rider Match at the 2025 Woodside Spring Horse Trials. Tina Fitch Photography

Saulo Tristao and Cartaleyo JF win the Modified Rider Match at the 2025 Woodside Spring Horse Trials. Tina Fitch Photography

The organizers of the Woodside Spring Horse Trials also believe there’s no time like the present to give a five-star experience to the sport’s up-and-comers. The second Modified Match featured Horse and Rider divisions at the level first introduced in 2017 with the purpose of bridging eventing’s lower and upper levels.

Dressage took place in a large arena with two judges—something that would typically be seen at championships or FEI levels. Woodside’s Bay Arena gave off vibes of Rolex Stadium with spectators collectively cheering and holding their breath during the show jumping finale that coincided with the event’s competitor dinner.

Saulo Tristao won the Modified Rider Match division with Cartaleyo JF. They led after a dressage score of 28.7, went double clear on Bert Wood’s cross country course, and added one rail on William Robertson’s challenging show jumping to finish with 32.7. This was just the third USEA-recognized event that Tristao competed the 7-year-old grey Swedish Warmblood gelding (Mr Vain GJ x Cantara).

“It was an incredible atmosphere,” Tristao said. “Of course winning is great, but to share with Chocolate Horse Farm and everyone there made it so special. I am very excited about ‘Leo’ and together with Andrea [Pfeiffer] and Tommy [Greengard], we think he can be my next upper-level horse. He is only 7 but so serious at cross country. Also, he is built nicely for dressage, very uphill, making it easy for me to get him to collect.”

Stephanie Goodman and Diranca win the Modified Horse Match at the 2025 Woodside Spring Horse Trials. Tina Fitch Photography

Stephanie Goodman, who has competed on seven different horses so far in 2025, helped Diranca take a step forward in her career with the mare’s first blue ribbon earned in the Modified Horse Match. Goodman sourced the 8-year-old chestnut mare (Don Fiano x Miranca) registered with the Anglo European Studbook from the Netherlands. Their first event was at Novice in February 2024.

“We fell in love with her canter, and she is brave and a great partner,” she said. She and Diranca were the only ones to finish on their dressage score out of 25 entries in the two Modified Match divisions. “We will run Aspen Farm [in Washington] next moving all the horses up and going FEI, then Rebecca and aiming for East Coast for fall,” she said.

As the Modified Match participants eye higher levels, one decade after “C” Taz Go did his final upper level competition with Bradley Champagne, the now 22-year-old bay Thoroughbred-cross gelding teamed up with 78-year-old Susan Burwen for a Century Ride, where the combined ages of horse and rider add up to 100 or more. They finished third in the Senior Starter Rider division with clear jumping on a score of 31.7.

Celebrating what eventing meant across all levels at the 2025 Woodside Spring Horse Trials with (left) Tamie Smith winning Advanced and saying that Kynan “was actually even better” than his Kentucky four-star top-10 and (right) Susan Burwen achieving a “Century Ride” on “C” Taz Go at Starter. Tina Fitch Photography

“The weekend was a highlight of my life,” Burwen said. “Growing up in New York City as a horse crazy kid, I never expected in my wildest dreams that I would actually ever own a horse, let alone learn to ride as an eventer. I am so deeply grateful that I was lucky to find a horse like ‘Taz,’ a true partner.”

Whether it’s one of the country’s best like Smith solidifying a partnership to take on the best in the country or a rider like Burwen fulfilling “dreams beyond my wildest imagination,” the Woodside Spring Horse Trials became an event to remember.

Looking ahead, The Horse Park at Woodside will next host the Woodside Summer Horse Trials from August 9-10. Then, the Woodside Fall International will take place from October 3-5.

The full list of winners from the 2025 Woodside Spring Horse Trials:

