Classic Eventing Nation

Friday Added to 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships Schedule on May 2-4

By on Feb 5, 2025 9:30 am -

Photo by Annan Hepner / USEA.

Due to the response at the 2024 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships at Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina, the decision has been made to add an extra day of competition to the 2025 event schedule. The new dates for the 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & IEL Championships are Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 4. Click here to view the event omnibus now.

In its second year at the venue, the Championships will again be hosted as a component of the Stable View Local Charities H.T. As many know, last year’s event hit the maximum entry limit of 400 horses and made for very long days for competitors, staff, and volunteer alike. By adding Friday to this year’s schedule, the team at Stable View will be able to improve daily hours of competition for all those on site.

To minimize disruption for as many Championship competitors as possible, the Opening Ceremony and Parade of Teams will remain on Friday, May 2, as is customary in previous years. This means that competition will start prior to the official opening ceremony, but the hope is that this will allow more teammates to be in attendance for the celebration. Spirit Award activities will also remain on the evening of Saturday, May 3, and have been condensed to ensure a shorter evening before the final day of competition.

The biggest change in schedule is regarding the levels of competition that will be offered each day. The upper levels, including Modified, Preliminary, Intermediate, and Advanced, are projected to run as a two-day event on Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3. These divisions will complete dressage and show jumping on Friday and cross-country on Saturday.

Starter, Beginner Novice, and Novice will be offered in a two-day format as well, but on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4. On Saturday, all the lower levels will complete dressage. Novice will also complete cross-country, while Starter and Beginner Novice tackle show jumping later that day. On Sunday, Starter and Beginner Novice will finish on the cross-country course, and Novice will close out the competition in the show jumping arena.

At this time, the Training level’s schedule is to be determined based on entries. Training may follow a two-day schedule on Friday and Saturday, or they will be spread across all three days with their dressage tests on Friday and one jumping phase per day on Saturday and Sunday. If you plan on competing in the Championships at the Training level, please keep an eye on the omnibus and communications from Stable View regarding the final schedule for your division.

The first year of the joint USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships exemplified stellar cohesion and camaraderie between program participants, and the team at Stable View is committed to ensuring the event’s continued success in year two. If you have any questions about the updated schedule for this year’s championship, please contact USEA staff liaison, Kaleigh Collett, at [email protected] or Stable View Organizer, Molly Bull, at [email protected].

As a reminder, there are no qualifications necessary to enter either championship, however, all schools and clubs represented must be registered affiliates of the USEA. Don’t forget to submit Collegiate Team Applications or IEL Application Forms, along with official affiliate rosters, to Jennifer Hardwick, USEA Senior Director of Membership Services, at [email protected] by Feb. 15.

All collegiate participants must be enrolled as undergraduate students, or with their school’s approval, be no more than 6 months past the completion of their undergraduate education, allowing December graduates to compete in the May championship. Collegiate participants are also required to hold an active USEA Membership. If you attend an accredited university or college that isn’t currently listed on the Intercollegiate Eventing Program List, consider starting a new team by reviewing the program information here and submitting a Collegiate Team Application.

All IEL participants must be enrolled in 5th through 12th grade at a public school, private school, online school or homeschool. Unlike the Intercollegiate Eventing Program, IEL Clubs can be any group of junior riders who share a common bond – like riding at the same barn, competing with the same trainer, attending the same school or being a part of the same Pony Club. For a list of the current Interscholastic Eventing Clubs, please click here. If you are interested in starting a new IEL Club, click here to learn more about the program and submit an IEL Application Form today.

If you are planning to compete in this year’s USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships, please review the omnibus listing linked here, and get ready to submit your entries opening day on March 18.. The event is expected to fill again in year two, so early submission is highly recommended to secure your spot in the championships.

UK Eventing Team Captain Kate McGown at Intercollegiate Championships with her horse, George. USEA photo.

