Classic Eventing Nation

Adelaide Equestrian Festival & Oceania Championships Promise Top Sport and Abounding Storylines

By on Apr 15, 2026 12:30 pm -

Photo by Atalya Boytner.

The 2026 CCI5* eventing season starts off in the Southern Hemisphere, April 16-19, at the Adelaide Equestrian Festival in Adelaide, South Australia. Perhaps the most urban eventing competition in the world, Adelaide takes place in the parklands of Adelaide’s city centre known as Victoria Park, or Pakapakanthi in the language of the Kaurna people. 

Staged in the middle of autumn, it is the culmination of the Australian eventing fall season and the 2026 edition features not just the Southern Hemisphere’s solo CCI5* but also the biennial Oceania Championships, which will be run concurrently with the CCI4*-S and CCI3*-L divisions.

Formerly known as the Trans-Tasman, the Oceania Championships pits Australia against New Zealand in both senior (CCI4*-S level) and under-25 (CCI3*-L level) categories with four team members per team. First held in 1985 prior to the Gawler 1986 World Championships, it was meant to give those nations a chance to experience the event and terrain before the major championship. 

Frequently receiving enormously positive reviews, this became a biennial event between World Championship and Olympic years, providing athletes with the opportunity for team experience without the pressure of a more global stage. Changed to the Oceania Championships in 2014 after the foundation of the Oceania Equestrian Federation, this is an important developing event for young, emerging, and senior talent based in Australia and New Zealand. With both the 2026 FEI Eventing World Championships (August – Aachen) and the inaugural FEI Eventing U25 World Championships (July – Millstreet) looming large, the Oceania Championships are a major building block for athletes aspiring to be selected for a team.

Andrew Cooper and Sharvalley Thunder. Photo by Atalya Boytner.

The entries making up the Racing SA CCI3*-L, the Horseland CCI4*-S, and the Adelaide CCI5* are ripe with major competition and global results on the line.

Among the competitors, FEI Eventing U25 #13 Carys McCrory (NZL), #26 Lamoza Velisha (AUS), #27 Georgia Bradford (AUS), and #38 Bridie Quigley (NZL) are making some serious bids for July’s inaugural FEI U25 World Eventing Championship in Millstreet, Ireland.

Australian senior team members are also leaving nothing on the table for their own World Championships considerations with notable names such as Andrew Cooper – Luhmuhlen 2025 CCI4*-S podium finisher, Aachen 2025 Australia team member, and among the top 100 eventing athletes in the world – Sophia Hill, the most global athlete on the entry list with time spent in the UK, USA, and Australia but yet to make a senior team, Hannah Klep – who flies under the radar as another top 100 eventer in the world for Australia as #66 – and Charlotte Penny, 2025 Equestrian New Zealand’s Young Person of the Year for Eventing and 2025 4* Eventer of the Year.

The Adelaide CCI5* division is full of homebred and self-made combinations.

Shane Rose, a three-time Australian Olympic medalist, adds another CCI5* start to his name with a 9 year old Warmblood-Thoroughbred cross in Holy Moses after the sale of his three top horses. Madison Seivwright, an Aachen 2021 New Zealand team member, returns to the level with her Aachen partner, Pau competitor, and powerhouse jumper, the 18-year-old mare Waitangi Pinterest. Oliver Barrett, World U25 #2 rider who is aiming for WEG selection, makes his CCI5* debut with not one but two horses from his family’s Sandhills homebreds in Sandhills Briar and Sandhills Gem. Yona Lloyd, whose lifelong dream of completing a CCI5* was fulfilled last year, returns with the same horse, Ballahowe Ayurvedic. Jess Somerfield and her beautifully quirky $1 ride in Finch Farm Carpentaria seek a second CCI5* completion to build off their 2025 result. Emma Mason, a London 2012 short-listed eventer who balances riding with her work as a lawyer, and the 13-year-old gelding, KHP Kingfisher return to better their sixth place finish from last year’s Adelaide CCI5*. 

Photo by Atalya Boytner.

But sport is not the only thing worth attending. The Education Hub, new this year and spearheaded by Dr. Andrew McLean from Equitation Science International, brings five sessions a day of learning to any ticket holder on Thursday and Friday. Registration is necessary to manage venue space but does not require additional ticket purchase. Geared towards horse enthusiasts of all levels, session topics range from horse behavior, shoeing management, nutrition, and horsemanship. All education is aimed to provide clear, ethical, and science-backed practices to foster a more holistic approach to horse welfare and horse sport.

For the horse-enthused and unfamiliar alike, plenty of entertainment options correlate with the Adelaide Equestrian Festival with options for the whole family. Live music will be provided by renowned artist Tom Curtain, the ATCO Kids Corral will have a full slate of daily activities just for kids, and ResourceCo returns as a partner for FREE Festival admission on Thursday, April 16. 

Horse & Country TV returns as the livestream provided for The Adelaide Equestrian Festival, with full-scale streaming available at horseandcountrytv.com. 

At an event unlike any other and so uniquely its own, the stories on deck for this year’s Adelaide Equestrian Festival promise to bring spectators in person and abroad to the edge of their seats. Whether tuning in to the livestream or enjoying some of the most accessible eventing possible, the stage is set for athletes to showcase their skills and hard work on a global stage. 

Further information, tickets and scheduling can be found at adelaideequestrianfestival.com. 

Press releases, story leads and photo assets will be distributed to international equestrian media throughout the Adelaide Equestrian Festival by Eventing Nation. To join an asset folder to make your coverage easier, please click here. If you have specific needs, please contact Sally Spickard at [email protected]. 

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Apr 15, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: US Equestrian Allocates $100,000 each to Safety Vest Study and Chromatic Fund

 

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US Equestrian is pleased to announce that the Federation has committed $100,000 over two years toward an ongoing, international research effort into equestrian safety vests — a decision that was made at a regular meeting of the USEF Board of Directors in February.

While equestrian riding helmets have standardized systems for testing and rating products from different manufacturers, there is far less standardization of rating safety vests in equestrian sports. Many international ratings systems are based on motorcycle vests, which may not be absorbing the same kinds of impacts as equestrian safety vests.

The project began with a survey of riders to determine a baseline for what riders believe about the protection of vests and body protectors, and how they’re being used in the field. The current research effort will work with an academic research partner to establish testing standards and then test existing products against those standards, similar to the helmet ratings work that has taken place at Virginia Tech. The unknown aspects of safety vest protection don’t mean that equestrians shouldn’t be wearing them (they’re required for eventing), but it does mean there’s a gap in our understanding of their strengths and limitations.