Advanced: Tamie Smith and Kynan (47.3)
Open Intermediate: Tamie Smith and Jutopia (31.0)
Open Preliminary: James Alliston and Made by Leontine EB (25.8)
Preliminary Rider: Olivia Baca and Casskinero (29.0)
Modified Match Horse: Stephanie Goodman and Diranca (30.4)
Modified Match Rider: Saulo Tristao and Cartaleyo JF (32.7)
Open Modified: Tommy Greengard and Cooley Sligo (28.0)
Open Training: Tommy Greengard and EWSZ Java (30.3)
Jr. Training Rider: Zoe Barker and Kontessa M (30.3)
Sr. Training Rider: Nicci Guzzetta and Little Richard (26.6)
Training Amateur: Clara Marks and Crystal Blue Persuasion (26.1)
Open Novice: Tommy Greengard and SD Fort I Valent (23.9)
Jr. Novice Rider: Michaela Smith and Cashmaker (27.2)
Sr. Novice Rider: Lisa Peecook and SZ Raudo (23.6)
Sr. Novice Amateur: Dana Chase and Caradette SZ (28.1)
Open Beginner Novice A: Tommy Greengard and Sailing Time (33.3)
Open Beginner Novice B: Sigourney Jellins and Lausbub Z (28.2)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider A: Sophia Kuzma and CF Quintano (29.7)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider B: Emma de Vos Benavente and Cat Ballou (31.8)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider A: Gretchen Pope and Optimistic Sol (32.0)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider B: Annie Desmond and Little Elf (20.0)
Open Starter: Ashley Cox and Leilani (28.0)
Jr. Starter Rider: Aliana Reiss and Cre Ard Lady (29.3)
Sr. Starter Rider: Mohamed Mostafa and Rodrigue Du Granit (28.7)

Woodside Spring H.T. (VA): [Website] [Scores]

Defender U.S. Eventing Team Takes Second in FEI Eventing Nations Cup Bicton CCIO4*-NC-S

By on May 27, 2025 10:30 am -

The Defender U.S. Eventing Team secured a well-earned podium finish in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup CCIO4*-S hosted in Bicton, Great Britain. The team completed the weekend on a team total of 132.9, with Jenny Caras and Sommersby finishing as the highest placed U.S. combination individually in 10th on a 39.4. The team was led by Chef d’Equipe Karyn Shuter and Team Leader Gemma Stobbs. Great Britain finished on top of the leaderboard on a final total of 87.8, while New Zealand took third.

“The team gained valuable experience from this weekend and produced some very respectable results for the first competition of the tour,” said Karyn Shuter, U.S. Eventing Team High Performance Advisor and Chef d’Equipe for the Development Tour. “With Bramham and Luhmühlen still to come, there is more opportunity for them to continue developing their skills and build a more comprehensive understanding of what it takes to be competitive amongst the best.”

The team started with the first phase of dressage on Friday, with Olivia Dutton (West Grove, Pa.) and Sea of Clouds, a 2011 Thoroughbred (Malibu Moon x Jolie’s Halo) gelding, owned by the Sea of Clouds Partnership, and cared for by Emma Yanek, finishing as the only combination to score a sub-30 mark, earning a 29.7. The other three team combinations received scores under 35 penalties, keeping the team competitive against the four other nations represented in the team-format competition.

Caras (Buckhead, GA) and Sommersby, a 2012 Holsteiner (Sargeant Pepper x d’Mademoiselle) gelding, owned by Jenny Caras and Jerry Hollis, and cared for by Emma Ford, who competed as a part of the tour in 2024, used their experience to earn a 30.2, while Cosby Green (Lexington, KY) and Highly Suspicious, a 2010 Irish Sport Horse (Russel II x Unknown) gelding, owned by Clay and Edie Green, and cared for by Tilly Conder, finished their first phase with a score of 31.3. Mia Farley (Ocala, FL) and Invictus, a 2016 Holsteiner/Thoroughbred (Diarado x Sunset Paradise) gelding, owned by Karen O’Conner, and cared for by herself, would move forward on a starting score of 34.6.

In the short-format order of phases, the team next looked to the show jumping phase, with a challenging track set by Krissy Spiller (GBR) and hosted on Saturday afternoon in Bicton Arena. Both Green and Caras kept the rails in tack and crossed through the finishing within the time allowed, adding nothing to their dressage scores. Farley and Invictus added just a single rail and .4-time faults. Dutton and Sea of Clouds added twelve faults, gaining valuable experience together in their first team appearance for the U.S.

Dutton and Sea of Clouds were the pathfinders on Sunday, with the pair heading out of the start box with confidence across the picturesque track designed by Helen West (GBR). A stop at the airy drop into the water complex at 10A added 20 jumping penalties and 20.4 in time to their score to finish on a three-phase total of 82.1. Green, who has been based in the U.K. for the past two years with Tim and Jonelle Price, were the second out for the team, utilizing the valuable information brought back to the team after Dutton’s round. Green produced a fast and accurate trip with Highly Suspicious, adding just ten time faults to their original dressage score of 31.3 and finishing on a 41.3 for 13th overall.

