Classic Eventing Nation

Defender Kentucky Entries Live with 37 CCI5*, 46 CCI4*-S Entries

By on Mar 26, 2026 1:47 pm -

Phillip Dutton and Possante. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Happy 5* season! We’ve got a fresh entry list for your eyes this morning, and it’s our (sad emoji) sole U.S. 5* of the year that’s the latest to join the party.

Defender Kentucky runs both a CCI5* as is tradition, as well as the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, which was begun in 2020 and has been a great addition to the action each year. The 4*-S track at Kentucky is essentially a short 5* in many ways, making it an excellent preparation for both. Championship and a future 5*. To that end, we’ve got a really interesting 4*-S list this year — more on that shortly.

In the featuring 5* division, we have 37 entries listed at the time of publication, after the close of entries on March 24. We do have a handful of cross entries with Badminton, so this number will drop by just a couple by the time the first horse comes down the jog strip.

Harry Meade and Et Hop Du Matz jump to third place at Kentucky in 2025. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Among those double entries are Great Britain’s Harry Meade (FEI Eventing World #1 currently), who’s entered five horses at MARS Badminton. Four of those, he’s also entered at Kentucky: Graffenacht, Et Hop du Matz, Superstition, and Cavalier Crystal. These are all horses capable of a podium finish (or better) and have all done so recently, so whichever Harry winds up deciding to bring over to Kentucky will be definitive competitors who should be anticipated to finish well. Just one of Harry’s string, Annaghmore Valoner, has already been routed to Badminton as the final decision.

At most, a rider will be allowed to ride three horses; the same principle applies at Badminton, so we’ll see Harry most likely choosing three horses for one event and two for another.

Since we’re with the international entries, we’ll also have visitors from New Zealand in Tim Price, entered with two horses in Global Quest and 5* winner Vitali, and Ireland with Maryland 5 Star winners Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue (also cross-entered at Badminton, but please come to Kentucky, Salty) as well as Olympian Joseph Murphy with Belline Fighting Spirit and Padraig McCarthy with Pomp N Circumstance.

The Brits as usual are well-represented not just with Harry’s four entries, but also by Tom McEwen and Brookfield Quality, who were fifth at Kentucky in 2025. We’ll also be joined by Tom Jackson and Plot Twist B, second at Pau in October of last year, as well as the seasoned partnership of David Doel and Galileo Nieuwmoed, who were eighth at Kentucky during their last visit in 2023 (they also finished on the podium at Maryland in 2024).

Sophia Hill and Humble Glory. Photo by Chelsea Spear Photography.

We will also welcome Sophia Hill and Humble Glory from Australia — Sophia will actually be coming to Kentucky straight off the back of the Adelaide CCI5*, where she’ll be competing other horses. Monica Spencer of New Zealand has been keeping “Hughie” going over the winter since Maryland, with Sophia traveling back and forth for prep events. This weekend at TerraNova’s CCI4*-S will be the final major prep stop for both Humble Glory as well as Monica’s Artist.

Will Coleman and Diabolo. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Looking to our North American contingent, we’re well-stacked, with entries including:

  • 2024 Cosequin Lexington 4*-S winners Will Coleman and Diabolo
  • Boyd Martin with US Open Final winner Miks Master C (also entered at MARS Badminton and awaiting Boyd’s final decision), Cooley Nutcracker and 2025 USEF National 5* Champion Commando 3
  • Four 5* rookies: Washington-based Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14, Braden Speck and BSF Liam, Alexander Conrad and Malibu Preacher, and Gabby Dickerson and Traditionally Fernhill, as well as 5* debut horses Chiraz (Ema Klugman), Cash Point (Woodge Fulton), Cooley Flight (Ryan Wood). Pomp N Circumstance (Padraig McCarthy of Ireland) is also a 5* debut horse.
  • Fan-favorite Thoroughbreds Phelps (Mia Farley), Sorocaima (Buck Davidson), Artist (Monica Spencer) and Humble Glory (Sophia Hill). EDIT: Since the entries publishing, we’ve learned that Mia Farley will be withdrawing Phelps from the 5* after a minor injury.

You can view the full 5* entry list here.

46 Entries Feature on Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S

Stephane Landois and Ride for Thaïs Chaman Dumontceau in Paris. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

The Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S is a feature stop for many pairs and it’s always an interesting mix of experience. We have some horses that have competed at this level or even above it, some who are preparing for a 5* step up soon, and also this year a handful of overseas entries.

We’ll be welcoming three international riders based overseas this year — this is the first time we’ve seen an overseas entry in this division. All of these riders are U25 athletes, and with the new FEI Eventing U25 World Championships coming up in July at Millstreet, this will be a great way for these combinations to not only get experience for the 5* level but also get on the selector radar for this new World Championship.

The opportunity to come and compete at Kentucky comes from a newly-formed organization called GB Rising Lions, which was instituted to fund international competition opportunities for rising stars within the sport.

“Rising Lions hopes this trip will give these rising British stars invaluable experience and allow them to develop their skills by competing on the world stage,” the organization posted on social media. “The squad will be accompanied by coaches, a veterinary team and experienced grooms who will be supporting and guiding the riders and taking the best care of their very special equine partners. Rising Lions would like to thank both British Eventing and the team at Kentucky for their help in making this significant opportunity for these young athletes happen.

“British Eventing CEO Rosie Williams commented: ‘This is a fantastic initiative, and it’s great to see some of our talented young riders given the opportunity to experience not only the competition, but all the elements involved in safely travelling horses — and themselves — to a different time zone and vastly different conditions. It’s also a pleasure to work closely with Vanessa Coleman from Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, as well as USEA and Rising Lions, to support this programme, and we look forward to welcoming some American riders to our shores soon.’