Funding for this research doesn’t just come from US Equestrian — a variety of national and international governing bodies and affiliates, as well as private donors, are coming together to make the work possible. The FEI also announced in June 2025 that they had approved the creation of an Equestrian Safety Vests Working Group (ESVWG), led by Dr. Mark Hart, who has previously served as the chair of the US Equestrian Human and Equine Safety & Welfare Committee. The FEI’s ESVWG will also be composed of a multidisciplinary scientific panel of experts in biomechanical engineering, injury computer modeling, medicine, vest manufacturing, and international standards, as well as an advisory panel of members nominated from their respective National Federations.

“While there is growing support for the use of body protectors and air vests in both sport and recreational riding, there is still minimal data to fully understand their effectiveness,” said Dr. Hart of the FEI and USEF’s ongoing and collaborative research. “We feel it’s our duty as an organization to take a leadership role to evaluate and improve riders’ personal protective equipment. A lot of our USEF members have been requesting that this research be done to enhance rider safety.”

The Chromatic Fund

USEF is also pleased to announce that an additional $100,000 will be directed toward the Chromatic Fund, a collaborative initiative of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), USEF, Chromatic’s breeder KC Branscomb, and The Foundation for The Horse that will fund innovative science-based, equine-specific research and education initiatives designed to improve the health, welfare, and career longevity of sport horses worldwide.

The fund is named in honor of Chromatic BF, a 13-year-old Oldenburg US show jumper who tragically died at the 2024 World Cup Jumping Finals in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia, after several superior performances. His avoidable loss underscores the urgent need for superior scientific research and education such as the first series of projects made possible by the Chromatic Fund, including a study on the effects of vitamin E supplementation in healthy horses, and another examining the safety of high versus repeated low-dose steroid use.

To join in this effort in honoring the legacy of Chromatic BF and working to improve the welfare of horses like him through this fund, you can make an online donation here.

Major International Events This Weekend

Adelaide Equestrian Festival CCI5* & Oceania Championships (AUS): [Website] [Tickets] [Schedule] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream] [EN’s Coverage]

Burnham Market CCI4*-S (GBR): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]

Oudkarspel North Holland HT CCI4*-S (NED): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]

Ocala International Festival of Eventing CCI4*-S (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]

Fair Hill International April HT CCI4*-S (MD): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

US Events This Weekend

Sporting Days Farm April HT IV (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

River Glen Spring HT (TN): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Redefined Equestrian HT (CO): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Other Links and Reading

Training Tip of the Day

Rather than just training your horse, you may need to start thinking about training your own nerves:

Go Eventing

Just can’t wait to walk the Kentucky 4* course? Walk last year’s course with Dana Cooke:

 

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Defender Kentucky 5* Rookie Gabby Dickerson is Focused on the Process

By on Apr 14, 2026 6:30 am -

Gabby Dickerson and Traditionally Fernhill. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

It’s easy to get distracted as a rookie in the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event CCI5*. There’s a lot of external chatter on how first-timers will fare. Plus, translating a lifelong dream into the actual leaping into the Head of the Lake and the rest of Kentucky’s many big moments.

But 30-year-old Gabby Dickerson is firmly focused on the process that got her to this point, even if it took a little longer than she might have liked.

Gabby and her Kentucky partner, Traditionally Fernhill, came together in early 2024. “Ken,” a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse by Killinick Bouncer, came from Alex Green Kerby with one 4*-short outing on his resume. Gabby brought the experience of developing several horses to the 3* level, and years of work with and the ongoing guidance of luminaries and Olympians – Great Britian’s Nicola Wilson and the USA’s Kim Severson.

An Early Inspiration

Gabby competes at Kentucky Horse Park in 2009.

Kentucky has personal roots for Gabby. At about 11, she’d ridden with Kim in a clinic and lessons, then found herself helping Kim out on the Kentucky Horse Park’s hallowed grounds. “My mom and I were planning to go watch Kentucky anyway, and Kim allowed me to get involved. Since then, it’s always been the ultimate goal to get there and, eventually, to do pretty well.”

At 12, Gabby moved from her family’s home in Outer Banks, North Carolina, to work with Kim full time. “My folks looked at it like sending me to boarding school, except that I was getting an equine education. I went to online high school before it was normalized by COVID.”

Her next leap of independence took Gabby to England, at 17, to work with Nicola. The opportunity started, again, with a clinic. “I could just tell she was going to be a great person to spend time around,” Gabby recalls. “I knew college wasn’t going to be right for me, so I asked her if I could do a little trial working for her. And the rest is history!”

Gabby spent a year in England with Nicola, followed by shorter stints with German legend Ingrid Klimke and German Olympian and dealer Dirk Schrade.

Catching Up On The Competitive Side

Gabby Dickerson and Traditionally Fernhill. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

She returned to the United States, in 2016, at 20, ready to go professional. “I naively decided it was time to go out on my own then,” Gabby shared. “I’m not sure why people are in such a rush to do that. For me, I did make it work and I had some success, but more like success with business and life skills. It took me a while to even have an Advanced horse, and I feel like now I’m catching up on the competitive side of things.

“I just always believed that if I kept working at it, and taking opportunities to make connections, I could catch up. Hopefully, that’s what’s happening now.”

Through her early professional years, Gabby produced over a dozen 3* horses. They excelled there but, for all the familiar reasons, didn’t go beyond that.

Enter Roland Millican, a real estate investor and amateur competitor whose support enabled Gabby to get over the horsepower hump.

“He’s been a game changer.”

Along with Traditionally Fernhill and other promising horses in Gabby’s now solid string of confirmed and likely Advanced horses, Roland purchased a beautiful farm in Gordonsville, Virginia. Milltop Farm is Gabby’s homebase for her competitive ambitions and sales business, and a hub for the region. It has a full-size show jumping arena, mirrors in the dressage court and a cross-country schooling course modeled on Boyd Martin’s.

“We started with a few young horses, and at some point, I put a bug in Roland’s ear about buying a ready-to-go horse that would help me catch up,” Gabby shared. “Since we picked up Ken, the experience I’ve gained with him has helped me now produce three others to the CCI4* level.”

Wilton Fair Gives Wings

Gabby Dickerson and Casalto. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Receiving the Wilton Fair Grant from the USEA Foundation in early 2024 was another career catapult. Gabby applied it to a summer based with Nicola in the U.K. “We ticked along and checked off boxes” in CCI4*-Ss including Aston le Walls and Burgham International in England and Scone Palace in Scotland. Having both Ken and Casalto, a 13-year-old German Sport Horse by Casalito, doubled the tour’s benefits as an experience builder.