Building on her recent success in the CCI4*-S in Lexington, Ky., in April, Farley and Invictus were efficient and clear around the track, and just added time, crossing through the finish in six minutes and 40 seconds for 13.2 added time penalties. The pair would take 19th overall individually. Caras and her long-time partner Sommersby were bold and forward in their approach to the cross-country as the most veteran pair for the team and serving as the anchor combination. The pair added just 9.2 in time to their impressive cross-country round to finish the weekend on a final score of 39.4.

Earlier in the week, Alexander O’Neal (Reddick, FL) and Redtail Penumbra, who were originally selected to compete on the team, withdrew after the dressage phase as the result of an untimely foot abscess. O’Neal and Redtail Penumbra will reroute and now target the Bramham CCI4*-L.

Molly Duda (Menlo Park, CA) and Disco Traveler, who are also a part of the European Development Tour, competed as individuals and took 22nd overall in their preparation for the Bramham CCI4*-L later this month.

The Tour offers two tracks for the selected combinations depending on their goals and competition plans. Tour participants will compete in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup™ Bicton CCIO4*-NC-S (GBR) at Bicton’s May International Horse Trials from May 22-25. Additionally, the athletes will have a choice of competing in the CCI4*-S or CCI4*-L (GBR) at the Defender Bramham International Horse Trials (GBR) from June 4-8 or the CCI4*-S or CCI5*-L at the Longines Luhmühlen Horse Trials (GER) from June 11-15.

The Tour is supported by the Dutta Corporation, who’s expertise and dedication to safe equine travel make it possible for athletes and their horses to travel abroad and represent the United States.

Bicton International (UK): [Website] [Scores] [Live Stream Replays]

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on May 27, 2025 12:01 am -

A big congrats to our team of riders over in Europe for the USEF Eventing European Development Tour, who picked up silver in the first FEI Eventing Nations Cup at Bicton this past weekend. Next, we’ll see many of these riders at Luhmühlen in Germany across the 4*-S and 5* divisions, so stay tuned for more from the tour!

U.S. Events Opening for Entries Today

Summer Coconino H.T. and Western Underground, Inc. TR,N,BN 3 Day Event (AZ); Huntington Farm H.T. (VT); The Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm (MD); Genesee Valley Hunt H.T. (NY)

U.S. Events Closing Entries Today

Golden Spike H.T. (UT); Aspen Farm H.T. (WA); Shepherd Ranch Pony Club H.T. (CA); Silverwood Farm Spring H.T. (WI); Horse Park of New Jersey H.T. I (NJ); Seneca Valley Pony Club H.T. (MD); Full Gallop Farm H.T. (SC); Essex H.T. (NJ)

News & Reading

Are you planning on a Classic Three-Day Event this year? This is one of the best ways to learn all about conditioning and producing a horse for this throwback to the original format of eventing, and there are some considerations to keep in mind when it comes to fitness. Kim Goto Miner has some advice for you here.

Miss Lulu Herself stamped herself as a two-time Arena Eventing champion at the Devon Horse Show this week under Boyd Martin, who took home another hometown hero win in front of a packed house on Sunday night. Read about Boyd and Lulu’s big night here.

A large number of horse deaths in eventing do not occur from falls at fences, research has shown. A new study, published in Equine Veterinary Journal, aimed to gather data to understand the reasons for equine fatalities in eventing. In the absence of full data sets being publicly available, information was gathered from various media reports between 1998 and 2023. Read more on Horse & Hound here.

Use these six tips to help transform your horse’s topline from under-developed to well-toned.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

Feeling stiffness during warm-up? A bit of a sour attitude under saddle? These subtle signs could point to a vitamin E deficiency—especially in performance horses or those without access to fresh pasture.

Vitamin E is a key antioxidant that protects nerve and muscle cells. Deficiencies can lead to sore muscles, low energy, or even neurological issues. A simple blood test from your vet can tell you if your horse is lacking.

Horse Nation breaks it all down in this helpful article.

And don’t forget the gut! ProbioticWise™ from Kentucky Performance Products supports a healthy digestive tract—essential for performance, recovery, and overall wellness. Ask your vet if it’s right for your horse.