About the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Program

The USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Program was established in 2014 to provide a framework within which eventing teams and individual competitors could flourish at universities and colleges across the country. The USEA offers a discount of $25 on annual USEA memberships for current students at universities and colleges registered as Affiliates with the USEA. Many events across the country offer Intercollegiate Team Challenges where collegiate eventers can compete individually or on teams with their fellow students. In Intercollegiate Team Challenges, each rider’s score is multiplied by a coefficient appropriate for their level to account for differences in level difficulty, and then the individual scores are added together to determine the team score. The USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship is a capstone event for the program, which is held annually in the spring. The 2025 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship will be held at Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina, on May 3-4. Click here to learn more about the Intercollegiate Eventing Program.

The USEA would like to thank Bates Saddles, Horse & Country, Kerrits, Nunn Finer, Sidelines, U.S. Equestrian, WeRideTogether, and World Equestrian Brands for sponsoring the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Program.

About the USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL)

In August 2020, the USEA Board of Governors approved the creation of the USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) as an official program of the USEA. The mission of IEL is to unite junior riders who are in the 5th—12th grade and provide a supportive community through which students can continue to pursue their riding interests. A group of junior members in the 5th—12th grade who share a common bond, such as the same barn, school, Pony Club, or other connection, can register with the USEA as an IEL Affiliate. The second annual USEA Interscholastic Eventing Championship will be held alongside the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship at Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina, on May 3-4, 2025. Click here to learn more about the Interscholastic Eventing League.

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Feb 5, 2025 12:01 am -

We were very sorry to learn of the passing of Humble GS this week at the age of 19. Humble GS was partnered with Canadian Olympian Jessica Phoenix throughout his eventing career, which saw him compete through the 4* level over a span of six years of international eventing. Beyond his competitive career, Humble GS was also a prolific sire, operating out of the Gatlan Farms Shickedanz breeding program that has produced several horses that Jessie eventually took through the levels of eventing. He sired several 4* and Advanced eventers, including Watson GS, Obeah Dancer GS, and Freedom GS.

We’re keeping all who knew and loved Humble GS in our thoughts today. 💔

Jessica Phoenix and Humble GS. Photo by Shelby Allen.

U.S. Weekend Preview

Ocala Winter I (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Pine Top Intermediate H.T. (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

News & Reading

🦘 EN is THRILLED to be sending a reporter to the 5* event “down under” for the first time in 2025! You can see more about this year’s event (May 1-4), including which Paris Olympian will be serving as an ambassador and more events alongside the main competition here.

👀 Did you know that SmartPak now offers liquid supplement packs? You can step up your game with these new LiquidPaks offerings. Learn more about them here.

🤔 Fitness pro Ifa Simmonds penned a new article for The Plaid Horse that muses on the concept of “switching sides” to better our stability and strength in the saddle. For most riders, mounting from the left has become a deeply ingrained habit, passed down for hundreds of years through tradition. But what if this seemingly small, historical habit is limiting us and our horses? Read more here.

🍎 The Maryland Horse Trials is set to host a free clinic on Equine Nutrition led by expert Karen Engel from Triple Crown Nutrition on on Monday, February 17, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This informative session will include light refreshments, and Karen will be showcasing her popular “Guts N a Bucket” presentation. You can sign up on Strider here.

Video Break

Get some insider insight from Olympic medalist Laura Collett:

FEI Releases Tribunal Decision + Statement from Tine Magnus (BEL) Following Positive Test at Paris Olympics

By on Feb 4, 2025 10:44 am -

Tine Magnus and Dia van het Lichterveld Z. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Shortly following the Paris Olympics (summer 2024), the FEI released information regarding a provisional suspension of Belgian athlete Tine Magnus after her Olympic horse, Dia Van Het Lichterveld Z, tested positive for the banned substance Trazodone, commonly used in horses to facilitate stall rest and recovery, under the the FEI’s Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMRs).

Tine denied the allegations from the outset and vowed to investigate the matter alongside her team. A provisional suspension was issued by the FEI pending a Tribunal outcome, which has now been made formal.