“One big result” could make Gabby the proverbial “overnight sensation 10 years in the making,” but she’s determined stay focused on the process. “It’s easy to get caught up in thinking about the outcome you want, but I’m trying not to belabor that. I’m trying to focus on the process and keeping it all moving in the right directly.”

It’s one of many areas where Nicola’s influence is especially valuable.

“Nicola has done everything I want to do, and accomplished it all, many times over,” Gabby said. “Whenever I’m feeling a little unsure, I always get a really clear answer from her. She’s also super detail oriented and very good on the coaching side. I’m very grateful to her.”

WhatsApp-ed schooling sessions are critiqued from across the pond and Nicola comes to the States frequently for in-person sessions.

One of Nicola’s recent visits was Morven Park, one of two CCI4*-Ls Gabby and Ken completed last year. “I’d been trying to tell her how hard that course was, and when she finally saw it, she said, ‘This is a 4.5* course! It’s worth me coming out of retirement for!’”

As Kentucky prep, “It felt really good to get that one out of the way,” Gabby said. “Ken’s spring season has gone to plan and we feel pretty prepared.” Morven Park built on an #8 finish in their 4*-L debut, at Tryon International last May, after a solid 4*-S run at the Cosequin Kentucky CCI4*-S last April.

Gabby is grateful to have both Nicola and Kim Severson on speed dial. Both help with the big picture planning for each horse and granular details like how many gallops, and at what distance, to get in with Ken in these finals weeks before Kentucky.

Simple Strategies In Care

Gabby Dickerson and Traditionally Fernhill. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Beyond the training, Gabby roots her horses’ development in simple, proven management strategies, while also being open to new solutions.

Airlite Cardboard Bedding is one example of a new solution Gabby found while supporting an allergy-prone horse. Popular in the high-performance jumping world, the bedding is made of pre-consumer cardboard and is virtually free of dust and other allergens. Gabby was first impressed by significantly less dust in the trailer coming home from Florida earlier this year. “We noticed a huge difference in air quality in the trailer. That’s always been a concern when you have so many horses in a tight space – the air can get really bad, really fast.

“We’re really happy with the cardboard bedding and I’m now using it for all our Advanced horses,” Gabby continues. “More people are paying more attention to their horses’ respiratory health because it’s so important in our sport.”

All her horses spend as much time outdoors as possible and their days usually begin with an hour on the horse-walker by Kraft, a free-walker that’s common in Europe. “They walk in both directions and it’s a smooth, flat rubber surface, so it’s a bit like doing roadwork.”

“We try to keep the program simple,” Gabby shared. “We’re not giving a thousand supplements because they get what they need through good feed from Nutrena. We keep everything as high quality as we can regarding their care, then ride them as correctly as we can.”

Simple stable management is part of the “consistency and slow steady steps” that Gabby trusted to bring her to this point. “Of course I’d love to push out a personal best at Kentucky, but I am aiming more for a solid result. It’s a 5* and anything can happen!”

EN’s coverage of Defender Kentucky is supported by Kentucky Performance Products, your one-stop shop for all the science-backed nutritional support your horse needs. Learn more about KPP here.

Defender Kentucky: [Website] [Entries] [Tickets]

Tuesday News & Notes from Kentucky Performance Products

By on Apr 14, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: The Badminton Horse Trials App

If you’re headed to Badminton in a few short weeks, you’ll want to download their free app pronto.

Not only will the home page of the Badminton Horse Trials app give you a full hourly timetable for every day of the event, you can also register to follow your favorite horse and rider combinations in real time and receive live notifications and updates as they progress through the weekend. Follow the competition closely in a dedicated tab listing the entries, start lists, live results, and the 2026 cross country map.

The app’s News center is filled with the latest news and top stories of Badminton, including the Director’s Blogs leading up to the event. You can find each venue exhibitor sorted into categories and marked with their stand location, images, links, and contact information. And of course, if you get lost on site, the app features a full color site plan map with a key and stand number ranges for the shopping village.

New for 2026: Badminton Plus!

Badminton Plus is the event’s new membership platform where you will be able to tune in to the live broadcast — Radio Badminton — via the app on your phone or the Badminton website from your computer. If you’re attending in person, this is the best possible way to stay completely plugged in to all the action across the grounds — and if you’re watching from home, this will make you feel like you’re there in person!

Additionally, if not most importantly, if you’re on the ground at the venue, the Badminton Plus membership will also provide you with tons of special discounts from various exhibitors in the Badminton shopping village.

Badminton Plus can be purchased in the app for £4.99.

[Click here to get it in the App Store]

[Click here to get it in the Google Play Store]

US Events Opening Entries Today

Equestrians’ Institute HT (WA); IEA Horse Trials (IN); The Spring Event at Archer (WY); GMHA June HT (VT); MCTA H.T. at Shawan Downs (MD); Ocala Summer I + Area III Championships (FL); Genesee Valley Riding & Driving Club Spring HT (NY); Essex HT (NJ); Carriage House Farm Combined Test (MN)

US Events Closing Entries Today

The Event at Skyline (UT); Windridge Farm Spring HT (NC); Waredaca HT (MD); Stable View Local Charities HT (SC); Majestic Oaks Ocala HT (FL); Texas Rose Horse Park HT (TX)

Other Links and Reading

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

Do you know all the areas to check when assessing your horse’s body score and condition? While weight tapes are a convenient and easily-accessible way to estimate your horse’s weight, they can still be imprecise — especially when considering certain metabolic, insulin-resistant, or older horses. Keep an eye on these highlighted zones, as fat deposits or muscle loss may determine a different body score range than what the weight tape is telling you.

For those struggling with hard keepers or aging horses, Kentucky Performance Products offers several high-calorie and high-fat supplements that ease the burden of heavy caloric intake.

For those with easy keepers — the ones you’re afraid to give more than just a handful of grain, but are now worried about a nutrient deficit — KPP can also help improve that balance with several different formulas targeting these low-metabolism horses.