Video Break

Hear from one of this weekend’s winners at VHC Eventing at Virginia Horse Center!

Boyd Martin and Miss Lulu Herself Make it Two for Two at Devon Arena Eventing

By on May 26, 2025 2:05 pm -

Sunday night at the Devon Horse Show in PA concluded with yet another distinct discipline on display in the Dixon Oval. Spectators filled the stands for the annual Devon Arena Eventing, held under the lights to cap off the first full week of the show.

Boyd Martin and Miss Lulu Herself. Photo by Mane Source Media for Devon Horse Show.

One of only a few events of its kind in the world, Devon’s Arena Eventing is unlike any other jumping event at the show. The course combines cross-country obstacles with traditional show jumps and spans both the Wheeler Ring and the Dixon Oval.

In the end, it was defending champion Boyd Martin on Miss Lulu Herself who topped the class, taking home the winner’s share of the $50,000 prize fund.

“I love coming here, just because a lot of our personal friends would never, ever come watch an event, you know, and we have a huge circle of friends in our community that are outside horses,” Boyd told The Chronicle of the Horse. “I kind of like being a bit anonymous amongst them. There are lots of kids, parents and their friends, and this is sort of one event that they can come see what we do, so it’s kind of nice. It’s a great event. There are not many events where we sort of ride at night in front of a crowd. So it’s a real privilege and honor to be here at Devon. It’s got so much history and such an aura about it.”

Boyd also piloted Ocala Horse Properties’ Shanroe Cooley, a former ride of Liz Halliday’s, to third place in the division. Shannon Lilley and Ideal HX also turned in a speedy clear round to secure second place on the podium. Caroline Pamukcu and Redfield Dexter picked up fourth, and Ema Klugman rounds out the top five with Chiraz, and also finished in the top 10 with RF Redfern.

Boyd Martin and Miss Lulu Herself. Photo by Mane Source Media for Devon Horse Show.

Full results can be found here. You can also hear more from Boyd and see more photos from the night in The Chronicle of the Horse‘s full report here.

Weekend Winners: VHC, Woodside, Coconino, Willow Draw, & Flora Lea

By on May 26, 2025 12:56 pm -

Another wonderful weekend of Eventing in the books!

Congrats to all of our Weekend Winners on successful outings! As always, we’re taking a moment out of our Monday to celebrate the weekend gone by, and give a shout out to so many great rides… along with a special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award, Annie Desmond and Little Elf, who scored a 20.0 in the Senior Beginner Novice Rider B division at Woodside.

VHC Eventing (VA): [Website][Scoring]

CCI 3*S: Ashley Kehoe and Daktaris (47.4)
CCI 2*L: Emily Hamel and Kingston (31.5)
CCI 2*S: Lucienne Bellissimo and Tremanton (24.9)
CCI 1*L: James Power and Brambleridge Ponder the Truth (Patrick) (37.0)
Advanced CT: William Coleman and Very Dignified (28.0)
Advanced/Intermediate: Chris Talley and FE Marco Polo (31.5)
Open Intermediate: Ariel Grald and Libris Charlotte (35.2)
Open Preliminary A: Devin Robel and Gillou (25.8)
Open Preliminary B: Daniel Clasing and Sportsfield All Out (29.7)
Preliminary Rider: Brooke Kahl and Nata Montada SCF (33.3)
Modified Rider: Lee Maher and HTF Charming Cooley (27.8)
Open Modified: Caitlin Romeo and Fernhill B Good (23.0)
Junior Training Rider: Iselin Byars and CSF Dassett Decoy (33.4)
Open Training: Susan Plumb and Bugsy Malone (23.3)
Senior Training Rider: Jessica Sappenfield and Westwood (29.2)
Training Horse: Tori Nuckols and Nonpareil SPF (31.7)
Junior Novice Rider: Olivia Hickman and Rocktop Dreamer (28.6)
Novice Horse: Ariel Grald and MGH Catch Me (27.5)
Open Novice: Kaitlin Clasing and Pamorkus BSW (31.0)
Senior Novice Rider: Catherine Ramsey and Cakewalk (30.3)
Beginner Novice Horse: Domenica Kujawa and Cesar (26.2)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Olivia Swank and Truly A Moon Shot (36.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Lauren Sumner and Excel Star Babadook (26.2)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider A: Lara Morris and Swan’s Shine Brightly (30.3)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider B: Rachael Grice and Meadow Dancer (27.1)
Starter A: Hayley Palmer and Perplexing (31.7)
Starter B: Allison Smith and Threat Level Midnight (26.7)