“The athlete was able to trace the source of the Banned Substance in the horse’s system back to the supplement RELAX PRO – Global Medics – Equine Care Group,” a statement from the FEI this week reads. “This finding was based on an independent analysis requested by the athlete from two highly recognized toxicologists. This contamination hence accounted for the positive finding in the horse, and the athlete had clearly established on a balance of probabilities, how the Banned Substance Trazodone entered the horse’s system. Consequently, the FEI and the athlete entered into a Settlement Agreement.”

The settlement amounted to a total of five months of suspension from the original date (September 3, 2024), ending on February 3, 2025. Tine was also fined CHF 4,000 (approximately $4,412 USD). The Belgian team, which finished fourth in Paris, as well as Tine’s individual placing, will remain disqualified as a result of the positive test.

On February 3, Tine released a statement on her social media pages. The following text has been translated; please forgive any translation errors. You can view the full statement on Tine’s Facebook page here.

“After the FEI informed me on September 3, 2024 that the samples taken on July 27, 2024 during the Paris Olympics had tested positive for the banned substance “Trazodone”, I ended up on a roller coaster. I was suspended immediately and in addition the fourth place achieved by the Belgian Eventing Team was also up for discussion.

As so often is the case with doping and disciplinary cases, I was banned completely. I no longer existed. All of this while I was 1000 percent convinced I was doping positive was absolutely innocent. I have always worked to the extreme to make my horses perform top without tools.

Together with my attorneys, I investigated how on earth it was possible that my horse tested positive. After all, I want to spoil myself against a doping complaint. Therefore, the FEI writes that I as a responsible person must prove whether there is cross contamination or another cause. As an athlete, you must be able to explain and prove how the prohibited drug has ended up in your horse’s system. This is a heavy burden on the shoulders of athletes, and fortunately, I passed that ordeal. I can confirm with lifted head and declare that I have never deliberately used doping.

What turned out to be the case now, the vet team advised me to use some supplements. These supplements were sold by his company to the Belgian Federation and delivered. These supplements were then made available to me.
We asked Professor Tytgat, the most renowned toxicologist associated with KU Leuven to investigate all these supplements for the possible presence of Trazodone. When Professor Tytgat RELAX PRO tested positive for Trazodone, we have had RELAX PRO purchased buses elsewhere tested with the same lot number by Professor Tytgad and by Professor Kintz in Strasbourg. Once again, RELAX PRO tested positive for Trazodone.

These results were presented to the FEI because I wanted to demonstrate that I had never intentionally administered a prohibited drug to my horse. On the package of RELAX PRO said nota bene “doping free”. The FEI told me that even when in fact I have done nothing wrong as in this case, I cannot appeal to the concept of No Fault or Negligence. As an athlete carry your risk liability even if you don’t get a blame.

Article 10.6.2 of the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Rules states the following:
No Fault or Negligence does not apply in the following circumstances: where the presence of the Banned Substance in a Sample came from a mislabelled or contaminated supplement. Persons responsible are responsible for what their Horses ingest and have been warned about the possibility of supplement contamination.

The FEI has finally offered me to agree to a suspension until February 2, 2025 and pay a fine. Cause [sic] I’m sporting this black period fast as possibly wanted to close, I agreed to this. I will soon be able to participate in official competitions again.

I thank my partner Dieter, my brother Sam, family and the owner of DIA, Kris, for always trusting me, as well as my lawyers Klaas Koentges, Piotr Wawrzyniak and Luc Schelstraete, who assisted me in the procedure at the FEI.”

This case provides a strong reminder to perform due diligence as to the viability of supplement or medication use in terms of its relation to the Prohibited Substance List; as well as emphasizes the responsibility of manufacturers to ensure proper testing and labeling is undertaken to prevent scenarios such as this.

To read the full FEI Tribunal decision on this case, click here.

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Feb 4, 2025 12:01 am -

Get excited for the #BestWeekendAllYear – the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event! This year’s 5* event (which also will feature CSI5* show jumping on the same weekend, for the first time!) April 23-27 at Kentucky Horse Park (Lexington, KY), and tickets are still on sale so you can experience it along with us. Get a peek at this year’s provisional schedule above, then head on over to secure your tickets and hospitality experience here.