“‘We’re very excited to host a team of U25 riders from Great Britain in the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S at this year’s Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by MARS Equestrian,” said Vanessa Coleman, CEO of Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) producer of the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. “We look forward to giving them a warm Kentucky welcome and making sure that everyone has an amazing experience!'”

 

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The overseas entries are:

  • Elizabeth Barrett is currently ranked fifth in the world for the U25 riders, and she’ll be bringing the very special Ride for Thais Chaman Dumontceau, who was ridden by Stéphane Landois of France at the Paris Olympics in 2024. Stéphane rode in honor of Chaman Dumontceau’s former rider, Thaïs Meheust, who passed away in a cross country accident in 2019. Though Thaïs sadly never realized her own dream of competing at the Olympics, Stéphane was able to realize this dream in tribute at the Paris Olympics, where they finished 14th individually and in silver as a team for France. At the end of 2024, Ride for Thais was purchased for Elizabeth to ride, and she’ll be bringing both this horse as well as Georgina-W.
  • Isabelle Cook, daughter of British Olympic medalist Kristina Cook, is also entered with Cymoon “F” Z. Isabelle is currently ranked #10 on the FEI Eventing U25 World Rankings.
  • Finn Healy of Great Britain will also be flying over, bringing Greannanstown Monbeg Joe, with whom he competed at FEI Eventing Junior/Young Rider Championships at Strzegom in 2025.

Isabelle Bosley and Conner. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

Additional entries on the CCI4*-S list include:

  • 2025 winning rider Will Coleman with two rides in Very Dignified and Fahrenheit Addict
  • 2026 Carolina International winners Tamie Smith and Lillet 3 (Tamie has also entered Danito and Kynan in this division)
  • 2025 Maryland 5 Star CCI3*-L winners Isabelle Bosley and Conner
  • Road to the Horse Reserve Champion Elisa Wallace with Lissavorra Quality
  • 2025 Kentucky ride of the day (at least in our book!) Ali Kuhn and the little OTTB who could, Little Hail
  • California-based riders James Alliston (HMR Rolan), Molly Duda (Carlingfords Hes a Clover, Disco Travler), Tommy Greengard (That’s Me Z), Megan McIver (Igor B)

You can view the full entry list for the CCI4*-S here.

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]

The Amateur Experience: Rachel Mulvey and the Art of Doing It All

By on Mar 26, 2026 9:00 am -

Welcome one, welcome all to The Amateur Experience with me, your host, Sydney: a semi-successful online influencer, full time horse weirdo who has big dreams and seemingly no regard for the risk both financial and physical.

I, as the resident pinnacle of the adult amateur (you may not like it, but this is what peak performance looks like), have been tasked by Eventing Nation to bring you the real stories from life as an adult amateur — from my own trials and tribulations (which are never-ending and ridiculous), to those of my peers. We’ll even be taking a look at amateurs in other horse disciplines to see if there’s anything to be learned from them.

This sport would crumble and dissolve like sugar in a bottle of rum were it not for the adult amateurs carrying it on their backs. Yet, we often do not hear their stories.

Why is that?

Well, it doesn’t matter anymore because I’m bringing you the stories. The real stories of the literal blood, sweat, and tears that amateurs pour into this sport for literally no monetary gain. The term amateur, which is so often derisively flung at anyone not deemed a good enough rider to hang with the cool kids, actually just means someone who does something without getting paid.

I ask you, is it not more admirable to do something for money or because you love it? In today’s world, where money is quite literally everything, is it not actually a little brave to do something for the sheer love of the game?

To read more Amateur Experiences, click here.

Rachel Mulvey and Reminisce. Photo by JJ Sillman.

Bear with me for my first entry into this series because we are going to be talking about one of my personal heroes: Rachel Mulvey. Hey! I wanted to start the series off strong. I met Rachel because she works part-time at the barn I board at in addition to being a small animal vet at an emergency clinic. See? You doubted me, but Rachel rules. She has a whole degree AND she happens to be riding Preliminary (as well as Prix-St-Georges level dressage) with her chestnut mare, Remi (short for Reminisce).

Rachel has been riding since “…before I was born. My parents both rode, and I was on horses pretty early on.” However, she decided to become a vet rather than a professional rider. I asked her if she had any regrets becoming an amateur and her only regret is that she wished she “had done a working student gig in high school.” Which is understandable, being a working student is a canon event for most horse kids.

Rachel bought Remi seven years ago. After her first eventing horse, a 17-hand Shagya Arabian/Thoroughbred cross, passed away her senior year of high school Rachel focused on veterinary school and it wasn’t until her senior year she was able to start riding again. The barn owner at Freedom of Movement had Remi and suggested Rachel lease her while riding there.

“She was only seven and had done dressage and some jumping before. I fall in love with pretty much any horse I meet so it wasn’t hard to love her,” she says on first meeting Remi. When Rachel graduated she asked if she could buy Remi on payments from the barn owner who, I’m sure sensing Rachel’s extremely good vibes, said yes. Since then the two have formed quite the relationship.

That is actually what strikes me most about Rachel as a horsewoman. Even with how very busy Rachel is, she always spends extra time to make sure Remi feels her best. Rachel often works long hours at the clinic and is only able to ride Remi four days a week. She isn’t particularly worried about this: “Thankfully, my mare now is well trained and really doesn’t need five or six days of work.” Even with such a time crunch Rachel takes the time to give Remi a thorough groom and have her sit in her BEMER blanket for 20 minutes. There is no feeling of being rushed, just Rachel quietly talking to Remi as they get ready. This is what I think makes Rachel so special.

Rachel Mulvey enjoys a learning session with 5* judge Peter Gray.