[Click here to learn more about body scoring and the importance of knowing your horse’s weight]

Training Tip of the Day

What makes eventing different isn’t just the phases, but the way it forces riders to think. Will Coleman breaks down eventing success:

[Click here for the full article on ThePlaidHorse.com]

Go Eventing

Come along with Simon Grieve to the gallops as he prepares Buster for Badminton:

Milestone Moments for FEI Winners at Twin Rivers Spring International

By on Apr 13, 2026 1:15 pm -

A victory in an international eventing competition sanctioned by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) is always reason to celebrate, but for winners of the FEI levels at the 2026 Twin Rivers Spring International in Paso Robles, Calif. from April 9 to 12, they were also career-defining moments.

Karen O’Neal will be able to look back on her win in the CCI4*-S as the event that got her and Clooney 14 in their best form for the biggest moment of their careers coming next at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event later this month. More than 40 years after her first international event as part of the Young Riders Program in 1985, O’Neal, 55, will be making her five-star debut, thanks to her partnership with a horse that she started at the Beginner Novice level back in 2018 .

In addition, Twin Rivers’ CCI3*-L represented the first FEI win for Miss Tique and the first at the three-star level for the mare’s rider, Mickayla Howard. Imhotep de Kreisker notched his first FEI victory in the CCI2*-L ridden by Marc Grandia less than a year into the horse’s eventing career in America. The CCI2*-S was a win by Sportsfield Supernatural in the horse’s FEI debut, and it came less than a year after Sara Sellmer started competing him at Training level.

At the same time, James Alliston, a veteran at developing young horses up the levels, continued the consistent results of Made By Leontine EB by winning the CCI3*-S, their 12th top-two finish in a row dating back to this event last year. The same can be said for Amber Birtcil and Prince of Oolde, who notched their second FEI win in a row in the CCI1*-L.

CCI4*-S: Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14

Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14. Photo by Emma Gray for Atalya Boytner Photography.

O’Neal said she’s wanted to ride at the sport’s highest level ever since she won the USEA Area 10 Preliminary Championships at the age of 14 in 1985, and she’ll now get the shot with Clooney 14.

“I wanted to go to the top of the sport back then, very much so—it was like a dream,” she said. “It was a goal, and as life happened and I got married and had kids and had to support the family with my training business, it wavered.”

Her career has reached new heights since partnering with Annika Asling’s 2014 bay Westphalian gelding (Captain Jack 44 x Zauberfee).

“It takes a long time to get to this level, and I never thought Clooney would get to this level,” she said. “He just seemed more of a slower type horse, so it’s been very fun and rewarding to see him rise to this level. I’ve always wanted to do it, and I’m not getting any younger.”

O’Neal and “Cloonbear” won their first FEI event in the CCI2*-S at Aspen Farm in their home state of Washington in 2022, the first FEI event Clooney had done in three years and her first FEI victory in 11 years.

Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14. Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.

They moved up to four-star in 2024 and have won four-star competitions at Aspen Farm in its 2024 CCI4*-S, at Galway in California in its 2025 CCI4*-L, and now Twin Rivers in the 2026 CCI4*-S, an event that has traditionally been a prep for West Coast horses and riders for the Kentucky five-star and also serves as a qualifier in the US Equestrian Open Series on the road to the $200,000 final at Morven in Virginia in October.

In their final tune-up before Kentucky, the pair led after a dressage score of 29.2. “A big one was my dressage,” O’Neal said about a highlight of the weekend. “It’s starting to click a little bit, and it feels now like we’re riding it and not just surviving it,” she added with a chuckle. “He was really good, obedient, soft, quiet, and rideable.”

They went double clear on Maja Lindemann’s show jumping course, and jumped clear while adding 16.4 time penalties on Morgan Rowsell’s cross-country course for a finishing score of 45.6.

“I took my time on cross-country,” O’Neal said. “I just wanted to have a nice clean run before getting ready for Kentucky and not pound his legs too much. So, we went a little slower cross-country, but he was really good cross-country, too.”

O’Neal admitted to being “nervous, to say the least” before her first five-star. “I’m still a little unsure what it’s going to look like,” she said. “I’m excited to go. I’m excited to be able to do the sport at this level and have the help I’ve been getting. It’s just an amazing journey.”

CCI3*-L: Mickayla Howard and Miss Tique

Mickayla Howard and Miss Tique. Photo by Emma Gray for Atalya Boytner Photography.

Less than a month since winning her first FEI event in the CCI2*-S at Galway with HHS Ontario (Can Ya Makan x La Juanita), Howard piloted Miss Tique (Graf Top x Miss Calido) to the mare’s first FEI victory and Howard’s first at the three-star level. In the CCI3*-L at Twin Rivers, they went double clear on Adri Doyal’s cross-country course and added a rail in show jumping to finish with a score of 41.7.

The 2017 bay mare registered with the Anglo European Studbook first competed with Howard at the Novice level at the Twin Rivers Winter Horse Trials in 2023. They won the Preliminary Rider division at the Twin Rivers Spring International in 2024.

CCI3*-S: James Alliston and Made by Leontine EB

James Alliston and Made By Leontine EB. Photo by Emma Gray for Atalya Boytner Photography.

In 12 events in 12 months since the 2025 Twin Rivers Spring International, James Alliston and Made by Leontine EB have a record worthy of the horse’s name that means “lion-hearted”—five victories and seven seconds with zero jumping penalties and finishing 10 events on their dressage score. They won the Open Preliminary national championship at the 2025 American Eventing Championships at Galway, as well as the Intermediate debut for the 2017 bay Dutch Warmblood gelding (Casago x Jackpot E.R.) owned by Arnell Sporthorses at the 2025 Woodside Fall International in California.

“He’s always very competitive,” Alliston said. “He does every phase nice and consistent. He’s very relaxed in general.”

After two reserve championships at the two-star level, Made by Leontine EB moved up to three star and won the CCI3*-S on his dressage score of the 28.4 at the 2026 Twin Rivers Spring International.

“The dressage has proven to be pretty reliable up to this point, like he just goes in and does his test and doesn’t get too wound up,” Alliston said. “Then, he’s a really good show jumper. He’s very careful, doesn’t want to touch the poles. So, he seems to be, touch wood, pretty reliable.”

CCI2*-L: Marc Grandia and Imhotep de Kreisker

Marc Grandia and Imhotep De Kreisker. Photo by Tanner Messer for Atalya Boytner Photography.

The well-bred 2018 bay Selle Francais gelding Imhotep de Kreisker (Cornet Obolensky x Sunlight de Kreisker) had some show jumping and eventing experience in his home country of Ireland before being acquired by Team Rebecca to be produced by Grandia. His older full-sister Guenievre de Kreisker has competed in FEI show jumping competitions in France and Spain up to 1.45 meters.