Events Opening This Week

March Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks (FL); Texas Rose Horse Park H.T. (TX); Full Gallop Farm March H.T. (SC)

Events Closing Today

Full Gallop Farm Mid-February H.T. (SC); Pine Top Advanced (GA); Three Lakes Winter II H.T. at Caudle Ranch (FL)

News & Reading

🎟️ Hospitality tickets at the Carolina Club are on sale for this year’s Setters Run Farm Carolina International (March 13-15). Don’t miss out on an opportunity to experience eventing’s hospitality and community with this experience. Book yours here.

🌟 A total of 59 events plan to host USEA Interscholastic Eventing League competition in 2025! This program, which encourages young riders in high school to participate in eventing and learn about team competition, has grown year over year since its inception — and it isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Read more about IEL and where you can participate here.

🏆 A new FEI working group has been established to develop a strategic action plan for the sport of dressage. The group will work on establishing a clear vision, realigning objectives, and creating actionable plans to enhance dressage at all levels. Read up on who was selected to be a part of this group and more about its mission here.

🇬🇧 Thoresby (March 28-30) has become known as the start of the FEI and 5*-prep season in the UK, and British Eventing looks ahead to this year’s event — always guaranteed to host some of the biggest names in the sport — here.

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

What type of joint support is best for your horse? Kentucky Performance Products has two options for you!

In Joint Armor, there are glucosamine and chondroitin, ingredients that help supply the building blocks necessary to maintain healthy cartilage and support the regeneration of damaged tissues, as well as hyaluronic acid that sustains ample high-quality synovial fluid, which lubricates and nourishes the joints and gives it its fluid motion.

JointWise also has those ingredients (glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid), but it also contains antifactory agents, specifically MSM and a unique fermentation metabolite. This fermentation metabolite maintains a balanced immune response within the joint, decreasing damaging inflammation and the development of osteoarthritis. So, with JointWise, available only through veterinarians, you have additional anti-inflammatory benefits.

Learn more about these and other nutritional supplementation products here.

Video Break

Spot the difference!

Weekend Winners: Galway, Sporting Days, & Three Lakes

By on Feb 3, 2025 9:30 am -

Happy Monday, EN! As always, as another weekend of Eventing comes to a close, we’re kicking off our week with our Weekend Winners! We love to celebrate all of these pairs getting out and about, working towards their goals, and are thrilled to give a shout out to so many great successes!

We also want to give a special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award, Kendra Mitchell and Sea Gazelle, who won the Open Beginner Novice at Galway on a 19.4!

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

Advanced/Intermediate: Molly Duda and Carlingfords Hes a Clover (43.8)
Intermediate/Preliminary: Emilee Libby and Toska (27.7)
Open Intermediate: Andrea Baxter and Camelot PJ (42.2)
Open Preliminary: Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Dealas (25.5)
Preliminary Rider: Kendra Mitchell and Calcourt Legend (35.8)
Modified Rider: Paige Beauchamp Crandon and Fyfin Ramiro (31.2)
Open Modified: Lauren Salgueiro and DSL Tarquin (39.5)
Junior Training Rider: Charlotte Boleda and Bellechase (26.5)
Open Training: Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Coco Chanel (23.1)
Senior Training Rider: Keelari Mauzy and West Coast Cooley (32.1)
Junior Novice Rider: Fiona Lempres and Hathaway Royale (35.6)
Open Novice: Chloe Smyth and SR Myconos (31.4)
Senior Novice Rider: Jenna Edwards and RHF Peterzano (31.1)
Beginner Novice Rider: Lesley McGill and NSC Bellamys Diamond (24.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Kendra Mitchell and Sea Gazelle (19.4)
Starter A: Allison Hurton and Chunk Norris (28.7)
Starter B: Laura Jaeger and Dondero (23.3)