Woodside Spring H.T. (VA): [Website][Scoring]

Advanced: Tamra Smith and Kynan (47.3)
Open Intermediate: Tamra Smith and Jutopia (31.0)
Open Preliminary: James Alliston and Made by Leontine EB (25.8)
Preliminary Rider: Olivia Baca and Casskinero (29.0)
Modified Horse Match: Stephanie Goodman and Diranca (30.4)
Modified Rider Match: Saulo Tristao and Cartaleyo JF (32.7)
Open Modified: Tommy Greengard and Cooley Sligo (28.0)
Junior Training Rider: Zoe Barker and Kontessa M (30.3)
Senior Training Rider: Nicci Guzzetta and Little Richard (26.6)
Training Amateur: Clara Marks and Crystal Blue Persuasion (26.1)
Open Training: Tommy Greengard and EWSZ Java (30.3)
Junior Novice Rider: Michaela Smith and Cashmaker (27.2)
Senior Novice Rider: Lisa Peecook and SZ Raudo (23.6)
Senior Novice Amateur: Dana Chase and CARADETTE SZ (28.1)
Open Novice: Tommy Greengard and SD FORT I VALENT (23.9)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider A: Sophia Kuzma and CF Quintano (29.7)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider B: Emma de Vos Benavente and Cat Ballou (31.8)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider A: Gretchen Pope and Optimistic Sol (32.0)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider B: Annie Desmond and Little Elf (20.0)
Open Beginner Novice A: Tommy Greengard and Sailing Time (33.3)
Open Beginner Novice B: Sigourney Jellins and Lausbub Z (28.2)
Junior Starter Rider: Aliana Reiss and Cre Ard Lady (29.3)
Senior Starter Rider: Mohamed Mostafa and Rodrigue Du Granit (28.7)
Open Starter: Ashley Cox and Leilani (28.0)

Spring Coconino H.T. (AZ): [Website][Scoring]


Preliminary-Open: Lindsey Smith and Lucky Sun (32.6)
Modified-Open: Anastasia Keyser and Bellatrix (59.7)
Training-Open: Jennifer Buchanan and Rumer MWF (42.1)
Novice-Open: Angela Carmitchel and Big Fame (25.6)
Beginner Novice-Open A: Jessicca Butorac and Ready Freddy (22.9)
Beginner Novice-Open B: David Timchak and Ole Boy (36.2)
Starter-Open A: Erin Phipps and Finn MacCool (33.7)
Starter-Open B: Julia San Roman and Pragmatic (27.1)
1-Day: Susan Charlton and Prince Buttercup (31.0)

Willow Draw Charity H.T. (TX): [Website][Scoring]

Open Training: Albany Castor and Aurelius (28.1)
Training Rider: Julia Pinell and Street Fighter (29.4)
Novice Rider Jr: Sarah Jackson and WHF Wangari (26.1)
Novice Rider Sr: Scottiann Evans and Chance Encounter (28.7)
Open Novice: Karen Kruse and Viktor CSF (25.1)
BNovice Rider: Julia Engle and Fernhill Philm Star (26.5)
Open BNovice: Katie Carney and Talk of Texas (32.4)
Open Starter Jr: Grace Fahrenbruch and SF Sassafras (34.7)
Open Starter Sr: Kimberly Stafford and Charmed Night HU (23.0)

Flora Lea Spring H.T. (NJ): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Matthew Lewis and Quaden AF (38.3)
Open Training: Holly Payne Caravella and Princess Candy (27.7)
Training Rider: Peyton Frankovich and Ben-jamin’ Traveler (36.2)
Novice Rider: Valentine Jie and Hillowan Bob (35.7)
Open Novice: Lacey Ogden and Cooley Ground Control (23.6)
Beginner Novice Rider: Laura Poveromo and Belmont (32.7)
Open Beginner Novice: Pam Wiedemann and DF Andrew (28.8)
Young Event Horse 4 Year Old: Ella Marinucci and Authentic Lies (80.000)
Young Event Horse 5 Year Old: Hayley Frielick and Dunedin LB Muze (79.150)