Imhotep de Kreisker has blossomed in less than a year competing with Grandia in the United States, culminating in his first career blue ribbon in his first FEI victory in the CCI2*-L at Twin Rivers.

“He’s a funny guy,” is how Grandia described him. “He’s really easygoing. He’s always known he’s a champion. That’s what we’ve been laughing about today because now everyone else knows. He’s really easygoing but also really cocky and doesn’t like being told what to do.”

In addition to his raw athleticism, Grandia appreciates the horse’s personality, saying “We kind of hit it off and got on the same page pretty early. That’s not to say he hasn’t bucked me off a good number of times, but that’s part of what I like about him. He’s got a cheeky side, so, yeah, we’ve just hit it off.”

Grandia said their goal for 2026 would be the CCI3*-L to be held at Fair Hill in Maryland.

CCI2*-S: Sara Sellmer and Sportsfield Supernatural

Sara Sellmer and Sportsfield Supernatural. Photo by Emma Gray for Atalya Boytner Photography.

The original plan for Sellmer with Sportsfield Supernatural was for the Canadian rider to sell the young 2019 bay Irish Sport Horse gelding (Caricello x Copacabana) as a show jumper last year. Instead, Sam Quinn bought “Griffin” with the intention that Sellmer would keep the ride and hopefully, eventually get her first shot at the five-star level.

“I fell in love with him, and one of my clients and really good friends ended up buying him for me to see if we can go up the levels and see how far he’ll go,” Sellmer said. “I was a little heartbroken that I was going to have to say goodbye to him, so Sam and I talked and I said I think Griffin is the real deal. She totally bought in.”

In his first FEI event in the CCI2*-S at Twin Rivers, Griffin won with a dressage score of 31.4, just edging Amber Birtcil and Mississipi (Falaise de Muze x Coniek).

“He’s a really good jumper, and we’ve been working on his fitness,” Sellmer said. “His dressage has come along really quickly. We’ve been down at Galway Downs since January. We winter here from Canada. He’s made huge progress in the last few months.”

Over the next few months, they’ll return to Canada and compete in FEI events in Washington and Montana. Long term, “Ultimately, we’d like to go five-star with him, that’s the plan,” Sellmer said.

“He’s a really good event horse,” she said. “He’s got the gallop. He’s got the jump. He’s got the heart. He can move. He’s really a quiet soul, but when he gets lit up, he can be quite a lot. I think I’ve sort of met my match as far as a horse than can intimidate me a little bit at times. He’s got all the makings of being a top horse.”

CCI1*-L: Amber Birtcil and Prince of Oolde

Amber Birtcil and Prince of Oolde. Photo by Atalya Boytner Photography.

Coming off their reserve championship in the USEA Young Event Horse West Coast 5-Year-Old Championship held at Twin Rivers in 2025, Birtcil debuted Prince of Oolde in FEI competition at the one-star level in 2026. They won the CCI1*-S at Galway at the end of March and followed that up with a win in the CCI1*-L at Twin Rivers, finishing on their dressage score of 25.3.

CCI4*-CT: Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z

Twin Rivers also held a four-star combined test that featured two veterans at the upper levels. That’s Me Z (Take A Chance On Me Z x Venetia) and Tommy Greengard, the 2025 Advanced national champions at the 2025 American Eventing Championships, had no rails in show jumping and finished first with a score of 31.4. HMR Rolan and Alliston, the 2025 Intermediate national champions and winners of two four-stars, had one rail for a finishing score of 34.8. Both horses are entered in the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S at the Kentucky Horse Park at the end of the month.

What’s Next at Twin Rivers

Audrey Sanborn and Lex D, second in the CCI4*-S. Photo by Tanner Messer for Atalya Boytner Photography/

Twin Rivers Ranch is scheduled to host the Twin Rivers Summer H.T. from June 25-28, the Twin Rivers Fall International from Sept. 17-20, and the USEA YEH West Coast Championships & Last Chance Qualifier from Oct. 22-24.

The full list of winners from the 2026 Twin Rivers Spring International:

CCI4*-S: Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 (45.6)
CCI3*-L: Mickayla Howard and Miss Tique (41.7)
CCI3*-S: James Alliston and Made by Leontine EB (28.4)
CCI2*-L: Marc Grandia and Imhotep de Kreisker (31.7)
CCI2*-S: Sara Sellmer and Sportsfield Supernatural (31.4)
CCI1*-L: Amber Birtcil and Prince of Oolde (25.3)
CCI4*-CT: Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z (31.4)
Advanced/Intermediate: Gina Economou and Cooley By Design (150.0)
Open Intermediate: Tommy Greengard and Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad (28.5)
Open Preliminary: Jordan Linstedt and Cooley High Society (29.3)
Open Modified: Sophie Tice and Viva La Vida (30.0)
Modified Rider: Teresa Harcourt and Csongor (30.0)
Open Training: Chloe Smyth and SR Myconos (31.8)
Sr. Training Rider: Lisa Peecook and SZ Raudo (27.0)
Jr. Training Rider: Kennedy Wiklund and Juste Capitaine (30.5)
Sr. Training Amateur: Emily Christen and Orczy (34.5)
Training Horse: Katherine Robinson and Party Favor (27.5)
Open Novice: Mia Brown and Pegasus Le Coq Au Vin (26.1)
Sr. Novice Rider: Dede McCoy and Dune DeHeir (23.9)
Jr. Novice Rider: Samantha Ehrlich and Midnight Endeavour (22.3)
Sr. Novice Amateur: Kayleen Crowley and Just Jam (29.7)
Novice Horse: Amber Birtcil and Red-Rag VDL (36.8)
Open Beginner Novice: Jennifer Plassmeier and RD Smokin Sugarfoot (28.2)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider A: Jessica Bielenberg and Meant To Bee (23.8)
Sr. Beginner Novice Rider B: Lee Ramensky and Cashelbay Autumn Bloom (34.9)
Jr. Beginner Novice Rider: Kaitlyn Favero and Hallelujah DF (25.6)
Open Starter: Lucinde Van Brakel and Jamaica (25.6)
Sr. Starter Rider: Julie Brookman and Cascorado (35.3)
Jr. Starter Rider: Brynn Miura and Lausbub Z (33.4)

Twin Rivers Spring International (CA, USA): [Website] [Scores] 

Weekend Winners: Twin Rivers, Longleaf Pine, Unionville, Poplar Place, FENCE, Pine Hill, & Spring Bay

By on Apr 13, 2026 12:00 pm -

Wow! What a busy weekend to catch up on… good thing we have a recap here as we jump into the new week, still enjoying the action from Twin Rivers, Longleaf Pine, Unionville, Poplar Place, FENCE, Pine Hill, and Spring Bay!