Sporting Days Farm February II H.T. (SC): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Ryan Wood and Hicks de Lyse (43.7)
Preliminary Rider: Vanessa Stoltzfus and Teddy Sarco (51.5)
Open Training: Booli Selmayr and Uptown Girl (27.8)
Preliminary/Training: Alexandra Baugh and Dream Worker (43.9)
Training Rider: Annie DeWitt and Offshore Cooley (34.6)
Training Horse: Amanda Beale Clement and B.E. Cointreau (24.7)
Novice Rider: Elena Labrador and Zen Zara (34.2)
Open Novice A: Jessica Schultz and Maggie May (23.9)
Open Novice B: Lillian Heard Wood and Johar de Braize (28.9)
Beginner Novice Rider: Ashley Thorp and Dassett Olympus (25.0)
Open Beginner Novice A: Zoe Crawford and Sportsfield Olympic Bay (28.8)
Open Beginner Novice B: Sarah Kuhn and Pokerface (29.4)
Starter: Melanie Harper and Flyboy (26.3)
Intermediate CT: Joa Sigsbee and K-Cosimo SE (44.4)

Three Lakes Winter I H.T. at Caudle Ranch (FL): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Madeline Backus and Baratheon (32.8)
Preliminary Rider: Cindy Rawson and Evening Melody (30.7)
Modified Rider: Reese Macau and Judge Puttnam (36.9)
Open Modified: Lauren Nicholson and How Easy GG (34.2)
Open Training A: Isabelle Bosley and Constanzehof’s Stitch (26.7)
Open Training B: Gabby Dickerson and Frijole (29.3)
Training Rider: Addison Borton Way Too Marvelous BSR (34.4)
Novice Rider: Kathleen Maxwell and WPF Westerlie (30.3)
Open Novice: Heather Lawson and El Chapo (23.9)
Beginner Novice Rider: Miranda Parra and Aristocrat (33.5)
Open Beginner Novice: Fanny Lee and Hitchcock’s Doppelganger (27.4)
Open Starter: Cathy Rotola and BKP Nick Of Time (24.0)
Starter Rider: Sofia Taveras and Mr. Boombastic (28.3)

Monday News & Notes from FutureTrack

By on Feb 3, 2025 12:01 am -

We’re dreaming of June in Bromont! This year’s MARS Bromont CCI, which features CCI2* – CCI4*-L competition and runs alongside the MARS Bromont Rising development training program) will take place June 4-8. Bromont is one of those picturesque places that reels you in and makes you dream of summer houses or 🫢 a permanent change of scenary, and it should definitely be on every eventing lover’s bucket list. Start planning your visit here.

U.S. Weekend Results

Galway Downs Kickoff H.T. (CA): [Website] [Scores]

Sporting Days Farm February II H.T. (SC): [Website] [Scores]

Three Lakes Winter I H.T. at Caudle Ranch (FL): [Website] [Scores]

News & Reading

Simplicity, but attention paid to details, reigned supreme in a clinic with world #1 Tom McEwen, which took place at Galway Downs in Southern California. Tom’s philosophy that riders need to have the ability to think on their feet and a continual reinforcement of the basics encouraged the riders who participated to step out of their comfort zones (safely, of course). When you think about it, most clinics are, essentially, a fine-tuning of basic foundation, with a dash of personal philosophy thrown in for good measure. Tom’s approach was fascinating to read about, and you can do the same here. Bonus for Tom, Galway Downs is the proposed host site of the equestrian sports at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. 👀

Consistency is key when it comes to consistent results. Delilah’s Boy, the 2024 USEA Pony of the Year, and his 13-year-old rider, Kendal Fansler, know a thing or two about this notion. “Sammy” has been a professor for his young rider, and her relationship with him has created some lifelong memories of success and places traveled to. ❤️ Read their story.

If you have an interest in broadcast, you can learn from one of the best in the business, John Kyle, during an upcoming virtual training seminar, February 10 at 2:00 p.m. GMT / 9:00 a.m. ET. Now, space for these seminars does tend to fill up quickly, so we can’t guarantee availability, but you can register here to learn more about any other opportunities coming up. 🎙️

Looking for a remote job in the equestrian media space? Equine Network (home of publications such as Practical Horseman and Dressage Today, to name just a couple in the English space) is seeking a Digital Content Creator to join its Western Sports Group. You can learn more and apply for the gig here. 📱

You can get EN in your inbox every Monday morning! We’re working on some refreshing updates to our weekly email newsletter, and you won’t want to miss it as we roll them out! Subscribe for free here. ✉️ See this week’s edition

📺 Video Break + Partner Spotlight: Horse & Country

Did you know you can now find full episodes of some of Horse & Country’s premium content on YouTube? Dive right in with the first episode of Alex Bragg’s 6-part series, available with your H&C+ membership.