She certainly hasn’t always felt the most confident. This is something many riders struggle with and Rachel isn’t immune. However, she works incredibly hard on herself to help overcome these feelings. Ultimately, this is why she decided to settle at Overlook Farm training with Sara Kozumplik.

“I met Sara at a clinic I rode at in Texas, right around the time I was starting to lose confidence because of an accident I had with my OTTB at the time,” she says. “The positive way she taught just really worked with my brain. She has an ability to get me out of my head, and ride more effectively.”

They got along so well that when Rachel had an opportunity to move to Florida to be closer to her husband’s family she also decided to train with Sara full time. Though Sara’s training has certainly helped, Rachel has also posted about working with a sports psychologist to continue to improve her own confidence. My favorite part about this is that you will now frequently hear Rachel singing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” while tearing around cross country to help calm her (and Remi’s) nerves. I can’t actually describe to you how delightful it is to hear. It works too, Rachel and Remi recently finished up another Preliminary at Rocking Horse Winter III and are on course for the CCI* at Terranova this weekend.

To me, this is the spirit of the adult amateur. Though she is not paid to ride (and thus isn’t technically a professional) the way in which Rachel conducts herself around this sport is nothing short of top notch. She works to improve herself, she spares no expense in making sure Remi always feels her best, and she is, above all, incredibly kind. I know when I ask Rachel’s opinion on something I can trust her to tell the truth but she will do it with empathy. She is quick to help and even quicker to cheer for everyone. She rides with a soft hand and is quick to forgive. It is clear in the way her mare adores her that Remi is extremely grateful to have a mother like Rachel.

To discount a rider like Rachel as “just an amateur” would be a mighty shame, wouldn’t it? When asked how she wished the sport would support amateurs like her more she said, “Grants would be fantastic! Maybe I’m missing them but then only ones I’ve seen have been education based, or for upper levels. The majority of us amateurs are doing lower levels – it would be nice to have the support there as well.”

Rachel Mulvey and Reminisce. Photo by JJ Sillman.

While I wouldn’t consider Preliminary a lower level as it still frightens and haunts me, I understand what Rachel is saying. It would be nice for there to be opportunities for growth within the amateur group of riders. There’s certainly plenty of us and we do all have big dreams worth funding. Sure, we may never ride for an international team, but we are doing everything we can to support the growth of the sport. Isn’t that worth an investment? I think amateurs deserve to get as much out of the sport as they put in every day. This isn’t just the sport “giving back” it’s the sport actively investing in the foundation that keeps it running year after year.

Ultimately, I’m happy for now if we just take the time to acknowledge riders like Rachel who are doing incredible work in multiple sectors. Sure, she can ride incredibly but she can also fix your cat’s diabetes. What range! Did we not once praise the Renaissance Man? Is a Jack-of-all-trades worth nothing?

Yes, it’s exhausting but it’s important. What Rachel is doing is meaningful. I asked her what keeps her motivated. “I like to have goals. My favorite thing about riding with Sara Kozumplik is she helps outline your short term and long term goals, then we work to achieve them. If we fall short, we re-direct. She always has a plan. I’m a planner and I like having some sort of direction at all times. If I know I’m aiming for a one-star or Prelim, then I work that much harder to achieve it. And knowing she knows we’re capable, gives me confidence.”

Rachel Mulvey and Reminisce. Photo by JJ Sillman.

Rachel, and many riders out there just like her, are athletes with drive and ambition the same as any professional. They just also have a whole other job. It’s an incredibly difficult balance and one that isn’t always the most successful. By her own admission, Rachel does not balance the rest of her life that well. “Other life stuff happens when I have time and energy for it,” she says.

Yet amateurs like Rachel manage this difficult schedule and still put the horse first. Isn’t that the true sign of a horseman? To me, being a good horseman is more important than any professional accolades and for that Rachel, and riders like her, deserve to be commended.

You can also check out Rachel and Remi tearing up cross country in the first person on Rachel’s channel @DVMEventer on TikTok and @dvm_eventer on Instagram. (Though she doesn’t do funny commentary because I threatened her to the fullest extent of the law. Let this be a warning).

Thursday News & Notes

By on Mar 26, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: MDCTA Horse Trials Sponsorships

We are approaching the 54th year of the MDCTA Horse Trials — the second oldest horse trial in the United States! In order to keep staging this wonderful event at Shawan Downs in Hunt Valley, Maryland, this year on May 30-31, as well as their two other unrecognized horse trials, MDCTA is asking for support from those whom these competitions benefit the most — professionals and businesses that cater to eventers.

From MDCTA:

“We’ve been working hard on keeping our beautiful galloping fields and cross-country course at Shawan Downs up to standards. We have one of the best course designers in the country preparing our tracks. We’ve applied for and received several USEA frangible fence grants and have those jumps being built now. We’ve brought back our newsletter which enjoys a more than 5,000-name circulation, a national woman-owned business supports us (in our third year for them), and we’ve achieved the proper charitable association registration as a 501(c)3, making your contributions tax deductible.

As a group, we’re proud of the hard work and effort that has helped the association remain vibrant and on its mission. We would love to include your business on our website year-round with a click-through logo, and give you a shout-out on our social media, our Newsletter, and at our event.

With a $350 Jump Sponsorship, you will get your name on a jump sign or plaque, an ad in our digital program, a link to your logo or website on our Sponsor page, and online marketing through our curated email list and social media. Marketing takes time away from work, business, and horses — let us help, and you’ll be supporting a great cause. Consider going in with fellow eventers, friends, or business owners — we welcome collaborative efforts!”

[Click here to learn more about 2026 Sponsorships]

Those interested can reach out to MDCTA Sponsorship Coordinator Holly Covey before the first week in May for further details at [email protected].