Congrats to all of our Weekend Winners from this massive weekend! We’re celebrating many successful outings here, as well as giving a big shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award: Kirsten Hiles and Beatrix SWF, who won the Green as Grass CT at Longleaf Pine on an impressive 19.7!

Twin Rivers Spring International (CA, USA): [Website][Scoring]

CCI 4*S: Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14 (45.6)
CCI 3*L: Mickayla Howard and Miss Tique (41.7)
CCI 3*S: James Alliston and Made by Leontine EB (28.4)
CCI 2*L: Marc Grandia and Imhotep de Kreisker (31.7)
CCI 2*S: Sara Sellmer and Sportsfield Supernatural (31.4)
CCI 1*L: Amber Birtcil and Prince of Oolde (25.3)
4*A CT: Tommy Greengard and That’s Me Z (31.4)
Advanced/Intermediate: Gina Economou and Cooley By Design (150.0)
Open Intermediate: Tommy Greengard and Balladeer Kilbrickens Lad (28.5)
Open Preliminary: Jordan Linstedt and Cooley High Society (29.3)
Open Modified: Sophie Tice and Viva La Vida (30.0)
Modified Rider: Teresa Harcourt and Csongor (30.0)
Junior Training Rider: Kennedy Wiklund and Juste Capitaine (30.5)
Senior Training Rider: Lisa Peecook and SZ Raudo (27.0)
Senior Training Amateur: Emily Christen and ORCZY (34.5)
Open Training: Chloe Smyth and SR Myconos (31.8)
Training Horse: Katherine Robinson and Party Favor (27.5)
Junior Novice Rider: Samantha Ehrlich and Midnight Endeavour (22.3)
Senior Novice Rider: Dede McCoy and Dune DeHeir (23.9)
Senior Novice Amateur: Kayleen Crowley and Just Jam (29.7)
Open Novice: Mia Brown and Pegasus Le Coq Au Vin (26.1)
Novice Horse: Amber Birtcil and Red-Rag VDL (36.8)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Kaitlyn Favero and Hallelujah DF (25.6)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider A: Jessica Bielenberg and Meant To Bee (23.8)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider B: Lee Ramensky and *Cashelbay Autumn Bloom (34.9)
Open Beginner Novice: Jennifer Plassmeier and RD Smokin Sugarfoot (28.2)
Junior Starter Rider: Brynn Miura and Lausbub Z (33.4)
Senior Starter Rider: Julie Brookman and CASCORADO (35.3)
Open Starter: Lucinde Van Brakel and Jamaica (25.6)

Longleaf Pine HT (NC): [Website][Scoring]

Intermediate – CT: Ariel Grald and Obalix (29.3)
Open Preliminary: Jeff Beshear and Storm Is Due (34.4)
Preliminary – CT: Ariel Grald and Kiltar Midnight Rendezvous (39.6)
Preliminary Rider: Morgan Hiller and Junkanoo (37.3)
Modified – CT: Susan Plumb and Cooley All In (30.7)
Modified Rider: Julia Beamish and ORS Deejay (30.7)
Open Modified: Ariel Grald and Cullintra End Game (23.5)
Open Training: Kathy Cain and Midnight Moonshine (31.3)
Training – CT: Jessica Cloeter and Alamo City (41.4)
Training Rider A: Morgan Getchell and Fernhill Famous (30.9)
Training Rider B: Katherine Thornton and Carlingford Castle (30.3)
Novice – CT: Eliza Klaitman and Tekkenistic (30.9)
Novice Rider A: Lucy Leff and Amarillo (30.6)
Novice Rider B: Phyllis Hardgrove and Cooley Castle (30.6)
Novice Rider Junior: Summer Kernodle and Reloaded (32.3)
Open Novice A: Rachel Jurgens and Heck (27.3)
Open Novice B: Ariel Grald and Karino (21.2)
Beginner Novice – CT: Leslie LaBraque and Tiarnan Talun Diamond (25.6)
Beginner Novice Rider A: Madison Woschkolup and LH It’s Bo Time (33.8)
Beginner Novice Rider B: Megan Yindra and My First Rodeo (30.0)
Beginner Novice Rider Junior: Penelope Devins and Captain Shadow (31.3)
Open Beginner Novice: Olivia Coolidge and Bold Impression (27.8)
Starter A: Kayla Victor and Agent 99 (30.9)
Starter B: Shannon Bower and Speak Softly (30.3)
Starter – CT: Sara Tessier and Lisdara HSH (29.7)
Starter Junior: Lillian York and Rowdy Revolution (30.4)
Beginner Novice Three Day: Jennifer Patterson and Iron Colony (35.3)
Green as Grass: Katie Spross and Championship Alley (41.3)
Green as Grass CT: Kirsten Hiles and Beatrix SWF (19.7)
Novice Three Day: Morgan Hiller and Silly Wabbitt (29.0)

Unionville HT (PA): [Website][Scoring]

Open Intermediate: Ema Klugman and RF Redfern (32.5)
Open Preliminary: Abigail Cochran and Mixologeigh (29.4)
Preliminary Rider: Rylie Nelson and Galloway Sunrise (39.0)
Modified: Lisa Marie Fergusson and Briarhill Excel Star Cornetta (25.5)
Open Training: Ashley Thorp and Dassett Olympus (24.3)
Training Rider: Kendal Fansler and Milchem Giovanni (34.5)
Novice Rider: Brielle Rainsberg and Riley (28.6)
Open Novice A: Daniel Clasing and Chesterland’s Mrs Witter (24.4)
Open Novice B: Erin Kanara and Fame (22.8)
Beginner Novice Rider: Sarah Reese and Nugget (24.7)
Open Beginner Novice: Aneesa Romans and Kasarah (34.1)
Starter: Karen Rubin and Pax (22.3)

Poplar Place April HT (GA): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Melanie Smith and Shakedown Street (34.5)
Modified: Kelly Leihy and Indymoodforlovin (44.7)
Open Training: Melanie Smith and Cavalier Rendezvous (29.8)
Training Rider: Megan Lichty and TBS Declan Pondi (29.3)
Novice Rider: Abby Adams and Newmarket Caro (31.1)
Open Novice: Julie Richards and Herkules 281 (32.2)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Raegan Hornfeck and Gawain (29.4)
Open Beginner Novice: Sallie Johnson and Fernhill Money Talks (21.8)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Alison Kroviak and Chromatic (32.3)
Starter: Reagan Gibson and Ardeo On A Mission (32.1)
Starter Junior: Mary Shea and VR Any Given Sunday (31.8)