Want to save a little on your annual H&C+ membership? Use code EVENTINGNATION15 to save 15% off the price of an annual membership!

Sunday Links

By on Feb 2, 2025 12:01 am -

It’s getting to be that time of year where we see the emergence of sleek 5* horses after they enjoyed a winter living the yak life! Swipe through the post above to see the transformation of Ros Canter’s Paris partner, Lordships Graffalo!

U.S. Weekend Events

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]

Links & Reading

Eulogy For A School Horse

Practical Horseman Podcast: Cornelia Fletcher

4 Ways Virtual Learning is Helping Riders Step Up Their Game

Rider disqualified from Paris Olympics as result of treating his sick dog

Video Break

Some exercise ideas for your older horse:

US Equestrian Awards $100,000 to Organizations Aiding Horses Affected by the LA Wildfires

By on Feb 1, 2025 9:30 am -

As the devastating fires in Los Angeles continue to burn, US Equestrian is stepping in to help organizations who are working on the ground to help the ongoing recovery efforts.

Through the USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund, US Equestrian is awarding two grants totaling $100,000 to support the efforts in helping the equine population impacted by the destruction from the wildfires.

Fleet of Angels has been awarded a $60,000 grant to further support their work in aiding the equestrian community across the impacted states. This grant will specifically go to their continued efforts of providing feed, critical supplies, and vet care funding assistance for between 800 and 1000 displaced horses that they have aided at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center and other impacted locations.

“We are beyond grateful to be the recipient of one of US Equestrian’s Equine Disaster Relief grants,” states Fleet of Angels Founder and Executive Director Elaine Nash. “We have worked with US Equestrian in previous natural disasters and their financial assistance has been invaluable in moments of need. We look forward to utilizing this grant to further keep horses in the Los Angeles area safe and healthy.

The Foundation for Pierce College Wildfire Response has been awarded a $40,000 grant, which will go to feeding and watering horses currently stabled at their facility in Woodland Hills, Calif. At the peak of the wildfires, 245 horses resided on their grounds. As an evacuation site that is maintained and ready year-round to provide shelter for horses in times of need, the Pierce College Equestrian Center has been of service to the surrounding equestrian community for several decades.

“Thank you from all of us at the Equestrian Center at Los Angeles Pierce College. It is an honor and a privilege for us to serve the equestrian community in times of peril,” said Marcie Sakadijan, Farm Manager with Los Angeles Pierce College. “We are incredibly grateful for the grant from US Equestrian. Your support means the world to us! It is with generous donations, like the ones the members and community at US Equestrian are providing, that we will be able to continue to provide top quality housing and care to horses in need.”

With the grant from US Equestrian, the Foundation for Pierce College Wildfire Response plans to replace our tractor pulled manure wagon, purchase several large water storage tanks to provide water to animals housed in areas with limited water access, and replace water and feed tubs, mucking tools and equipment, and water hoses.

Developed in 2005 during the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund helps ensure horses’ safety and well-being. Since its inception, the fund has now distributed more than $800,000 to help with disaster recovery and preparedness for horses including but not limited to hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, blizzards, and fires.

“The devastation left behind by the wildfires in Los Angeles is unfathomable. But whenever there are tragedies like these, there are also countless people who are doing great work to help their communities. Fleet of Angels and the Pierce College Equine Center are doing incredible work in helping horses displaced by these fires,” states US Equestrian CEO Bill Moroney. “I also want to add my sincere thanks to everyone who has given to our Equine Disaster Relief Fund, which makes grants like these possible. The equestrian community is always willing to give back in times of need, and I encourage our community at large to consider donating to the fund today so we can continue to help when disasters arise.”