Major International Events This Weekend

The Event at TerraNova CCI4*-S (FL): [Website] [Schedule] [VIP Tickets] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Galway Downs International HT CCI4*-S (CA): [Website] [VIP Tickets] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]

WAYER International HT CCI4*-S (AUS): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Tamworth International Eventing CCI4*-S (AUS): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]

US Events This Weekend

Morven Park Spring HT (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Jumping Branch Farm Spring HT (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

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

Other Links and Reading

Training Tip of the Day

What does 5* winner Austin O’Connor look for in a young horse? Listen in:

Go Eventing

If you haven’t yet read up on Elisa Wallace’s reserve champion finish at the Road to the Horse, she tells us all about the horse she was partnered with and the bond they gained over the competition. Watch part of their journey here:

 

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‘My First Thought Was, I’m Going to Miss Her!’ Elisa Wallace Earns Reserve Champion at Road to the Horse

By on Mar 25, 2026 9:00 am -

Elisa Wallace might not have left Road to the Horse with the World Champion of Colt Starting title, but she absolutely left with a lot to be proud of.

Elisa’s well-versed in working with all types of horses — many fans will be familiar with her production of Mustangs, both for eventing and general purpose riding. She’s won competitions like the Extreme Mustang Makeover and the Mustang Classic, and frequently travels the country to do demonstrations with her team of former wild horses.

[Want to hear more from Elisa herself? Listen to our full exclusive interview with her in the news segment of the latest episode of The Go Eventing Podcast]

But Road to the Horse is an entirely different competition.

If you’re not super familiar with Road to the Horse, the format is its own beast. Competitors choose an unstarted horse from the remuda (a selection of horses bred by Pitchfork Ranch in Texas), then have three days with 90 minutes each day in a round pen to build a partnership from the ground up in front of a crowd and a panel of judges, including eventing Olympian David O’Connor. They’re scored throughout on everything from groundwork and saddling to riding, obstacle work, communication, and overall horsemanship. It’s not just about getting the job done, it’s about how you get there.

Working with Tuff Twister, the 3-year-old unstarted Quarter Horse filly she dubbed “Windy,” Elisa finished Reserve Champion at the 2026 edition of the competition after a week that felt equal parts intense, emotional, and, at times, a little bit meant to be. She also took home the AQHA Fan Favorite Colt Award, which will surprise absolutely no one who watched the pair come together over the course of the weekend.

 

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From the start, Elisa knew exactly who she wanted to work with.

“I really wanted my pick,” she told me afterward. “I had picked Windy from the beginning when we sat down and went through all the videos…she was the biggest mover. I guess if you’re going to have a type…!”

Once the remuda was in front of her in person, that feeling only got stronger. “My eye was always drawn to her, like every time,” Elisa said. “There was a weird ‘meant to be’ feeling for me.”

That connection ended up becoming one of the biggest storylines of her week.

While Elisa and Windy looked increasingly in sync as the competition went on, it wasn’t as though the week was one smooth uphill climb. Elisa said she came away from the first round feeling like she might have gotten dinged by the judges for moving “too quickly”.

“The rumor on the block was that first round I was going too fast, because I got on her, bareback, fast,” she said. “But that’s just kind of a little bit of me. That’s how I build my relationship. I get a feel for them.”

With Windy, that feel mattered. “You couldn’t stay with one thing for too long because she would get over it, she would get bored, and then she’d get upset,” Elisa said. “So I had to keep changing things around.”

 

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That read on the mare — smart, sensitive, opinionated, and definitely not interested in drilling for drilling’s sake — seemed to shape the rest of Elisa’s week. Rather than trying to force a formula, she adjusted to the horse she had. She’d spent time studying up, watching previous years’ competitions and even going to visit Tik Maynard’s 2024 winner and 2025 winner, who is now owned by Chelsea Canedy.

By the time the obstacle work came around, Windy looked like she was very much in on the plan. “She was the happiest when the obstacles got to come in,” Elisa said. “Once she started to understand what I asked her, she literally enjoyed herself and had fun. She really was eating it up.”

That’s where Elisa looked especially strong, too. Even in a format as pressure-cooked as this one, Windy’s final-day obstacle work helped solidify Elisa’s Reserve Champion finish (and made this writer cry ugly tears), with the pair ultimately ending the week on a cumulative score of 1016. Nick Dowers won the championship on a 1099.

And really, what stood out most about Elisa’s week wasn’t just the placing. It was the way she talked about the horse.

“I’m the most proud of how I was able to do it,” she said. “She came out, she was a relaxed, happy horse, and she was willing, and I didn’t have to put a ton of pressure on her to do some tough obstacles.”

That, in a competition like this, feels like it matters. And it’s what, reading the comments on social media, it seems attracted the general public to Elisa’s corner — even if they knew nothing about her before, or even doubted her after day one.

Especially because Elisa wasn’t exactly coming in on a perfect prep run. She shared that she’s still been dealing with the effects of a fall last November that left her with broken ribs, and that she’d also had an MRI on her knee just before the competition. Oh and also, she’s prepping to ride Lissavorra Quality in the CCI4*-S at Kentucky next month, so, you know, it’s fine. So, to come into a physically demanding format like this -— one that asks a lot of competitors in a very short period of time -— and still turn in the kind of performance she did makes the result feel all the more impressive.

Windy had presence from the start. Elisa knew it. The fans definitely knew it. And by the end of the week, Reserve Champion felt like a pretty fitting reward for a partnership that looked genuine from the word go.

 

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“I’m the most proud of how I was able to do it, and how my horse was through the entirety of it, and how I finished,” Elisa said. “She came out, she was a relaxed, happy horse, and she was willing, and I didn’t have to put a ton of pressure on her to do some tough obstacles, and to me, that was my pat on the back to myself.”