F.E.N.C.E. HT (NC): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary: Amy Cobb and Clever Soul (29.7)
Open Training: Jennifer Helgren and Del Rio (26.2)
Preliminary/Training: Jordan Crabo and Cooley Margarita (44.2)
Training Rider: Rebecca Barron and Grenadier Guard (32.5)
Novice Rider A: Laura Sweet and Strength of Ten Bears (23.9)
Novice Rider B: Abby Buenting and Calvin (29.8)
Open Novice: Miranda Donnelly and Rockstar Parking (26.4)
Training/Novice: Coti Yandle and Davino (27.6)
Beginner Novice Rider: Maya Carless and I Solemnly Swear…… (32.1)
Open Beginner Novice: Zoe Crawford and Brooklyn (26.5)
Introductory: Chloe Franceschi Malucelli and Sweet as Honey (36.8)
Starter A: Scarlett Congedo and Straight on Till Morning (26.2)
Starter B: Ruth Siegfried and Frederik van de Elsakker (29.7)

Pine Hill Spring HT (TX): [Website][Scoring]

HT-Preliminary-Open: Millie Rackley and The Royal Dub (48.0)
HT-Training-Open A: Darcy Barnett and Heza Silver Haze (29.0)
HT-Training-Open B: Shelby Owen and GTB Felix Felicis (25.5)
HT-Novice-Open A: Katie Carney and Talk of Texas (24.4)
HT-Novice-Open B: Savannah Ware and Machen of the Hill (23.5)
HT-Beginner Novice-Open A: Megan Correia-Bittner and Lamborghini (28.2)
HT-Beginner Novice-Open B: Grace Fahrenbruch and My Mexico (30.3)
HT-Starter-Open A: Megan Correia-Bittner and Brewster (31.5)
HT-Starter-Open B Provisional Scores: Milana Nefedova andRivendell’s Top Secret Sparrow (27.9)

Spring Bay HT (KY): [Website][Scoring]

Open Preliminary/Modified: Eleanor Winter and Mosstown Rebel (28.7)
Open Modified: Madison Temkin and Boley’s Maximum (29.5)
Open Training: Irene Lampton and Rock on Cooley (27.3)
Training Rider 1: Hayden Drager and Winnsome (35.3)
Training Rider 2: Abigail Walker and The Optimist (24.8)
Open Training / Novice: Simone Cardosa and I’d Toast to That! (27.0)
Novice Rider 1: Lenora Evans and Christian Grey (26.7)
Novice Rider 2: Grace Ambrose and Fernhill For Treasure Z (25.6)
Novice Rider Junior: Zoë Rizzuto and The Wellerman (22.5)
Open Novice 1: Hannah Reeser and Ltl Ireland Summr Soldier (22.8)
Open Novice 2: Chelsea Garrison and Freddie Mercury (27.2)
Beginner Novice Rider: Elizabeth Leonhardt and Cut to the Chase (27.1)
Beginner Novice Rider U19: Joshlyn Hernandez and Kynymont Indelibly Irish (27.4)
Open Beginner Novice 1: Alison O’Dwyer and Knockemdown (22.1)
Open Beginner Novice 2: Mary Clare Owdziej and Latin Jet (27.4)
Open Starter 1: Abby Blackburn and OathKeeper (27.1)
Open Starter 2: Alexis Forster and LNJ Sterling (25.3)
Starter Junior: Olivia Caschera and Puttin’ On The Ritz (30.0)
Open Tadpole: Marty Riney and Silver Lining (26.8)

Monday News & Notes

By on Apr 13, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: Australia Tops Strzegom Spring Open CCI4*-S Standings

Olivia Barton and APH Sodoko. Photo by Leszek Wójcik / Strzegom Spring Open.

The leaderboard shuffled after each phase of competition in the Strzegom Spring Open CCI4*-S in Poland this weekend and following Sunday’s cross country action, it’s Australia’s Olivia Barton who took home the win with Carlene Barton’s APH Sodoku, a 10-year-old Australian-bred Warmblood gelding. Olivia and APH Sodoku are a big of a three-ring talent, having competed at the FEI levels of both show jumping and dressage in addition to their eventing career.

APH Sodoku is a product of Olivia’s mother’s boutique breeding program; in fact, Olivia has competed several other homebreds at the top levels and was until recently based with Prue and Oliver Barrett in Australia. She’s now based in Europe with Stateside Farm in Belgium and this latest result marks her second win at the level at Strzegom (she previously won here with her Adelaide podium finisher Hollyander HG in 2025).

Full results from Strzegom can be found here.

Major International Results

Twin Rivers Spring International (CA, USA): [Website] [Scores] 

Strzegom Horse Trials (POL): [Website] [Scores]

US Weekend Results

Longleaf Pine HT (NC): [Website] [Scores]

Unionville HT (PA): [Website] [Scores]

Poplar Place April HT (GA): [Website] [Scores]

F.E.N.C.E. HT (NC): [Website] [Scores]

Pine Hill Spring HT (TX): [Website] [Scores]

Spring Bay HT (KY): [Website] [Scores]

Other Links & Reading

Training Tip of the Day

How FEI judge and 5* rider Valerie Pride incorporates racing style into her equipment approach:

Go Eventing

Some beautiful scenes from this weekend’s FEI at Twin Rivers in Paso Robles, CA!

Sunday Links

By on Apr 12, 2026 12:01 am -

A very sweet update from 5* rider Zoe Crawford, whose partner for Kentucky in 2021 and 2022, K.E.C. Zara, has made a return to competition with young rider Abby Wilberding in the Beginner Novice at FENCE in North Carolina.

“Three years ago to the day I shared that Zara had picked up an injury and would retire from eventing,” Zoe wrote on social media. “She rehabbed from her injury incredibly and came back to full work. She looked incredible and felt great but with new horses to produce she stayed in light work when there was time. There was also a hospital stay and rehabbing again from running through a fence earning a lot of stitches, because nothing has ever been easy with her. But today, at 20 years old, Zara made her Beginner Novice debut with Abby Wilberding in the irons. In typical Zara fashion she made a scene at the start box acting like she was ready to go 5* again. Abby handled her beautifully and Zara mostly kept it together 😂 at least once out the box!”