With the wildfires still ablaze in certain parts of Los Angeles, US Equestrian will continue to evaluate opportunities to invest in organizations that are working directly to help horses and horse owners affected by the disaster.

Money donated to the USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund is dedicated for the specific purpose of helping in moments of need. In 2024, US Equestrian awarded grants to organizations aiding the equestrian populations following three separate natural disasters (Texas wildfires, California wildfires, and Hurricane Helene).

If you wish to donate, you can visit our website at https://www.usef.org/donate and choose the USEF Equine Disaster Relief Fund in the dropdown menu.

Photos contributed to US Equestrian by the team working at the LA Equestrian Center on rescue efforts.

Saturday Links from World Equestrian Brands

By on Feb 1, 2025 12:01 am -

Here’s a superb opportunity to get in some schooling and support the Carolina Horse Park! A special fundraiser has been put on the schedule this year ahead of the Setters Run Farm Carolina International in March. With the support of Setters Run Farm and Dream Big Slowly Farms, you’ll have a chance to school with eventing superstars Jennie Brannigan, Charlie Plumb, and Susan BeeBee on Sunday, February 16. The schooling fee is $100, and options from Starter through Intermediate will be available for use.

If you want to sign up for this unique opportunity, click here — don’t wait, space is limited!

U.S. Weekend Events

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]

Links & Reading

Déjà Vu: Delilah’s Boy Wins SmartPak USEA Pony of the Year Twice in a Row

Eulogy For A School Horse

Cross-country rider interview with the new German U25 national coach eventing Andreas Dibowski

Olympic rider back in the saddle three months after operation – and aiming for Badminton

Sponsor Corner: World Equestrian Brands

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Video Break

Catch up with Tamie Smith and her string of superstars getting some practice in at Thermal last week:

British Eventing Launches XC+

By on Jan 31, 2025 9:30 am -

Photo by Tilly Berendt.

British Eventing (BE) is delighted to announce the pilot launch of XC +, an exciting new concept designed to offer more flexibility for our members.

Do you have a horse that loves cross-country and show jumping but isn’t so keen on dressage? Or perhaps you’d prefer to miss out the show jumping phase and complete just the cross-country and dressage elements instead? You might have to juggle eventing with family and work, so a shortened version would save valuable time.

Stats from our latest survey showed that members were keen for us to investigate new formats of the sport, and XC + is an exciting and positive step to providing our members with more choice.

XC+ is a shorter format of eventing, allowing participants to compete in two (2) out of the three (3) phases of the sport on the day. This innovative approach caters to varying needs, whether it’s due to time constraints, a focus on training in specific disciplines, or simply personal preference and enjoyment. The goal is to provide an adapted version of eventing that meets the diverse demands of our audience.

XC + will run alongside standard BE competitions at BE80 and BE90 levels at selected events with sufficient capacity. This ensures participants can enjoy the same high standards of safety, support, and organisation that BE is known for. XC + is open to all British Eventing members, including Pay-As-You-Go members, who have completed a standard class at the same level within the past 12 months.

Members will be able to enter XC + one week after the ballot date and will have limited availability during the pilot year. Timings will integrate into the event schedule. The entry fee for XC + is 75% of the standard class fee, providing an affordable option for participation.

Standard rules for each phase apply, ensuring consistency with regular BE events, although the dress code for XC + is more relaxed. Safety remains paramount however, and all riders must meet the minimum safety equipment requirements as outlined in the BE Handbook. There will be no official scoring during the initial trial period, but as the trial progresses, a scoring system will be developed and tested to add a competitive element.

Rosie Williams CEO, shared her enthusiasm for the initiative: “We are thrilled to introduce XC +. This concept gives our members greater choice while allowing them to compete in the same supportive and safe environment as standard competitions, with all the necessary resources such as fence judges and safety measures in place.”

Laura De Wesselow, Joint Chair of the BEOHA, said: “This new concept is a really positive addition to British Eventing’s competitive offering, particularly for grassroots venues and members. Not only will it offer a different spin on the classic format of eventing to members, but it will also benefit organisers by hopefully increasing the number of entries over a weekend of competition.”