 

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As icing on the cake, Elisa had the opportunity to bring Windy home to her Ocala, FL base (not an automatic opportunity for every horse!). “My first thought as we were finishing was, ‘I’m going to miss her! I’m going to miss training her and working with her.'” Luckily, she was able to bring the mare home with her, reporting on social media that she loaded and hauled like a champion, settling in easily at her new home.

Elisa says she’d happily go back to compete at Road to the Horse again if she’s invited, and in the meantime she says she might try out “Extreme Cowboy Racing” which she describes as “a western jump-off with obstacles”. I had to YouTube it myself, so here’s a look at what it entails:

Wednesday News & Notes

By on Mar 25, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: Road to the Classic Seminar Series

WEEF Scholarship recipient Paulina Sobolewski and her horse No Strings Attached at the Waredaca Classic Three-Day. Photo by Maya Kuntz Photography.

Thinking of competing in a long-format Classic 3-Day this year? Join the Waredaca Eventing Education Foundation in their Road to the Classic Seminar Series. The first webinar in the series will be “Making a Fitness Plan with Natalie Hollis & Suz Cornue” of Destination Eventing, taking place on April 20th, 2026.

Both Natalie and Suz are upper-level event riders who specialize in producing top horses and riders in the sport of eventing. They are active in the USEA ECP program and were awarded the 2024 USEA ECP Sue Hershey Award for their dedication to teaching eventing.

About the Seminar Series

Brought to you by the Waredaca Eventing Education Foundation and supported by the Maryland Horse Industry Board grant program, this series is a mix of online webinars and in person clinics with top riders, trainers, and veterinarians to help you prep for a Classic Three-Day event. The series is open to riders of all levels and all ages from all over.

April 20, 2026: Online

The webinar will feature discussions and instruction on one of the most vital aspects of a Classic Three-Day — fitness for both yourself and your horse.
[Click here to register for the April 20th webinar]

May 15, 2026: Clinic

Olympic event rider Stephen Bradley will be hosting an in-person clinic within the Road to the Classic series on “Classic 3-Day Steeplechase & Pace Work”, giving riders a chance to learn about the proper pace for Roads & Tracks as well as practice the Steeplechase phase. Stephen is a veteran US Equestrian Team member, a two-time Pan American Games Gold medalist, and one of only two US riders to have won both Burghley and the Kentucky Three-Day Event.
[Click here to register for the May 15th clinic]

June 2026: Webinar

5* event rider, show jumper, US Pony Club ‘A’ graduate, and world traveler Colleen Rutledge will be sharing her packing list for what to bring (and not to bring) to a Classic Three-Day event. With her horse Shiraz, Colleen was the first person to complete five Northern Hemisphere five-star events with the same horse and with no cross country penalties. She was a USET member in 2015 with her homebred Covert Rights at the World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany.
[June webinar date TBD]

July 8, 2026: Webinar

Dr. Chad Davis, official veterinarian for the Waredaca Classic Three-Day, will be walking participants through what they need to bring to the vet box, what is expected of the rider and horse, and how to build your vet box team for a Classic Three-Day. As co-founder of Davis Equine Sports Medicine, “Dr. Chad” serves as the lead veterinarian at horse trials and FEI eventing competitions across the country and internationally.
[Click here to register for the July 8th webinar]

August 24, 2026: Clinic

Dr. Megan Snyder of Damascus Equine will conduct a demonstration and lecture on how to properly jog your horse for an official Horse Inspection, and offer invites as to what the ground jury is looking for. Participants may bring their own horse to practice jogging, or borrow a Waredaca Pony Club Riding Center horse for the clinic. Dr. Snyder is an FEI Official Veterinarian for eventing, a USEF testing veterinarian, and a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, where she serves on the Performance Horse Committee.
[Click here to register for the August 24th clinic]

About WEEF

The Waredaca Eventing Education Foundation is a non-profit founded to support eventing education at Waredaca Farm. The Foundation’s first project was the creation of the Jimmy Wofford Legacy Fund to promote eventing education, which rewards at least one adult amateur and one junior each year who intend to train and compete in a Classic Three-Day Event. The Foundation’s vision is for this to be an ongoing, perpetual scholarship that will honor Jimmy and keep the spirit of the Three-Day long format, as Jimmy was a strong supporter of the long format in general, and the Waredaca Classic Three-Day in particular. Those interested in this scholarship opportunity may submit applications until April 1st!

Waredaca has been hosting USEA horse trials for more than 40 years. The first event, then run through the U.S. Combined Training Association, was held in 1979 with Pre-training and Training levels only. In 2004, the USCTA asked Waredaca to host the first Classic Three-Day in the country as part of a new pilot program. Waredaca has been hosting USEA horse trials for more than 40 years. The first event, then run through the U.S. Combined Training Association, was held in 1979 with Pre-training and Training levels only. Since then, Waredaca has expanded its horse trials to include three events a year offering Beginner Novice through Intermediate, with this years’ event taking place from October 21-25, 2026. Participants in the Classic not only compete, but spend several days in various educational activities including lectures, demonstrations, and practicing in front of various experts in the industry.

Major International Events This Weekend

The Event at TerraNova CCI4*-S (FL): [Website] [Schedule] [VIP Tickets] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]

Galway Downs International HT CCI4*-S (CA): [Website] [VIP Tickets] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]

WAYER International HT CCI4*-S (AUS): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Tamworth International Eventing CCI4*-S (AUS): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]

US Events This Weekend

Morven Park Spring HT (VA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Jumping Branch Farm Spring HT (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

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

Other Links and Reading

Training Tip of the Day

A thorough conditioning tip brought to you from 5* Australian eventer Kate Chadderton:

Aside from nutrition and shoeing, fitness is the most important part of a performance horses program. I rate it above training. For a horse to answer the questions you ask him on the flat and jumping either at a show or home, he must be physically able to respond.