We love seeing horses getting a chance to enjoy the sport at an easier level and teaching a few lessons along the way. Go Zara!

Major International Events This Weekend

Twin Rivers Spring International (CA, USA): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Strzegom Horse Trials (POL): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]

US Events This Weekend

Longleaf Pine HT (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Unionville HT (PA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Poplar Place April HT (GA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

F.E.N.C.E. HT (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times]

Pine Hill Spring HT (TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Spring Bay HT (KY): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Links & Reading

Training Tip of the Day

Losing your balance over jumps? Try this:

Go Eventing

A very cute learning moment (and a helping hand) from this pair:

Libussa Lübbeke Takes Over Strzegrom Spring Open CCI4*-S Lead Ahead of Cross Country

By on Apr 11, 2026 5:15 pm -

Saturday at Strzegom Spring Open once again delivered top-level sport and thrilling competition. Riders faced both a demanding show jumping test and the cross-country course, which traditionally remains one of the most exciting elements of the event. There was no shortage of эмоtions – both in international classes and national competitions.

CCI4*-S – Libussa Lübbeke Takes Lead with Caramia FRH

Libussa Lübbeke and Caramia 34. Photo by Leszek Wójcik / Strzegom Spring Tour.

After the show jumping phase in the CCI4*-S, Germany’s Libussa Lübbeke riding the very experienced Caramia FRH holds the lead with a score of 30.0 penalties.

New Zealand’s Samantha Lissington on Delarado, a two-time CCI4*-L podium finisher, is in second place with 32.5 penalties.

Germany’s Ben Leuwer on Zuccini MN sits third with 32.6 penalties with one pole lowered on Marcin Konarski’s (pulling double duty this weekend as both cross country and show jumping designer) influential course.

CCI3*-S – tight race for the podium

Merel Blom-Hulsman and Checkpoint 46. Photo by Leszek Wójcik / Strzegom Spring Tour.

In the CCI3*-S, the Netherlands’ Merel Blom-Hulsman on Checkpoint 46 leads after show jumping with 27.4 penalties. Germany’s Christoph Wahler on Gainsbourg de Bedon is second with 29.9 penalties, followed by India’s Ashish Limaye (2025 Asian Games individual gold medalist) on former Shane Rose ride Easy Turn in third place with 31.3 penalties.

CCI1*-Intro – final results

Mateus Kiempa and Olympic Bay. Photo by Leszek Wójcik / Strzegom Spring Tour.

Saturday also brought the final results in the CCI1*-Intro. Poland’s Mateusz Kiempa riding Olympic Boy claimed victory with 28.5 penalties. Spain’s Esteban Benitez Valle on Curysler CSH finished second with 29.2 penalties, while the Czech Republic’s Miloslav Prihoda Jr on Numero-K took third place with 33.8 penalties.

National competitions – strong performances

The national classes also provided plenty of sporting highlights. Finland’s Nea Rissanen on Toblerone Z won the CNC 80 class, while Poland’s Iga Ślusarczyk on Juliette was the best in CNC 80-18.

Poland’s Daria Kobiernik and Rigoletto WM won CNC 90, while Germany’s Henriette Hübner on Laikari triumphed in CNC 90-18.

Austria’s Julia Gillmaier on Avalon G delivered the best result in CNC 100, while Finland’s Inkeri Laiho on Conradh won CNC 100-18.

The second day of competition showed that the battle for the top positions in the highest classes remains wide open, with a very high level of sport throughout the event. Riders now face the निर्ण decisive cross-country on Sunday – where the final winners of Strzegom Spring Open 2026 will be decided, along with the first leaders of the DCU Strzegom Tour and Strzegom Rising Stars Tour.

Strzegom Spring Open (POL): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]

From the Ground Up: “We Teach Who We Are”

By on Apr 11, 2026 9:30 am -

We’re about a month into the new year, and while I’m not one for resolutions specifically, I love to go into the new year intentionally. I set time aside every winter to think about the space I’m in, my day to day, and an outlook into the future… also helpful for motivating during long days in freezing temperatures!

This year, I’ve found myself craving more growth and learning. I’ve found an outlet through a Master of Arts program in Humane Education through Antioch University.
It’s only a few weeks into the semester, but I’ve already enjoyed diving in, getting to know my cohort, and finding a balance between working full time and studying in between lessons and rides. My hope for this program is to continue building a network and approach that emphasizes kindness and consideration in all that we do.

And with that, I felt right at home as our advisor quoted Parker Palmer in The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher’s Life. Palmer stated, “We teach who we are”. Palmer’s statement has since played over and over in my mind as I engage with the horses and riders in my program.

I spend most of my time learning from horses, but also striving to engage in a conversation with them to clarify our communication, and find a language that works well for both horse and handler. In our training, I strive for patience, softness, and connection. But if I’m not patient, soft, and connected within myself, how am I to expect such an approach from my horses?

I have a young thoroughbred mare, who is wonderfully curious, naturally soft, and kind to her core. She’s been developing nicely, and I’ve sought out help as she continues to grow to ensure my training is the best it can be for her. In one session, a slight brace was noted in her neck, causing some inconsistencies in the contact. The trainer suggested I should respond with the same – if I increase the pressure until she softens, the brace will leave. While it did address the brace in her neck when I attempted that approach, I realized I created an undesirable outcome: by becoming braced myself, she became guarded and braced in her mind.

Horses mirror us, and are amazing teachers for self awareness, and in being intentional. I quickly realized that changing my mindset to meet a brace with increasing pressure created a mindset in my horse that formed a struggle between the two of us. I quickly returned to a commitment to the approach that encouraged my mind and body to carry the patience, softness, and connection that I so want in my interactions with my horses. I found new groundwork techniques to find ways to stretch and move her body in a way that encouraged softness under saddle – I introduced some of the work from Equine Tensegrity Balancing Therapy, clarified some lateral movements in hand and slowly under saddle, and focused on my own body position to better support her biomechanics.

By maintaining my commitment to a mindset and living the example I want to set, and by holding myself accountable to being the patient, soft, and connected horsewoman I want to be, I was able to guide my horse into the same feeling, and seek out harmonious moments and flow in our movement.

Who and how we are influences how we feel, the energy we give and attract, and our interactions with our equine partners. As I continue in my training, in this program, and in my interactions with people around me, I’m going to strive to be intentional in how I show up, the values I hold, and the energy I carry to teach who I am.

To read more from this series, click here.