For example, if you’re asking your horse to gallop around a 6 minute course on the weekend, it’s not fair to him, physically or mentally, if you have only flatted him once that week and he’s stood in the paddock the other 5 days.

Equally, if you’re asking him to perform a high degree of collection for half pass or flying changes, it’s only fair if you have prepared and strengthened his muscles over time. Which brings me to:

TYPES OF FITNESS

Obviously the event horse has to use his body in a multitude of ways — sometimes fast, sometimes slow. I like to incorporate several different methods of work.

Firstly I find trot sets, whilst boring (hello working students!), are great for building long slow endurance. My horses typically do it out in a hilly field and on the bit. For my gallops I use a mixture of hills and flat ground, alternating fairly evenly between them. The hills are awesome for building amazing amounts of strength and the incline really gets their heart rate up. I use a flat surface to encourage them to gallop on a longer stride, if they’re comfortable opening up and understand how to use their stride length for speed, we can save time without going quicker between the fences.

FOOTING

Your footing is of very import. As galloping is done outside and at the mercy of Mother Nature, weather is very influential.

I have a gallop schedule for my horses but will readily deviate from it to get better footing. For example, if the ground is hard today and it’s going to rain tonight, I’ll switch my gallop to the following morning. Same goes if it’s too wet and 12 hours of drying improves the ground. Another technique I love using is walking the horses on hard surfaces to strengthen their legs. I’m lucky enough to have about a mile of pavement on my farm so it’s easy for each horse to do that three times a week. Typically they go with myself or a working student after I finish schooling them. This doubles as a relaxing hack which the horses enjoy. I’ve found this really helps keep their legs tight and strong; it’s an old technique I stole from the English foxhunters!

Obviously I’m talking about event horses, but dressage horses, jumpers and almost every other equine athlete, improve their performance thru fitness. Of course you’re not going to gallop your fancy dressage or jumping horse, but trot sets and walking on hard surfaces can be a good additional to aid in soundness.

Go Eventing

A Phoenix family affair having us all awwww-ing with cuteness:

“A lot of joy in this photo! Jacob & Liam grooming, Jordan riding Pavarotti, and A Humble Romance (A Little Romance x Humble GS) finishing her first beginner novice on her dressage score ✨🙌❤️”

 

Tuesday News & Notes with Kentucky Performance Products

By on Mar 24, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: British 5* rider hospitalized due to accident

On Friday, February 27th, British 5* event rider Louisa Milne Home suffered an accident while warming up for competition at Bogenraith Equestrian’s British Showjumping event in Durris, Scotland. She was subsequently transferred to the ICU at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in a stable condition, although she has since remained in a non-medically-induced coma.

A recent update on her social media has informed that as of yesterday, Louisa has been moved from the ICU to the neurological ward, as she has sustained a Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI) across a large area of her brain and still remains in a coma. DAI is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by rapid acceleration-deceleration forces — such as falling from a horse at high speed — requiring continual stabilization of the patient and intensive management to prevent further brain damage. Louisa’s family thanks the community for their support and relays that they are remaining positive at this time, taking each small change as a sign of progress.

We at EN send our love and continued prayers to Louisa and her loved ones as they navigate her care and recovery.

US Events Opening Entries Today

Tryon International Three Day Event (NC); Riga Meadow at Coole Park Combined Test (NY); The Vista Spring YEH/NEH Qualifier (NJ); Galway Downs Spring HT and Preliminary Challenge (CA); Hitching Post Farm HT (VT); Plantation Field May HT (PA); Queeny Park HT (MO)

US Events Closing Entries Today

Twin Rivers Spring International (CA); Longleaf Pine HT (NC); Plantation Field HT (PA); Poplar Place April HT (GA); F.E.N.C.E. HT (NC); Pine Hill Spring HT (TX)

Other Links and Reading

Sponsor Corner: Kentucky Performance Products

Are you ready for spring?

Spring can be a difficult time of year for horse owners, especially those with a horse with metabolic issues or insulin dysregulation. As the seasons shift, a horse’s dietary needs also change. Whether you’re preparing a horse for the colder months or transitioning them back into spring, you can take several practical steps to manage your horse’s diet and keep your horse healthy during these seasonal turning points.

While we’re all excited for our horses to start heading back out to pasture, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind as we start entering the warmer months!

Training Tip of the Day

Check out Andrew Hoy’s two favorite at-home exercises:

Go Eventing

Here’s what a winning Advanced/Intermediate cross-country run feels like! Ride with Elisa and Queen Bea around the Ocala Winter II track:

2026 MARS Badminton Entries Live with 79 Entries

By on Mar 23, 2026 1:19 pm -

Rosalind Canter and Lordships Graffalo. Photo by Cealy Tetley.

Our first CCI5* entry list of the year has gone live today, and it’s the stalwart roster we’ve come to anticipate for this year’s MARS Badminton Horse Trials, which has 79 entries and no waitlisted riders listed as of publication. Twelve nations will be represented amongst this year’s entry list.

Highlights from the list include two-time reigning champions Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo, who will set a record if they can pick up a third consecutive victory of the premier English 5*, alongside an ever-strong contingent of British entries. These include 2024 Kentucky winner Cooley Rosalent with Oliver Townend, Harry Meade with five entries (many of which are also likely double-entered at Defender Kentucky) in Annaghmore Valoner, Cavalier Crystal, Et Hop du Matz, Grafennacht and Superstition.

Boyd Martin and Miks Master C. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

For the U.S., there are six entries, inclusive of one rider based in the States who’ll be making the trip over. US Equestrian Open champions Boyd Martin and Miks Master C have entered both Badminton and Kentucky, though it sounds to us like Boyd’s leaning pretty hard towards Badminton. He’ll be joined by UK-based riders like Cassie Sanger and Redfield Fyre, who are one pair to watch ahead of this year’s inaugural FEI Eventing U25 World Championships at Millstreet in July. Additional UK-based Americans on the list include Tiana Coundray and Cancaras Girl, Cosby Green with Highly Suspicious and Jos UFO de Quidam, and Grace Taylor with Game Changer.

Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue. Photo by Sally Spickard.

An 11-strong Irish roster signals booming times for the squad as they continue to build towards this year’s World Championships, next year’s European Championships and, of course, the 2028 Olympics. Featuring on the Irish squad are 2023 Maryland 5 Star winners and two-time Badminton podium finishers Austin O’Connor and Colorado Blue.

Just one horse each for the Price pair, with Tim Price bringing forward his Paris Olympic and Pau winner Falco, while Jonelle has entered Chilli’s Midnight Star by the great Chilli Morning, a horse U.S.-based fans may recognize for his top-10 performance in his 5* debut at Maryland last fall.

Felix Vogg and Cartania. Photo by Veronica Green-Gott

Other notables on the list include 2025 Maryland winners Felix Vogg (SUI) and Cartania, Belgium team rider Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Hooney d’Arville, Olympian for China Alex Hua Tian with Chicko, 2025 European Champion Laura Collett with Bling, and many more.

You can view the full MARS Badminton entry list here.

MARS Badminton: [Website] [Entries] [Tickets]

Weekend Winners: Carolina, Majestic Oaks, Texas Rose, & Full Gallop

By on Mar 23, 2026 9:00 am -

Happy Monday, Eventing Nation! We’re taking a minute to recap the weekend, celebrating our Weekend Winners from Carolina, Majestic Oaks, Texas Rose, and Full Gallop!

Congrats to all of our Weekend Winners, with a special shout out to the winner of our Unofficial Low Score Award: William Ward III and Super Suzie, who scored a low 18.8 in the Starter-Intro A at Majestic Oaks!

Carolina International CCI & HT (NC): [Website][Scoring]

CCI 4*S: Tamra Smith and Lillet 3 (29.7)
CCI 3*S: Tamra Smith and Spiro P (29.7)
CCI 2*S: Tamra Smith and Solaguayre Cantata (24.6)
CCI 1*S: Lee Maher and HTF Charming Cooley (29.7)
Advanced: Madison Temkin and Fernhill Bertus (57.3)
Open Intermediate: Ariel Grald and Obalix (27.6)
Open Preliminary: Devin Robel and Gillou (27.3)
Preliminary Rider: Mandolin Whitten and Top Rox (26.7)
Modified: Hugh Wrigley and FE Go My Way (25.5)
Open Training: Susan Plumb and Cooley All In (26.5)
Training Rider A: Dorothy Greenshields and Glensmill Kroon Girl (32.2)
Training Rider B: Meili Gregg and Cooley Triskele (31.8)
Novice Rider: Shannon Reid and Jenesis HF (30.9)
Open Novice: Ariel Grald and Karino (22.3)

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks (FL): [Website][Scoring]

CT CCI1*S: Jebb Simpson and Matisse (43.3)
CT CCI2*S: Darrah Alexander and Excel Star SSK Atlantic Max (38.3)
CT CCI3*S: Kimmy Cecere and Westwick Rebel (35.0)
Open Preliminary: Karl Slezak and HSH Redfield Poynstown Marshall (28.8)
Modified Rider: Kaley Seitz and Jigsaw (35.0)
Open Modified: Lynn Symansky and Monbeg DOS Mas (24.3)
Open Training A: Woods Baughman and Trendi Girl (23.2)
Open Training B: Tori Rogers and Show Off Z (25.6)
Training Rider A: Lola Lonesky and Cansiro (24.7)
Training Rider B: Caden Carter and FE Santos (23.2)
Novice Rider A: Melanie Helms MD and Edelweiss du theil (25.9)
Novice Rider B: Aina Bittle and Victor Cruz (29.1)
Open Novice A: Rebecca Gall and Don’t Be Cruel (25.3)
Open Novice B: Maya Black and Django HS (23.5)
Open Novice C: Sara Mittleider and Goblin Shark (24.4)
Beginner Novice Rider: Kandes Penn and Loved Again (30.0)
Open Beginner Novice A: Nicky Tucker and Pandora (24.7)
Open Beginner Novice B: Megan Roswech and Blue’s Shenanigans (23.4)
Starter-Intro A: William Ward III and Super Suzie (18.8)
Starter-Intro B: Kara Andrew and Sinatra’s Golden Ramiro (25.4)
Starter-Intro C: Steph Kohr and Kings Ginger Sheik (30.3)

Texas Rose Horse Park HT (TX): [Website][Scoring]

Intermediate/Preliminary: Shelby Bradley and Commando D’ Osthuy (42.5)
Open Preliminary: Julie Wolfert and Xkuz (31.6)
Modified Rider: Katia Martynuk and Adiesta Moon (42.7)
Open Modified: Julie Shamburger and Con Able RFB (34.3)
Open Training: Sarah Dawson and Ckirby Smart (32.5)
Training Rider: Britany Chism and Mr. Popcorn (37.0)
Junior Novice Rider: Savannah Ware and Machen Of The Hill (22.9)
Novice Horse: Ellen Sebanc and Orion RSF (25.3)
Open Novice A: Mindy Wiper and Call Me Captain Bendanie (25.6)
Open Novice B: Amanda Terr and Gowiene (33.5)
Senior Novice Rider: Hillary Bessinger and Cookie Two Step (19.7)
Junior Beginner Novice Rider: Grace Fahrenbruch and My Mexico (30.9)
Open Beginner Novice A: Cat McCall and Exhibit X (29.7)
Open Beginner Novice B: Cate Northcut and Texas Charm (27.3)
Senior Beginner Novice Rider: Grace Atkins and No Stranger To The Rain (25.3)
Starter A: Kasey Mix and Mecke’s Priority (35.3)
Starter B: Kelly Nagihara and Colt (36.5)
Tadpole: Paige Parten and Heart of Artemis (38.7)

Full Gallop Farm March II HT (SC): [Website][Scoring]

Preliminary: Meaghan Marinovich-Burdick and Excalibur O’ Donoghue (49.2)
Modified: Kathryn Davis and Ravenclaw (35.5)
Training: Victoria Knox and SV Charlie’s Wisdom (27.3)
Novice A: Nancy Read and Caribe PCH (24.7)
Novice B: Ansley Carroll and Sweet Georgia Brown (25.8)
Training/Novice: Cora Riley and Riviera Lu (34.8)
Beginner Novice A: Shannon Riley and Run Rabbit (27.7)
Beginner Novice B: Heather Sinclair and Banoffi (23.1)
Beginner Novice Junior: Skylar Ragsdale and Finnegans Irish Dream (27.7)
Pre-Starter: Annabelle Lohrer and Snickerdoodle (39.6)
Starter A: Edward Splichal and Indian Summer Sky (27.7)
Starter B: Jennifer Williams Southworth and Bon Vivant DSF (27.3)

Monday News & Notes

By on Mar 23, 2026 12:01 am -

One Big Thing: Adelaide CCI5* Beckons as Preps Heat Up

Happy Monday! It’s high 5* season around the world as riders from every corner prep for their respective major spring destinations. We’ll kick off the CCI5* calendar this year with the Adelaide Equestrian Festival CCI5* April 16-19. This weekend, we had two CCI4*-S events serving as preps for both Adelaide as well as, in a few short months, World Championships selection.

Out of this weekend emerge two winners: first up is Samuel Jeffree, who won the Horseland 4*-S at Wandin Park in Victoria with Santoro, a 14-year-old warmblood gelding who has now collected four wins at the 4*-S or 4*-L level. They’ve been on top form looking back through last season and should be feeling strong for a second crack at Adelaide next month.

Also a quick note: Sophia Hill kept her busy season going, making another trip down to Australia after finishing on the podium at the Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase in Aiken last month and finishing second in the 4*-S at Wandin Park with Tulara Baltango, an 11-year-old Australian-bred warmblood gelding aiming for his CCI5* debut at Adelaide next month. Meanwhile, Sophia’s off-track Thoroughbred, Humble Glory, will compete at TerraNova’s 4*-S this coming weekend in Florida ahead of Kentucky at the end of April.

Wandin Park looks like a beautiful venue — you can check out more about them on their Instagram page here.

Wandin Park International (AUS): [Website] [Scores]

Australian Olympian Shane Rose took home the win in the Asset Hire Construction CCI4*-S at Canberra International Horse Trials with Holy Moses, a 9-year-old Thoroughbred-Warmblood cross who earns his fifth FEI win and first at the 4* level.

Canberra International HT (AUS): [Website] [Scores]

Take a peek at the action down under in this year’s teaser. We’ll once again be teaming up with Atalya Boytner to bring you some coverage from Adelaide, so stay tuned! To learn more about the Adelaide Equestrian Festival, click here.

Major International Weekend Results

Grandorse International Kronenberg (NED): [Website] [Scores]

Segovia Eventing (ESP):[Scores]

Canberra International HT (AUS): [Website] [Scores]

Wandin Park International (AUS): [Website] [Scores]

US Weekend Results

Carolina International CCI & HT (NC): [Website] [Scores] [Live Stream Replays]

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks (FL): [Website] [Scores]

Texas Rose Horse Park HT (TX): [Website] [Scores]

Full Gallop Farm March II HT (SC): [Website] [Scores]

Other Links & Reading

Training Tip of the Day

Introduce some useful pole work with Piggy March’s help:

Go Eventing

Catch up with Elisa Wallace after the obstacle course portion of this year’s Road to the Horse competition! If you want to see full results, click here.

Sunday Links

By on Mar 22, 2026 12:28 am -

Tom McEwen and JL Dublin won their first FEI of the year this weekend at Grandorse (Kronenberg) in the Netherlands, finishing on their dressage score of 23.5 to set sail on what should be a supremely exciting season on all fronts for us eventers. We’re not quite sure which path the Brits will be taking to catch the eyes of the selectors for World Championships this August, but a podium sweep for the reigning Olympic team champions is a good sign for things to come.

You can view full results from Kronenberg here.

Major International Events This Weekend

Grandorse International Kronenberg (NED): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Segovia Eventing (ESP): [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times/Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Canberra International HT (AUS): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Wandin Park International (AUS): [Website] [Schedule] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]

US Events This Weekend

Carolina International CCI & HT (NC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Live Stream]

Horse Trials at Majestic Oaks (FL): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Texas Rose Horse Park HT (TX): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer] [CrossCountry App XC Map]

Full Gallop Farm March II HT (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [CrossCountry App XC Map] [Volunteer]

Links & Reading

Training Tip of the Day

Ok, maybe not a *brief* training tip today, but we highly recommend watching the Road to the Horse competition in Kentucky (not the least because our own eventing kind, Elisa Wallace, is one of the competitors!). Here’s the live stream replay of the colt starting competition’s second day. Competition wraps up tomorrow.

Go Eventing

An exciting project is coming from Olympic champion Julia Krajewski!